To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had within the EU on requiring the labelling of fur products to state the country, animal of origin and how the animal has been killed. [87415]

The EU has not discussed requirements for labelling of fur products. However, consumers themselves have a role to play here by requesting information about products before buying. The Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations prohibit false or misleading information about products. If a trader is unwilling to provide clear information, consumers can exercise their right to shop elsewhere. I have initiated consultation with ministerial colleagues on what further steps might be taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on departmental policy in response to the European Commission's proposals under the Gender and Science Watch System. [87679]

The Government support the aims of the recent European Commission Communication "Women and science—Mobilising women to enrich scientific research", which includes a description of its activities known as the Gender and Science Watch System. The Commission's approach is consistent with the Government's policies to increase the participation of women in science and complements the initiatives already being taken in the UK, for example The Promoting SET (Science, Engineering and Technology) for Women Unit, located in the Office of Science and Technology at the Department of Trade and Industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about breaches of the Landmines Act 1998; and if he will make a statement. [87885]

Anyone with any evidence to suggest that there has been a breach of the Landmines Act 1998 should draw it to the attention of the relevant enforcement authorities, to whom any letters alleging such breaches are passed by this Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if a company based in the UK needs a licence to export goods covered by the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1989 to overseas subsidiaries. [87955]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he has taken to increase the ability of UK companies and institutions to protect their intellectual property; and if he will make a statement. [88074]

The Government's Competitiveness White Paper, which was published last December, includes a comprehensive and ambitious action plan for improving the legal framework which creates and defines rights, for improving access to intellectual property, and for reforming the civil justice system to allow intellectual property rights to be enforced more easily and cheaply.In particular, we are pressing for early adoption of a proposal for a European Directive on copyright and the information society. This will introduce changes to the copyright system throughout Europe to ensure that it can deal more effectively with the challenges and opportunities brought by dissemination of copyright works by means of digital networks. Also in the field of information technology, during our presidency of the European Union, the United Kingdom hosted a major international conference on ways to protect computer software, including by patents. As a result of this initiative, we expect the European Commission to bring forward a proposal for a Directive for harmonising the patents regime across member states, and so to encourage innovation in this important area.In patents, we are pushing for a unitary Community patent providing rights across all member states. This would present further choice for those who wish to protect their innovations by patents in addition to existing routes via the European Patent Office, through which a bundle of individual national patents may be obtained, and the United Kingdom's own patent office which affords rights in the United Kingdom. Such a unitary system must, however, command the confidence of industry, and we are seeking ways to ensure that rights are underpinned by a high degree of legal certainty.Discussions are currently taking place with our European Community partners on the possibility of harmonising so-called "utility models" (or petty patents). If adopted, a Directive would require the United Kingdom to introduce such a system for the first time, although 12 of our EC partners currently operate such regimes. Utility models are for the protection of smaller, incremental inventions. Rights would be granted by registration without the technical and legal scrutiny which precedes granting of patent rights. Acquisition of rights would, therefore, be quicker and cheaper and would present advantages to industry, especially small businesses. However, this carries risk that rights could be found to be invalid, and that rights could be used anticompetitively. It is important that the terms of an eventual Directive benefits firms, especially small businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many rural post offices there were in Scotland, Wales and England (a) at the latest available date, (b) in 1997, (c) in 1989 and (d) in 1979. [88080]

[holding answer 24 June 1999]: The Post Office have advised the numbers of rural post offices in Scotland, Wales and England as follows:

	Scotland	Wales	England
End May 1999	1,140	987	6,272
End March 1998	1,170	983	6,535

I understand that, prior to March 1998, Post Office Counters Ltd. did not break down the numbers of post offices by country but only by its own administrative regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the monitoring period for the assessment of the national minimum wage, as it affects activity holidays, will end. [88451]

The Low Pay Commission has been asked to monitor and evaluate the introduction and impact of the National Minimum Wage and to report to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by December 1999. I understand that the Commission will shortly be writing to interested parties, including groups representing activity holiday companies, inviting them to submit written evidence by mid-September

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what responses he has received to the consultation document, Investment Companies Share Repurchases Using Capital Profits; and when he expects to announce his conclusions; [R] [88610](2) If he will make a statement on investment company share purchases using capital profits; [R] [88612](3) What plans he has to table regulations on the issue of investment company share repurchases using capital profits. [R] [88611]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: My Department received 42 responses to its consultative document Investment Companies—Share Repurchases Using Capital Profits. Two respondents opposed a change to the law. A summary of responses was issued last week and has been placed in the Library of the House along with the original consultative document. Following the receipt of a number of detailed comments on the draft Statutory Instrument, my Department proposes to undertake a further, limited, consultation on a slightly revised draft SI (but not on the principle of a proposed change to the law) and an announcement will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Government are investing in science; and if the information is publicly available. [89293]

My noble Friend Lord Sainsbury is today publishing the Forward Look of Government-funded Science, Engineering and Technology which sets out the Government's spending plans. We see science as a major priority and a key driver for wealth creation, employment and an improved quality of life both in this country and overseas. We will be investing over £20 billion in this area over the next three years—a real terms increase of £1.8 billion—representing a level of investment higher in real terms than at any time over this decade. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out the reasons for the time taken to reach his decision on the merger of City Flyer Express and British Airways; and when that decision is scheduled. [88887]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will publish the Competition Commission's report on British Airways' proposed acquisition of City Flyer Express as soon as is practicable. It is not the practice of my right hon. Friend to comment publicly on the timing or substance of competition cases in advance of publication of the Competition Commission's report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the European Communities working groups which met over the last 12 months with a representative from his Department in attendance; if he will list the number of times each met; if he will indicate the nature of the Government's representation; and if he will make a statement. [88481]

The Social Questions Working Group of the Council met on nine occasions in the last 12 months when officials from this Department were present.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he is able to announce changes to the regulations in respect of the payment of Jobseeker's Allowance to employees made redundant when their employer goes into receivership. [89031]

