To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role his Department is playing in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. [89515]

My Department is playing a full part in meeting the UK's obligations under the Convention. Since the convention's entry into force in April 1997, the UK has received 28 routine verification inspections, of which 19 have been to defence or former defence facilities in the UK. All have been conducted successfully by the international Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, who oversee the treaty. Earlier this month, we held the latest in a series of successful exercises to simulate an incoming challenge inspection (which could be requested by another State Party) to a defence facility in the UK, in which inspectors and observers from the OPCW and overseas countries participated.I am pleased to report that Ambassador Bustani, Director General of the OPCW, announced yesterday that CBD Porton Down has achieved the status of Designated Laboratory under the CWC, following its success in a series of demanding proficiency tests. This means that Porton is internationally recognised as competent to carry out analysis of chemical samples to the highest levels of accuracy. Such samples could be taken during routine or challenge inspections, including in cases of the alleged use of chemical weapons. Porton is one of only 12 laboratories worldwide to achieve this status.Yesterday's announcement confirms both the world class scientific and technical excellence of Porton and the UK's full commitment to ridding the world of chemical weapons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the Meteorological Office in Newcastle; and if he will make a statement. [88280]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure (a) parity of standards and (b) equality of opportunity between Service Children's Education and local authority provision in the UK. [88361]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: Service Children's Education was established as a Defence Agency specifically to provide an education service to the children of Service and MOD personnel serving overseas, that conforms, as far as possible, to the scope and standards required by the Education Acts in England and Wales. Key Targets are set annually and those for 1999 were announced in the House on 9 June 1999, Official Report, column 329. Performance against Key Targets is reported in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts which are laid before the House each year prior to the summer recess. To date, the Agency's performance has been slightly ahead of the UK LEA average.The Agency's ownership is delegated by the Secretary of State for Defence to the Adjutant General, who is assisted in this task by an Owner's Advisory Board, the membership of which includes senior representatives from the DfEE, Ofsted, and Wiltshire LEA. All the Agency's teachers are UK qualified and all the Agency's schools are subject to regular inspections by Ofsted. The Agency is implementing all the Government's latest education initiatives, in particular the literacy and numeracy strategies, in its schools worldwide. It has also successfully introduced the provision of free nursery education for 4 year olds in 48 nursery and pre-school locations worldwide.Parents have the right to express a preference in their choice of SCE school, although there is clearly less opportunity for choice in the more isolated locations. Although the Agency does try to meet Special Education Needs in its schools, it is not always possible to accommodate children with certain, more specialised needs especially in those areas lacking appropriate inter-agency support.We have also taken action, through the Families Task Force, to ensure that local education authorities are sensitive to the position of Service children returning from abroad. There is now specific guidance on this point in the DfEE Code of Practice on Schools Admission Policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, under the public-private partnership proposals for DERA, that organisation will be deemed to carry the full risk of bankruptcy for the purpose of being able to borrow freely in the private capital market. [87372]

No decisions have been made on the form of a PPP for DERA. However, regardless of the precise form of PPP, the Government would wish to ensure that it had rights to retain access to any strategic capabilities for use only in extreme circumstances, such as bankruptcy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the level of cooperation with Russia over year 2000 compliance. [87654]

MOD officials took part in discussions with Russia on the Millennium compliance problem under the auspices of the NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council prior to the commencement of the air campaign in the Balkans, when Russia suspended formal cooperation on defence issues. In April, a technical expert from the MOD attended a G8 Y2K meeting in Moscow. The possibility of trilateral talks between the UK, the US and Russia is being pursued.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list (a) the number of personnel currently working in the United States under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement, (b) which US facility they are working in and (c) their purpose for being there. [88136]

There are four UK officials serving in the US under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement (MDA). All are located in the British Embassy, Washington, DC. Their duties are to facilitate the conduct of bilateral business within the provisions of the MDA. In addition, there are three staff seconded from AWE Aldermaston to the US to assist with the technical development of facilities of mutual interest. Currently, two are stationed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and one at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits of UK personnel to the US under the auspices of the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement have occurred in the last 12 months. [88138]

During the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999, a total of 235 visits to the US, involving one or more individuals, took place under the auspices of the 1958 UK/US Mutual Defence Agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many EIVRs have been generated as a result of exchanges of information under the 1958 Mutual Defence Agreement in each of the last five years; and if he will place unclassified versions in the Library. [88139]

Two Exchanges of Information by Visit and Report, EIVRs, have occurred within the last five years. One, on the subject of Test Monitoring, was generated in 1997 and first met in 1998. The most recent, on matters concerned with the future contract to manage the Atomic Weapons Establishment, was both created and met in 1998. The details of such exchanges are invariably classified and are withheld under the terms of Exemption Category 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information relating to defence, security and international relations. Accordingly, no unclassified version is, or will be, available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many French personnel have visited AWE Aldermaston in the last 12 months. [88140]

During the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999, a total of 82 French personnel visited AWE Aldermaston.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits of US personnel to AWE Aldermaston have occurred in the last 12 months. [88137]

During the period 1 June 1998 to 31 May 1999, a total of 110 visits to AWE Aldermaston by US personnel, involving one or more individuals, took place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many tanks were (a) destroyed and (b) significantly damaged during the military action against Yugoslavia. [88079]

