To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the policy of allowing armed forces personnel below the age of 18 years to serve in war zones, in peacekeeping or other combat roles; and if he will make a statement. [94344]

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: The armed forces recruit only volunteers, and those who join under the age of 18 do so only with the written consent of parents and guardians. No personnel are deployed until they are well into their 17th year and only after they have undergone thorough professional training. Our recruitment and deployment policies are in line with international standards set by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the recent International Labour Convention 182 which prohibits the forced or compulsory recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list average training days, by Army trade, for (a) 1997 and (b) 1998. [95411]

The information asked for is not available in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, the length of time typically taken for a soldier to progress from enlistment to completion of Specialist Training, i.e. to be sent to the Field Army as a trained soldier, is shown in the table, broken down by Arm or Corps. These times do not change significantly from year to year and are based on current information.

Days
Arm or Corps	Time in basic training	Time in specialist training	Total
Royal Armoured Corps	90	117	207
Infantry	90	138	228
Army Air Corps	90	175	265
Royal Artillery	90	111	201
Royal Engineers	90	505	595
Royal Signals	90	398	488
Royal Logistics Corps	90	282	372
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers	90	559	649
Adjutant Generals Corps	90	62	152

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Falkland Islanders have enlisted in HM armed forces in each year since 1981. [95312]

Data readily available indicate that:

Naval Service: since 1996, no Falkland Islanders have enlisted as ratings;

Army: since 1986, two Falkland Islanders have enlisted, joining in 1994–95 on Short Service Engagements;

RAF: since 1981, no Falkland Islander has enlisted.

In the case of the Naval Service and the Army, information prior to the dates indicated could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Falkland Islanders are currently serving in each service of HM armed forces. [95313]

Data readily available indicate that there are no Falkland Islanders currently serving in the Naval Service, Army or RAF.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on force levels in the Falkland Islands. [96090]

The Government remain firmly committed to the defence of the Falkland Islands and the right of the Islanders to determine their own future. There are no plans to make changes to the front line strength of our forces stationed there. We have concluded however that minor adjustments can be made to some elements of the Falklands garrison without diminishing our ability to ensure the security of the Islands. These adjustments will reduce the number of service men and service women stationed there by around 100. The first of these adjustments, the withdrawal of a contingent of Royal Engineers, took place in early September. The remaining changes will be implemented over the coming months. These changes are a further demonstration of this Government's efforts to ease the burden on the armed forces where at all possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the General Officer Commanding in Northern Ireland has to close Army bases or establishments in the Province within the next three months. [95341]

The General Officer Commanding in Northern Ireland keeps the operational requirement for Army bases in the Province constantly under review. No decision has been taken to close any base within the next three months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list total manpower commitments for the Armed Forces in each year since 1995; and what has been the total manpower available in each year. [95324]

We do not hold information on total manpower commitments in the form that the hon. Member requests. These will vary at any point in a year depending on the circumstances. The total trained strength of the Armed Forces, including Gurkhas, on 1 April of each year since 1995 was as follows:

	Number
1 April 1995	226,328
1 April 1996	212,164
1 April 1997	197,390
1 April 1998	193,914
1 April 1999	190,506

Our commitment to achieve full manning in all three Services is a key component of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). Recruiting is buoyant; for example, the Army have just had their best recruiting year this decade, and each Service is taking vigorous steps to tackle the problem of retention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many under-18-year-old UK service personnel are serving in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) Kosovo. [95684]

As at 1 September 1999, the latest date for which figures are available, the numbers of UK service personnel under 18 years of age serving in Northern Ireland and Kosovo are:

Northern Ireland: 26

Kosovo: 49.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost of United Kingdom military actions against Iraq in the current financial year; and what proportion of those costs have been borne by (a) UK public funds and (b) other sources. [95547]

Information on the expenditure to date this year on ongoing military operations in the Gulf is not held centrally and could be collated only with disproportionate effort. However, excluding the value of assistance provided through host nation support, expenditure on such operations last year amounted to some £35 million, and is forecast to be some £28 million this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement setting out the key targets which have been set for the Disposal Sales Agency for financial year 1999–2000. [96020]

Since its launch in October 1994 the Agency has brought in over £400 million in gross sales receipts and has achieved significant efficiency savings through contractorisation of the disposals business. The Key Targets which have been set for the Chief Executive of the Disposal Sales Agency for this financial year are aimed at a continued focus on receipts, much of which has been achieved through British companies participation, and to ensure continual improvement in efficiency and working practices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the current security situation in Bosnia and the potential implications for the numbers of UK troops deployed there. [96088]

The UK remains fully committed to supporting NATO operations in Bosnia. In conjunction with Allies, we have just completed a careful assessment of the current security situation in Bosnia. The situation has improved sufficiently in the four years since the deployment of the Implementation Force (IFOR) for NATO to move safely to a restructured force, of some 20,000 members. The implication for UK forces is that 900 personnel will now return to the UK, without replacement, before Christmas. The UK contribution to the Stabilisation Force (SFOR) will then stand at some 3,300.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will announce a decision on the way ahead for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency public private partnership proposals. [96089]

Following the announcement on 6 July that further discussions with stakeholders were continuing, we have held consultations with interested parties, including UK industry, our international partners, DERA staff and trade unions. In response to the feedback we have received, and a number of views expressed, we have decided to widen the scope of these discussions to address the issues raised in the consultation process. We will now undertake further work on these issues. This process will continue into the New Year.We continue to work positively for a PPP result which will strengthen DERA's ability to continue to provide world class scientific research and enable it to be a flexible and responsive organisation which can attract investment and develop new business, while at the same time preserving our essential defence interests and maintaining our valuable collaborative relationships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 July 1999, Official Report, column 427, if he will make a statement on the progress of the Joint Task Force set up by the UN Environment Programme and the UN Commission on Human Settlements on the environmental effects of the conflict in Kosovo. [95810]

