To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost to public funds of the operation in Kosovo since the beginning of military action. [86744]

Minister	Team led by	Date	Location
Minister (Armed Forces)	John Hamre	1 March 1999	Washington
Secretary of State	William Cohen	7 April 1999	Brussels
Secretary of State	William Cohen	17 April 1999	Freeport, Maine
Minister (Defence Procurement)	John Hamre	17 May 1999	London

Full records of the US officials present at these meetings are not kept.As well as these scheduled bilateral meetings, we have had exchanges and contacts at other meetings and conferences, including at the NATO Washington Summit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for Defence Estates for 1999–2000. [87252]

The following key targets have been set for Defence Estates 1999–2000:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in determining the outcome of the competition for the Airborne Stand-off Radar. [87314]

A consortium led by Raytheon Systems Ltd. has been chosen as the preferred bidder for the development, production and in-service support of ASTOR, the Airborne Stand-Off Radar system. The consortium includes Short Brothers, Motorola UK Ltd, GEC Marconi Avionics and Marshall SV.

As at the end of May, some £43 million of additional expenditure has fallen to my Department as a direct consequence of the UK's military response to the Kosovo crisis. This figure does not include the costs of replenishing stocks of expended ordnance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times Ministers in his Department have met members and officials of the United States Government since 1 March; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved on each occasion, and the names of the members and officials of the United States Government at each meeting. [86286]

Since 1 March 1999, MOD Ministers have had scheduled bilateral meetings with our US counterparts, who are normally accompanied by officials, on the following occasions:ASTOR is a joint Army and RAF requirement for a ground-surveillance radar, expected to enter service in 2005. It will provide a substantial enhancement of military capability, using highly effective new radar systems installed on five fixed-wing aircraft to provide a high degree of resolution over a wide area of coverage. It can be used to monitor areas of interest from a stand-off position, in peace and in crisis, and could be deployed at short notice in support of United Kingdom, NATO or United Nations operations. The ASTOR Main Operating Base will be located at RAF Waddington.ASTOR will provide UK industry with valuable, high-technology work. The project management team will be located in the United Kingdom, and the prime contractor will place work representing 100 per cent. of the contract value with UK firms. The project will be managed by the Defence Procurement Agency under Smart Procurement principles, with an Integrated Project Team involving representatives from industry and the Services. The likely value of the contract is about £800 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in his Department and its associated bodies and agencies have benefited from the introduction of a national minimum wage. [86089]

No one in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Northern Ireland Office, and their associated bodies and agencies, has benefited from the introduction of the national minimum wage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she has taken to examine the case for enhanced financial assistance for the work of reconciliation as agreed in the Belfast Agreement; what consultations have been undertaken with the Irish Government; and if she will make a statement. [86149]

Financial allocations for all areas of public expenditure were considered in the context of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The acknowledgement of work to develop reconciliation and mutual understanding in the Good Friday Agreement was instrumental in maintaining the community relations budget at the present level of over £9 million per annum. This was not identified in the Good Friday Agreement as a potential area for enhanced North/South co-operation and implementation, and there have been no consultations with the Irish Government consequent on the Agreement. There are existing mechanisms for funding reconciliation work on a cross-border basis under the European Union Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation and International Fund for Ireland programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment at Saintfield High School in each of the three most recent years; how many applicants for admission in each of these years were refused; and what proposals there are for increasing the provision of secondary education in Saintfield. [86313]

The enrolment at Saintfield High School has been 326, 339 and 341 respectively in the 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 schools years. The number of pupils refused admission to Year 8 in each of these years was 2, 6 and 55 respectively. It is a matter for the South-Eastern Education and Library Board in the first instance to ensure that there are sufficient school places in its area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the enrolment of pupils in each of the three most recent years at (a) Killinchy Primary School, (b) Killyleagh Primary School, (c) Derryboy Primary School and (d) the primary school in Saintfield. [86314]

The information requested is given in the following table. There are three primary schools in the general Saintfield area, and all three are shown.

	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99
Killinchy Primary School	235	215	213
Killyleagh Primary School	136	127	111
Derryboy Primary School	81	77	73
Academy Primary School	329	325	336
Ballycloughan Primary School	84	79	67
St. Mary's Primary School	60	65	63

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils at Killyleagh Primary School in their transfer procedures 1999 expressed a preference for Down High School; how many of these pupils have been accepted into Down High School; what were the grades of those pupils who were refused places in Down High School; and if she will make a statement. [86311]

In this year's transfer cohort, 6 pupils from Killyleagh primary School expressed a preference for Down High School and 5 obtained places. The unsuccessful applicant obtained a Grade C2.The Department of Education approved an additional 18 places for September 1999 admissions to Down High School. The number of pupils to be admitted to a school is necessarily limited by the school's physical capacity and no grade guarantees a place at any school.These points are made clear to the parents of pupils transferring from primary schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils at Derryboy Primary School in their transfer procedures 1999 expressed a preference for Saintfield High School; how many of these pupils have been accepted into Saintfield High School; what were the grades of those applicants who were refused places in Saintfield High School; and if she will make a statement. [86310]

In this year's transfer cohort, 16 pupils from Derryboy Primary School expressed a preference for Saintfield High School and 7 obtained places. Of the remaining 9, 4 did not reach Saintfield High School because they obtained a place in their first preference schools. Non-grammar secondary schools cannot consider the Transfer Procedure Test Grade of applicants in deciding admissions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils at Killinchy Primary School in their transfer procedures 1999 expressed a preference for (a) Down High School and (b) Down Academy; how many of these pupils were accepted into each of these schools; what were the grades of those applicants who were refused places at each of these schools; and if she will make a statement. [86309]

In this year's transfer cohort:

(a) 15 pupils from Killinchy Primary School expressed a preference for Down High School and 7 obtained places. Of the remaining 8, 4 were Grade B1 and 2 were Grade B2 and 2 preferences were not received by Down High School, because the pupils obtained places in their first preference schools.

(b) 13 pupils expressed a preference for Down Academy and 5 obtained places. Of the remaining 8, 5 did not reach Down Academy because they obtained places in their first preference schools. Transfer Procedure tests grades may not be taken into account in admissions decisions for non-grammar secondary schools.

