To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the agenda of the planned Intergovernmental Conference of Spring 2000. [87307]

The Cologne European Council took decisions about the timing, scope and preparation of the next Intergovernmental Conference. These are set out in the Presidency conclusions, which have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Prime Minister if the Government received prior communication from Russian sources of an intent to occupy areas of strategic importance in Kosovo independently of NATO. [87300]

We and NATO have long made clear that we looked forward to a substantial Russian contribution to KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo. Russia did not notify NATO in advance that it intended to deploy a small unit to Pristina airfield but, as the commander of KFOR has explained, this Russian unit had not affected either the deployment of NATO forces or the implementation of the Kosovo peace agreement. NATO is working with Russia on detailed command and control arrangements for Russian forces in KFOR.

To ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under the Security Service Act 1989 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [87661]

A copy of the annual report of the Commissioner, Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, for 1998 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 4(6) of the Security Service Act 1989. The confidential annex to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 4(7) of the 1989 Act and in line with the Commissioner's recommendation. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in reviewing the issues of warrants under the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

To ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under the Intelligence Services Act 1994 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [87662]

A copy of the annual report of the Commissioner, Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, for 1998 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(6) of the Intelligence Services Act 1994. The confidential annexe to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 8(7) of the 1994 Act. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants and authorisations, and in providing assistance to the Tribunal as provided for in the Act.

To ask the Prime Minister when the annual report of the Commissioner appointed under section 8(1) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985 will be laid before the House; and if he will make a statement. [87663]

A copy of the annual report of the Commissioner, Lord Nolan, for 1998 has been laid before the House today in accordance with section 8(7) of the Interception of Communications Act 1985. The confidential annexe to the report has been excluded from that copy in accordance with section 8(8) of the 1985 Act and in accordance with the Commissioner's recommendations. I am grateful to the Commissioner for his work in reviewing the issue of warrants during the year. I note in particular the Commissioner's view that interception of both postal communications and telecommunications remains an effective and an essential operation in the interests of national security and the economic well-being of the United Kingdom, and the prevention and detection of serious crime.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 1999, Official Report, columns 283–84, if he will (a) list Government expenditure on ministerial overseas visits at current prices for the financial years 1993–94 to 1998–99, (b) list all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500 between 2 May 1997 and 31 March 1999 including the cost, destination and purpose of the visit and (c) publish the rules governing travel by Ministers. [87665]

Expenditure on Ministerial overseas visits for the periods requested is estimated as follows:

Year	£ million
1993–94	6.5
1994–95	6.6
1995–96	6.9
1996–97	7.8
1 May 1997–31 March 1998	6.1
1998–99	4.8

The figures for 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 do not include some expenditure falling to the Scottish Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Welsh Office because the information was not recorded centrally or is incomplete. Full costs are available from 1996–97 onwards. All figures are in 1997–98 prices. The figure for 1998–99 reflects payments made so far for travel undertaken in this period; a few bills have yet to be submitted to departments for payment.A list of all visits overseas undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during the period 2 May 1997 and 31 March 1999 has been placed in the Libraries of the House. The list provides details of the date, destination and purpose of all such visits and the cost of Ministers' travel and accommodation where appropriate. Comprehensive listings for earlier years is not available.Guidance on travel by Ministers is set out in the

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many fraud cases the Benefits Agency Security Investigation Service have brought to a successful conclusion in this financial year; and if he will break this figure down by administrative region. [86900]

Operational matters are the responsibility of the Benefits Agency Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. He will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from the Chinese Ambassador concerning the Qinghai component of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project. [87124]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received from (a) Tibetans in Dulan county and (b) other interested parties concerning the Qinghai component of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project. [87122]

We have not received any representations from Tibetan or other ethnic groups living in Dulan county. A number of UK non-governmental organisations have written to me.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what assessment she has made of the impact on the indigenous population of the Qinghai component of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project; [87118]

(2) if she will make a statement on the World bank category B environmental status given to the China Western Poverty Reduction Project; [87120]

(3) if she will make a statement on the consultation process undertaken by the World bank with the people currently living in the move-in area of the proposed China Western Poverty Reduction Project; [87121]

(4) if she will provide details of the World bank's environmental impact assessments of the Qinghai component of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project. [87123]

The World bank's staff appraisal report on this project was made available at the end of last week. I will write to the hon. Member when we have had an opportunity to study this.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current humanitarian situation in southern Sudan. [87114]

Southern Sudan has some of the worst malnutrition and mortality rates in the world. While the situation in the south this year is significantly better than in 1998, it is essential that a long term and just peace is achieved in Sudan. Until it is, crises on the scale of last year are liable to reoccur at any time.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current harvest and food levels in southern Sudan. [87115]

The best estimates available indicate that total productive efforts, that is from fishing and livestock as well as the last harvest production, should be sufficient to meet about 90 per cent. of needs in southern Sudan this year. The actual ability of the rural population in southern Sudan to meet their own needs remains dependent on external factors such as the level of insecurity and internal displacement.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the World bank projects involving (a) the construction of dams and (b) population resettlement, which have been given category "B" status. [87119]

The World bank informs us that according to the information in its database, there are 95 projects currently under implementation which are listed as having significant dam components. Of these, 41 are listed as Environmental Assessment category "B" projects. According to the report "Inventory of Projects with Involuntary Resettlement" dated 14 June 1999, the bank has 234 projects with resettlement which are currently under implementation. Of these, 122 projects are classified as category "B" projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if another member state of the European Union were to license the commercial planting of genetically modified crops by a company there would be any bar to that company proceeding with commercial planting in the United Kingdom. [86135]

[holding answer 8 June 1999]: Commercial growing of a genetically modified crop can be approved only at community level, not by an individual member state. The relevant legislation is Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Under Part C of this Directive, applications for consent for placing on the market products containing or consisting of GMOs must be considered and cleared by all member states at the Community level. Once a GM crop has Part C (marketing) consent under the Directive, it applies across all member states, including, of course, the United Kingdom.However, before any new variety of a crop, including GM varieties, can be grown commercially, it also has to have passed the necessary tests and be placed either on the UK national list of seeds or the EU common catalogue. If the crop is herbicide tolerant, the use of that herbicide on the GM crop may also require specific approval under the pesticides legislation.Specific conditions may be attached to consents issued under the Directive, for example to limit the geographical area in which the GM crop is grown or used. But in absence of any such restrictions and subject to the other necessary approvals for any crop being in place, there is no bar to commercial planting in the UK.A safeguard clause, Article 16, in the Directive allows a member state provisionally to restrict or prohibit the use and/or sale on its territory of a GMO that has been given consent if there are justifiable reasons to consider that the product constitutes a risk to human health or the environment. In such circumstances a decision on whether or not to uphold the consent is subsequently taken at Community level after consideration of the new evidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has obtained about the use of antibiotic marker genes in genetically modified plants which provide raw materials for the production of cosmetics and perfumes. [86316]