[holding answer 24 June 1999]: Now that KFOR troops have deployed into Kosovo, a fuller assessment of the damage inflicted on Yugoslav forces is under way. This will take some time to complete. But the measure of the campaign's success lies in the fact that it resulted in the withdrawal of Milosevic's troops from Kosovo, the entry of KFOR and the return of the refugees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the letter of 3 October 1998, D/MIN/(DP)(TG)/3521/98M, on atmospheric pollution, what collaborative research and development programmes aimed at identifying further alternatives to ozone-depleting substances in the applications where they are still necessary have been carried out in the last nine months; and what reduction has taken place in controlled substances where acceptable alternatives are available. [87386]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: In my response to the hon. Member's earlier question on this subject on 18 January 1999, Official Report, columns 312–13, I reported on the continuing progress made by the MOD in reducing its use of ozone depleting substances.Since the beginning of the year, a number of CFC and halon systems have been converted to alternative substances. The Royal Navy has completed the conversion or replacement of refrigeration plant on HMS Fearless, HMS Illustrious, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Sultan, HMS Lancaster and RFA Black Rover. Modification kits have been procured for conversion of refrigeration plants on HMS Spartan, HMS Torbay and HMS Trenchant, and for a chilled water plant on HMS Spartan. Installation of a new chilled water plant has started on HMS Torbay. Action has been taken to procure the kits for conversion of refrigeration plants on the Type 23 frigates. The Army has completed trials of alternatives to halon fire extinguishants for use in in-service armoured vehicle engine compartments and an acceptable fire extinguishant has been identified. A programme of work to convert these systems is now being drawn up. Work to convert CFC environment cooling systems in armoured vehicles has also started. The Defence Procurement Agency has completed the majority of its trials of alternative refrigerants in equipment for which it is responsible and the final report on the conversion of the Challenger 2 engine fire protection systems is expected during July. The Royal Air Force has completed the conversion of refrigerators on all but two of the E3 Sentry aircraft; these remaining aircraft will be modified as soon as operational commitments allow. In a number of cases, equipment that used ozone-depleting substances has been decommissioned as surplus to requirements. At DERA Chertsey, for example, this has reduced the installed quantity of CFC refrigerants by approximately 230 tonnes.The use of CFC refrigerants will be necessary until conversion programmes can be completed or, where conversion is not technically and economically feasible, until equipment is removed from service. For halon systems which protect, amongst others, existing aircraft, ship machinery spaces and armoured vehicle crew compartments, acceptable alternatives have not been identified, despite considerable international effort. The MOD Corporate Research Programme is funding a study by DERA into alternative fire extinguishants for use in normally occupied enclosed spaces. The study has identified two classes of material with promising fire extinguishing properties. These are the tropodegradable bromoalkenes and a range of phosphorus-containing compounds. The aim is to identify one or more chemicals with good performance and acceptable toxicological and environmental characteristics. This work is being undertaken in close collaboration with the US Advanced Agent Working Group and the US Department of Defence's Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program. The Royal Navy continues its sponsorship of research into water mist technologies for potential use in fire protection in new warships. The work has demonstrated that low pressure fine water spray systems with certain additives can give a very effective performance and this work will be validated with real-scale tests over the next 18 months. Close contact is being maintained with the US Navy and US Coast Guard who are also developing water-based technologies for use in future ships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department has taken to market test services previously supplied to it by the Security Facilities Executive. [87775]

SAFE, now the Security Facilities Division of the Cabinet Office, continues to supply specialist security advice and services. The MOD has not market tested these services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the broad areas of assistance that have been provided to date to France to aid their stockpile stewardship programme. [88141]

The MOD continues to maintain contacts with France on a range of technical and scientific issues relating to nuclear weapons. I am withholding more specific information under the terms of Exemption Category I 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 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. [88484]

Ministry of Defence officials have attended meetings of POLARM, an ad hoc EU working party on European armaments policy, on four occasions in the last 12 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place copies of the minutes of the nine meetings of the Aldermaston Health and Safety at Work Committee in the Library. [89018]

I have arranged for this to be done.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the new BMW-Rover deal on United Kingdom suppliers to the company. [88501]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: The new R30 model this investment secures comes into production in 2003. Rover have therefore yet to open discussions with suppliers. The action taken by the Government to secure the future of Longbridge will provide opportunities for UK suppliers which otherwise would not have been available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library the conditions he has set for the Government investment in Rover, Longbridge. [88503]

[holding answer 28 June 1999]: The exact conditions of the aid package to Rover are commercially confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for the Small Business Service; and if he will make a statement. [89517]

The Government are planning to set up a Small Business Service with three main tasks: to act as a voice for small businesses at the heart of Government; to simplify and improve the quality and coherence of Government support for small businesses; to help small firms deal with regulation and ensure small firms' interests are properly considered in future regulation.We want to ensure that opportunities for enterprise are open to all; and to create an environment where more entrepreneurs emerge and are successful.The Small Business Service will be headed by a Chief Executive who will report to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and have direct access to Ministers across Government. He or she will have a substantial and wide-ranging role, including:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to publish the report by the Director General of Fair Trading for 1998. [89518]

The 25th annual report by the Director General of Fair Trading has been published today. It covers the period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 1998. Copies of the report have been laid before Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the amount of electricity received via the interconnector with France in each of the last five years. [88205]

