To ask the President of the Council what recent assessment she has made of the state of readiness of Government Departments and the wider public sector for millennium compliance. [93205]

Good progress continues to be made with work on the Government's business critical systems and in most Departments the bulk of the work is already complete.However, I remain concerned that a number of programmes continue to show slippage in their planned completion dates. Four departments are indicating for the first time that they will not now complete their programmes until September or later. They are the Intervention Board, the Serious Fraud Office, the Inland Revenue and the Northern Ireland Prison Service. In all these cases I have written to Cabinet colleagues asking them personally to monitor progress very carefully, and to ensure that any necessary remedial action is taken.The Government will continue to manage the process closely. This includes ensuring that full Business Continuity Plans are in place, and tested, by October—indicating how seriously the Government are taking this problem, and how hard we are working to resolve it. However we should remember that slippage at this stage is an inevitable part of the process. Across the private and public sectors, those working on this problem find that the more they do, the more they find there is to do.Although there has been good progress in the wider public sector since I last reported, organisations in many sectors have still to complete their programmes. However, all infrastructure providers reported an improved position at the National Infrastructure Forum on 13 July. This included the NHS, and police and fire services, which no longer have any organisations assessed as having "red" status (severe risk of material disruption which there may not be enough time to rectify)—and all of whom included some organisations with "blue" status (the assessment has not identified any risk of material disruption). In local government, the assessment process was started later, and this sector still shows a small percentage of red authorities—2 per cent. in England and 12 per cent. in Scotland. Government Offices in England and the Scottish Executive will continue to work with these authorities, and with the others, to meet the target of blue status by the next Forum meeting in October. The great majority of infrastructure providers are currently rated "amber", that is, there is still some risk of material disruption but plans are in place to deal with this, and the target is again "blue" by October.

To ask the President of the Council on what date she last used a train in the course of her official duties. [92650]

On 20 July 1999.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the Government's Annual report for 1998–99 will be published. [93258]

The Report will be published on 26 July. Copies will be laid before the House (Cm 4401) and placed in the Libraries of the House. Members of this House, Ministers in the House of Lords and Opposition spokesman in the Lords will each be sent a copy of the Report. In addition, I shall be placing in the Libraries of the House a summary of the comments zreceived on last year's report. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House intends to find time for the report to be debated when the House returns after the summer recess.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he expects to publish the fourth annual Civil Service Fast Stream report. [93259]

I have today placed in the Libraries of the House the Fourth Annual Civil Service Fast Stream Recruitment Report. It covers the year from 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999, and reports the results of Fast Stream competitions completed during that period and action undertaken for future competitions.The report shows that in most areas the Civil Service did not fill all its Fast Stream vacancies in 1998, in line with the experience of other major employers. Recruits continued to be drawn from a variety of backgrounds and the standard of entry to the Fast Stream Development Programme has remained consistently high. Despite the fall in numbers, the quality of the applicant field has continued to increase.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will estimate the average cost of providing (a) office accommodation and (b) secretarial support for (i) a departmental special adviser and (ii) one official at Grade 5 and above in the last year for which figures are available. [87964]

There are no set rules on the level of provision of office accommodation and secretarial support for civil servants, including special advisers. Information on actual costs is not held centrally. It is therefore not possible to provide the information requested. However, in respect of the Cabinet Office, members of the Senior Civil Service with a JESP score of between 7 and 12 (equivalent to an old style Grade 5) normally have their own office and a dedicated secretary. The two special advisers appointed by my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, share an office and a secretary.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [92652]

In accordance with the terms of the Ministerial Code, Ministers are required always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Trips in and around London (Edinburgh/Cardiff/Belfast), which account for the majority of my working week, will normally be made by Government car. The last time I used a train in the course of my official duties was yesterday when visiting Lancaster in my capacity as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on the expenditure on the Government Car Service in the last year for which figures are available, separately identifying the cost of ministerial cars. [92674]

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Government Car and Despatch Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive, Mr. Nick Matheson, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Shrewsbury and Atcham (Mr. Marsden) of 24 June 1999, Official Report, column 456, on consultation papers, if the statement in the Cabinet Office guide on conducting written consultation exercises, concerning using the Internet to publish and receive replies, indicates that the Government's policy is that responses to consultations should be published. [92772]

