To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the status of her review of the state of terrorist ceasefires. [87879]

The Secretary of State keeps the ceasefires of all paramilitary organisations under continuous review. The judgment needs to be made in the round, taking into account all relevant information including the advice she receives regularly from her security advisers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made towards solving the Drumcree Church parade difficulties. [87878]

Every effort has been made by both the British and Irish Governments to reach a satisfactory resolution to the Drumcree dispute. No such resolution has yet been reached, but our efforts continue. The decision taken by the Parades Commission to reroute the planned parade by Portadown LOL District is a legal one, and I am pleased to note that on Sunday 4 July the marchers complied with the conditions imposed by the Parades Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) of 9 June 1999, Official Report, column 326, on Barry Mason, what action she plans to take; and if she will make a statement. [87765]

[holding answer 22 June 1999]: The Royal Ulster Constabulary are presently liaising with the West Midland police to see if there are any lines of inquiry arising from the claims made by Barry Mason. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to take any action herself.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what legislation he plans to introduce to implement his proposed reforms of the Post Office. [90730]

Much of the package of reforms for the Post Office that I have set out in the White Paper I have published today can be implemented without any change in the law. But I propose three pieces of legislation to complete the reform package:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce further decisions on power station proposals currently with his Department. [90734]

I have today given directions under Section 14 (3) of the Energy Act 1976 to Southern Electric and Sabre Power not to proceed with a number of their gas-fired schemes. The schemes affected are Southern Electric's mini power plants (49 MW) at Loudwater, Nr High Wycombe and Quidhampton, Salisbury and Sabre Power's mini power plants (50 MW) at Hirwan, Rhondda and Bridgwater, Somerset. These decisions have been taken in accordance with the policy set out in the White Paper entitled "Conclusions of the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation and Government response to fourth and fifth Reports of the Trade and Industry Committee" (Cm 4071).

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the legislative changes required by the proposed EU Takeovers Directive. [90092]

It would not be possible to say, until the Directive had been finally adopted by the Council and the European Parliament, following its consideration for the second time by the European Parliament under the co-decision procedure, precisely what legislative changes would be required to Implement the Directive. However, it is likely that such legislation would formally designate the supervisory body which would be responsible in the UK for regulating takeovers (this could be a private body such as the Takeover Panel). In addition, some basic aspects of the regulatory framework set out in the Directive—such as the general principles which are presently included in Article 3—would no doubt have to be incorporated into legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the United Kingdom patents which have been (a) applied for and (b) granted since 18 May 1998 in respect of genetically engineered animals and processes for creating such animals. [89932]

I can only give information about patent applications which have been published. Prior to publication such information is confidential. There have been a total of three applications filed under the Patents Act 1977 and published since 18 May 1998 relating to genetically engineered animals and processes for preparing them. Patent No. GB 2331301 relates to a transgenic mammal for use as a model in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Patent No. GB 2327679 relates to transgenic fish and Patent No. GB 2331751 relates to methods of cloning animal embryos. Only Patent No. GB 2327679 has so far been granted.Three other patents have been granted since 18 May 1998. They are Patent No. GB 2312899 for transgenic mammals useful as models for the treatment of bone disorders, GB 2291646 which relates to transgenic fish transformed with growth hormone and GB 228807 which relates to mammals transformed with a gene encoding a neurotoxin.This information covers only applications filed at the UK Patent Office and does not include applications filed at the European Patent Office and which may have the legal effect of UK patents when granted by that Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy regarding the EU Artists' Resale Right Directive. [90089]

The Government are concerned that the current proposal would drive sales out of the EU and hit our art market far harder than others, while bringing little or no benefit to the majority of artists. We therefore welcome the postponement of a decision on the draft Directive by the 21 June Internal Market Council to allow more time for discussions to continue and see if a way forward can be found to overcome the very substantial difficulties the UK and others still see with it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what meetings he has had with members of the National Market Traders Federation to discuss whether to seek an extension to the derogation permitting loose from bulk produce to be sold in imperial only measures. [90096]

[holding answer 7 July 1999]: I have had no specific meetings with the National Market Traders Federation to discuss metrication but I met representatives of the Federation at a reception in the House of Commons on 10 May 1999. The Federation had previously submitted written representations to me concerning the derogation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment his Department has made of the likelihood of the United States adopting metric measurements as the authorised units for pre-packaged food by 31 December 2009. [90101]

[holding answer 7 July 1999]: As part of the US metrication programme, pre-packaged goods (foods and non-foods) marketed in the USA are already required to be marked with an indication of quantity in metric and US customary units. The European Commission is in discussion with the US Government about permitting indications of quantity to be given only in metric units by 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the cost to (a) market traders, (b) delicatessens and (c) other retailers arising from the expiry of the derogation permitting loose from bulk produce to be sold using imperial measures only. [90103]

[holding answer 7 July 1999]: The DTI published a compliance cost assessment when the legislation to phase in the gram and the kilogram was made in 1994. The assessment identified the conversion or replacement of weighing machines as the main cost for traders. At today's prices, according to the United Kingdom Weighing Federation, the average cost of a conversion is about £100 and the cost of a new weighing machine starts at about £450. According to the Federation, 80 per cent. of machines should be capable of conversion. The cost of a set of metric weights is about £50.If, as the Government expect, the European Commission's proposal to permit dual indications in metric and non-metric units until 31 December 2009 is adopted, weighing machines that show metric and imperial units will not have to be converted or replaced if the imperial units are not larger than the metric ones.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he made to the European Commission calling for it to extend the derogation permitting loose from bulk produce to be sold using imperial measures only; and what reasons underlie his policy on making such representations. [90095]