The following table shows the quantities of electricity imported from France in each of the last five years:

	GWh
1994	16,887
1995	16,306
1996	16,677
1997	16,558
1998	12,819

These imports amounted to 3½ per cent. of United Kingdom electricity requirements in 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of compensation payments to former mineworkers affected by respiratory diseases in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) each of the English regions; how many claims are still outstanding; and when he expects the process to be completed. [87584]

As at 17 June 1999, IRISC, the Department's claim handling agent, have received some 71,500 claims from former miners and their dependants. These can be broken down into (a) Scotland—5,500; (b) Wales—20,500; and (c) North West—4,100; North East—7,700; North and West Yorkshire—4,700; South Yorkshire—14,100; East Midlands—10,100; West Midlands—3,400; South—1,200; Overseas—200.The contract for a national programme of spirometry testing for all respiratory disease claimants has been awarded to Healthcall Services Ltd. Healthcall have established testing centres in Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Newcastle, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leeds and Glasgow and will shortly be opening at least 17 more in other coalmining areas. The programme of spirometry will enable us to make further interim payments beyond the £25 million already offered and, in some cases, full and final offers to those who may not wish to pursue their claim further.Discussions have taken place with Scottish solicitors and similar handling arrangements to those in England and Wales are close to being agreed to compensate ex-miners in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the emission savings that could be achieved (a) by an additional 5 per cent. tax on domestic energy consumption and (b) by the introduction of the climate change levy; and if he will make a statement. [88318]

For social policy reasons, the Government have no intention of introducing new taxes on domestic consumption of fuel and power. The climate change levy will encourage energy efficiency in business and is expected to save around 1.5 million tonnes of carbon a year by 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he proposes to take in response to the report on Electricity Supply Interruptions. [88308]

While we recognise that security of supply is of paramount importance even in open markets, ensuring this is a matter for the Director General of Electricity Supply. The report, which he commissioned, followed the disruption to electricity supplies as a result of gale force winds on 26 December 1998. The report contains a number of recommendations concerning electricity distribution network performance, restoration of supplies, communications with customers and payments to customers under Standards of Performance Regulations.Comments on the full list of recommendations, together with suggestions for other areas where further investigation is merited, were invited, and the period for those comments ends on 25 June. Any feedback will be used to inform the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets' continuing review of the companies' performance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the (a) direct and (b) indirect support given by the United States Government to United States aero engine manufacturers. [88122]

My Department is aware of the substantial support the United States Government provide to their aero engine manufacturers, mainly through various NASA and Department of Defence programmes, while noting that the US economy is six times that of the UK.The key US civil programmes which have supported propulsion research and development include NASA's programmes on High Speed Civil Transport; Advanced Subsonic Technologies; and Advanced General Aviation Transport Experiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on legally-binding targets for renewables in the EU; and if he will make a statement. [86859]

I have received letters from Greenpeace, RSPB and Climate Network Europe.The adoption of targets can assist in promoting the greater use of renewable energy. In the UK, we are working towards a target of 10 per cent. electricity from renewables as soon as possible. We hope to achieve this by 2010. Other member states have set their own targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussion he has had with (a) BAe and (b) other UK aerospace companies about the restructuring of the industry; and if he will make a statement. [88873]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: I and officials in my Department maintain regular contact with BAe and other UK aerospace companies about restructuring and other strategic issues facing the industry. When I attended the ministerial meeting of Airbus partners and the Paris Air Show recently, I was able to meet a wide range of industry's key players for this purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to assist and co-ordinate efforts by British companies in reconstruction projects in Kosovo and the neighbouring countries. [88596]

At the Secretary of State's initiative, the Department has already established a joint Government private sector Taskforce to promote and co-ordinate the UK's response to the reconstruction arising in Kosovo; its prime objective is to ensure that the UK is co-ordinated to play their role in the rebuilding process. The Taskforce, which has already met twice, is chaired by Nigel Thompson of Ove Amp; the other private sector representatives on the Taskforce are from: AMEC, Mott MacDonald, Kennedy Construction, Taylor Woodrow, Crown Agents, British Consultants Bureau and the Confederation of British Industry.All the private sector members of the Taskforce are well aware that they are on it as representatives of the UK business community generally, not their own companies. As all the companies represented on the Taskforce have seats on national or international bodies covering their sector interests, this is second nature to them. These industry bodies are the channels through which the messages from the Taskforce are being disseminated to the business community more generally. Indeed, to reinforce the message that the Taskforce is representing the interests of all UK companies, the minutes of its meetings are circulated freely to all interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the timetable for the compensation payments awarded by the High Court to be paid to the former miners diagnosed with Vibration White Finger; and how many people (a) are eligible for payments, (b) are awaiting payments and (c) have received payment in full. [87984]

[holding answer 24 June 1999]: The Department proposes to settle the bulk of compensation payments awarded by the High Court to former miners diagnosed with Vibration White Finger (VWF) as soon as practically possible, the majority being settled by March 2001.

(a) To date the Department has received some 42,000 claims.

(b) As at 20 June 1999 there were 37,222 claims outstanding at IRISC, the Department's claim handling agents. However, it is difficult to give an accurate total of claimants awaiting payment until medical evidence has been obtained and an assessment of liability in each of these cases has been completed.

(c) As at 20 June 1999 2,748 claimants have received payments in full.