The Cabinet Office guide on conducting written consultation exercises states that, where circumstances permit, a summary of views and information collected from the consultation exercise should be produced and made available. But where respondents request confidentiality for their comments, their wishes should be respected, in accordance with the existing Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Following the best practice principles contained in the guide is the responsibility of individual Departments, agencies and other relevant bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date she last used a train in the course of her official duties. [92651]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State last used a train in the course of her official duties on Thursday 22 July 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will make available to the House the Annual Report and Financial Statements 1998–99 of the New Millennium Experience Company. [93263]

Copies of the New Millennium Experience Company's Annual Report and Financial Statements 1998–99 have today been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that commercial operators in the Millennium Dome use non-HFC refrigerants; and if he will make a statement. [89934]

New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) has recognised the unique opportunity afforded by the project to demonstrate that an undertaking of this scale can be developed within the framework of a positive environmental policy. In the context of a single year of operation and the attendant time and budgetary constraints, the Company's aim is to improve on prevailing standards wherever possible, and to mitigate any adverse impact where such impact might occur. As a result a number of innovative environmental initiatives are integral to the project—for example a comprehensive Environmental Plan underpinning all aspects of policy and new river bank ecology; and the transformation of a derelict jetty into a wildlife haven.As regards commercial operators in the Dome—who will primarily be caterers—NMEC is procuring the majority of the refrigeration equipment that they will use and is aiming to adopt "greenfreeze" technology wherever practical. In those instances where equipment is procured by others, NMEC is strongly encouraging them to adopt the same approach.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what period of rest performers of the main show in the Dome will have between performances on (a) normal days and (b) peak days for visitors; [91264](2) how many different companies will be used to perform the main show in the Dome on

New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is establishing and training an ensemble company of 160 performers, forming two casts of 80 each. Each cast will comprise 60 on stage and 20 understudies. On "one session" days, one cast will be used. On "two session" days, the two casts will be used. The terms and conditions of the cast members (including rest periods) will be in accordance with an Equity approved contract and in accordance with the Working Time Directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what information systems will be in place to inform visitors to the Dome of the estimated queueing times for individual zones and other attractions. [91270]

New Millennium Experience Company's (NMEC) operational strategy which covers all aspects of visitor management, safety and comfort has been developed with the aim of ensuring an exemplary visitor experience. Information about the capacity of each exhibit zone and any related queueing time (which NMEC aims to keep to a minimum) will be notified throughout the Dome via an information display system and staffed information points.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many police will be on duty at the Dome; how they will be paid for; and what estimate he has made of the cost of their service. [91268]

Police will not be on duty within the Dome site although, as with other visitor attractions and public events, they will attend as necessary in response to any situation requiring their presence. The New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) is in close and continuous liaison with the Metropolitan Police Service who are responsible, as normal, for the costs of their services where situations require their attendance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if photography (a) with and (b) without a flash will be permitted inside the Dome. [91257]

Photography with and without flash will be permitted inside the Dome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the designers of the zones were instructed to build a maximum evacuation time into their designs. [91263]

Emergency exit requirements are a fundamental aspect of the design of the Millennium Experience at Greenwich and have been the subject of expert advice prior to submission of plans for approval by the relevant licensing authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what royalties the New Millennium Experience Company has negotiated in respect of the entertainments and merchandise developed for the Millennium Experience; and who will receive such income after 2000. [91269]

Details of contractual arrangements between the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) and suppliers are commercially confidential. Arrangements for the disposal or assignment of all the company's assets after the Millennium Experience are subject to the approval of the Millennium Commission and the Government. Final decisions on the future use of the Dome will not be taken until 2000, when the Millennium Experience is up and running for all to see.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if visitors will be permitted to bring food and drink into the Dome. [91266]

Visitors to the Millennium Experience at Greenwich will be allowed to bring food and drink into the Dome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the subject of each gender impact assessment drawn up by his Department since June 1997, stating in each case whether the outcome has been (a) put out to consultation and (b) published. [91676]

As part of the Government's commitment to ensuring that their policies are relevant to the lives that people live today, my Department is working closely with the Women's Unit to develop good practices for carrying out gender impact appraisal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many individuals his Department has recruited under the New Deal for Young People. [91891]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office to my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 116.Since that time my Department has employed a further New Dealer making a total of two since 1 April 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on his Department's involvement in the proposed Government committee on Holocaust Remembrance Day. [92158]

[holding answer 20 July 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 19 July 1999, Official Report, column 400.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport where the petition handed in to the Government by United Christian Broadcasters in 1990 is now kept. [92265]

I understand that the petition was presented to the previous Administration by UCB during the passage of the Broadcasting Act 1990. It has not been possible to locate this petition among the papers that were transferred to this Department when it was created.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [92659]

In accordance with the terms of the Ministerial Code, Ministers are required always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Trips in and around London, which account for the majority of my working week, will normally be made by Government car. The last time I used a train in the course of my official duties was earlier this month when visiting Leeds.