The joint UN Environment Programme/UN Commission on Human Settlements Balkans Task Force issued its report "The Kosovo Conflict: Consequences for the Environment" on 5 October 1999. A copy of the report will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number and running costs of (a) Royal Navy shore stations, (b) Army core headquarters and (c) RAF bases in (i) the South East of England, (ii) England, (iii) Scotland, (iv) Wales and (v) Northern Ireland. [95277]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel are (a) on secondment from UK armed forces serving with foreign armed services and (b) from abroad serving with UK armed forces, specifying their ranks and to which service they belong; and if he will make a statement. [95931]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many requests there have been to his Department for placement of officials from Central, East European and CIS states as twins of his officials; how many such officials have been accepted as twins; and from which countries (a) those who were accepted and (b) those who were not accepted came. [94001]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) gave on 25 October 1999, Official Report, columns 739–40.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of the £594m of new efficiency improvements achieved in 1998–99, indicating where the savings were made; and if he will make a statement. [95551]

I refer the hon. Member to the letter sent on 27 July by the then Secretary of State, Lord Robertson, to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key), a copy of which was placed in the Library of the House. That letter provides a breakdown of the £594 million of new efficiency improvements in 1998–99, £89 million more than the target of £505 million.Both service and civilian personnel made this achievement across all parts of my Department by seeking out genuine efficiencies. The extra efficiency gains have been retained by the defence budget and have contributed to funding other defence priorities. This further demonstrates the MOD's commitment to improving our capability and performance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what preparations her Department is making for input into the EU position for the next meeting of the Biosafety Protocol; and if she will make a statement. [94826]

My Department has been closely involved in the UK contribution to the EU position for the next meeting of the Biosafety Protocol to ensure that it takes account of developing country concerns.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made on debt relief for Rwanda; and if she will make a statement on the Rwanda Trust Fund. [95237]

Rwanda's external debt burden is heavy. At the end of 1998, Rwanda's debt stock was around US$1.2 billion, equivalent to 59 per cent. of GDP.Multilateral creditors account for over 80 per cent. of Rwanda's external debt stock. A Multilateral Debt Trust Fund was established in 1998 to service Rwanda's debts to the International Development Association, the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development over the period 1999–2001, using funds pooled by bilateral donors. The UK contributed £10.6 million to this Fund in 1999, as part of the disbursement of the £30 million of flexible assistance committed in the Development Partnership Understanding signed by the two Governments in April 1999. The Fund is expected to be adequately financed through to the end of 2000. The UK will keep under review whether a further UK contribution to the Multilateral Debt Fund might be appropriate.We strongly support the agreement at the 1999 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank to revise the framework for debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC), and to link it to poverty reduction much more strongly. For Rwanda, the revisions mean additional debt relief, provided that it continues to pursue sound policies, and a start to this relief three years earlier than under the original HIPC framework. Rwanda's Decision Point, when it will start to receive its HIPC debt relief, is likely to be in the next year or so. The UK will press for the maximum reduction in multilateral debt servicing in the early years, consistent with Rwanda being able to spend the savings effectively on programmes to reduce poverty.In July 1998, agreement was reached between Paris Club official bilateral creditors (Austria, Canada, France, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States) and Rwanda on a debt rescheduling on Naples terms. All the relevant bilateral agreements with Paris Club creditors have now been signed.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the use of the money earmarked by her Department for Aids vaccine research. [95285]

We are providing £14.2 million over 5 years to support the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) in developing an AIDS vaccine which is safe, effective and affordable for the developing world. This supplements our work with the Medical Research Council and the European Commission. IAVI are harnessing public and private human and financial resources to accelerate testing of a number of promising candidate AIDS vaccines suitable to market to developing countries within 10–15 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent reports she has received regarding food supplies in Bahr el Ghazal, Southern Sudan. [95236]

Latest reports show that food supplies in Bahr el Ghazal are relatively good this year and certainly much better than in 1998. The bulk of supplies consumed in the region are from local production but a top-up of food aid continues at a rate of between 3,000 and 4,000 metric tonnes per month. Although food aid deliveries are below planning figures, the low observed rates of malnutrition confirm improvements over the last year.The UN Annual Needs Assessment for Sudan, which is being carried out by FAO and WFP, is presently under way. We await its results with interest.

To ask the Prime Minister what papers were passed during the past 10 years on the authority of (a) the Foreign Secretary, or (b) other Ministers, to Professor Christopher Andrew relating to Oleg Gordievsky, (i) in connection with his defection and (ii) in relation to other matters; and if he will make a statement. [94705]

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: No such papers have been passed during this Government. I am not accountable for what happened under previous Governments.

To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions member states of the European Union (a) have invoked and (b) have threatened to invoke the Luxembourg Compromise. [95306]

There is no central record of the number of times member states have invoked or threatened to invoke the Luxembourg Compromise. We are not aware of any formal invocation since this Government took office.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) when Michael John Smith (prison number PR 3345) will receive a substantive reply to his letter of 10 January 1997 to the Secretary of the Security Commission; and what was the reason for the delay; [96168](2) why undertakings contained in the letter of 7 January 1998 from the Secretary of the Civil Service Commission to Michael John Smith (prison number 3345) were not fulfilled. [96167]

Mr. Smith last wrote on 3 August 1999 requesting a substantive reply to his letter of 10 January 1997. An acknowledgement was sent on 13 August by the current Secretary of the Security Commission also apologising for any earlier delays. A substantive response, approved by the Chairman of the Security Commission, was sent on 13 October 1999. This pointed out that the questions raised in Mr. Smith's letter of 10 January 1997 relating to the Security Commission Inquiry had already been dealt with in correspondence from the then Secretary of the Security Commission dated 20 December 1996 and in the Report of the Security Commission on Mr. Smith's case published in July 1995.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received requesting that a judicial inquiry be held into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Robert Hamill; and if he will make a statement. [95356]

The Government have received a number of requests for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Robert Hamill. Whilst an inquiry has not been ruled out the Government take the view that this ought not to be considered while there is the possibility of disciplinary proceedings by the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary against police officers following the (Northern Ireland) Director of Public Prosecution's direction of no prosecution on 30 September 1999.