All releases of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are governed by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 as amended. Under the Regulations, the possible effects of using antibiotic marker genes in a GM plant on human health or the environment are considered as part of the approvals process. However, once any GM plant material had been processed for use in products such as cosmetics and perfumes, it would not come under the scope of these Regulations because it is no longer a living organism, i.e. not capable of replication or of transferring genetic material. The products would, however, be assessed under the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996 to ensure that they are not harmful to human health.The Government welcome the European Commission's plan to develop harmonised guidelines for GMO risk assessments for cosmetic products and will push in Europe for their adoption.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 26 May 1999, Official Report, columns 170–71, when he expects to make a decision on the recommendation of the Health and Safety Commission to implement a ban on white asbestos; and when he expects the European Commission to ratify the vote of their Technical Committee to tighten the restrictions on the import of white asbestos; and if he will make a statement. [86651]

The Government are determined to apply further necessary restrictions to the importation, marketing and use of white asbestos. I have received advice from the Health and Safety Commission about those new restrictions in the form of draft regulations. I will act on that advice as soon as the European Commission has ratified the vote of their technical committee on 4 May to adapt to technical progress Council Directive 76/769/EEC. Under European law, it would be illegal for new domestic restrictions to be introduced before this has happened. I am hopeful that the European Commission will ratify the adaptation directive this month. The UK continues to encourage the European Commission to act swiftly on this vitally important measure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the research conducted by Age Concern and RADAR into the performance of local authorities in meeting their duties to provide adaptations for older and disabled people. [86918]

I have read with interest the initial findings of the research undertaken by Age Concern and RADAR. We are currently consulting on "You and Your Services", a draft charter for long-term care, and would encourage Age Concern and RADAR in their response to consider how that charter could be used as a basis for setting targets for performance on housing adaptations. My Department is addressing other issues of local authority performance in this area in the work we are doing to develop the Best Value regime, and in our guidance to local authorities on the Housing Investment Programme. We will consider these issues further in the light of our consideration of the recent report by the Royal Commission on Long Term Care.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to update the joint Department of Health and Department of the Environment Circular 10/90 (LAC (90)7) on house adaptations for people with disabilities. [86919]

My Department has no plans to update the Circular. It was replaced in December 1996 by a new Circular, Department of the Environment Circular 17/96, which contained guidance on changes made by the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 to local housing authorities' responsibilities. The parts of Circular 17/96 which updated Circular 10/90 were written in consultation with the Department of Health, and that Circular was sent to all local authorities, including those responsible for the provision of social services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with English Nature on the environmental impact of a right to roam in (a) national nature reserves, (b) Ramsar sites, (c) special protection areas under the EU Birds Directive, (d) special areas of conservation under the EU Habitats Directive, (e) sites of special scientific interest and (f) other environmentally sensitive areas. [86421]

[holding answer 14 June 1999]: Before reaching our decision to legislate for a new statutory right of access to open countryside, we consulted a wide range of organisations, including English Nature. In addition to that, I have regular quarterly meetings with English Nature, where we have exchanged views on the Government's access proposals.Access on foot is generally compatible with the conservation of wildlife. Indeed, many sites protected under national and international legislation are already open to public access. However, we recognise that restrictions on access may, in some cases, be necessary to protect particular wildlife interests. We shall, therefore, be looking to English Nature to provide advice on the need for closures and restrictions on conservation grounds.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's system of monitoring the rent levels of local authority (a) leased property and (b) allocated bed-and-breakfast accommodation. [86890]

[holding answer 16 June 19991: Our system of monitoring local authority rents does not cover these types of property, which would fall outside an authority's Housing Revenue Account.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take action to ensure that South West Water reduces its increase in consumer bills. [87138]

[holding answer 16 June 1999]: Under the Water Industry Act 1991, the regulation of water and sewerage undertakers' price limits is for the Director General of Water Services. Changes in average charges for water and sewerage services must remain within limits set by the Director General for each company for each year. The price limits governing South West Water in 1999–2000 are those determined on appeal in 1995 by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (RPI + 1% on average).The Director General is currently conducting his periodic review of prices for the period 2000 to 2005. The Government have given guidance to the Director General on the environmental and water quality improvements to be delivered by 2005. We believe that these can be secured while offering reductions of around 10 per cent. in average water and sewerage bills. The Director General expects to announce draft price limits for each undertaker in July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the Regional Development Agencies. [86510]

The Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) inherited the main part of their staff and programmes on 1 April 1999, so it is too early for a formal assessment of their impact. However, early indications are that the RDAs are making good progress on building partnerships with regional stakeholders. They are also on target for producing draft regional strategies for consultation over the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to appoint a new Chairman for British Waterways; and if he will make a statement. [87636]

Dr. George Greener, ex-group chief executive, Hillsdown Holdings, will succeed Bernard Henderson as Chairman of British Waterways (BW) on 10 July. The appointment will be for three years.The new Chairman's main priority will be to steer BW in its new direction following my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister's announcement on 18 February about the Government's decision on the future status and direction for BW. Dr. Greener will need to ensure that BW develops successful and innovative partnerships with the public, private and voluntary sectors and maximises its contribution towards the Government's objectives for transport, regeneration, conservation and amenity.Dr. Greener's strong commercial background and previous experience of strategic leadership will be invaluable at what is a significant time for BW. He will continue to hold a small number of non executive directorships.I would like to acknowledge the commitment and enthusiasm Bernard Henderson has brought to BW over the past five years and the important contribution he has made during the Government's review of options for the future of BW.I am issuing a news release today announcing Dr. Greener's appointment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his proposals for reducing the burdens on small businesses. [86511]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently announced a number of deregulatory measures which will benefit small business:

the draft National Minimum Wage regulations were amended to reduce record keeping requirements;

supplementary guidance will be produced on the Working Time Regulations to make it clear that for the vast majority of British businesses, existing documentation and systems already meet the record-keeping requirements;

we will consider using sunset clauses in some future regulations causing them to lapse after a fixed term unless renewed; and in addition I have today published a consultation paper which sets out our proposals for a new service to help small employers get to grips with running a payroll.

