To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement regarding the Code for Crown Prosecutors. [99859]

The Code for Crown Prosecutors is issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions as required by section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. It is an important public document. It sets out the fundamental principles to be applied by Crown Prosecutors when deciding whether or not an individual should be prosecuted and, if a prosecution is to follow, what charges should be preferred. By applying the Code casework, decisions can be made fairly, consistently and independently. The current edition of the Code was published in June 1994.Sir Iain Glidewell's review of the Crown Prosecution Service recommended an amendment of the Code for Crown Prosecutors. The current edition of the Code at paragraph 6.2 reads in part:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if households comprising pensioners aged over 75 years living with adults of below pension age will be eligible for the free television licence announced in the pre-Budget statement. [99396]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has for the development of children's radio. [99215]

Decisions on programme content are for the broadcasters. However, Government policy is to ensure that both public service and independent broadcasters provide a range of high quality radio services which meet consumer needs. Under its Charter and Agreement, the BBC is committed to provide original programmes for children and young people as well as information, education and entertainment programmes which are of interest across the community. Similarly, it is open to independent radio licensees, regulated by the Radio Authority under the Broadcasting Acts, to offer programme formats which address the specific requirements of children and young people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the Government's policy is regarding the introduction of admission charges at new national museums and galleries. [99172]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]:Decisions on admission charges at new branches of national museums are principally a matter for the Trustees of the institution concerned. The Government encourage free entry where that is appropriate and affordable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which hospices have received National Lottery funding; and how many bids each of them had previously submitted for National Lottery funding. [99382]

According to the latest information from the distributors, a total of 88 lottery awards have been made to 75 hospices across the United Kingdom. The 75 successful grant recipient organisations submitted a total of 143 applications between them. These grant awards were made by the National Lottery Charities Board and the Arts Council of England. Details of the successful grant recipient organisations are as follows:

(i) National Lottery Charities Board: 81 awards worth £20,000,893 (see attached details)

(ii) Arts Council of England

	£
North Northumberland Day Hospice	5,000
Wakefield Hospice	4,540
The Princess Alice Hospice	2,250
Beaumont House Hospice	3,000
St. Cuthbert's Hospice	4,500
Woodlands Hospice	4,600
Children's Hospice for the Eastern Region	4,132
Total	28,022

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the proposed date for implementation of Section 37 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [98631]

We are fully committed to implementing Section 37 at the earliest opportunity and intend to consult on the provisions by March next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to replace the current Code of Practice on Technical Aspects of the Fluoridation of Water Supplies. [98666]

None at present. In the White Paper, "Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation", which was published on 6 July, the Government announced that they had commissioned an up-to-date, expert scientific review of the evidence on the fluoridation of water. The Government expect to receive the review report in March, and will not be considering any legislative changes until it is received. It is not proposed to update the Code of Practice ahead of the review report.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many transport consultation documents have been issued since May 1997; and how many are currently in consultation. [98629]

We have issued 237 consultation papers with deadlines for responses since May 1997. Sixteen of these remain open.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance his Department (a) gives and (b) proposes to give to local authorities on the basis for (i) the use of windfall calculations in residual requirements and (ii) the role of flexibility allowances in the preparation of structure plans. [98581]

The issues are currently dealt with in Annexes B and C of Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing, issued in 1992. However, they are under review as part of the revision of PPG3.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many complaints have been received each year by the Rail Regulator against Central Trains; and if he will make a statement. [98504]

The information is not available in the format requested. In 1998–99, the Rail Regulator received 2,321 complaints on a range of issues. However, as the Regulator does not have a formal role in dealing with complaints from rail passengers, complaints are not recorded against individual train operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the source is of the traffic figures used in calculating highway standard spending assessment; and what action he takes if they are disputed by the local authority concerned. [98723]