The Department of Education approved an additional 18 places for September 1999 admissions to Down High School. The number of pupils to be admitted to a school is necessarily limited by the school's physical capacity and no grade guarantees a place at any schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times Ministers in her Department held meetings with Ministers and officials of

Dates	Location	Minister	US Representative
16 March 1998	Washington	Dr. Mowlam	Mr. J. Lyons Special Adviser to President Clinton and Secretary of State for Economic Initiatives in Ireland
			The hon. S. Berger Special Assistant to President for National Affairs, Mr. J. Steinberg, Deputy National Security Adviser, Mr. L. Butler, Director for European Affairs and Mr. D. Bandler, Senior Director European and Canadian Affairs
			Ms M. Albright, US Secretary of State, State Department, the hon. T. Pickering, Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Ms E. Shocas, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, Mr. J. Gadsden, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs and Canadian Affairs, Mr. J. O'Brien, Special Adviser to Secretary of State and Ambassador W. Sherman
17 March 1999			President Clinton and The First lady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what key performance targets have been set for the Water Service in 1999–2000. [87247]

For 1999–2000, the following key performance targets have been set for the Water Service:

1. To achieve 98.2 per cent. compliance with drinking water standards set in the Water Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1994.

2. To achieve 75 per cent. compliance with the wastewater treatment works discharge standards set by the Environment and Heritage Service.

3. To ensure that fewer than 0.8 per cent. of properties experience unplanned interruptions to water supplies lasting greater than 12 hours.

4. To issue substantive replies to 90 per cent. of written complaints within 15 working days of receipt.

5. To deliver water at a unit cost of 67 pence per cubic metre.

6. To treat wastewater at a unit cost of 60 pence per cubic metre.

7. To maintain expenditure within cash limits and to approved budget plans.

8. To achieve efficiency gains of 3 per cent. on running costs expenditure.

The targets are included in the Water Service's 1999–2000 Business Plan, a copy of which will be placed in the Library.These targets are subject to endorsement or amendment by local Ministers in the event of the Northern Ireland Assembly being established.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets have been set for the Training and Employment Agency for Northern Ireland for the period 1999–2000. [87249]

The following meetings with members and officials of the US Administration took place during the period 1 January to 1 June 1998:

The following targets have been set for the Agency:

1. To ensure that those who began Jobskills training in 1997–98 will achieve at least a 65 per cent. qualification success rate at NVQ Level 2 or above.

2. To have at least 50 per cent. of trainees who commenced a Jobskills traineeship in 1997–98 progressing to employment on leaving the programme.

3. To pilot an Individual Learning Accounts system and contribute to the creation of 500 accounts, by March 2000.

4. CDP projects to achieve 80 per cent. of their agreed productivity targets.

5. To assist 3,000 16–24 New Deal participants to find work.

6. To contract with suitable organisations for the delivery of the new Worktrack programme by 31 May 1999.

7. To increase the number of NI organisations achieving Investors in People (IiP) standard from 171 to 230.

8. 50 per cent. of unemployed people placed into jobs to be from TSN areas.

9. To achieve a score in the range of 350–400 points against the Business Excellence Model in an entry for the Northern Ireland Quality Awards in September 1999.

These Key Targets will be subject to consideration and possible amendment by the relevant Assembly Minister when the Assembly is established.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she has reviewed the arrangements for the delivery of probation services in Northern Ireland. [87250]

My Department has completed a quinquennial review of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI), including a prior options study of all its functions. I have accepted the main recommendation from the report of the study that PBNI should continue as a non-departmental public body (NDPB). A Management Statement has been prepared for PBNI which will operate from 1 April 1999. I have, therefore, confirmed NDPB arrangements for PBNI for a period of three years from that date, subject to the findings and outcome of the Criminal Justice Review.

To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her answer of 18 May 1999, Official Report, column 285, when she will publish the latest results of the market research tracking public perception of the millennium bug. [87248]

I have today placed copies of the Executive Summaries of the April and May tracking research in the Libraries of the House. The results are broadly consistent with those for March, showing that concern among the public on this issue is still low.

To ask the President of the Council how many copies of the public information booklet, "The Millennium Bug-Facts not Fiction", have been produced; and at what cost. [87111]

31 million copies of the booklet have been produced so far; at a cost of just over £1.87 million.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to require Government Departments and agencies to discontinue the practice of referring to date as postmark and to date their correspondence. [86873]

[holding answer 14 June 1999]: All correspondence from Government Departments and agencies should be clearly dated. The Cabinet Office will be issuing revised guidance on correspondence handling later this year to reinforce this message.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what preparations her Department has made for winter accommodation for Kosovar refugees; and what discussions it has held with the refugees on this matter. [86193]

We have urged the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as the lead humanitarian agency in the region, to co-ordinate the development of a comprehensive approach for Kosovars during the winter. The strategy for shelter provision will include a combination of methods—hard shelter, winterised tents and repair and rehabilitation of existing structures.In a number of well-established camps and collective centres, elected refugee representatives are feeding information to camp managers, and in turn to agencies, international organisations and donors, about the problems and needs of the refugee population. Planning for winter is among the topics of discussion between these parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress her Department has made in reviewing the implications of genetically modified organisms for poorer farmers in developing countries since her answer of 11 November 1998, Official Report, columns 206–07. [86774]

The findings of this initial review are summarised in the "Background Briefing: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and developing countries", which we published in May 1999. The paper sets out our approach to GMOs and developing countries and identifies further actions which we are undertaking. I will send a copy to the hon. Member and place copies in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals there are to amend her Department's departmental expenditure limits for 1999–2000. [87245]

Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate for Class VIII, Vote 1, Department for International Development: International Development, the Department expenditure limit for 1999–2000 will be increased by £10,000,000 from £1,794,764,000 to £1,804,764,000. The increase is the net effect of additional humanitarian assistance to Kosovo.The increase will be a charge on the DEL reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the results of the study which he undertook on dualling the A40 to St. Clears; and if he will place a copy of the study in the Library. [85661]

[holding answer 8 June 1999]: Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.The results of the study indicate that although there would be significant benefits to be gained from investments in public transport options, there would still remain the need to provide good road infrastructure.It will now be for the Assembly to decide what resources to devote to new trunk road schemes and to what standards they should be built.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the level of poll tax debts which remain unpaid; and if he will make a statement. [86346]

The information provided on local authority returns indicate that around £6.5 million of community charge arrears were still outstanding at 31 March 1999.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many coal mines there are in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [86339]

There are currently 11 underground and eight opencast licensed coal mines in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he has put in place to enhance social inclusion; and if he will make a statement. [86338]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Ms Morgan) by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, 31 March 1999, Official Report, column 727–29.Copies of the document "Building an Inclusive Wales: Tackling the Social Exclusion Agenda" were placed in the Libraries of the House.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the medium secure units in operation in Wales and the date when each was commissioned. [87043]

There are currently three medium secure units in operation in Wales. These are Ty Llywellyn in Llanfairfechan completed in 1998, Caswell Clinic in Bridgend completed in 1992 and the privately run Llanarth Court in Raglan also completed in 1992.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions patients have absconded from medium secure units in Wales in the last three years, and from which units; and on how many of those occasions (a) it was assessed that there was a risk to the public and (b) members of the public were assaulted or threatened. [87040]