These measures will benefit thousands of businesses, in particular small businesses, and significantly reduce their costs. My right hon. Friend has made clear his intention to announce further measures to reduce burdens on business over the coming weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received in response to his Department's paper on renewable energy. [86512]

We have received well over 200 written responses from a wide variety of interests including Members of Parliament, the renewable energy and electricity industries, renewable energy trade associations, academia and business institutions, developers and designers, environmental lobby groups, and members of the public. The responses are presently being analysed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress his Department has made on the implementation of the part-time work directive. [86514]

The Employment Relations Bill contains powers for the Secretary of State to make regulations and issue codes of practice which will implement the Directive. The Department will consult on implementation over the summer, with a view to bringing the measures into force by the deadline of 7 April 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that United Kingdom companies can compete in European Union energy markets. [86515]

We are driving forward the agenda to create a single European market in gas and electricity. At the Energy Council on 11 May I stressed the importance of creating a single open and competitive market in Europe rather than 15 individual and separate open markets for each member state. I also stressed the need for the Council to regularly review progress and the Commission resolved to provide progress reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure fair and open competition between companies in the United Kingdom. [86516]

The Competition Act 1998 will introduce tough new powers to deal with anti-competitive agreements and abuses of market dominance when its main provisions are brought into force on 1 March 2000. These include strong powers of investigation, a power to take interim measures where necessary pending the completion of an investigation, powers to direct undertakings to bring infringements to an end and powers to impose penalties for breaches of the prohibitions. The Director General of Fair Trading has the main responsibility for enforcement of the new Act and extra resources have been provided to the Office of Fair Trading for that purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how he plans to improve the international competitiveness of British manufacturers. [86517]

The 77 commitments of Government action in the Competitiveness White Paper published last December are aimed at increasing the competitiveness of all business and many are directly relevant to manufacturers. Fifteen commitments have already been delivered and work is well underway on all the others, which collectively represent a long-term agenda for Government and industry. Manufacturing will play a key role in this work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimates his Department has made of the cost of the (a) social chapter's parental leave directive, (b) works councils directive and (c) part-time work directive to British business. [86518]

The Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Employment Relations Bill estimated the recurring compliance costs to business of the Parental Leave to be £28.8 million.A Compliance Cost Assessment was attached to the Explanatory Memoranda submitted to this House and another place on 28 October 1997 in relation to the European Works Councils Directive. The Government are carrying out further work to update and refine those estimates which will be published shortly as part of a consultation exercise on the implementation.A Compliance Cost Assessment was attached to the Explanatory Memorandum submitted to this House on 17 March 1998 in relation to the part-time work directive. As stated in the Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Employment Relations Bill, there is evidence to suggest that discrimination is not wide spread and costs should therefore be low. A Regulatory Impact Assessment will accompany the draft Regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to ensure the prosecution of employers paying their staff less than the national minimum wage. [86519]

The Inland Revenue enforce the national minimum wage on behalf of this Department. Inspectors have powers to inspect records and to issue enforcement and penalty notices. They can prosecute the worst offenders for the criminal offence of 'refusal or wilful neglect' to pay the minimum wage, and for offences relating to record keeping and obstruction of officers. The decision to prosecute in a particular case will be a matter for the Revenue.Enforcement Officers respond to complaints from workers and from other employers, and will shortly begin targeted inspections of low-paying employers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his actions to enforce the minimum wage. [86521]

The Secretary of State has made arrangements with the Inland Revenue to enforce the national minimum wage on behalf of this Department. Enforcement is carried out through a helpline, a compliance co-ordination team and by a network of minimum wage inspectors in the regions.Officers respond to complaints from workers and employers, and will shortly begin proactive inspections of low-paying employers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about Government proposals in respect of encryption in electronic commerce. [86522]

Encryption technology, whether used for authentication or confidentiality purposes, has a significant role to play in the emerging importance of electronic business and electronic government. I intend to give a boost to the use of these important technologies in the legislation on electronic commerce I will shortly bring before the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his plans to regulate electronic commerce. [86523]

I am pleased to say our recent consultation—Building Confidence in Electronic Commerce—announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 5 March 1999, Official Report, columns 928–29, resulted in over 240 responses, from industry and other interested parties.The Government intend to introduce legislation on electronic commerce during the current session.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on recent developments in the British steel industry. [86525]

The UK steel industry remains one the most productive and competitive in the world.If my hon. Friend's question refers to the recent announcement by British Steel that it intends to merge with the Dutch steel producer, Koninklijke Hoogovens, I should advise him that the proposed merger is likely to be subject to European competition rules. Given the UK's part in any competition investigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with British Aerospace on future prospects for the aircraft industry; and if he will make a statement. [86527]

I and my officials maintain regular contact with British Aerospace and other companies involved in the aerospace and defence industries. Indeed I was happy to attend the Paris Air show earlier this week when I enjoyed constructive discussions with many of industry's key players. Our discussions cover a wide range of issues relevant to the future success of these sectors, including the need to play a leading role in international restructuring and to maintain global competitiveness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to increase the (a) export success and (b) manufacturing competitiveness of the English regions. [86528]

The Competitiveness White Paper published last December set out 77 commitments for Government action aimed at increasing the export success and competitiveness of all businesses, including manufacturing, throughout the UK. We recognise that each region has different needs. The Regional Development Agencies have therefore been asked to identify measures in their forthcoming economic strategies which are aimed at improving business competitiveness. I have made funds available to Regional Development Agencies to address the priorities they identify. Pending the establishment of the London Development Agency next year, my Department is supporting similar work being undertaken by the London Development Partnership.British Trade International, the new unified DTI/FCO operation for trade promotion, will place greater emphasis on effective delivery of export services in the English regions. The regional and local network, currently in Government Offices and Business Links, will be integral to the new service and under the effective control of the Chief Executive, Sir David Wright. British Trade International will work closely with the Small Business Service and Regional Development Agencies as the new trade promotion organisation takes shape.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in implementing the Small Business Service. [86529]

The Government announced their plans to set up the Small Business Service in the Budget statement. The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry reinforced this in his statement to the House on 10 March, 1999, Official Report, columns 367–69.We will be publishing a consultation document shortly on the specific role and functions of the Small Business Service. I will be welcoming views from all interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress made with his inquiry into UK car prices. [86496]

The Director General of Fair Trading referred the market for new cars to the Competition Commission on 17 March this year. The conduct of the inquiry is entirely a matter for the Commission. The Commission is due to report on 16 December; the Government await its conclusions with interest.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which companies the Minister for Science visited during his most recent visit to the USA; and what was discussed. [87034]

My noble Friend, Lord Sainsbury, visited Boston on 8–10 June as part of a fact-finding mission to examine the growth of biotechnology clusters and how Britain can improve its competitive position.Details of all the organisations visited by my noble Friend and the accompanying team of leading business people and academics were set out in a DTI Press Notice of 8 June (P/99/45) which was sent to the right hon. Member. A copy of the DTI Press Notice was also provided automatically to the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what financial assistance his Department has given to the Welding Institute in relation to research into lead-free solders. [87268]

The Department has no record of recent support having been given to the Welding Institute, TWI as it is now known, to carry out such research but in the past my Department has given considerable support to TWI for research work in many areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to aid the International Tin Research Institute in its development of (a) the use of tin as an alternative to lead-based products and (b) lead-free solders. [87267]

My Department has no current plans to provide assistance to the International Tin research institute to develop either the use of tin as an alternative to lead-based products or lead-free solders. There is no sound scientific evidence, or comprehensive analysis, that clearly shows a need to replace uses of lead with tin but I am aware there are some environmental concerns about the continuing use of lead-based solders in electrical and electronic equipment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of public sector employees who may be eligible for compensation because of the delay in implementing the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. [87279]