The traffic figures used in calculating the highway maintenance standard spending assessment are those that are provided by Highway Authorities or contractors on behalf of the Department for Environment, Transport and the Regions. Highway Authorities may sub-contract the work. The traffic figures proposed for use in the 2000–01 local government finance settlement are based on data relating to 1998 and earlier years. For Cambridgeshire in 1998 and earlier years, the County Council was contracted by the Department to provide the traffic figures.All matters where authorities dispute the figures that are proposed for use in the calculation of standard spending assessments are investigated and the findings taken into account when final decisions are taken on the local government settlement. Authorities are advised of the relevant deadlines for making representations and the circumstances in which changes are usually made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning (i) low emission zones and (ii) the National Air Quality Strategy from (a) road haulage organisations, (b) motoring organisations and (c) motor manufacturers; and if he will make a statement. [99107]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: My Department has not received representations on low emission zones, as they are not a Government policy proposal. It is for local authorities, rather than central Government, to decide whether to implement such zones in order to improve local air quality.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to introduce legislation to protect SSSIs; what plans he has to legislate for the protection of peat reserves; what plans he has to encourage the commercial production of peat alternatives; and if he will make a statement. [99228]

The Countryside Amenity and Conservation Bill will be brought forward in the current session. The legislative proposals to provide better protection for SSSIs will benefit all sites, including those notified for their peatland interests. In addition, the best examples of those peatland sites will be designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and Ramsar Convention, affording them additional protection. We will consider the commercial production of peat alternatives in the light of the findings of the Peat Working Group, which will be publishing its report shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to introduce the system of commonhold for leaseholders in blocks of flats. [99217]

As was announced in the Gracious Speech given on 17 November 1999, Official Report, columns 4–7, the Government will be publishing a draft joint Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for consultation during this session. The Commonhold aspects of the draft Bill are the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review his policy on denying insulin-dependent diabetic sufferers occupational driving licences; and if he will take into account in doing so the current inquiry by the Science and Technology Committee. [99278]

The driving licence treatment of those with diabetes treated by insulin is based on European legislation—the Second Driving Licence Directive (91/439/EEC). This, and its predecessor Directive (80/1263/EEC), provided for licensing restrictions on those with insulin-treated diabetes, in particular in respect of driving heavier vehicles, based on risks associated with insulin treatment. I cannot anticipate the report of the Science and Technology Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on how many heavy goods vehicles Vehicle Excise Duty was paid in (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98 and (d) 1998–99. [99418]

Only the end of year detailed licensed stock figures are readily available; this is a good approximation to the number of vehicles for which Vehicle Excise Duty was paid in each of the given years. The number of heavy goods vehicles in Great Britain licensed at the end of each year was as follows:

	Number
1995	417,900
1996	420,600
1997	422,400
1998	421,200

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what advice he has received from the Chief Inspector of Railways on the effectiveness of the railway safety regime in place since rail privatisation; and if he will list the relevant papers and place copies in the Library. [99313]

[holding answer 23 November 1999]: The Health and Safety Commission, together with the Health and Safety Executive (of which the Railway Inspectorate forms a part) is the sole rail safety regulator and advises my right hon. Friend on rail safety.Soon after the election, we made it clear that the HSC should bring forward whatever regulations they considered necessary to improve rail safety. Following public consultation, they recommended regulations to bring forward the elimination of slam-door rolling stock and install train protection systems across the network, which following signature by my right hon. Friend, were laid before Parliament in August this year.In October this year the HSC sent my right hon. Friend interim advice on Railtrack's Safety and Standards Directorate.Advice on the effectiveness of the railway safety regime is also included in the Chief Inspector of Railways' Annual Report on Railway Safety, and his provisional annual safety statistics.All these documents are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what estimate he has produced of the cost of establishing an independent safety authority covering maritime, rail and aviation sectors of transport; [99618](2) what plans he has to create an independent safety authority to cover road transport. [99619]

In response to recommendations from the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Select Committee, the Government are reviewing the principles which should govern how transport safety is regulated and accidents investigated. The review is looking, among other things, at the case for a new safety authority which would embrace all of the transport modes, including roads. If it is decided that there would be benefits, including for safety, in making changes to the present arrangements, the Government will consider the most cost effective way of implementing them.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he is making to his counterparts in the EU concerning the enforcement of a Biodiversity Protocol to be discussed in Montreal next January. [99495]

