To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for Disability Living Allowance have been allowed (a) at the appeal stage and (b) after an initial refusal, in each of the last three years; and how many applications have been allowed in total. [88229]

The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Mr. Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages to the social security system of recognising gay relationships. [87348]

In the contributory benefits system, all rights to contributory benefits derived from another person's contributions are based on the concept of a legal marriage.In income-related benefits, a couple is treated as a single unit, and benefit is calculated on the basis of the couple's combined needs and resources. A couple means either a married couple, or a man and a woman who are living together as husband and wife. In this country, current legislation permits a contract of marriage between members of the opposite sex only. Income-related benefits rules, which define an unmarried couple as comprising a man and a woman, follow this principle.Currently, we have no plans to carry out an assessment of the Social Security system as proposed. However, we do keep the system under review and aim to build a modern Social Security system which reflects today's changed society.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what independent assessment he plans to make of the Year 2000 compliance of his Department's business-critical information technology systems. [88402]

Aspects of the Department's Year 2000 Programme as well as the Programme overall have already been subject to more than 20 independent assessments since work commenced in 1995. The latest one was conducted by IMPACT consultancy in May. This assessment was undertaken to fulfil our part in Action 2000's Independent Assessment Project of essential sectors of the national infrastructure. Findings will be disclosed at the National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July.The Department will be commissioning a further round of independent assessments of all delivery organisations later in the year and the results will be made available as part of the National Infrastructure Project monitoring phase.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the TA units due to be disbanded within the next six months; [88378](2) if he will list the TA units which have been disbanded since 28 November 1998. [88365]

In accordance with the announcement on the restructuring of the Territorial Army made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 17 November 1998,Official Report, columns 749-71, the following battalion and company units are due to disband by 1 July 1999:

Royal Armoured Corps

• Scottish Yeomanry—elements are to transfer to the Queen's Own Yeomanry
• Kings Own Yorkshire Yeomanry (Light Infantry)—the elements are to re-role
• Royal Armoured Corps Pool of Officers

Royal Regiment of Artillery

• 201 (St. Albans) and 202 (Swaffham) Batteries 100 Regiment Royal Artillery
• 289 Commando (Poole) Battery Royal Artillery

Royal Engineers

• 72 Regiment Royal Engineers
• 106 (Dewsbury), 350 (Chilwell) and 575 (Buxton) Field Squadrons 73 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers
• 74 Independent Field Squadron
• 125 (Stafford) and 202 Field Squadrons 75 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers
• 76 (less HQ and Workshop) and 78 (less Tunbridge Wells) Engineer
• Regiments Royal Engineers
• 77 Engineer Regiment Royal Engineers
• 220 Field Squadron, 101 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
• 198 Field Park Squadron Royal Engineers
• Military Works Force-will be reduced

Infantry¹

• Lowland Volunteers
• 3^rdBattalion Royal Highland Fusiliers
• 3^rdBattalion The Black Watch
• 3^rdBattalion The Highlanders
• 7^th/8^thBattalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
• 5^thBattalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
• 6^th/7^thBattalion The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
• The London Regiment
• 5^thBattalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
• 6^thBattalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
• 6^thBattalion Royal Anglian Regiment
• 7^thBattalion Royal Anglian Regiment
• 4^thBattalion The Kings Own Royal Border Regiment
• 5^th/8^thKings Regiment
• 3^rdBattalion The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment
• 4^th/5^thGreen Howards
• 4^thBattalion The Queen's Lancashire Regiment
• 3^rdBattalion The Duke of Wellington's Regiment
• 4^thBattalion Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
• 3^rdBattalion The Cheshire Regiment
• 3^rdBattalion The Royal Welch Fusiliers
• 2^ndBattalion The Royal Regiment of Wales
• 2^ndRoyal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment
• 3^rdBattalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment
• The Staffordshire Regiment
• 5^thBattalion The Light Infantry
• 6^th Battalion The Light Infantry
• 7^thBattalion The Light Infantry
• 4^thBattalion Royal Green Jackets
• 5^thBattalion Royal Green Jackets
• 4^th/5^th Battalion The Royal Irish Rangers
• 4^thBattalion The Parachute Regiment
• 10^thBattalion The Parachute Regiment

Royal Logistic Corps

• 562 Transport Squadron, 151 Transport Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
• 67 Stores Squadron Royal Logistic Corps
• 166 Logistic Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
• 143 Stores Squadron Royal Logistic Corps
• 209 Printing Troop
• 241 General Support Squadron Royal Logistic Corps
• 280 and 281 Movement Control Squadrons Royal Logistic Corps
• 65 Petroleum Squadron Royal Logistic Corps
• 68 Vehicle Squadron Royal Logistic Corps
• HQ 86 Postal and Courier Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron Royal Logistic Corps

Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

• 202 Port and Reclamation Company 105 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• 207 Workshop Company 105 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
• HQ Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Pool of Officers
• TA Specialist Increment REME

Adjutant General's Corps (Royal Military Police)