To ask the Prime Minister if fisheries policy will be negotiated at the forthcoming intergovernmental conference. [95786]

No. The Common Fisheries Policy will be reviewed in 2002.

To ask the Prime Minister which is the lead Department in considering the effects of the drug pyridostigmine bromide in relation to the report of the RAND Corporation for the San Diego Veterans' Affairs Medical Centre. [95658]

The Ministry of Defence is taking the lead in considering the report of the review, by the RAND Corporation, of the scientific literature on pyridostigmine bromide as it pertains to Gulf War illnesses.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the officials in his Department who have held discussions with (a) the hon. Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson) or (b) his representatives concerning the content of his memoirs. [95874]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list his Department's spending on official publications since May 1997. [93679]

The spending on official publications since May 1997, which includes the costs incurred by the Department in publishing, preparation and production, was £13,206,319. This excludes the cost of publications produced for internal use. Where the Department makes use of a private sector publisher the publishing, printing and design costs are generally met by the publisher as part of their acceptance of the risks of publication.In addition, my Department spent £221,154 on purchase of copies for official use from The Stationery Office between April 1997 and March 1999. Due to changes in ordering and payment systems this information is no longer held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much income his Department has received from Patent GB222 6443 Helium-Neon Lasers; when the patent came into force; and when it is due to expire. [94465]

[holding answer 19 October 1999]: My Department has received income of £29,800 from patent "GB222 6443 Helium-Neon Lasers". It was filed on 5 May 1988, was granted on 8 January 1992 and is due to expire in 2008.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on policy towards year 2000 product liability. [95409]

Computer equipment which is sold as year 2000 compliant and accessory equipment designed to fix systems so that they will be year 2000 compliant are subject to the Sale of Goods Act 1979. This requires goods to be of satisfactory quality and fit for their intended purpose. People suffering harm from defective products may have a right to compensation under Part I of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which implemented the EC Product Liability Directive (85/374/EEC) into UK law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those proposals within the social chapter remit which (a) have been placed before the Council since United Kingdom accession to that Chapter and (b) are currently being drafted; and what has been United Kingdom policy on each. [95296]

The Social Chapter proposals placed before the Council since the United Kingdom's accession to that Chapter are:

a Commission proposal for a Council Directive concerning a Framework Agreement on Part-time Work (1997/81/EC) was forwarded to the Council on 28 July 1997. The Directive supports the Government's commitment to improving the functioning of the UK labour market by increasing its flexibility while providing a framework of minimum standards for workers.

a Directive concerning a Framework Agreement on Fixed-term Work (1999/70/EC) was forwarded to the Council on 30 April 1999. We support the aim of ensuring that fixed term contracts are not abused, while retaining flexibility. In implementing the directive, we will ensure that people's freedom to enter into contracts which suit their circumstances is not limited; and finally,

a Commission proposal for a Council directive establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European Community (13099/98, COM (98)612) was forwarded by the Commission to the Council on 17 November 1998. The Government is not persuaded of the need for a directive on information and consultation in undertakings operating only at national level, which is difficult to reconcile with subsidiarity and would cut across existing practices in member states to no benefit.

I am not aware of any further Social Chapter proposals being drafted by the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the Export Credits Guarantee Department to make a final decision on whether to extend UK export credit support for British firms involved in the construction of the Ilisu Dam in Turkey. [95160]

ECGD is some way from taking a final decision on the project. The issues are currently being considered with other interested Government Departments. There will also be further discussion with the export credit agencies supporting other contractors involved in the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the environmental and social impact assessments of the Ilisu Dam arrived at by the Government before a final decision is taken on whether or not to extend export credit support for the British firms involved. [95161]

It is intended to publish the independent reports commissioned by the Export Credits Guarantee Department on the environment and social impacts of Ilisu before a final decision is taken on whether or not to extend export credit support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what meetings have taken place between his Department and Balfour Beatty on the matter of the Ilisu Dam. [95162]

Since receiving Balfour Beatty's application for support on Ilisu, ECGD has held four meetings with Balfour Beatty. There have also been six meetings on the project at which both ECGD and Balfour Beatty were among the participants, three with other UK Government Departments and three with the other export credit agencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his Department will publish its response to the Competition Commission's report into the icecream industry. [95079]

The Competition Commission report on impulse icecream will be published as quickly as is practicable. I cannot comment on the likely publication date of the report, which remains confidential until publication. Copies of the report will be laid before Parliament at the same time as it is published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what outcomes the Government aims to achieve at the forthcoming trade round in Seattle. [95289]

The Government hope that a comprehensive Round of negotiations will be launched at Seattle with a negotiating agenda which reflects the interests of all members of the World Trade Organisation in a substantial new package of trade liberalisation and will be guided by the aim of sustainable development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received concerning reform of the World Trade Organisation. [95290]