The UK and the EU are considering the concepts discussed at the informal consultations on the Biosafety Protocol held by the President of the Extraordinary Conference of the Parties (Ex-COP), Minister Mayr, in Vienna in September. I have put the UK views to my Ministerial colleagues at meetings of the Environment Council. The Environment Council is next due to discuss the Protocol and agree the framework for the negotiators at its meeting on December 13 and 14. The draft text of the protocol contains an article that the Parties to the Protocol would, at their first meeting, consider and approve cooperative procedures and institutional mechanisms to promote compliance with the provisions of the Protocol, and to address cases of non-compliance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the provisional local government finance settlement for 2000–2001. [99885]

I will make a statement in the House tomorrow announcing the Government's proposals for the local government finance settlement 2000–2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he or any of his ministers last met the Executive Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham; what the date was of that meeting; what was discussed at the meeting; and who else was present at the meeting. [98665]

My right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions met my hon. Friends the Members for Ealing, Acton and Shepherd's Bush (Mr. Soley), for Hammersmith and Fulham (Mr. Coleman) and for Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) on 4 November to discuss local government reform, including local government finance and the ongoing review of possible alternatives to Standard Spending Assessments, asylum seekers and homelessness, and how these relate to Hammersmith and Fulham. The Executive Mayor, the First Deputy and the Chief Executive of Hammersmith and Fulham also attended and took part in the discussions.I apologise that this information was not included in the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 11 November 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made in developing the National Land Information Service. [98746]

I have been asked to reply.Following a successful pilot of the National Land Information Service in Bristol, the project is now being prepared for full commercial exploitation. As a first step, the Local Government Information House, on behalf of HM Land Registry and the Improvement and Development Agency, is seeking a contractor to deliver services that will provide online access to Land Registry and local authority data. The Lord Chancellor launched the prospectus, calling for responses from organisations interested in supplying the new service, on 8 October 1999. Responses are now being evaluated and potential suppliers shortlisted.This is a very exciting project that fully supports the "Modernising government" agenda. When implemented, it will facilitate faster and easier access to land information and make an important contribution to speeding up the house buying and selling process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent in (a) legal fees, (b) travel costs and (c) other expenses in opposing the application at the European Court of Human Rights by former servicemen and servicewomen challenging the ban on homosexuals joining Her Majesty's Forces. [98587]

The Department has spent £25,000 in legal fees and approximately £1,000 in associated Departmental travel and subsistence costs in contesting the European Court of Human Rights application by homosexual ex-Service personnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in respect of how many service personnel the cause of illness sustained during the Gulf War campaign has still not been identified. [98580]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long the troops assigned to the Saffron Sands exercise will be in Jordan; and when they are expected to return. [99415]

Exercise Saffron Sands 99 took place in Jordan between 26 September and 31 October 1999. All members of the battalion participating in the exercise were back in Cyprus by 3 November 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom soldiers are participating in the international peacekeeping force in East Timor. [99301]

As at 22 November 1999, there were 275 British Service personnel serving with the international peacekeeping force in East Timor (INTERFET), consisting of 262 Army personnel—of which 218 are from 2^nd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles—12 RAF personnel and one Royal Marine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Indonesian pilots have been trained in the UK in each of the last five years; and how this training has been funded. [99299]

One Indonesian pilot attended a training course at RAF Valley in 1995, funded by the Ministry of Defence. No other training of Indonesian pilots has been carried out or funded by the MOD in the last five years. Training under commercial auspices is a matter for the companies concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military personnel assistance his Department provides to Colombia; and for what purposes. [99430]

[holding answer 23 November 1999]: UK military assistance is provided to Colombia to meet specific requests. Examples of training provided over the last ten years include Explosive Ordnance Disposal, search techniques and some assistance to the counter-narcotics authorities. In addition, advisory visits and information exchanges have taken place on operations in urban theatres, counter-guerrilla strategy, and psychiatry. Military assistance offered to the Colombians generally includes human rights elements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been spent by his Department on external consultants and advisers since May 1997 funded from (i) his Department's programme provision and (ii) his Department's running costs.[99488]

