To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral Statement of 14 June 1999, Official Report, column 22–33, on Kosovo, what response he has received from Hashen Thaqi about ending violence in Kosovo. [87591]

As the Prime Minister pointed out in his statement to the House on Kosovo on 21 June 1999, Official Report, columns 761–64, and at the G8 Summit, the KLA has now agreed an undertaking to demilitarise in phases over 90 days, beginning with an immediate ceasefire.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to support the gathering of evidence in Kosovo on behalf of the War Crimes Commission. [87875]

We are doing all we can to help ICTY investigate crimes against humanity in Kosovo. A UK Scenes of Crime team has been initially tasked by ICTY to examine sites of two of the worst atrocities thought to have taken place in Kosovo. The UK team was the first such team operating on the ground in Kosovo.In April, we appointed a UK Kosovo war crimes co-ordinator who is responsible for ensuring that as much information as possible is passed to ICTY that might be relevant to the Tribunal's investigations.We have contributed an extra £290,000 this year to ICTY in addition to the UK's assessed contribution of US$5.1 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will deposit in the Library documentation relating to the seminars provided by the European Commission to EU consumer organisations in November and December on training in important aspects of the transition to the euro, from the consumer's viewpoint; [87672]

(2) if he will make a statement on the (a) nature and (b) cost of the assistance supplied by the European Commission to the TUC to encourage public debate on EMU; [87686]

(3) if he will make a statement on the nature of the project financed by the European Commission relating to vulnerable sectors of the population and preparation for the advent of the euro. [87659]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 17 May 1999, Official Report, column 253, which special advisers visited the United States of America on 10 and 11 September 1997; and if he will list the meetings which these special advisers held with members and officials of the US Government during the visit, stating the dates and locations of each meeting and the names of the US ministers and officials at each meeting. [87414]

My right hon. Friend the Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett), as the then President of the Board of Trade met Charlene Barshefsky (US Trade Representative), William Daley (US Commerce Secretary) and Elizabeth Moler (US Deputy Energy Secretary) during her visit to the United States of America in September 1997. She also participated in other meetings involving Senators and Congressmen. She was accompanied by her Special Adviser, Mr. Corry, at these meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the tariffs imposed by the United States on European Union goods as a result of the banana dispute. [87506]

The point at issue in this dispute is the compatibility of the EU's banana import regime with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).This regime was revised during 1998 to take account of the earlier adverse WTO rulings, but the WTO Panel ruled on 12 April that the revised regime is still not fully WTO-compliant. In addition, the WTO arbitrator determined that the annual loss to the US from the current regime is $191.4 million. On 19 April, the US was given formal WTO authority to retaliate up to that level.The US issued a revised retaliation list on 9 April removing several sectors which had been included on an earlier list. Whilst this scaling down was welcome, we remain acutely aware that many UK businesses are adversely affected by the retaliation still in effect.We are continuing to make representations to the US about the harm which is being caused to UK businesses in the affected sectors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will reply to the letter of 18 May from Rosemary Maddock of Highclere, Slapton, near Kingsbridge, Devon, about a former employee of Anchorpac Ltd. [87986]

I understand that a reply was sent by an Official in the Employments Relations Directorate on 23 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the security force helicopters operating in the Ashgrove area of Lurgan on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 March were equipped with still or video cameras; and if photographs or video footage from them has been made available to the policy inquiry team investigating the murder of Rosemary Nelson. [86174]

School	Education and Library Board area	Management Type	Capital cost (£000)	Number of part-time places
Harryville Primary School, Ballymena	North Eastern	Controlled	80	52
St. Joseph's Primary School, Crumlin	North Eastern	Maintained	60	52
Bloomfield Road Primary School, Bangor	South Eastern	Controlled	90	52
Abbey Primary School, Newtownards	South Eastern	Controlled	70	52
St. Aloysius' Primary School, Lisburn	South Eastern	Maintained	90	52
Craigavon Primary School, Gilford1	Southern	Controlled	20	12
St. Clare's/St. Colman's Abbey Primary School, Newry	Southern	Maintained	55	52
Ballykelly Primary School	Western	Controlled	66	52
1This is an extension to an existing nursery unit

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if lecturers in Northern Ireland further education colleges prior to April 1993 were employed on conditions of service similar to the Silver Book agreement in England. [87785]

Yes, subject to minor regional variations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 12 June the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) punishments shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [87962]

The number of paramilitary attacks during the period 6–12 June 1999 are as shown.

[holding answer 8 June 1999]:All matters of security force activity in this area over the period of 12–15 March are the subject of major lines of inquiry for Mr. Port's continuing investigation. It is not, therefore, appropriate to go into detail at this stage. However, he has access to all the available information, in whatever form.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many weapons and of what calibre were collected during the 1971 weapons amnesty; and how those weapons were disposed of. [87154]

[holding answer 16 June 1999]: The Northern Ireland Office does not hold the information in the form requested. I understand, however, that a total of 1,619 firearms and 99,440 rounds of ammunition were handed in.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for each (a) controlled, (b) maintained, (c) integrated and (d) voluntary sector school in each Education and Library Board area the number of, and the expenditure on, PEAG places for the school year 1998–99. [87674]

Under 1998–99 Pre-school Education Development Plans, my Department approved the establishment of new statutory nursery units at the following schools.