We have awarded the contract for the delivery of the medical assessments to the SEMA Group and are hopeful that significant offers of full and final payments will start flowing in the late summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of benefit payments made to pensioners were paid by automated credit transfer in the most recent year for which figures are available; and if he will provide a comparable figure for the payment of benefits by automated credit transfer to non-pensioners. [88109]

[holding answer 24 June 1999]: I have been asked to reply.In the year ending 31 March 1999, 14.5 per cent. of all Retirement Pension and Widows Pension payments were made by automated credit transfer (ACT). The percentage of Retirement Pension and Widows Pension clients receiving payment by ACT as at 31 May 1999 was 43 per cent.In the year ending 31 March 1999, 15 per cent. of all benefit payments made to clients in receipt of benefits other than Retirement Pension and Widows Pension were paid by ACT. The percentage of clients receiving benefits other than Retirement Pension and Widows Pension by ACT as at 31 May 1999 was 28 per cent.The reason for the difference between the percentage of payments made by ACT and the percentage of clients being paid by ACT is that, in general terms, clients who are paid by ACT receive payments less frequently than those clients paid by order book or girocheque.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to seek means of encouraging supermarket companies to facilitate the sale of goods produced within the vicinity of their outlets; and if he will make a statement. [87996]

I have been asked to reply.The sourcing of supplies in supermarkets is a matter for the commercial judgment of retailers rather than Government. "Food from Britain" are working with the multiple retailers to encourage level sourcing and several major supermarket chains are now showing more interest in regional products.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) UK personnel and (b) US personnel are based at his Department's establishment at Morwenstow, Cornwall; and what is the rank of the most senior (i) UK officer and (ii) US officer. [88637]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 22 June 1999, Official Report, column 360. It is Government policy not to provide details about the staffing and organisation of the intelligence services. This information is withheld under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 14 June 1999, Official Report, column 31, if he will list the detailed steps (i) taken, (ii) under consideration and (iii) rejected on the recommendations from Panel 2000. [88601]

All the recommendations in the Panel 2000 Consultation Document have been accepted following a broad welcome during the consultation process. At its meeting on 17 December the Panel gave priority to the recommendations on one stop shops, showcasing, a campaign in Germany in 2000, and the opportunities offered by Millennium activities to promote Britain abroad. Progress has been made in all of these areas as well as on implementation of other recommendations. We remain engaged with individual Panel members about further ways of enhancing how Britain is perceived. The full Panel will meet in the second half of this year to assess progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department is offering to (a) the Yugoslav authorities and (b) the Kosovar refugees and returnees to provide post-trauma counselling to children affected by the war. [88609]

The UK will play its part in international efforts to meet real humanitarian needs within Serbia. But we expect to provide assistance through intermediaries such as the UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, rather than directly to the Yugoslav authorities.We are supporting the provision of psycho-social assistance to Kosovar refugee children in neighbouring countries. Part of our contribution of £2.25 million to United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) regional programme will support help for traumatised children. We are also funding training for care providers in Macedonia through the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture.Through our Humanitarian Assistance Field Office in Pristina, we will continue to identify further areas of support in accordance with the needs of the returning refugees and the displaced people of Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment is being made of the environmental effects of NATO's military action in Yugoslavia; and if she will place in the Library copies of the work done in this area by the United Nations Environment Programme. [88653]

A team of environmental experts from the UN-sponsored Balkans Task Force on the Environment and Human Settlement will carry out a full scale assessment of the environmental impact of the conflict on the region. They paid a preliminary visit to Serbia and Montenegro earlier this month.Reports of work already done in this area are available on the internet at http"//www.grid.unep.ch/btf, as will that of the full-scale assessment mission when it is available. We will arrange to place a copy of the full-scale report in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he intends to bring forward to clarify planning procedures where the planning authority has a possible conflict of interest over a piece of land. [88176]

The procedures to be followed when a local authority has an interest in land for which a planning application is made are set out in the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992, with guidance contained in DOE Circular 19/92. The general principle underlying these Regulations is that local authorities must make planning applications in the same way as any other person applying for planning permission. The proposals must be advertised in the usual manner. However, applications may not be determined by a committee or officer responsible for the management of the land or buildings concerned. If it is intended to approve such a proposal, and it is not in accordance with the provisions of the development plan in force in the area, the application must be notified to the Secretary of State so that he can decide whether it should be "called in" for his own determination. We have no evidence to suggest that the procedures are unclear.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what checks he makes on the administrative overheads of housing associations; [88178](2) what checks he undertakes of the salaries paid to the chief executives and other senior officers of housing associations. [88179]

The Housing Corporation, sponsored by my Department, is responsible for regulating the activities of housing associations, now known as Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). RSLs are independent bodies, and members of their governing bodies serve in a voluntary capacity. The setting of salaries for chief executives and other senior executives is a matter for each RSL' s board.The Housing Corporation measures RSLs' performance annually against performance standards which cover their propriety, probity, financial management and accountability. It requires RSLs to publish in their annual report and accounts details of the remuneration of any executive earning more than £40,000 per annum. As part of its performance review process, the Corporation assesses RSLs' accounts and other financial information and publishes performance indicators for England's 371 largest RSLs. These include specific indicators on management and maintenance costs and on staffing costs.The Corporation has also put in place a Best Value framework for RSLs which expects them to hold down and reduce their running costs (including salaries) whilst improving the quality of services provided to their residents.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring he undertakes where housing previously under the control of a local authority has been transferred to a housing association, with particular reference to (a) rent levels, (b) repairs, (c) new building and (d) specialist provision. [88180]