We are aware of the effect of the Jobseeker's Allowance rules in this area and are considering the matter in conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry to see whether any changes can be made. There are, however, complex issues to be resolved. Meanwhile, there are existing safeguards to protect those most in need as payments can be made if hardship would otherwise result.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress has been made on the consultation on the stakeholder pensions proposals. [89295]

The consultation paper "Stakeholder Pensions: Employer Access—the Government's Proposals" is published today. This is the second in a series of consultation papers on stakeholder pensions; further consultation papers will be issued in the coming weeks.This paper demonstrates our commitment to move ahead with pensions reform. Stakeholder pensions will plug a gap in pension provision by providing low-cost, dependable and flexible pensions for up to five million people who currently do not have the right options available to save for their retirement.This consultation paper sets out how employers will play a part in this process, by providing employees with access to a stakeholder pension scheme if they do not offer an occupational pension scheme. Copies of the consultation paper are available in the Library and the Vote Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many applications for orders under the Transport and Works Act 1992 will be affected by the transfer of powers to the National Assembly for Wales on 1 July. [87582]

No outstanding Transport and Works Act applications will transfer to the National Assembly for Wales on 1 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the locations in the Cleethorpes parliamentary constituency where GM crops are being grown. [87991]

Within the parliamentary constituency of Cleethorpes, six consents have been issued in respect of small research trials of genetically modified crops to permit growing in 1999. These trials are all located at Dalby Farms Limited, Brigsley. Further details of these trials are available on the DETR public register and on the DETR website.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the distance of the pollen barrier at the genetically modified farm-scale trial in Wiltshire; what is the distance which SCIMAC recommend for an isolation distance in their code of practice; and if he will make a statement. [88158]

The consent for the farm scale evaluation of spring oil seed rape at Lushill Farm, Hannington, Wiltshire does not specify a pollen barrier. Under the conditions of the release, a 50m isolation distance must be maintained between the genetically modified (GM) oil seed rape and any non-GM oilseed rape to be used for food or animal feed. Any oil seed rape growing within 50m of the GM oil seed rape will in this instance be destroyed after harvest. The 50m separation distance between GM and non-GM oil seed rape is specified in the SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative for Modified Agricultural Crops) Guidelines.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment the Environment Agency has made of the damage caused by cormorants to inland fishing.[88194]

In 1995 my Department, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Environment Agency commissioned a three year programme of research on the problem of fish-eating birds, including cormorants, at inland fisheries. The research was aimed at identifying the populations, distributions and movements of these birds, their feeding ecology, the extent of the problems they can cause and assessing different management techniques to reduce those problems. The final results will be disseminated to the fishing and bird conservation interests at a seminar to be held on 30 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will name those authorities in receipt of the area cost adjustment and the additional SSA which they received for 1999–2000. [88188]

The information requested has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of planning applications for wind farms which have been refused; how many appeals against such refusals have been made and in each case on what grounds. [88394]

Information on planning applications made to local planning authorities for wind farm proposals is not held centrally; there have been 27 planning appeals in England since 1990. In most of those appeals weighing visual impact against the benefits of renewable energy is likely to have been an important consideration. Appeal decision letters are available from the Planning Inspectorate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral answer of 13 April 1999, Official Report, column 11, on sites of special scientific interest, when he expects to announce how the Government intend to proceed. [88336]

We have recognised the need to give thorough consideration to the most effective measures we can introduce, and will be announcing our conclusions shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the (a) level of pollution and (b) threat of pollution arising from spillages from oil storage tanks with insecure stop-cocks; and if he will make a statement. [88195]

In 1998 the Environment Agency recorded 5,308 water pollution incidents in England and Wales related to oil spillages. In a sample study six per cent. of incidents were identified by the Agency as due to faulty oil tank valves.The Government are considering whether further measures to prevent water pollution from industrial, commercial and institutional (residential and nonresidential) oil storage installations are needed. We expect to make an announcement shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies have been carried out into the practical effects of the closure of the London Underground Northern Line between Moorgate and Kennington stations from 3 July until 6 September. [88427]

London Underground (LU) have made a number of studies into the practical effects of the upcoming Northern Line closure between Moorgate and Kennington stations. They have modelled the impact on passenger flows across London's public transport system and also modelled in more detail passenger movements in the stations most likely to suffer increased congestion.Based on the results of these studies and their experience of the southbound closure of the same section of line in 1996, LU have developed an alternative service to minimise passenger disruption for the period of the closure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on the revision of PPG17; and when he expects the revised Guidance to be announced. [88776]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish the revised Policy Planning Guidance Note 17 on Sport and Recreation. [88458]

I refer to the answer that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Liz Blackman) on 13 January 1999, Official Report, column 215. The text is being prepared for consultation in the Autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) by what percentage emissions of carbon dioxide were reduced between the years 1990 and 1993; and what were the major contributors to this reduction; [88739](2) by what percentage emissions of carbon dioxide were reduced between the years 1993 and 1997; and what were the major contributors to this reduction. [88740]

Emissions of carbon dioxide fell by 4 per cent. between 1990 and 1993 (from 168 MtC to 161 MtC) and by 4 per cent. between 1993 and 1997 (from 161 MtC to 155 MtC). A major contribution to the decline during both periods was the switch from coal to gas and to nuclear for power generation. During the latter period (1993 to 1997) the effects of energy efficiency improvements, economic restructuring and the increases in road transport fuel duty in reducing emissions were also significant. Without these trends emissions would have been expected to rise between 1990 and 1997 due to the effects of economic growth.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will assess the advantages and disadvantages of including playing fields in the land use register. [88459]

It is our intention that the National Land Use Database will record all land uses, including playing fields.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many school playing fields have been given planning permission for non-sport development since 1 October 1998. [88742]

The information requested is not available. The results of planning applications and appeals are not classified by current or previous land use.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Virgin and Central Train companies regarding improvements to rail services through Shrewsbury; and if he will make a statement. [88455]

This is a matter for the train operating companies. OPRAF holds regular meetings with both Virgin and Central Trains and although enhancement of services through Shrewsbury have been discussed, I understand that neither company has any current plans for improvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the reports which he has requested from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales about disciplinary action taken by that body in respect of non-compliance with the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 in relation to the accounts of residential leasehold properties in each of the last three years. [88578]