	Loyalist	Republican
Assaults	4	2
Shootings	2	0
Total	6	2

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 12 June the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland indicating how many involved (a) Loyalist and (b) Republican groups. [87961]

The number of security incidents during the period 6–12 June 1999 are as shown:

	Number
Deaths	0
Shooting incidents	2
Bombing incidents	3

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans the Government have for any sum exceeding the projected £70 million raised from the proposed privatisation of Belfast Harbour; and if she will make a statement. [88118]

The scheme for transferring Belfast Port to the private sector has not yet been finalised and no plans beyond the £70 million assumed in the Northern Ireland estimates for 1999–2000 have therefore been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 June 1999, Official Report, column 332, on the London River Police, what estimate he has made of the (a) cost of overtime payments and (b) total cost for the service, over the millennium public holiday, at a strength of (i) 89 and (ii) 101. [87405]

The Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police tells me that all police officers on duty on the millennium public holiday will be entitled to overtime payment for being on duty. It is likely that every officer will be working a 12-hour duty, at an average cost of £297.69 per officer.The total cost of the millennium public holiday river policing arrangements, based on a 12-hour duty on 31 December and a 12-hour duty on 1 January, using the same figure will be £595.38 per officer. This gives a total cost of £52,988.82 for 89 officers, and £60,133.38 for 101 officers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 June 1999, Official Report, column 332, on the London River Police, for what reasons there will be a reduction in the number of river police in the period to 1 January 2000. [87402]

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police tells me that the reduction of numbers of river police, to 89 from 101, will align resources more closely to known and potential policing demands and so enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the river police.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the prisons in which prisoners are confined to cells for 22 hours a day or more; how many prisoners in each prison are so confined; and what the reasons are. [87957]

The Prison Service does not collect centrally information on the time individual prisoners spend confined to their cell.Provisional data show that, for the year 1998–99, the average time prisoners were locked in their cells was 13.4 hours on a weekday and 14.7 hours at weekends.Within a prison establishment, the period for which individual prisoners or groups of prisoners are unlocked will vary according to a number of factors, including their level on the incentives and earned privileges scheme. Some prisoners may be confined to their cells for most of the day, though usually only for short periods. Reasons for this might include for the maintenance of good order and discipline, because the individual prisoner has declined regime activity or because of operational demands.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Torbay of 9 May, in regard to the return of Mr. Melik's passport. [87839]

Mr. Melik was granted leave to remain as a visitor and his passport returned to him on 21 June. A reply to the hon. Member will shortly be sent to this effect.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Torbay, of 9 May in regard to the return of documents belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Strange. [87840]

I will reply shortly, but can say that Mrs. Strange has been given leave to remain in the United Kingdom for a further 12 months and her passport was returned on 22 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the performance of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate. [87838]

The Immigration and Nationality Directorate's caseworking operation is undergoing major accommodation and organisational changes. These changes are necessary to modernise the work of the Directorate to enable it to meet the Government's commitment to a fairer, firmer, faster immigration control. I regret any delays caused by this.My right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, has established a project team, working to tight deadlines, to plan and deliver urgent measures to ensure the Directorate returns to previous levels of service.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 15 June 1999, Official Report, column 93, on police car response times, what plans he has to commission research on this matter. [87975]

We have no plans to commission research on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons' report on his inspection of HMP Wormwood Scrubs to be published. [88449]

I understand that Sir David Ramsbotham intends to publish his inspection report on Wormwood Scrubs prison on Monday 28 June. I have arranged for copies of his report to be placed in the Library and the Vote Office on publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support the Government give to encourage film companies to use British locations. [87877]

The Government fund the British Film Commission (BFC), which provides information and advice to overseas and domestic film production companies on making use of suitable British locations and

£000
Project/programme title	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1996–97 to 1998–99
Good Government (Voter Registration Programme)	147	—	30	177
In-Service Education	296	226	16	539
Health Management Strengthening	106	24	—	130
Hospital Maintenance	40	14	9	63
Primary Health Care	60	87	—	148
Economic Management Capacity Building	—	—	50	50
Assistance to Auditor General	—	—	50	50
Mainstreaming Poverty and Gender	—	—	25	25
Records Management Improvement Project	—	—	120	120
Action Aid Capacity Building	—	—	100	100
Total expenditure	649	351	400	1,402

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of damage to Stonehenge and the World Heritage Area over the period of the summer solstice; and if he will make. a statement. [88091]

While I deplore the public disorder at Stonehenge over the summer solstice, I am pleased that specialist staff from English Heritage have ascertained that there has been no structural damage to the monument. The modern perimeter fence was damaged and there was some scuffing and dislodging of lichen caused by those who climbed on the stones. The National Trust has also confirmed that although there were people camping and lighting small fires on its adjoining land within the area of the World Heritage Site, no damage was caused beyond scorching and flattening of grass.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Chairman of the BBC concerning the procedures for selecting the next Director-General; and if he will make a statement. [88149]

None. The appointment of the Director-General of the BBC is a matter for the Board of Governors.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the projects for which aid has been provided to the Gambia during the last three years and the amounts for each project. [87946]

The following table shows British aid provided to the Gambia during the last three years. (The totals have been rounded up or down to the nearest £000).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement about her Department's involvement in the planned reconstruction of Kosovo. [88115]

