To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what action is being taken to ensure continued operational support for RAF Harriers following BAe's announcement of the closure of its Dunsfold factory; [89347](2) what assessment he has made of the effect the closure of BAe Dunsfold will have on the ongoing operational support for Royal Navy Harriers; and if he will make a statement. [89348]

Ministry of Defence contracts with British Aerospace for Harrier work are negotiated with, and awarded to, the British Aerospace Military Aircraft and Aerostructures Division at Warton. Work continues on existing contracts. The decision about where work is undertaken on these, or any future contracts, is ultimately a matter for the company.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by his Special Advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89988]

Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speechwriting and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the Party and helping to brief Party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the launch of his Department's Defence Diplomacy Scholarship Scheme. [90046]

The Defence Diplomacy Mission has placed renewed emphasis on the provision of high quality defence related training and education in Britain for overseas students, for which we already have an excellent reputation.As part of this wider initiative, I am pleased to announce the launch of the MOD's new two-tier Defence Diplomacy Scholarship Scheme. Its principal aims are to introduce selected overseas officers and officials to the principles of Defence Diplomacy, and to help them develop the skills needed to lead and run modern democratically accountable armed forces.Cranfield University at the Royal College of Military Science will run this scheme.It will comprise a year long MSc based "Defence Diplomacy Fellowship" and a shorter seven-week "Diploma in Defence Diplomacy". Up to 12 Fellowships will be offered annually,starting from the next academic year (1999–2000).A further 30–40 places will be available annually for the shorter Diploma course.This scheme is further evidence of the high priority that the MOD attaches to the Defence Diplomacy Mission, and is an excellent example of the MOD's contribution to the Government's initiative to attract more international students to the UK.

To ask the Secretary of state for Defence who the new Chief Scientific Adviser to his Department will be.

I am announcing today that Professor Sir Keith O'Nions will become the Chief Scientific Adviser to the MOD on 4 January 2000. His appointment will be for three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the contribution to KFOR.

Some elements of the UK contribution to KFOR have now completed the tasks for which they were deployed. In the light of this,I have agreed to the withdrawal of the Headquarters of the 5^th Airborne Brigade, Headquarters 3(UK) Division, and seven support helicopters, together with their supporting elements. HQ 5 Airborne Brigade and the helicopters will start moving immediately, to be followed by HQ 3 (UK) Division from 23 July. These withdrawals will not affect the number of UK battalions in KFOR, nor their ability to perform their assigned tasks.