We have not requested any such reports. However, officials have met representatives of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales to discuss the certification of service charge accounts. We are well aware of leaseholders' concerns in this area and are considering what might be done to protect their money more effectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce a decision on the funding of the Cumberland Gap section of the M6 in Cumbria. [88350]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: Following the Roads Review last year we announced that we would not be taking forward the M6 extension scheme between Carlisle and Guardsmill as it was then designed but that the Highways Agency would be tasked with considering lower cost options to upgrade the A74 to motorway standard. Cumbria CC has since been commissioned to carry out the study into lower cost options. Decisions on the timing and finance of the scheme will be made following receipt of the study report which is expected in August.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of railway stations have secure parking provision for bicycles. [88956]

Figures for the percentage of stations with secure parking provision for bicycles are not held centrally. However, around 40 per cent. of railway stations do provide provision for the storage of bicycles.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the trips, facilities, gifts and other offerings of a financial value provided by Monsanto to (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants in his Department since 1 May 1997. [88954]

As far as I am aware, since 1 May 1997 no Minister or civil servant working in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, its Agencies and its staff working in the Government Offices has accepted any trips, facilities, gifts or other offering provided by Monsanto.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 April 1999, Official Report, column 70, on rivers, when he expects to receive Dr. Kader Asmal's report on large dams. [87390]

We understand that Dr. Kader Asmal has been asked to report by the end of June 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 January 1999, Official Report, column 568, on transport planners, what was the result of the proceedings of the Steering Group. [87391]

The Steering Group, which is drawn from transport providers, passenger groups and local authorities, is continuing to work with the consultants appointed by the Department to assist in the development of the gender audit and the production of a checklist to help transport providers better understand and meet women's transport requirements. We will be finalising the checklist over the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the organisations and individuals consulted during the consultation to re-band fish farms within water discharge levies. [88414]

A change in the charge band for fish farms was one of a number of amendments made to the Environment Agency's Charging for Discharges Scheme with effect from 1 April 1999. The Environment Agency consulted 211 organisations and individuals on the full range of its proposals. Those consulted included the following with an interest in fish farms:

• Association of Still Water Game Fishery Managers
• Atlantic Salmon Trust
• British Trout Association
• Cerne Valley Fisheries Ltd.
• Clean Rivers Trust
• Commercial Coarse Fisheries Association
• Council for the Protection of Rural England
• Country Landowners Association
• Federation of Small Businesses: Agricultural Affairs Committee

• Freshwater Biological Association
• Institute of Fisheries Management
• Institution of Water and Environmental Management
• International Fish Meal and Oil Manufacturers Association
• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
• National Association of Fisheries and Angling Consolidation
• National Farmers Union
• National Federation of Anglers
• Royal Welsh Agricultural Society
• Rural Development Commission
• Salmon and Trout Association
• Shellfish Association of Great Britain
• UK Association of Fish Meal Manufacturers
• Water UK
• Welsh Anglers Association
• Welsh Development Agency
• Welsh Office
• Welsh Salmon/Trout Angling Association
• West Country Trout.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if, in the context of Public-Private Partnership arrangements, a future private sector partner for National Air Traffic Services will be given a right to review and amend the operational mission of the new Scottish centre project; [88948](2) what role a future private sector partner for NATS would have for MOD air traffic control operations under the Government's Public Private-Partnership proposals. [88952]

The Government issued a consultation document in October 1998 seeking views on our preferred proposal of a PPP for NATS. The period for responses to that consultation has now closed and we are considering those received including the views expressed on the new Scottish centre and the relationship with MOD. We will make a detailed announcement on the way forward in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the new Scottish air traffic control centre will only be built as part of the proposed public private partnership for a national air traffic centre. [88947]

The Government are fully committed to a new air traffic control centre at Prestwick which is part of NATS' two centre strategy for providing ATC services in the 21 century. It is currently envisaged that the project will be taken forward as part of the PPP for NATS.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the operational mission currently planned for the new Scottish air traffic control centre comprises (a) en route services, (b) oceanic services and (c) contingency services for the new en route centre at Swanwick. [88949]

The contract currently under negotiation with Sky Solutions for the New air traffic control centre at Prestwick (NSC) will include the provision of en route and contingency services. The Oceanic flight data processing system is being procured under a separate PFI contract and will be housed in the NSC building.

To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee how purchasers of food products on sale within the Parliamentary Estate which may contain genetically modified ingredients are informed that these ingredients may be present. [88633]

The Food Labelling (Amendment) Regulations 1999 provide catering establishments with a transition period of six months in order to achieve full compliance. The Refreshment Department is working towards this, and expects to be in a position to inform its customers of food products containing Genetically Modified soya or maize protein or DNA by the required deadline of 19 September 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) of 14 June 1999, Official Report, columns 53–54, on jury trial, if he will place in the Library a summary of the responses received during the consultation exercise concerning the proposal to remove the defendant's ability to elect for Crown Court trial in either way cases; and if he will make a statement. [88333]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Eltham (Mr. Efford), on 19 May 1999, Official Report, columns 373–74, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. A copy of the summary of responses to the consultation exercise will shortly be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he (a) has given and (b) plans to give to local partnerships to ensure consistency in the questions asked by local authorities and police forces for the purpose of audits under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [88317]

Previous Home Office guidance to partnerships did not prescribe a specific format for the audits, although it has advised that they specifically seek out levels of racial crime and domestic violence. There are no current plans to amend this guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 21 May 1999, Official Report, column 467, on crime and disorder audits, if he will list those partnerships that have made road safety a priority issue. [88316]

We have not yet completed an analysis of the audits and strategies produced by the local crime and disorder partnerships. The Home Office will carry out a programme of research into the strategies, to inform Home Office guidance to partnerships, but we currently have no plans to publish a full list of priorities so far identified by partnerships.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what priority he gives to road casualty reduction within the strategic objectives he has set for the Police Service. [88314]