The Government have received a range of representations many of which support the UK's and EU's call for the launch of a comprehensive Round of trade negotiations at Seattle. Some have expressed the desire to see the pace of liberalisation stopped and a review undertaken of existing World Trade Organisation Agreements. In such cases, the Government have explained that we need a new Round to keep up the pace of liberalisation to promote growth in the world economy, jobs for our people and resist protectionist pressures which threaten us all. At the same time, the Government accept that more can be done to strengthen the World Trade Organisation through increased transparency and dialogue. This communication effort is very much the responsibility of national governments and the UK is committed to playing its full part.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance he has given to (a) the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities and (b) Industrial Tribunals, on enforcing the new Working Time Regulations. [95698]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The Department of Trade and Industry published guidance on the Working Time Regulations, which covered enforcement, in September 1998. Copies were sent to the Health and Safety Executive and the Employment Tribunal Service (formerly the Industrial Tribunal Service). Guidance is also available on the Department website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what provision has been made to increase the resources available to (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) industrial tribunals, to enforce the new Working Time Regulations. [95699]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The Department of Trade and Industry transfers funds to the Health and Safety Executive for enforcing the working time limits. This funding is reviewed in the light of experience.Resources are allocated to the Employment Tribunal Service taking account of the Service's forecasts of overall caseload and operational requirements. Recent forecasts take into account the implementation of the Working Time Regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received on the enforcement mechanisms for the new Working Time Regulations. [95697]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The Department of Trade and Industry is in regular contact with interested parties about many aspects of the Working Time Regulations, including enforcement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure that the pricing policies of petrol wholesalers do not disadvantage independent retailers. [95746]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: Under UK competition legislation responsibility for monitoring markets, including the petrol market, and investigating allegations of anti-competitive practices lies with the Director General of Fair Trading. He has powers to act if necessary. Anyone with evidence of, or concerns about, anti-competitive pricing policies or other behaviour should contact the Director General.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received about criteria for allocating structural funds to the regions. [94212]

We received over 440 representations in response to the public consultation on determining areas for Structural Funds Objective 2 eligibility.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the procedures used to determine the selection of areas recommended for Objective 2 status. [94234]

On 8 October the Government submitted the UK proposals for new Objective 2 areas for 2000–06 to the European Commission.The procedure the Government used is set out in the document URN99/1021 "The Government's proposals for new Objective 2 areas". Copies have been sent to all Members.In drawing up its proposals the Government took account of responses to the earlier consultation exercise, and in particular of the proposals from the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to require electricity supply companies to upgrade consumer installations to comply with Building Standard BS 7671. [95264]

None. The decision and responsibility for any necessary upgrading of consumers' existing electrical installations is a matter for those consumers alone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent meetings (a) he, (b) his Ministers and (c) his officials held where UK investment in oil or gas developments in the Timor Gap was discussed; when these meetings were set up; with whom these meetings were held; what the precise purpose of the meetings was; and what involvement there was of Indonesian Government (i) Ministers, (ii) officials and (iii) businesses; and if he will make a statement. [95267]

All the dealings of my Department regarding oil and gas developments in the Timor Gap have been with the Australian side. To date there has been no involvement of Indonesian Government Ministers, officials or other organisations in relation to such developments.My officials visited Darwin in July 1999 and met the Northern Territory Minister, Hon. Daryl Manzie. Meetings were also held with the Office of Resource Development, Phillips Oil Company Australia, Woodside Energy Ltd., the Australian representative of the Australia-Indonesia Joint Authority for the Timor Gap Zone of Co-operation and with the University and local engineering and supply companies.These meetings were set up by the British Consulate-General in Perth, WA, to allow an assessment to be made of the likelihood of oil and gas developments going ahead in the Timor Gap and the opportunities these might present for the suppliers of UK goods and services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has made to the EU regarding changes to the EU Trademark Directive, with respect to allowing branded goods from outside the EU to be imported; and if he will make a statement. [95710]

Since the European Court of Justice, in its judgment in the Silhouette case last year, determined that European trade mark law allows trade mark owners to prevent the import of their goods into the EU, we have made it clear to our European partners and to the Commission that full discussion, including possible change to European law, must take place. This discussion should be informed by studies into the economic effects of this judgment, in particular on prices, competition and consumers.The European Commission has responded with a study undertaken by the consulting firm NERA which demonstrated that there would be a beneficial, if small impact on the European economy resulting from change to the law, and that such benefits would be focussed in certain sectors, especially clothing, footwear, perfumes and other luxury goods. Work undertaken by my Department concerning the United Kingdom economy, and by the Swedish government, supports these findings.We have ensured that trade mark rights and the results of these studies have been discussed at meetings of the Internal Market Council. The Council will consider the issue again at its meeting in November. In the meantime we are encouraging other member States to undertake investigations to ensure that discussion at the Council progresses and is well informed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what requirement there is for care workers to be paid at national minimum wage rates for time spent travelling between assignments; what representations he has received from and discussions he has had with care companies on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [95731]

The National Minimum Wage Regulation 15 provides that workers travelling on the business of their employer during their normal working hours must be paid the national minimum wage for that time, except where the travel is between the worker's home and place of work. I have received a number of representations on this issue from organisations involved in the provision of care work.We have asked the Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the impact of the national minimum wage on pay, employment and competitiveness. I would expect that care work providers will have taken the opportunity to raise this matter with the Commission.

To ask the Solicitor-General what training (a) in race awareness and (b) on employers' responsibilities under the Race Relations Act 1975 has been undertaken by (i) the DPP, (ii) CPS chief Crown prosecutors, (iii) CPS assistant chief Crown prosecutors and (iv) CPS branch Crown prosecutors; what plans he has to review training in (a) and (b); and if he will make a statement. [95773]

A programme of training in race awareness was introduced in the Crown Prosecution Service for all staff managers in September 1997. In the London Area, which has a high percentage of staff from minority racial and cultural backgrounds, this training was extended to all staff. The course covers the provisions of the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. The Director of Public Prosecutions and the Chief Executive have received this training since joining the CPS. The Chief Crown Prosecutors who were appointed to their posts this year will either have received this training earlier or should have done so by the end of the year. This training is now provided on an on-going basis so that all new managers receive it shortly after appointment.The structure, delivery and content of all training provided within the CPS is currently being reviewed by the Equality Committee that was formed within the Department in August this year.

To ask the Solicitor-General what the present position is in relation to the Commission for Racial Equality's possible investigation into the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement. [95774]

On 27 July 1999 the Commission for Racial Equality wrote to the Crown Prosecution Service indicating that it was minded to undertake a formal investigation under section 48 of the Race Relations Act 1976. The Crown Prosecution Service have made written representations to the Commission in response to their letter and discussed these with a number of Commissioners on 5 October. The Crown Prosecution Service is currently waiting to hear from the Commission with their conclusions.