• 152, 163, 164, 165, 251 and 254 Provost Companies Royal Military Police

Bands

• Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Band
• South Nottinghamshire Hussars (Yeomanry) Royal Horse
• Artillery Band
• Royal Signals Band
• Royal Highland Fusiliers (Territorial) Band
• Warwickshire Band Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
• Yorkshire (Volunteers) Band
• Berkshire and Hampshire Band
• Light Infantry Burma Band
• Army Medical Services (Territorial Army) Band

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many TA soldiers have left the service since November 1998 (a) voluntarily and (b) compulsorily. [88364]

In the period of 1 November 1998 to 30 April 1999, 7,980 soldiers left the Territorial Army and 3,690 joined. Of those leaving, 7,271 left on completion of their engagement, 194 left voluntarily before their term of engagement was complete and 515 were compulsorily discharged for reasons including failure to complete training, misconduct, inefficiency or poor health.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent in Scotland in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [87419]

Information on total defence expenditure is not generally held on a regional basis. However defence expenditure on equipment in UK regions is available. The latest available figures for equipment expenditure in Scotland (as published in "UK Defence Statistics 1998") are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to follow the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations' guidelines on the minimum age for peacekeepers in relation to the UK members of the NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo. [88015]

[holding answer 24 June 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge) on 24 June 1999,Official Report, column 451.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the command structure of the KLA; what measures he is taking to ensure co-operation with KLA elements which are not part of the central structure; and if he will make a statement. [87301]

The KLA's command structure is presently based on military lines. It consists of the KLA Interim Government of Kosovo (IGOK) below which is the KLA's General Staff. The staff commands and controls the seven Operational Zones (OZ) found throughout the province. The OZs in turn command a number of KLA brigades and independent battalions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Army infantry battalions are currently deployed in (a)Kosovo, (b)Bosnia, (c)Northern Ireland and (d)Germany. [88125]

[holding answer 24 June 1999]: The information requested is as follows:It is for General Jackson and his military commanders on the ground to determine how to deal with individual groups with whom they may have contact. They will be dealt with on an impartial basis but will be expected to act in accordance with the undertaking on demilitarisation given by the KLA to KFOR on 21 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which units now not deployed in Kosovo are warned to deploy to Kosovo; and where are these units now deployed. [88126]

[holding answer 24 June 1999]: I am withholding this information on the future movement of units in accordance with exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to Defence, Security and International Relations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many submarine spent nuclear fuel cores are currently held at (a) HMS Vulcan, (b) Rosyth, (c) Devonport and (d) Sellafield. [87707]

[holding answer 22 June 1999]: The number of submarine spent fuel cores currently held is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what day the new Used Core Transport Package for transporting submarine spent fuel cores entered into service. [87704]

[holding answer 22 June 1999]: The first operational use of the new Used Fuel Flasks (UFFs) was Thursday 10 June 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights of special nuclear material from RAF Brize Norton to the United States and vice versa have occurred in each of the last five years. [88142]

The number of flights carrying special nuclear material each year between UK and US depends on programme requirements which are confidential between the two governments. I am therefore withholding the information requested under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sports grounds there are on MOD sites. [88494]

The information sought is not held centrally and will have to be collected from various sources. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information is available and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the planned expenditure on the Veterans Advice Cell for each of the next five years. [88703]

Planned expenditure for the Ministry of Defence Veteran's Advice Unit is currently set at £172,000 per year until 2002–03, which is the duration of our current formal forward spending plans. It is anticipated that provision will continue at the same level in future years. This amount covers the employment costs for the three Warrant Officers operating the Unit and associated costs, including telecommunications, apportioned clerical support, training and publicity material.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will reward those sectors of the armed forces that achieve higher levels of performance in environmental programmes, with particular reference to recycling. [88441]

All sectors of the armed forces are required to comply with the Secretary of State's environmental policy statement and the environmental policies and practices set out in JSP 418, the Ministry of Defence's environmental manual. JSP 418 encourages all personnel to identify opportunities for recycling. The Secretary of State' s environmental policy statement is incorporated into JSP 418, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to encourage all sections of the armed forces and their bases to participate fully in environmental joint programmes, with particular reference to re-cycling. [88442]

All sections of the armed forces comply with the guidance provided in the MOD's environment manual, JSP 418, which provides detailed policy on waste reduction initiatives based on recycling.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF pilots are serving in (a) the Balkan theatre,(b) Turkey, (c) Kuwait, (d) Saudi Arabia, (e) Cyprus, (f) the Falkland Islands, (g) Northern Ireland and (h) elsewhere outside the United Kingdom. [88369]

The following table shows the number of trained RAF pilots serving in various theatres of operations as at 1 June 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of training a pilot in the RAF from entry into service to active flying service for (a) fast jets, (b) transport and other aircraft and (c) helicopters. [88371]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with representatives of commercial airlines since May 1997 on the recruitment of former service men as pilots; and if he will make a statement. [88372]

I wrote to representatives of seven major UK commercial airlines on 5 April of this year to develop a dialogue on the recruitment of former Royal Air Force personnel as pilots. No Ministerial discussions have taken place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total number of (a) fast jet pilots, (b) transport and support aircraft pilots and (c) helicopter pilots on active service in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [88370]

The information requested is set out by Service in the table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) estimates he has made of the number of cases involved and (b) provision his Department has made in respect of future compensation claims for sexual discrimination. [88374]