The overarching aims and objectives for the police service, which were published last year, include the reduction of casualties. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made it clear in his letter to Chief Officers of Police and their Police Authorities that he saw traffic policing as central to the police's responsibility for maintaining law and order and reducing crime and that he expected road policing to play a full part in achieving safer communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of the police inquiry into the murder of Jill Dando. [88405]

The investigation of crime within the Metropolitan Police District is an operational matter for the Commissioner.The Commissioner tells me that the murder of Jill has triggered an enormous public response: the police have received over 6,000calls, letters and fax messages. The inquiry has raised over 4,000 individual investigative actions; nearly 700 statements have been taken; and there has been a mass trawl of Closed Circuit Television records from private industry, local authorities and the Highways Agency to help track events in Jill Dando's last hours. Following the first phase of gathering, filtering and interpreting the initial information the investigation is now focusing upon developing, examining and testing hypotheses based upon what is now known. The investigation is itself subject to a progress review, in line with new general policy; the Commissioner informs me that the investigating team is following a number of lines of inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many dogs are currently used in the Prison Service for the purpose of detecting drugs in prison; where they are located; how many prisons do not have full-time and exclusive access to such a dog; and what the costs are of training and keeping such a dog. [88307]

There are 240 drug dogs in Prison Service establishments, comprising 51 passive drug dogs and 189 active drug dogs. The list shows the location of the dogs.Forty prisons do not have full-time access to a drug dog, but there are two area search teams (one based at Maidstone prison comprising six dogs; the others at Swinfen Hall Young Offenders Institution with two dogs) and the National Dog Support Group (comprising 14 dogs) Which are available to give support to these prisons.The costs for training and maintaining the dogs are:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to institute random compulsory testing for hepatitis C in prison. [88674]

There are no plans at present to introduce random or compulsory testing for hepatitis C in prison.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the compatibility of his plans for new legal powers for the detention of people with dangerous personality disorders with the European Convention on Human Rights. [88626]

The Government fully recognise the need for the arrangements for the detention and management of dangerous severely personality-disordered people to be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. This need has been taken into consideration in the work which has been done so far. There will be a process of consultation before final decisions are taken about the precise legal framework and about the facilities within which people will be detained. As the hon. Member is aware, Section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998 requires second reading of the Bill as to the compatibility of the provisions with the Convention rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the new distribution mechanism for civil defence grants. [88840]

The sole avenue of consultation on this issue has been the Local Government Association (LGA). In recognition that the issues excites strong views, exceptional approval was given for a joint Home Office/LGA Working Group to examine the issues surrounding grant redistribution. The Group met twice and, although a consensus was not reached, there were areas of agreement and Home Office adjusted its proposals following this consultation.Since work began on the new distribution mechanism, written representations have been received from many different types of local authority affected by proposed changes. Some of this has been Ministerial but correspondence has been dealt with by officials.The outcome of the new mechanism was announced to Winchester Chief Executives in a letter dated 26 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list in respect of each local authority in England and Wales (a) the amount paid in civil grant in 1999–2000, (b) the provisional maximum allocation of civil defence grant for 2000–01 and (c) the provisional maximum allocation of civil defence grant for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement.[88881]

The completion of the local government reorganisation process has provided an opportunity to reassess the distribution of civil defence grant to local authorities in England and Wales, and consultation has taken place between Home Office and the Local Government Associatiion (LGA). An announcement about the new mechanism was made to Chief Executives in a letter of 26 May.As the information required is lengthy, tables have been placed in the Library. Copies of these tables were sent to the LGA and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (SOLACE) at the time of the announcement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement on the relative increases between 1997 and 1998 on the number of Warrants issued by the (i) Secretary of State for the Home Department and (ii) the Secretary of State for Scotland under the Interception of Communications Act 1985; [88720](2) what reasons underlie the increase in warrants allowing interception of telecommunications issued by him in 1998 under the Interception of Communications Act 1985. [88719]

In his annual report for 1998, the Interception Commissioner records that the substantial increase in interception is due to the continuing incidence of large-scale crime and the greater interception facilities available to meet it. He was satisfied that the strict statutory criteria continued to be applied.He further recorded that the police and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, assisted in some cases by the security and intelligence agencies, have had many outstanding successes; and that interception of communications remains an effective and an essential operation in the interests of national security and of safeguarding the economic well being of the United Kingdom, and in the prevention and detection of serious crime. Examples of the value of interception in the fight against serious crime are given in the consultation paper on interception of communications which I published on 22 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many warrants issued under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 and in force on 31 December 1998 had as their justification (i) the prevention or detection of serious crime, (ii) the interests of national security and (iii) the safeguarding of the economic well-being of the UK; and how many warrants were issued which did not cite one of the above three reason as its justification; [88718]

Number of effective calls transferred to each regional office TEB by 0990 service
Date	Belfast	Glasgow	Liverpool	London	Newport	Peterborough	Total
1997
May	4,730	18,540	27,037	16,502	27,987	21,448	116,244
June	6,545	21,216	26,665	19,283	29,634	22,795	126,138
July	5,044	17,353	25,740	38,452	29,496	16,767	132,852
August	4,465	14,687	19,439	29,086	23,472	15,409	106,558
September	4,094	14,350	22,954	22,273	27,983	19,373	111,027
October	2,728	15,885	20,255	18,459	25,501	19,201	102,029
November	1,191	12,561	14,228	8,525	19,094	15,850	71,449
December	1,555	11,582	15,532	8,559	18,907	14,784	70,919
1998
January	3,302	15,235	21,880	11,447	33,414	22,802	107,090
February	2,040	15,378	21,855	13,224	32,441	21,587	106,525
March	4,493	19,367	28,962	14,805	40,089	23,573	131,289
April	6,092	17,774	24,836	13,573	37,546	19,817	119,638
May	7,848	19,042	24,840	18,216	38,829	16,098	124,873
June	11,984	18,383	26,128	16,440	34,901	14,860	122,696
July	—	—	—	—	—	—	0
August	7,769	18,861	19,732	13,163	28,431	17,507	105,463
September	7,771	18,472	4,346	23,971	35,233	19,356	109,149
October	—	—	—	—	—	—	0
November	6,707	18,246	14,744	27,337	26,011	11,673	104,718
December	801	12,047	12,283	17,077	18,022	12,988	73,218
1999
January	1,948	16,829	15,820	23,017	24,558	21,041	103,213
February	2,118	17,315	12,929	20,503	26,762	21,460	101,087
March	3,171	21,262	9,100	32,412	27,148	22,338	115,431
April	4,430	16,987	5,882	12,964	21,812	15,234	77,309
May	4,564	13,549	4,411	10,212	59,798	86,662	101,196