To ask the Secretary of state for Defence if he will list cost-benefit analyses carried out in connection with his proposal for a Public Private Partnership for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, [89202]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: The study team's primary objective was to find a long-term solution for the future of DERA which would provide MOD with the scientific services it will continue to need. These were defined by the "MOD Customer Needs Statement" as laid down in Figure 1 of the Consultation Document and were used as option evaluation criteria throughout the study,to identify both the benefits and risks of each option.A financial model, supported by some analytical work,was used to asses each option against the financial objectives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under his Public Private Partnership proposals for DERA, if, when property is transferred to a new private sector owner, his Department retains liability for clearing contaminated land and unexploded ordnance. [89195]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: No decisions have been made on the nature of a Public Private Partnership, PPP, for DERA, and it is too early to speculate on the precise form it would take. The MOD study team is supported by legal experts who provide advice on a range of legal and commercial issues, including the future treatment of liabilities. The details have not yet been addressed as they will depend on the precise nature of the PPP. During implementation, further work would be required on the negotiation of such liabilities between MOD and DERA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what ways DERA's relationships with the Research Councils will be affected by his public private partnership proposals for DERA.[89197]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: The MOD strives to develop and maintain close working relationships with all relevant scientific and research bodies, including the Research Councils. DERA's main relationship with the Research Councils arises through the operation of the Joint Grants Scheme, JGS, whereby the Ministry of Defence part funds research which has some direct defence relevance.No decisions have been made on the form of a public private partnership, PPP, for DERA, and it is too early to speculate on the precise form it would take. Whatever the form, the importance of maintaining effective relationships with the Research Councils will be taken into consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under his public private partnership proposals for DERA, if DERA will lose Crown immunity. [89198]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: No decisions have been made on the nature of a public private partnership, PPP, for DERA, and it is too early to speculate on the precise form it would take. The MOD study team is supported by legal experts who provide advice on a range of legal and commercial issues which may affect the PPP. This includes the subject of Crown immunity. While further analysis would be required during the implementation phase, the basic premise is that Crown immunity would cease to apply in the event that assets, facilities and employees were transferred out of the direct control of the Crown.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under his public private partnership proposals for DERA, if liability for insurance cover against catastrophic accident will be transferred to private sector partners from his Department. [89199]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: No decisions have been made on the nature of a public private partnership, PPP, for DERA, and it is too early to speculate on the precise form it would take. However, the apportionment of risk between a PPP DERA and the MOD, including the handling of liability for catastrophic accident, is an important issue. During the implementation phase, these and other legal and commercial considerations will be addressed in detail by the MOD study team and their advisers, in consultation with DERA and key stakeholders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under his Public Private Partnership proposals for DERA, if Boscombe Down airfield will be upgraded to civil airfield standards; and at what cost. [89200]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: No decisions have been made on the nature of a Public Private Partnership, PPP, for DERA, and it is too early to speculate on the precise form it would take. In the proposal outlined in the consultation document, the aircraft test and evaluation activities at Boscombe Down would form part of the PPP, operating in the private sector, with implications for the licensing of the airfield. Further work would be required on the detailed aspects of this during implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the terms of risk analyses and the risk assessments carried out on his proposals for a Public Private Partnership for DERA. [89201]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: The study team's primary objective was to find a long term value for money solution for the future of DERA which would provide MOD with the scientific services it will continue to need. These were defined by the "MOD Customer Needs Statement" as laid down in Figure 1 of the Consultation Document. These are being used as option evaluation criteria in the study, to identify both the benefits and risks of each option. Risks to achievement of financial objectives and compatibility with wider MOD and UK interests are also being addressed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposals for a Public Private Partnership for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency on his smart procurement initiative; and if he will make a statement. [89203]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: Throughout the DERA PPP study, the MOD study team has had frequent discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry and UK industry as well as the MOD Smart Procurement Initiative implementation team, to ensure that the DERA PPP and Smart Procurement projects complement one another.Our consultation process, announced on 5 May 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he is conducting a full economic appraisal of the proposals for the DERA public private partnership; and if he will place the results of his appraisal in the Library. [89027]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: During the DERA PPP options study, the MOD study team paid much attention to assessing the long term financial benefits of each option. However, in choosing between options, the evaluation process addressed not just financial issues, but also each option's ability to deliver top quality scientific and technical capability to meet future defence needs and to complement wider MOD and Government policy. There is no specific stand-alone economic appraisal suitable for the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will announce a decision on the DERA public private partnership proposals before the summer recess. [89029]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: Our formal consultation period is now drawing to a close and the study team is analysing the responses received. The consultation process has highlighted the complexity of some of the issues involved, and, on the recommendation of the study team, we have agreed that further analysis and discussions with key stakeholder groups are required. We do not expect a final recommendation from the team before the summer recess.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the location and size of common land owned by DERA.[89196]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is (a) the current asset value of and (b) the revenue stream derived in the last financial year from, the intellectual property rights of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.[89204]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Eurofighters are being purchased for the RAF and at what cost; and how many are being purchased by other NATO countries.[88961]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many project licence applications for animal procedures at Porton Down have been (a) approved unamended for submission to the Home Office, (b) approved in amended form for submission to the Home Office and (c) rejected for each month since 1 January 1997.[89451]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many animals have been bred for use in experiments at Porton Down in (a) 1997–98 and (b) 1998–99; and how many of each year's total were subsequently killed without being so used. [89453]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Antonov 124, with a military aircraft release certificate, would meet his Department' s required in-service date of 2001 under the Strategic Short-Term Airlift Programme. [88313]

The five tenders received for the Short Term Strategic Airlift programme are currently being assessed by DPA officials against the authorised Staff Requirement, which includes the in-service date of 2001. Owing to the commercial confidentiality of the tenders and assessment process, I am withholding the information that my hon. Friend seeks under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) if the studies of the consequences of developments in biotechnology to be undertaken by the OECD on behalf of the G8 will be published; [88085](2) pursuant to his oral statement of 21 June 1999 on the G8 summit,

