To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will break down the total costs of refurbishing the Grand Committee Room into those costs which would have been incurred anyway as part of the planned programme of refurbishment, and those which arise specifically from the use of the Grand Committee Room for Westminster Hall sittings. [98551]

The total cost of £882,000 for the refurbishment of the Grand Committee Room includes within it £670,000 (at current prices) which had already been included in the 10 year rolling programme for Parliamentary works over the period 2002–06 prior to the House approving the Report from the Modernisation Committee which recommended using the room for Westminster Hall Sittings.This latter amount covers works such as building services, replacement of fan coils, internal stone cleaning, cabling for the Parliamentary Data and Video Network, automatic fire detection and rewiring.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on civil servants transport in each of the last two years. [98721]

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in his Department's plans to procure two new aircraft carriers. [99741]

I am pleased to be able to announce that competitive contracts were placed today with British Aerospace Land and Sea Systems Ltd. and Thomson-CSF NCS France for the Assessment Phase of the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) project.The two contracts, each potentially worth £29.4 million VAT inclusive, consist of two phases. The first phase of each contract, worth £5.9 million, will involve work to examine a variety of aircraft carrier design options. This phase will also help inform the choice of the type of Future Carrier Borne Aircraft (FCBA). The second phase, worth a further £23.5 million, will involve risk reduction on the preferred carrier design option when the decision on the selection of FCBA has been taken. Progression to this second phase will be subject to BAe and Thomson-CSF satisfactorily completing the first package of work. The Assessment Phase will complete in 2003 when bids for the Demonstration and Manufacture Phase of CVF will be delivered. The two carriers are scheduled to enter service in 2012 and 2015.The new carriers will form a key element of the modern force structure that emerged from SDR. They will be particularly relevant to the foreign and security policy demands of the next century and will ensure the UK retains one of the most powerful and effective navies in the world.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the C-130 J transport aircraft will enter service. [99740]

The first C-130 J transport aircraft was delivered to RAF Lyneham today. Initially the aircraft will be used for maintenance training and groundcrew familiarisation only. The In-Service Date is defined as delivery of the twelfth aircraft, currently estimated to be in May 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements are planned for appointing the prime contractor for the Type 45 Anti-air Warfare Destroyer. [99742]

Our plans for the T45 Destroyer programme build on the work accomplished in the design definition phase of the tri-national Horizon frigate project and continuity of the UK contractor is an essential element for this. Marconi Electronic Systems has therefore been contracted to complete the next phase of the work on the T45 Destroyer. Under Smart Procurement principles this is known as the Preparation for Demonstration (PFD) phase and, subject to satisfactory progress, this will lead into the Demonstration and First of Class Manufacture phase.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what conditions pertaining to relatives' access to graves are required as a condition when Church lands are sold. [98999]

In order to secure a suitable alternative use for a redundant church, some churchyard land may be included in the disposal. Where such land contains burials, continued public access is normally reserved for the tending of graves. If necessary, rights of way can also be granted or reserved.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has received concerning St. John's Church within the Parish of Whitby; and if he will make a statement. [99003]

Following publication of a draft Scheme to declare the church redundant the Commissioners received nine representations in favour of closure and four against, including a petition. After careful consideration, the Commissioners' Pastoral Committee, acting in its quasi-judicial role, concluded that the church was pastorally required and upheld the representations against the draft scheme.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what proportion of Church of England liquid and fixed assets is represented by those held under freehold by the incumbent clerks in holy orders. [99004]

Parsonages represent about 15 per cent. of the Church's total assets. About 60 per cent. of parsonages are legally held under freehold by incumbent clergy. However, any holding by an incumbent is in a corporate capacity and so is not analogous to freehold ownership in the traditionally understood sense.Parish churches also normally vest in the incumbent but are not valued in terms of disposal value as they are not usually realisable.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has received concerning the issuing of formal employment contracts for the clergy. [99005]

No representations have been received to date. However staff of the Archbishops Council will be meeting with the representatives of the MSF union in the near future to discuss questions arising from the Employment Relations Act 1999.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, to what extent the Commissioners take into account extra income earned by bishops (a) from giving lectures and (b) from other sources in determining their remuneration. [99118]

Bishops are advised that if they take on further, paid commitments, and that work involves time which would otherwise be used for episcopal responsibilities, they should inform the Commissioners of the gross annual amount. An equivalent sum can then be deducted from their stipend. This is on the same basis as the rules for other clergy.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will list the expenses claimed by each bishop for the last year for which figures are available. [99117]

The Commissioners' current policy is not to make public the expenditure on individual bishops' working costs. The overall expenditure under this heading in 1998 was £8.8 million. Of this £5.1 million was spent on staff salaries, pensions and fees; £3.3 million on other working costs; and £0.4 million on costs connected with last year's Lambeth Conference.This expenditure is the necessary costs of supporting the bishops' ministry: principally the salaries and pensions of their staff, the costs of running an office, of official travel, of hospitality, and other miscellaneous costs. All this expenditure is subject to detailed and continuous audit to ensure that it is incurred in line with the Inland Revenue's requirement that it be "wholly, exclusively and necessarily" incurred in the performance of a bishop's duties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what obligations the Regional Development Agencies are under to act in accordance with the commitments made in their (a) published strategies, (b) action plans and (c) corporate plans. [98527]