The European Union, with the support of the World Bank, will assume the lead role in the reconstruction of Kosovo within the overall UN-led civil implementation structure. We are in close touch with all the international agencies, as well as bilateral donors, concerned with reconstruction.The European Union and World Bank, who have set up a joint headquarters in Brussels, are coordinating damage and needs assessment and will be organising a series of donor conferences over the coming months to mobilise the necessary international effort to help reconstruct Kosovo.We are working to ensure that the arrangements for managing EU assistance are effective and allow programmes to be implemented speedily. We are also seeking to ensure that the World Bank plays as wide a role in reconstruction as the legal status of Kosovo will allow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many people were employed by the Child Support Agency Independent Case Examiner in each of the past three years; [87575]

(2) how many cases have been dealt with by the Child Support Agency Independent Case Examiner in each of the past three years;[87573]

(3) what was the average time taken by the Child Support Agency Independent Case Examiner to conclude each case referred to him in the past three years;[87574]

(4) what plans there are to review the role and responsibility of the Child Support Agency Independent Case Examiner. [87576]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress he has made in setting up his stakeholder pensions advisory group. [88722]

The new stakeholder pensions advisory group will complement the formal consultation process for stakeholder pensions. It will draw on the experience of people with day-to-day experience of pensions—including employers and the pensions industry—to help make sure that the detail of stakeholders pensions is right, and that costs for the pensions industry and employers are kept to a minimum.Members of the group will be: Chair: Tom Ross (Aon Consulting and Scottish Life); large employer: Mark Hodgkinson (Barclays Bank); medium-sized employer: Judy Lever (Blooming Marvellous Ltd.); small employer: Ken Lewis (Dutton Engineering); insurance industry: Adrian Boulding (Legal & General); occupational pension scheme: David Morgan (CMT); independent financial adviser: Terry Bennet (PIFC); union fund: Joanne Segars (TUC); trust manager: Dugald Eadie (Hendersons).

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for how many current recipients of housing benefit their eligible rent is below the actual rent which they pay because of (i) the single room rent rules, (ii) the average reference rent rules and (iii) either of the above; and, in each case, what is the average amount by which the eligible rent falls short of the actual rent paid. [87778]

The information is not available in the format requested. We do not centrally collect information of individuals' contractual rent because it will commonly include items not eligible for Housing Benefit.The measures which limit the rent for Housing Benefit purposes are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the existing pension schemes with charges at or below one per cent. to which he referred in his press statement of 2 June; and if he will make a statement on whether these schemes meet the other proposed requirements of stakeholder pensions. [86459]

I have written to the hon. Member today in response to his question. A copy of the letter has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to establish and publish the Poverty Audit Index. [87087]

We will publish the first annual report on tackling poverty and social exclusion later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many (a) men and (b) women have claimed (i) invalidity benefit and (ii) incapacity benefit in each year since 1991. [87589]

The information is in the table.

The number of spells of Invalidity Benefit1 (1991–92 to 1994–95) and Incapacity Benefit2 short-term higher rate and long-term rate (the equivalent of Invalidity Benefit) (1995–96 to 1997–98) that commenced during each statistical year
	Men	Women
1991–92	233,000	90,000
1992–93	239,000	98,000
1993–94	242,000	106,000
1994–95	232,000	109,000
1995–96	174,000	97,000
1996–97	179,000	104,800
1997–98	182,000	104,000
1Invalidity Benefit from 1991–92 to 1994–95.
2Incapacity Benefit at the short-term higher and long-term rates (the equivalent of Invalidity Benefit) from 1995–96 to 1997–98.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to take to increase the awareness of the yellow card scheme among medical and dental practitioners. [86157]

The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) and the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) continue to investigate methods to increase the awareness of the yellow card scheme among medical and dental practitioners.A survey of general practitioners was recently undertaken and consideration is currently being given to the findings. Steps that have already been taken or are planned include:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what maintenance checks are made on refurbished NHS wheelchairs before they are despatched to disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [87571]

National Health Service Supplies arranges contracts on behalf of NHS trusts for the repair, modification and maintenance of wheelchairs.Rehabilitation engineers are employed by NHS trusts and among their duties carry out checks on a representative batch of the work completed by the repairers. If the batch inspected fails to meet the standard required, the whole consignment is rejected and has to be reprocessed by the repairer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the average daily cost to the NHS of employing nursing staff through private employment agencies, at each grade; and if he will make a statement; [87425](2) what is the average daily cost of nursing staff employed directly by the NHS, at each grade; and if he will make a statement. [87426]

The information requested is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects pen needles used by insulin-dependent diabetics to be available free of charge; and if he will make a statement. [87641]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to make an announcement concerning the prescribing of insulin pen needles; and if he will make a statement. [87644]

We have received representations from most of the organisations consulted. We are considering them, and are seeking clarification on certain points before we make our final decisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress made by the working group on ME. [87872]

The chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis working group, supported by a sub group looking at children's issues and a wider reference group, is making good progress and remains on target to report to the Chief Medical Officer by the end of next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the Government response to the Joint Human Genetics Advisory Commission and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority report, "Cloning Issues in Reproduction, Science and Medicine", to be published. [88432]