To ask the Solicitor-General if an action plan for increasing the representation of women in public life has been (a) prepared by his Department and (b) published since November 1998. [94843]

The hon. Member is referred to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 25 October 1999, Official Report, column 682.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the cost of establishing the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. [95136]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: £350,000 has been allocated to cover the costs associated with the establishment of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLAC) in this year and next.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications were received for the position of Chief Executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; how many candidates were interviewed; and what salary the position carries. [95150]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: Thirty seven applications were received for the position of Chief Executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.Six Candidates were interviewed for the post. The position carries a salary of £67,500.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many incoming tourists to the UK there were annually since 1995; and what estimate he has made of the numbers for 1999. [95203]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: Since 1995 the number of incoming tourists to the UK has been as follows:

Thousand
Year	Visits to UK
1995	23,537
1996	25,163
1997	25,515
1998	25,745

There were 17.46 million visits to the UK in the first 8 months of 1999, an increase on 17.42 million visits in the equivalent period for 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the effectiveness to date of the Government's tourism strategy. [95117]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: "Tomorrow's Tourism" is a challenging strategy for the next decade with many long-term goals. Together with the industry, we have already made good progress, for example:

the creation of the English Tourism Council (ETC) to provide strategic leadership for the industry in England;

the launch of the new standardised accommodation rating system;

the addition of on-line accommodation booking facilities to BTA's award-winning "Visit Britain" website; the launch of 16 of the British Tourist Authority's planned 36 new websites overseas; and the launch of the "Britain—Now is the Time" campaign to market the UK as a visitor destination for the Millennium;

the successful hospitality careers festival held earlier this year;

the inclusion of many seaside resorts on the new Assisted Areas map.

A fuller progress report will be made at the first Tourism Summit early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has made to Her Majesty's Treasury regarding the impact on the tourism industry of airport passenger duty. [95118]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have discussed many matters of concern to the tourism industry, including air passenger duty (APD), with a wide range of ministerial colleagues including my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In addition, my officials have made contact with their colleagues in HM Customs and Excise when representations about APD have been made by industry representatives or members of the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the future arrangements for England-wide marketing within the tourism sector. [95132]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The British Tourist Authority continues to market England abroad as part of its overall remit. It does so in partnership with the Regional Tourist Boards and the English Tourism Council with which it has an Overseas Marketing Agreement. Domestically, the English Tourism Council retains a strategic policy overview of marketing and has a major role in carrying out market research and providing advice on techniques and best practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of the impact on the number of visitors to Britain of doubling airport passenger duty. [95124]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The new rates of APD were introduced on 1 November 1997. In the first twelve months (November 1997 to October 1998) in which the new rates were in operation there were an estimated 25.8 million visits to the UK, an increase of 3 per cent. on the previous twelve months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what amount in (a) percentage and (b) money terms of the New Opportunities Fund budget is currently spent on the purchase of brown-field sites for developing playing fields; [95199](2) what is the breakdown in

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: The New Opportunities Fund is currently consulting on the Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities initiative, and has so far made no grants under it. The policy directions that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has issued to NOF require it to commit at least 75 per cent. of the £125 million available for the initiative to green spaces, and NOF will decide in the light of its consultation exercise whether or not further to allocate this sum between particular types of project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if an action plan for increasing the representation of women in public life has been (a) prepared by his Department and (b) published since November 1998. [94854]

The Cabinet Office is responsible for co-ordinating the Government's initiative on equal opportunities and public appointments, so I therefore refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 25 October 1999, Official Report, column 682.This Government are committed to the equal representation of women and men in public appointments. A plan of action has been drawn up, which includes individual departmental plans for increasing the participation of women in public life. Details of individual Departments' plans are given in "Quangos: Opening up Public Appointments, 1999–2002", published by the Cabinet Office on 25 May 1999. Copies are in the Libraries of the House and on the Internet. The plans contain specific goals and objectives for increasing the representation of women on the boards of public bodies, and are updated annually in the light of progress made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment regarding the funding of dance and drama courses. [95114]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have had a number of discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and my noble Friend the Minister of State regarding the development of policy for funding dance and drama students.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received in relation to the future of Ealing Studios; and if he will make a statement. [95128]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: In addition to the representation from the hon. Member, my Department has received four representations about Ealing Studios, three of which were from interested parties.The National Film and Television School, as the owner of the land at Ealing, is responsible for the future of the site. As one of my Department's funded bodies, the School will keep my officials fully informed of its plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last met representatives of the London Borough of Brent to discuss the development of the national stadium at Wembley; and what discussions have taken place regarding section 106 proposals. [95144]

[holding answer 25 October 1999]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met representatives of the London Borough of Brent on 15 and 22 July to discuss general progress with the national stadium project. He has had no discussions with the London Borough of Brent about section 106 requirements related to the national stadium project, which are entirely matters for the planning authority and the applicant, Wembley National Stadium Limited, to resolve following submission of the formal planning application.I will be meeting representatives of the London Borough of Brent early next month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to increase public participation in Millennium Experience celebrations at a regional level; and if he will make a statement. [94069]

The Millennium Experience is already achieving considerable success in encouraging public participation at a local and regional level through its National Programme of events and activities and through its involvement with the Millennium Festival. To date 10 National Programme strands have been launched and another will be launched in December. Through this programme and the Millennium Festival, NMEC estimates it will have reached 40 million people before the end of the year 2000. Equally importantly, it believes it will have delivered a programme which will not only have encouraged people to celebrate this momentous point in time but will have left a legacy, the value of which will continue to be felt long after the Dome has ceased to welcome the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what events are planned in Shropshire as part of the Millennium Experience (a) National Programme and (b) Manpower National Skills Festival; and if he will make a statement. [94068]