Where local authority housing has been transferred to a registered social landlord, the Housing Corporation is responsible for monitoring the performance of the new landlord.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with housing associations about rent levels during the last year. [88181]

My Department has discussed rent levels with the National Housing Federation, the representative body for registered social landlords (RSLs), on several occasions. We also meet representatives of individual RSLs from time to time, when rents may be one of the issues under discussion.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the safety of the rail crossing at Rovie, Rogart, Sutherland; and what response he has made. [89088]

The Secretary of State has recently received an application from Railtrack for an Order under the Level Crossing Act 1983 to authorise the most appropriate safety measures for the level crossing at Rovie. Railtrack has written to the Highland Council giving them two months to make any representations on Railtrack's proposals to the Secretary of State. My Department has also received a copy of a letter written by the Highland Councillor for the area to the Secretary of State for Scotland commenting on safety at this level crossing. In deciding the most appropriate safety measures for this crossing the Secretary of State will also take advice from the Health and Safety Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 1999, Official Report, column 26, on new households in Hampshire, what assessment he has made of the reasons for the increase in the number of projected households since the 1992-based household projection. [89255]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Sawford) on 29 March 1999, Official Report, columns 470–74.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on the strategic appraisal of Health and Safety which he announced on 30 March. [89575]

I will be launching a public consultation document entitled "Revitalising Health and Safety" tomorrow, jointly with the Health and Safety Commission. Copies will be placed in the House Libraries. This is an important initiative aimed at injecting new impetus into the health and safety agenda. Everyone concerned with health and safety is encouraged to respond to this consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Driving Standards Agency's written submission to the Minister recommending the closure of a Driving Test Centre is not made publicly available; and if he will make it his policy to publish such submissions in future. [86257]

The reasons why a test centre might be closed are put into the public domain as part of public consultation about the issue. To protect the integrity of decision-making, we have no plans to publish policy advice from officials to Ministers. This is in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, exemption number 2-internal discussions and advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what organisations have been or will be invited to take part in the speed policy review; and what steps are being taken by his Department to ensure maximum involvement by professional organisations in the speed policy review process. [86349]

The full list of those who will be invited to take part has yet to be finalised, but it will include professional organisations suggested by the relevant divisions in DETR and other Government Departments.Officials have already met the Automobile Association, Royal Automobile Club, County Surveyors' Society, Association of Chief Police Officers, the groups represented by the Slower Speeds Initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to make available a speed policy document for consultation. [86350]

It is proposed to have a consultation document available for consideration towards the end of July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the speed policy review announced in the white paper, A New Deal For Transport. [86348]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave our hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley) on 9 June 1999, Official Report, columns 319–20.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average annual mileage travelled per road vehicle (a) in the latest year for which figures are available, and (b) (i) five years, (ii) 10 years and (iii) 20 years before that year. [87013]

The figures are given in the table. The earliest date from which figures for vehicle numbers by body type is available is 1982.

:To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the environmental effects of the fuel tax escalator; and if he will make a statement. [87570]

The Government regularly undertake assessments of the environmental impact of the fuel duty escalator, to inform the development of transport and environment policies. The latest estimate of the carbon savings from the escalator, published in the consultation document for the UK Climate Change Programme, stated that the escalator between 1996 and 2002 is expected to save 2–5 million tonnes of carbon in 2010. The impact of the escalator on air quality is also kept under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people travelled with him to Mother Teresa's funeral, excluding members of the Royal Family and their private staff. [88100]

I represented my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister at Mother Teresa's funeral, and was accompanied by two members of my staff. Because of the short notice available to make the arrangements, and the unavailability of scheduled flights, it was necessary to charter an aircraft for the journey to Calcutta. In order to ensure best value for money the flight was shared with five members of the Royal party.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many meetings Ministers in his Department have had with representatives of Wal-Mart; and what were the main subjects of discussion. [88099]

Neither I nor any other Minister in the Department have met representatives of Wal-Mart.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to use his power under Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to vary existing genetically modified marketing consents issued thereunder to include a condition requiring post-release monitoring. [88159]

There are no plans to vary existing consents issued in compliance with Part C of Council Directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Once a GM crop has Part C (marketing) consent under the Directive it applies across all member states. Individual member states cannot vary a consent unilaterally. Under the new arrangements agreed in the Environment Ministers' Council last December, all new applications for part C consent will have to include plans for post market monitoring. Government and industry, through SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative for Modified Agricultural Crops), have a voluntary agreement that for consents already granted or currently under consideration crops will be grown and managed in accordance with the SCIMAC Guidelines which include post-release monitoring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies into passenger levels on the London Underground have been commissioned by his Department since 1 May 1997. [88431]

London Underground makes studies of both existing and future passenger demand on a regular basis. The results of these studies are reported to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

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 Circle Line between Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington stations from 12 June to 15 August. [88430]