There are three medium secure facilities in Wales. Figures for escapes from the hospital grounds over the last three years are as follows:

	Number of escapes
Ty Llywellyn, North Wales	1
Caswell Clinic, Bridgend	3
Llanarth Court, Raglan	0

At no time were any of the patients assessed as a danger to the public nor were any members of the public assaulted or threatened. In addition to these escapes, Caswell had 15 patients who breached parole arrangements over the same period and Llanarth Court had 26.Following the transfer of functions, these issues will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the President of the Council if she will estimate the number of additional hours per month required to complete the newly designed C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5 forms; how many additional staff are employed by the Fees Office to handle these claims; and if she will estimate the average number of hours (a) hon. Members will spend annually, recording and completing motor mileage claims and (b) the Fees Office takes to check this information. [86884]

I am afraid that it is not possible for me to estimate the hours required by Members to complete the Fees Office claim forms and their motor mileage claims. As I am sure the hon. Member will understand, Members have differing claim and travel patterns and, therefore, will take different amounts of time to complete the relevant forms. The new claim forms were designed to make completion easier for Members. I understand that the Fees Office has had a number of favourable comments about them from Members.No additional staff were engaged to handle the revised claim forms. Staff employed by the Fees Office in checking motor mileage claims also have other duties and it is not possible accurately to apportion the time spent on each specific area of work.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire (Mr. Kirkwood), representing the House of Commons Commission, what has been the cost to date of the consultants' study of the proposal to re-open the line of route during the summer adjournment; and whether their contract has been re-negotiated. [86683]

[holding answer 14 June 1999]: The costs of the study to date have been shared between both Houses. The original contract up to April 1999 was suspended in the light of the decision to defer the summer opening until 2000. A new contract was re-negotiated to cover the period up to October 1999, but this is being reviewed as a result of the House's decision on 26 May that other options should be examined. I have asked the Serjeant at Arms to write to the hon. Member with details.

To ask the Chairman of Broadcasting Committee if his Committee will investigate the feasibility of allowing hon. Members to obtain audio or video clips from debates in a digital format. [86399]

The Parliamentary Recording Unit supplies sound and video tapes to hon. Members. Audio tapes can be supplied in DAT, or digital format if requested. However, video tapes are not yet available in digital format since all recordings are still analogue. The first digital signals will originate from the Committee Rooms in Portcullis House and, from autumn 2000, digital and analogue video tapes will be available on request.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will remove VAT on fee-based financial advice. [86935]

No. VAT liability depends upon what service is provided and whether it is paid for. Financial advice for which a charge is made is liable to VAT at the standard rate. This is a requirement of European law.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the latest agenda of the ECOFIN meeting of 14 June, prior to the meeting. [86832]

There is no meeting of ECOFIN today. The next meeting is scheduled for 12 July. The agenda will be made available to the Scrutiny Committees when determined by Coreper, approximately one week before the meeting. Copies of the agenda will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much capital gains tax relating to the sale of exploration licences was paid by the offshore oil and gas industry in each of the last three years; and what is the forecast figure for the current financial year. [86858]

The corporation tax liability of oil and gas companies arising from their capital gains on the sale of exploration and production licences averaged £25 million a year in the period 1995–96 to 1997–98 and is expected to be about £15 million for the current year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated annual cost to his Department of all tax concessions to charities (a) as a total and (b) as a percentage of the total registered turnover of the charitable sector. [86689]

(a) The annual cost of all tax reliefs for charities is estimated at over £2 billion. This comprises around £1.2 billion of relief from direct tax, about £0.2 billion in VAT reliefs and £0.6 billion in business rate relief.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the total funds available from the European Community in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999 to date to the Centre for European Reform. [86644]

I have been asked to reply.We are not aware of any funds being made available from the European Community to the Centre for European Reform in 1998 or 1999. The relevant budget lines—established by the Council and the European Parliament—are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what European Communities moneys have been provided to the "Britain in Europe" organisation in each of the last three years. [86453]

I have been asked to reply.We are not aware of any funds being made available from the European Community to the "Britain in Europe" organisation in the last three years. The relevant budget lines—established by the Council and the European Parliament—are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what funds were made available from the European Communities in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999 to date to the European Movement; and for what purposes. [86455]

I have been asked to reply.We are not aware of any funds being made available from the European Community to the European Movement in 1998 or 1999. The relevant budget lines—established by the Council and the European Parliament—are administered by the Commission headquarters in Brussels.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advantages which the new offices of his Department have over those in Marsham Street. [85792]

I never had the joy of working in 2 Marsham Street. Staff now have the advantage of a modern working environment and better team working as a result.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to convene a further National Rail Summit. [85796]

The next National Rail Summit will be held in Spring 2000. The Summit will be used to review progress and maintain the momentum created by the Summit on 25 February.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to introduce proposals to implement new ethical standards in local government. [85797]

We have recently consulted on draft legislation, the Local Government (Organisation and Standards) Bill, putting in place a new ethical framework for local government. The draft Bill is also being considered by a Joint Committee that is due to report before the summer recess. We will be considering any issues raised during this scrutiny process with the aim of introducing new legislation as soon as parliamentary time allows.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to safeguard rural train services. [85798]

Train operators are required to provide the minimum service level set out in the Passenger Service Requirement. Where services are heavily dependent on subsidy, for example in rural areas, PSRs reflect closely the level of services operated by British Rail at the time of franchising.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the benefits of introducing proportional representation for local government elections in England. [85800]

Other than our proposals in the paper, "Local leadership, local choice" (Cm 4298, March 1999) for the introduction of the Supplementary Vote system for the election of directly elected mayors, we do not intend now to make any assessment of local government voting systems for England.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the new sub-regional household projection figures for Gloucestershire, with particular reference to the figure contained in the county's structure plan. [85801]

The Secretary of State has made the 1996-based household projections available to the regional planning bodies to assist them with the preparation of regional planning guidance. The House would not expect me to comment on the Gloucestershire Structure Plan because of the Secretary of State's quasi-judicial role in planning matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what actions he intends to take in order to improve the competitiveness of regional airports. [85802]

We have freed four major regional airports from borrowing controls; we have liberalised international access to regional airports; and we are conducting a series of studies of the opportunities for the development of the regional airports.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received on the current local government settlement for Southend. [85803]

Following approval by this House of the Local Government Finance Settlement for 1999–2000, we have received three letters about the settlement for Southend on Sea Borough Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the revised traffic flow projections on the A14 (Al-M1 link road) for the years 1999 to 2007. [85804]