This will depend on how many people can show that they suffered damage as a result of the breach of the Directive. Legal action was brought on behalf of 1,473 people. However, no statement has yet been made of any damage caused to any of them, or the circumstances in which it may have been caused, which could lead to a decision on whether they are due compensation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he plans to take to reduce the administrative burdens placed on manufacturing industry. [86910]

Earlier this month my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced a number of new measures to reduce burdens on business, including the manufacturing sectors. These measures include consultation on raising the audit threshold for companies and new guidance on the Working Time Regulations which will make it clear that for the vast majority of British businesses, existing documentation and systems already meet the record-keeping requirements. They are part of our ongoing effort to reduce burdens on business.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for providing the payroll service for small employers, announced at the time of the Budget. [87668]

I have today published a consultation paper, 'Developing a Payroll Service for Small Businesses', which sets out our proposals for a new service to help small employers get to grips with running a payroll. Comments are being sought from a number of interested parties and the closing date for responses is Tuesday 7 September.Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evaluation he has made of the use by each member state of the European Union of the protective provisions for small businesses under the Parental Leave Directive. [87361]

Information we have been able to access suggests that there are some limited variations on some aspects of the provisions for small businesses across EC member states. For example, in Belgium, where there is a requirement to allow employees to take their leave on a part-time basis for six months, there is an exemption applying to companies with fewer than 10 employees. In the Netherlands, parental leave can be postponed in a small company if a replacement cannot be found.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into trends in energy use in the office and commercial business sectors. [87362]

My Department and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) have commissioned work on services sector energy consumption in recent years.At the request of officials in my Department the Building Research Establishment (BRE) has been commissioned to investigate methods for estimating energy consumption in the office and commercial business sectors. The report on this work is in progress and is expected to be completed during the summer of 1999.In order to assess the pattern of energy end uses and what emission reductions may be achieved to tackle climate change the DETR has commissioned BRE to carry out work to improve the understanding of energy use in non-domestic buildings. This ongoing project resulted in the publication in January 1998 of the "Non-Domestic Building Energy Fact File". The results of this project underpin the work described in the previous paragraph.Statisticians in DTI have produced an analysis of trends in services sector energy consumption. This provided information for the private commercial sector as a whole and was published in December 1997 by the Stationery Office in "Energy Paper 66: Energy Consumption in the United Kingdom". Information on services sector energy consumption is also routinely published in the "Energy Report Volume 2" and in the "Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics".

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much his Department has spent in each of the last five years in supporting British Nuclear Fuels plc's efforts to secure foreign contracts (i) in total and (ii) for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel in the United Kingdom. [86967]

There is no specific financial assistance for BNFL to support its efforts to secure foreign commercial contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to ensure that adequate match funding arrangements are in place in Objective 1 areas. [86508]

Match funding will continue to be the responsibility of the grant applicant. This ensures local ownership and commitment to the projects. There are numerous possible sources for match funding including local authorities, TECs, government schemes, the voluntary sector and also the private sector. Organisations such as the European Investment Bank can make loans to local authorities for use as match funding. In some areas innovative loan and equity funds such as the Merseyside Special Investment fund have been set up to draw in resources from commercial banks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many officers of what ranks and from which police force make up the inquiry team into the murder of Mrs. Rosemary Nelson. [85452]

[holding answer 25 May 1999]: The make-up of the team investigating Rosemary Nelson's murder is a matter for Deputy Chief Constable, Colin Port. He is leading the investigation. The Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary has given him authority to draw together whatever team he requires. The number of officers making up the inquiry team varies as the needs of the investigation dictate. Officers from up to nine police forces, other than the Royal Ulster Constabulary, have been involved in this investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the Royal Ulster Constabulary sought the permission of Mr. Paul Nelson, husband of the late Rosemary Nelson, before publishing on the RUC web site, the home address of the Nelson family. [85454]

[holding answer 25 May 1999]: The RUC judged it as essential to give these details, which were already in the public domain, to attract possible witnesses with the aim of catching those responsible for murdering Mrs. Nelson.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what rules and guidelines govern the decision-making process of the Northern Ireland Housing Council in its nominations to the board of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; what was the breakdown of those nominated by (a) perceived community origin and (b) gender in each year that nominations have been made; and what actions she will take to promote parity of esteem and equality in this area. [87170]

[holding answer 16 June 1999]: Under paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 to the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, three members of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (the Executive) shall be persons nominated by the Northern Ireland Housing Council (the Council) from its members. Under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 of the same Order, the Council may regulate its own proceedings.Since its inception in 1973, except in 1995 when an SDLP member, perceived to be from the minority community was nominated, the Council has always nominated Unionist members, who are perceived to be from the majority community. In 1996, the first woman member, perceived to be from the majority community, was nominated for appointment, was re-nominated in 1997, and served until the Department received notification of her resignation on 2 June 1998, to stand in the election to the new Northern Ireland Assembly. In 1998, all three nominations were male, perceived to be from the majority community.Draft legislation in preparation would allow the Department to regulate the nomination process in order to achieve a broader balance. Progress of any legislation will, however, be a matter for consideration by the devolved Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Mr. Donaldson) of 29 March 1999, Official Report, column 479, if she will provide a breakdown of the moneys spent under the heading, media and publicity advice and services, listing the consultancies and individuals providing services and the moneys received by each and describe the process of selection of consultants and purchased services. [87169]

[holding answer 16 June 1999]: (a)

£
Item (financial years 1997–98 and 1998–99)	Amount
Fees	103,170.90
Expenses	3,683.70
Printing	2,353.97
Work relating to the website/database	5,544.23
Hire of locations (for press conferences, etc.)	3,511.72
Transportation (Commission briefings in USA)	2,466.27
Sundries	1,595.73
Total	122,326.52

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to meet the Irish Prime Minister to agree a joint British-Irish funding body for organisations involved in reconciliation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [86151]

None. I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him by the Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Dumbarton (Mr. McFall) on 15 June 1999, Official Report, column 67.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at which locations nursery units have been provided under the first tranche of the childhood funds; how many of these units are associated with the Council of Catholic Maintained Schools; and what assessment she has made of the extent to which the EU peace package for peace and reconciliation is being used for cross-community nursery units. [86312]

19 nursery units have been provided in the following locations:

• West Winds Primary School, Newtownards
• Kilcooley Primary School, Bangor
• Old Warren Primary School, Lisburn
• Bushmills Primary School
• Harpur's Hill Primary School, Coleraine
• St. James' Primary School, Whiteabbey
• St. John's Primary School, Carnlough
• College Farm Nursery School, Armagh
• St. Patrick's Primary School, Newry
• St. Patrick's Primary School, Dungannon
• St. Patrick's Primary School, Crossmaglen
• St. Patrick's Primary School, Cullyhanna
• St. Joseph's Primary School, Newry
• Barrack St. Boys Primary School, Strabane
• St. Ronan's Primary School, Lisnaskea
• St. Patrick's Primary School, Castlederg
• Ashlea Primary School, Londonderry
• Enniskillen Nursery School
• Glendermott Primary School, Londonderry

