To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many times (a) Ministers and (b) officials in her Department have held meetings with the United States Special Envoy for Cryptography, Ambassador David Aaron, since 1 January 1998 on (i) encryption and (ii) other issues; what were the dates and locations of each meeting; and what other (1) British and (2) United States Government Departments took part in each meeting. [94011]

Cabinet Office Ministers have not met Ambassador Aaron. Cabinet Office officials have met Ambassador Aaron on four occasions since 1 January 1998. Each of these meetings related to discussions about national and international policies on encryption and possible changes to export controls on cryptographic goods under the Wassenaar Arrangement for Export Controls on Conventional Arms and Dual Use Goods. The dates and locations of these meetings were as follows: 18 May 1998, London; 4 June 1998, Stockholm; 3 September 1998, Ottawa; 3 December 1998, Vienna.The meetings on 4 June, 3 September and 3 December were also attended by officials from the Department of Trade and Industry and the Government's technical advisers on information security, the Communications Electronic Security Group.On the United States side, the meetings involved officials from the Departments of State, Commerce, Justice and Defense, and from the National Security Council. With the exception of the 18 May meeting, which was a bilateral visit by Ambassador Aaron to the United Kingdom, these contacts were multinational meetings involving a number of other countries.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when officials from her Department attended meetings of the United States Department of Commerce's Technical Advisory Committee to Develop Federal Information Processing Standard for the Federal Key Management Infrastructure. [94010]

No officials from the Cabinet Office have attended meetings of this committee.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 29 June 1999, Official Report, column 128, on special advisers, how many meetings Mike Trace, deputy to the UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, held with members and officials of the United States Government during his visit to New York on 7 to 10 June 1998; and if she will list the date of each meeting and the names of the United States officials and members present. [93910]

The Deputy UK Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, Mike Trace visited New York as part of the UK delegation to the United Nations General Assembly Special Session from Monday, 7 June to Wednesday, 9 June. During that visit he met the United States 'Drug Czar', General Barry McCaffrey, Director, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of the President.Mr. Trace did not meet any other members of the United States Government on this visit; however, he did meet with numerous representatives from other nations and from non-governmental organisations.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what arrangements the Better Regulation Task Force has for liaising with other Departments. [94638]

The Better Regulation Task Force is an independent advisory body supported by officials in the Cabinet Office Regulatory Impact Unit. The Task Force liaises with other Departments through established inter-departmental channels between Cabinet Office officials and their counterparts in other Departments, and through other arrangements as necessary.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what reviews are currently being considered by the Better Regulation Task Force for 2000. [94503]

In the year 1999–2000 the Better Regulation Task Force is undertaking reviews of payroll (tax and benefit integration), the overall impact of regulation on the hotel and restaurant industry, small firms exemptions, public sector regulation, self-regulation as an alternative to state regulation and regulatory protection of vulnerable groups.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what regulations broken down by department have been reviewed by the Better Regulation Task Force. [94501]

The areas of regulation which have been subject to published reviews by the Better Regulation Task Force are as set out together with details of the main Departments involved. The Task Force has also responded to a number of Government consultation documents. Full details of each review are available on the Better Regulation Task Force website, which can be found at www.cabinet-office.gov/uk/bru/index/task.htm.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many local authorities have signed up to the Enforcement Concordat. [94553]

There are 142 local authorities in England and Wales and 21 in Scotland that have signed up to the Concordat for all of their regulatory enforcement functions. A further 19 local authorities in England and Wales have adopted the Concordat for some of their regulatory enforcement functions.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many agencies have accepted the Enforcement Concordat; and if she will list them. [94552]

Twenty-two central Government enforcement agencies have adopted the Concordat. They are:

• Animals, Bylaws and Coroners Unit
• Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate
• Civil Aviation Authority
• Companies House
• HM Customs and Excise
• Dairy Hygiene Inspectorate
• Drinking Water Inspectorate
• Driving Standards Agency
• Drugs Branch
• Egg Marketing Inspectorate
• Engineering Inspectorate
• Environment Agency
• Export Control Organisation
• Health and Safety Executive
• Northern Ireland Department of Economic Development's Trading
• Standards Service
• Department of Health
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
• Inland Revenue
• Insolvency Service
• Marine and Coastguard Agency
• National Bee Unit
• Radiocommunications Agency.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if the Enforcement Concordat is a new initiative. [94554]

The Enforcement Concordat was launched on 4 March 1998. It was formally signed by the then Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on behalf of central Government and by Councillor John Ryan on behalf of the Local Government Association.I refer my hon. Friend to the answer the then Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Mr. Quinn) on 4 March 1998,

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what guidance has been given to Ministers on the handling of correspondence from Members of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. [95070]

The Cabinet Office has recently produced guidance for Departments on the handling of correspondence under devolution. This includes guidance on the handling of correspondence from Members of the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list the titles of the in-house publications and newsletters which were produced for the staff of her Department, excluding non-departmental public

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those contracts, awarded to (a) British companies and (b) British research facilities under the US Strategic Defence Initiative and their total value in each year since 1985. [94430]

So far as contracts awarded to British Companies are concerned, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 19 July 1999, Official Report, column 424.

The Cabinet Office has a wide range of in-house publications to keep its people well informed and to ensure the efficient operation of the Department in delivering its objectives. Most publications are now available on the Department's intranet.So far as contracts awarded to British research facilities are concerned, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the UK and US Governments in respect of the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI), provides for contracts to be placed directly with the other Party's universities, which could include research facilities. As with contracts established directly with British companies, no central or comprehensive record is maintained.It is believed, however, that most research has been undertaken on a Government to Government basis under an arrangement known as Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs). In such cases research has been undertaken by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) or its forerunners. The total value of LOAs entered into since 1985 is approximately $150 million. While expenditure on an annual basis is not available in detail, work commenced at approximately $2 million per annum in 1986, building to $12 million over a seven-year period, then falling away to some $5 million currently.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Sir Roger Wheeler, Chief of General Staff, cleared with Ministers his comments on armed forces strength and commitments contained in his interview published in the press on 3 August; and if he will make a statement. [94383]

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: General Sir Roger Wheeler was invited by Ministers to give the interview, and spoke with their full knowledge.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list (a) the current strength and (b) the establishment strength of (i) the Royal Navy, (ii) the Army and (iii) the RAF; and if he will make a statement. [94784]

We remain entirely committed to achieving full manning in the Services, a key SDR target. Last year's recruiting performance was excellent; for the Army the best this decade. An Armed Forces Overarching Personnel Strategy is being developed, of which recruitment and retention will be major strands.The required strength is expressed in terms of trained personnel. As at 1 September 1999, the latest date for which figures are available, the trained strength and requirement of the UK regular armed forces is:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the European Driving directive on the services; and if he will make a statement. [94782]

The Armed Forces are exempt from European Union drivers' hours legislation. It is, however, my Department's policy to comply with the spirit of the legislation, where possible, except during periods of active operations, training conducted under operational conditions, or in certain cases when acting in support of Civil Ministries and Authorities or when operating solely on Crown Land.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out (a) the results of his Department's funded research programme into the possible interactions between the vaccines and nerve agent pre-treatments that were administered to British troops during the Gulf conflict and (b) details of any other of his Department's research relevant to the health effects of organophosphates and carbonates, including nerve agents, organophosphate pesticides and nerve agent pre-treatments. [95072]