To ask the Attorney-General on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [92658]

I travelled to the Crown Prosecution Service in Colwyn Bay by rail on 8 March this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) when the contract to develop the Benefits Agency Customer Accounting and Payment Strategy IT system was awarded; and to which company or consortium; [92833](2) what the deadline is for completion of the Benefits Agency Customer Accounting and Payment Strategy IT system; 192835](3) what the estimated cost is of developing the Benefits Agency Customer Accounting and Payment Strategy system. [92834]

The Customer Accounting and Payments Strategy (CAPS) is a continuing programme involving new systems and processes to create a single customer account in order to improve the way in which the Benefits Agency manages customer details and benefit payment information and, until the cancellation of the Payment Card element of the Horizon project, to support the payment of benefit by Card at post offices.The systems to do this were built by the Department's Information Technology Services Agency including the integration of an accounting package purchased from IBM during the Spring of 1996.Following the cancellation of the Payment Card and the announcement of the intention to pay benefits by Automated Credit Transfer, it will be necessary to reassess what further work should be undertaken on CAPS in addition to those elements that have already been implemented. Consequently no estimate of final completion dates or future development costs is presently available.However, the work to create a single, consistent, source of customer details for use by all benefits is already well advanced. All the Benefits Agency major benefit systems are now linked to the CAPS systems and there are presently 17 million customer records held on the new system that is in daily and constant use by staff in the Benefits Agency. The work to complete the transfer of records is due to be completed in 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the level of spending on social security in Wales in each of the last five years (a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the United Kingdom total broken down to show spending on (i) benefit payments, (ii) Wales's pro-rata share of United Kingdom administration costs and (iii) actual spending on central and local administration and the branch network for facilities in Wales. [92644]

DSS accounts for its administrative costs operationally (by Agency and Business Unit). It does not maintain accounting records by geographical territory and it is therefore not possible to provide reliable expenditure information covering all Departmental operations in the format requested. An estimate of Social Security Benefit Expenditure in Wales in the past five years can be found in the table.

Estimated Social Security benefit expenditure in Wales (and as a percentage of Great Britain expenditure)
	Expenditure (£million)	Percentage
1994–95	4,910	6.1
1995–96	5,160	6.1
1996–97	5,540	6.3
1997–98	5,490	6.2
1998–99	5,660	6.2

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for each state benefit, if he will forecast the number of claimants and total cost by benefit for Wales for the next three years together with forecasts for (a) Wales's pro-rata share of the United Kingdom administration costs and (b) budgeted costs for the central and local administration and the branch network for facilities in Wales. [92641]

Forecasts of future expenditure and number of claimants for each Social Security benefit by country are not readily available. A breakdown by country of the future costs of administering the Department and its agencies is also not readily available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the numbers in Wales of (a) single pensioners and (b) married couple pensioners (i) in 1980 and (ii) at the latest available date. [92642]

Information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.State retirement pensions are paid to individuals. Category A pension is payable on a person's own contribution record and Category B pension is paid to a married woman (or a widow) on her husband's insurance record. It is not possible to identify someone's marital status from the category of pension.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the amounts his Department and its agencies spends on (a) running costs, (b) wage costs and (c) other administrative costs for those facilities and staff based in Wales, indicating the headquarters administration costs and the total costs for the branch network. [92640]

DSS accounts for its administrative costs operationally (by Agency and Business Unit). It does not maintain accounting records by geographical territory and it is therefore not possible to provide reliable expenditure information covering all Departmental operations in the format requested. Information for the Benefits Agency's operations in Wales is provided in the table.