The Millennium Experience National Programme is made up of a series of events and activities which aim to inspire everyone across the UK to take part and make a difference to us and to future generations. Shropshire and the West Midlands are keenly participating in many of these initiatives including over 40 major companies and public sector organisations signing up to Children's Promise; hundreds of schools busily composing a song for the Millennium as part of Voices of Promise; schools and the community in Shropshire performing in the Dome on 1 November 2000 for the Our Town Story show; and 74 Shropshire schools taking part in the creation of the greatest modern day domesday book on the internet. The area is also participating in the Manpower National Skills Festival, which encourages the promotion and celebration of vocational skills. The programme features regional contests and demonstrations culminating in the first-ever national skills championships at the NEC in Birmingham in July 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the integration of public transport in rural areas. [94220]

Most of the proposals in our integrated transport strategy apply to rural areas just as much as other areas of the country. Local Transport Plans in particular will provide a much sounder base for local authorities to develop effective rural transport strategies. Additionally, in view of the urgent need to improve transport in rural areas, we have made available £170 million over three years to improve rural public transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for the future of housing tenancy arrangements. [94225]

I have no immediate plans to make any changes to housing tenancy arrangements. I am aware, however, of the discussion paper published by the Chartered Institute of Housing on a single form of tenure for social housing.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the priority he will give to bypassing towns and villages on major trunk routes in his roads programme. [94227]

" A New Deal for Trunk Roads in England" sets out the priorities for investment in the trunk road network. Half the schemes in our targeted programme of improvements will provide bypasses of local communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that his target for house building on brown-field sites is met. [94228]

We have set in hand a number of policy initiatives to help authorities substantially increase their reuse of previously developed land. Chief amongst these is our radical revision of the last Government's outmoded planning guidance on housing (PPG3), which has caused so much greenfield development over the last decade.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his target for the proportion of new housing to be built on brown-field sites. [94232]

The Government's national target is that 60 per cent. of new housing should be built on previously developed land or provided by way of conversion of existing buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many houses will be built on greenfield sites in Lancashire in 1999–2000. [94236]

My Department does not estimate the number of new homes to be built. Estimates for Net Additional Dwelling Provision for 1991–2011, by county, are in Regional Planning Guidance for the North West (RPG13), but it does not make separate estimates for 'brownfield' or 'greenfield' sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has further to restrict house building in the green belt. [94237]

Planning Policy Guidance note 2——"Green Belts"——already recommends that local authorities' development plans should include a strict presumption against inappropriate development in the Green Belt. This includes most types of house building.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the draft Regional Strategies presented by the Regional Development Agencies. [94229]

Regional Development Agencies have today formally handed over their Regional Strategies to Ministers for consideration. We aim to respond to the strategies before the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the regional development agencies' regional strategies will be published; and if he will make a statement. [96169]

The Regional Development Agencies' regional strategies were handed over to Ministers today. Copies of those which have been printed to date have been placed in the Library of the House. The remainder will be placed in the Library as soon as they are published.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many young people sleeping rough in England have been settled in accommodation in the most recent year for which figures are available. [94230]

Comprehensive information on resettlement is not available. The Rough Sleepers Initiative has provided about 3,500 units of accommodation over the past 9 years, a large number of which have been let to young people.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in the work of the regional development agency in the eastern region. [94231]

The East of England Development Agency has achieved much since their official launch on 1 April this year and are now fully established with a committed and enthusiastic Board.The Agency have handed over the final version of their regional economic development strategy today and are currently working hard to finalise their first corporate plan.They have already announced over £20 million of Single Regeneration Budget funding, £4.3 million for the Skills Development Fund, almost £3 million for the Rural Development Programme and are managing Land and Property Regeneration schemes with a value of £25 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements he has made to ensure the accountability of English Partnerships to local communities. [94233]

In carrying out its activities in the former new town areas, English Partnerships has to have due regard for the convenience and welfare of people who live, work or carry on their business there. When drawing up its plans, it consults with local councils and other interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he now expects to publish the Housing Green Paper; and if he will make a statement. [94235]

We intend to publish a Housing Policy Green Paper in due course. The Green Paper will build on our achievements in housing to ensure that everyone is offered the opportunity of a decent home and so promote social cohesion, well-being and self-dependence.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the frequency and quality of Thameslink services to central London from Mill Hill Broadway and Hendon. [94239]

The frequency of service Thameslink are providing from Mill Hill Broadway and Hendon to Central London is greater than required by their Passenger Service Requirement. The Franchising Director is aware that services during peak periods are overcrowded beyond allowable thresholds and he has required Thameslink accordingly to produce a Feasibility Study detailing ways in which capacity can be increased to reduce this overcrowding. In addition to the Feasibility Study, Thameslink are currently negotiating with other train operators to lease additional trains.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made on the public private partnership for the London Underground. [94240]

Excellent progress has been made on the PPP. London Underground has been restructured, in shadow form, into one operating company and three infrastructure companies. Four consortia have been invited to tender for each of the two deep tube infrastructure companies. Discussions with Railtrack concerning the integration of the subsurface railway and the national rail network are continuing to make progress.The Greater London Authority Bill, which contains the new powers governing the public private partnership, is in its final stages in the House of Lords.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the principal capital sums which need to be expended on the London Underground in respect of (a) each line, (b) multi-line improvements and (c) other aspects, indicating the principal purposes of each and the (i) sums and (ii) proportion of each item or the total amount arising from the shortfall in past maintenance. [94792]

Information is not available in the form requested. London Underground have made the following line-by-line estimates of how much it will cost to implement the performance regime being developed for the first 15 years of the proposed Public Private Partnership. They estimate that £1.2 billion of the total projected expenditure of £7.36 billion can be attributed to past funding constraints on the Underground network.