This information cannot be provided since the Department no longer breaks down its expenditure against these categories.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the nature of the assurance given by DSEI Ltd. that companies exhibiting at the Defence Systems and Equipment International exhibition would comply with the Government's policies and UK legislation; and what check was made to see that this was achieved. [99513]

The organisers agreed that all equipment on display at the exhibition (including promotional material) would comply with current HMG policy and that no equipment would be exhibited which the UK would not approve for export. MOD agreed to advise the organisers on the suitability of exhibits.UK contractors were bound by the Handbook of Industrial Security and their exhibits were scrutinised by MOD staff for compliance. Overseas exhibitors, although not bound by the Handbook, were subject to spot checks by MOD staff to ensure hardware on display was compliant with Government policies and UK legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what checks and controls will be established for arms exhibitions held in the UK to ensure that exhibitors and organisers comply with the Landmines Act 1998. [99510]

Currently, there is no specific check for compliance with the Landmines Act 1998. However, anti-personnel landmines would be included as part of the normal spot check by MOD staff of all equipment on display. In addition, HM Customs and Excise routinely check all equipment imported into the country to ensure compliance with UK legislation, including the Landmines Act.Participation at any UK defence exhibitions is conditional on compliance with UK law, which includes the Landmines Act.Regarding checks of exhibits at UK defence exhibitions, UK contractors are scrutinised for compliance against the Handbook of Industrial Security. Overseas contractors are not bound by the Handbook of Industrial Security but have to comply with the organisers' requirements, which make compliance with UK law mandatory, and are subject to spot checks by MOD staff.These procedures will be reviewed for future UK defence exhibitions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects his Department's police investigation into alleged sales of anti-personnel mines at the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition in Chertsey, Surrey, to be completed. [99512]

The Ministry of Defence Police are investigating allegations that a Romanian company advertised the sale of anti-personnel mines at the Defence Systems and Equipment International Exhibition held at Chertsey in September 1999. I understand that the investigations are nearing completion at which point a file will be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what checks were made of products for sale at Defence Systems and Equipment International for compliance with the Landmines Act 1998; and who was responsible for carrying out such checks. [99511]

Participation at Defence Systems and Equipment International was conditional on compliance with UK law, including compliance with the Landmines Act 1998.In addition to checks by HM Customs&Excise to ensure that no prohibited equipment, including anti-personnel landmines, was imported into the UK, all exhibits at DSEI by UK companies were subject to the provisions of the UK Handbook on Industrial Security and were scrutinised by MOD staff for compliance. Exhibits by overseas companies, although not bound by the provisions of the Handbook, were subject to spot checks by MOD staff to ensure that hardware on display was compliant with Government policies and UK legislation. No anti-personnel landmine equipment was observed.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to amend the Forestry Commission's Departmental Expenditure Limit for 1999–2000. [99886]

Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate for Class X, Vote 3 (Forestry Commission) the Forestry Commission's Departmental Expenditure Limit for 1999–2000 will be increased by £7,5000,000 from £68,615,000 to £76,115,000. The increase is the net effect of the fall in receipts from sales of timber, offset by savings in expenditure.The increase will be a charge on the Departmental Expenditure Limit Reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 22 November; and if he will make a statement. [99748]

The Fisheries Council met in Brussels on 22 November. I led the UK delegation, accompanied by my hon. Friend the Member for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson), Deputy Minister for Rural Affairs in the Scottish Executive.The Council agreed a regulation for financial aid to fisheries under the reformed EU Structural Funds, which provides for seven year funding programmes and sets conditions for payments. Grants for renewal and modernisation of the fleet may be paid only if the member state has met its overall fleet capacity (MAGP IV) limits. Where the relevant segment of the fleet exceeds its capacity target, the member state must withdraw 30 per cent. more vessel capacity than is grant aided. While these new controls are not as rigorous as I would have wished, they are a welcome innovation, establishing the important principle that grant aid should contribute towards improving the balance between fish resources and the capacity of members states' fleets. There will be a review in 2001 providing an opportunity to make any changes necessary as a result of decisions at the expiry of MAGP IV.The Council reached a political agreement on a reform of the fisheries marketing regime subject to the opinion of the European Parliament. The new regulation will provide lower tariffs for imports of fish which are important for our processing industry, while recognising the need to protect the interests of our catching industry in the import terms for sensitive species such as herring and cod and more generally by including provision to deal with serious market disturbance. After a transitional period it will reduce the costs of the regime.The Council received a presentation on a draft Regulation to establish a Community framework for the collection and management of data needed to conduct the Common Fisheries Policy. This will return to the Council after detailed examination. The Commission reported that on 20 December there would be a meeting with the Moroccan Minister of Fisheries to take forward the EU:Morocco negotiations. There was an initial discussion of means of implementation of the new control arrangements adopted by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission; arrangements for 2000 will be considered at the next meeting of the Council on 16 and 17 December.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made on lifting the French ban on United Kingdom beef imports. [100163]