Twelve of the units are located at schools in the Catholic-maintained sector.All nursery provision is open to all children regardless of religious denomination and a number of the projects under tranche 1 of the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme have been approved with the specific aim of making cross-community provision. Several have been developed on neutral sites and through partnerships in order to secure places which can be attended by children from all religious backgrounds, and management structures have been established to reflect this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when (a) HMS Fearless and (b) HMS Intrepid will be taken out of service; and if he will make a statement. [85961]

[holding answer 8 June 1999]: On current plans, Fearless and Intrepid are due to be payed-off in 2001 and 2002, respectively. However, the pay-off dates are linked to the acceptance of the LPD(R)s, the replacement vessels, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. In the light of delays to the LPD(R)s, the pay-off dates for Fearless and Intrepid are under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on HMS Brave over the last two years; what is the cost of holding her in a state of extended readiness over the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [86372]

Maintenance work on HMS Brave in the two years to June 1999 has cost about £1.9 million. This includes the cost of preparations for extended readiness and the cost of the tow from Devonport to Portsmouth where the ship is now berthed. The estimated cost of maintaining HMS Brave at extended readiness for the next 12 months is about £0.4 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the pay of medical and dental officers in the armed forces. [87664]

The Armed Forces Pay Review Body has made recommendations on the pay of medical and dental officers in the armed forces. In view of the particular retention difficulties in the Defence Medical Services, the Review Body recommends that all medical and dental officers should receive a general 4.5 per cent. increase in basic pay. The Review Body also recommends, in order to achieve greater comparability with equivalent personnel in the NHS, an increase to Trainers' Pay and the activation of a Distinction Award scheme.The Government have decided to accept the Review Body's recommendations and these will be payable in full from 1 April 1999.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the Government's plans to implement Part II of the Family Law Act 1996. [87637]

The Government will not now implement Part II of the Family Law Act 1996 in 2000. Before implementing Part II, the Government must be satisfied that the new arrangements for divorce which it would put in place will work. The pilot projects which have been run to test the provision of information meetings under Part II were concluded at the end of May. The preliminary research results are disappointing, in view of the Government's objectives of saving saveable marriages and encouraging the mediated settlement of disputes. A summary of the research results so far will be published today, and copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The full research results from the pilots will not be ready until early next year, when the Government will consider whether further research is necessary.The Government will therefore bring forward amendments today to the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill currently before Parliament to ensure that its pension sharing provisions can take effect under the existing divorce law or under the divorce law as reformed by Part II of the Family Law Act. A set of supplementary explanatory notes for the Bill will be available from today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Government have taken to ensure that the Judiciary and the Procurator Fiscal Service is equipped to deal with the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998; what material has been produced to assist with this process; and if he will place copies of it in the Library. [86209]

[holding answer 15 June 1999]: The Judicial Studies Committee established in 1997 under the Chairmanship of the right hon. Lord Ross has undertaken a comprehensive programme of training on human rights issues for all Judges, Sheriffs Principal, Sheriffs and Temporary Sheriffs. This includes the provision of specially commissioned briefing material, texts and reports produced by commercial publishers and a series of seminars held at various locations for all Judges and Sheriffs, with particular emphasis on the human rights issues arising immediately in Scotland as a result of the Scotland Act 1998. The normal programme of Court business has been adjusted to allow attendance at these events. Following the Government's recent announcement of the commencement date of the Human Rights Act 1998, the Judicial Studies Committee will shortly be embarking on the detailed planning necessary to ensure that appropriate further Judicial education is provided in good time before that date.The Lord Advocate is responsible for the Procurator Fiscal Service. His Department is now trained and equipped to deal with the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998. Early last year his officials prepared a detailed action plan for his Department on implementation of Convention rights in Scotland. A full time Working Group of 4 senior lawyers was established in June 1998 and has conducted a comprehensive review of prosecution policy and practice in Scotland. The most extensive training exercise in the history of the Department commenced in February 1999 and was completed on 3 June 1999 with all lawyers in the Department receiving three days training on the European Convention on Human Rights, the Scotland Act and the Human Rights Act. Further practical workshops and training for support staff will take place during the summer of 1999 and the Human Rights Act will, in future, form part of the core training of all prosecutors in Scotland. This training was accompanied by detailed and extensive training material and guidance. The materials produced for the Procurator Fiscal Service contain prosecution policy and are confidential.Since 20 May 1999 prosecution in Scotland is a matter for the Scottish Parliament.The other matters will also be for that Parliament from 1 July 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since 15 April; and what percentage of them received a substantive response on that day. [87318]

Since 15 April, thirty-two parliamentary questions have been tabled to my Department for answer on a named day. Of these, forty-seven per cent. received a substantive reply on the nominated day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what effect devolution will have on ministerial responsibilities for forestry. [87666]

From 1 July 1999, Scottish Ministers in the Scottish Parliament will have responsibility for forestry in Scotland, the National Assembly for Wales will have responsibility for forestry in Wales, while the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will continue to have responsibility for forestry in England.The Prime Minister has agreed that the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will also, from 1 July, assume responsibility for forestry issues affecting Great Britain as a whole. The Minister will, of course, consult Scottish Ministers and the National Assembly on such matters.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has responsibility for forestry in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels on 14–15 June; and if he will make a statement. [87373]

I represented the United Kingdom at a meeting of the European Union Agriculture Council in Luxembourg on 14–15 June.Concluding a negotiation launched under the UK Presidency last year, the Council reached a unanimous landmark agreement (Spain abstaining) on battery cages for laying hens, the farming system which is most heavily criticised on grounds of animal welfare. From 1 January 2003, any new battery cages must meet new and more welfare-friendly standards. Conventional battery cages will be banned altogether after the end of 2011.One of my aims was to accommodate non-cage systems of the kind which many UK producers have voluntarily adopted out of concern for animal welfare, and I am pleased to have secured terms which will allow producers who have such systems to keep them, without significant change also until 31 December 2011.I regard it as important that, as we raise standards of animal welfare in the European Union, our producers should not be undermined by producers in third countries operating on lower standards. This week's agreement includes a firm undertaking from the Commission to seek wider international agreement on animal welfare standards in the next round of World Trade Organisation negotiations which starts early next year.The Council also reached unanimous agreement on standards for organic livestock, ending nearly three years' discussion. Consumers and producers will benefit from knowing that all livestock products sold as organic must in future conform to a minimum set of requirements applicable throughout the EU. It remains open to each member state to set stricter (but not less strict) standards for its own producers. I intend that there should be early discussion between Government and UK organic farming organisations about the implementation of the new rules.In the light of the problem of dioxin contamination in Belgium, the Council agreed on the urgent need to improve the monitoring and control of foodstuffs, and in particular invited the Commission to carry out a thorough review of feedingstuffs legislation and labelling.The Council also agreed the 1999 CAP price proposals by qualified majority, Italy voting against. This largely prolongs the status quo for the 1999–2000 marketing year, in advance of the Agenda 2000 price cuts beginning next year. As part of the deal, I secured an important Commission commitment to allow member states to apply more flexible set-aside rules where this brought environmental benefits, as well as their agreement to correct an anomaly which prevented fruit and vegetable producer groups including non-grower members on their Boards.Ministers also registered the importance they attach to milk consumption by school children and undertook to reflect further on how to encourage such consumption in a cost-efficient way.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the report on organic farming and gene transfer from genetically modified crops commissioned from the John Innes Centre will be published. [87296]