[holding answer 7 July 1999]: The Government have not made any representations to the European Commission to extend the derogation in Directive 80/181/EEC on units of measurement, under which the ounce and the pound may be used until 31 December 1999 as the legal units in the UK for goods sold loose from bulk and weighed at the point of sale.I intend reporting to Parliament in the near future concerning the adoption of metric units in the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the European Union's Trade Commissioner, and whether such discussions have included the expiry of the derogation permitting loose from bulk produce to be sold using imperial measures only. [90100]

[holding answer 7 July 1999]: The Government have not discussed the derogation for goods sold loose with Members of the European Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures his Department has taken to inform market traders of the consequences of the expiry of the derogation permitting loose from bulk produce to be sold using only imperial measures; and what was the cost of such measures. [90102]

[holding answer 7 July 1999]: The DTI is putting together a programme of measures to inform and advise small traders and their customers about using the gram and kilogram for goods sold loose. The projected cost of the programme is £400,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish his Department's internal report on reducing the stigma of financial failure. 190292]

When additional work has been undertaken in order to further develop the areas identified by officials a Consultation Document will be published, probably during the coming winter, 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the Government reviews and reports currently being conducted into reform of the insolvency laws. [90293]

Two reviews of Insolvency Law and Practice were announced in the Competitiveness White Paper. The first was an internal review of insolvency (and particularly bankruptcy) law and the extent to which it contributed to the stigma of failure and inhibited enterprise. Officials reported to Ministers on 30 April 1999, and work to further develop the ideas generated is underway. The second review is a joint DTI/HM Treasury Review of Company Rescue Mechanisms, the Terms of Reference of which were announced on 2 February 1999, Official Report, column 580. That review will now report by the end of 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to sell a 49 per cent. stake in British Nuclear Fuels Limited. [90299]

I hope to be able to make an announcement about the future of BNFL shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to prevent disqualified company directors becoming involved with new companies. [90094]

Action is taken by a combination of active monitoring of the appointment of new directors by Companies House and of the enforcement of disqualification law by the Insolvency Service.Companies House records details of all disqualified directors in a public register and since 1995 has been taking continuous steps to improve the accuracy of, and access to, the register. It has also been carrying out checks to ensure that disqualified directors resign their directorships in active companies. It also routinely checks that new directors of companies notified to it are not already disqualified.In addition, the Insolvency Service—through Official Receivers and insolvency practitioners—reports contraventions of disqualification orders for prosecution; liaises with central and local government departments and agencies which may identify breaches in the course of their own contacts with businesses; and has set up a telephone hotline for the public and business to report disqualified directors who continue to act while banned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of (a) the cost of the climate change levy to his Department and (b) the savings from the reduction in national insurance contributions that will occur when it is introduced. [88862]

The net impact of the climate change levy and the associated reduction in main rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions on the Ministry of Defence will depend on the rates of climate change levy. The final rates of climate change levy will not be set until Finance Bill 2000.In addition, the Government are still considering a number of detailed issues on the tax treatment of different energy products which could have a significant impact in some instances. It is, therefore, not possible to give definitive figures about the impact of the climate change levy on the Ministry of Defence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment he has made of the economic impact of the climate change levy on those chemical industries which are based on the electrolysis process; and if he will make a statement; [88198](2) what estimate he has made of

I have been asked to replyThe climate change levy is estimated to save around 1.5 million tonnes of carbon a year by 2010, thereby making a very significant contribution to meeting the Government's legally-binding target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set under the Kyoto Protocol, and its domestic coal of a 20 per cent. cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.The climate change levy 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 employer 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.Following Lord Marshall's recommendations, and the Government's Statement of Intent on Environmental Taxation, the Government recognises the need for special consideration to be given to energy intensive industries given their energy usage and exposure to international competition. Consequently, significantly lower rates of tax will be set for those energy intensive sectors that agree targets for improving their energy efficiency. A number of sectors including the aluminium, iron and steel, and chemicals sectors are currently involved in those negotiations. 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 Finance Bill 2000.The Government is keen to work with business on the detailed design and administration issues relating to the levy. HM Customs and Excise have just completed a further round of consultation on these issues and the Government is assessing these responses alongside other representations in deciding how to design the levy to maximise the environmental benefits while safeguarding competitiveness.As the Government's climate change consultation document makes clear, all sectors of the economy will need to play their part in tackling the problem of climate change. It is not the Government's intention to introduce new taxes on domestic fuel and power, for social policy reasons. However, there are a number of measures in place to encourage energy efficiency in households, including the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme. These measures are set out in the climate change consultation document and will form part of the climate change strategy to be published later this year.The UK is not alone in having to meet targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, or in using economic instruments to do so. Since 1990, seven EU countries have introduced explicit taxes on the carbon or energy content of fuels, including most recently, the Eco-Tax' introduced by the German Government. On current projections, most OECD countries will have to introduce new measures of one form or another to meet their Kyoto obligations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the title and purpose of each item of market and opinion research commissioned by or through his Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997 stating in each case whether or not the results were published. [89692]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the RMAS Arrochar, based in Portsmouth, is being disposed of. [89968]

The Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service, RMAS, Naval Armament Vessels are employed primarily for freighting armament stores and other dry cargo.A reduction in the freighting task as a result of the Strategic Defence Review, together with a decrease in the requirement to transport munitions for British forces in Germany, has cut the total volume of routine work to a level which can satisfactorily be met by using one vessel.An independent study is being undertaken to assess the material state of uhe two vessels, RMAS Arrochar and RMAS Kinterbury, before we decide which vessel to retain in service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has for his Department's houses in Leeming Village; and if he will make a statement. [90085]

Of the 32 houses in Leeming Village, 11 are currently occupied. The Defence Housing Executive (DHE) plans to release 20 of the remaining properties back to Annington Homes Ltd. next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many buses a day use the bus lane on the M4 between the M25 and the elevated section; and how many cars a day use the same section of motorway. [88491]

The eastbound carriageway of the M4 motorway, between junction 3 and the elevated section where the motorway reduces from 3 lanes to 2, incorporates the bus lane. Based on the first three weeks monitoring of the operation of the road since the opening of the bus lane, 450 buses a day use the bus lane and some 49,200 cars use the same section of motorway. Additionally 2,900 taxis use the bus lane and 2,400 commercial vehicles use the motorway.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from 10 Downing Street in respect of the M4 bus lane. [88636]

[holding answer 29 June 1999]: I received no representations from the Prime Minister, but my Department and 10 Downing Street have discussed the improvements in traffic flow for all vehicles which have occurred.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 23 June 1999, Official Report, columns 404-05, on George Green Tunnel, how many vehicles were employed in the limited staged incident on 28 May; how many London Fire Brigade vehicles attended; and if he will place a copy of the Fire Brigade's report in the Library. [89391]

Three cars were used to simulate an accident in the eastbound bore of the tunnel and three London Fire Brigade appliances attended. The publication of the report is a matter for the Fire Brigade. I would not normally place copies of such reports in the Library but, subject to the Fire Brigade's agreement, I will send my hon. Friend a copy as soon as one is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what dates he has made official visits to the New Forest, East constituency since 2 May 1997. [89630]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons he has not replied to the (a) letter dated 16 March and (b) fax dated 25 May from the hon. Member for New Forest, East. [89631]

Because the matter was dealt with by our offices over the telephone.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that mental health service users have the same legal entitlement to local authority bus passes as physically disabled people. [89545]

Outside London, local authorities may provide concessionary travel for people who are mentally handicapped, but not for people who are mentally ill (except for those who would be refused a driving licence on medical grounds). Local authorities also have the power to provide concessionary travel for people with a number of specified physical disabilities (including those who are blind) as well as those people with a disability or injury which seriously impairs their ability to walk. In all these instances, the decision on whether to allow concessionary travel for any or all of these groups of people is a matter for the local authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the reasons for the resignation of the architect responsible for designing the Millennium Urban Village at Greenwich; and if the sustainable aspects of conservation and design have been changed from the original project proposals. [89733]

I cannot comment on the reasons for the resignation of HTA Architects Ltd. from the Greenwich Millennium Village project, since that is a commercial matter between HTA and its client. However, the lead architect responsible for the Village masterplan has publicly expressed his continued commitment to the scheme. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has asked English Partnerships for a full report on progress against the original aspirations for the Village, but we are confident that this exciting development will, as planned, set high standards of innovation and sustainability.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to discourage parking on public footways; and if he will make a statement. [89933]

The Highway Code (Rule 218) makes it clear that motorists should not park on the footway or pavement as it can seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, the visually impaired and people with prams and pushchairs. Enforcement is a matter for the police under the law relating to obstruction.Motorists should also be aware that where there are yellow line or clearway restrictions in operation, it is an offence to park on the adjacent pavement or verge.Pavement parking is a specific offence in London, unless there is a positively signed exemption. Local authorities in London are generally responsible for enforcement of pavement parking under the Road Traffic Act 1991.Elsewhere, local authorities can also make pavement parking a specific offence in individual streets or over a wider area by the making of traffic regulation orders and placing the appropriate signs. We are encouraging local authorities outside London to apply for decriminalised parking enforcement powers under the 1991 Act as this offers scope for them to target enforcement where it is most needed—such as pavement parking.We also issue advice to local authorities on the use of largely self-enforcing methods, such as bollards, to prevent or deter pavement parking (Traffic Advisory Leaflet 4/93).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to encourage the use of alternatives to HFCs in refrigeration; and if he will make a statement [89953]

The Government do not promote one refrigerant over another but encourage business and industry to choose the safest, most environmentally acceptable and energy efficient system for each particular application.The Government have also agreed a Declaration of Intent with the refrigeration and air conditioning industry with the aim of reducing emissions of HFCs. The Declaration recommends that the servicing, maintenance and decommissioning of equipment containing HFCs are carried out only by competent persons. It also encourages all reasonably practicable precautionary measures to minimise refrigerant leakage, and recommends that refrigerants are recovered for reuse, reclamation or disposal during servicing and prior to equipment decommissioning.We are reviewing the effectiveness of this Declaration and the other voluntary agreements on minimising HFC emissions as part of the development of a new climate change programme to meet the UK's legally binding target of 12.5 per cent. reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2008–12, and move towards the domestic goal of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to designate wild boar as (a) vermin and (b) game; and if he will make a statement. [89938]

There are no plans to designate wild boar as vermin or game.Wild boar are not protected and may be killed or taken by owners and occupiers of land using any method, e.g. shooting or trapping, which is not prohibited by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will arrange for London Transport to disclose the terms regarding times, frequency and interchange arrangements sent to those invited to tender for any bus service. [89942]