The Government's response to the joint Human Genetics Advisory Commission (HGAC) and Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) report, "Cloning Issues in Reproduction, Science and Medicine" has today been placed in the Library.Following public consultation, the joint HFEA/HGAC report's recommendations included the proposal that consideration be given to regulations under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 to allow research for therapeutic purposes which involved cloning techniques.The Government reaffirm their policy that human reproductive cloning is ethically unacceptable and cannot take place in this country. Also, more evidence is needed of the potential benefits to human health before the use of cloning for therapeutic purposes is allowed in research. We recognise that regulations to allow therapeutic research should be very carefully considered. We believe, however, that more evidence is required of the need for such research, its potential benefits and risks and that account should be taken of alternative approaches that might achieve the same ends.That is why we have asked the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Liam Donaldson, to set up and chair an independent expert advisory group to seek the views of a range of experts, both here and abroad, so that we have a clearer idea of the potential benefits of such research for human health.We expect it will begin work during the summer and report its findings to Ministers early next year.We welcome the HGAC/HFEA report's recognition that the safeguards currently in place are wholly adequate to prevent human reproductive cloning in the United Kingdom, and that the Government's policy of forbidding this practice received support during the public consultation.The Government accept the report's recommendations that the adequacy of the safeguards and related issues should be kept under review in order to address public concerns about the rapidity of development in these areas at the cutting edge of science and medicine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to modernise NHS procurement. [88643]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health is today publishing the report of a Cabinet Office Review of NHS Procurement which sets out a range of recommendations to develop NHS procurement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting times are for orthopaedic (i) initial consultation and (ii) operations in (a) Dorset, (b) Somerset and (c) Bristol; and if he will make a statement on the procedures for the referral of a patient for an operation to a hospital outside his health authority area. [88020]

The latest information available on inpatient and outpatient orthopaedic waiting times in Avon, Dorset and Somerset Health Authorities is shown in the tables:

Percentage
	Avon	Dorset	Somerset
Waiting time for trauma and orthopaedic inpatients—Quarter 4 1998–99
0–5 months	57	100	70
6–11 months	34	0	25
12–17 months	9	0	5
18 months plus	0	0	0
Waiting time for trauma and orthopaedic outpatients—Quarter 4 1998–99
0–3 weeks	25	20	20
4–12 weeks	30	46	29
13–25 weeks	19	32	29
26 weeks plus	26	2	22

Under the new arrangements for commissioning patient services, general practitioners and consultants will retain the clinical freedom to refer patients for the most appropriate treatment and will base their decision on their professional judgment and assessment of the case.Where there are consistent patterns of referrals to a service, whether a specialised service or more locally, these are being built into service agreements. Cases that do not fit this will be covered by the new arrangements for out of area treatments. Unlike the extra contractual referral arrangements, there is no formal prior approval mechanism for out of area treatments, so the process for such referrals is simpler.All out of area treatment referrals will be covered by the standards for quality and effectiveness specified in the main commissioner's service agreement and will be treated under the same agreements and on exactly the same basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the number of pages issued as press releases from his Department for 16 and 17 June; and if he will make a statement. [87973]

The Department issued nine Press Releases consisting of 29 pages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means he plans to monitor the effectiveness of the recently published code of practice for age diversity in employment. [87855]

We plan to evaluate fully the effectiveness of the Code of Practice for Age Diversity. The evaluation will look in detail at employer policies and practices in recruitment and employment and the impact this has on age diversity in their workforce. After a competitive tendering exercise, we have commissioned an independent organisation, NOP, to carry out a large scale research project to help evaluate the effectiveness of the Code.An employer survey will involve telephone interviews with a random sample of companies employing 10 or more people. The sample will provide a good coverage of different industrial sectors, regions and size of employers. There will also be in-depth case studies in order to explore practices and attitudes towards age discrimination in employment in more detail and to discuss the issues with managers and workers at the establishment.In addition, a random sample of older people will be interviewed on their current situation and their employment experiences and on whether they have experienced any employment discrimination on grounds of age.In order to provide a baseline against which to measure change, an initial survey or employers and individuals has been carried out prior to the publication of the Code. Two further surveys will be carried out, towards the end of this year and in late Autumn 2000 to measure the impact of the Code. The evaluation will be completed and findings published early in 2001.We will also be using the range of key labour market indicators that we set out in Annex E of

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many year 11, 10 and 9 pupils were expelled from schools in London and the South East in 1997–98. [87856]

The information is not available in the form requested. However, the number of permanent exclusions for pupils aged 15, 14 and 13 is shown in the following table:

Academic year 1997–98 (age as at August 1997)
	15	14	13
Inner London	106	174	147
Outer London	250	349	249
London (Total)	356	523	396
South East	355	513	355
Total (London and South East)	711	1,036	751

This total represents a significant reduction from the 1996–97 year when 757 pupils aged fifteen, 1,070 pupils aged fourteen and 847 pupils aged thirteen were permanently excluded from schools in London and the South East.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 21 May 1999, Official Report, column 475, when he expects to reach a decision on the appeal made by Rainsford School, Chelmsford, against the direction of Essex County Council to admit a pupil, whose name has been supplied to his Department. [88081]

Officials have now received the necessary information from Essex LEA and are drawing up advice for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to make his final decision on the case shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the outcome of the Council of EU Education Ministers held on 7 June. [88573]

On 7 June, the Council of EU Education Ministers held an exchange of views on the preparations for the implementation of the new EC education and training programmes Leonardo da Vinci II and Socrates II. Ministers also discussed the contribution of education to the European Employment Pact and Forward Planning in the field of education.Ministers received information on the Conference of European Education Ministers in Budapest from 24 to 26 June 1991, and on the Conference of EU Higher Education Ministers which will take place in Bologna on 18 and 19 June. No formal decisions were taken.A copy of the official minutes of the Council will be placed in the Library when they become available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to consult on draft regulations under section 38 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. [88572]