The report is being published today. Copies have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list (a) the criteria he used to exempt the pet of William Dowell from quarantine and (b) the powers under which the exemption was granted. [86629]

This is a wholly exceptional and very tragic case, and in the circumstances it would have been heartless not to make an exemption from the quarantine rules.The power to be used is contained in Article 2(1) of the Animals (Miscellaneous Provisions) Order of 1927 (SR & O 1927, No. 290).

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list total United Kingdom permitted landings, in tonnes, of fish under the present Common Fisheries Policy distributions; and if he will estimate discards, by tonne, of each fish type in the past 12 months. [86730]

The United Kingdom's quota share of the Total Allowable Catch (which need not be landed in the UK) for 1999 is set out in the table:

Tonnes
Stock and ICES1 reporting area	1999 UK quota
Sandeels IIa, IV	20,000
Herring I, II	25,190
Herring IVa, b	40,570
Herring IVc, VIId	1,693
Herring Vb, VIaN, VIb	39,240
Herring VIa (Clyde)	1,000
Herring VIIa	4,880
Herring VIIe, f	500
Herring VIIg-k	30
Herring IIa, IV Industrial by-catch	550
Cod IIa, IV	56,260
Cod Vb, VI, XII, XIV	5,690
Cod VIIa	1,585
Cod VIIb-k, VIII, IX, X	1,570
Megrim IIa, IV	2,880
Megrim Vb, VI, XII, XIV	1,520
Megrim VII	3,210
Dab and Flounder IIa, IV	2,590
Anglers IIa, IV	17,960
Anglers Vb, VI, XII, XIV	2,650
Anglers VII	4,800
Haddock IIa, IV	57,045
Haddock Vb, VI, XII, XIV	15,110
Haddock VII, VIII, IX, X	2,220
Haddock VIIa	2,390
Whiting IIa, IV	24,590
Whiting Vb, VI, XII, XIV	4,060
Whiting VIIa	1,720
Whiting VIIb-k	2,680
Hake Ha, IV	350
Hake Vb, VI, XII, XIV	5,550
Lemon sole and Witch IIa, IV	7,330
Blue Whiting IIa, IV	1,070
Nephrops IIa, IV	13,165
Nephrops Vb, VI	12,305
Nephrops VII	7,545
Plaice IIa, IV	28,070
Plaice Vb, VI, XII, XIV	1,450
Plaice VIIa	885
Plaice VIId, e	2,150
Plaice VIIf, g	205
Plaice VIIh, j, k	170
Pollack Vb, VI, XII, XIV	400
Pollack VII	2,960
Saithe IIa, IIIb, c, d IV	8,830
Saithe Vb, VI, XII, XIV	3,125
Saithe VII, VIII, IX, X	1,350
Turbot and Brill IIa, IV	1,390
Skates and Rays IIa, IV	3,920
Mackerel IIa (EC) III, IV	1,390
Mackerel IIa (non-EC), Vb, VI, VII, VIIIa, b, d, e, XII, XIV	165,480
Sole II, IV	945
Sole Vb, VI, XII, XIV	30
Sole VIIa	200
Sole VIId	905
Sole VIIe	410
Sole VIIf, g	270
Sole VIIh, j, k	120
Sprat IIa, IV	5,900
Sprat VIId, e	6,300
Horse mackerel IIa, IV	5,840
Horse mackerel Vb, VI, VII, VIIIa, b, c, d, e, XII, XIV	25,310
1 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy towards sandeel conservation; what are the present estimated total stocks in UK waters; and what is the present allowable catch. [87342]

I remain concerned to ensure that an appropriate Total Allowable Catch is established each year for sandeels. I am also concerned to ensure that effective conservation measures are put in place to ensure that sandeels are available to those sea birds that depend on them at certain times of the year.Figures for estimated total sandeel stocks in UK waters are not available. The main sandeel fishery off the UK is in the North Sea. In October 1998 the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea advised that the North sea spawning stock biomass of this short lived species stood at 1.8 million tonnes. On this advice the Council of Ministers set a Total Allowable Catch of 1 million tonnes. A further 7,000 tonnes may be taken in the tightly regulated local fishery at Shetland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how the Government are implementing the proposals in the Green Paper regulating communications, approaching convergence in the information age. [87773]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I have today published a report 'Regulating Communications: The Way Ahead', setting out the way forward on the regulation of the converging industries.The Government's proposals for an evolutionary approach to the regulation of the converging communication sectors to take account of convergence proposed in last July's Convergence Green Paper received widespread support in the consultation it initiated.

To ask the Attorney-General what steps have been taken to implement Recommendations 4 and 9 of the Review of the Crown Prosecution Service in respect of research on discontinuances and downgrading of charges by the CPS. [86908]

Recommendations 4 and 9 of the Glidewell Report are being considered by the CPS with the inter-agency Criminal Justice Information Working Group. The first part of Recommendation 9 was accepted by the Government in November 1998, and has been implemented. The Attorney-General will be announcing the Government's decisions on Recommendation 4 and the second part of Recommendation 9 later this month as part of a wider statement on the Glidewell Report.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people required hospital treatment following the application of CS spray by a police officer in the most recent year for which figures are available. [87347]

This information is not maintained centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Arrangements are being made by the Association of Chief Police Officers to gather information from forces on the use of CS spray, as part of their monitoring of police use of force.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has issued to police forces on providing police cover for carnival processions. [87357]

None. The assessment of the policing needs of carnivals and similar events is an operational matter for chief officers of police, who will generally consult event organisers, local authorities and other agencies.The Association of Chief Police Officers issued advice and guidance on public safety at organised events in April 1999, which recommends a multi-agency approach to public safety issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) of the defendants who exercised their right to elect jury trial in 1998, how many were (a) acquitted in the Crown Court of all the charges against them, (b) convicted in the Crown Court following a jury trial and (c) convicted in the Crown Court on pleas of guilty and without going to jury trial; [86909]

(2) in respect of the most recent period for which information is available, what proportions of defendants tried in the Crown Court following election for jury trial were (a) acquitted, or otherwise not convicted, in relation to all of the charges against them, (b) convicted, following jury trial, on all or some of the charges against them and (c) convicted, following pleas of guilty, and without going to jury trial, on all or some of the charges against them; [86960]