It is inherently difficult to forecast the number of applications likely to be made to Employment Tribunals in which sexual discrimination is alleged. However, based on the number and value of cases settled in the previous two years and cases outstanding my Department could expect about 10–12 applications at a total value of some £250,000 will be settled this financial year from Service or former Service personnel.Similar information relating to civilian employees of the Department is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met representatives of the Army Families Federation; and what was discussed. [88362]

I met representatives of the Army Families Federation at their annual conference on 23 September 1998. In my speech and in the question and answer session I discussed the Policy for People initiative announced as part of the Strategic Defence Review. This included the Service Families Task Force, education, health and welfare. In addition, last week I met AFF representatives and Army families in Germany to hear their current concerns at first hand.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date his Department was first informed that Parts IVA and IVB of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force. [88795]

My Department, together with others, was informed earlier this month that there was some doubt whether these provisions had been effectively renewed by the 1998 and 1999 Continuance Orders, and that advice was being sought on this point.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the United Kingdom's strategic stock of (a) ordnance and (b) fuel was used during NATO operations in Kosovo; what assessment he has made of the impact on the United Kingdom's defence capability; and what estimate he has made of (i) the length of time required and (ii) the cost to replace the stock used. [87196]

I am withholding information on the percentage of the United Kingdom's ordnance stock used during the NATO operation in Kosovo, and the length of time taken to replace ordnance stocks, under exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information (information where disclosure would harm national security on defence). The UK does not hold a strategic stock of fuel. Stocks of fuel are continually replenished in order to maintain them at appropriate levels.We have not yet conducted a full analysis of the impact of operations in Kosovo. While timely and measured steps are being taken to replace ordnance, it is too early to make a meaningful estimate of the cost involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the instances of military co-operation which (a) have arisen and (b) are planned consequential to the St. Malo Accord. [85218]

The Letter of Intent on co-operation in crisis management and operations, signed between the UK and France at St. Malo in December 1998, has moved work forward on planning for non-combatant evacuation operations; joint exercises; improved links between operational headquarters; co-ordination of naval deployments; information exchanges on peacekeeping activities; Year 2000 computer problems; logistics; and arrangements for dealing with the media. We will continue to develop our co-operation in these areas.

To ask the Attorney-General if he will announce the Government's final response to the recommendations contained in Sir Ian Glidewell's report following his review of the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement. [88910]

Shortly after coming into office, I set up a review of the Crown Prosecution Service. Its terms of reference, 12 June 1997, Official Report, columns 533–34, went to the fundamentals of the Service.

To ask the Attorney-General on what date his Department was first informed that Parts IVA and IVB of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force. [88798]

As is now known, a lawyer in my office read an article in Criminal Law Week suggesting that the provisions were not in force. This was drawn to the attention of the Home Office and following a request for advice I reached the view on 17 June that Parts IVA and IVB of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the distance between Portadown RUC station and the location of the attack on 27 April 1997 on the late Robert Hamill. [85502]

The RUC have advised that the distance a person would have to travel between these locations is around 250m.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Royal Ulster Constabulary officers were on duty within Portadown RUC Sub-Division between 11 pm on Saturday 26 April 1997 and 4 am on Sunday 27 April 1997. [85501]

The RUC have advised that there were 19 police officers on duty in Portadown Sub-Division between 11.00 pm on Saturday 26 April 1997 and 4.00 am on Sunday 27 April 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on her review of the operations to locate the disappeared in Northern Ireland. [88335]

The Agreement between the United Kingdom and Irish Governments signed on 27 April includes a formal reporting mechanism. The Agreement requires the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains to report to both Governments on its activities no later than one year after its establishment and annually thereafter. Through that formal mechanism, the two Governments will be in a position to review the operation of the Commission's activities. At this time, developments at the search sites are being followed with close interest and we continue to hope that the remains of the victims will be located.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to replace the open provision juvenile justice Provisions by a single closed provision at Lisnevin Centre; when she expects to announce her decision on the provision; and what assessment she has made of the option of retaining open provision facilities for children in the Province. [88467]

Following recent changes in the law relating to juvenile offenders, only the most serious or persistent offenders can be placed in custody. Most boys in custody are held in the only secure accommodation available—this is at Lisnevin. There has been a significant fall in the numbers in custody due to this legislation and also the introduction of a new determinate sentence and there is considerable spare capacity in the system. A review of the need for custodial places—both open and secure–is being carried out. The outcome of the review will be published in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what date her Department was first informed that Parts IVA and IVB of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force. [88800]

The Northern Ireland Office was first so informed on 21 June 1999.

To ask the President of the Council what steps the Government are taking to inform the public on the principal issues relating to the millennium date change. [87242]

As part of the Government's continuing public information programme, "The Millennium Bug—Facts Not Fiction" booklet has been produced and widely distributed earlier this month. The quarterly returns of Government Departments, agencies and key parts of the wider public sector are available too on the Internet, as is the Government-commissioned tracking research of public perceptions of the Bug. Preparations across the national infrastructure are being brought together and disclosed through the National Infrastructure Forum.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on arrangements for convening meetings of the Privy Council. [87244]

The Queen normally holds a meeting of the Council every month except January, August and September. Additional Councils are convened if urgent business requires it.