Discussions between the European Commission, the UK and France, have resulted in a document which will allow the French government to review its decision not to lift the ban on UK beef. This document has been referred to France's food safety advisory body, the AFSSA, by the French government.I have placed copies of the document in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate has been made by his Department of the likely value of the hill farm allowance scheme for the South West Region on his present proposals; and how much he estimates the hill livestock compensatory allowances will be in the current year. [98604]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: HLCA payments in MAFF's South West Region (Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly) in the current year (1999) will total around £6.27 million, over 14 per cent. of the total for England. These figures include a proportionate share of the extra £60 million (approximately £15.27 million in England), which we have announced will also be available in the year 2000. The proposals for Hill Farm Allowances which we published on 3 December will help maintain upland rural communities and preserve upland environments through sustainable beef and sheep production. There will be some impact on the amounts individual farmers receive, but the proposals have been designed to allow farmers time to adapt. We have made no estimate of any regional differences in the impact of the proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the Merseyside Police Authority's budget has been spent on investigating drug-related crime and on preventing drug-related crime in each year since 1995. [99433]

[holding answer 23 November 1999]: A breakdown of Merseyside Police expenditure in the form requested is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many investigations similar to Operation Care are being undertaken in the United Kingdom. [99431]

[holding answer 23 November 1999]: A recent survey of police forces conducted by the Association of Chief Police Officers indicated that 32 forces have carried out investigations into institutional child abuse.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department of the individuals convicted as a result of Operation Care, how many have made applications to the Court of Appeal or the Crown Court. [99100]

I understand that there have to date been no appeals against conviction by individuals convicted as a result of Operation Care. There have been three appeals against sentence, of which two were successful and one was unsuccessful.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals have brought complaints against more than one person in Operation Care. [98684]

The number of multiple allegations covered by the Operation Care investigation made by one complainant against a number of persons is not readily available. I will provide further information when it has been collated.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will assess the responses to the consultation on the paper, Compensation for Victims of Violent Crime. [98678]

We have completed a preliminary analysis of the responses to the consultation exercise, but need to undertake further work before we will be in a position to say how we plan to take matters forward. We hope to be able to announce our intentions fairly early in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to review the guidelines for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme in the light of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights. [98677]

The implications for the Scheme of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights are being considered along with the Government's consideration of the responses to the recent consultation exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will take to ensure guidance is consistent on the treatment of calculation of loss of pension; and if he will make a statement. [98483]

The administration and interpretation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP). I understand the Authority is drawing up a revised guidance for caseworkers and claims officers about the treatment of loss of pension.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements will be put in place to ensure old Criminal Injuries Compensation Board cases are considered by legally qualified persons after the CICB ceases to exist next year; and if he will make a statement. [98485]

Under the transitional provisions of the 1996 Scheme, made under powers conferred by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Act 1995, any 1990 Scheme cases outstanding when the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) is wound up (`the transfer date') will be transferred to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for resolution by legally qualified members of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP) in accordance with the terms of the 1990 Scheme. The transfer date is likely to be 1 April 2000.The Panel already contains many legally qualified members who will be able to deal with 1990 Scheme cases. Many of them are also members of the Board. The Panel's strength is likely to be doubled next year when new appointments are made as a result of a major new recruitment exercise set in hand in October. Many of the new appointees will be lawyers. Additionally, a number of Board members, who are not already members of the Panel, are being invited to join the Panel from the transfer date specifically to deal with residual 1990 Scheme cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority will issue guidance on the justified exceptional risk rule; and if he will make a statement. [98482]