This is a matter for London Transport. Although they do not publish details of the invitation to tender, I understand that where changes to a bus route are proposed, London Transport do provide details in terms of the route and service frequency as part of the consultation process. If these details remain unchanged, the information will already be in the public domain.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans his Department has to issue guidelines to local authorities regarding concessionary fares for children travelling to and from school in order to reduce the volume of school traffic at peak times. [89918]

Concessionary fares are essentially a matter for locally elected councils. However, my Department, with the Department for Education and Employment and the Department of Health, published on 30 June a booklet entitled "School travel strategies and plans—a best practice guide for local authorities". This set out many instances of steps that have been taken in different parts of the country to improve safety and reduce car use on the journey to school; it included an example of the introduction of lower fares for pupils.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what are (a) the name of the landlord and (b) the address of the site of the new premises to be occupied by the North West Development Agency and related activities in Penrith, Cumbria; [88767](2) what the terms of the lease are for the property to be occupied by English Partnerships and other North West Development Agency operations at Penrith; [88758](3) what assessment has been made of the comparative costs of locating North West Development Agency activities in premises

[holding answer 6 July 1999]: Decisions on location are a matter for the North West Development Agency. I understand that the Agency has not yet taken a final decision on the location of the Penrith office. Discussions are underway with Allen Commercial Development Agency in respect of a building on the Penrith 40 Business Park at Junction 40 of the M6.The annual rental costs and other terms of a lease are thus still under negotiation but I understand that the rental cost may be in the order of £10 per square foot. The opportunity cost of the Agency occupying the premises in Cockermouth transferred to it from English Partnership is about £4.50 per square foot.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the names of those organisations and individuals who nominated each member of the Board of the North West Development Agency. [89062]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 6 July 1999, Official Report, columns 449–50.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of officials in the North West Region in the nomination and selection of each person appointed to the Board of the North West Development Agency. [89063]

The appointment of members to the Board of the Regional Development Agencies was carried out in accordance with the Code of Practice and Guidance laid down by Commissioner for Public Appointments.Government Offices in the Regions were involved in the sift of candidates and the interviews. Independent assessors participated at the sift and interview stages to ensure independent scrutiny of the process, and that the appointments procedures were fair and consistently applied. The final decisions on the appointments were made by Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have for a direct Channel Tunnel rail link with the north east of England. [90257]

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 Channel Tunnel services. On 17 June the consultancy firm Arthur D. Little were appointed to undertake this review, and it is underway. The review 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 when he expects the M60 from (a) Denton to Hollinwood and (b) Hollinwood to Middleton to open. [90320]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on the review of the needs indices used in the allocation of housing capital resources to local authorities and registered social landlords. [90503]

A consultation paper is to be published today seeking views on a number of proposals for revisions to the needs indices to be used in the allocation of resources for 2000–01. The Paper will also seek views on a number of issues on the longer term development of the indices. Copies are being placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what part English Partnerships will play in the implementation of the report by the Urban Task Force "Towards an Urban Renaissance". [90280]

The Government are currently considering the recommendations of the Urban Task Force report "Towards an Urban Renaissance". As part of this, English Partnerships will fully contribute its thinking.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what budget each regional development agency has for the year 1999–2000; [90284](2) what were the set-up costs of the regional development agencies; and how much are the projected running costs for the current financial year; [90285]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley, South (Mr. Pearson) by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale), on 17 May 1999, Official Report, columns 246–48, which gave details of resource allocations to regional development agencies (RDAs) for this financial year. In the last financial year, when they were set up, RDAs received grant in aid of £5.138 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much in grants has been allocated by each regional development agency since its inception. [90286]

Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) took on their executive functions on 1 April 1999. Between then and 30 June RDAs have paid the following amounts in grant:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much public money will be received by English Partnerships in 1999–2000 and 2000–01. [90281]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale) on 6 July 1999, Official Report, column 448.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how much money English Partnerships has granted to British industry in the latest year for which figures are available; [90282](2) how much money English Partnerships plans to provide in grant to British industry over the next financial year. [90283]

The principal means of support for British industry is through English Partnerships Partnership Investment Programme (PIP). Grant in aid for PIP amounted to £200.7 million in 1998–99 and there is planned expenditure of £185 million in 1999–2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the fleet of new trains to be introduced into service by Central Trains Ltd. and Anglia Railways Train Services Ltd. complies with the provisions of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998; and if he will make a statement. [90800]

As I explained in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty) on 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 167, we are expecting to receive a number of exemption applications from train operating companies whose designs for new rail vehicles were well advanced prior to the 1998 Regulations coming into force.We have received applications from both Central Trains Ltd. for their Class 170/5 rail vehicles and Anglia Railways Train Services Ltd. for their Class 170/2 rail vehicles. The exemptions have been assessed by our statutory advisers, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. They are mostly of a minor nature and have been requested for a relatively short time only.The exemptions will not prevent disabled people from using the new trains. Indeed we believe that their introduction will make a significant contribution to improving mobility opportunities for disabled people. Exemption Orders have been laid in Parliament today.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce new designations under the European Commission's Shellfish Waters Directive. [90923]