Number of people in receipt of retirement pensions in Wales November 1980 and March 1999
	November 1980	March 1999
Men and women	455,000	561,000
Men	160,000	206,000
Women	295,000	355,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when his Department will publish a regulatory impact assessment of the burden on employers of administering stakeholder pensions. [92850]

A regulatory impact assessment for the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill, including the estimated effects of stakeholder pension proposals, was published when that Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 10 February 1999. A revised assessment was issued when the Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 21 May 1999. Copies are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners households were entitled to winter fuel payments in 1998–99, broken down between those in receipt of income support and others. [92854]

An estimated 7.6 million pensioner households were entitled to a payment in 1998–99, of which 1.4 million were receiving Income Support. The remaining eligible households were receiving one or more of the other qualifying benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [92664]

On 7 July 1999, when I travelled to Leicester to visit the Braunstone Estate, a New Deal for Communities partnership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the 15th annual report of the Chief Adjudication Officer; and if he will make a statement. [93204]

The report is being published today. The Chief Adjudication Officer's findings record that, in a difficult year for the Agencies, standards have in general been maintained. He is, in particular, encouraged by the fact that the Agencies continue to look for ways to effect improvements, with numerous initiatives at both the local and national level. Quite rightly the Chief Adjudication Officer has taken the opportunity to praise his own staff for their work.The Chief Adjudication Officer welcomes the changes to decision-making and appeals that are being introduced this year. These changes will create a simpler, clearer, more accessible system.Chief Executives will take on the Chief Adjudication Officer's responsibilities for guidance to decision-makers and monitoring and reporting on standards. They will be accountable for the quality of decision making in their agencies. The changes will help to get decisions right. If a mistake is made, it can be put right more easily. Notifications will be clearer and easier to understand.Improvements will be made to the handling of appeals. The ending of the rigid requirement for three person tribunals means that expert resources can be better focused on the issues raised in each appeal. Appeal waiting times will be cut. A new agency will be set up to handle the administration of appeals and I will set demanding targets for clearing appeals. Some improvements have already been made. People who appeal now receive the papers at an earlier stage in the process. Record numbers of appeals were cleared last year. The backlog of oldest cases is being systematically cleared.These changes will deliver real improvements in service to clients. Also we are preserving the essential elements of the current system. Decisions will continue to be made impartially by applying the law to the facts of each case. Clients will still have the right of appeal to an independent tribunal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will provide public funds for those eligible under the concession to immigration rules in respect of domestic violence and the one year rule; [92466](2) what assessment he has made of the feasibility of reclaiming public funds from liable relatives in instances where such support may be given to those subject to the concession in the immigration rules in respect of domestic violence and the one year rule. [92469]

People who are awarded indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom under the concession to the immigration rules announced by the Home Secretary can claim Social Security benefits. Those people who are pursuing an application for indefinite leave under the concession will continue not to have access to the benefit system until a favourable decision has been made on their application.Married couples are liable to maintain one another under section 78 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. The Benefits Agency aims to pursue liable relatives for spousal maintenance wherever a separated person claims an income related benefit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 2 July 1999, Official Report, columns 305–07, (1) if he will list the running costs including (a) staff costs and (b) payments to Trillium and Newcastle Estate Partnerships in relation to his Department's estate in Scotland; [91307](2) if he will list the services offered at each of the properties detailed; which are involved in the processing and assessment of entitlement to benefits; what stages of the assessment are carried out at each centre; and if he will make a statement. [91308]

[holding answer 19 July 1999]: During the financial year 1998–99, the salaries of staff employed in Scotland amounted to £130 million. During the same period, the costs of running the estates, including payments to Trillium, amounted to £28 million. In addition the Information Technology Services Agency has two properties in Scotland, which are sub-let to Electronic Data Services Ltd. on a full cost recovery basis which includes rent paid to Trillium. It is not possible to apportion accurately the costs of centrally administered benefits and services which relate to Scotland. The Newcastle Estate Partnership is not involved in the running of DSS buildings in Scotland.Through its network of local offices, the Benefits Agency provides a comprehensive and accessible service throughout Scotland for over 20 different social security benefits. These offices also accept claims applications and notices of change of circumstances for centrally administered benefits.Applicants for Child Support in Scotland are administered from the Agency Centre in Falkirk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of bills were paid on time by Government Departments and their agencies during the financial year 1998–99. [93427]

There has been a further improvement in the payment performance of Central Government as a whole. The majority of Departments met the previous target of paying 95 per cent. of their suppliers' bills on time.There is no room for complacency and it is disappointing to see that a number of Departments and Agencies, including DTI, failed to meet this year's target of 97.5 per cent. I have taken steps to remind all Departments and Agencies, including DTI, of the importance of paying suppliers' bills on time and meeting the target.The target for the 1999–2000 financial year has been increased: to pay 100 per cent. of undisputed suppliers' bills on time. It is particularly important that the public sector sets an example to business and is seen to pay its bills on time.We are committed to improving the UK's payment culture. Late payment is a serious problem, particularly for small businesses. Not knowing when customers' bills will be paid means uncertain cashflow, increased borrowings, higher costs and reduced profits.Government Departments and their Agencies are required to monitor their payment performance and to publish the results in their Departmental or annual reports. The following table lists, by Department, the proportion of bills paid within 30 days, or other agreed credit period, of receipt of a valid invoice for financial year 1998–1999.