Section 7 (1)(b) of the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998 requires the RDAs to have regard to their regional strategies and action plans in exercising its functions. The agencies will submit their corporate plan proposals to the Government, and the Government will give a response. Following that, performance will be monitored against the plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what his targets are for the amount of waste recycled in each of the next five years from (a) residential homes and (b) businesses;[99200](2) if he has revised the domestic recycling targets for 2000. [99199]

In the draft waste strategy "A Way with Waste", published on 30 June 1999, we have set a goal of recycling or composting 30 per cent. of household waste by 2010. We will aim to meet the existing target of recycling or composting 25 per cent. of household waste by 2005. By 2015 we expect to recover value from two thirds of our household waste, with at least half of this through recycling or composting.The draft waste strategy also set a target for businesses to reduce the amount of industrial and commercial waste landfilled to 85 per cent. of 1998 levels by 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to make an announcement on the proposed parish council for Frankley in Birmingham. [98821]

We are currently consulting Birmingham City Council and other interested parties on a draft of an Order that would create a parish council for Frankley. Subject to this consultation, the intention is to make the Order before the end of 1999 with the view to the first elections for the new parish council being held in May 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations have been made on behalf of the Government to the Government of the Republic of Ireland concerning (a) their policies towards UK haulage firms seeking to flag out their vehicles by registering them in the Irish Republic and (b) the enforcement of their policies; and if he will make a statement. [99108]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: It is for the Irish authorities to apply and enforce their legislation on vehicle registration. We have made no representations about the way they do so. However, there are concerns that some UK hauliers who have re-registered vehicles in the Irish Republic may not be fully satisfying the requirements of either UK or Irish law, and this has been the subject of discussions with the Irish authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which local authorities will pursue pilot schemes for (a) congestion charging and (b) work place car parking charges. [99316]

Twenty-seven local authorities, either individually or in groups, have, in their provisional Local Transport Plans, expressed interest in making use of the proposed road user charging or workplace parking levy powers. My noble Friend the Minister for Transport has written to them asking for confirmation of their interest. Following receipt of confirmation, we expect to announce their names next month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to introduce the Transport Bill. [99314]

We are anxious to make progress with this important legislation and hope to introduce the Bill shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Transport Bill will contain proposals to remove the Safety and Standards Department from Railtrack. [99315]

We have announced that we are minded to transfer the main functions of Railtrack's Safety and Standards Directorate out of Railtrack. My Department is currently considering where the best home or homes for those functions are. If legislation is necessary to secure such a transfer we are prepared to introduce proposals in the Transport Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the publication of the responses to the consultation on Rural England. [99579]

I shall be publishing a summary of the response to "Rural England—A Discussion Document" today. The report "Rural England: Summary of Responses" can be found on the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' website and will be available from my Department on request. Paper copies will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has reached conclusions on the options for changes to the preferential use of Heathrow's runways at night; and if he will make a statement. [99589]