A list of 93 areas in England to be designated under the Shellfish Waters Directive has been placed in the House. New designations will be made in 76 locations and the existing 17 designations will be included within revised boundaries for those areas.These new designations take account of views expressed in a wide ranging public consultation exercise. I believe that they will more than meet the expectations of the shellfish industry. This extensive package of new designations will improve our environmental credentials in Europe. It represents very good news for the shellfish industry, the quality of whose harvests will be improved. But, more importantly from a water quality viewpoint, it should be good news for environmentalists, who should see yet further improvements in water quality around our coasts and in estuaries. Pollution control measures for designated waters will help improve nearby bathing waters.I believe that all shellfish waters currently in need of protection are now covered by the pollution prevention measures which apply following designation. But I will keep the situation under review so that other shellfish areas can be protected where necessary.For public health reasons, we need to minimise the levels of bacteria in shellfish. The Government's aim is that bacteriological standards should be achieved in designated waters which allow harvesting areas to achieve at least category B standard under the system applied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to classify shellfish harvesting areas for food safety purposes.We expect the total cost of improvements to continuous and intermittent discharges affecting shellfish waters in England to be around £81 million between 2000 and 2005. Much of this expenditure is necessary to achieve other water quality and environmental objectives, including those for bathing waters. The current Periodic Review of water company price limits will include allowance for the necessary investment by water companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to bring forward new regulations on tree preservation orders; and if he will make a statement. [90924]

The Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations have been laid in both Houses today, and are due to come into force on 2 August. The Regulations will replace all existing secondary legislation in England and Wales on the subject of tree preservation orders.A consultation paper setting out our proposals for these Regulations was issued in July last year. A summary of responses to the consultation paper, 204 in all, has been placed in the House Library.A large majority of respondents broadly supported our proposals, so we have modelled the new Regulations closely on the provisions in the consultation paper.We have made some revisions, however, in response to detailed points made in consultation. Local authorities were concerned that our proposals on compensation would lead to an unwelcome increase in petty claims for minor loss or damage caused by protected trees, so we have taken steps to rule out such claims by setting a lower limit of £500. In response to a general call for tree preservation orders to be circulated more widely, local authorities will be required to copy each new order to the people whose property adjoins the land on which the protected trees stand. In response to concerns that our proposal to exempt the pruning of fruit trees was open-ended, we have included new provisions making clear that such pruning must be carried out in accordance with good horticultural practice. Our proposals for speeding up appeals to the Secretary of State, which are made against a local authority's refusal of consent to do work on protected trees and handled without an inquiry or hearing, have also been revised to bring them into line with forthcoming reforms of planning appeals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government will provide assistance to innocent people who have had lives and property damaged on either side of the Kashmir line of control by Indian forces. [89890]

I have been asked to reply.As we state in the Conflict Reduction and Humanitarian Assistance Policy Statement, we will provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by armed conflict, wherever this may be (a copy of the Statement is in the Library of the House). We will consider proposals to relieve the humanitarian needs of people on either side of the Line of Control in accordance with our policy statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy on the currency in Kosovo; and when a final decision on the currency to be used in Kosovo will be taken. [90127]

Such decisions are for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions have taken place between Ministers and officials in his Department and those in the Department of Trade and Industry, concerning delegations of hon. Members intending to visit Libya; [90097](2) what advice has been provided by his Department to hon. Members intending to join delegations visiting Libya. [90098]

[holding answer 7 July 1999]: I refer the hon. Member to the statement given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in the House on 7 July 1999, Official Report, columns 1033–34.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the procedure for drawing up the agenda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings; and when the agenda for the next meeting will be (a) determined and (b) published. [90109]

The agenda for a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is initially drawn up by the host Government in consultation with the Commonwealth Secretariat. This provisional agenda is then circulated to all Heads of Government for comment. We understand that a provisional agenda for the forthcoming CHOGM, in November in South Africa, will be circulated in September. However, the South African Government have already proposed that the agenda be centred around the special theme of "People-Centred Development: The Challenge of Globalisation".

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Foreign Policy Centre's recent report on Reinventing the Commonwealth. [90112]

We share the view of the Foreign Policy Centre and other organisations that the role of the Commonwealth in the 21' century needs careful re-examination, particularly in order to ensure that its values, objectives and principles are more widely understood and shared. We consider the Centre's report a useful contribution to the debate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the substantive resolutions and decisions made at the 55'h session of the UN Commission on Human Rights meeting in Geneva on 22 March to 30 April. [89900]

Eighty two resolutions and 13 decisions were adopted at the 55th session. A full list is available in the Library of the House and on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' internet website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name the members of the United Kingdom delegation to the 55th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. [89901]

The 55^th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights was attended by the late Derek Fatchett, who made a national statement in plenary on behalf of the United Kingdom.The United Kingdom delegation was headed by Audrey Glover CMG. She was supported by a team of officials from the United Kingdom Permanent Missions in Geneva and New York, and received additional support from London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were the issues of substance concerning the death penalty discussed under Item 17 at the 55^th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights; what position was argued by the United Kingdom; what issues were put to the vote; what were the voting figures; and which way the United Kingdom voted on each occasion. [89902]

The UK co-sponsored an EU resolution calling on all States to abolish the death penalty and, where it is retained, to observe minimum international safeguards. The resolution, the text of which is available on the website of the office of the UN Commission on Human Rights, was adopted by 30 votes in favour, with 11 against and 12 abstentions. A paragraph vote tabled with the aim of weakening the text was defeated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what issues were raised by the United Kingdom on the concept and practice of affirmative action under Item 16 at the 55th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights; what resolutions were moved by the United Kingdom; and what was the result. [89903]