Traffic flow projections for the A14 (A1-M1 link road) were produced during the 1980's planning stages of the road. Whilst those original forecasts would not normally be revised as a matter of course, our planned multi-modal study for London-South midlands, due to start next year, will include this section of the A14 and consider projected traffic flows on it.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage rail operators to provide new passenger services on under-utilised sections of the freight network. [85805]

The Director of Rail Passenger Franchising recently published Bidding Guidance for the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme announced in the Government's Integrated Transport White Paper. The scheme will encourage innovative new rail passenger services at the local and regional level.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the bodies with which he has held consultations on the review of local government finance; and if he will make a statement. [85806]

The Local Government Association, including representatives from the various Treasurers' societies, and the Association of London Government have both been closely involved in discussions on the review of revenue grant distribution since the review began earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the survey of radioactive material transport packages which he commissioned from Nukem Nuclear Ltd. [85807]

The survey commissioned by my right hon. Friend the former Minister for Transport (Dr. Reid), has been completed and the report has been made freely available. The survey indicates that, while low levels of contamination exists on the surface of fuel flasks, there is no evidence of the high levels of contamination found elsewhere in Europe and there is no significant hazard presented to public safety by the levels of contamination found. Copies of the report will be placed in the Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he next intends to meet members of the North-west development agency to discuss their use of public money. [85808]

Neither my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, nor I have any plans at present to meet members of the North-west Development Agency. However, I hold regular meetings with the chairmen of the regional development agencies to discuss matters of mutual interest.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are the principles and objectives underlying the review of standard spending assessments; and if he will make a statement. [85809]

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 pursuant to his answer of 9 February 1999, Official Report, column 148, on the consultation document "Fishing Vessel Accidents and the Recovery of Those Lost at Sea", when he expects to publish his response to the consultation exercise. [85810]

Good progress is being made on many of the issues raised in the consultation paper. The analysis of responses was discussed by the Fishing Industry Safety Group on 22 April. Members of the Group were invited to submit comments by 31 May and the Government will issue their response soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlie the use of tonnes of carbon as a measure for greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. [85811]

Under international guidelines, greenhouse gas emissions are measured in terms of their global warming potential. Conversion to a common unit of measurement (whether in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent or tonnes of carbon equivalent) allows comparisons to be made between countries, between various policies and measures and between different greenhouse gases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the proposed road taxes for London on the use of private cars; and if he will make a statement. [85813]

Research undertaken by my Department and other organisations has shown that new charges could help to tackle London's congestion problems and generate a revenue stream for transport improvements. A further study is currently looking at how the new charging powers contained in the Greater London Authority Bill could be used in London. It will be for London's Mayor and boroughs to decide whether to introduce any charging scheme in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how he will ensure that local transport plans meet the quality standards set out in the integrated transport strategy. [85814]

We have produced comprehensive guidance for local authorities, setting down the criteria by which we will judge local transport plans. Officials, particularly in the Government Offices, are working closely with local authorities to help them deliver the best quality local transport plans that they can.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Shropshire county council regarding council tax. [85815]

The Secretary of State received representations from Shropshire county council as part of the 1999–2000 local government finance settlement consultation process. Shropshire county council is also one of the 12 authorities with the largest increases in budget and council tax which we have called in to discuss their increases and put on warning for next year. I shall be meeting them on 24 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the income to be derived by London Transport from the Public-Private Partnership leases on London Underground's infrastructure in (i) 2000–01, (ii) 2001–02 and (iii) 2002–03. [85816]

It is not the intention of the Public/Private Partnership to derive income for London Transport through leasing charges. The leasing of the infrastructure to the private sector is the legal mechanism necessary to allow private sector partners to undertake and finance the necessary maintenance, renewal and upgrade works to the system.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack plc on the possibility of granting them a public-private partnership of the whole London Underground system; and if he will make a statement. [86640]

I announced to the House earlier this afternoon, Official Report, columns 155–67, that I have agreed with London Transport that they should not hold a PPP competition for London Underground's sub-surface lines at present. This is to allow London Transport to explore with Railtrack whether there is a way of linking the national rail network to the sub-surface lines in a PPP, under which Railtrack would undertake and finance the maintenance and upgrading of the subsurface lines for London Underground, under contract to London Underground, and Railtrack would build links between the Underground and the national rail network, to allow new services for passengers running into the heart of London.I also announced that London Transport is today inviting companies to pre-qualify as bidders to invest in the Underground through the Underground's two deep-tube infrastructure contracts. Railtrack have themselves confirmed that they will not be seeking to pre-qualify for the two deep-tube PPP competitions.I met Gerald Corbett, Chief Executive of Railtrack, this morning, to discuss the work involved. Prior to this, my officials held a number of working level meetings with Railtrack.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what time

1999	Location	DETR Minister	US Counterpart
30 January	London	John Prescott	A1 Gore, US Vice President
26 March	London	John Prescott	Rodney Slater, Secretary of Transportation
		John Reid
26–28 March	Schwerin, Germany	John Prescott	Carol Browner, Administrator, Environment Protection Agency
		Michael Meacher
20 April	Washington	John Prescott	Carol Browner, Administrator, Environment Protection Agency
			Andrew Cuomo, Secretary Department of Housing and Urban Development
			Rodney Slater, Secretary of Transportation
22 April	New York	Michael Meacher	Frank Loy, US State Department
14 June	London	John Prescott	Frank Loy, US State Department
			Michael Meacher

The Chancellor has asked energy intensive sectors of industry to make proposals for targets to improve efficiency and reduce emissions by October. DETR is leading the negotiations with the sectors concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent steps he has taken to secure an improvement in rail services. [85818]

The National Rail Summit on 25 February produced a package of measures to tackle medium to long-term problems, including the creation of the shadow Strategic Rail Authority under the Chairmanship of Sir Alastair Morton. The Deputy Prime Minister has also recently appointed a new Franchising Director and a new Rail Regulator.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in (a) fuel burn and (b) emissions as a result of the increased times taken on scheduled flights to Scotland. [85872]

We have not assessed whether the slight increases in some scheduled journey times reflect delays on the ground or in the air. That information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Without it, no estimate of any increase in fuel burn or emissions could be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many times Ministers in his Department have met their counterparts in the United States Government since 30 January 1999; and if he will list the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved on each occasion, and the name of the US counterpart at each meeting. [86292]

The information for DETR is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the level of UK carbon dioxide emissions in each year from 1990 to date. [86663]

The following table gives estimates of carbon dioxide emissions for each year from 1990 to 1998 from the UK's greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The 1998 data are provisional. Emissions in 1998 are provisionally estimated to be 7 per cent. lower than in 1990, due mainly to the switch from coal to gas in electricity generation, and increased efficiency of nuclear power stations.