These are significant regulations on which it will be important to have the widest debate. The Education Sub-Committee of the Education and Employment Select Committee is conducting an Inquiry into the Role of Governing Bodies, taking evidence from governing body, head teacher and other interests. As the Inquiry is expected to be completed before the summer recess, I have written to the Chairman of the Sub Committee, my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, North (Mr. Wicks), to inform him that we plan to consult on the regulations in September 1999 to enable account to be taken of the Inquiry's recommendations. Copies of my letter have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the occasions when special advisers in his Department have travelled abroad in an official capacity accompanied by Ministers; and if he will give the total travel cost of each occasion and the place visited. [82431]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what dates special advisers from his Department have travelled abroad on official business since 2 May 1997; which countries were visited on each occasion; and what were the names of the special advisers who travelled abroad on each occasion. [87410]

In the period 2 May 1997 to 31 March 1999, Special Advisers in my Department have accompanied Ministers overseas in an official capacity on 36 occasions to Asia and the Far East, Australasia, the USA, South America and mainland Europe. The total cost of travel and any hotel accommodation is £68,500. All travel complied with the requirements of the Ministerial Code and the Civil Service Management Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about progress towards construction on the A303 (T) of (a) the Winterbourne Stoke bypass, (b) the cut-and-cover tunnel past Stonehenge and (c) a flyover at Countess Roundabout. [86846]

The responses to the Public Consultation on these proposals are being considered. An announcement will shortly be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the numbers of drivers (a) driving without a full licence and (b) driving without adequate insurance; and what plans he has to reduce these numbers. [87149]

In 1997 there were 130,500 prosecutions for driving without a licence, 46,000 for driving while disqualified and 48,500 for failing to produce a driving licence. This suggests that in any one year 225,000 people or approximately 0.8 per cent. of drivers are detected driving while unlicensed. We intend, when a suitable legislative opportunity occurs, to introduce legislation to empower police services to have direct access, in defined circumstances, to the driver licensing database so that offences can be more readily detected at the roadside.It is estimated that between 4 per cent. and 6 per cent. of motorists drive while uninsured, an offence for which 310,500 people were prosecuted during 1997. Plans for a motor insurance database have been drawn up by the insurance industry with the support of my Department. Once implemented, police will be able to check insurance details at the roadside.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will discuss with the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and South West Trains the re-instatement of bicycle carriage on all trains to a minimum of 10 spaces per five car train. [87256]

The franchise agreements which govern the provision of service require train operators to provide facilities for the carriage of bicycles, so far as it is practicable for them to do so and subject to the availability of space on their rolling stock. The only five car trains operated by South West Trains are Wessex Electrics on services from London Waterloo to Southampton—Bournemouth, Weymouth and Poole. These

Date	Location	DETR	Irish Minister
23 February 1998	Dublin	Angela Eagle	Tom Kitt, Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs
24–25 April 1998	Chester	Michael Meacher	Noel Dempsey, Minister for the Environment
25 January 1999	London	Glenda Jackson	Mary O'Rourke TD, Minister for Housing
19 February 1999	Dublin	Hilary Armstrong	Robert Molloy, Minister for Housing
25 February 1999	London	Michael Meacher	Joe Jacob, Minister for Agriculture

Relevant officials were also in attendance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of how the Slow Down Campaign will benefit vulnerable users of rural roads. [87635]

The DETR is currently engaged in a comprehensive review of speed policy. This will include a full assessment of the measures needed to improve speed management in rural areas and the safety of all road users, particularly the more vulnerable pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians. Officials have met a number of interested parties, including the Slower Speeds Initiative (formerly the Slow Down Campaign).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many crashes on rural roads causing injury were associated with excessive speed, listing the fatalities, serious injuries and slight injuries, in the most recent year for which figures are available. [87634]

The national reporting system for injury road accidents does not specifically record whether an accident took place on a "rural road". However, the 1998 casualty data for accidents which took place on roads with a speed limit in excess of 40 mph are shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to approve the application for an order under the Transport and Works Act 1992 for the reconstruction of the Welsh Highland Railway between Dinas and Porthmadog. [87583]

The application is being given the most careful consideration and I will ensure that my hon. Friend is informed of the outcome.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many occasions Ministers in his Department have held meetings with Ministers and officials of the Irish Government since 1 January 1998 indicating the dates and locations, the Ministers involved and the names of the Irish Ministers and officials in each case. [87428]

The information for DETR is as follows:The contribution of speed to these accidents is not comprehensively recorded, but it is estimated that speed is a contributory factor in one third of road accidents on all roads.

Casualties on non built-up1 roads: GB 1998
Severity	align="right">Casualties
Fatal	1,855
Serious	14,321
Slight	71,882
All severities	88,058

To ask the Secretary of state for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many listed buildings in each category have been destroyed since 1992. [87629]

My Department records, on a financial year basis, cases where local planning authorities in England notify the Department that they intend to grant consent for the total demolition of a listed building, consents which the Department itself issues, and other total demolitions which are brought to our attention. Since the House of Lords judgment in the case of Shimizu (UK) Ltd. v. Westminster City Council, the demolition of a curtilage building is likely to be treated as an alteration and hence is no longer included in the demolition statistics from 1997–98. The figures for the last seven years are:

Year	Grade I	Grade II*	Grade II
1992–93	0	0	68
1993–94	0	2	62
1994–95	1	12	79
1995–96	2	0	49
1996–97	1	5	55
1997–98	0	2	56
1998–99	0	0	50