The United Kingdom sponsored a decision entitled "The concept and practice of affirmative action", under agenda item 16 at the 55th session of the UN Commission on Human Rights. The decision endorses the appointment of a Special Rapporteur to undertake a study on the subject of affirmative action. It was adopted by consensus by the Commission. There were no resolutions on this topic under this agenda item.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the projects, with the amounts of grant being paid in each case, being supported by the Human Rights Project Fund in (a) Armenia, (b) Azerbaijan, (c) Georgia, (d) Kazakhstan, (e) Kyrgyzstan, (f) Tajikistan, (g) Turkmenistan and (h) Uzbekistan. [89898]

The Human Rights Project Fund supported six projects in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in 1998–99. Details are set out in the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox), 11 May 1999, Official Report, column 110. In the present financial year no projects in any of the countries referred to in the question have, as yet, been funded by the Human Rights Project Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when regulations will be made to give effect to the Government's decision to take the necessary steps to meet the concerns expressed by the European Commission about the United Kingdom's implementation of the general fire safety provisions of the European Council framework directive, as set out in his answer to the hon. Member for Nottingham, East (Mr. Heppell) of 8 April 1998, Official Report, column 255; and if he will make a statement. [90697]

I have laid before Parliament Regulations to amend the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997 to the necessary extent to address the Commission's concerns about meeting the terms of the directive in full. The Regulations, as amended, apply throughout Great Britain. A regulatory impact assessment is attached to the Regulations showing that the estimated costs to employers attributable to these Regulations is expected to be between £2.3 million and £28.2 million. I am satisfied that the balance between cost and benefit is the right one in the circumstances. Copies of the Regulations and the regulatory impact assessment are in the Library.There are two main changes to the 1997 Regulations. First, the deletion of most of the exceptions from the application provisions of these Regulations (among them, one for fire certificated premises) to meet the Commission's concerns. Second, in the light of the views expressed in response to the public consultation exercise we conducted, we have also taken this opportunity, for reasons of consistency, to provide the Regulations with a criminal sanctions only regime that is in line with existing fire safety and health and safety legislation. The Regulations, in their amended form, come into force on 1 December 1999. This, we hope, will give everyone sufficient time to prepare for their introduction.We expect to publish fresh guidance for employers on 22 July to help them to meet their fire safety responsibilities in the workplace. To complete the picture, new guidance on the enforcement provisions and other requirements of the amended Regulations will be issued to fire authorities this autumn, after consultation of interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to bring forward proposals for a new legal definition of domestic violence. [90110]

There is currently no legal definition of domestic violence, since domestic violence is not a specific offence. The Government have no plans to change this situation.Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary recently introduced a new definition for use by police forces in their returns of incidents reported. This is purely for the purposes of national statistics, to ensure that data obtained are more precise, consistent and comparable. It is not designed to change operational practice or to prevent police forces or other agencies from using other definitions if they consider that helpful locally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the definition of belief on the part of defendants in rape cases. [90241]

This will form part of the consideration of the law by the Sex Offences Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 1999, Official Report, column 568, on the Security Service, if he will list the law enforcement agencies which could potentially task the Security Service with respect to serious crime. [89655]

The Security Service Act 1996 does not define the meaning of "law enforcement agencies" for the purpose of the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the (a) consultancies, (b) companies and (c) project managers involved in the computerisation and modernisation of (i) the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and (ii) the Passport Agency; [89924](2) if he will list the companies that are or have been responsible for

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offenders received a caution plus in 1998–99 in each police authority area in England. [89922]

Information on caution plus schemes is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average time accused young offenders spend between being charged by the police and first appearing in court in each police authority area in England. [90051]

In view of the detail sought, I shall write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the contracts awarded in relation to computerisation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, indicating in each case to whom it was awarded and on what date. [89881]

The following contracts are currently used for major computer developments in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

The exact information requested is not available. Information on the duration of criminal cases is available from the magistrates courts Time Intervals Survey which is carried out by the Lord Chancellor's Department. The latest available results refer to 1998 when the survey collected information on cases completed in magistrates courts in one week of each of February, June and October. The date of first appearance in court is not collected by the survey but the date of first listing–which is the same as first appearance when the defendant appears at first listing—is collected. The 1998 surveys do not specifically distinguish between adult and youth defendants, but do differentiate whether a case was completed in a Youth Court or an Adult Court, and the answer is supplied on that basis.The table shows the average time from charge to first listing for defendants in indictable cases in the Youth Court by police authority area in England, and for England as a whole, in 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many refugees from (a) Bosnia and (b) Kosovo have arrived in the United Kingdom in each of the past five years. [90049]

The available information is given in the table. This relates to people who have applied for asylum and is a separate measure from those who arrived in the United Kingdom under the recent humanitarian and medical evacuation programme. Under those programmes, 4,380 Kosovars have arrived in the United Kingdom. A number of these may subsequently apply for asylum and thus be included in the tables. In addition, 2,736 arrived under earlier programmes announced from 1992 and 1995. I regret that, prior to 1996, statistics for the former Yugoslavia were not recorded under the individual states. It is also not possible separately to identify Kosovars within the available statistics for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 19 March, 22 April and 27 May with regard to Mr. Kochi Ahmed, husband of Mrs. S. Khan, from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton. [89959]

I replied to my right hon. Friend's letters on 6 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of crimes involving Rohypnol in the last year; and what steps have been taken by Her Majesty's Government to raise public awareness on this issue. [89941]