Before engineering works began between Gloucester Road and High Street Kensington, London Underground made a full Hazard and Operability study into the line closure and the proposed changes to train and station operations. This study forecast the impact on passenger flows across London's public transport system and also assessed the probable effect on congestion levels and waiting times.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review the planning regulations relating to the sale of graveyards; and if he will make a statement. [88450]

There are no planning provisions which apply specifically to a proposed disposal of a graveyard, although a local authority may need a disposal consent in certain circumstances, for example to dispose of the land for less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained. A disused burial ground, which is no longer used for human interment, falls within the definition of open space for the purposes of local government and town and country planning powers. A local authority proposing to sell or otherwise dispose of or appropriate open space land must advertise the proposal and consider any objections. The disturbance of buried human remains normally requires a licence from the Home Office or, in relation to consecrated ground, a Faculty from the Bishop. Planning permission would normally be required for the carrying out of any development of land. We have no plans to review the present planning controls relating to the sale of graveyards.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the construction work on Westminster tube station will be completed. [88444]

London Underground expect to complete the construction work on Westminster tube station in late autumn this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list in respect of those properties which have been acquired in the past by his Department in relation to the Birmingham Northern Relief Road (a) those which he intends to dispose of because he no longer needs them in relation to the road and (b) the acquisition price of each such property and the price at which each such property has been placed on the market; [89119](2) if he will list in respect of those properties which have been acquired in the past by his Department in relation to the Birmingham Northern Relief Road

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Lawrie Haynes, to reply to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in developing a waste strategy for England and Wales. [89296]

Consultation responses to "Less Waste: More Value" last year were overwhelmingly supportive of the vision set out in that document which we have now developed into a blueprint for a more sustainable, integrated waste management system for England and Wales.This blueprint is described in "A Way with Waste: A Draft Waste Strategy for England and Wales" which is published today for further public consultation. "A Way with Waste" makes clear that a step change is needed in the way we think about and manage our waste which applies equally to municipal and industrial waste. We need substantial increases to both recycling and energy recovery if we are to meet the challenges of sustainable development and of the European Directive on the landfilling of waste's stringent targets for diverting waste from landfill.We have therefore set two goals by 2010 of recovering 45 per cent. of municipal waste (by recycling, composting and incineration with energy or heat recovery) and of recycling or composting 30 per cent. of household waste. To do this we must meet, as soon as possible, the existing targets of 40 per cent. recovery and 25 per cent. recycling or composting. We aim to do this by 2005. Beyond 2010 we must do more. By 2015 we expect to recover value from two thirds of household waste, half of this by recycling or composting.We need to develop stronger markets for recyclate. The Government set up a Market Development Group to look at this and its report and recommendations are published for comment today alongside the draft strategy. Some of its recommendations are for Government and we will be addressing them with vigour, seeking further views as necessary. Some are for other bodies whom the Government calls on to address these proposals with same degree of energy.It will of course be for the National Assembly for Wales to decide how to take forward this draft strategy, and the responses to the consultation on it, to produce a final strategy for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if there will be specific mechanisms proposed in the Urban White Paper to encourage the planting of trees in urban areas. [88807]

The Urban White Paper will look at ways of improving the quality of life for people in our towns and cities. Urban greening, including the contribution of trees, will be an important part of this.The Government already acknowledge the important role of trees in urban regeneration by sponsoring a range of programmes which involve tree planting as part of a wider strategy to improve the urban environment. These include the Community Forest programme, the National Forest and others under the Single Regeneration Budget.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department makes of previous spending patterns by individual local authorities in its calculations of total standard spending for that authority. [89023]

The formula for Standard Spending Assessments is built up from formulae relating to blocks of services. Those formulae are, in many cases, based on statistical analysis of the variations between authorities in spending on those services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 22 June 1999, Official Report, column 334, on oil and fat waste, what factors underlay his decision not to commission research. [89007]

There are statutory provisions to ensure that sewerage undertakers can monitor, control, restrict and deal with discharges into public sewers. The Department is not aware of any significant problems associated with these problems.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs. [88579]

The Central Council of Physical Recreation estimate that there are 150,000 voluntary sports clubs affiliated to the national governing bodies of sport in the United Kingdom. However, we do not hold centrally information on the number of clubs subject to non-domestic rates, their rateable values or their rates bills reflecting discretionary rate relief awarded by local authorities. Therefore, we cannot make a reasonable estimate of the cost of allowing mandatory rate relief to voluntary sports clubs.

To ask the Attorney-General 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. [88469]

No representative of my Department has attended any European Community Working Group during the last 12 months

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions she had in June with members of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [87721]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with members of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [87728]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has had with members of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [87729]

I have regular contact with representatives of the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I was in Dublin just a week ago with Ministers and, since Monday, I have been in constant contact in the talks in Belfast—including over breakfast this morning.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on international support for the peace process in Northern Ireland. [87722]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on international support for the peace process in Northern Ireland. [87738]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on international support for the peace process in Northern Ireland. [87740]

International support, both economic and political, has been overwhelming. It is a generous sign of growing international confidence in the people of Northern Ireland and what they have achieved over the last decade.The Government will continue to work to seek the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement on which so much of that support is based.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what reasons her Department is proposing to discontinue funding students from Northern Ireland attending adult residential colleges in Great Britain. [87723]