£ million (1999–2000 prices)
Line	Indicative projection of 15 year investment expenditure
Bakerloo	390
Central, Waterloo and City	780
Victoria	900
Northern1	950
Jubilee2	280
Piccadilly	1,190
Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith and City	1,700
District	970
East London3	200
Total	7,360
1Northern Line train investment costs are contracted for under a separate PFI sceme and are excluded from these figures.
2Excludes operating and maintenance costs for the Jubilee Line Extension project.
3Excludes costs from potential project for extending East London Line.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will undertake a review of the Waste Minimisation Act 1998. [94241]

As the Waste Minimisation Act came into force only in November 1998, it is too early to undertake a review of it. During the passage of this Act, the Government promised to provide guidance to Local Authorities on the powers it conferred on councils and on the issue of consultation. My Department will be issuing such guidance shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in the north west with regard to implementing the recommendations contained in the report of the Urban Task Force, "The Urban Renaissance". [94242]

The Government is considering the recommendations of the Urban Task Force's report in its preparation of the new Urban and Rural White Papers which are due to be published next summer. The Government has launched a pilot urban regeneration company, Liverpool Vision, and has invited Manchester City Council to submit a proposal for a second pilot in East Manchester.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the impact of aquatic pollution on the Norfolk Broads. [94243]

The Environment Agency, as the environmental regulator, is responsible for keeping this matter under review. On their advice, parts of the Broads have been designated Sensitive Areas (eutrophic) under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. This is subject to 4 yearly review due to report next in 2001. Designation requires phosphorus removal from sewage treatment works into the affected waters to combat eutrophication. The Agency is keeping this and other pollution sources under review through monitoring and research. Proposals for further action will be included in the Broadland Rivers Local Environmental Action Plan, which is in the final stages of preparation following public consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned into alternative fuels. [94244]

The most recent research, commissioned jointly by my Department, DTI and MAFF, compared the emissions performance of a wide range of alternatively fuelled vehicles. The results were published by HMSO early last year as "Alternative Road Transport Fuels—UK field trials, Volumes 1 and 2".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Ministers of other EU countries about climate change and the impact upon rare animal species. [94245]

I regularly speak to my EU partners about the potential impacts of climate change and how to mitigate it. The EU fifth framework research programme includes a key action on global change, climate and biodiversity, and my Department and English Nature have commissioned research to address this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will report on progress in the establishment of the Regional Chamber in Yorkshire and Humberside. [94246]

The Regional Chamber for Yorkshire and Humberside was designated, under the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998, on 27 July 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on the provision of rural public transport. [94238]

We have received representations on the provision of public transport from a range of individuals living in rural areas, as well as from a number of interested organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the reduction in expenditure by his Department on housing benefit subsidy in respect of rent rebates paid to local authorities in each of the years

Projected rent rebate subsidy savings at time of transfer
£ million
Year of transfer	1992–93	1993–94	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02
1991–92	3.3	3.2	3.1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
1992–93	—	14.5	18.5	19.7	—	—	—	—	—	—
1993–94	—	—	14.4	13.3	9.2	—	—	—	—	—
1994–95	—	—	—	16.5	14.0	13.5	—	—	—	—
1995–96	—	—	—	—	26.7	26.6	26.3	—	—	—
1996–97	—	—	—	—	—	8.1	8.3	8.3	—	—
1997–98	—	—	—	—	—	—	28.6	28.4	28.6	—
1998–99	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	30.2	28.9	26.8

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to increase renovation grants for (a) improving the quality of housing in the private sector and (b) helping owner-occupiers on low incomes; and if he will make a statement. [94796]

Local authorities are responsible for paying renovation grants to help owner-occupiers on low incomes improve their homes and are funded from within the local authorities' housing capital programme, partly from subsidy allocated by central Government and partly from authorities' own resources. Decisions on the size of their renovation grant programme are taken by authorities in the light of their housing strategy and the housing needs of the different forms of tenure. From April next year, there will no longer be a separate ring-fenced allocation to support renovation grant expenditure. The resources will, instead, be included in a new single capital allocation for housing. This will give local authorities more freedom to decide the balance between investment in their own housing stock and in private sector renewal. Next year, local authorities will be allocated an additional £30 million for capital investment in housing, which is part of the additional £5 billion being made available over the life of this Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will extend section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to cover minicabs, with particular reference to the problems of sight-impaired people with guide dogs. [94865]

Such a change would require primary legislation and at this stage we have no plans to introduce any amendment in respect of private hire vehicles (PHVs).Having said that, there is a power available to licensing authorities outside London under Section 51(2) of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 1989–90 to 1998–99 as a result of large scale voluntary transfers of tenants to registered social landlords; and what are his estimates for 1999–2000 and for each of the years from 2000–01 to 2029–30. [94346]

The only estimates which have been made are the projections made for three years ahead at the time of each transfer. These are set out in the following table. Our records do not extend back to cover transfers made before 1991–92. No figures are available for 1999–2000 and future years because we do not yet know what transfers may occur.enabling them to attach such conditions to the grant of a PHV driver's licence as they consider reasonably necessary. Bearing in mind that this power is subject to an appeals procedure, it would be up to individual councils in their capacity as licensing authorities to consider whether it could, or should, be applied in respect of guide dogs.With regard to the situation in London, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 25 October,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to enhance railway security and policing, with special reference to assaults on railway staff. [95171]

The Government expects all public transport operators to adopt the crime prevention strategies in our guidance "Personal Security on Public Transport—Guidelines for Operators". This includes measures such as CCTV, improved lighting and the availability of trained staff.My Department has launched the Secure Stations scheme, with the British Transport Police (BTP) and Crime Concern, to encourage railway companies to work with the BTP to improve security and reduce the fear of crime. Stations can apply to become accredited as "Secure Stations" by meeting agreed standards on crime prevention measures. 21 stations have so far been independently awarded "Secure Station" status.Assaults on railway staff are a growing problem and the Health and Safety Commission's Railway Industry Advisory Committee (RIAC) organised a conference in July to discuss what could be done to address this matter. The conference was attended by representatives of the Health and Safety Executive, Railtrack, the BTP and the train operating companies. It was agreed that RIAC should develop guidance setting out good practice to assist railway managers with developing action plans to combat the problem. RIAC are now developing these proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for the future of parish and town councils. [95329]

As stated in our White Paper "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People" (Cm 4014)

"Parish councils will continue to play a key role in many of our towns and villages".