The initial phase of the research programme involving a preliminary toxicological study of the effects of the co-administration of vaccines and nerve agent pre-treatments (NAPS) in guinea pigs has recently been completed at CBD Porton Down. An outline of the study's findings was presented at a conference on research into Gulf veterans' illnesses in Washington DC in June. This initial stage of the overall research programme, which was primarily designed to help inform the design of more sophisticated longer-term studies, does not report any remarkable findings on the administration of the combination of vaccines and nerve agent treatments examined.The results of the study were reviewed by the Independent Panel, which oversees the vaccine interactions research programme, at a meeting earlier this year. The Panel agreed that the researchers should proceed with publication of the results of this initial study through the appropriate scientific channels. The Panel also agreed to more extensive rodent studies, to be carried out at the National Institute of Biological Standards and Controls, and further studies at CBD Porton Down which will include sophisticated techniques to examine any subtle long-term neurophysiological and cognitive effects of the administration of vaccines and NAPS.I have arranged to have a copy of the information presented at the Washington meeting placed in the Library of the House. A more detailed paper is being prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and will be published as soon as possible. This information will be placed on the Gulf veterans' illnesses page on the MOD website in due course.I am also today placing in the Library of the House copies of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council's Working Party Report on the Long Term Neurotoxicity of the Anticholinesterases, together with the Ministry of Defence's response to the Report. I am also placing in the Library three previously unpublished studies by CBD Porton Down, and one already published, which are referred to in the Report.The Report, which is a review of existing literature and research, concludes that there is robust evidence that high doses of organophosphates may have long term toxic effects on the peripheral nervous system; that there is more limited information about the long term toxic effects of low doses of organophosphates on the central nervous system; and that there is little evidence that the prophylactic use of carbamates (such as NAPS) is associated with any long term adverse health effects, although this should be further explored. We hope that it will be a useful source of information on the long-term effects of these compounds. The Ministry of Defence welcomes the Report. We accept the recommendations for further research.As the MOD's response to the Report makes clear, we continue to carry out a range of research into the health effects of organophosphates and carbamates, including nerve agents and nerve agent pre-treatments. In addition to the research set out there, work is underway at CBD Porton Down to investigate the question of whether these compounds might have an effect on the immune system. This work, which is following up research reported in the open literature, is in its very early stages and we cannot yet say whether there is any such effect, or what the implications of that might be. We intend to make public the findings of this work as soon as possible, as each part of it reaches scientific maturity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Colchester Garrison PFI project. [95211]

I am delighted to announce that, following a thorough evaluation of detailed proposals from three short listed bidders, we have now selected RMPA Services, a consortia comprising Sir Robert McAlpine, Primary Management and W.S. Atkins, as the preferred bidder for the redevelopment of Colchester Garrison.Detailed contract negotiations will now commence with RMPA Services with the aim of achieving contract signature towards the end of next year.The benefits which we see flowing from this deal are the replacement of an estate which is mainly old and substandard, poorly laid out and significantly underscale, with one which will provide high quality barracks and facilities which conform to the appropriate accommodation scales, are flexible to use and are capable of further development. Furthermore this will be achieved very much more quickly under the PFI route than would be possible using our own internal procedures. For example, once the contract is signed we expect the redevelopment to be complete within four years compared to the 15 years it could have taken using a conventional, staged approach. It will also free up land for redevelopment close to Colchester town centre and therefore be of benefit to the local community.Finally, this is a good deal for the taxpayer. As a result of the competitive bids received, we believe that from RMPA Services will offer the MOD excellent value for money resulting from design efficiencies, economies of scale in development and a more cost effective delivery of the support services.

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee if he will make a statement on arrangements for the introduction of a new e-mail system in the House. [94818]

As part of the Parliament-wide Information Technology Convergence Programme, which has been endorsed by the Information Committee, all personal computers linked to the PDVN are being converted to a new e-mail system, Microsoft Exchange and Outlook 98. Some older computers linked to the PDVN will need to be upgraded or replaced if they are to continue to use the parliamentary e-mail system. The old e-mail system, Groupwise, will be closed down on 16 November 1999, prior to the beginning of the next Session on 17 November.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what assessments he has made of the adequacy of the arrangements for breast-feeding in the buildings for which her Committee is responsible; and if she will make a statement. [94798]

There are no designated facilities for breast-feeding on the Parliamentary Estate. However, I understand that individual hon. Members have made arrangements, through the Serjeant at Arms, for appropriate facilities to be made available as required.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will consult on the proposal for a Holocaust Remembrance Day. [95213]