The Annual Report of the Commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985, published on 17 June, records the number of interception warrants issued annually by the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland. Paragraph 29 of the Report gives the reasons for not providing further information concerning the purpose for which warrants were issued. I consider that it remains in the public interest to follow the established practice and not to provide any more detailed breakdown of the figures in the Commissioner's Report. No warrant may be, or has been, issued unless it is considered necessary to do so in the interests of national security; for the purpose of preventing or detecting serious crime or for the purpose of safeguarding the economic well-being of the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the volume was of incoming telephone calls from the 0990 service to each office of the UK Passport Agency in each month since May 1997. [88878]

The number of incoming telephone calls transferred from the 0990 service to each office in the UK Passport Agency in each month since May 1997 is shown in the table.In addition to these calls transferred from the 0870–0990 service, each Regional Office receives calls from an alternative number, which is given out by recorded courtesy messages and high street partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the longest waiting time for personal callers at each office of the UK Passport Agency in each month since May 1997. [88962]

Maximum waiting time (minutes) for personal callers 1997, 1998 and 1999
Months	London	Liverpool	Peterborough	Newport	Glasgow	Belfast
1997
September	106	60	63	30	77	32
October	95	40	70	30	58	15
November	130	60	55	30	60	20
December	172	90	75	20	68	20
1998
January	122	80	40	30	65	20
February	189	70	40	45	67	25
March	150	60	50	40	60	25
April	158	70	50	30	49	10
May	120	90	45	40	67	15
June	250	80	100	45	86	15
July	216	110	100	45	87	20
August	141	110	105	40	51	30
September	171	100	60	40	56	20
October	134	100	60	40	55	10
November	73	100	90	40	48	5
December	188	100	80	30	50	5
1999
January	114	100	40	25	57	20
February	169	100	55	35	39	25
March	225	140	60	45	56	15
April	238	140	90	50	56	60
May	323	140	150	55	75	60

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unprocessed passport applications were outstanding at the end of each week since 1 January 1999 at each office of the UK Passport Agency. [88882]

Unprocessed passport applications 1999
Week ending	London	Liverpool	Peterborough	Newport	Glasgow	Belfast	Total
3 January 1999	3,938	9,585	8,111	10,630	22,969	5,591	60,824
10 January 1999	3,887	20,444	14,598	11,154	22,364	5,392	77,839
17 January 1999	2,843	23,029	20,466	10,327	24,548	9,632	90,845
24 January 1999	4,180	30,530	27,052	29,641	30,693	15,057	137,153
31 January 1999	5,249	31,173	39,966	31,750	40,532	18,610	167,280
7 February 1999	5,507	40,057	47,715	39,328	44,180	21,632	198,419
14 February 1999	5,976	52,161	51,326	46,823	47,107	18,393	221,786
21 February 1999	6,708	62,526	60,747	50,789	55,247	17,868	253,885
28 February 1999	8,095	81,396	60,206	57,540	58,605	14,351	280,193
7 March 1999	8,088	74,417	55,976	57,446	61,541	18,105	275,573
14 March 1999	8,047	83,115	61,608	56,545	63,942	20,147	293,404
21 March 1999	22,014	77,255	62,484	61,726	64,862	21,639	309,980
28 March 1999	9,748	76,895	65,214	59,839	65,851	27,151	304,698
4 April 1999	9,809	71,387	68,784	53,817	72,810	24,417	301,024
11 April 1999	9,820	73,169	67,893	55,792	75,311	29,195	311,180
18 April 1999	7,342	79,344	72,758	58,517	82,333	33,108	333,402
25 April 1999	8,113	87,892	88,253	58,993	90,121	33,279	366,651
2 May 1999	9,530	97,030	90,403	61,992	102,102	36,016	397,073
9 May 1999	12,505	107,352	91,646	65,888	108,655	38,466	424,512
16 May 1999	13,929	118,055	95,813	71,176	121,258	38,912	459,143
23 May 1999	13,602	137,897	99,398	76,465	124,524	33,999	485,885
30 May 1999	12,470	147,792	102,073	83,256	128,721	24,527	498,839
6 June 1999	11,684	143,093	93,411	87,005	127,416	25,049	487,658
13 June 1999	13,143	161,823	100,214	104,428	133,207	18,570	531,385
20 June 1999	11,607	184,362	100,089	113,007	136,594	19,877	565,536

The information requested on the longest waiting times for personal callers at each office of the UK Passport Agency in each month since May 1997 is set out in the table.

The information requested on the numbers of unprocessed passport applications outstanding at the end of each week sine 1 January 1999 is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of the UK Passport Agency's business plan 1999–2000 and corporate plan 1999–02. [88880]

I will place a copy of the UK Passport Agency's 1999–2000 Business Plan and 1999–02 Corporate Plan in the Library of the House once it has been approved, which I hope will be in the next few weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list in respect of each office of the UK Passport Agency the volume of incoming

Month	Recorded/courtesy messages	Belfast	Glasgow	London	Liverpool	Newport	Peterborough
January 1998	516,045	13,521	25,918	22,512	37,624	46,624	21,596
July 1998	563,559	11,196	24,457	15,305	36,151	41,376	25,153
August 1998	279,214	9,047	26,776	15,168	1—	34,086	23,936
September 1998	202,702	8,744	26,724	26,805	1—	1—	25,592
October 1998	291,458	10,764	23,576	30,123	13,569	1—	1—
November 1998	131,726	7,366	23,348	31,195	20,129	26,481	15,103
December 1998	192,176	1,412	17,292	20,712	17,969	22,465	16,796
January 1999	332,296	875	21,984	26,725	21,445	32,911	25,566
February 1999	370,537	4,152	20,878	23,691	17,421	35,479	27,982
March 1999	668,287	4,876	25,914	38,020	15,060	30,148	29,470
April 1999	669,048	9,249	19,822	15,324	10,914	25,695	20,036
May 1999	1,388,522	9,175	16,706	17,053	6,893	26,240	12,988
1Management information not available due to refurbishment work

It can be seen from the table that an element of the calls are answered centrally by recorded messages, while the remainder are transferred to the local office to be answered by an operator. The percentage of calls answered within 60 seconds by an operator is detailed in the following table. Gaps in the table occur when information is not currently accessible.