We understand that in 1998, the Forensic Science Service screened 139 samples in rape cases for flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) with no positive results. Up until 20 May this year, 45 samples had been screened in rape cases also with no positive results.The Home Office has recently given a police research award to two Metropolitan police officers for a research project which aims to establish the extent of drug assisted sexual offences in the United Kingdom. They are expected to report in April 2000. We will await the results of the study before making a decision on whether and how to further raise public awareness on the issue or take any further action.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has received on the compatibility of the prosecution for bearing false documents of asylum seekers in transit with Article 31 of the 1951 UN Convention relating to the status of refugees. [89717]

The details of the advice I receive from my officials are confidential, but I am advised that prosecution in these circumstances is not necessarily incompatible with the United Kingdom's obligations under Article 31. However, a decision about whether or not to prosecute in a particular case is entirely a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the arrangements for (a) permitting and (b) policing demonstrations in the neighbourhood of the Palace of Westminster; who is responsible for issuing such permission; and on what authority. [89830]

Police permission is not required for people to assemble and protest peacefully. Marches or processions must be notified to the police. Under the Public Order Act 1986, the police have powers to impose conditions if it is necessary to prevent serious public disorder, serious damage to property, or serious disruption to the life of the community or intimidation. The Commissioners of Police, in both the City and Metropolitan police areas may, with the consent of the Secretary of State, make an order prohibiting the holding of processions for a specified period within their police areas.In most cases, organisers contact the police who will advise on how the protest should be held without causing obstruction, breach of the peace or contravening any other legislation. Inevitably, there are cases where the numbers attending a demonstration will cause some obstruction and arrangements are made which endeavour to strike the correct balance between the rights of the protesters and those people going about their day to day business.The policing of demonstrations in the neighbourhood of the Palace of Westminster is undertaken by the Charing Cross Division of the Metropolitan police with due regard to various legislation including the Public Order Act 1986, the Highways Act 1835, Common Law and the Sessional Orders.Under Section 52 of the Metropolitan Police Act 1839 and Sessional Orders, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police instructs all constables of the Metropolitan police to facilitate free passage to and from the Palace of Westminster on any day when Parliament is sitting. In carrying out this duty, no march will be authorised where there is any possibility of interference with Members travelling to or from the Houses of Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings the Race Relations Forum has held since its formation; what priorities and targets the Forum has adopted; what representations the Forum has made to which departments of Government; what changes have been made to the membership of the Forum; what procedures are in place for the appointment of new members of the Forum; and what measures the Forum has taken to secure representations from the Irish community. [89904]

The Forum has met four times: on 23 June, 14 October 1998, 9 March and 28–29 June 1999. The Forum has discussed race issues in the Home Office and its services with me and the Permanent Secretary; in the armed forces with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence; and with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in his areas of responsibility. It also had a presentation from two of the Advisers to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry and discussed how the Report's recommendations might be implemented. At its last meeting, it considered the development of a race equality strategy across government.There have been three changes in membership. Pauline Schofield, Project Co-ordinator of the Birmingham Irish Community Forum, has replaced Gobnait Ni Chrualaoi, who resigned as the representative of the Irish community. Sukhvinder Kaur Stubbs, Chief Executive of the Runnymede Trust and a Member of the Department for Education and Employment Advisory Group on Raising Awareness of Ethnic Minority Pupils, and Gloria Mills, Director of Equal Opportunities at UNISON, have joined the Forum. Appointments are made on the basis of recommendations from a selection panel comprising the Head of the Race Equality Unit, my Race Relations Adviser and an independent, academic member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in reviewing the future arrangements for the Family Court Welfare Officer Service; what plans he has to amalgamate their Service with that of the guardians ad litem; when such changes will be made; and if he will make a statement. [90077]

I have been asked to reply.Ministers and officials have been considering the key issues arising from last year's inter-departmental consultation paper on the future organisation of court welfare services. Discussions are proceeding and a decision is expected shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reintroduce the option of joint tax assessment for married couples, with particular reference to single-earner couples. [89895]

None. The Government believe that the measures announced in the Chancellor's Budgets-such as the lop starting rate of tax, National Insurance Contributions reform, the introduction of the children's tax credit—provide a better deal for people in work and for families.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will initiate inquiries into the delays involved in issuing the CIS5 and CIS6 certificates to industrial and commercial firms; and if he will take steps to ensure that the relevant certificate will be issued to Messrs EK Mechanical Services of 97 West Road, Westcliff on Sea, Essex, by the Inland Revenue before 1 August. [90184]

The Inland Revenue is taking all possible steps to issue CIS5 and CIS6 certificates as rapidly as possible to all applicants who qualify for them. The majority of those applicants have already been issued with the relevant certificate. The balance will be issued as soon as possible, bearing in mind that the new scheme begins on 1 August.It would not he proper to disclose publicly whether an individual taxpayer has received or will receive a certificate, since that would involve disclosure of his or her personal tax affairs. I will write to the hon. Member specifically on his constituent.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to improve joint working between his departments. [90735]

A number of Government departments—not only ones reporting to the Chancellor of the Exchequer—will be working on a pilot project to test different ways in which Government departments can work together more closely. The focus for this pilot will be the fashion industry in London. The aim of the pilot is to improve services to business through joint working (eg combined visits and trader education) to help traders understand what they need to do to meet legislative requirements. The pilot will also be looking to identify ways of raising compliance and reducing fraud and creating a level playing field for business so that legitimate business can thrive.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the loss of revenue from cross-border shopping and smuggling of road fuels, petrol and diesel from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland. [90736]