To ask the President of the Council what plans she has to institute a separate ministerial question period for European Union matters. [87243]

European Union matters feature in questions to virtually every Department and so are answered on the Floor of the House every sitting day. I do not think it would be either practical or desirable to confine such questions to a single, separate period or to create an additional period just for such questions.

To ask the President of the Council on what date her Department was first informed that Parts IVA and IVB of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force. [88799]

On 18 June 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Russian Federation Government concerning the level of civilian control over its military; and if he will make a statement. [88330]

The Prime Minister discussed the rapid deployment of Russian paratroops to Pristina with Russian Prime Minister Stepashin at the G8 Cologne Summit on 18 June. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised this incident with Foreign Minister Ivanov on 13 June. The Russians agreed that trust is important for closer co-operation between our forces on the ground in Kosovo. We have also supported training courses for the Russian military on civilian and democratic management of the armed forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date his Department was first informed that Parts IVA and IVB of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force. [88794]

The Home Office informed the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 21 June 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning casualties from the conflict in Ethiopia and Eritrea. [88359]

We have seen differing reports of casualties throughout the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. We have no reliable figures, but estimate that total casualties are high on both sides: approximately 40,000 Ethiopian and 20,000 Eritrean.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Governments of (a) Ethiopia and (b) Eritrea, concerning the conflict between the two countries. [88360]

We have always supported UN and OAU efforts to resolve the conflict. I discussed the issues with the OAU Secretary General on 28 May and with the UN Secretary General on 25 June. I have also discussed the war with the Ethiopian Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister and the Ambassadors of Ethiopia and Eritrea in recent months. Our message has been clear: both sides must stop fighting immediately and implement the OAU Framework peace proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning the meeting of the heads of seven African states in Pretoria on 17 June to discuss the civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [88358]

Reports from the region reinforce our view that the meeting was a positive step in preparation for a regional summit scheduled to take place in Lusaka. If real progress is to be made there all parties will need to show the political will and commitment to achieve a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

To ask the Prime Minister how many public interest immunity certificates have been issued by Ministers or their officials since 1 May 1997; and if he will list the occasions on which such certificates have been issued. [85359]

My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General's statement on 11 July 1997, Official Report, columns 616–17, made clear that, in accordance with the approach adopted by the previous Government, public interest immunity will not be asserted by the Government unless the relevant Minister believes that disclosure of a document or piece of information will cause real damage to the public interest and that this test would be applied rigorously.Where public interest immunity applies, the Government's policy is to make voluntary disclosure if it considers that the interest of justice outweighs the public interest in withholding the document or information in question. In all cases a claim for public interest immunity is subject to the power of the court or other tribunal to order disclosure.Prior to 1 May 1997, no centrally maintained record for Government public interest immunity certificates was kept. However, on the best information available from a trawl of the main relevant Departments, I can disclose that PII certificates have been issued and other parties notified on the following number of occasions:

To ask the Prime Minister how many nominations for honours in respect of the most recent Honours List were received broken down by each English county; and what percentage were successful. [87352]

Each year the Nominations Unit receive in excess of 7,000 nominations direct from members of the public. In addition, Government Departments will have received several thousand nominations from national organisations and members of the public. Information on nominations is not held in a form which relates them to particular counties or particular Honours Lists. Nor is it normal practice to release information about nominations.However, my hon. Friend may wish to refer to the 1999 Birthday Honours List within the features section in the News Centre on the No.10 Downing Street website (http"//www.number-10.gov uk/i ndex.html) which contains information about those who have received honours.

To ask the Prime Minister at what level of command the decision was made to supply Russian troops occupying the airport at Pristina; and what items were supplied in what quantities. [88465]

Following receipt of a request from the commander of the Russian forces in Kosovo, Commander KFOR, Lieutenant General Mike Jackson, took the decision to provide the supplies that were needed. The priority was for bottled water, and 15,000 litres were supplied on 16 June. In addition, a small number of maps of the local area were provided. Offers of fuel and medication were turned down by the Russians.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his priorities for the inclusion of topics in an EU charter of rights. [88608]

As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary told the House on 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 118, we welcome this initiative. We believe that the Charter should make the fundamental rights which already exist and are applicable at Union level more visible to the Union's citizens. The incoming Finnish Presidency has been given responsibility for taking this work forward and we look forward to working with them.

To ask the Prime Minister what communications (a) by telephone or (b) directly he received from the White House relating to his meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart. [88700]

None.

To ask the Prime Minister if (1) during his meeting this year with the Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart, there was discussion of planning matters; [88697](2) what other Ministers were present at his meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart; [88698](3) for what reason the Minister for Trade was not present at his meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart; [88699](4) what discussions he has had about the planning issue raised during his meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. [88707]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 6 May 1999, Official Report, columns 451–52.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many meetings he has had with representatives of the American Government where the proposed merger of Wal-Mart with Asda was discussed; [88508](2) how many meetings his staff have had with representatives of the American Government where the proposed merger of Wal-Mart with Asda was discussed; [88509](3) how many meetings (a) he and (b) his staff have had with representatives of Wal-Mart in connection with their proposed merger with Asda. [88803]

None.