Volume of calls dealt with at each regional office and percentage answered within 60 seconds
Week	Volume of calls answered	Percentage of calls answered within 60 seconds
Belfast
4 January 1999	—	—
11 January 1999	—	—
18 January 1999	1,037	93.10
25 January 1999	—	—
1 February 1999	875	91.90
8 February 1999	1,020	98.50
15 February 1999	1,095	98.90
22 February 1999	1,164	97.10
1 March 1999	—	—
8 March 1999	—	—
15 March 1999	—	—
22 March 1999	1,276	90.20
29 March 1999	971	92.30
5 April 1999	—	—
12 April 1999	1,883	84.20
19 April 1999	2,322	76.60
26 April 1999	2,544	71.30
3 May 1999	—	—
10 May 1999	—	—
17 May 1999	—	—
24 May 1999	2,220	25.10
31 May 1999	—	—
7 June 1999	1,869	20.30

The UK Passport Agency's published telephone inquiry number is a single non-geographical number (0870 5210410). The inquiry service is fronted by an automated menu system which, depending on the option selected, then routes calls to either an appropriate recorded message (for general inquiries) or an operator (for specific inquiries). Details of the volume of incoming calls are listed in the following table.

Volume of calls dealt with at each regional office and percentage answered within 60 seconds
Week	Volume of calls answered	Percentage of calls answered within 60 seconds
Glasgow
4 January 1999	3,829	24.00
11 January 1999	6,124	51.80
18 January 1999	6,703	63.90
25 January 1999	5,328	75.10
1 February 1999	5,059	69.00
8 February 1999	5,109	67.50
15 February 1999	5,325	74.90
22 February 1999	5,385	91.40
1 March 1999	5,344	86.10
8 March 1999	5,732	88.80
15 March 1999	5,463	88.20
22 March 1999	5,837	87.50
29 March 1999	4,430	85.20
5 April 1999	4,185	70.40
12 April 1999	4,541	74.10
19 April 1999	5,348	89.20
26 April 1999	4,867	78.50
3 May 1999	3,896	72.90
10 May 1999	4,705	74.30
17 May 1999	4,500	60.00
24 May 1999	3,606	51.20
31 May 1999	2,696	28.20
7 June 1999	4,187	57.00
Liverpool
4 January 1999	4,544	49.10
11 January 1999	6,036	41.80
18 January 1999	5,630	43.20
25 January 1999	5,235	48.40
1 February 1999	5,033	48.90
8 February 1999	4,190	40.40
5 February 1999	4,007	33.80

Volume of calls dealt with at each regional office and percentage answered within 60 seconds
Week	Volume of calls answered	Percentage of calls answered within 60 seconds
22 February 1999	4,191	39.60
1 March 1999	3,684	52.60
8 March 1999	3,099	45.00
15 March 1999	3,387	61.70
22 March 1999	3,141	74.80
29 March 1999	2,476	84.40
5 April 1999	2,767	79.70
12 April 1999	2,459	80.70
19 April 1999	2,124	78.80
26 April 1999	2,045	91.80
3 May 1999	—	—
10 May 1999	1,843	16.80
17 May 1999	2,685	17.60
24 May 1999	1,049	22.70
31 May 1999	—	—
7 June 1999	—	—
London
4 January 1999	7,304	86.80
11 January 1999	6,738	86.60
18 January 1999	6,565	88.80
25 January 1999	6,118	93.00
1 February 1999	5,714	95.60
8 February 1999	5,990	93.20
15 February 1999	5,902	86.60
22 February 1999	6,085	95.60
1 March 1999	7,700	87.00
8 March 1999	8,070	75.40
15 March 1999	8,315	77.80
22 March 1999	9,386	87.60
29 March 1999	5,606	71.00
5 April 1999	3,225	24.50
12 April 1999	3,653	15.80
19 April 1999	3,999	25.00
26 April 1999	3,390	10.60
3 May 1999	2,153	12.30
10 May 1999	3,775	18.20
17 May 1999	3,560	14.40
24 May 1999	2,870	6.40
31 May 1999	1,668	4.00
7 June 1999	3,027	8.20
Newport
4 January 1999	8,482	15.80
11 January 1999	8,156	17.00
18 January 1999	8,070	16.90
25 January 1999	8,203	6.60
1 February 1999	8,398	6.80
8 February 1999	8,982	9.90
15 February 1999	8,798	12.60
22 February 1999	9,301	16.20
1 March 1999	—	—
8 March 1999	—	—
15 March 1999	—	—
22 March 1999	—	—
29 March 1999	—	—
5 April 1999	—	—
12 April 1999	—	—
19 April 1999	8,872	10.30
26 April 1999	8,323	13.50
3 May 1999	5,143	13.10
10 May 199	5,492	7.80
17 May 1999	4,618	0.00
24 May 1999	6,130	0.00
31 May 1999	—	—
7 June 1999	—	—