The administration and interpretation of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a matter for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel (CICAP). Some guidance on the interpretation of the exceptional risk rule is given in the Guide to the Scheme issued by CICA. The Authority will consider whether further guidance would be helpful.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what financial aid was given by his Department in the last 12 months to organisations that assist victims of domestic violence. [98453]

The Home Office has lead responsibility for violence against women, the Government's plans set out in "Living Without Fear" and the co-ordination of policy against domestic violence. But most central Government funding for the victims of domestic violence remains channelled through budgets which reflect the responsibilities of other Departments or local agencies.The Home Office is increasing the funding of Victim Support, which supports all victims of crime, including those who have experienced domestic violence, from £12.7 million in 1998 to £19 million by 2001. In addition, at least £6 million is being made available from the Crime Reduction Programme for projects addressing domestic violence, rape and sexual assault.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the training of prison officers in order to combat bullying in young offenders centres. [98674]

The initial training course for new prison officers has recently been reviewed, and now includes additional specific training for those who will work with young people. The training covers the Prison Service's anti-bullying policy and the standards expected of prison officers as well as the particular requirements for work with the young.The service has also developed an anti-bullying training programme for delivery locally in prison establishments which will be available early in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the rates of (a) suicide and (b) self-harm for each young offenders' institution in each of the last five years. [98478]

The information requested is given in the tables.

	Rates of self-inflicted deaths per 1,000 population
Young offender institutions	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998
Aylesbury	0	5	0	7	0
Castington	0	0	0	0	0
Deerbolt	0	0	0	0	0
Dover	0	3	0	3	0
Feltham	0	0	1	2	0
Glen Parva	0	0	2	1	2
Guys Marsh	0	0	0	0	0
Hatfield	0	0	0	0	0

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the general regime at the high-security disruptive prisoner unit at HMP Woodhill; and whether there are facilities, including treatment facilities, for prisoners detained in that unit who have significant mental health problems. [98449]

There are three close supervision centres (CSCs) in Woodhill prison offering restricted, structured and intervention regimes. These provide a co-ordinated range of regimes to manage seriously disruptive prisoners. The regimes aim to facilitate change and encourage improved behaviour.Prison doctors are encouraged to identify prisoners who need to be detained for medical treatment for mental disorder and to initiate action to effect their transfer to a suitable facility under the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983.There are no specific facilities for prisoners at Woodhill who have significant mental health problems. However, there is a CSC support centre at Durham prison for prisoners who may benefit from psychological support with psychiatric advice where appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his reasons were for not changing the formula for police funding relating to sparsity factor.[99055]

The findings of the independent research report on policing sparsely populated rural areas were considered by a Home Office chaired Working Group, which included representatives of the police service, police authorities and local authorities, in the summer. There was no single view within the Working Group on the conclusions of the report. There was general agreement that a scarcity factor had been detected, but less agreement about how to include it appropriately in the police funding formula.We have also taken into consideration the need for stability in the police funding system to enable police authorities to plan ahead. In the July 1998 White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch With the People", my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister said that we would not expect to make fresh changes to the method of calculation of Standard Spending Assessments (SSAs) whilst a fundamental review of the SSA system across local government is conducted. This applies equally to the method of police grant distribution, as a common formula is used for distribution of police grant and SSA.In the light of these factors our present intention is that, subject to consultation and parliamentary approval, we shall not make any changes to the method of police grant distribution for 2000–01. We do not therefore propose to make any substantive changes to the operation of the police funding formula for next year.Rural police forces will continue to benefit from the existing 'scarcity' element of the funding formula. This element allocates 0.5 per cent. of the available funding (about £35 million) on a judgmental basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will assess the impact of his funding policies on the number of police officers there will be in Gloucestershire in the financial year 2000–01; and how many additional police officers he estimates there will be in Gloucestershire in 2000–01. [99056]