In our forthcoming Rural White Paper we intend to address further how we see parish councils playing their part in rural local governance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Tnsport and the Regions what was the total number of scheduled passenger train services entering and leaving Paddington railway station in (i) 1995, (ii) 1996, (iii) 1997 and (iv) 1998. [94874]

This information is not held by the Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to give further protection to designated areas of outstanding natural beauty. [95224]

My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment expects to make an announcement shortly about measures to conserve and enhance designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the preparations made by housing associations in respect of the millennium computer bug. [95215]

The Housing Corporation is responsible for assessing preparations taken by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to deal with the millennium computer bug.In its progress report to the Action 2000 National Infrastructure Forum on 21 October 1999, the Housing Corporation confirmed that no evidence had been found, in respect of those RSLs owning about 80 per cent. of total RSL stock to suggest that millennium bug concerns had been inadequately addressed.The Housing Corporation anticipates that all remaining RSLs will be prepared for the millennium change by mid November.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and th Regions what changes were made to BS 5422 on thermal insulation of pipes after the Rio Earth Summit; and what assessment hehas made of its compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations 1991. [94886]

Changes to British Standards are a matter for the British Standards Institute and its technical committees. I am aware however that BS 5422 is currently being revised to incorporate among other things a new method of assessing appropriate insulation thicknesses that takes account of environmental issues.BS 5422 is referenced in the Approved Document which supports Part L of the Building Regulations. This too is currently under review. During the course of the review we shall be examining whether standards of insulation applied to vessels, pipes and ducts should be increased, and also whether the reference to the revised BS 5422 is still appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to combat the spread of ragwort (a) along roadside verges and (b) in liaison with local authorities and utilities in respect of land owned by them. [95318]

For roadside verges, eradication of noxious weeds on road verges in England is the responsibility of highway authorities. These authorities take measures to eradicate ragwort when made aware that a problem exists. The Highways Agency's current policy on noxious weeds for the trunk road and motorway network in England is to seek out infestation and take appropriate control measures. Maintenance of roadside verges on local authority roads is the responsibility of the local highway authorities, who are free to set their own standards. However, DETR are working with local authorities to produce a new code of practice for maintaining their roads, and will recommend that they adopt the same procedures for ragwort elimination as on national roads.For land owned by local authorities and utilities, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has policy responsibility for control of injurious weeds, of which ragwort is one, under the Weeds Act 1959. Under its provisions, the Ministry may investigate complaints from any occupiers of agricultural land who consider that their land is threatened by ragwort spreading from land nearby. Where a specific complaint is received about ragwort spreading from land occupied by utilities or local authorities, the local Ministry regional service centre may approach the utility or authority concerned to request that control measures be taken. Where such measures are not put in hand, the Weeds Act gives the Minister powers to implement statutory procedures to ensure that weed control is carried out.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from (a) landlords and (b) tenants regarding shorthold tenancy agreements; and if he will make a statement. [94885]

Since April 1999, nine letters have been received from landlords and 26 from tenants regarding various aspects of assured shorthold tenancy agreements. The main topics raised are repossession and tenants' rights (by landlords) and affordability, condition, housing benefit and security of tenure (by tenants).We believe that to encourage growth in long term, good quality accommodation for private letting, we must secure the confidence of landlords in a stable policy framework while at the same time ensuring that the interests of tenants are protected. We therefore have no plans to change the legislative framework of assured and assured shorthold tenancies established under the Housing Act 1988.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the level of night-time noise around Heathrow Airport in connection with attempts to meet the night-time noise exposure levels under the EU Fifth Environmental Action Programme by 2000. [95248]

The Fifth Environmental Action Programme does not require such an assessment to be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the long-term implications for noise from air traffic around Heathrow Airport and under its flight paths of the adoption of an EU noise abatement programme which has as its objective ensuring that no person should be exposed to levels of noise which endanger health and quality of life; [95247](2) what assessment he has made of the long-term implications of the adoption of the EU noise abatement programme with regard to the operations and competitiveness of

The European Commission has stated its intention to make a proposal for a Directive on environmental noise. However, this is not expected until late next year and the UK Government will treat the proposals on their merits as they emerge.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what level of noise from air traffic he has assessed to be excessive around Heathrow Airport and under its flight paths between 2300 and 0700 hours in the past year; [95460](2) how many people are exposed to excessive noise from air traffic around Heathrow and under its flight paths between 2300 and 0700; and what were the number for each year since 1993; [95461](3) what steps have been taken to measure the levels of noise experienced at night between 1 and 2 metres above ground level in residential areas

For many years, one of the objectives of the night restrictions has been to protect local communities around Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports from excessive aircraft noise levels at night. It has been the view of successive Governments that policy on night noise should be firmly based on research into the relationship between aircraft noise and interference with sleep and that, in order to preserve the balance between different interests, this should continue to be the basis for decisions. The "Night Restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted: Second Stage Consultation", published on 17 November 1998, included a summary of research. Copies were placed in the Library.My Department has for many years published daytime (7.00 am—11.00 pm) aircraft noise contours for the area around Heathrow. They show a substantial improvement in the daytime noise climate over the past two decades.The Department does not publish night-time noise contours. A 1998 study found that there is not enough research evidence to underpin scientifically robust night contours relating noise to annoyance. Its publication was announced on 27 February 1998,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for changing the night flight restrictions at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. [95233]