On 17 November 1998, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions issued the second of two consultation papers on night restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. It was in two parts. Part 1 was concerned with the night restrictions regime for the three airports, and on 10 June 1999, Official Report, columns 378–80W, the then Minister for Transport in London, my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Ms Jackson), announced the new arrangements which came into effect on 31 October 1999. Part 2 examined options for changes to the preferential use of Heathrow's runways at night. The decisions I am announcing today are concerned with Part 2 of the consultation paper only.The current pattern of use of Heathrow's runways has remained unchanged since the 1970s and is largely determined by three operational noise mitigation measures. The first and oldest is the Cranford Agreement, an undertaking given to local residents at a public meeting in July 1952 to avoid easterly take-offs from the northern runway during off-peak periods as far as practicable. Over the years it has come to be applied most of the time during easterly operations, so that easterly take-offs use the northern runway only exceptionally. It is possible that the long-standing preference for landing aircraft on the southern runway at night during westerly operations is also a legacy of that Agreement.The second measure is westerly preference, which was introduced in 1962. This provides for westerly operations to continue where there is a light tail-wind up to 5 knots. While it is normal for aircraft to land and take off into the wind, it is safe to do so with a light tail-wind when the runway is dry and any cross-wind does not exceed 12 knots. The purpose of the westerly preference is to reduce the number of occasions that departing aircraft need to take off over the more densely populated areas to the east of the airport where it is not possible to design noise preferential departure routes which avoid heavily populated areas.The third measure is runway alternation, which was introduced in 1972. It applies during westerly operations only. Westerly landings use one runway from 7.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. and switch to the other runway from 3.00 p.m. until 11.00 p.m. The pattern is reversed each week to achieve a fairer balance. Its purpose it to provide communities east of the airport under the final approach tracks with predictable periods of relief from the noise of landing aircraft. While runway alternation applies to landing aircraft only, it is generally the case that one runway is used for landings and the other for take-offs, but take-offs are not precluded from using the runway assigned for landings. Runway alternation was confined to daytime operations to allow opportunities for maintenance of the runways and associated equipment at night. It was confined to westerly operations in order to continue observance of the Cranford Agreement.In response to requests from local communities seeking a fairer distribution of aircraft noise at night, the Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee (HACC) and BAA plc, with approval from the then Department of Transport, undertook two trials of runway alternation at night for both westerly and easterly operations in 1996 and 1997. Independent surveys carried out for the HACC to assess local reaction to the trials showed there was a clear level of support in the vicinity of the airport for extending runway alternation into the night period. It was decided to consult more widely before reaching a final decision.9,522 copies of the November 1998 consultation paper were issued and 2,803 responses commenting on Part 2 (32 per cent. of the total) were received by the closing date. These included responses from the HACC, 2,649 individuals, 43 local authorities, councillors and local authority organisations, seven Members of Parliament, 63 environmental and local interest groups, and 24 representing airlines, airport and aviation interests. Most respondents were concerned to have the least possible number of night flights overflying their particular areas or asked for a ban on such flights. Most also expressed a general view, either supporting or opposing runway alternation at night or modifying the directional preference. Comparatively few commented on the 10 options outlined in the consultation paper itself. Nine respondents called for the termination of the Cranford Agreement and eight called for its continued operation. However, the Agreement was not among the issues examined in the consultation paper.843 respondents supported the extension of runway alternation into the night period, including most local authorities, the HACC and aviation industry respondents. The widely held view was that runway alternation at night would be fairer and provide for more predictable periods of relief from the noise of landing aircraft. 51 respondents disagreed because they wished to retain the current arrangements or anticipated that runway alternation at night would lead to an increase in aircraft noise over their area. 86 of the 843 respondents who support runway alternation at night (mainly residents and representative bodies) called for it to apply throughout the night until 7.00 a.m., while 29 of the 843 (mainly aviation interests) said it should operate until 6.00 a.m. to avoid increasing delays to arriving aircraft. BAA consider that it might be possible for runway alternation to operate throughout the night if the scheme allowed greater discretion to land aircraft on the second runway between 6.00 a.m. and 7.00 a.m., interspersed with take-offs, to reduce the likelihood of arrival delays accumulating through the morning peak period.In view of the clear support for extending runway alternation to the night period, which is consistent with the findings of the earlier HACC surveys, we have decided to open discussions with BAA on its introduction at the earliest practicable opportunity between 11.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. As with daytime alternation, it will be necessary from time to time for the pattern of alternation to be interrupted to allow for maintenance of the runways and engineering works.There are real practical difficulties with extending runway alternation to the hour from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 a.m. There are usually take-offs scheduled in this hour, so during easterly operations runway alternation is precluded by the Cranford Agreement. It is already established practice during this hour to make use of both runways for landings, interspersed with take-offs, to ensure that there are as few aircraft as possible holding in the stacks awaiting permission to land before daytime runway alternation starts at 7.00 a.m. BAA, NATS and the airlines are concerned that having only one runway available for landings during this hour may lead to a build up of holding delays before daytime runway alternation starts at 7.00 a.m. which could not be cleared until the afternoon. Such delays could also have knock-on effects beyond UK airspace. We are satisfied that there is a genuine cause for concern here, but it has not been possible to forecast with confidence either the frequency or extent of the delays that might occur. On the other hand, runway alternation during this hour would bring real benefits to people living under the final approach tracks.We have decided that the only prudent way forward is to undertake a trial of runway alternation during the 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 a.m. hour. The details of the trial will be discussed with BAA, HACC and NATS, but will allow NATS the discretion to make use of the second runway for landings whenever arrival delays building up in the system are expected to give rise to holding delays of a given duration. It is likely that different criteria will need to be examined in order to reach a view on what is practicable. Weather conditions, both locally and encountered en route by long haul aircraft, can contribute to the build-up of arrival delays. For this reason the trial will need to look at the winter and summer seasons and may continue for up to two years.The responses to the consultation paper on the options for modifying the directional preference at night do not provide a sound basis for reaching a final decision at this stage. Strong views were expressed east and west of the airport, and many respondents called for a complete ban on night flights rather than changes to the direction in which the runways were used. However, there was also a recognition among many of the organisations and representative bodies that the present arrangements are not fair and equitable and could be improved; that view is shared by the Government. We also consider that it makes no sense from a noise amelioration standpoint to increase artificially the number of occasions when early morning arrivals overfly the more heavily populated areas of London by maintaining the 5 knot westerly preference at times when there are few or no take-offs.We have decided not to take forward the options set out in the consultation paper, which would have precluded the introduction of runway alternation at night during easterly operations, and which would have concentrated arrivals noise in areas under the approach track to the southern runway during easterly operations. While these options offered the greatest potential for improvement over the present position in terms of the numbers of

people affected, the outcome would not have been fair and equitable. For the same reason we have decided not to take forward the 5 knot easterly preference option, except as part of Proposal B below. Therefore, we will be inviting comments on two proposals. These are:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the decisions reached at the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the Bonn Convention on 10 to 16 November in respect of sensitive species, with particular reference to dolphins, turtles and albatross. [99590]

The key issues included agreement on the Convention's Strategic Plan for 2000–05 and the adoption of a budget for 2001–02. The Budget sets aside funds to enhance the work of the Convention's Scientific Council and for specific scientific projects which will help protect some of the most endangered and threatened migratory species.I am delighted to say that the Conference adopted a Resolution, submitted by the United Kingdom, addressing the problem of by-catch of migratory species, particularly from longline fishing. The Resolution requires all Parties, as a matter of gravity, to strengthen the measures to minimise the incidental mortality of migratory species in fisheries under their control. The Resolution specifically refers to the threats which turtles, seabirds and dolphins face from fisheries by-catch. As well as action by sovereign states, the Resolution also seeks co-operation with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations to protect these endangered species.The United Kingdom also announced our intention to sign and ratify the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area on behalf of Gibraltar.The Conference also agreed, with UK and EU support, a number of initiatives on the protection and conservation of the houbara and great bustards, marine turtles in the Atlantic Coast of Africa and the Indian Ocean, Sahelo-saharan antelopes and elephants in Central and West Africa. A Resolution was also adopted supporting the development and conclusion, as soon as possible, of an Agreement for the conservation of Southern Hemisphere albatrosses, which face several threats, including pollution, disease and the effects of climate change, as well as by-catch.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make it his policy to introduce an independent complaints procedure in respect of the BBC. [99134]