We issued a consultation paper on 18 October. Copies have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the development of an urban renaissance in the north-west. [94510]

The Government intend to respond to the urban renaissance recommendations by early summer next year. Already in the north-west, an urban regeneration company (URC), Liverpool Vision, has been set up in direct response to one of the recommendations in the Roger's Report and is actively pursuing the regeneration of the city centre. It is likely the URC for east Manchester will be announced shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many local government properties are currently unoccupied; [93672]

The latest available information shows that there were 753,200 dwellings in England vacant on 1 April 1998 of which 81,700 were local authority-owned. A level of vacancy is a usual feature of the stock,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in each of the last five years for which figures are available, how many (a) warnings and (b) fines were issued for litter offences in the Chelmsford local authority area under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. [94779]

The local authority does not collect information on the number of warnings issued for litter offences. No fines have been issued for litter offences in the Chelmsford local authority area under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in the last five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the investigations to establish why the master of the Alandia Stream which broke down in the Fair Isle channel on 26 June delayed notifying the coastguard of his ship's condition. [94602]

The vessel when adrift, was never within six miles of the coast or within the designated six mile "area to be avoided" navigational zone around Fair Isle. The vessel fully complied with the MCA requirement to accept a tug and the Anglian Prince was despatched to the scene. A tow was accepted and the vessel taken to Sullom Voe, Shetland as a port of refuge, keeping outside of the "area to be avoided" as per MCA instructions.Following the Port State Control Inspection of the vessel at Sullom Voe, MCA investigated why six hours had elapsed before the tanker reported to the Coastguard that she was in difficulty.The Master's response was that he wished to check the problem to see if it could be fixed without assistance. He maintained that the vessel's drift was monitored carefully to ensure that the ship remained outside the area to be avoided.The MCA advised the Master that the UK Government expect to be immediately informed of any incident that affected the safety of vessels or possible endangerment to reflecting turnover and movement within the stock. However, recent analysis of local authorities reporting problems with unpopular housing contained in the PAT 7 "Unpopular Housing" report shows that low demand neighbourhoods tend to have vacancies at three times the national level.A breakdown by length of time vacant is not collected centrally for all tenures. The available information is as follows: the environment even when assistance was not required. The MCA formed the opinion that the Finnish Master well understood the concerns of the UK authorities and would be more willing to keep the Coastguard informed of any future incidents.The MCA also contacted the Bahamas, the Flag State Administration, notifying them that we would have expected an earlier notification from the Master to the UK Coastguard. The Bahamas have agreed to follow this up with the Finnish owners of the vessel.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce the key targets for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for 1999–2000. [94881]

I have today placed in the House Library a copy of the agency's business plan which includes its key targets for 1999–2000. The issue of the plan was delayed pending the publication of the Government's response to the Transport Select Committee's report on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency which recommended de-merger. That response was published on 12 August.The key targets for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the Code of Practice on the Dissemination of Information during Major Infrastructure Developments; and if he will make a statement. [95071]

I have today published the Code of Practice and placed copies in the Library. The purpose of the code is to ensure that people are given as much information as possible at all stages of a development. It does, however, recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where non-disclosure is justifiable, such as when issues of commercial confidentiality arise.The provision of a referee who can be approached by members of the public, if they believe that information, which should be forthcoming under the code, has not been provided, is a new element in the code.A key aspect of our proposals for modernising the planning system is to improve the handling of major infrastructure developments. The new code on the dissemination of information links the planning and implementation phases of such developments.We are currently analysing the responses to our consultation paper on proposals for streamlining the planning approval procedures for major developments. We are also conducting a fundamental review to improve the system of compulsory purchase and compensation, which are often important aspects of major development implementation.All Government Departments in England and their Agencies will follow the code. The Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly will be making their own arrangements. The code is also commended to local authorities and private sector developers who may be promoting major infrastructure developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what further steps he is taking to prepare for the Greater London Authority. [95212]