To ask the Prime Minister on what date (a) he and (b) his Office were first informed that Parts IV A and IV B of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989 were no longer in force. [88731]

My office was informed on 18 June. I received an updated briefing note on Monday on my return from the Cologne European Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library figures for each relevant local authority in England of the number of (a) new bus services and (b) enhancements to existing bus services in rural areas which have resulted from the use of rural bus subsidy grant; and if he will give examples for each authority of such new and enhanced services. [82636]

The information provided by each local authority has been placed in the Library. It shows that the first year of this new grant has been a success with a total in England alone of 658 new services and 842 enhanced services as a result of the grant's introduction.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what subsidies have been provided to (a) Shropshire County Council and (b) Telford & Wrekin Council to support rural bus services in (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [88148]

1998–99 was the first year of the new Rural Bus Subsidy Grant. In that year Shropshire County Council and Telford & Wrekin Council were allocated the sums of £630,354 and £76,048 respectively, for the support of rural buses. The same amounts have been allocated for 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account the multi-modal study of the London to South West Corridor announced in the Trunk Roads Review will take of the Railtrack report on the feasibility of reducing the peripherality of the western extremities of the rail network. [86197]

A key objective of the London to South West and South Wales multi-modal study is to examine the scope for reducing congestion by better management and modal shift. The study will, therefore, encompass the main rail routes, and assess the potential for encouraging the transfer of passenger and freight trips from road to rail. The Railtrack report has already indicated that the railway to Penzance can be upgraded to provide higher speeds with corresponding reductions in journey times to London, reducing the peripherality of the far south-west. The report also considers enhancement of the freight gauge and the provision of intermodal terminals. We will ensure that its findings are taken into account in the multi-modal study.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the terms of reference are for Lord Donaldson's report on the future of coastguard stations; when Lord Donaldson was asked to advise his Department; when the report will be completed; and if it will be made available to the public. [87194]

Lord Donaldson's Terms of Reference were set by agreement with the Trade Unions and management of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.Lord Donaldson accepted the Terms of Reference in early May and he will reply to the Deputy Prime Minister as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to amend legislation regarding the code of practice on local authority publicity so that local authorities must not only have regard to this code but actively enforce it. [88075]

We have no plans to amend the legislation on the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity. In the paper "Local Leadership, Local Choice", laid before the House on 24 March 1999 (Cm 4298), we have made proposals, including a draft Bill, for a new framework to deliver high standards in all aspects of conduct throughout local government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the surplus properties held by the Highways Agency are held for road schemes that have been cancelled. [88088]

The Highways Agency currently holds 563 surplus properties on cancelled schemes. The Agency sells all its surplus property through a phased disposals programme which is designed to ensure the greatest return to the public purse, while not flooding any local property market. Existing tenancies are honoured and in some cases it will be necessary to complete statutory procedures, such as the making of revocation orders, before property can be sold.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which road schemes are (a) currently in progress and (b) planned for the next two years on motorways and trunk roads. [88112]

The major new schemes currently under construction are listed. Those we plan to start in the next two financial years are listed. In addition we plan this year to spend £765 million on maintenance and £187 million on making better use of the existing motorway and trunk road network.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the effect has been on the annual costs of his Department of the changes in fuel duty and vehicle licence fees since May 1997. [88089]

This information is not available. Records are not kept centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) on how many days over the last six months he has used (a) a car, (b) a bus and (c) a train for his official duties; [88101](2) on how many occasions in the last six months he has travelled to work at his office by

I travel by car and by public transport on a regular basis on my official visits and journeys to my office.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are (a) the cost to date and (b) the anticipated future cost of legal, financial and other professional advice in respect of the Public-Private Partnership for the London Underground. [88102]

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 12 May 1999, Official Report, columns 154–55. We have made a commitment to provide the House with updated figures at six monthly intervals. London Transport will not know the overall requirements or costs for external advice until the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) transaction has been completed, but the Government are working together with LT to ensure that we receive the best advice while minimising the overall costs of implementing the PPP.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many public sector houses for rent are currently empty. [88098]

On 1 April 1998 there were an estimated 95,300 vacant public sector properties in England.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when each of the urban development corporations was wound up; and what residual costs fall to be paid in 1999–2000. [88065]

The following urban development corporations ceased operations on 31 March 1998 and were dissolved on 1 July 1998:

• Birmingham Heartlands
• Black Country
• London Docklands
• Merseyside
• Plymouth
• Teesside
• Trafford Park
• Tyne and Wear.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if additional money beyond the £300 million so far allocated to the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme will be required to provide the average grant to the number of homes given in his answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 88, and to make grants at equivalent levels in Scotland and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [88151]

The estimated average grants under the proposed New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) are based on the use of seven year operating leases to fund the installation of central heating systems under New HEES Plus. They include the full cost of the lease over the term.The resources allocated to this area cover the estimated number of properties improved through New HEES and also the separate programmes in Scotland and Wales in 2000–01 and 2001–02, including the operating lease charges during these years.The nature of the separate programmes in Scotland and Wales is a matter for the Parliament and the Assembly respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, columns 88–89, what obligation will there be under the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme to target the most vulnerable households. [88154]