The powers of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to set police establishment levels for each force were removed under the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994. It is for the chief officer to determine staffing levels within the overall resources available. We will be announcing shortly the proposed funding allocations for police authorities in England and Wales for 2000–01.In addition, the Government are making available additional resources, in a new ring-fenced Crime Fighting Fund, to enable the police to recruit 5,000 more officers, over and above the number that would otherwise have been recruited over the next three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish his recommendations following the Home Office Working Group report on additional costs associated with the policing of sparsely populated rural areas. [98586]

The findings of the independent research report on policing sparsely populated rural areas were considered by a Home Office chaired Working Group, which included representatives of the police service, police authorities and local authorities, in the summer. There was no single view within the Working Group on the conclusions of the report. There was general agreement that a sparsity factor had been detected, but less agreement about how to include it appropriately in the police funding formula.We have also taken into account the need for stability in the police funding system to enable police authorities to plan ahead. In the July 1998 White Paper, "Modern Local Government—In Touch with the People", my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister said that we would not expect to make fresh changes to the method of calculation of Standard Spending Assessments (SSAs) while a fundamental review of the SSA system across local government is conducted. This applies equally to the method of police grant distribution, as a common formula is used for distribution of police grant and SSA.Rural police forces will continue to benefit from the existing 'sparsity' element in the funding formula. This element allocates 0.5 per cent. of the available funding (about £35 million) on a judgmental basis.Our present intention is that, subject to consultation and approval by the House, we shall not make any changes to the method of police grant distribution for 2000–01. We do not therefore propose to make any substantive changes to the operation of the police funding formula for next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the UK police or prison services use oversize cuffs; and what research and policy guidelines the Police Scientific Development Branch has issued on the standards of handcuffs, oversize cuffs and other restraining equipment. [98540]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: The purchase of handcuffs and other equipment is an operational matter for chief officers of police. I understand that the handcuffs normally in use are rigid speedcuffs, sometimes known as quick-cuffs. The Police Scientific Development Branch has not issued guidelines on standards for handcuffs or other restraining equipment, but guidelines on the use of handcuffs has been issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.I understand that each Prison Service establishment in England and Wales is issued with two sets of oversize cuffs for use as necessary with prisoners with exceptionally large wrists.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the advantages of abandoning British summer time in England and Wales. [98582]

The advantages of maintaining British summer time in the winter in terms of increasing the amount of afternoon daylight would be offset by the equivalent loss of morning daylight, which would have added impact for the northern areas of England as well as for Scotland. The issues remain as set out in a consultation document published by the Home Office in 1989.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to make it easier for individuals to use reasonable force to prevent burglars entering their property or removing items from it. [98490]

Section 3 of the Criminal Law Act 1967 provides that a person may use such force as is reasonable in the circumstances in the prevention of crime. I have no plans to amend that legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Passport Agency concerning changes to the fees it charges to the general public. [99383]

Passport fees are reviewed on an annual basis and a number of options regarding fee levels for this year have been submitted for consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will place in the Library the conclusions of his consideration of the financial implications of the Government's proposals to change the right of defendants to elect trial by jury; [99059](2) what estimate he has made of the net cost savings which will be made if the Government's proposals to limit the right to elect for trial by jury were implemented. [98760]

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: It is estimated that around 12,000 fewer defendants will be tried in the Crown Court annually. These defendants would instead be tried in magistrates' courts. We estimate that the savings to the criminal justice system will be £105 million, taking into account the costs of appeals against the magistrates' decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many exclusion orders have been made under paragraph 320(6) of the Immigration Rules for each nationality, in each of the past five years; and how many people have (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully contested such exclusion orders. [99411]

The number of persons excluded in each of the past five years is given in the table. This includes both those refused under paragraph 320(6) of the Immigration Rules and those excluded from the United Kingdom where my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, has reason to believe they intend to travel to this country.