(3) in respect of the most recent period for which information is available, what proportions of defendants convicted in the Crown Court following an election for jury trial were (a) convicted on all of the same charges with which they were originally charged and (b) convicted of fewer or lesser charges than those with which they were originally charged. [86961]

This information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive to ensure that any changes to legislation relating to the age of consent in Scotland are introduced and proceeded with simultaneously in the House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament. [87172]

I have discussed this issue with my right hon. Friend the Scottish First Minister. This is a devolved issue, but one which is complicated by the consideration being given by the United Kingdom Government to the use of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949. I fully support the conclusions reached on this by the Scottish Executive, as set out in the First Minister's statement to the Scottish Parliament on 9 June 1999, Official Report of the Scottish Parliament, columns 358–60, in which he said:

"The Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill is a United Kingdom measure designed to equalise the age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals, and to introduce a new offence of abuse of trust. It was introduced to the Westminster Parliament in December last year and defeated in the House of Lords in April this year. The United Kingdom Government is likely to reintroduce the Bill, making use of the Parliament Acts to ensure its passage. That means that the Bill that is re-introduced would have to be identical to the one that was defeated. Therefore, even if it were thought desirable, it will not be possible to remove Scotland from the Bill's scope if the Parliament Acts are invoked. Until the United Kingdom Government and Parliament have concluded the existing legislative process, it is logical to regard it as unfinished Westminster business. However, these are devolved matters of some sensitivity. It is essential that this Parliament should have the opportunity to debate the Scottish provisions of the Bill. We shall therefore provide for a debate in Executive time. I and my colleagues in the Executive will argue in that debate that the powers under the Parliament Acts should be used if that is thought appropriate by the United Kingdom Government. We have reached that conclusion in the knowledge that this Parliament will have the power, if it so wishes, to amend or repeal any Scottish provision enacted by the passage of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill."

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much compensation has been paid out under Option A Code 3001 of the Firearms Compensation Scheme to (a) Firearms Certificate holders and (b) firearms dealers; and what proportion of the amount paid out under that part of the scheme this represents; [86905]

(2) how many claimants under Option A Code 3001 of the Firearms Compensation Scheme (a) are still awaiting payment and (b) have been paid, broken down by (i) Firearms Certificate holders and (ii) firearms dealers; [86906]

(3) how much compensation has been paid by the Firearms Compensation Scheme under the Large Calibre Handgun Compensation Scheme; [86907]

A total of £80.87 million has been paid in compensation under the large calibre scheme. Of this, £51,450 has been paid to 536 firearm certificate holders and £1.23 million has been paid to 475 registered firearms dealers under Option A Code 3001 of the scheme. These payments represent 9.2 per cent. of the total paid under Option A. There should be no qualifying claims outstanding under this code.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many claims were submitted to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (i) in total and (ii) by the victims of rape and incest; and what percentage in each case were (a) processed, (b) awarded and (c) rejected, in each of the last five years. [83266]Mr. Boateng

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy with regards to longer term foreign exchange executory contracts following the judgment of the European Court in the First National Bank of Chicago case (Case C-172/96). [85678]

Following the judgment of the European Court in the First National Bank of Chicago case, policy is that all foreign exchange transactions are supplies of services. Where these transactions take place within the EU, the services are exempt from VAT and therefore taxpayers are not able to recover the VAT incurred on related costs. Where the transaction is with a party belonging outside the EU, however, the VAT incurred is recoverable. The recoverable amount is determined on a basis agreed between the taxpayer and Customs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the Government expects to respond to the first and second reports from the Joint Committee on Financial Services and Markets. [87669]

The Government are today publishing their response to the Joint Committee's reports to coincide with the introduction of the Financial Services and Markets Bill in the House of Commons. Copies of the Government's response are available in the Vote Office and the Library of the House. It will also be published on the Treasury's Internet website (http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk). The Government very much appreciate and welcome the work of the Joint Committee.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 1999, Official Report, column 289, on the European Court judgment in the First National Bank of Chicago case, how many claims HM Customs and Excise have received as a consequence of the judgment; and what is their total value. [86965]

As at 31 May 1999 Customs and Excise had received 64 claims with a total value of £36.8 million, excluding interest.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 1999, Official Report, column 289, on the European Court judgment in the First National Bank and Chicago case, how many claims received from businesses as a consequence of the judgment HM Customs and Excise are monitoring; and what is the total value of the claims. [87023]

As at 31 May 1999 Customs and Excise had received and are monitoring 64 claims with a total value of £36.8 million, excluding interest.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with retailers about the losses sustained by their industry as a result of tobacco smuggling. [86500]

Customs continue to work with industry representatives on estimating the scale of tobacco smuggling and finding new ways to tackle the problem. Several retail trade associations contributed to the review of alcohol and tobacco fraud and smuggling published in July last year. The Government accepted the review findings and Customs are now progressing the recommendations in partnership with the trade.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the introduction of a statutory maximum interest rate. [86526]

The Government gave the Bank of England operational independence to set interest rates to ensure the Government's commitment to low inflation is delivered in practice. Setting a maximum interest rate would limit the Bank of England's ability to meet the Government's inflation target.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to introduce fair trade products at (a) meetings, (b) events and (c) catering facilities within his Department. [82872]

The Department of Education and Employment has sought prices for both fair trade and non-fair trade products from catering suppliers during a recent tender exercise. The Department will continue to do so. In line with Government procurement policy, the evaluation of tenders will take into account value for money considerations having due regard to propriety and regularity. Furthermore, we work closely with our current catering providers and encourage them to offer fair trade products as an option to customers in staff restaurants. Discussions are taking place to ensure that fair trade products are considered for inclusion in product specification sent out for tender.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what targets the Government have set the Employment Service in respect of the New Deal; and if the Employment Service has passed targets on to individual employment centres and New Deal advisers. [87294]

The Employment Service has been set a target of helping 100,000 young people into employment, through the New Deal, in this financial year. This national target is disaggregated to local Jobcentre level. Planning to meet local targets is the responsibility of each Jobcentre Manager, including, where appropriate, further disaggregation of office targets to New Deal personal Advisers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if people in receipt of disability living allowance will be exempt from attending the ONE interview for the single work-focused gateway. [87280]

In twelve ONE pilot areas from April next year, subject to the passage of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill through Parliament, anyone of working age, who is working for less than sixteen hours per week and claiming one or more of the income replacement benefits listed in the Bill, will be required to participate in a work-focused interview as a condition of receiving that benefit. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is not specified as one of these benefits, as it is not an income replacement benefit. Accordingly, this means that anyone receiving only DLA, and no other benefits, will not be required to participate in an interview. Claimants of DLA only will continue to claim directly via the regional Disability Benefits Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated increase in the budget for the current financial year, expressed in cash and percentage terms of the Higher Education Funding Council; and if he will make a statement. [86337]