The objective of the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme is to target the most vulnerable households, and this will be carried through the operation of the scheme and the specification for work set for scheme managers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, columns 88–89, if the figures for average value of grant-assisted work given there included administrative costs. [88150]

They do not include administrative costs incurred by scheme managers but include those incurred by installers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 87, what value of grant-assisted work was assumed in his model to calculate the reduced heating costs for an average three bedroom semi-detached house. [88155]

Under the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES), the value of the work on each individual property will be up to £700 in the case of New HEES, and up to £1,800 with New HEES Plus, depending on the energy efficiency of the property prior to improvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 87, what is the basis for his statement that New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme and New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme Plus will substantially move households out of fuel poverty. [88157]

Our view that the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) and New HEES Plus will substantially move households out of fuel poverty is based on a careful assessment of the fuel cost savings which householders will derive from the comprehensive packages of assistance provided.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the expenditure required (i) per household and (ii) for all households in England, to achieve a minimum SAP rating of 30, and a minimum SAP increase in houses included for treatment of 10 points, in all homes with a current SAP rating of (a) less than 10, (b) less than 20, and (c) less than 30. [88156]

Estimates of the expenditure required were published in the English House Condition Survey 1991, Energy Report, SO 1996. (Page 225, Table 19.4). A similar analysis using data from the 1996 English House Condition Survey is planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the projected estimate of the number of new households in Hampshire in 2016 (a) in 1992 and (b) at the most recent date; and if he will make a statement. [88121]

The 1992-based household projections gave a projection of 0.783 million households for Hampshire for 2016. Preliminary information on counties from the 1996-based household projections was sent to Regional Planning Conferences in May. These new figures show a projected 0.81 million households in Hampshire in 2016.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the number of car journeys made to out-of-town supermarkets in the last year for which figures are available. [88328]

Data are not available on the number of car journeys made to out-of-town supermarkets.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authorities do not make housing provision for single mothers under the age of 18 years. [88393]

Under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 (the homelessness legislation), all housing authorities are obliged to secure temporary housing for homeless single mothers under the age of 18 years if they are not intentionally homeless and there is no other suitable accommodation available for them to occupy in the district. Local authorities are also empowered to allocate housing under Part VI of the 1996 Act to people on their housing registers. Information on the number of local housing authorities who make provision of housing for young single mothers through their housing registers is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many officials in his Department are directly employed promoting walking policies; and what proportion this figure represents of the total number of people employed by his Department. [88163]

Work in support of walking policies, including research, accounts for the whole of one post and a significant part of nine others. On 1 April 1999 there were 3,450 full-time equivalent civil servants working in DETR (Central).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional funding he plans to make available for the A5/M1 link road in Bedfordshire. [88171]

The possible A5/M1 link road in Bedfordshire would form part of the Luton Northern Bypass, which is a major long-term local authority scheme. Bedfordshire County Council and Luton Borough Council are currently working on a joint 5-year local transport plan submission for the area. I understand that the Translink public transport scheme is likely to be their highest priority major project.In the Trunk Road Review the A5 Dunstable Bypass and the M1 Junction 6A-10 Widening were included in the London to South Midlands Study area—which is in the Tranche 2 of the Government funded study programme. The study will address a range of transport issues including motorway congestion, development pressures and access to major urban areas such as Luton and Dunstable and possible local solutions including any A5/M1 Link North of Dunstable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what discussions he has had with Railtrack regarding the introduction of 12 car trains between North Kent and London; [88203](2) what discussions he has had with Railtrack regarding the introduction of trackside equipment to allow North Kent Networker trains to make use of their REGEN braking system; [88202](3) what discussion he has had with Railtrack regarding the upgrading of the power supply on North Kent lines to allow longer trains to run; [88204](4) what discussions he has held with Railtrack regarding the completion of new track signalling systems for North Kent commuter lines. [88201]

This is a matter for Railtrack who are currently discussing with OPRAF and Connex the options for introducing 12 car trains between North Kent and London and the related issues of new track signalling systems, upgrading the power supply and facilitating the use of REGEN braking system in Networker trains.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to require a train operating company to implement a refurbishment of a particular station. [88401]

Train operating companies are obliged to meet certain minimum standards at stations which are set out in their franchise agreements. These do not cover refurbishment of stations which is primarily the responsibility of Railtrack with the train operating companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on transport links and access to the Millennium Dome from East London and Essex. [87234]

The Millennium Experience will be a 'car free' event, with parking at the Dome site restricted to Orange Badge Holders only and extensive parking controls in place on and around the Greenwich peninsula. The transport strategy devised for the Experience therefore focuses on access to the Dome site being made by public transport.For visitors travelling from East London and Essex, the most convenient public transport route will be travel by surface rail to either Stratford or West Ham stations, or where appropriate the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town station, and transfer on to the extended Jubilee Line to make the short journey to North Greenwich station, which is located adjacent to the entrance of the Dome site.For visitors who seek to make the first leg of their journey by car, the New Millennium Experience Company is intending to manage a small number of formal park and ride facilities around London at which a limited number of visitors each day, who pre-book in advance, will be able to leave their vehicles before completing their journey on convenient public transport links. For visitors travelling from East London and Essex, the most convenient park and ride facility will be the proposed site in the north east sector of London which, subject to planning permission, will be located at Stratford. Visitors parking at the Stratford site would be transferred the short distance to Stratford station by shuttle bus, where they would again take the extended Jubilee Line to North Greenwich Station.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the amount of green-field land that will be required to meet the Government's targets for new house-building by (a) 2010 and (b) 2015. [88785]