The Government are committed to ensuring an open and informed debate on biotechnology both within the United Kingdom and internationally. I firmly endorse the G8 conclusions inviting the OECD to carry out studies in this area, and we are currently discussing with G8 partners and the OECD the detailed arrangements under which these can best be taken forward.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the total cost, including travel and accommodation, of each occasion when a special adviser of the Chief Whip and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury has travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997, whether accompanied by a Minister or not, indicating the place visited. [89047]

The two Special Advisers to the then Chief Whip visited the European Parliament in Brussels in September 1997. The cost of flights and accommodation was £300 each.Following a request from the South African Parliament, one Special Adviser was a member of a party, which included the Principal Clerk, Select Committees in the House of Commons and other officials who visited South Africa to assist the Parliamentary Administration to prepare for the new induction of MPs following the national elections on 2 June. This was funded from the development assistance programme of the Department for International Development. The cost attributed to the Special Adviser's flight was £2,334. Subsistence was paid at a rate of £72 a night for the three nights of the visit.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 13 April 1999, Official Report, column 1, on special advisers, if he will list the total cost including travel, accommodation and subsistence allowances, and place visited of each occasion that his (a) Chief of Staff and (b) Chief Press Secretary travelled abroad in an official capacity since 2 May 1997, whether accompanied by him or not. [89065]

My Chief of Staff and Chief Press Secretary regularly accompany me on official overseas visits and I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 25 June 1999, Official Report, column 482–83 which accounted fully for costs of my official visits overseas, including the costs of those accompanying me. In addition, during the conflict in Kosovo, my Chief Press Secretary has visited NATO HQ in Brussels on six occasions, at the request of the NATO Secretary General and General Clark, SACEUR at an average cost of £400 per visit; and undertook a single visit to Macedonia and Kosovo at a cost of £570. Wherever possible, any accommodation needed was provided at no charge by HM Ambassador, NATO or General Clark. Normal subsistence rates for civil servants have applied.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by special advisers in his policy department for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89995]

Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much income the Treasury has received to date from fixed penalty fines issued as a result of speeding offences detected by speed cameras. [89381]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will identify the Secretary of State referred to in Paragraph 13 of the report of the Commissioner for 1998 in respect of the Intelligence Services Act 1994. [88715]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: As has already been made public, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has confirmed that reference was to him and that he acted in accordance with long-standing procedures which were in place at the time.The Commissioner's Annual Report made no criticism of any Secretary of State, but the Government will take account of advice received from the Commissioner and introduce any necessary procedural changes.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the official histories held by each Government Department. [89727]

Official histories are those produced by the Cabinet Office. Since the current programme began in 1966, the following titles have been published:

This information is not held centrally. However I understand that the following Fixed Penalty Notices in respect of automatic speed detection have been issued:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of how much the Treasury will receive annually as a result of the climate change levy; and if the levy will be fiscally neutral within the manufacturing sector. [89568]

The climate change levy will be introduced in April 2001 raising around £1.75 billion in its first full year. Its introduction will entail no increase in the overall burden of tax on business as the revenue will be fully recycled via a 0.5 percentage point cut in the main rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions. Business will also benefit from an additional £50 million for schemes aimed at promoting energy efficiency and support for renewable sources of energy, like solar and wind power.The net impact of the climate change levy and the associated reduction in National Insurance Contributions on individual sectors will depend on the rates at which the levy is set. The final rates of the levy will not be set until the Finance Bill 2000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the subject and date of each written briefing prepared by his Special Advisers for all Labour Members since May 1997 and the total number and total cost to date of these. [89982]

Special Advisers are appointed under terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Model Contract sets out the role and duties of Special Advisers. As well as research for Ministers and reviewing papers, contributing to policy planning within the Department and preparing policy papers, speechwriting and liaison with outside interest groups, their role explicitly includes liaising with the party and helping to brief party MPs. Records are not held of when such briefings are given. Similar arrangements have applied under successive Governments.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the annual report of the Financial Services Authority to be published. [90168]

A copy of the Board's report was laid before Parliament today. It includes a report, pursuant to Section 1(3) of the Banking Act 1987 on the exercise of the Authority's functions under that Act, during the 13 month period to 31 March 1999. It also includes the report made by the FSA under section 117 of the Financial Services Act 1986, covering the period 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 19 June the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [89262]

The numbers of paramilitary attacks during 13–19 June 1997 are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 26 June the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [89260]

The numbers of paramilitary attacks during the period 20–26 June 1999 are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 26 June the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [89259]