Volume of calls dealt with at each regional office and percentage answered within 60 seconds
Week	Volume of calls answered	Percentage of calls answered within 60 seconds
Peterborough
4 January 1999	5,389	69.40
11 January 1999	6,505	82.30
18 January 1999	6,901	88.50
25 January 1999	6,771	81.60
1 February 1999	7,044	81.50
8 February 1999	6,986	66.40
15 February 1999	6,918	59.80
22 February 1999	7,034	65.80
1 March 1999	6,815	60.40
8 March 1999	6,720	64.30
15 March 1999	6,548	63.50
22 March 1999	6,101	57.90
29 March 1999	4,288	46.30
5 April 1999	4,504	47.40
12 April 1999	5,750	52.50
19 April 1999	5,352	38.60
26 April 1999	4,430	23.40
3 May 1999	3,094	24.50
10 May 1999	3,479	9.60
17 May 1999	3,173	9.80
24 May 1999	3,242	29.10
31 May 1999	3,558	45.40
7 June 1999	4,355	42.40

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average time taken by the UK Passport Agency to send a substantive reply to correspondence from members of the public in each month in 1999 and for the most recent date for which information is available. [88884]

The UK Passport Agency works to a target of 10 working days for replying to correspondence. Performance against this target is measured in terms of the percentage of replies sent within 10 working days and figures for the average time taken to reply are not available. The percentage of correspondence replied to within 10 working days in each month in 1999 is as set out in the table.

Month	Percentage
January	93
February	100
March	100
April	88
May	66

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress and conclusions of the 1999 review of the agency status of the UK Passport Agency. [88879]

The 1999 review of the Agency Status of the UK Passport Agency was triggered last May and is expected to deliver its recommendations early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time taken by the UK Passport Agency to acknowledge correspondence about complex cases was in each month of 1999 and for the latest date for which information is available. [88876]

The UK Passport Agency normally acknowledges correspondence about complex cases within five working days. These are cases where there are complex issues and it is not possible to send a substantive reply within the ten working day target for dealing with correspondence. Figures are not available for the average time taken to send acknowledgements. However, in most complex cases, the five working day target is being met.

Personal callers seen within 60 minutes
Percentage
Month	London1	Liverpool	Peterborough	Newport	Glasgow	Belfast
1997
September	61.00	100.00	92.00	100.00	88.00	100.00
October	63.00	100.00	98.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
November	71.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
December	42.00	90.00	96.00	100.00	99.00	100.00
1998
January	85.00	91.20	100.00	100.00	96.00	100.00
February	58.50	98.00	100.00	100.00	95.00	100.00
March	66.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
April	89.21	98.40	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
May	57.90	90.00	100.00	100.00	93.00	100.00
June	1—	88.00	92.00	100.00	88.00	100.00
July	74.00	82.00	92.00	100.00	96.00	100.00
August	76.00	80.50	88.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
September	83.80	80.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
October	75.00	85.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
November	70.90	80.40	94.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
December	34.90	74.00	88.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
1999
January	82.90	61.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
February	64.90	61.50	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
March	38.00	59.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
April	39.30	42.00	83.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
May	39.30	32.00	80.00	100.00	82.00	100.00
1Figures not currently available

Personal callers seen within 45 minutes
Percentage
Month	London1	Liverpool	Peterborough	Newport	Glasgow	Belfast
1997
September	61.00	70.00	83.00	100.00	80.00	100.00
October	63.00	100.00	95.00	100.00	95.80	100.00
November	71.00	81.00	100.00	100.00	97.00	100.00
December	42.00	79.00	92.00	100.00	97.00	100.00
1998
January	85.00	87.00	100.00	100.00	90.00	100.00
February	58.50	95.50	100.00	100.00	92.00	100.00
March	66.00	96.80	97.00	100.00	92.00	100.00
April	89.21	96.60	97.00	100.00	98.50	100.00
May	57.90	77.60	86.00	100.00	84.00	100.00
June	2—	83.80	87.00	100.00	81.00	100.00
July	74.00	57.45	82.00	100.00	90.70	100.00
August	76.00	60.50	70.00	100.00	98.00	100.00
September	83.80	67.80	90.00	100.00	97.00	100.00
October	75.00	72.95	81.00	100.00	97.00	100.00
November	70.90	59.75	90.00	100.00	99.00	100.00
December	34.90	59.05	75.00	100.00	98.00	100.00
1999
January	82.90	53.25	100.00	100.00	98.50	100.00
February	64.90	56.10	90.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
March	38.00	54.00	85.00	100.00	98.00	100.00
April	39.30	18.00	70.00	100.00	96.00	100.00
May	39.30	8.00	60.00	100.00	65.00	100.00
1London office is 60 minutes (figures reported above are against that target)
2Figures not currently available

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of personal callers were seen within (a) 60 minutes and (b) 45 minutes at each office of the Passport Agency in each month since May 1997. [88883]

The information requested on the proportion of personal callers seen within (a) 60 minutes and (b) 45 minutes in each month since May 1997 are set out in the following tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if performance-related pay forms part of the remuneration of the Chief Executive of the UK Passport Agency; and if he will make a statement. [88886]

Remuneration for the Chief Executive is linked to the Senior Civil Service pay arrangements and no separate bonus is payable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average time taken by the UK Passport Agency to send a formal response to complaints in each month in 1999 and at the most recent date for which information is available. [88885]

The UK Passport Agency monitors its performance on responding to complaints on a quarterly basis, in terms of the percentage of complaints receiving a formal response within ten working days. Monthly statistics are not available. In the last quarter (January—March 1999), the UK Passport Agency sent a formal response to complaints within ten working days in 93 per cent. of cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 May 1999, Official Report, column 151, on the Passport Office, Liverpool, what compensation will be paid to applicants for passports who have incurred costs as a result of delays in the issuing arrangements. [88426]

The UK Passport Agency's compensation policy is to reimburse the reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred by customers as a direct consequence of clear operational errors, or failure to provide an acceptable level of service by means of an ex-gratia payment. Each case is considered carefully on its merits and this policy will apply to any claims received relating to delays in issuing a passport. It is not the Agency's normal policy to make compensation payments for distress and inconvenience arising from such errors and failures.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his further letter of 2 June regarding a constituent (ref: 7519/99). [89030]

I will reply shortly, but can say that Sukhwinder Kaur was given indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom on 13 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs at which European Council Ministerial meeting the European Commission Memorandum of Understanding covering the transfer of plutonium processed in the European Union from Belgium to Japan was discussed and endorsed; what debate on the Commission proposal took place; and if a parallel memorandum covering transfer of United Kingdom plutonium to Japan has been considered by the European Council. [88014]