Government Departments payment performance 1998–99
Percentage
Main departments	Paid on time
Privy Council Office	100
National Investment and Loans Office	100
Scotland Crown Office	99.9
Ministry of Defence	99.8
Government Actuary's Department	99.4
Radiocommunications Agency1	99.3
Office of the National Lottery	99.3
Ordnance survey	99.1
Office of Water Services (OFWAT)	99
Insolvency Service1	99
HM Land Registry	98.6
Office of Electricity Regulation	98.4
Registry of Friendly Societies	98.4
Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce	98.3
Office of Fair Trading	98
OFSTED	97.9
Department of Culture, Media and Sport	97.9
Foreign and Commonwealth Office	97.7

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about weights and measures. [93428]

I have today placed in the Library of the House a report by my Department on the adoption of the International System of Units—the modern version of the metric system. Copies of the report are available from the Vote Office.Since 1965, successive Administrations have promoted the use of metric weights and measures in order to assist industry to compete in an increasingly metric global market. The debate since 1965 has been about the pace and timing of the change from imperial to metric units for specific purposes.Metrication is now under way in the United States. Other Commonwealth countries have gone metric. The metric system has been taught in our schools since 1974. Metric units are now used by the public sector for most purposes.The retail sector has adopted metric weights and measures gradually, for an ever-increasing range of goods. Today, more than 90 per cent. of consumer goods sold by weight or measure are sold in metric units. Under legislation made in 1994, goods sold loose by weight—mainly fresh food—must be priced and weighed in grams and kilograms after 31 December 1999.I am pleased to be able to announce that in response to representations from the Government and others, the European Commission has proposed that non-metric units may be used alongside metric units until 31 December 2009, pending completion of the US metrication programme. This will enable UK manufacturers and retailers, who wish to do so, to dual mark quantity and price in metric and imperial units over the next ten years. Retailers can continue to display the price per imperial unit alongside the price per metric unit. Consumers can continue to express in ounces and pounds the quantity they wish to buy. Retailers will weigh out the equivalent quantity in grams and kilograms.The supermarket chains, which account for 80 per cent. of sales of loose goods, have started selling loose goods in metric weights. To assist small retailers and their customers with the change, DTI is publishing an information package. Further information and advice is also available from DTI's metric helpline and website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received the 1998 annual reports of the recognised supervisory bodies for company auditors under Part II of the Companies Act 1989; and if he will make a statement. [93426]

I have received the 1998 annual reports of all the recognised supervisory bodies for company auditors, and have placed copies in the Library of the House. My Department will be discussing the contents of the reports with the bodies as necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he last used a train in the course of his official duties. [92657]

On 6 July 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the ECGD payments rescheduled with Indonesia since 1 May 1997; what was the size of such rescheduling; and whether any payments rescheduled related to exports of defence and security equipment and services. [92231]

Indonesia's official creditors agreed in September 1998 to reschedule certain sovereign debt payments falling due between 6 August 1998 and 31 March 2000. The debt to be rescheduled relates to principal payments in respect of contracts entered into prior to 1 July 1997. Indonesia continues to maintain interest payments on this debt. ECGD expects to reschedule over 200 separate payments totalling around £260 million over the period, 75 per cent. of which is in respect of defence business.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received calling for the inclusion of Peterston Super Ely, Dinas Powys and Wemvoe Wards with the Vale of Glamorgan in the Tier 2 (Article 87(3)c) areas in the Government's proposals for new assisted areas. [92793]

Representations from the Vale of Glamorgan Council did not call for the inclusion of these wards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what potential development land exists in the Peterston Super Ely, Dinas Powys and Wemvoe Cyr Wards in the Vale of Glamorgan which might benefit from regional selective assistance. [92795]

This is a matter for the Vale of Glamorgan Council to consider in the context of its Development Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he received from the Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Newport county councils on the Government's proposals for new assisted areas. [92794]

My Department received two representations; one from Newport County Borough Council, the other jointly from the City and County of Cardiff Council, Newport County Borough Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria he used to designate the Peterston Super Ely, Dinas Powys and Wemvoe Wards in the Vale of Glamorgan as Tier 2 (Article 87(3)c) areas in the Government's proposals for new assisted areas. [92792]