The Government does not set targets for new house-building. Housing requirements are derived both locally and regionally and land for housing is allocated through the planning process. The Government's target is that 60 per cent. of additional housing should be built on previously developed land or should re-use existing buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Government have made of the effects of rate relief granted to charity shops on the development of small and medium-sized towns. [88615]

No assessment has been made of the effects of granting rate relief to charity shops. However, as part of the Treasury's overall review of charity taxation my Department is considering whether there is a need to issue further guidance to local authorities to ensure that only those charity shops which 'wholly or mainly' sell donated goods receive rate relief.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what financial assistance is available through local government to support small and specialist shops in small and medium-sized towns; and if he will make a statement. [88616]

There is no specific financial assistance available for small and specialist shops in small or medium sized towns. The Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) does fund comprehensive regeneration schemes put forward by local partnerships (which may include local authorities) in deprived areas. These schemes usually have multiple objectives and it is not possible to quantify their benefit to particular business groups. However, small shops may benefit from schemes which assist business start-ups, living over the shop, environmental improvements and provision of security measures.The Government are considering measures to reduce the rate burden on small businesses as was stated in our White Paper "Modern Local Government—In touch with the People" published last July. We intend to consult further on proposals in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish proposals permitting horse riders to use certain footpaths; and if he will make a statement. [88351]

We are considering recommendations for improvements to rights of way legislation submitted by the Countryside Commission (now the Countryside Agency) and expect to issue a consultation paper shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account the London and South Wales multi-modal study has taken of the report by MDS Transmodal on the benefits of increasing the gauge to allow piggyback freight. [88736]

The study will address these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 10 June 1999, Official Report, column 377, who appoints the members of European Regional Chambers; what are their duties; with what other regional bodies they are in partnership; by what tests they are considered suitable for designation under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998; and what further responsibilities arise from that designation. [88686]

As I said in my answer on 10 June 1999, Official Report, column 377, regional chambers have no formal status in relation to the European Union; they are therefore not "European" regional chambers.Regional chambers are voluntary partnerships formed by local authorities and other regional stakeholders with an interest in the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the region. Membership is decided by the stakeholders themselves. However, for the chamber to achieve designation the basis for the selection of the membership must meet criteria set out in the White Paper 'Building Partnerships for Prosperity' published in December 1997, and general principles set out in further guidance issued by the Department in August 1998. The White Paper criteria and the further guidance also cover non-membership issues. Copies are in the Library.The Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 imposes no duties or responsibilities on regional chambers but designation enables them to play a consultative and scrutiny role in relation to the Regional Development Agencies. The Government also believe that regional chambers are well placed to take over the role of regional planning bodies, but it is for the existing planning bodies to decide whether and how this should be done.Otherwise, it is for the regional chambers themselves, as voluntary partnerships, to decide their own work programmes and the extent of their partnership activity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to restructure the district salmon fishery boards; and if he will make a statement. [87691]

The District Salmon Fishery Boards Order 1999 came into effect on 3 May. It replaced the previous provisions of Schedule 2 of the Salmon Act 1986 on the composition of district salmon fishery boards, allowing boards greater freedom to determine optimum size and structure for themselves. The Order will facilitate mergers of boards, through offering the scope for pooling resources and promoting more science-based fisheries management in line with the Report of the Scottish Salmon Strategy Task Force. A number of boards have already elected to take advantage of the new Order and this is reflected in the Lochaber Salmon Fishery District Designation Order 1999, the Conon Salmon Fishery District Designation Order 1999 and the North and West Salmon Fishery District Designation Order 1999.From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many clinical and medical oncologists are employed per head of population in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [87869]

The information available is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to cap local authority spending in the current year. [89115]

None. This year we fulfilled our Manifesto commitment to abolish crude and universal capping; instead Scottish local authorities were issued with indicative expenditure guidelines. Most authorities have exercised their new discretion sensibly. Eight authorities have set budgets in excess of the guideline, although in most cases by small amounts. Three authorities have made large increases; they are East Dunbartonshire, Aberdeenshire and Perth and Kinross.I have consulted the First Minister, who will be responsible for this matter after 1 July. We have decided not to cap any authorities this year. However we have called in the three authorities named above to discuss why they have made such large increases and put them on warning that we will expect them to return to guideline next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what estimate he has of the number of patients within the North Glamorgan Trust who are awaiting cardiac surgery (a) at the University of Wales Hospital and (b) at Morriston Hospital; and what is the average waiting time for each list; [86834](2) what estimate he has made of the number of patients with the North Glamorgan Trust who are awaiting orthopaedic surgery