Year	Emissions (million tonnes of carbon)
1990	168
1991	169
1992	165
1993	161
1994	159
1995	157
1996	162
1997	155
1998	1156
1Provisional

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it a criminal offence to claim falsely the single person's discount for the council tax; and if he will make a statement. [86381]

A 25 per cent. discount applies where a dwelling is the sole or main residence of one person, or where all but one resident is disregarded for the purpose of a discount. We do not have any plans to make it a criminal offence to make an invalid claim for the 25 per cent. discount. However, local authorities already have powers to impose a penalty of £50, without having to go to the Courts, if a person receiving a discount fails to notify the authority that he is no longer (or never was) eligible for it.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish statistics on the proportion of new development on brownfield sites; and if he will make a statement. [86356]

Estimates of the proportion of new development on previously developed land are published annually in the statistical Bulletin series "Land Use Change in England". The latest results were published in December 1998 in issue no 13, a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library. The next edition should be published in September 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the trend in the number of abandoned vehicles over the last two years; and if he will make a statement; [86865](2) what plans he has to help local authorities deal with an increase in abandoned vehicles resulting from the fall in the price of scrap metal. [86866]

My Department does not monitor the number of abandoned vehicles collected from the public highway by local authorities. There is no requirement for local authorities or the police to provide the Secretary of State with information in respect of the abandoned vehicles which they have dealt with.The number of abandoned vehicles was not an issue raised with this Department by the Local Government Association during discussions on the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR), which provided substantial additional provision for local authorities over the three year period covered by the CSR.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make an announcement on plans to introduce legislation to control (a) leylandii and (b) other trees and bushes on private property which cause nuisance; and if he will make a statement. [86922]

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Colchester (Mr. Russell) on 17 November 1998, Official Report, column 473.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the report of the Departmental Working Group on nuisance caused by hedges; and if he will make a statement. [86777]

The voluntary code of practice on the information to be provided on the sale of hedging plants, drawn up the Leylandii Working Group, is being launched to the horticultural and landscape industry today. Copies have been placed in the Library; otherwise, the position remains as set out in my reply to the hon. Member on 19 March 1999, Official Report, column 881.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to reform the area cost adjustment. [85812]

We shall be examining possible improvements to the area cost adjustment as part of the Review of Revenue Grant Distribution.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to set targets in respect of his proposals to reduce road traffic levels; and if he will make a statement. [86433]

The Government are already implementing policies to tackle road traffic as a vital part of our integrated transport strategy set out in last year's White Paper. We already have a number of international and national targets for protecting the environment and promoting more sustainable transport, and will ask the Commission for Integrated Transport, which will be starting work shortly, to advise us on further targets. We remain committed to publishing our first report under the Road Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Act 1998, on the issue of whether to set a national traffic reduction target, by the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has for defining overcrowding on trains. [86691]

It is not proposed to change the current definition of overcrowding. For services into London and also some commuter services into other large cities, overcrowding is defined in franchise agreements in terms of passengers in excess of capacity. Trains have a nominal capacity (the number of standard class seats for journeys of more than 20 minutes; plus, for journeys of less than 20 minutes, an allowance of 0.55 sq metres of floor space per standing passenger) which should not be exceeded by more than 3 per cent. in the morning and evening peaks combined. This is the general definition of overcrowding. It is broadly comparable with that formerly used by British Rail. The current practice of systematically controlling overcrowding only on commuter services also reflects previous British Rail practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had recently with (a) the train operating companies, (b) rail users and (c) trade unions on the subject of overcrowded trains. [86692]

The problem of overcrowding on trains was discussed at the National Rail Summit on 25 February which was attended by train operating companies, rail users and trade unions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with bus operators on the quality of their services. [85799]

DETR Ministers and officials are in frequent contact with bus operators on a wide range of issues as the policies for improving bus services announced in last year's Transport White Paper are taken forward. Improving the quality of service is prominent among the issues considered in these discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the position reached in respect of the pensions scheme of the former National Bus Company. [87246]

I am pleased to be able to announce substantial progress in the settlement of the long running dispute concerning the payment to the Government in 1990 of surpluses held in the two National Bus Company pensions funds. At the first opportunity following full consideration of all the relevant legal and other issues, I instructed the Department's lawyers to open discussions with the pension trustees with a view to obtaining a just and equitable out of court settlement as soon as possible.Those discussions have been successful. Offers have been made which the trustees have indicated they intend to recommend as acceptable. An application will be made to the Court for its approval of the proposed settlement terms as soon as possible following all proper consultation with the beneficiaries.The proposed settlement involves payment to the trustees of £300 million in respect of the BEST scheme and of £55.77 million in respect of the NBPF scheme. I am satisfied that this is a just and reasonable settlement for all concerned.The details of the distribution of the settlement sum to individuals will be a matter for the trustees to decide and carry forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what further decisions he has reached on Public Safety Zone Policy and administration since the announcement on 31 July 1998. [87251]

Since my announcement we have been developing our proposals on two fronts, relating to the definition of new Public Safety Zone boundaries and to the preparation of guidance to local planning authorities for use in considering planning applications. Work is well in hand on the redefinition of the existing Public Safety Zones. We shall notify the local planning authorities and airports concerned of the grid co-ordinates of the new Zones during the next couple of months, and we shall follow this up by providing the data to them in map form. We shall also define Public Safety Zones for Teesside and Sheffield City airports, which were mentioned in the December 1997 consultation document.Meanwhile we are today issuing for consultation a draft of a circular to local planning authorities in Great Britain containing guidance for use in considering applications for development within Public Safety Zones. This recommends that new housing development, and most types of non-housing development, should not be approved within Public Safety Zones. Copies have been placed in the Library.Subject to the progress of this consultation we hope to bring the new arrangements into effect later this year in relation to the airports which already have Public Safety Zones, and to Teesside and Sheffield City. At that stage the residual work of the Civil Aviation Authority in administering the Public Safety Zone policy will be transferred to the Department. We hope by next spring to have established Public Safety Zones at the other airports for which modelling work suggests that this would be justified.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on land-use planning and renewable energy in England. [87315]