	1995	1996	1997	1998	19991
Canada	—	—	6	—	—
Libya	3	—	5	4	4
Egypt	—	—	—	2	4
Russia	11	9	2	13	6
Iraq	—	2	2	1	—

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many police officers are stationed for duty in (a) Chelmsford town and (b) West Chelmsford parliamentary constituency; and how many there were in 1996–97; [98518](2) what proposals he has to

[holding answer 22 November 1999]: I understand from the chief constable that there are 103 police officers stationed at Chelmsford and Moulsham police stations who are directly involved with the policing of Chelmsford Town. This section is also responsible for the policing of a number of villages around Chelmsford. The chief constable is unable to provide figures for 1996–97 or in respect of the area covered by the West Chelmsford parliamentary constituency.The powers of my right hon. Friend, the Home Secretary, to set police establishment levels for each force were removed under the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994. It is for the chief officer to determine staffing levels and deployment within the overall resources available. We will be announcing shortly the proposed funding allocations for police authorities in England and Wales for 2000–01.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many targets have been agreed between her Department and (i) local authorities and (ii) other bodies apart from her own agencies and non-departmental bodies since May 1997. [99471]

My Department has adopted a series of International Development Targets which are set out in the Government's White Paper on International Development. These targets have been drawn from the major UN conferences of the last decade and provide the basis for this Government's results orientated approach to development.Working for the achievement of these International Development Targets, which have been endorsed by Governments across the world, bilateral and multilateral development organisations and NGOs, is central to the Department for International Development's work.Individual targets have not been agreed with local authorities or other bodies in this country.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the policy of her Department on consulting NGOs when considering giving financial aid and assistance to countries. [98442]

Our policies for the reduction of poverty, our principal objective, are set out in the Country Strategy Papers. These papers are produced through a process of consultation which includes local NGOs and UK NGOs as well as the country's government, the research community and the private sector. The papers are available in the Library of the House and are also available to the public in the UK and in the country concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what further commitments Her Majesty's Government plans to support rehabilitation and development in Angola; and what is Her Majesty's Government's policy with regard to the provision of rehabilitation and development assistance to Angola. [99154]

Our major commitment to rehabilitation is the Luanda Urban Poverty Programme, which started earlier this year. We are working through iNGOs to tackle the needs and priorities of the urban poor in Luanda. The political and military situation makes development work impossible. We are therefore focusing on the provision of humanitarian assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the current shortfall for the United Nations 1999 Consolidated inter-Agency Appeal for Angola. [99150]

The requirement in the revised United Nations 1999 Consolidated inter-Agency Appeal for Angola stands at $110,840,321. As of October 1999, total funds available amounted to US$82,127,986.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what further commitments Her Majesty's Government plans to make to the United Nations 1999 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Angola.[99152]

We are considering our response to the UN's recently published 2000 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Angola.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funds or other resources Her Majesty's Government have contributed to emergency assistance outside the United Nations 1999 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Angola. [99151]

We have committed £1.8 million through international non-governmental organisations and the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1999 for their work in Angola.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funds have been allocated to rehabilitation and development in Angola in each of the last five years, broken down by major programme. [99153]

Total UK Bilateral Assistance to Angola in each of the last five years is as follows:

Expenditure £ million
	Development Humanitarian assistance
Financial year	aid	(non-food)	(food-aid)	Total
1994–95	0.7	6.9	1.3	8.9
1995–96	1.8	6.6	4.5	12.9
1996–97	3.9	2.5	3.4	9.8
1997–98	3.6	1.5	0.0	5.1
1998–99	2.0	2.5	0.0	4.5
Total 1994–99	12.0	20.0	9.2	41.2

The line for development aid includes assistance to the "Health Transition Project", where we provided support in the health sector through international non-governmental organisations (iNGOs) and the World Health Organisation; support to Save the Children Fund for the provision of seeds and tools; community level projects through iNGOs and an English Language Training programme. Earlier this year we started the Luanda Urban Poverty programme in which we are working through iNGOs to tackle the needs and priorities of the urban poor in Luanda.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what funds or other resources Her Majesty's Government have (a) pledged and (b) disbursed to the United Nations 1999 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Angola by (i) appealing organisation and (ii) sector; and if she will make a statement. [99149]

The Department for International Development has: (a) pledged a total of £2,021,000 to the United Nations 1999 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Angola, of which; (b) £900,000 has been disbursed.In addition we are providing US$6 million (about £3.75 million) for food aid through the World Food Programme.We have made contributions to the following organisations.