Records are not kept centrally on the extent to which consents are implemented.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what measures he is taking to encourage recycling by (a) local authorities, (b) businesses and (c) individuals; [87950]

(2) what measures he is taking to encourage a market for recycled products with particular reference to paper; [87951]

(3) what measures he is taking to encourage the use of recycled products. [87952]

In July 1998 the Government established a Market Development Group to consider the measures that could be taken to enhance the markets for recycled materials, including paper, and to develop proposals to help overcome any barriers. The Group considered a range of measures, including the use of economic instruments; quality standards and specifications for recycled goods and materials; the concept of eco-design; whether longer term contracts for the sale of recyclable materials might be helpful; and whether it is desirable to set mandatory levels of recycled content for specified goods.The Group has now finished its work and its report and recommendations for action will be published for consultation at the same time as the draft waste strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with English Partnerships about the regeneration of Wembley around the new English National Stadium. [87792]

English Partnerships, LB Brent, the English Stadium Trust and Development Company, Sports England and the Government Office for London have jointly sponsored a comprehensive regeneration framework for Wembley. This work is shortly to be completed and in its next stage involves an area masterplan running in parallel with the design of the stadium and intended to secure a significant upgrade in Wembley's economic and physical environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with local police and transport police about passenger safety and crowd control at Wembley Park, Wembley Central and Wembley Stadium stations. [87788]

Wembley's ability to handle large crowds through its public transport infrastructure was central to its successful bid for the new National Stadium. Issues of passenger safety and crowd control are a matter for the long standing and successful liaison arrangements between the stadium operator, local police, London Transport and other rail operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he is taking to ensure that the quality of the built environment surrounding the new English National Stadium is adequate to accommodate international events. [87790]

This is a matter for the London Borough of Brent as local planning authority in the first instance. Their unitary development plan contains policies to protect and enhance the built environment around the Stadium which they will apply to the planning application for the Stadium when it is made and those for other development proposals as they come forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to ensure that the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium brings economic benefits to the local area. [87845]

The Wembley Park Regeneration Partnership between local public and private sector interests was formed for just this purpose. The Partnership has secured Single Regeneration Budget Challenge Fund support of £15,255,000, towards an overall £137 million seven year programme of infrastructure and training/employment initiatives in the Business Park surrounding the Stadium. The programme commenced in April 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the applicability of lessons learned from the regeneration at Greenwich to the regeneration of Wembley. [87793]

There are distinct differences between the Greenwich Peninsula and the development context at Wembley; not least in the depth and extent of contaminated land and pre-existing levels of transport provision. We are keen however that appropriate lessons from both Greenwich and other key London Regeneration sites are incorporated into the Wembley solution.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Sport England and the local planning authority on the capacity of the public transport infrastructure around the new English National Stadium. [87789]

Wembley's successful bid for the National Stadium was based on the adequacy of its local transport infrastructure. The impact of the Stadium on this infrastructure will turn both on detailed design which will not be unveiled until mid summer, and the substance of the planning application to the London Borough of Brent, which I understand will not be made until October. In the meantime I am a member of the Stadium Development Monitoring Committee, which is the natural focus for visitor management issues, and at which Sport England are represented.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Government Office for London about the SRB5 bid for Wembley submitted by the London Borough of Brent; and on what dates. [87794]

My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Regions, Regeneration and Planning met with GOL officials and the London Development Partnership on 14 June to discuss all London bids in the current SRB round.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Ms Jackson), has to visit Wembley to inspect the public transport infrastructure around the new English National Stadium. [87791]

My hon. Friend has been invited by the London Borough of Brent to visit the area in early July. No itinerary has yet been finalised but there may well be an opportunity to visit the Stadium environs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what grants are available towards the cost of converting private motor vehicles to be able to use liquid petroleum gas. [87959]

The Energy Saving Trust's Powershift programme, funded by my Department, provides grants towards the cost of converting new vehicles (up to one year old) to run on alternative fuels, such as liquid petroleum gas. The value of the grant, which can cover up to 75 per cent. of the conversion costs, is determined by the improvement in emission performance as a result of the conversion. To date, the Powershift programme which is targeted at fleet operators has assisted in the purchase of over 1,000 vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 10 February 1999, Official Report, column 245, on voluntary sports clubs, what was the outcome of the review into rate relief for non-profit making sports clubs; and if he will make a statement. [87874]

We are making good progress with the review of the arrangements under which local authorities may grant relief from non-domestic rates to non-profit making sports clubs and will issue a consultation paper later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many hours HSE inspectors have spent undertaking field inspections of genetically modified trial crop sites for each month since October 1997. [87602]

[holding answer 22 June 1999]: Over the period in question, on average, HSE has devoted 75 inspector hours per month to inspection and enforcement on GM trial sites under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1997 (as amended) as required by the agency agreement with DETR. The detailed figures requested are given in the following table, up to April 1999, which is the most recently available information.