The Government's policy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 22, published in February 1993. This makes clear that in formulating the policies and proposals in their development plans, and in making decisions on applications for specific renewable energy developments, local planning authorities need to consider both the immediate impact on the local environment and the wider contribution to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. They need to take account of the Government's policy for renewable energy sources along with policies for Green Belts, conservation areas and industrial and commercial development, for example.In October 1998, the Department published a good practice guide on "Planning for Sustainable Development" and sent copies to all local planning authorities. The guide includes advice on renewable energy. It underlines the importance of renewable energy, developing a strategy at regional and local levels for the provision of renewable energy development and having clear policies and criteria in plans to help decide individual applications. The Department has held a series of seminars for local planning authorities and others to disseminate the messages of the guide.On 30 March 1999, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Energy and Industry published a consultation document, "New and Renewable Energy: Prospects for the 21 Century". This confirmed that the Government are working towards a target of renewable energy providing 10 per cent. of UK electricity supplies as soon as possible and that they hope to achieve this by 2010. It also underlined the important role of renewables in enabling the UK to meet its legally binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. (compared to 1990) by 2008–12 and its goal of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent. by 2010.The consultation document indicated that the Government are reviewing the contribution which the planning system has to make to delivering their target for renewable energy and noted that widespread adoption of renewable of energy will not be possible unless the public is prepared to accept projects in their locality. The consultation document also acknowledged that concerns have sometimes been expressed that the current Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) scheme does not address, e.g. environmental aspects, sufficiently effectively and that future support mechanisms or obligations will need to deliver good quality schemes.The planning system has an important role in helping to deliver the Government's targets and goals for renewable energy and climate change. It is clear that we need a positive strategic approach to planning for renewable energy from regional level downwards, with appropriate provision made for development in authorities' plans. There needs to be an open and constructive dialogue between prospective operators, local planning authorities and local people about identifying suitable sites with sensitivity and care. We shall build on these themes in considering what further practical steps may be needed to ensure that the planning system enables renewable energy provision to contribute to the UK's sustainable energy needs while continuing to protect the countryside.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 142, on the BBC, (1) if he will set out the internal and external audit requirements for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources Ltd; [86270]

(2) what are the agreed borrowing limits for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources Ltd.; and what is the security for such borrowing; [86268]

(3) if the agreed borrowing limits for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources Ltd. count as part of the public sector borrowing requirement. [86269]

BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources are audited under the BBC's group internal audit plan. Both companies are required to have an external audit because they are limited companies that exceed the threshold size for audits.BBC Worldwide has a loan agreement with the BBC which allows maximum borrowings of £150 million, subject to the constraints of three financial covenants: net assets, free cash flow and interest cover. BBC Resources has a £70 million term loan facility and a £30 million revolving loan facility which reduce to zero by August 2005. As with BBC Worldwide, borrowing is restricted by various financial and non-financial covenants within a loan agreement with the BBC. The covenants in both cases ensure, among other things, that licence fee money is not placed at risk.Only the BBC's external borrowings form part of the public sector borrowing requirement, so the borrowing limits for BBC Worldwide and BBC Resources would only impact on the public sector borrowing requirement if they were to lead to an increase in the BBC's own borrowing from the market.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his contribution to the EU meetings at Weimar on cultural and audiovisual issues, in respect of (i) European identity and history, (ii) self-regulation of the media, (iii) the Culture 2000 programme and (iv) the Commission Green Paper on Convergence. [86364]

This was an informal meeting of EU Culture Ministers, with no formal agenda or conclusions. There was a wide-ranging exchange of views on these and other subjects. On the Culture 2000 programme, I indicated the UK's desire to agree a Common Position at the formal Culture/Audiovisual Council on 28 June. That Council will also consider draft conclusions on convergence and self-regulation in the media. I drew attention to a number of features which are common to both, noting in particular that self-regulation can be expected to make an important and complementary contribution to state regulation in the light of future digital media developments. The discussion on European identity and history focused on a presentation from the Spanish writer and former Minister of Culture, Jorge Semprun.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects to publish the report of the National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education; and if he will make a statement. [86934]

[holding answer 14 June 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hammersmith and Fulham (Mr. Coleman) on 14 May 1999, Official Report, column 226. Printed copies of the report will be available from the Department for Education and Employment's Publication Centre from 14 June 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the current estimate of the amount of money to be given to the good causes under the present National Lottery licence arrangements. [86688]

Our latest forecast is that the income (including interest) to good causes from the National Lottery over the seven years of the current licence will be at least £10.85 billion, £1.85 billion more than originally anticipated when the Lottery was launched in 1994.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what will be the name of the replacement committee dealing with matters arising from Title VI of the consolidated Treaty on European Union, Articles 29–42 concerning police and judicial co-operation on criminal matters; who will represent the UK at its meetings; and how frequently it is planned to meet; [86233](2) whom he plans to appoint to the co-ordinating Committee of officials established by article 31 of the Treaty on European Union, whose duty it is to prepare for deliberations of the Council of Ministers concerning judicial and police co-operation in criminal matters. [85675]

The new co-ordinating Committee established by Article 36 of the revised Treaty on European Union has no formal title but is known informally as the Article 36 Committee. The United Kingdom representative is Mr. John Warne of the Organised and International Crime Directorate in the Home Office. It is for the Presidency of the day to determine how frequently the Committee meets, but we would expect there to be meetings at approximately monthly intervals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on preparations to tackle the millennium bug problem in (a) police forces and (b) fire services; [86172]

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Her Majesty's Fire Services Inspectorate have carried out independent assessments of the millennium readiness of all police forces and fire brigades in England and Wales, using the colour coding method defined by Action 2000. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary assessment also covers the National Criminal Intelligence Service. Under this method, 'red' means there is a severe risk of material disruption, 'amber' means there is some risk of material disruption but an agreed rectification plan exists, and 'blue' means there are no identified risks of material disruption. The status of all forces and brigades, assessed according to this method, will be made public at the National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July. The aim is that by that date, no forces or brigades will be 'red', and by September, all will be 'blue'.The NHS Executive has assessed the readiness of all NHS bodies, including NHS Ambulance Trusts, on a regular basis since June 1998. Aggregated figures are published on a quarterly basis, and the individual monitoring returns from each organisation are also published on the Internet. The latest returns at 31 March 1999 were published on 21 May. An up-to-date assessment of the status of all individual NHS organisations, including NHS Ambulance Trusts, will be made public at the National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1999, Official Report, columns 445–46, concerning the business conducted at the final meeting of the K4 Committee in Brussels on 29 to 30 April, if he will list (a) the 25 agenda items there considered, (b) the Treaty base, terms of reference for Eurodac, and documentary reference to rules for its implementation, and any parliamentary scrutiny related thereto and (c) where, and by what means, the proposals of the United Kingdom for mutual recognition of criminal court decisions have been published, what consultative or scrutiny procedures have taken, or are to take, place in respect of them, and what comparable proposals have been received from other member Governments. [86235]