The Government will invest an additional £47.5 million over the next three years in Lifelong Learning in Northern Ireland. This will provide some 10,000 additional student places in further and higher education, together with continued support for access courses to higher education provided by local colleges. To make this possible, reductions in some programmes, including the very few adult education bursaries in Great Britain, were inevitable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made on the establishment of an Equality Commission in Northern Ireland. [87727]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given today, Official Report, column 331 to my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Mr. Shaw).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the number of crimes attributed to paramilitary organisations committed in Northern Ireland in 1999. [87731]

Statistics for crimes believed to be attributed to paramilitary organisations are collated under the headings in the following table. These show the number of incidents recorded as being of paramilitary style during the period 1 January to 18 June 1999. This figure is not exhaustive, however, and is subject to amendment

	Number
Paramilitary style incidents
Deaths	5
Shootings	66
Bombings	46
Casualties as a result of paramilitary style attacks
Shootings	43
Assaults	81

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions she has held with the leaders of the political parties concerning the setting up of the Northern Ireland Executive. [87732]

I and my ministerial colleagues have had regular discussions with the leaders of all political parties in Northern Ireland concerning the setting up of the Executive and the implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of when decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives will begin. [87733]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of when decommissioning of illegally held arms and explosives will begin. [87743]

I have welcomed the start to decommissioning made by the LVF on 18 December last. The Decommissioning Commission continues its vital work. It is time for all groups to play their part in the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement; they should start to decommission now

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of this year's police pay settlement on RUC neighbourhood policing and other commitments. [87734]

The Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 gives the responsibility for, and control of, all the resources required to deliver a policing service to the Chief Constable. It is for him, in conjunction with the Police Authority, to decide upon priorities and allocate resources in line with the Policing Plan. One of the objectives of this is to work in partnership with local communities and other agencies, to improve the quality of service delivered by the police to all the people of Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has to deal with the disputed parade planned at Drumcree. [87735]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans she has for dealing with the parade at Drumcree. [87744]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave today, Official Report, column 332, to my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Shona Mclsaac).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the current level of long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland. [87736]

Latest estimates from the Labour Force Survey for the period February to April 1999 show that approximately 29,000 persons in Northern Ireland have been unemployed for one year or more. This represents 53 per cent. of the total unemployed and 3.9 per cent. of the workforce.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are being taken to tackle long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland. [87737]

New Deal 25+ will provide up to 30,000 developmental placements over 18 months for eligible long-term unemployed. From 1 August 1999, Worktrack will provide 2,100 places annually for those not eligible to join the various New Deals.New Deal for young people seeks to prevent young people becoming long-term unemployed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial provision she has made to support the search for victims' bodies under the Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act 1999. [87739]

Section 2 of the Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act provides that

"the Secretary of State may make payments to the Commission or to members of the Commission; and provide for the Commission such premises and facilities, and the services of such staff, as he thinks appropriate".

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the prospects for devolved Government in Northern Ireland. [87741]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the prospects for the establishment of a cross-community Executive to govern Northern Ireland. [87742]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the prospects for devolved Government in Northern Ireland. [87726]

I refer my hon. Friends to the reply I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty) and Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) and to the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East (Sir T. Taylor), today, Official Report, column 334–35.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to involve Northern Ireland Assembly Members in decision making in Northern Ireland. [87725]

Intensive discussions are currently taking place between all of the parties represented in the Assembly and the British and Irish Governments to agree a way forward to complete the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement including devolving power to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Until devolution takes place, Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office will continue to consult the Northern Ireland political parties in the normal way about any decisions they take.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidents of (a) assault and (b) affray occurred in the Thomas Street and Market Street/Woodhouse Street area of Portadown town centre between 1 April 1996 and 27 April 1997; and how many arrests were made. [85499]

The RUC have advised that there were three recordable offences of assault in this area between the dates in question. Of these, two were assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one was grievous bodily harm. One person was arrested in each case. There were no recorded offences of affray.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when she plans to lay before each House the annual report for 1998 of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [89357]

Copies of the Chief Constable's annual report for 1998 have today been placed in the Library. It is a general report on the carrying out of the RUC of their functions during 1998 which is submitted to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland and also to me for laying before Parliament in accordance with Sections 48 and 49 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress is being made towards the normalisation of security arrangements in Northern Ireland. [87730]

Since the Good Friday Agreement, routine military patrolling has been reduced by almost two thirds. Since the start of the year, there have been under 15,000 service personnel on operational duties in Northern Ireland, fewer than at any time since 1970, although there may be some short term increases over the summer period. Military installations have been closed and some demolished.We are committed to as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements, consistent with the level of threat.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made to implement sections 80 and 81 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. [89576]

Section 80 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 places a duty on the Court of Appeal to consider producing or revising sentencing guidelines when a suitable case arises.Section 81 of the Act establishes a new Sentencing Advisory Panel which must be consulted by the Court whenever it decides that guidelines are necessary. The Panel may also propose that the Court frame or revise guidelines and I may direct it to do so.Both sections come into force on 1 July 1999.The Lord Chancellor will appoint the following members to the Panel:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that the lead security vehicle for the Prime Minister is a British-made vehicle. [88161]

The Metropolitan Police are responsible for the purchase and supply of the lead security vehicle used for the protection of the Prime Minister. The vehicle currently used is a Land Rover Discovery.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish figures for each police authority in England and Wales setting out (a) the percentage changes in their budget and (b) the numbers of police officers in the force between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 1999. [89577]

The information requested is set out in the table. The information on changes in police numbers is based on provisional strength figures at March 1999 provided by forces.