The BBC's Royal Charter requires the Board of Governors to ensure that any complaints are properly handled by the Corporation. The Charter also requires the BBC to publish an account of the subject matter and handling of complaints from its audiences indicating the proportion which were upheld. The BBC publishes such an account quarterly. We have no plans at present to change the current arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what is the estimated total cost to the Government of the security enhancements to his London home; [99258](2) what is the estimated total cost to the Government of security blinds and curtains for his London home. [99259]

I have been asked to reply.It is not in the public interest to disclose information that could compromise the security arrangements relating to public figures.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's assistance to Malawi. [98613]

In September 1998 I placed a copy of our Country Strategy Paper in the Library of the House. This sets out our plans to promote poverty reduction, equity and human rights in Malawi. We are supporting the Malawi Government's commitment to poverty reduction with a rising programme, focused particularly on promoting more effective government, better access to health and education, secure livelihoods, and human rights, for poor people.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she is giving to Malawi to tackle the problem of HIV/Aids. [98614]

I have just approved a £35 million contribution for Sexual and Reproductive Health in Malawi. This will help the government to implement its HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan, which President Muluzi launched on 29 October. Funds will be used to promote behaviour change, to supply condoms and medicines for sexually transmitted infections and to train health workers. This complements £26 million of other projects dealing with sexual health issues, TB and safe motherhood. HIV prevention and mitigation measures are being incorporated in other Department for International Development programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's assistance to Mozambique. [98611]

In October 1998 I placed a copy of our Country Strategy Paper for Mozambique in the Library of the House. This describes how we will increase our programme to support the Government of Mozambique's strong commitment to reduce poverty. We are expanding our support for economic and financial management, rural livelihoods, and health and education. We are strong supporters of Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief for Mozambique.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has held with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry concerning the forthcoming WTO Seattle Round. [99238]

The UK position with regard to the next WTO Trade Round was and will continue to be carefully co-ordinated between all relevant Government Departments. I regularly meet with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and other

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the conditions of East Timorese living in militia-controlled West Timor refugee camps. [99246]

Of the estimated 250,000 who left East Timor after the consultation on independence, only

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made with the reconstruction of Armenia-Colombia since the January earthquake. [99255]

There have been considerable efforts to assist the reconstruction of Armenia and the surrounding area, but in the wake of such devastation it will be a long process. The Inter American Development Bank, following a request from the Government of Colombia, redirected the balances of four of its on-going projects totalling $93 million to deal with emergency reconstruction. Initial UK emergency assistance of $1 million was distributed through humanitarian agencies, and assistance has been provided through the Small Grants Scheme for members of the Devon Fire and Rescue Service to work to improve the capabilities of their counterparts in Armenia. The embassy has also raised funding for a school rebuilding initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the projects her Department supports which focus on conflict prevention in Kenya. [99236]

My Department supports the projects listed in the following table:75,000 have been repatriated. The refugees' return home continues to be hampered by the presence of militia who intimidate, physically harass and exact payment from refugees in camps and at border crossing points.The UK has pressed the Indonesian government to ensure that the refugees are allowed to return home. My Department has committed £5.5 million for immediate humanitarian assistance for Timor, of which over £700,000 has been allocated to the International Organisation for Migration to facilitate refugee return.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to support long-term agricultural projects in the Orissa region of India. [99235]

Our Country Strategy for India identifies Orissa, which is one of the poorest states in India, as one of the four states in which DFID's activities will be focused.The £8 million Eastern India Rainfed Farming project has been working since 1995 in three states, including Orissa, to pilot new approaches to rural poverty including improved farming systems.In July 1999, DFID agreed with the Government of India to provide £32.75 million over ten years for the new Western Orissa Rural Livelihoods Project. This initiative builds on lessons learned from the Eastern India Rainfed Farming project and works within the Government of Orissa's watershed development programmes in four very poor districts. The project has a strong agricultural component and will address issues of increased agricultural production and improved food security, through a comprehensive natural resource strategy. This strategy also includes a focus on soil and water conservation, livestock, fisheries, fodder and forestry.The cyclone which hit the west coast of Orissa on 29 October has caused extensive damage to coastal regions, including agricultural land and crops. We are considering how we can best help the government to minimise the long-term impact of the cyclone and continue efforts to eliminate poverty in the state. It is currently too early to know whether or not this will include support for agricultural projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made with the Ethical Trading Initiative; and how many companies have joined the initiative. [99248]