My predecessor, my hon. Friend the Minister for London and Construction, announced on 11 June 1999, Official Report, columns 398-99, that my Department had earmarked provision over the four years 1998–99 to 2001–02 to meet GLA preparation costs and that separate provision was being made to cover the costs of the first elections to the GLA, including publicity, and for establishing Transport for London and the London Development Agency. My Department has now earmarked £20.6 million from within existing budgets to cover these costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings she held with members and officials of the United States Government during her visits to the United States on 22 to 24 June 1997 and 14 to 18 April 1998; and if she will list the date and location of each meeting and the names of the members and officials of the United States Government at each meeting. [93955]

I visited New York from 22-24 June 1997 to attend the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the follow-up to the UN Conference on Environment and Development. I did not have any bilateral meetings with members and officials of the United States Government.On my visit to Washington from 14-18 April 1998, I had meetings with:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the expected expenditure by her Department on humanitarian demining for 2000 and 2001. [94666]

In 1997 I announced plans to double our annual expenditure on humanitarian mine action to reach £10 million in the financial year 2000–01. The programme is on track to meet this target.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 6 July 1999, Official Report, column 462, on Special Advisers, if she will list the countries to which her Special Advisers have travelled since 2 May 1997. [93911]

Since May 1997, Special Advisers from my Department travelled to the following countries on official business:

• Antigua
• Bangladesh
• Belgium
• Canada
• China
• France
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Jordan
• Kenya
• Nepal
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• West Bank and Gaza.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his policy not to amend the arrangements his Department has for applying sections 40 to 49 of the Animal Health Act 1981 and any subordinate legislation made under the same sections of the Act; and if he will make a statement. [93213]

[holding answer 27 July 1999]: We have no plans for such amendments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the implementation of weapons decommissioning. [92978]

The Government are determined to see the Agreement implemented in full. We, along with the Irish Government, have appointed Senator Mitchell to review the points of difficulty: an inclusive Executive exercising devolved powers and decommissioning of all paramilitary weapons by May 2000 in a manner determined by the Decommissioning Commission. Senator Mitchell aims to conclude his review speedily.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many prisoners have been released under the terms of the Good Friday agreement. [92979]

To date there have been 298 prisoners who have been released from prison under the terms of the Good Friday agreement. This is drawn from information current at 13 October 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the Belfast agreement. [92981]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress on the peace process. [92982]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress he has made towards establishing a power-sharing executive for Northern Ireland. [92986]

I refer my hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North (Mr. Gardiner) and the hon. Members for Lewes (Mr. Baker) and for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Wilkinson) to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friends the Members for Amber Valley (Judy Mallaber), for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) and for Cleethorpes (Shona McIsaac). 20 October 1999, Official Report, columns 424-26.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent meetings he has had with the Irish Government concerning the implementation of the Good Friday agreement. [92987]

Ministers continue to meet with members of the Irish Government on a regular basis to discuss matters relating to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and other areas of interest to the two Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of officers in the RUC are (a) Catholics and (b) women; and if he will make a statement. [92984]

On 1 July 1999 of the total number of people within the Royal Ulster Constabulary 8.35 per cent. were Catholics and 11.4 per cent. women.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Patten commission's report on policing in Northern Ireland. [92990]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore), 20 October 1999, Official Report, column 431.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals the Government have for lifelong learning in Northern Ireland. [92985]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Lincoln (Gillian Merron), 20 October 1999, Official Report, column 428.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and if he will make a statement. [92988]

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was established on 1 March this year. The Commission is required to produce an annual report under the Northern Ireland Act 1998. However, the Commission is an independent body and I have therefore asked the Chief Commissioner, Professor Dickson, to write to my hon. Friend to inform her of the Commission's progress since it was established and I shall place a copy in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to create a more normal security environment in Northern Ireland. [92989]

We are committed to as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements, consistent with the level of threat.Since the Good Friday Agreement, routine military patrolling has been reduced by almost two thirds. Military installations have been closed and demolished. Since January, there have been under 15,000 service personnel on operational duties in Northern Ireland, except during short periods of heightened tension over the summer. This is fewer than at any time since 1970.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent the Parades Commission has been able to achieve a local accommodation over the disputed parades this year. [92991]