The criteria are set out in the document, "The Government's proposals for new Assisted Areas". Some wards were included to provide compact contiguous connections to other proposed areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the report, "Driving Productivity and Growth in the UK Economy", has been brought to his attention. [92034]

The report, "Driving Productivity and Growth in the UK Economy", by the McKinsey Global Institute, was discussed at a set of joint DTI/HM Treasury productivity seminars in the summer and autumn of 1998. Its findings were taken into account in the framing of both the Competitiveness White Paper, "Our Competitive Future: Building the Knowledge Driven Economy", and the 1998 Pre-Budget Report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many appointments to quangos he made between (a) 1 June 1997 and 31 May 1998 and (b) 1 June 1998 and 31 May 1999; and in each case of those how many were members of Britain's (i) Asian and (ii) ethnic minority communities. [92141]

Data on public appointments are not recorded centrally in the form requested. From the information we do hold centrally the details I can give in response to the request are as follows:

1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998

The total number of appointments made was 121 of which 4 (3.3 per cent.) were members of ethnic minority communities.

1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999

The total number of appointments made was 214 of which 10 (4.67 per cent.) were members of ethnic minority communities.

Full details of all the appointments made, including the identity of those appointed and the positions which they hold, are published in the Government's expenditure plans for DTI for both 1997 and 1998. Given the data that are publicly available about appointments it is not possible to disclose information that further breaks down the categories of ethnic minority appointees as to do so risks identifying individuals without their consent. Data on ethnic origin are gathered for monitoring purposes, not for disclosure leading to possible individual identification.I also refer the hon. Member to the Department's equal opportunities goals as published, following an announcement by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 25 May 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many kilometres have been travelled on his Department's business in each of the last three years broken down by (a) foot, (b) bike, (c) bus, (d) train, (e) tram, (f) light-rail, (g) plane, (h) motorbike, (i) car, (j) taxi, (k) river-taxi and (l) other modes of transport; what plans and targets his Department has to reduce the kilometres travelled by private transport by his Department's employees; and if he will make a statement. [91026]

[holding answer 13 July 1999]: The information on business travel is not collected in the form requested and therefore cannot be provided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have to promote electronic commerce. [93429]

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish, before the summer adjournment, the most recent draft of the concordats between his Department and the National Assembly for Wales. [92325]

Work on the concordats is proceeding well. We hope to be in a position to put the concordats to the Assembly Cabinet shortly. It is not our intention to publish the concordats in advance of that.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many individuals his Department has recruited under the New Deal for Young People. [91884]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office to the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on 25 May 1999, Official Report, column 116.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times Ministers in his Department have held meetings with Ministers and officials of the Irish Government since 1 January 1998, indicating the dates and locations of each meeting, the Ministers involved and the names of the Irish Ministers and officials at each meeting. [90408]

Since 1 January 1998 DTI Ministers have held meetings with Irish Ministers on the following occasions:

The Government have set the ambitious goal of making the UK the best place in the world for electronic trading by 2002. The Government have been translating this vision into a reality, through a range of measures, culminating in today's publication of the draft Electronic Communications Bill. On 6 May 1999, Official Report, columns 446–47, I announced the terms for introducing third generation mobile phones, allowing high speed mobile access to the Internet, among other things. On 5 July I launched a consultation on licensing new radio spectrum to allow broadband wireless services to be offered across the country. On 6 July Oftel announced the opening up of BT's local network to enable broadband services to be available across the country. These measures will give us world-beating broadband access.On 22 July 1999,

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department on what date (a) he and (b) the Lord Chancellor last used a train in the course of their official duties. [92662]

In accordance with the terms of the Ministerial Code, Ministers are required always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. Trips in and around London, which account for the majority of my working week, will normally be made by Government Car. Since being appointed Parliamentary Secretary on 17 May I have not had reason to travel by train in the course of my official duties. The Lord Chancellor last used a train on Friday 16 July when he travelled to Cambridge to speak at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies Annual Conference.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Government intend to publish the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of the Magistrates Courts Service; and if he will make a statement on the modernisation of magistrates courts. [93262]