Considerable progress has been made by the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) over the last year. With the help of Department for International Development (DFID) funding, a Secretariat has been established and is fully staffed. Board and members meet regularly and a Base Code of ethical trading practice has been debated and agreed. Progress is being made on four pilot projects—in the garment industry in China; horticulture in Zimbabwe; wine production in South Africa; and the banana industry in Costa Rica. With the appointment of a new information officer, information and media services are being established. A Conference was held in December 1998 and another is planned for early in 2000.In addition to its trade union and non-governmental organisation membership, ETI now has 16 company members and is dealing with a growing number of inquiries from interested organisations. The list of existing company members is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made with the reconstruction of Honduras since Hurricane Mitch. [99256]

In the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch, the international community responded with wide ranging emergency assistance and pledges of further funds for the reconstruction of Honduras.In the year since the hurricane many emergency projects have been completed, especially housing, roads and bridges and the establishment of health centres. These have provided essential assistance to those who suffered as a result of the effects of the hurricane. The UK's contribution included a rural roads and bridges programme, and a cash for work incentive targeting particularly neglected municipalities.Since the Stockholm Donors' meeting in May this year, donor countries and multilateral organisations have pledged approximately $9 billion medium term assistance and projects are beginning to get under way.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his proposals for the electoral register.[98621]

The Representation of the People Bill, which was published last Friday, includes a number of provisions relating to the electoral register.The Bill will introduce a system of "rolling" electoral registration which will enable people to change their electoral registration details in-year rather than making registration dependent on a single annual qualifying date.The Bill's provisions will also make it easier for remand prisoners, mental patients, the homeless and service voters to register.The Bill also provides a power to make regulations limiting access to the full electoral register.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new asylum applications were received in each year since 1990; for each year what proportion were port applications; what proportion came from (a) former Yugoslavia, (b) Somalia, (c) Sri Lanka, (d) former USSR and (e) Afghanistan; and from which country the most applicants arrive. [98682]

For 1990–98, the available information is given in the tables. Information on the number of asylum applications received in 1999 can be found on the Home Office internet site at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/index.htm.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he recognises the rights of the Crown Dependencies to set their own tax rates, structure and allowances without reference to the UK Government. [98733]

Legislation on taxation in the Crown Dependencies has always taken the form of laws enacted by the legislatures of the Crown Dependencies. All primary legislation passed by those legislatures requires the Assent of the Queen in Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide continuing protection for seals under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, following the expiry of the Order laid under section 3(1) in 1996. [99835]

I have now laid before Parliament the Conservation of Seals (England) Order 1999, which provides permanent close season protection for common seals and grey seals in an area stretching along the North Sea coast from the border between England and Scotland to Newhaven on the south coast. The Order will come into force on 19 December, to coincide with the expiry of the Order laid in 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure the permanent quarters of performing animals are brought within the scope of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981; [99126](2) if he will bring performing animal centres within the terms of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981; and if he will make a statement. [99125]

These are matters being considered by the Home Office in consultation with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, following receipt of recommendations from the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare about animals in circuses.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to require suppliers of exotic pets to provide written information to customers concerning housing and care for certain threatened species. [99127]

The Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended in 1983) requires any person keeping a pet shop to be licensed by their local authority under such conditions as may be specified.The Government have no plan to introduce an explicit legal requirement that suppliers of exotic pets should provide written information to customers concerning housing and care for such animals. The welfare of exotic animals kept as pets is, however, provided for under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, under which it is an offence to ill-treat or cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal.It is widely accepted that it is good practice for pet shops to give customers advice on how to care for their animals. The Pet Care Trust (the organisation for the pet trade) include, as part of their Code of Practice for Retailers, a requirement that pet care leaflets should be made available to customers, where appropriate, at the time of purchase.Trade in endangered species is strictly controlled by the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Under CITES, welfare requirements must be satisfied before any threatened species will be allowed to enter the country. Subsequent movements of such animals are also controlled.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the increased numbers of cruelty convictions against pet shops over the last year; and if he will make it his policy to introduce a more robust and comprehensive inspection and licensing regime. [99128]

There has been a two per cent. increase in the latest available statistics for cruelty convictions under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, but it is not possible to identify the incidence of such cases involving pet shops.There are no plans to amend the Pet Animals Act 1951, by which pet shops are inspected and licensed by local authorities, and under which conditions are imposed relating to standards of welfare of animals kept in pet shops. Enforcement of the legislation is entirely for local authorities, who have the range of powers needed to detect cruelty and bring prosecutions when appropriate.The provisions of the 1951 Act, together with the Protection of Animals Act 1911, under which it is an offence to cause any domestic or captive animal unnecessary suffering, provide adequate protection for animals in pet shops.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in the applications leading to existing OECD guideline 401 licences issued (a) before 5 September 1998 and (b) since that date approximately how many animals it was envisaged would be used; [99140](2) what steps he is taking to encourage other EU states to adopt the UK position on LD50 tests; [99131](3) by what date he proposes to review Guideline 401 licences; and what the outcome was of reviews already carried out; [99143](4) against what criteria he proposes to review existing OECD guideline 401 licences issued before 5 September 1998; [99142](5) what legal advice he has received in respect of OECD guideline 401 licences granted

We have accepted that Section 5 (5) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, as amended in September 1998, does not allow licensing of the Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) test for the purpose of meeting international regulatory requirements. The general principle is that a test will be licensed only where there is not a scientifically valid and reasonably practicable and accepted alternative.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to repeal section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. [99122]