The numbers of security incidents during the period 20–26 June 1999 are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will list for the week ended Saturday 19 June the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland, indicating how many involved (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups. [89261]

The numbers of security incidents during the period 13–19 June 1999 are shown below:

• Deaths—1
• Shooting incidents—7
• Bombing incidents—nil.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many employees the Fair Employment Commission has and what are their (a) grades or positions and (b) religious affiliations; and if he will provide the same information for 1994. [89547]

The Fair Employment Commission currently employs 76 staff. Of these 63 are operational staff and 13 support staff. The religious composition is 30 Protestant and 46 Roman Catholic overall. Of these 25 operational and 5 support staff are Protestant and 38 operational and 8 support staff are Roman Catholic.In 1994 staffing also stood at 76, with 57 operational and 19 support staff. The religious composition was 34 Protestant and 42 Roman Catholic overall. Of these 27 operational and 7 support staff were Protestant and 30 operational and 12 support staff were Roman Catholic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums she has expended to date under section 2 of the Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act 1999. [89879]

To date £694.50 has been spent under section 2 of the Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Act 1999. Of this £610.50 has been spent on transport and associated expenses for the UK Commissioner, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield. The other £84 has been spent on setting up a Post Office Box.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authority transport schemes which were considered for PFI when the A130 bypass scheme was approved. [88589]

The following local authority transport schemes were being considered last autumn along with the A130 bypass project:

• Baldock Bypass
• Bristol/South Gloucestershire Rapid Transit
• Doncaster North Bridge
• East Leeds Radial
• Manchester Metrolink Extensions
• North Yorkshire PFI
• Northumberland County Council Street Lighting Nottingham Express Transit
• South Hampshire Rapid Transit
• Surrey Cross Thames Integrated Transport Corridor
• Tyne and Wear Metro Extension
• Walsall Integrated Transport Project
• Walsall Street Lighting
• Weymouth Transportation and Regeneration Project.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the criteria by which the different schemes were judged when the PFI Scheme for the A130 bypass was approved; and how each scheme scored against the criteria. [88735]

The A130 bypass PFI project and the other local road schemes considered for PFI funding last autumn were appraised using the New Approach to Appraisal developed during the Roads Review. The Appraisal Summary Table for the A130 was placed in the Library, as specified on 19 May 1999, Official Report, column 354. As the other schemes considered at the time were not progressed and are subject to further evaluation by the local authorities concerned, Appraisal Summary Tables for these have not been published.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Environment Council held in Luxembourg on 24–25 June; and if he will make a statement. [89125]