As regards listing, the 25 agenda items considered at the K4 Committee meeting on 29–30 April, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to him on 8 June 1999, Official Report, column 259.The draft Eurodac Convention had as its legal base Article K3(2)(c) of the Treaty on European Union. Its purpose is to assist in determining the member state which is responsible, under the Dublin Convention, for examining an application for asylum lodged in a member state, and otherwise to facilitate the application of the Dublin Convention. The draft implementing rules were developed in the context of these proposals. The draft Convention cleared Parliamentary scrutiny in May 1998, but the draft Protocol had not cleared scrutiny when the Treaty of Amsterdam came into effect; the draft implementing rules were not subject to the parliamentary scrutiny arrangements. The European Commission has now adopted a draft Regulation under Article 63(1)(a) of the Treaty establishing the European Community replacing the draft Eurodac Convention and Protocol, but this has not yet been communicated to member states.The United Kingdom's discussion paper on the mutual recognition of court decisions and judgments in criminal matters was submitted to the K4 Committee on 29 March. It follows up the initiative of the United Kingdom Presidency endorsed at the Cardiff European Council, the conclusions of which called on the Council to identify the scope for greater mutual recognition of decisions of each other's courts. The paper, together with an Explanatory Memorandum, was deposited for scrutiny on 31 March and a copy of both has been placed in the Library.France and Belgium have produced jointly an informal document described as a study proposal, in preparation for the Tampere European Council, on the need to develop criminal judicial co-operation. The document calls for a common push to deal more effectively with the key concerns of citizens on organised crime, corruption and European Community budget fraud, and suggests that this could be done by instruments on money laundering, use of offshore centres by organised crime and use of new technology for cross-border crime.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 May 1999, Official Report, columns 445–46, when, and by whom, the agenda for the additional European Council Meeting due in October at Tampere, Finland, concerning judicial and home affairs in the European Union will be published; what principal documents will be available to the public and national Parliaments prior to that meeting; and when it is planned that they will be available. [86232]

There is normally no formal agenda for European Councils. The German Presidency and the incoming Finnish Presidency have proposed that the Tampere special European Council should focus on three main issues: immigration and asylum, the fight against cross-border crime and the establishment of a European judicial area, including citizens' access to justice. A list of documents to be submitted to the European Council is unlikely to be finalised until shortly before the meeting. Appropriate documents will be made available to the public and Parliament in accordance with the normal procedures.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department gives to the Fire Service on (a) the location of and (b) distances between hydrants. [86299]

The Home Office issued guidance to the Fire Service on water hydrants in the "Manual of Firemanship, Book 7". The most recent edition (dated 1997) states on page 73 that

"hydrants are normally placed at intervals of between 90 and 180 metres, except in the case of high risks and rural areas".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's contribution to the formulation, within the Schengen framework, of a draft Convention on Co-operation in Matters of Criminal Proceedings for Offences Against Road Traffic Regulations and the Enforcement of Fines Imposed from Such Offences. [86724]

The agreement on this subject was adopted by the Schengen Executive Committee on 28 April. The Government were not involved in drawing it up and it does not at present apply to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has recently applied to participate in certain parts of the Schengen acquis, but has reserved its position on whether it would wish to become a party to the agreement on road traffic offences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if legislation currently being discussed by the Council of Ministers on electronic intercepts is consistent with the 1981 Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Individuals with Regard to Automatic Processing of Personal Data; and if he will make a statement. [86719]

The draft Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters between the member states of the European Union would, if agreed, be implemented in United Kingdom law in accordance with data protection legislation. The 1981 Council of Europe Convention was implemented in United Kingdom law by the Data Protection Act 1984.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the UK share of (i) costs and (ii) personnel for the Schengen Information System. [86446]

There are likely to be three main elements to the costs for the Schengen Information System (SIS): the cost of running and staffing the inquiry points at the United Kingdom National SIS; the cost of the national contribution to the costs of the central SIS in Strasbourg; and a one-off contribution towards the start-up costs of the system. At this stage, it is not possible to provide a precise estimate of the costs and staffing arrangements, which we are discussing with interested parties, including the police service.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the cost of current applicant countries joining the Schengen Acquis; and whether present member states intend to share those costs. [86737]

The Schengen acquis was incorporated into the European Union Treaty structures on the entry into force of the Treaty of Amsterdam on 1 May 1999. Any costs falling on to member states and associated with accession to the Schengen acquis are, therefore, now part of the overall costs incurred in assisting candidate countries to prepare for accession to the European Union.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the response time of a police car using its blue light in responding to emergency calls. [86461]

No research on this subject has been commissioned or evaluated.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the cases arising from asylum applications made (a) prior to 1 July 1993 and (b) between 1 July 1993 and 31 December 1995 have been dealt with under the asylum backlog procedures; and what proportion of cases so dealt with have resulted in the granting of exceptional leave to remain. [86642]

Up to the end of April 1999, a total of 2,840 cases have been decided under the asylum backlog procedures. 94 per cent. of decisions were grants of exceptional leave to remain.2,075 of the decisions were made on asylum applications lodged prior to July 1993 and 765 decisions were made on applications lodged between July 1993 and the end of December 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reports he has received on the means of arrival in the UK of asylum seekers granted refugee status or indefinite leave to remain; and what assessment he has made of the effect of the measures in the Immigration and Asylum Bill on the routes they have taken. [87021]

Asylum applications are received from persons arriving at ports, persons who seek to enter, or who have entered, clandestinely and those who have entered lawfully for other purposes. It is not always possible to establish the means of arrival of asylum seekers. The Department does not collate specific records of the routings used by those granted refugee status or indefinite leave to remain. Measures in the Immigration and Asylum Bill contain powers designed to reduce the number of clandestine entrants and inadequately documented persons arriving in the United Kingdom. It is not the object of these measures to keep out genuine refugees. We remain firmly committed to dealing with asylum seekers in a way that complies with the United Kingdom's international obligations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times this year the Liverpool office of the UK Passport Agency has turned away applicants who attended in person without serving them; and how many such applicants it turned away without serving on Friday 7 May. [86352]

Passport applicants who have attended personally have not been turned away if this would have resulted in their missing their travel date.The Passport Agency has not kept a detailed record of the number of passport applicants attending in person at the Liverpool passport office who have been turned away. This has only happened very exceptionally where the number of applicants inside the Liverpool office have been the maximum permitted in the office. In these circumstances, the position has been explained to applicants who have been asked to call back at a later date.The Passport Agency has no specific information available for 7 May and it is not aware of any particular problems arising from customers being turned away from the Liverpool office on that date. However, if my hon. Friend has concern about a particular case I should be grateful if he would let David Gatenby, Chief Executive of the Passport Agency know, and he will be pleased to investigate the matter and report urgently to me.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the passport service provided by the Passport Agency's high street partners takes priority over the Agency's standard service. [86334]