Under the proposals for the Freedom of Information Bill, we will review all statutory bars on the disclosure of information, including section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. No decision has yet been taken on whether to repeal or amend section 24.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons the policy as to whether or not to disclose information has been changed from one based on substantial harm to one based on prejudice to the effective conduct of public affairs. [99124]

The Freedom of Information Bill translates the policy proposals contained in the White Paper, 'Your Right to Know', into legislation. It is necessary in the Bill to express the Government's intentions in language that is clear to those who are affected as well as the courts. The Government have therefore used in most cases a test of prejudice, as this test has been used in similar legislation such as the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Local Government Act 1972 and is well understood by the courts and practitioners. The Information Commissioner will have power to overturn reliance on an exemption in any case if the "prejudice" test is not properly made out. The Commissioner will be able to ensure that any prejudice caused will be "real", "actual", or "of substance".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to ensure that there are no blanket confidentiality clauses in the forthcoming Freedom of Information Bill. [99123]

Nothing in the Freedom of Information Bill prevents the disclosure of information by public authorities if it is otherwise lawful. However, I am satisfied some information should be exempt from the statutory right to know where issues of privacy or confidentiality apply, where the effective conduct of public affairs is at issue or where prejudice would, or would be likely to occur to a specified interest.In some cases, it is right that an exemption should apply in all circumstances. However, the Freedom of Information Bill provides that, in most cases, the public authority should further consider whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the public interest in maintaining the exemption in question. In this way, the greater amount of openness can be delivered consistent with effective Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Government's support for a ban on hunting with hounds is dependent on the findings of the committee of inquiry he has set up to look into the issue. [99120]

The purpose of the inquiry is for the facts about hunting properly to be decided and to inform the debate. The issue of hunting with hounds will be a matter for a free vote for all Members of Parliament, including members of the Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Christchurch dated 26 July about Mrs. Seaward. [99465]

I am very sorry that the hon. Member has not received a reply to his letter. This is a complicated and involved case and I will write to him as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will reply to the letter of 10 September from the hon. Member for Christchurch concerning the visa application of Victoriano Sarmiento. [99464]

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 15 November 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of further education students received help with child care costs through access funds in 1999–2000 and 1998–99. [98671]

We estimate that in 1998–99 around four per cent. of students with a dependent child received help with child care costs from the FE Access Fund or from the Further Education Funding Council tariff scheme, which provided approximately 18,000 students with free child care. In 1999–2000 the FE Access Fund will be increased almost four-fold to £36 million and the FEFC direct child care support will be boosted by an additional –5 million. No figures are yet available for 1999–2000 on numbers of students assisted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to require universities to conduct research in respect of their compliance with Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and relevant sections of the Human Rights Act 1998; and if he will make a statement. [98524]

As bodies receiving public funding, universities must ensure that they operate in a manner which adheres to the Human Rights Act 1998. As autonomous organisations, universities are responsible for monitoring their own admission and operating policies and as such should ensure their own compliance with the Human Rights Act. The Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for England, do not, at present, have any plans to investigate this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what analysis he has made of the reasons for the real terms fall in education expenditure in 1998–99, as compared with 1997–98, shown in his Department's Statistical Bulletin 10/99. [98641]

The Budget for 1998–99 would have provided an increase of just £182 million for schools—a 1.5 per cent. cut in real terms. As a result of early action by this Administration, that increase was raised to over £1 billion—an increase of 5.6 per cent., or 3 per cent. in real terms. In doing so we averted the potential loss of an estimated 15,000 teachers between 1997–98 and 1998–99 and saw teacher numbers rise by 4,000. This meant that instead of the pupil:teacher ratio worsening from 18.9 to an estimated 19.5, it improved to 18.8.In addition, we introduced the New Deal for Schools, providing an extra £1.1 billion for repair of school buildings. Between 1998–99 and 2001–02 we are doubling capital spending in schools.The Comprehensive Spending Review, announced in July 1998, meant an extra £16 billion for education in England over the three years from 1999–2000. By the end of the Parliament, we will be spending 17 per cent. more in real terms on education than in 1997–98. In the first two budgets of this Government, spending per pupil has increased in real terms by £80 and by 2001–02 it will have increased by £220. The 1997–98 budget was decided and allocated before May 1997 and is the responsibility of the previous administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what arrangements he has put in place to ensure a common approach to the intensification of research selectivity between higher education funding bodies responsible for the various constituent parts of the United Kingdom. [99121]

The four higher education funding bodies jointly sponsor the UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise, and allocate over 90 per cent. of research funding according to its outcomes. The assessment process is identical in all parts of the UK, and in each case the key determinants in calculating an institution's grant are the quality and volume of its research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the (a) cost and (b) number of beneficiaries of making Home Responsibilities Protection automatic for all recipients of Invalid Care Allowance. [98457]

Recipients of Invalid Care Allowance are credited with Class 1 National Insurance contributions for each week for which they get this benefit. They would derive no additional benefit from Home Responsibilities Protection.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the compliance by the Turkish Government with each article of the United Nations Convention on Human Rights. [98596]

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not in itself a legally binding convention. However, it sets the framework for the six core international human rights treaties. We urge Turkey to ratify and fully implement these treaties.We monitor the situation in Turkey closely and are in regular contact with non-governmental human rights organisations. We seek to ensure that the Turkish Government is fully aware of the importance we attach to countries complying with those international human rights mechanisms to which they have signed up.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Turkey over the Kurdish problem. [98820]