	Inspection hours
1997
October	58.8
November	75.6
December	92.4
1998
January	105.2
February	79.8
March	86.5
April	71.4
May	56.7
June	132
July	118
August	16.8
September	153.3
October	109.2
November	79.8
December	75.6
1999
January	42.3
February	21
March	0
April	58.8

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Transport Council held in Luxembourg on 17 to 18 June; and if he will make a statement. [87977]

The Transport Council met in Luxembourg on 17 June. I represented the United Kingdom.The Council expressed its condolences to the French and Austrian transport Ministers following the recent fatal fires in the Mont Blanc and Tauern Tunnels. The Presidency said that, during the coming months, the Council would be considering recommendations on tunnel safety, in accord with the remit of the European Council in Cologne.The Council agreed a common position on a draft Directive aimed at avoiding pollution at sea by ensuring that ships discharge their waste while they are in port into properly planned and adequate waste reception facilities.A common position was agreed on an amendment to the guidelines on transport Trans-European Networks (TENs), to clarify the eligibility of sea and inland ports for TENs funding.The Council agreed a Resolution giving its support to the definition phase of the Galileo satellite navigation project. Ministers agreed that the Council should maintain oversight of this work, and at my request the Resolution included an instruction to the Commission to present the results to the Council as soon as they are available, to allow early consideration of the validity of the project and of its advantages compared with current systems and their developments. The Council agreed to my suggestion that the Commission should in any case present a further report to the October Council.The Council agreed a Resolution expressing concern about growing air traffic delays. I expressed concern about the inconvenience caused to business and leisure travellers and stressed the need to ensure that the powers in EUROCONTROL' s new Convention were implemented and properly used to improve the situation.The Council took note of reports by Member States on action they are taking to deal with the Year 2000 computer problem in their transport sectors, and agreed to return to the issue at the October Council. The Commission undertook to convene a high-level group to consider whether additional action was needed at Community level.I joined others at the Council in suggesting that it is time for further progress to be made on EU rail liberalisation. At the end of the debate no agreement was reached, and the Presidency asked for further work to be done.Under other business, the Council heard reports from the Commission on its negotiations towards Community membership of EUROCONTROL and the proposed new European Aviation Safety Authority. The Commission also reported on: the successful outcome of the renegotiation of the Warsaw Convention, which brings air passenger liability rights in line with Community rules; the establishment of a high-level group to prepare for an "innovation forum", as requested by the informal Transport Council at Dortmund; and the proposed allocation of quotas for lorry transit traffic through Switzerland.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Government policy towards planning applications for out-of-town stores. [88119]

The Government's policy toward out-of-town retail development is set out in our Response to the House of Commons Environment Committee report on Shopping Centres [Cmnd 3729], which reaffirmed our commitment to Planning Policy Guidance note 6 (PPG6): Town Centres and Retail Developments. Further clarification of PPG6 was given in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Hull, West and Hessle (Mr. Johnson) on 11 February 1999, Official Report, columns 309–10.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of journeys were on foot in the most recent year for which data are available. [88162]

In 1995–97, 28 per cent. of journeys in Great Britain were on foot.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Urban Task Force report will be published. [88448]

The Urban Task Force report will be published at 10.30 am on Tuesday 29 June. Copies of the Report and the Executive Summary will be placed in the Vote Office and the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his Department's latest assessment of trends in rail performance. [88571]

My Department has today published the latest quarterly Bulletin of Rail Statistics, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.Comparing the fourth quarter of 1998–99 with the fourth quarter of 1997–98, punctuality fell from 93.3 per cent. to 92.5 per cent. This is an unacceptable decline in performance. At the Rail Summit in February this year, rail companies agreed to improve performance year on year.A calculation error made in 1996 means that the figures for national average punctuality have previously been understated. This does not affect the percentage punctuality figures that have been published for individual operating companies. The reliability figures are also unaffected.However, current measures, including the corrected figures in this Bulletin, remain misleading. They are derived from Passenger Charter statistics, which do not cover all services and allow operators to disregard days ("void days") on which performance is very bad. The shadow Strategic Rail Authority are currently consulting on an improved measure of punctuality and reliability to be finalised this Autumn.Punctuality is just one of a number of factors considered important by passengers. The new National Passenger Survey will ensure that all major passenger concerns will be monitored for each TOC. This will allow precise identification of areas for improvement and give passengers a voice in the running of the railway. First results from the National Passenger Survey will be published by the end of the year.

To ask the Attorney-General what (a) representations he made, (b) correspondence he had and (c) meetings he held about (i) the creation of the vacancy for Treasury Counsel (Common Law) in May 1997 and (ii) the filling of the vacancy. [88016]

Soon after I was appointed Attorney-General in May 1997, I became aware of the fact that I would need to appoint a new First Treasury Counsel (Common Law) relatively soon as, although it was a matter for the Lord Chancellor, I believed that the then incumbent might be appointed as a High Court judge shortly. The then Solicitor-General and I consulted widely, in meetings between May and November 1997, with members of the senior judiciary, the Treasury Solicitor's Department and others who could assist us in reaching a view as to who should be appointed as the next First Treasury Counsel (Common Law). I appointed Philip Sales after a meeting with him on 17 November 1997.My Department had correspondence with the Treasury Solicitor's Department on the subject and latterly with the Lord Chancellor's Department so that the announcement of the judicial appointment could be synchronised with the announcement of Mr. Sales' appointment.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will place in the Library copies of the witness statements disclosed by the respondent in the case of Hayes v. Attorney General. [88017]

No. The statements are subject to legal professional privilege.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the documents disclosed by the respondent in the case of Hayes v. Attorney General and place copies in the Library. [88018]

No. The documents were disclosed to the applicant only for the purposes of the proceedings in the employment tribunal, where the interests of justice required their disclosure. Many of the documents contain information about third parties which was imparted to me and to others in confidence. I believe that it would be inappropriate to disclose them further. It was not necessary to compile a list of the documents disclosed in the case and to publish a full list now would also breach the confidences referred to above.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response the Government have made to recommendation 69 of the Standing Committee to the Bern Convention regarding TB and badgers. [88644]