The role of the Parades Commission is to promote and facilitate local accommodation in relation to contentious parades. Where this cannot be achieved, the legislation requires the Commission to make a determination.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made on the establishment of a civic forum in Northern Ireland. [92992]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made on the establishment of a civic forum in Northern Ireland. [92995]

The report identified the sectoral interests which should be represented and on 16 February 1999 the new Northern Ireland Assembly approved the report of the First and Deputy First Minister (designate) which included arrangements for a consultative civic forum guidelines which should be adhered to by nominating bodies. Work is ongoing to ensure the establishment of the forum within six months of devolution.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland among those whose family members or friends have been killed or injured in the past 30 years. [92993]

Under the Government's Community Relations Programme and the European Union's Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, funding is provided to a wide range of groups which promote peace and reconciliation. These include groups working with victims, their families and friends.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to encourage inward investment in Northern Ireland. [92994]

The Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland, the agency charged with attracting inward investment, continues its aggressive marketing and sales campaigns worldwide. In particular, they are following up on last year's successful promotional tour of North America, a year in which I am delighted to say they have achieved a record number of new projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland. [92996]

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland was appointed on 2 August and took over the functions exercised by its predecessors on 1 October. The commissioners have received training in their new role and are pressing ahead with the broadened equality agenda. The first formal meeting of the commission took place on 14 October 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many homes are proposed in (a) those planning applications for which outline planning approval has been issued but construction has not commenced and (b) existing planning applications for which the planning decision has not yet been issued in the town of Newtownards. [92997]

The information is not readily available in the form requested; however, the planning service has recently carried out a detailed analysis of the housing land availability position in Newtownards. This assessment indicates that approximately 51 hectares of zoned land remains available for deployment, with the potential to accommodate some 850 dwellings. In addition, planning permission has been granted, or is currently pending, for some 360 dwellings on unzoned land within the development limits of the town.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further talks have taken place about preparations for a British-Irish Council. [92980]

All preparations are now in place for the British-Irish Council and the other institutions created by the Good Friday Agreement. The Council will be established immediately on entry into force of the British-Irish Agreement. This will coincide with the devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he is having with industry and the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland on future EU structural funding. [92976]

Representatives of industry and the voluntary sector are members of a core consultative group, established in July 1999, to enable local partners to be consulted on a regular basis regarding future EU funding. In addition, two major conferences have been organised involving many delegates from these sectors and they have also been invited to put forward their views in writing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the level of illegal activities by paramilitary forces. [92983]

The situation with regard to the activities of paramilitary groups is closely monitored.To date this year there have been seven deaths, 67 bombing incidents and 94 shooting incidents. Paramilitary attacks unfortunately also continue with 135 carried out so far this year.This level of violence is unacceptable. I call on the perpetrators to cease these activities forthwith.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 June 1999, Official Report, column 339, on Child Benefit, when information by parliamentary constituency will become available; and if he will make a statement. [87864]

The administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to reply to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 26 May 1999, Official Report, column 187, on winter fuel allowance, if he will re-estimate the number of eligible pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham who will benefit from the winter fuel payments next winter. [94145]

The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in North Staffordshire are on incapacity benefit; of those who have been on this benefit for three years or more, how many have been called back on (i) a six-monthly basis, (ii) a 12-monthly basis and (iii) an 18-monthly basis; and with what results. [93659]

The administration of Incapacity Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial and other assistance has been given to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy during 1998–99; what support the foundation received during 1999–2000; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for giving support to the foundation. [94543]