Data are not held centrally on the numbers of patients waiting for in-patient or day case treatment in one NHS trust following an out-patient consultation in a hospital of another NHS trust.Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the letter from Keith Blake of the Health Services and Management Division of the Welsh Office, addressed to Gwynfor Hughes of Porthmadog, dated 9 June, in relation to the future of the proposals for the new community hospital at Porthmadog. [88588]

The Department's letter of 9 June set out the current position regarding funding for the North Merionydd/East Dwyfor Community Hospital scheme.An Outline Business Case for the new hospital was approved by the Department in February 1999 and the scheme was considered for public funding in 1999–2000.The Secretary of State's spending decisions for 1999–2000 made provision of £83 million for NHS capital expenditure to complete on-going schemes and for discretionary capital expenditure by Trusts. Funding was not allocated to this scheme.Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the business plan submitted by North Wales Heath Authority for a new community hospital to serve North Meirionydd and Eastern Dwyfor was accepted by his Department; and what the current position is with regard to this project. [88620]

The Outline Business Case for the North Merionydd/East Dwyfor Community Hospital was formally approved by the Department in February 1999.Funding has not been allocated for this project to commence in 1999–2000.I am unable to comment on the funding position for 2000–01.Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if it is his Department's policy that the decision on whether to include in the 1999–2000 Capital Programme provision for a new community hospital to serve North Meirionnydd and Eastern Dwyfor, at Porthmadog, is a matter for the North Wales Health Authority. [88619]

It is a matter for the North Wales Health Authority to decide if it wishes to continue its support for the provision of a new Community Hospital at Porthmadog.The Department's policy is that NHS Trusts must provide confirmation of Health Authority support before a Business Case can be approved.North Wales Health Authority did support in full the proposals from Gwynedd Community Health NHS Trust for the new Community Hospital at Porthmadog, and the Outline Business Case was subsequently approved by the Department and the scheme was considered for public funding in 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the current number of public textphones; and what plans Her Majesty's Government have to increase the level of provision. [88411]

There are currently 84 public textphones in the country, provided by BT. The Government are planning to consult on the provision of public textphones in a consultation later this year on improving access to telecommunications for the disabled. This is part of its further implementation of the Revised Voice Telephony Directive (98/10/EC). This should result in an increase in the provision of public textphones, especially in places such as railway stations and shopping centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors, indicating those which are in operation. [88398]

The RBMK (Chernobyl-type) nuclear reactors of which we are aware are Chernobyl 1–2, Chernobyl 3*, Ignalina 1, Ignalina 2*, Kursk 1–4*, Kursk 5 (under construction), Leningrad (Sosnovy Bor) 1–4* and Smolensk 1–3*. Those marked with an asterix are in operation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the safety of remaining Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors; and if he will make a statement on programmes of remedial action to which Her Majesty's Government have contributed. [88397]

The UK continues to work with our G7 and European partners to improve nuclear safety in the countries concerned. This is undertaken through a number of multilateral assistance programmes funded through the G7 Nuclear Safety Account (NSA), International Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA) Technical Co-operation Programme and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development managed Chernobyl Shelter Fund. The UK also funds a bilateral programme of activities through its Nuclear Safety and Health Budget which is administered by the DTI.The most recent assessment of the safety of Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors was undertaken in June at the IAEA in Vienna where there was a meeting of strengthening nuclear safety in Eastern Europe. All nuclear countries who operate Chernobyl-type nuclear reactors (RBMK) attended along with leading international organisations that provide nuclear safety assistance to them. The meeting concluded that there is no question that considerable progress on nuclear safety has been made in Eastern Europe and in their operation of nuclear power plants where they have demonstrated clear progress in operational safety improvements.Papers distributed at the meeting and copies of the presentations can be accessed through the IAEA website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in what way the climate change levy will promote the efficient generation of electricity; and if he will make a statement. [88200]

The proposed climate change levy will be levied downstream on energy supplied to industrial and commercial users. This will ensure that domestic consumption of energy is excluded. Since it is a downstream tax there will be relatively little impact on the mix of fuels used, and efficiency, in generation.However, the Government are looking closely at the possibility of exempting new forms of renewable energy, like wind power, from the levy. The consultation document issued by Customs and Excise sought views on whether, and if so, how this could be done. The treatment of Combined Heat and Power plants is also being considered. In addition, the Government have announced that there will be an extra £50 million a year for schemes aimed at promoting energy efficiency and additional support for renewables.Finally, the White Paper, "Conclusions of the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation", sets out the Government's broad energy policy, including radical reforms to the electricity market. These reforms will bring greater competition to electricity generation and lower prices for consumers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish a breakdown of (a) the current emission levels and (b) the estimated emission levels following the introduction of the climate change levy by industrial sector; and if he will make a statement. [88300]

The following table showing 1997 emissions of greenhouse gases by source was published by the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions on 13 May 1999. Emission levels by industry following the introduction of the climate change levy will depend upon the structure and rate of the levy. However, in total the levy is expected to save around 1.5 million tonnes of carbon a year by 2010 thereby making a significant contribution to meeting both the legally binding target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set under the Kyoto protocol and the Government's domestic goal of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.