The meeting of the Environment Council on 24–25 June reached political agreement on common positions for seven proposals which will now go forward to the European Parliament for a second reading. The Council also reached conclusions on several other matters.Political agreement was reached on the proposal to amend Directive 90/220 on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms. This amendment provides improved risk assessment procedures which will now include an assessment of direct, indirect, immediate or delayed effect of GMOs. The agreement introduces a post-market monitoring regime, recognition of the precautionary principle, and recourse to a Commission committee on questions of a general ethical nature. It also includes a more comprehensive labelling regime for GMOs. The Commission's review of the Directive in 2003 will include an assessment of whether sufficient experience has been gained to consider differentiated procedures for marketing release. Of key importance, the voice of member states will be strengthened in the Commission chaired regulatory committee responsible for resolving objections lodged by one or more member states (referred to as the comitology procedure). GMOs subject to authorisation under other EU product legislation will be exempted from authorisation under amended Directive 90/220 only where the relevant product legislation provides for equivalent risk assessment requirements to those in the amended Directive. Likewise, such exemptions will apply only where equivalent safeguarding provisions to those in Directive 90/220 apply. These allow member states to take unilateral emergency action in the event of new evidence of risk. The text provides for the identification and phasing out of antibiotic marker genes which are harmful to human health and the environment. It provides for first time consent to be time-limited to a period of up to ten years. In addition, the text provides clear timetables for the taking of decisions on marketing of GMOs; this will make it easier for industry to invest and plan. The UK made a statement for the minutes calling on the Commission to consider, as a matter of priority, the feasibility of a liability regime to cover the release and marketing of GMOs.The Council reached agreement on a proposal for a directive to minimise adverse environmental effects from the incineration of waste. The agreement will extend EU controls to virtually all waste incineration plants, update the requirements of the 1989 municipal waste incineration directives and, by merging them with the 1994 Hazardous Waste Incineration Directive, consolidate incineration controls into a single piece of legislation. It sets stringent minimum emission limit values for a range of substances emitted from incineration and co-incineration processes, including a 10 fold tightening of the dioxins limit currently set by the Environment Agency.Agreement was also reached on a proposal concerning noise from outdoor machinery which will set noise labelling requirements for 57 types of machinery and noise limits for 22 of these. A further agreement will set controls for the first time on diesel exhausts for agricultural and forestry tractors and set emission limits in line with those already agreed for non-road mobile machinery.The regulation governing the EU' s funding programme for projects which improve environmental quality, known as the LIFE programme, has also been updated, and agreement was reached on a budget of 613 million euros over the next 5 years.Revisions to two voluntary schemes were also agreed. Political agreement was reached on a revised EU ecolabelling regulation, governing the scheme which enables products to display the EU eco label symbol if they meet agreed environmental criteria. The UK made a statement for the minutes recording disappointment that it had not been possible to agree better arrangements for promoting convergence between the EU ecolabelling scheme and various national labelling schemes which will continue to run alongside it. Political agreement was also reached on a revised regulation to govern the EU eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS), which gives recognition to companies and organisations with good systems for environmental management and reporting.Council deferred a decision on a common position on the draft end of life vehicles directive which should now be decided under the Finnish Presidency.The Council agreed conclusions on EU Chemicals policy, as part of a process begun at the informal Environment Council at Chester under the UK Presidency; on negotiations with Japanese and Korean car manufacturers concerning a voluntary reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from new passenger cars; on the Convention on Biological Diversity; on the proposed Biosafety Protocol; and on the environmental situation in the former Republic of Yugoslavia.The Council held a policy debate on a proposal for directive on the environmental assessment of plans and programmes and noted presentations from the Commission on the integration of the environment into the internal market and on the implementation of the Kyoto protocol on climate change.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received concerning current disruptions on the Circle and District London Underground lines. [89138]

As of 1 July 1999, my Department has received letters from four members of the public on the recent disruptions on the Circle and District lines. We have also received questions from four hon. Members, including the hon. Gentleman.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will make public the report into the London Underground penalty fares scheme; and if he will make a statement. [90252]

I have today placed a copy of the review in the Library.The operation of the penalty fares scheme on London Underground is the statutory responsibility of London Transport in accordance with powers under the London Regional Transport (Penalty Fares) Act 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to (a) advise consumers of the removal of leaded fuel from the market and (b) assist owners of cars where conversion is uneconomic to dispose of their vehicles appropriately or support their continued use. [89083]

Since December 1998 over 3.5 million leaflets have been made available to inform motorists using leaded fuel that they will have several alternatives available to ensure that they can continue to use their cars after the general removal of leaded fuel from the market by 1 January 2000. The Government will shortly be launching a further publicity campaign to reinforce this message. Information leaflets are already being provided with Vehicle Excise Duty payment reminders and these will be followed by advertisements in the national press and the provision of further information leaflets at MOT garages and at filling stations. Information will also be available on the DETR site on the internet.Most cars will be able to run on lead replacement petrol (LRP) without adjustment to their engines. LRP will become widely available at pumps from the autumn with a duty rate set by the Chancellor some 3.67p per litre lower than that of leaded petrol. Alternatively, where LRP is not available, motorists will be able to buy special additives in bottles or syringe-like applicators for use with the grade of unleaded petrol (super or premium) recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.Many cars could alternatively be switched to ordinary unleaded petrol, with no alteration to the engine or with only a simple adjustment to the ignition timing, the cost of which could be recovered through lower fuel costs. In a relatively few cases where motorists often use their cars for prolonged heavy motorway driving or for towing they may find they need to have their engines modified. However, the vast majority of cars will not need this extreme modification and independent advice should be obtained before deciding whether this is necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the environmental costs and benefits of alternative refrigerant gases in the next generation of installed equipment; and if he will make a statement; [89254](2) what assessment he has made of the projected impact of the use of HFCs as refrigerant gases on the United Kingdom's target for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement. [89256]

My Department has carried out several assessments of alternatives to the use of ozone depleting substances such as CFCs. Alternatives to CFC refrigerants include HFCs, which are potent greenhouse gases, ammonia and hydrocarbons. While ammonia and hydrocarbons benefit from not being greenhouse gases, they are either toxic or highly flammable. Nevertheless, in suitably designed systems, they may be used for many refrigeration applications. Energy efficiency is an important factor in determining overall greenhouse gas