Police numbers—comparison between percentage change in numbers and changes in budgets for 1998–99
Percentage
	Percentage change in police numbers		Percentage change in budget
Force	March 1998 to March 1999	March 1998 to March 1999	1997–98 to 1998–99
5–5.9 per cent. reduction in strength
City of London	-5.7	(-46.8)	-7.3
Cleveland	-5.2	(-76.8)	+5.1
4–4.9 per cent. reduction in strength
Lincolnshire	-4.3	(-51.5)	+1.1
Nottinghamshire	-4.2	(-98)	+3.8
3–3.9 per cent. reduction in strength
Bedfordshire	-3.4	(-37.2)	+3.8
Cumbria	-3.2	(-37.5)	+3.7
Norfolk	-3.4	(-48.2)	+3.8
Sussex	-3.7	(-107.9)	+3.8
West Yorkshire	-3.4	(-172.7)	+3.8
2–2.9 per cent. reduction in strength
Devon and Cornwall	-2.5	(-74.5)	+4.5
Dorset	-2.7	(-35.9)	+3.7
Greater Manchester	-2.0	(-138.8)	+3.8
Humberside	-2.3	(-46.8)	+3.8
Northamptonshire	-2.7	(-31.2)	+3.7
North Yorkshire	-2.2	(-30.7)	+4.0
Staffordshire	-2.4	(54.5)	+3.7
0–1.9 per cent. reduction in strength
Cambridgeshire	-1.3	(-17)	+3.8
Derbyshire	-0.8	(-13.6)	+3.8
Essex	-1.3	(-38)	+3.7
Hampshire	-0.5	(-16.1)	+3.8
Hertfordshire	-0.9	(-16.2)	+3.8
Kent	-1.5	(-50)	+4.4
Lancashire	-0.4	(-12.3)	+3.8
Metropolitan Police	-0.08	(-20.7)	+3.7
South Yorkshire	-0.4	(-14)	+3.8
Thames Valley	-0.7	(-27.4)	+3.8
Warwickshire	-1.7	(-15.4)	+3.7
West Mercia	-0.5	(-10.5)	+3.8
Wiltshire	-0.5	(-5.3)	+3.7

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 18 May 1999, Official Report, column 296, concerning police manpower, when he intends to publish figures for the number of police officers, per force and in total, on 31 March; and if he will make a statement. [88192]

The information requested is set out in the table. The figures are provisional and subject to validation.Under legislation passed by the previous Government in 1994, it is for individual chief constables to determine the number of police officers in their force area, within the resources available to them. The Home Secretary no longer has any power to set entitlements of forces.

Police numbers as at 31 March 1999
Force	Police numbers1
Avon and Somerset	2,999.3
Bedfordshire	1,041.3
Cambridgeshire	1,274.4
Cheshire	2,070.6
City of London	778.1
Cleveland	1,406.6
Cumbria	1,126
Derbyshire	1,758.6
Devon and Cornwall	2,887
Dorset	1,274.1
Durham	1,567.9
Dyfed-Powys	1,026.3
Essex	2,890.5
Gloucestershire	1,104
Greater Manchester	6,809.9
Gwent	1,247.1
Hampshire	3,473.4
Hertfordshire	1,723.7
Humberside	1,974.4
Kent	3,200.8
Lancashire	3,244.8
Leicestershire	1,993.2
Lincolnshire	1,139.6
Merseyside	4,311.5

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what preparations are being made by the UK Passport Agency for the processing of criminal record checks; and if he will make a statement. [88167]

The Passport Agency has set up a team in Merseyside to manage the introduction of the Criminal Records Bureau.Detailed planning is under way with the aim of commencing operations on a phased basis.Procurement of accommodation and Information Technology services is now under way by open competition and advertisements have been placed in the Open Journal of the European Community (OJEC).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place between his Department and the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for linking the aims and objectives for the Police Service with the National Road Safety Strategy. [88315]

The over-arching aims and objectives for police forces in England and Wales which were published last year include an objective of contributing to improving road safety and the reduction of casualties. That links with the police's aim to promote safety and reduce disorder. The performance measures related to the new duty of best value are likely to include performance measures in relation to this area of policing. These measures are to be agreed following a period of consultation over the summer. The new National Road Safety Strategy and casualty reduction targets for 2010 are being developed by the Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) in close consultation with officials in my Department and with representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers' Traffic Committee. DETR expect to be able to publish the strategy and targets in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his oral answer of 21 June 1999, Official Report, column 783, what the role of F Branch of the Security Service formerly dealing with subversion currently is; what proportion of its work relates to the pensions of former F Branch employees; if the threat assessment set out on page 12 of the Home Office publication of 1998, "MI5 The Security Service", with particular reference to subversion, still applies; and if the statement on page 19 that there are no investigations into subversion is still valid. [88224]

The 1998 booklet "MI5 The Security Service" contains as much information as it is possible to disclose on this subject. The information which it contains on Security Service investigations of subversion remains valid. It would not be in the public interest to provide further details of the kind requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will survey those persons admitted to young offenders' institutions over the next three calendar months to establish how many and which had been members of uniformed youth organisations; for what duration; and what percentage of admissions this represents. [88420]