We regularly raise human rights issues in our bilateral discussions with the Turkish government. We have repeatedly stressed to the Turkish authorities that a lasting solution to the conflict in south east Turkey can come about only if the Turkish government addresses the social and economic problems of the south east and the aspirations of the Kurdish population there.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the prospects for displaced Kurds to return to their villages in Turkey. [98819]

Village clearances in south east Turkey have virtually ceased since 1997. We welcome that, and the Turkish authorities' recent efforts to encourage re-population of these villages. Since repairs to key infrastructure, several thousand Kurds have begun to return. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what negotiations he has had with the Government of Bulgaria over possible closure dates for the four nuclear power station units at its Kozloduy power plant; and if he will make a statement. [98741]

We strongly support G7 and EU efforts to improve nuclear safety in Central and Eastern Europe. Within the EU, the Commission is leading the negotiations with the Bulgarian Government over closure dates for units 1–4 at Kozloduy nuclear power plant, as part of the wider EU enlargement process. Our Ambassador in Sofia has encouraged the Bulgarians to work with the Commission on a realistic timetable for closure of units 1–4, in line with Bulgaria's international commitments, including its Accession Partnership within the EU. We strongly support the Commission's efforts to secure an agreement with the Bulgarians on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures Her Majesty's Government have put in place to ensure the freezing of funds and financial resources of senior UNITA officials and adult members of their immediate families to comply with United Nations Security Council resolution 1173 (1998). [99157]

I refer my hon. Friend to the speech on Angola I made on 20 November 1999, a copy of which I have placed in the Library. Following adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1173 (1998), the Angola (United Nations Sanctions) Order 1998 (SI 1998/1752) came into force on 23 July. It imposes restrictions on certain actions making available or otherwise transferring funds and financial resources to or to the benefit of UNITA as an organisation or senior officials of UNITA or adult members of their immediate families.The Angola (United Nations) (Dependent Territories) Order 1998 (SI 1998/1753) implements these measures in the Overseas Territories. The Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Channel Islands) Order 1998 (SI 1998/1756) and the Angola (United Nations Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 1998 (SI 1998/1757) implements these measures in the Crown Dependencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance Her Majesty's Government have given to the work of the United Nations Panel of Experts on Angola sanctions with regard to their investigations into (a) UNITA arms purchases, (b) UNITA oil purchases and (c) UNITA diamond sales. [99159]

We fully support the work of the UN Sanctions Committee on Angola and the Expert Panels and will make a financial contribution in the region of $200,000 towards the cost of the Expert Panels' work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures Her Majesty's Government have put in place to ensure the prohibition of direct and indirect imports from Angola to the United Kingdom of diamonds that are not controlled through the Certificate of Origin regime of the Angolan Government to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1173 (1998). [99156]

Following adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1173 (1998), the Open General Import Licence was amended to prohibit the import into the UK of diamonds exported from Angola not accompanied by a Certificate of Origin issued by the Government of Unity and National Reconciliation of Angola (GURN).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what involvement Her Majesty's Government will have in the new United Nations Office in Angola to be established, pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1268 (1999). [99162]

We voted in favour of UNSC Resolution 1268 establishing the United Nations Office in Angola (UNOA). As a major contributor to the United Nations, we will be providing funds for UNOA in accordance with our budgetary responsibilities. The detail of UNOA's staffing and tasks are under discussion between the UN Secretary-General and the Government of Angola.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 15 and 16 November; and if he will make a statement. [98505]

The General Affairs Council in Brussels on 15 November adopted the A points listed in document 12700/99 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinion adopted by the European Parliament in its session of 25–29 October listed in document 11449/99. Copies of the documents listing the A points and resolutions will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department takes the United Nations' Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners into account before approving the grant of export licences for oversize cuffs, jumbo cuffs and other restraining equipment. [98541]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: The UK fully supports the provisions set out in the United Nations' Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.The statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson) on 28 July 1997,

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on continuing peace initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [99242]

The Lusaka Agreement offers the best chance of lasting peace in DRC. We are working to support its successful implementation. We continue to urge all parties to implement the agreement in full and to cooperate closely with the UN and other international organisations. We are providing people and money to help implement the military aspects. We are ready, in principle, to support the establishment of a UN force to help implement the agreement. We are also encouraging the DRC authorities and the OAU to press ahead with the planned national debate on the future of the DRC, and are ready to provide funding for this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea. [99234]

The situation in Ethiopia and Eritrea remains delicately poised. Eritrea has accepted the Technical Arrangements for implementation of the OAU Framework Agreement. Ethiopia has difficulties with this document.Algeria, as current chair of the OAU, is continuing to work with both sides to find a way of moving the process forward. The OAU's mediation efforts have our full support.We continue to urge both sides to remain engaged; to refrain from a return to fighting; and to reach a peaceful solution to the current crisis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the development of the Urra Dam in Colombia. [99253]

We received written representations on the Urra Dam project in January and February 1999. Officials in the British Embassy in Bogota are aware of the background to the project and are monitoring developments closely.Officials in the British Embassy in Bogota discussed this project with the Colombian authorities and an NGO representing the Embera-Katio Indians earlier this year, we have asked them to report on the latest developments

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning Occidental Petroleum and the indigenous U'wa of Colombia. [99254]