Copies of the Chief Inspector's Annual Report have today been placed in the Library of both Houses. The Annual Report records the significant achievements of the local Magistrates Courts Committees in rising to the challenges of this Government's modernisation agenda.The programme of amalgamating local Courts Committees to align their boundaries with others in the criminal justice system is on tract, leading to better planning and communication between agencies; and local Courts Committees are becoming more accountable and more business like in their approach to performance management and improving the efficiency of their administration of the courts.The Chief Inspector highlights areas for improvements in the future. The Lord Chancellor's Department is providing the national framework to support Committees in their administration of local justice into the next millennium. Local Committees have, for the first time, been set performance targets in a Public Service Agreement for 1999–2000. The Lord Chancellor has increased their accountability to their local community by requiring Committees to produce an Annual Report covering key areas of performance.The Access to Justice Bill provides new powers for the Lord Chancellor to introduce a Code of Conduct for Committee members, maintaining the highest standards in public life. The Lord Chancellor has also taken powers to ensure that specific recommendations made by the Inspectorate are implemented, intervening where the service provided in an area is falling short.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what special arrangements will be made for those required to sit a maths paper for which the use of calculators is forbidden at GCSE who suffer from dyslexia or other specific difficulties. [92728]

Special arrangements are operated by the examining boards with special needs. The special arrangements provide for additional examination time to be made available to candidates with dyslexia and other learning difficulties giving them more time to read the paper and to plan and correct their answers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many students are currently taking engineering courses at universities in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [92289]

Figures for 1998–99 show there are approximately 120,000 people studying engineering and technology subjects in UN universities.The Government recognise the importance of engineering and technology to the UK economy, place high value on education in these disciplines and are seeking to encourage more people to study in these areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools in the Bolton area were damaged by (a) vandalism and (b) arson during each of the last five years; what was the cost to the education authority of this damage; and if he will make a statement. [92287]

Most schools in Bolton have been subject to some form of vandalism such as broken windows and guttering over the last three years. Some 50 arson attacks have been reported over the last five years with some schools being subjected to more than one incident.Bolton LEA have provided the available information on the cost to the Authority of vandalism and arson attacks:

£
Year	Vandalism	Arson
1998–99	32,518	275,000
1997–98	46,748	239,000
1996–97	45,820	829,000
1995–96	1—	74,000
1994–95	1—	53,000
1 not available

Since 1997–98 the Government has made funding available to support measures to improve security in schools, including measures to reduce the incidence of crime against schools. In the last three years Bolton LEA has had over £370,000 of support from Government grant and the LEA's own contributions for expenditure on school security measures. This is in addition to the continuing revenue and capital spending by the LEA and school on school security. The decisions about detailed arrangements for the distribution of the grant and for assessing needs in individual schools will be for the LEA, on the basis of risk assessments undertaken in individual schools. This should reflect priorities in school and LEA security strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people aged 40 years and over have trained since 1994 to become teachers and are now employed in state schools; and if he will make a statement. [92290]

The table shows teachers who qualified in 1994, 1995 and 1996, when aged 40 or above, and those in service in the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special sector in England and Wales at 31 March 1997.

	Year qualified
	1994	1995	1996
Total qualifiers1,2	1,850	2,190	1,970
In service in the maintained schools sector2
Full-time	920	1,000	850
Part-time	130	190	160
Full-time and part-time	1,050	1,190	1,010
1 Includes those for whom service details are not recorded; entrants to the 'old' university sector; entrants to the independent sector; entrants to part-time service outside the maintained nursery, primary and secondary sector who are not in the TPS.
2 Data are provisional. The numbers shown as in service will increase as a result of late receipt of annual service returns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish, before the summer adjournment, the most recent draft concordat between his Department and the National Assembly for Wales. [92332]

Work on the concordat is proceeding well. We hope to be in a position to put a draft concordat to the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales shortly. We do not intend to publish the concordat in advance of that.

	Nursery/primary		Secondary		Nursery, primary and secondary
Financial year	Premature	Ill-health	Premature	Ill-health	Premature	Ill-health
1992–93	3,370	2,110	4,120	1,760	7,480	3,870
1993–94	3,490	2,350	4,800	2,270	8,290	4,610
1994–95	3,450	2,670	3,870	2,290	7,320	4,960
1995–96	3,800	2,600	4,910	2,270	8,710	4,870
1996–97	4,900	2,810	5,360	2,350	10,260	5,160
1997–98	5,730	1.830	6,370	1,560	12,100	3,390
1998–991	1,040	1,160	1,370	1,010	2,410	2,170
1 1998–99 data are provisional

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school pupils have been (i) temporarily and (ii) permanently excluded from school; and what proportion of each were from ethnic minorities in each London borough over the last five years. [91784]