The recurrent grant for the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales for 1999–2000 is £263.341 million. This represents an increase of £32.119 million (almost 14 per cent.) over 1998–99. In addition £5.362 million of capital has been provided to support the research and teaching infrastructure and to provide new teaching equipment.The funding represents an excellent settlement for the Welsh higher education sector.Responsibility for higher education funding will transfer to the National Assembly from 1 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on higher education funding. [86342]

A very small number of representations have been received since my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the funding allocation for higher education in Wales following the Comprehensive Spending Review.The real terms increase in resources for the Welsh HE sector has been welcomed.Responsibility for higher education funding will transfer to the National Assembly from 1 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the women's organisations which have been consulted over proposed legislation by his Department during this session; and if their responses have been published. [86998]

The women's organisations consulted over proposed legislation during this session are: the National Federation of Women's Institutes, Welsh Women's Aid, Merched y Wawr and the Wales Assembly for Women. Some consultation exercises are ongoing. To date one response from Welsh Women's Aid has been published.Consultation has also taken place with the Equal Opportunities Commission. This offered further opportunity for consulting women's organisations through the EOC's support of the Wales Women's National Coalition which is made up of representatives of women's organisations including, in addition to those mentioned above, Chwarae Teg, Mewn Cymru, Wales Women's Euro Network, and the Wales TUC Women's Advisory Committee.The Welsh Office is committed to ensuring that its policies are inclusive and take account of the views and experience of those who will be affected by them. The National Assembly for Wales, through its Equalities Committee, will play a significant role in future, in co-orporation with the Office of the Secretary of State.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the draft regulations to implement the Tobacco Advertising Directive 98/43/EC; and if he will make a statement. [87363]

I have today published draft regulations to implement Directive 98/43/EC banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship. Copies will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will list the maximum and minimum durations of meetings of the Joint Consultative Committee and the number of agenda items in each case. [87036]

Details of the proceedings of the Joint Consultative Committee are exempt from disclosure under the internal discussion and advice exemption of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information".

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many parliamentary questions have been tabled to his Department for written answer on a named day since 15 April; and what percentage of them received a substantive response on that day. [87320]

Between the period of 15 April 1999–11 June 1999 there have been 21 named day parliamentary questions tabled to my Department, of which 90.5 per cent. received a substantive reply on the day specified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will deposit in the Library the Presidency draft of an EU Charter of Rights; and if he will make a statement. [86720]

No such draft exists. The Cologne European Council agreed a declaration setting out the process for developing the Charter. An initial draft will be prepared over the next 18 months according to the process described in the Cologne Conclusions (Annexe N), which have been deposited in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions the Government are taking to bring about a ceasefire in Southern Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [87007]

During a visit by the late Minister of State, Derek Fatchett, to Nairobi and Khartoum last July, the SPLA and Government of Sudan agreed a three-month ceasefire in Bahr el Ghazal. This limited ceasefire has been extended and both parties again committed themselves to it at a recent meeting in Oslo.Peace in the Sudan remains a priority. We shall continue to call for a comprehensive ceasefire in the Sudan and shall continue to be active in pursuit of peace, working closely with IGAD and the IGAD Partners Forum.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom submitted its 1998 return to the UN Register of Conventional Arms; and if copies of the return will be placed in the Library. [87101]

The 1998 return to the UN Register of Conventional Arms, covering transfers during calendar year 1997, was submitted on 7 May 1998. The 1999 return, covering transfers in calendar year 1998, was submitted on 27 May 1999. Copies of both returns were placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge Iran to grant free and equal rights to all citizens. [87132]

We and our EU partners regularly raise our concerns with the Iranian authorities over the plight of minorities in Iran, in particular the Baha'i community. We will continue to press the Iranians for improvements. Our position was again made clear in the EU sponsored UN Commission on Human Rights resolution on Iran adopted in April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the level of anti-semitism in Iran. [87129]

Judaism, along with Christianity and Zoroastrianism are recognised religions under the Iranian constitution. The Jewish community are represented in the Iranian Parliament (Majles) by a Jewish MP who represents the community as a whole rather than a constituency and whose seat is reserved by the constitution. The Iranian authorities have frequently stated that they recognise Judaism but not Zionism, a position also adopted by the Iranian Jewish community. The Jewish community in Iran has shrunk to approximately 27,000 from around 100,000 since the revolution in 1979. Those remaining do so through choice and have experienced occasional problems mainly related to the clash of cultures between Judaism and Islam (Jewish shopkeepers wishing to open on the Islamic weekend and other similar incidents). We welcome President Khatami's statement following the recent arrests of members of the Jewish communities that he is responsible for individuals of very religious persuasion in Iran.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the Government of Iran to state the conditions under which the group of thirteen Jews from Shiraz who have been arrested are being held. [87130]

We have sought assurances that the detained will be treated fairly under Iranian law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he proposes to take concerning the arrest and proposed trial of 13 members of the Jewish community in Iran; and if he will make a statement. [87159]

We and our EU partners are concerned at reports of the arrest of 13 Iranian Jews. The German EU Presidency on a visit to Tehran on 20 May expressed the concern of EU member states at these detentions. This was before news broke of the detainees being charged with espionage on 7 June. This will be followed up with an EU demarche to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have also told the Iranians of our concern bilaterally, both in London and Tehran, and have pressed for the detainees to be treated fairly under Iranian law, as have many of our EU partners. We will continue to watch developments closely and will take further action as necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what instructions he has given to the British Ambassador in Teheran concerning the situation of members of the Baha'i community in Iran. [87128]

We and our EU partners regularly raise with the Iranian authorities our concerns over the plight of the Baha'i community in Iran. I most recently raise the issue with the Iranian Ambassador on 24 May. Last October our then Charge (now Ambassador), with partners in the EU Troika, spoke to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about two Baha'is under sentence of death. So far that action appears to have been effective in preventing those executions. He and his EU colleagues regularly report on human rights issues including the Baha'is. I discussed these issues with Barnabas Leith, the Secretary General of the Baha'i Community of the United Kingdom, when we met on 14 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department has spent in each of the last five years in supporting British Nuclear Fuels plc's efforts to secure foreign contracts (i) in total and (ii) for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel in the United Kingdom. [86966]

My Department, working with the DTI as British Trade International, provides wide-ranging, non-discriminatory support for all British companies, provided their products and services are mainly of UK origin and are legal. That support ranges from tailored market information to high-level political lobbying and multilateral work to liberalise markets.British Nuclear Fuels plc has, like other British exporters, benefited from Government export support. The international market within which it operates is framed by inter-governmental nuclear co-operation agreements covering the export of nuclear materials and contracts for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel in the United Kingdom. No charge is made for the work necessary to conclude these. Records of this work and other support are not collated centrally and cannot be quantified in the way requested.