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to encourage the use of non-HFC refrigerants inside Government buildings; and if he will make a statement. [90061]

My Department issued a model improvement statement for greening government operations in May 1998. Since then Government departments have been adopting and adapting the model to meet their own special circumstances and develop further their environmental strategies. Among other things, the model statement promotes switching from HFCs to environmentally preferable substitutes having a low or zero global warming potential. Advice on suitable alternatives is given in DETR's "Green Guide for Buyers" and other guidance which can be found on our website.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each airport in the United Kingdom the percentage increase in passenger volume for the last year for which figures are available. [89385]

The most recent year for which Civil Aviation Authority data are available is 1998. The absolute and percentage increases in 1998 over 1997 for each UK airport are listed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the number of passengers from (a) the UK and (b) the Yorkshire and Humberside Region flying to destinations (i) in the USA, (ii) in Europe and (iii) elsewhere in (1) 1978, (2) 1988 and (3) 1998. [89390]

Estimates of passengers originating in the Yorkshire and Humberside region and travelling to the United States, Europe and elsewhere are not regularly produced by the Civil Aviation Authority. Estimates of passengers flying from airports in the Yorkshire and Humberside region, which are Leeds, Bradford and Humberside, to these destinations are available. Data for 1978, 1988 and 1998 are listed in the table.Estimates are also made by the Civil Aviation Authority of the total number of UK passengers originating in the Yorkshire and Humberside region flying from UK airports on international services. These data are not disaggregated by destination and are available only for selected years. Figures for 1987 and 1997 are listed in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will (a) impose a 12 tonne weight limit on the A36(T) between Wylye and Salisbury, (b) erect signage to divert traffic from that route to the A303 and A360 between Wylye and Salisbury via Long Barrow roundabout, (c) detrunk and (d) declassify that road. [89190]

[holding answer 1 July 1999]: We are currently undertaking a detailed study of the potential options available to help solve the transport problems of Salisbury and the surrounding area. As the A36 forms an integral part of the highway network of the study area, the problems associated with it are being considered as part of the overall study. The results should be available in the Autumn and will be the subject of public consultation. It is too early to comment on what solutions may be proposed but weight limits and diversions are among the many options being considered for the Salisbury area. A final decision on the classification of the A36 will be taken after a further study, as announced by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 7 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what regulations exist to ensure the correct fitting of electrical systems and circuits in homes; and if he will make a statement. [89598]

[holding answer 2 July 1999]: There are no such existing regulations. My Department is considering the merits of extending the Building Regulations to cover this.

To ask the Secretary of State for the. Environment, Transport and the Regions what timetable the Government have for the introduction of the direct high-speed access to the Channel Tunnel from York; and if he will make a statement. [90084]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced on 28 January 1999, Official Report, columns 340–41, the commissioning of a thorough and independent review of regional Eurostar services. On 17 June the consultancy firm Arthur D. Little were appointed to undertake this review, and it is underway. The review, which will include an assessment of possible York services, will be thorough and wide ranging in its consideration of alternative options. It will, in particular, seek to assess the regional economic and social benefits of regional Eurostar services, and will examine the proposals put forward by the Virgin Group and the report produced last year by Inter-Capital and Regional Rail Ltd. The final report is due to be submitted at the end of October, and we expect to make a statement to the House before the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the square footage is of the English Partnerships' offices in Cockermouth. [88755]

English Partnership offices in Cockermouth were transferred to the North West Development Agency on 1 April 1999. I understand from the Agency that the net lettable area of the office is 5,135 square feet.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what proposals the North West Development Agency has for the future of the English Partnerships' offices in Cockermouth; [88752](2) what arrangements are being made for the sale or rental of the English Partnerships' offices in Cockermouth. [88762]

Issues relating to office accommodation are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand that once the Agency has confirmed a vacation date, the Cockermouth Offices will be marked as 'available to let'.In the longer term, once the development is fully let, consideration will be given to its disposal on the open market.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the annual rental costs are of the premises to be occupied by (a) English Partnerships and (b) the Rural Development Commission at Penrith. [88756]