Number of permanent exclusions, maintained primary and secondary schools in the London Boroughs 1995/96–1997/98
	1995–96
	Primary		Secondary
Borough	Total exclusions	Percentage Ethnic minorities1	Total exclusions	Percentage Ethnic minorities1
City of London	0	0	0	0
Camden	6	83	41	46
Greenwich	17	35	71	45
Hackney	11	91	25	84
Hammersmith and Fulham	9	56	55	64
Islington	13	46	58	52
Kensington and Chelsea	8	88	19	53
Lambeth	11	91	45	69
Lewisham	16	63	59	64
Southwark	13	54	71	73
Tower Hamlets	8	38	44	61
Wandsworth	9	89	85	71
Westminster	5	60	66	73
Barking	17	24	50	16
Barnet	10	40	67	43
Bexley	8	0	52	8
Brent	5	80	103	84
Bromley	8	0	101	26
Croydon	12	17	101	51
Ealing	14	57	80	69
Enfield	3	67	89	39
Haringey	7	86	41	95
Harrow	5	0	59	47
Havering	3	0	69	3
Hillingdon	9	22	58	14
Hounslow	11	27	74	45
Kingston upon Thames	4	0	34	9
Merton	8	63	39	31
Newham	4	50	38	45
Redbridge	3	67	29	41
Richmond upon Thames	3	0	47	19
Sutton	7	0	23	9
Waltham Forest	11	55	101	55

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers took early retirement in each year since 1993. [91931]

The following table shows early retirement from the maintained nursery, primary and secondary sector, England and Wales, in financial years 1992–93 to 1998–99.

Information on fixed period exclusions is not held centrally. However, in the autumn, my Department will begin collecting this information for the current school year, 1998–99. Information available on permanent exclusions is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many individuals his Department has recruited under the New Deal for Young People. [91890]

As at 1 July 1999 the Department for Education and Employment had recruited 13, and the Employment Service 362, young people through the New Deal for Young People.I would also refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office to my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on 25 May 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 28 June 1999, Official Report, columns 56–58, on

Amounts spent on external consultants and advisers
£
DfEE Specific Grant	1998–99	1999–2000	Total
School Effectiveness/Improvement	—	—	0
Induction for Newly-Qualified Teachers	—	—	0
Baseline Assessment	—	Part of School Improvement Grant	0
National Curriculum Assessment	—	Part of School Improvement Grant	0
Effective use of National Curriculum Results	—	Part of School Improvement Grant	0
School Leadership	1,953,363	2,913,770	4,867,133
Advanced Skills Teachers	—	—	0
Local Recruitment Measures	—	—	0
Early Years Training and Development 4 year olds	—	—	0
Early Years Training & Development 3 year olds	—	—	0
Early Excellence Centres	—	5,000	5,000
National Literacy Strategy—Primary	—	—	0
National Numeracy Strategy—Primary	—	—	0
National Numeracy Strategy—Key Stage 3	—	—	0
Summer Numeracy Schools	—	—	0
Total literacy and numeracy strategies	841,000	1,321,000	2,162,000
Summer Literacy Schools and Key Stage 3 Literacy	10,000	—	10,000
Playing for Success	—	—	0
Family Literacy	—	—	0
Family Numeracy	—	—	0
Local Authority Lifelong Learning Development Plans	—	—	0
Qualifications	—	—	0
Work Related Learning	—	—	0
Special Educational Needs	64,528	127,204	191,732
Social Inclusion: Pupil Support	—	100,000	100,000
Drug Prevention	—	—	0
Youth Service	—	—	0
National Grid for Learning	55,000	154,000	209,000
School Security	—	—	0
Beacon Schools	—	80,000	80,000
Specialist Schools	—	—	0
Education of Traveller & Displaced Persons	—	—	0
Expanding Central Music Services	—	—	0

[holding answer 21 July 1999]: The amounts spent by the Department of Education and Employment on external consultants and advisers for the initiatives listed in columns 56–58, are given in the following table. The amounts spent on School Leadership include the cost of consultants previously contracted by the Teacher Training Agency to design the model for the delivery of the Leadership Programme for Serving Headteachers (LPSH), provide trainers to run the pilot programme, and to train over 170 trainers for the full LPSH programme. The figures for the literacy and numeracy strategies include the services of two National Directors, to provide advice on the strategic policy development of the two strategies, and the cost of Regional Directors to aid in the support, monitoring and implementation of the strategies by local education authorities, including the professional development of local education authority staff and teachers.