The Passport Agency gives priority to passport applications by the applicant's declared date of travel. This applies to all applications, whether they are received via the Agency's partners or directly in the mail, or made in person. As partnership applications have been pre-checked for accuracy and completedness, and the fee has been collected, these applications can normally be processed more speedily than direct postal applications.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the effect of the passport service provided by the Passport Agency's high street partners on the Agency's standard service. [86335]

The service provided by the Passport Agency's high street partners since 1996 has helped the Agency to deal effectively and efficiently with high levels of demand by reducing processing times for passport applications. Partnership applications are pre-checked for accuracy and completeness, which enables them to be processed more speedily. This has had a beneficial impact on the service provided by the Passport Agency to all its customers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what additional resources were given to the Passport Agency following introduction of the requirement that every child travelling overseas should have an individual passport. [87106]

As part of its business planning, the Agency took account of this change in forecasting demand for passports in 1998–99, and 1999–2000, and planning the resources and budget needed to deal effectively with this forecast demand.The Agency is on a net financing regime and is required fully to recover its costs from passport fees.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Passport Agency has relaxed its procedures for checking passport applications; and if he will make a statement. [87107]

There is no relaxation of security, but to facilitate the more efficient processing of new passport applications the Passport Agency has issued guidance to its examiners to ensure they do not unnecessarily delay issuing passports by exercising discretion to approve applications where the examiner has no significant doubt about the identity of the applicant. The guidance has been agreed with the Agency trade unions as not compromising effective checks.The Agency is often criticised for taking too narrow a view of whether a counter-signatory "is a person of similar standing" to a professionally qualified person. Passport examiners have been encouraged to give a reasonable interpretation to this requirement. In the context of the whole application and supporting documentary evidence, sensible use of discretion can ensure both quicker and proper processing of applications.In order to clear quickly straightforward renewal applications made in person, certain existing passports are being extended for two years provided certain criteria are fulfilled. Passports valid or expired within the last five years are being exceptionally extended provided the holder's identity can be confirmed, for example, by comparing the photograph with the photograph in the old passport, or with the person who is applying in person, and provided certain other checks are satisfactorily completed.These extended passports are properly issued passports valid for travel. Immigration authorities abroad have been made aware of this position.Neither of the measures imply any relaxation in the Agency's security. No security checks have been suspended.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passport applications are currently outstanding; what is the average time taken between receipt of the application and the issue of the passport; and what were the estimated figures for June 1996, June 1997 and June 1998. [87112]

The Passport Agency currently has 487,658 passport applications outstanding, which represents, at current output levels, about one month's work.The current average turnround time across the Agency's six passport offices is 34 working days. The average turnround time in June 1996, June 1997 and June 1998 was 8 working days, 9.5 working days and 16 working days respectively.Teething problems with the introduction of new computerised passport-issuing arrangements into the Liverpool and Newport Passport Offices, and high seasonal demand for passports, have caused current delays.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the time that will be taken between application to the Passport Agency and issue of a passport for (a) new passports and (b) renewal of a passport (i) one month hence and (ii) six months hence. [86980]

It is difficult to provide an estimate of the position in one month's time as the Passport Agency is prioritising applications to meet applicants declared travel dates. With high seasonal demand for passports, this means there are delays in processing non-urgent applications. Much depends on intake, the Agency's output, and the impact of the measures the Agency is taking to reduce current delays.The Agency is meeting travel dates in 99.99 per cent. of cases and will continue to do so throughout the summer. The Agency's aim is to reduce turnaround times to 10 days by September.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Newport Passport Office regarding (a) the telephone service and (b) the general service provided to the public; and if he will make a statement. [86944]

I am aware from the weekly reports that I have been receiving from the Passport Agency's Chief Executive on the Agency's current operational difficulties of the teething problems that the Newport Passport Office have encountered in piloting new computerised passport issuing arrangements. Productivity has been below expectations and arrears of work have developed. In addition, along with the Agency's other five offices, Newport has been dealing with high seasonal demand for passports.The Passport Agency is taking a number of measures to improve the position at Newport. Applications are being prioritised by customers declared travel dates, and Newport is meeting those dates for 99.99 per cent. of passports issued. Additional staff are being deployed, examination processes are being streamlined, and Newport is working extended hours.Current delays will reduce as a result of the action being taken and the seasonal nature of the Agency's work. The aim is to reduce turnround times to 10 days by September.Because of its arrears of work, the Newport Office has been swamped with telephone and written inquiries. Despite its best endeavours, and with its focus on the customers declared travel dates, the Newport Office has not in many cases been able to provide a satisfactory response. The Passport Agency very much regrets the present situation and is taking action to improve matters. It is looking urgently at alternative telephone answering arrangements.I have written to all hon. Members with a more detailed explanation of the Agency's current operational position, and its plans to reduce current delays.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will estimate the proportion of cases where trial by jury having been denied by the magistrates, refused by the Crown Court, and having given rise to a subsequent conviction in the magistrates court, are then likely to be appealed to the Crown Court; and if he will estimate the total cost involved in such cases; [86762]

(2) what is his estimate of the cost of appeals to the Crown Court by defendants to whom the magistrates have refused to accede to their request for jury trial in respect of either way offences; and how such overall estimated cost has been calculated; [86760]

(3) what he estimates to be the likely annual savings to the public purse of abolishing the rights of defendants to elect jury trial for either-way offences, setting out how his estimate is calculated. [86758]

The information requested is not currently available. Detailed estimates of the costs and savings of the proposed procedure are still under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of their eventual sentence defendants who elect jury trial and subsequently plead guilty serve while on remand. [86766]

The available information relates to the average time spent on remand for those tried at the Crown Court. Information on a defendant's plea and the numbers electing jury trial are not available.Provisional information for 1998 shows that the average time spent on remand for untried prisoners prior to conviction at the Crown Court was 4.1 months. This compares with an average sentence length imposed at the Crown Court of 22.1 months. This shows that, on average, around 20 per cent. of the eventual sentence was served on remand as an untried prisoner.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he proposes that magistrates should be entitled to deny jury trial to a defendant charged with an either-way offence who, if convicted, they consider they would be likely to commit to Crown Court for sentence. [86756]

Among the factors magistrates are currently required to have regard to under section 19 of the Magistrates Courts Act 1980 is whether the punishment which they would have the power to inflict if the defendant is convicted would be adequate. Magistrates will continue to be expected to consider each case individually and on its own particular facts in determining the appropriate mode of trial having regard to whether their sentencing powers are sufficient.