The Government submitted a formal response to this recommendation on 12 April. A copy has been placed in the House Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the closure of the TA base in Caernarfon was announced; and if he will make a statement on the consultation carried out prior to the decision. [82268]

[holding answer 27 April 1999]:The Territorial Army (TA) Centre in Caernarfon will remain open as the home of Company 3 Caernarfon Detachment, the Royal Welsh Regiment. This was announced on 17 November 1998. The plan was included, but not challenged, during the extensive rounds of consultation with the Army, TA and TAVRAs, held before decisions were taken in November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to encourage recruitment to the Territorial Army. [87876]

Territorial Army units continue to recruit locally to meet the overall target of some 10,000 recruits for this year. A national campaign to raise awareness of the TA and to attract recruits was run in February/March of this year involving the press, TV and a National Open Day. This was designed to show that the TA is maintaining its recruitment effort throughout the reform process. A further national campaign specifically aimed at recruiting into the Royal Army Medical Corps is planned for the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the (i) current crew size and (ii) establishment of HMS Newcastle; and if he will make a statement. [86379]

The ship's company of HMS Newcastle on 11 June 1999 was 215 and her complement 226.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long term future of HMS Monmouth. [86384]

On current plans HMS Monmouth will remain operational for the foreseeable future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the short-term and long-term future of (a) HMS Birmingham and (b) HMS London; and if he will make a statement. [86374]

HMS London was decommissioned earlier this month. HMS Birmingham is currently on operational duty and is expected to be decommissioned later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the (a) operational state and (b) future of HMS Beaver; and if he will make a statement. [86373]

HMS Beaver was decommissioned earlier this year and has since been placed on the disposal list.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances Chinook helicopters are made available by his Department for travel by the Royal Family. [87783]

The Royal Family's rotary wing air travel requirements are normally met by a dedicated Sikorsky S76C+ operated by the Royal Household or else by chartered helicopter. However, RAF Support Helicopters, including the Chinook, are available to transport members of the Royal Family if required, subject to other operational requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what talks have taken place between British Military personnel and the Chief of Staff of the Gambian armed forces in recent months; and what was the purpose of the talks. [87948]

Two British military officers visited Gambia in May this year. The purpose of the visit was primarily fact finding, but also to make contact with the Gambian military. During the visit the British officers paid a call on the Chief of Staff of the Gambian armed forces, Colonel Jatta. Discussions covered regional peacekeeping matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of submarine spent nuclear fuel cores that have been transported to Sellafield in each of the last 10 years. [87706]

[holding answer 22 June 1999]: The number of spent submarine fuel cores that have been transported to BNFL Sellafield for long term storage in each of the last 10 years was:

Year	Fuel cores
1989	1
1990	2
1991	1
1992	1
1993	0
1994	1
1995	3¼
1996	3
1997	¼
1998	1
1999 (to date)	1

These figures are rounded to the nearest ¼ reactor fuel core. Each "NTL3M" transport container will carry a number of individual components equivalent to ¼of a submarine reactor fuel core.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in relation to the deployment of under 18 year olds from British armed forces in the international peace force in Kosovo. [87976]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer 1 gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Ms Jones) on 22 October 1998, Official Report, column 1161, in which I stated that Service personnel would no longer be deployed if under 17 years of age. That policy applies to the operations currently underway in Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the annual financial estimates and accounts for Greenwich Hospital. [88574]

Greenwich Hospital is a Crown charity, of which my right hon. Friend is the sole trustee. It derives all its income from its property and investments and applies it for the benefit of seafarers and their dependants. I am today laying before Parliament copies of the audited accounts for Greenwich Hospital for 1997–98. Following an undertaking given during the passage of the Greenwich Hospital Bill in 1967 by the then Under-Secretary of State for the Navy (Mr. Foley) it has been the practice also to place in the Library of both Houses copies of the annual financial estimates for Greenwich Hospital which, nowadays, are prepared solely for this purpose. This practice no longer serves a useful purpose, given the more informative published financial accounts, and I have therefore decided to discontinue it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to replace stocks of Tomahawk missiles used in the Kosovo theatre; what contracts exist with the United States for replacement of Tomahawk stocks; and if he will make a statement. [87829]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the (a) total expenditure by his Department on Tomahawk missiles from the United States and (b) average cost of each missile, including support costs. [87831]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tomahawk missiles were (a) available for use by the British armed forces and (b) in stock on (i) 20 March and (ii) 16 June. [87833]

I am withholding the detailed information you requested under Section 1a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Sufficient Tomahawk missiles were available throughout the conflict to enable the UK to maintain its significant contribution to the successful NATO campaign.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress made with setting up the Defence Aviation Repair Agency. [87830]

The Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) came into being on 1 April this year and I had the pleasure of attending the Agency's Launch Day on 7 April 1999 at St. Athan. DARA has been formed by merging the former Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation with elements of the RAF's Maintenance Group Defence Agency and provides MOD's deep maintenance (third line) capability for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The Ministerial Advisory Board, which I chair, has approved the DARA's Corporate Plan which is now being implemented. This includes moving to Trading Fund status in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to renegotiate the RAF repair, overhaul modification and upgrade contracts held by private companies once responsibility for such contracts is transferred to the new Defence Aviation Repair Agency; which RAF repair, overhaul, modification and upgrade contracts are currently under review; and if he will make a statement. [87832]