The Westminster Foundation for Democracy received £3,136,970 from the Foreign Office in 1998–99 in Grant-in-Aid and special purpose grants, as well as a grant of £31,845 from DfID. For the current financial year the Westminster Foundation for Democracy has been allocated £4 million in Grant-in-Aid and up to £244,000 for special projects from the FCO and £14,000 from DfID.In addition to financial assistance, an FCO official serves on the Foundations's Board of Governors in an advisory capacity.The Westminster Foundation for Democracy exists to promote democratic development worldwide. It has a proven track record in delivering high quality projects in support of democracy building around the world.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how pay rates are set for locally engaged staff in overseas diplomatic missions; and what account is taken of recognised local poverty datum lines. [94162]

Pay rates and other conditions of service for locally engaged staff are set by reference to comparable employers based locally. These comparators are usually drawn from other diplomatic missions, private companies, and the local Civil Service. UK missions are also required to follow the terms of local employment law, including legislation on national minimum wage levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between Britain and Sierra Leone. [94876]

We welcomed the signature on 7 July of the Lome Peace Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front. Our objective now is to help the Government and people of Sierra Leone to implement the peace agreement, and thus build a framework for lasting peace and security.We have implemented the £10 million package of assistance which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced on 2 March 1999. This has included: UK military advisers helping to train the new, democratically accountable Sierra Leone Army; a range of equipment for the new Army including uniforms, vehicles, and light weapons; logistical support and equipment for the ECOMOG peacekeeping forces; and support for civil society and Government participation in the negotiation of the peace agreement. The ECOWAS Secretariat confirmed that the weapons could be imported as an exemption to the ECOWAS Small Arms Moratorium; and the UN Sanctions Committee was notified of these exports. We are working with the United Nations to support the early deployment of a UN peacekeeping force to Sierra Leone.DfID and the MOD are also supporting a range of projects in Sierra Leone. We will take every opportunity, including at the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Durban, to encourage further support for Sierra Leone from others in the international community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish GCHQ's recruitment statistics for 1998 indicating the comparable figures for 1997. [94877]

GCHQ notified the Commissioners that as a result of recruitment schemes run in 1998, 182 individuals have joined the department or are awaiting completion of the recruitment process. The 1997 recruitment schemes yielded 236 new entrants. In addition, eight former members of staff were reappointed in 1998 compared with five in 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the preparedness of other countries to deal with the millennium bug. [94878]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has been actively gathering information about the preparedness of other countries to deal with the millennium bug. This information is being made publicly available on the FCO website at http://www.fco.gov.uk. So far, we have published information on 70 countries and these are continuously updated. More will follow soon. Copies of these statements have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union to the end of October together with the major European Union events for the next six months. [94879]

This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the General Affairs Council. [94880]

The GAC adopted the A points listed in document 11573/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its session of 13-17 September listed in document 10352/1/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many extra (a) radiographers and (b) oncologists he plans to recruit in each NHS region by April 2000 to implement his proposal that no cancer patient referred by a GP should wait more than two weeks. [94022]

It is for individual National Health Service trusts and health authorities to determine the number, grade and mix of staff they will require to deliver services. An additional £10 million has been made available to facilitate the two-week all cancers waiting time standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list (a) the reports published by his Department and its associated bodies, (b) the reports received from bodies set up by his Department, (c) the decisions his Department has taken and (d) events in the UK and elsewhere, since 27 July, which satisfied the criteria he uses for deciding whether to apply to make oral statements to the House when the House is sitting. [93974]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council, 19 October 1999, Official Report, columns 429-30.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will incorporate total and classification group average figures for each of the tables listed in the high level performance indicator set for next year; and if he will make a statement. [94062]

The high level performance indicator set supports a comprehensive assessment of the performance of the National Health Service across the range of its activity, including services that are provided alongside social services. The current set was the first to be published and we are committed to making improvements over time. The Department is currently reviewing the content and presentation of figures for the next publication of performance indicators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the costs of establishing the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. [93918]

The cost of establishing the National Institute for Clinical Excellence was in the region of £734,000.This figure includes accommodation costs for the Institute, costs of recruiting staff for the Institute and staffing costs of officials in the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what constraints the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will be able to place upon a clinician's ability to prescribe. [93874]