Customs and Excise has provisionally assessed the combined loss from cross-border shopping and smuggling to be of the order of £100 million per annum.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the United Kingdom's position as regards the responsibility of the private sector in the response to international financial crises. [87881]

We are working with our G7 partners to shape expectations so that private-sector creditors know that they will be expected to bear the consequences of the risks they take. There are several ways in which this can be achieved. First, there needs to be a greater use of market-based tools to involve the private sector in forestalling and managing crises, for example through a broader use of collective action clauses in sovereign debt contracts. Second, efforts should be made to ensure there is better communication and co-operation between emerging market countries and their creditors. Third, the G7 countries have agreed that a broad framework for involving the private sector in crisis resolution should be drawn up, which sets out in advance principles, considerations and a broad range of tools.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made on the reassessment of the objectives of IMF policy in responding to financial crises. [87880]

At last week's summit in Cologne, G7 leaders announced a six-point plan for strengthening the international financial system. This included measures to increase the effectiveness of the IMF and the other international financial institutions; proposals to promote transparency and best practice, with the IMF monitoring compliance with new codes and standards; a new framework for involving the private sector in crisis prevention and management; steps to strengthen financial regulation in industrialized countries, and macroeconomic policies and financial systems in emerging markets where the IMF will work with the World Bank in providing advice and assistance; and promoting social policies to protect the poor and most vulnerable to ensure that they are better protected from the burden of adjustment at times of crisis.Taken together these recommendations represent a significant strengthening of the international financial system which will help reduce the risk of financial crises and make it easier for the international financial community, especially the IMF, to manage future crises effectively. We are working closely with the IMF to see that these initiatives and reforms are implemented successfully.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the effect on the balance of payments of the impact which the climate change levy will have on the chemical and steel industries in the 10 years after its introduction; [88104](2) what action he proposes to take to ensure that manufacturing industry remains competitive after the introduction of the climate change levy; and if he will make a statement; [88106](3) what assessment he has made of the effect the introduction of the climate change levy will have on inward investment in each sector of industry; and if he will make a statement; [88113](4) what assessment he has made of the effect of the climate change levy on energy-intensive industry on

The climate change levy is estimated to save around 1.5 million tonnes of carbon a year by 2010, thereby making a very significant contribution to meeting the Government's legally-binding target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions set under the Kyoto Protocol, and its domestic goal of a 20 per cent. cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010.The climate change levy 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 employer National Insurance Contributions. Business will also benefit from an additional £50m for schemes aimed at promoting energy efficiency and support for renewable sources of energy, like solar and wind power.Following Lord Marshall's recommendations, and the Government's Statement of Intent on Environmental Taxation, the Government recognise the need for special consideration to be given to energy intensive industries given their energy usage and exposure to international competition. Consequently, significantly lower rates of tax will be set for those energy intensive sectors that agree targets for improving their energy efficiency. A number of sectors including the aluminium, iron and steel, and chemicals sectors are currently involved in those negotiations. 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 Finance Bill 2000.The Government are keen to work with business on the detailed design and administration issues relating to the levy. HM Customs and Excise have just completed a further round of consultation on these issues and the Government are assessing these responses alongside other representations in deciding how to design the levy to maximise the environmental benefits whilst safeguarding competitiveness.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make extra provision for debt relief in the highly indebted poor countries whose export revenues and central bank reserves have been affected by falls in the gold price. [88824]

Decisions on the level of reduction in Heavily Indebted Poor Countries' debt burdens needed to achieve debt sustainability take account of economic variables, including the level of exports.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many meetings of the JCC he has attended. [89279]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by the Prime Minister on 5 July 1999, Official Report, column 362.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list from the JUVOS database for each region of the United Kingdom the proportion of all those who left the claimant count for jobs who left after (a) less than six months claiming jobseeker's allowance, (b) six to 12 months claiming jobseeker's allowance, (c) 12 to 24 months claiming jobseeker's allowance and (d) more than 24 months claiming jobseeker's allowance during (i) April 1997 to April 1998 and (ii) April 1998 to April 1999. [89370]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what research he has commissioned to gauge the take-up of ISAs among new investors; [R] [89321](2) how many investors have so far taken out mini or maxi ISA schemes who previously did not have

[holding answers 1 and 5 July 1999]: Information on the extent to which ISA investors hold PEPs or TESSAs will be identifiable from the annual returns provided to the Inland Revenue by PEP and ISA managers and TESSA operators after the end of each year.We keep all aspects of tax policy under review, and commission research where necessary to supplement available data. For example, HM Treasury has commissioned ongoing research on the ISA market from McKinsey & Company, Inc., which will collect data from providers on take-up of ISAs by component, broken down between those accounts meeting the CAT standards and those not.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer further to his answer of 24 June 1999, Official Report, column 423–24, on the Euro (EC Seminars), at which vulnerable sectors of the population The Prince Programme was targeted. [89826]

The Prince Programme covers an information campaign called the "Euro". This includes a series of projects, with the objective of facilitating the changeover to the euro among vulnerable sectors of the population. Vulnerable sectors covered are those in economic and social difficulty, the elderly, visually impaired, hard of hearing and those with learning difficulties.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the title and purpose of each item of market and opinion research commissioned by or through his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997, stating in each case whether the results were published. [89697]

[holding answer 5 July 1999]: I regret that this information is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give his most recent estimate of the number of marriages which ended in divorce in the last year for which figures are available. [90327]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.