We have received written representations on Occidental and the U'wa Indians of Colombia in November 1997. Officials in the British Embassy in Bogota are aware of the background to this dispute and are following developments closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to his United States counterpart with regard to United States military intervention in Colombia. [99252]

We have regular discussions with our US counterparts on a range of foreign policy issues. Those discussions have included the situation in Colombia and the importance of international support for efforts to secure a peaceful resolution of that country's problems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the transcript of the interviews the Metropolitan Police held with (a) Movladi Akhmetkhanov and (b) Turpal Atgerier. [99250]

The information sought was provided in confidence (exemptions 1c and 14a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information) and its disclosure could prejudice future cooperation in this and other cases (exemption 14b). The killings of the four hostages in Chechnya are also the subject of continuing law enforcement and possible legal proceedings by the Russian and Chechen authorities (exemption 4). It is therefore not appropriate to place records of these discussions in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the remit given by his Department to the Metropolitan Police in respect of their investigation into the murdered hostages in Chechnya. [99251]

The British Police have no general remit to investigate the murder of British nationals overseas. However, the Metropolitan Police Service carried out certain inquiries in support of the efforts of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to establish the circumstances of the killings of British hostages in Chechnya. There was no written remit; these inquiries followed HMG's efforts during the kidnap, in which the police always play an integral part.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what contribution the United Kingdom will make to international monitoring missions to Sri Lanka to oversee the presidential elections; [99427](2) what steps he will ask the Commonwealth to take to oversee the presidential elections in Sri Lanka. [99426]

The Elections Commissioner in Sri Lanka has not yet decided whether to invite international election monitors to oversee the Presidential Elections. We await his decision. However it is important that the elections are free and fair and the UK stands ready to assist.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Nigerian Government about the imposition of Sharia laws in the state of Zamfara. [99428]

The imposition of Sharia law in Zamfara State is a matter for the Nigerian authorities. The Nigerian Constitution allows for civil cases to be considered under Sharia law. But there is still some confusion over the scope of the Zamfara provisions, and over the interpretation of the Constitution. We are monitoring the situation closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Sudanese Government concerning human rights abuses in the Sudan. [99429]

We regularly make representations to the Government of Sudan both on human rights concerns in general and on individual cases; bilaterally and through the EU. For example, human rights issues were one of the key areas of discussion when the EU resumed a political dialogue with the Government of Sudan on 10 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Wunlit Peace Accords signed in March 1999 in southern Sudan. [99240]

We have kept in regular touch with the New Sudan Council of Churches, the co-ordinators of the Wunlit Conference, and others involved. Our understanding is that the Conference had considerable success in tackling a number of Nuer/Dinka conflicts and that concrete change is now evident on the ground. This is welcome news.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his (a) European and (b) American counterparts concerning the peace process in Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [99241]

We continue to give priority to peace work in the Sudan. We have been active members of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF) and helped put together the proposal for a permanent Secretariat in Nairobi which is now operational. We have pledged a financial contribution to the Secretariat and will continue to give the peace process political backing working with many colleagues including the EU and US.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in Western Sahara. [99257]

UN efforts to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Western Sahara continue. Progress has been slowed by the large number of appeals against voter identification process. We expect the US Secretary-General to issue his report on the current situation there in early December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress in clearing land mines in Mozambique. [98743]

I have been asked to reply.Good progress in the clearance of land mines in Mozambique is being made with support from several donors. My Department has funded the clearance of over 200km of road, 2 million square metres of land and destruction of over 10,000 explosive devices in Zambezia Province. This programme will continue until March 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions his Department has taken to implement the measures outlined in his speech of 28 July 1997, Official Report, columns 65–66, on action taken to ban the export of electro-shock weapons. [98543]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: I have been asked to reply.The export to any destination of all of the items covered by the ban announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 28 July 1997,

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will define new renewable sources of energy, as set out in his pre-Budget report for exemption from the proposed climate change levy. [99191]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: The technologies within the proposed definition and eligible for exemption from the climate change levy when used to generate electricity are:

• Wind Energy
• Hydro Power (excluding those exceeding 5MW)
• Tidal Power
• Wave Energy
• Photovoltaics
• Photoconversion
• Geothermal Hot Dry Rock
• Geothermal Aquifers
• Municipal and Industrial Wastes
• Landfill Gas
• Agriculture and Forestry Wastes
• Energy Crops.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) on what basis he has increased his estimates for carbon emissions savings due to increases in fuel duties between 1996 and 2010, as set out in the pre-Budget Report; [99185](2) if his revised figure for carbon emission savings due to fuel duty increases between 1996 and 2010, set out in the pre-Budget report, takes into account ending the automatic fuel escalator; and from what year. [99186]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: The Chancellor made clear in the pre-Budget Report that the appropriate level of fuel duties will now be decided on a Budget by Budget basis. Given this, the estimates of carbon savings in the PBR do not assume real terms rises in fuel duties from Budget 2000 onwards.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what expenditure he plans to make from revenues hypothecated from increases in fuel duty in each of the next three years. [99317]

In his Pre-Budget Report, the Chancellor announced that in future he would decide the appropriate level of road fuel duties on a Budget by Budget basis, taking account of the Government's economic and social objectives as well as the UK's environmental commitments.The Chancellor also announced that the revenues from any future real terms increases in road fuel duties would go straight to a ring-fenced fund for improving public transport and modernising the road network.The amounts involved will be announced in each year's budget in the normal way.