Clinicians are expected to take National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance fully into account when exercising their clinical judgment. Such guidance represents the views of an eminent body of senior practitioners who have had the opportunity of carefully considering the available evidence. However, NICE guidance does not override a doctor's individual responsibility to exercise his or her clinical judgment in determining what treatment is appropriate and necessary for a patient.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when information regarding maximum and minimum per capita management allowances for 1999–2000 payable to primary care groups in England will be available. [93870]

This information is currently being collected and validated. Full details will be published as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will bring forward regulations to govern professions allied to medicine; and if a period of consultation will precede them. [93909]

The Health Act 1999 provides for the replacement of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 by an Order and the eventual repeal of the 1960 Act when replacement arrangements are in place. We are committed to full and wide ranging consultation on the proposals for new legislation as well as the three month statutory consultation on the draft Order, with a Report to Parliament on the outcome, when the Order is laid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding loss of clinical freedom by clinicians consequent upon the establishment of the Commission for Health Improvement; and if he will make a statement. [93921]

The aim of the Commission for Health Improvement was clearly set out in the consultation document "A First Class Service" (July 1999). This was to work with clinicians to assure, monitor and improve the quality of care provided by the NHS. Clinicians will remain responsible for their clinical judgment in relation to individual patients, although they will be expected to take account of national clinical guidance and of the evidence on which it is based.Most responses to "A First Class Service" were supportive of the proposals for the Commission for Health Improvement and the Government's quality strategy as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate his Department has made regarding the additional manpower required for the Commission for Health Improvement. [93920]

The Commission will be an independent body and it will therefore be for the Commission itself to decide its manpower requirements. In doing so, it will need to be aware of its duty to carry out its functions effectively, efficiently and economically.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the powers of the Commission for Health Improvement to criticise individual doctors. [93922]

It is not the aim of the Commission for Health Improvement to assess or publicise the performance of individual clinicians. The Commission will look at organisational systems to assure and improve the quality of services.The Commission's powers to disclose confidential information about individuals is strictly limited in the Health Act 1999. In line with these restrictions, if the Commission does find evidence of individual poor performance it will draw this to the attention of the employing organisation for them to take action. It may also, if appropriate, draw this to the attention of the professional regulatory body concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the annual running costs of (a) the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and (b) the Commission for Health Improvement. [93919]

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence's total budget is £9.8 million. NICE will determine its own running costs. However, we expect them to maintain their running costs at a reasonable level to ensure that as much funding as possible is made available for its work programme.The Explanatory Notes for the Health Act 1999 cited the estimated annual running costs for the Commission for Health Improvement for 2000–01 at around £7 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the findings of his staff shortages survey will be published. [93876]

The results of the recruitment, retention and vacancies survey were published on 10 September and have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement regarding the change in the number of category D entries appearing in the Drug Tariff published by The Stationery Office each month since February. [93878]

Drugs are added to Category D of Part VIII of the Drug Tariff when community pharmacies are having difficulty obtaining supplies of generic drugs at Drug Tariff price. The closure of a significant manufacturer of generics last December, combined with the relocation of some manufacturing facilities at the beginning of the year, and the transfer of products from bulk to smaller packs has meant that a wider range of products than normal have been in short supply, and hence an unusually large number of products have been included in Category D.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what dates Special Advisers from his Department have visited the United States of America on official business since 1 May 1997; which of his Special Advisers took part in each visit; and if he will list the meetings which these Special Advisers held with members and officials of the United States Government during each visit, specifying the date and location of each meeting and the names of the US members and officials at each meeting. [93945]

Between 1 May 1997 and 18 October 1999, the Special Advisers to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health have visited the United States of America on two occasions in an official capacity as listed.

• Date: 4-7 February 1998
• Destination: Washington DC
• Special adviser: Simon Stevens.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the findings of the inquiry into the level of provision of beds in NHS hospitals; and if he will make statement. [94794]

The National Beds Inquiry is nearing completion. Its findings will be published in due course.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 20 October. [94071]

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I shall have further such meetings later today.