Decisions on accommodation are for the North West Development Agency. I understand from the Agency that no final decision has been made on the location of the Penrith office. The annual rental costs of the likely premises to be occupied by the RDA staff (including former EP and RDC staff) are still under negotiation. However, I understand that the rental cost may be in the order of£10 per square foot.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the staff complement was at the English Partnerships office in Cockermouth in (a)1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998 and (d) 1999; and what the proposed complement of staff at English Partnerships' new offices at Penrith is for the first three years following relocation from Cockermouth. [88751]

I understand that English Partnerships' staff complements in Cockermouth were (a) 1996–14, (b) 1997–14 (c) 1998–11 and (d) 1999–11; and that the proposed complement of staff at the North West Development Agency's offices in Penrith is 18 to 20 people.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Standard's Excellent Standard will apply to the offices which will be occupied by English Partnerships and other North West Development Agency operations at Penrith. [88757]

Decisions on accommodation are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand that in conducting the negotiations for the Penrith office the Agency has told the construction firm that they are looking for a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Standard's Excellent Standard (BREAM). The Cockermouth office has no BREAM rating.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the schemes for which funding had been approved by English Partnerships but not legally committed and which are the subject of funding reappraisal following the commencement of the operation of the North West Development Agency. [88766]

There were no such schemes outstanding at the commencement of the North West Development Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what are (a) the nature of the title and (b) the annual running costs of the English Partnerships offices in Cockermouth. [88753]

Issues relating to accommodation are for the North West Development Agency. I understand from the Agency that the office at Cockermouth is held on freehold. The total running costs for the financial year 1998–99 were £513,735 for office related costs, including salaries, and £352,797 for estate related costs in connection with the Agency's portfolio of land and buildings in Cumbria. (Physical work on the 375 units comprising 845,000 sq. ft. across Cumbria).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what has been the budget for English Partnerships in each year since 1994; and what are the proposed budgets for the next three years. [88759]

Details of English Partnerships' total income and expenditure up to 1997–98 are given in their Annual Reports, copies of which are available in the Library.The information on grant-in-aid provided by my Depaertment is:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the maximum number of staff it is possible to accommodate in the English Partnerships offices in Cockermouth; and if the proposed personnel requirements of English Partnerships' and the Rural Development Commission in Cumbria could be accommodated there. [88754]

Decisions about office accommodation are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand from the Agency that it estimates that up to 20 staff could be accommodated in the Cockermouth offices. The offices are of sufficient size to accommodate the Agency's Cumbria Area Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has made of (a) the change in the amount of excess mileage allowances arising out of the transfer of persons currently working at the English Partnerships office in Cockermouth to offices in Penrith and (b) the costs of excess mileage allowance if persons currently working for the RDC in Penrith had been required to travel to the Cockermouth offices of English Partnerships; [88764](2) what estimate has been made of the change in the costs in travelling time and mileage allowances in servicing West Cumbria following the move of English Partnerships' operations from Cockermouth to Penrith. [88769]

Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand from the Agency that the cost of travelling time and mileage, including excess mileage costs for staff required to change their location, were among the factors taken into account in the decision in principle to locate the Agency's Area Office in Penrith. However, the costs are impossible to estimate with any confidence because the staff concerned will often travel to appointments direct from home. The Area Office will service the whole of Cumbria; some journeys will be shorter and others longer depending on the destination for appointments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions from which year's budget the additional costs of the location of English Partnerships' in Penrith will be funded. [88760]

Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand from the Agency that its relocation may take place towards the end of this financial year, in which case the cost may be met in part this year and in part next year.My Department will not be providing additional funding for the relocation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment has been made of the costs of complying with TUPE arising out of the transfer of staff from the Cockermouth offices of English Partnerships to a new location at Penrith. [88765]

Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand that costs associated with the transfer of staff have been fully taken into account when value for money aspects of the potential move were being considered by the Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation took place prior to the appointment of the membership of the North West Development Agency. [88749]

Candidates for the Boards of the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) were sought from as wide a field as possible. Three main approaches were taken to identify candidates: RDAs were included alongside other Non Departmental Public Bodies in a general advertisement for Board Members; the databases of the Public Appointments Unit, DETR and other government departments were searched for suitable candidates; and a large number of regional and national stakeholders were invited to offer nominations.I have placed in the Library a list showing the regional stakeholders who were invited to nominate members for the North West Development Agency.Candidates encouraged to apply by stakeholders were considered alongside applicants from other sources. Information on which stakeholder, if any, nominated those appointed to the Boards was not recorded separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the financial implications for the Exchequer are arising out of the movement from Mercury Court of the North West Development Agency's premises in Liverpool. [88761]

Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. The movement of some staff from Mercury Court to alternative premises, including area offices, is still being negotiated. However, any net increase in cost which may arise will be contained within the Agency's overall budget. There will therefore be no direct financial implications for the Exchequer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what consultation took place and with which organisations and individuals prior to the North West Development Agency's decision to close the Cockermouth Office of English Partnerships. [88750]

Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand that, in deciding in principle to locate its Area office in Penrith, the Agency took account of a range of factors.The Board reached a decision to locate the Area Office and Headquarters on the M6/West Coast Main Line (in respect of Cumbria and Lancashire); at the interchange of the M6/M62 and West Coast Main Line (Warrington Headquarters and Cheshire Area office) and on the M62/East West Rail Line (Liverpool and Manchester). The Penrith decision flowed from the application of these criteria-particularly the need to have public transport access via rail. There was no general consultation on this specific decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to ensure that levies on (a) road use and (b) workplace parking schemes will not unfairly penalise car ownership by vulnerable groups. [89457]

The Government's proposals on road user charging and the workplace parking levy will not penalise car ownership, but will tackle congestion and other problems caused by car use in certain circumstances. The Government are keen to ensure that the needs of vulnerable groups are considered when charging schemes are introduced. The Secretary of State will take all relevant impacts into account when considering proposed local authority schemes for approval.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress towards achieving the national targets for reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries resulting from road accidents in the United Kingdom. [89710]

In 1987, a target was set to reduce the numbers of deaths and injuries from road accidents in Great Britain by one third by the year 2000, compared with the average for 1981–85.The target has been exceeded for both road fatalities and serious injuries. By 1998, fatalities were 39 per cent. below baseline and serious injuries were 45 per cent. below. Compared with 1997, there was a fall of 5 per cent. for both deaths and serious injuries.This substantial reduction in road casualties is to be welcomed, but there is no room for complacency. We are working on a new casualty reduction target for 2010, and a road safety strategy, which we are aiming to publish in the Autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what it will cost the Countryside Agency to occupy the property at Penrith formerly occupied by the Rural Development Commission. [88763]

The rent payable by the Countryside Agency is £l6,763 a year, which includes service charges and utility costs. In addition, the Agency incurred one-off costs of about £4,500 on minor refurbishment works, including the installation of computer cabling.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to restrict the exercise of monopoly power under gene patents. [87371]

Rights available to patent owners, including those relating to genetic engineering, offer encouragement to undertake the costs and risks of technical innovation, but are already limited in their scope and duration in order that others can gain access to patented inventions and the technical knowledge on which they are based. There are no plans for change.As for all technologies, patent rights in the genetics field can last for a maximum period of 20 years after which the invention becomes part of the public domain and all are free to use it. There are exceptions to rights allowing the use of a patented invention to undertake research relating to that invention. If the market for an invention is not being satisfied in the UK, then rights may be compulsorily licensed to others. It is also important to note that patented inventions are published in sufficient detail to allow others skilled in the technology to use them. This ensures that technical advances are disclosed so stimulating research for further inventions, and rights may be challenged more easily since their foundation is made available for all to see. These restrictions are consistent with European and International laws concerning patentability.In addition to these restrictions on patent rights, in the event that a patented invention places the rights owner in a dominant market position, exercise of patent rights is subject to competition law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry 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. [88478]

I have nothing further to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 18 June 1999, Official Report, column 255.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the number and grade of civil servants seconded to work in the (a) textile and (b) aerospace industries for each year since 1992. [89549]

The Department does not keep comprehensive historical records of secondments. From the information that is available the details requested are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of statutory instruments introduced by his Department into Parliament in (a) 1998, (b) 1992, (c) 1985 and (d) 1973 had the European Union as their legislative source. [89169]

This question cannot be answered without incurring disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the levels of inward investment into (i) the South East Government Office Region, (ii) the West Midlands Government Office

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people are currently employed in the medical and pharmaceutical applications of biotechnology in the United Kingdom; and what has been the annual financial contribution of this area of biotechnology to the United Kingdom's gross domestic product from 1992 to date in actual terms and in terms of a percentage of gross domestic product [89715]

This information is not available from official statistics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the potential for incorporating renewable energy sources in the rebuilding works in Kosovo. [89919]