There is no European Commission Memorandum of Understanding covering the transfer of plutonium processed in the European Union from Belgium or the United Kingdom to Japan.The Japanese-owned plutonium which is due to be returned to Japan following its recovery from spent fuel reprocessed in France has been fabricated into mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel in Belgium under the terms of a diplomatic exchange of notes between Japan and the European Commission dated 10 February 1997. The exchange of notes was carried out in accordance with Article 101 paragraph 3 of the Euratom Treaty and the European Council were informed.The Japanese-owned plutonium to be returned to Japan following its recovery from spent fuel reprocessed in the United Kingdom has been fabricated into MOX fuel under the terms of the bilateral agreement on nuclear co-operation between the United Kingdom and Japan which was renewed in October 1998. The European Commission was informed of the renewal of this agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place summaries of notes received from the Government of the Russian Federation about NATO's action in Kosovo during the course of the conflict in the Library. [88331]

Communications from the Russian government received during this period were sent and received in confidence. They are therefore covered by exemption 1 (c) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the current proposals presented to the United Nations relating to Iraq from (i) the UK, (ii) France and (iii) other nations; and what response Iraq has made to each. [88326]

The UK has tabled a comprehensive draft Security Council resolution on Iraq which would put the disarmament process back on track, is generous in its humanitarian provisions and would engage the Council more closely on Kuwaiti issues, including the 600 detainees. It would also give Iraq a clear path to the suspension and eventual lifting of sanctions. Our draft resolution is co-sponsored by the Netherlands, Argentina, Brazil, and Slovenia. Russia and France have also circulated draft resolutions. Iraq has thus far shown no inclination to accept any of the draft resolution being discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the proposed cultural representation in Lithuania of (a) France and (b) Germany; and if he will make a statement. [88324]

The French Cultural Centre in Vilnius has twenty-four members of staff, fifteen of whom are employed as French language teachers. The Goethe Institute employs six members of staff. We understand there are proposals to begin German language teaching.The deployment of British Council personnel in the Baltic States is kept constantly under review, in the light of British cultural diplomacy objectives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the British Council on their proposed representation in Lithuania; how many staff, of what grades, will be deployed and at what annual cost; and if he will make a statement. [88325]

The British Council office in Vilnius was opened in 1992. There are seven staff, six of whom are Lithuanian nationals. Under the British Council grading system one is at grade 7, three at grade 9 and three at grade 10. The British Council Director and Deputy Director in the Baltic States, based in Riga, have overall responsibility for Lithuania and visit Vilnius regularly. The annual cost of the British Council's office in Vilnius, including the library, seminar and examination facilities, is £205,000.FCO officials are in regular contact with the British Council over their representation in the Baltic States, including Lithuania.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made towards voter registration in East Timor in preparation for the referendum on 8 August. [88321]

The Chief Electoral Officer of UNAMET has arrived in East Timor and a public information campaign has been launched in preparation of the UK organised consultation. Voter registration will begin once UNAMET is fully deployed. The date of the ballot has been put back by two weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the United Nations Security Council on violence in East Timor. [88319]

We have played an active role at the United Nations Security Council, piloting two Security Council Resolutions (1236 and 1246) on East Timor. These Resolutions take note of recent violence in East Timor and commit the Indonesian Government to maintaining peace and security in the territory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning intimidation and displacement of the population in East Timor. [88320]

We have received reports that militia groups in East Timor have carried out acts of violence against civilians and continue to exercise an intimidatory influence in some parts of the territory. Since the arrival of UNAMET personnel in Dili and Baucau, the security situation in those towns has improved dramatically. We expect the security situation in the rest of East Timor to improve once UNAMET is fully deployed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from (a) non-governmental organisations and (b) others about the security situation in East Timor. [88341]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: We have recently received a large number of letters from non-governmental organisations, parliamentarians and members of the public making representations about the security situation in East Timor.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the human rights situation in East Timor. [88345]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: We remain concerned at the human rights situation in East Timor. We have repeatedly urged the leadership of the Indonesian Armed Forces to disarm and curb the activities of the militias responsible for much of the recent violence in the territory. We have also called on all sides to show utmost restraint.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution Her Majesty's Government have made to the UN Assistance Mission to East Timor; and if he will make a statement. [88357]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: We have despatched seven British police officers with UN Bosnia experience to East Timor. They arrived on 21 June and formed part of the first contingent of the Civilian Police component of UNAMET. We are also planning to send two Military Liaison Officers to the territory. Our contribution to UNAMET is in addition to our US$1 million contribution to the United Nations Trust Fund for East Timor.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's position regarding the current situation in Somalia. [88591]

The United Kingdom supports the efforts of the Inter Governmental Authority on Development and the Standing Committee on Somalia to bring an inclusive, negotiated settlement to the civil war in Somalia.But the main responsibility for achieving national reconciliation and for restoring peace rests with the Somali people themselves. A serious demonstration is now required by faction leaders and tribal elders of their commitment to the reconciliation process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) of 22 June 1999, Official Report, column 928, what the basis was for the Minister of State's statement that it would require a complex and highly specialised piece of equipment, plant and skills to separate plutonium from MOX fuel. [88654]

The Minister of State's statement was based on the advice of the Government's technical experts in the UK Safeguards Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of immigration cases required the production of DNA tests to prove family relationships in each of the last three years. [88220]

DNA testing is used only in determining settlement applications. The statistics requested are as follows:

Year	Settlement cases	DNA tests commissioned	Percentage
1996	40,524	2,078	5.1
1997	48,149	1,743	3.6
1998	53,483	32,310	6.0

Details of the number of tests commissioned by individual posts can be obtained from the summary of entry clearance statistics, copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library. The 1998 statistics are being printed and are scheduled to be placed in the House Library within the next two weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning the violation of ceasefire in February in Twic County, southern Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [88344]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: We received a number of reports from NGOs of raiders making attacks in Twic County in February. These were taken up within the framework of Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS).