To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee how many of the main committee rooms of the House have induction loop facilities for the hard of hearing; and if these facilities are available on each occasion when a committee room is used. [101615]

Fifteen committee rooms in the House of Commons are fitted with induction loops. These facilities are only available when the amplification equipment has been switched on by a trained operator for meetings that are being televised or recorded.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what was the cost of the recent refurbishment of two lifts in Norman Shaw North. [101457]

The estimated cost for the refurbishment of lifts HOP122 and 123 at Norman Shaw North is £275,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list (a) the original in-service date, (b) the current in-service date, (c) the actual or estimated cost, (d) the years of peak expenditure and (e) the prime contractor for the Endorsed Staff Targets for (1) Future Offensive Air System, (2) Bowman, (3) Barmine Replacement, (4) Area Weapon Effects Simulator, (5) Future Short and Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (SHORADS/ VSHORADS), (6) Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, (7) Terrier, (8) Range Extension for Tactical Trunk Communications, (9) Future Engineer Tank, (10) Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapon System (LIMAWS), (11) Next Generation Light Anti Tank Weapon (NLAW), (12) Formation Battle Management System, (13) Theatre Wide Area Communications Network (TWACN), (14) Future Carrier-Borne Aircraft, (15) Future Amphibious Support Helicopter, (16) SCOT Capability Upgrade (SCUG), (17) Naval EHF Satellite Terminal (NEST) Communication Programme, (18) Electronic Warfare Database and Rapid Reaction Facility, (19) Sonar 2087 and (20) EW 2000. [98481]

The information requested is as follows:The basis for setting and approving in-service dates (ISDs) is currently under review in the context of the Smart Procurement Initiative. It should also be noted that costs quoted are for acquisition only, expressed in constant prices at 1999–2000 levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to ensure that the current terms of service of young people in the armed forces are compatible with the Human Rights Act 1998. [100122]

In line with other public authorities, my Department is taking steps to ensure that all personnel policies will be compatible with the main provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 when they fully come into force on 2 October 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Smart Procurement Initiative. [101194]

This initiative, which is at the heart of our efforts to reform the way we procure and support defence equipment, is currently being implemented. The programme to roll out Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) with full industry participation is on course; all the teams will be fully operational by April 2000. The design and implementation of new arrangements to ensure effective relationships between IPTs, their new Equipment Capability Customer in MOD Headquarters and the Front Line Commands is also making excellent progress. We remain on track to achieve savings of £2 billion to which we are committed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many research contracts have been let by his Department since May 1997; what is the value of each contract; and in each case whether the contract included (a) a departmental veto over publication of the research results, (b) departmental control over the date of publication of the research results and (c) a requirement that the final research results incorporate departmental amendments. [100146]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The Ministry of Defence conducts research on a wide range of matters. Details are not all recorded centrally, but information available indicates that since May 1997 the Ministry of Defence has placed over 740 research contracts at a total value of over £250 million, excluding those let by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). DERA has, in addition, placed some £300 million worth of extramural contracts on behalf of the Department. The total number of DERA contracts placed is not readily available. I am withholding the value of individual research contracts under exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, as this information is commercially sensitive.The Department generally retains control over the publication of research results, and the date of publication, except where ownership of results of work has been vested in contractors. There is no prohibition on publication except where justified under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. MOD and DERA would not seek to change the results of research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish the seventh annual edition of the compendium of current staff targets and staff requirements. [101398]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The MOD is working towards publication, and aims to issue an updated Compendium early in the new year. Since publication of the last Compendium in September 1998, the Department has undergone major organisational change in the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. We wish to ensure that the Compendium will represent an accurate view to industry of future equipment needs throughout the MOD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received regarding the demolition of Iraqi munitions at the Khamisiyah depot in March 1991 and its possible effect on British troops; and if he will make a statement. [102057]

The Government's 1997 'New Beginnings' policy statement set out the way forward for addressing the health concerns of Gulf veterans and included a statement of the MOD's commitment to review specific events in response to Gulf veterans' concerns that they were exposed to chemical weapons during the Gulf Conflict. The work reviewing the incident at Khamisiyah in March 1991 has now been completed and I am today publishing a detailed paper entitled "Review of the events concerning 32 Field Hospital and the Release of Nerve Agent Arising from US Demolition of Iraqi Munitions at the Khamisiyah Depot in March 1991". In conjunction with this I am also publishing a detailed paper to provide the background of how chemical warfare defence was organised in the UK during the Gulf conflict entitled "British Chemical Warfare Defence During the Gulf Conflict 1990–91)". Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.As a result of our review of the information on the Khamisiyah incident, we do not believe there is evidence that any UK troops were definitely exposed to Iraqi chemical agents on 10 or 11 March 1991. Although some British troops were located within the computer modelled composite plume footprint, such theoretical exposure would have been at a very low level. We judge that if such an exposure took place it would present no risk to health.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions the United Kingdom exercised a national veto on proposed actions during NATO operations connected with Kosovo in 1999. [101336]

The reply I gave to a similar question from the hon. Member on 30 November 1999, Official Report, column 85W, explained that NATO decisions are taken by consensus and outlined the procedure for consultation by national commanders in support of Alliance decision-making. Releasing details of the applications of these processes in specific operations would be harmful to defence, security and international relations. I am therefore withholding the information requested in accordance with exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what articles of international law and international humanitarian law were used as the criteria for the United Kingdom's decisions establishing the legality of the choice of targets during the Kosovo conflict. [101335]

The United Kingdom complied with the requirements of international law in its conduct of air operations in the Kosovo conflict, including its obligations under Articles 48 to 58 of the First Protocol additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the amounts and types of ordnance used (a) during the Kosovo conflict in 1999 and (b) over Iraq in 1999. [101337]

During the period in question, the Royal Air Force used the following munitions in support of operations Allied Force and Bolton:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what controls his Department exercises over the storage of nuclear weapons on private land. [101461]

The Ministry of Defence does not store nuclear weapons on private land.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the environmental effects of the use of uranium-based munitions by NATO forces in Kosovo. [101200]

The Government have not commissioned any assessment of the environmental effects of using such munitions in Kosovo but the Joint UN Environment Programme/UN Commission on Human Settlements issued its report "The Kosovo Conflict: Consequences for the Environment" on 5 October 1999. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House. We are aware, however, of the concerns that have been expressed about the use of uranium-based munitions and have commissioned advice from officials within the Department on what further work we might do to improve our knowledge of how depleted uranium in ammunition behaves in the natural environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those areas of the west coast of Scotland not covered for mobile phone reception. [99616]

The information requested is not collected.The cellular mobile operators have each met requirements to roll out services to an area in which at least 90 per cent. of the UK population lives. Aside from this requirement, the individual operators were free to make a commercial decision about their roll-out plans.Vodafone and BT Cellnet are jointly currently constructing a mobile infrastructure within the Highlands and Islands, working alongside the local enterprise council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria were used in selecting wards eligible for assisted area status in Dumfries and Galloway; and what values were attached to each of the criteria for each ward. [100849]

We used the criteria set out in Annex C of the "Government's Proposals for New Assisted Areas", which were published on 15 July. A copy was sent to every MP.The Government have not published ward-based information as it could be disclosive of personal information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the UK companies which have received support from the ECGD in each of the last five years. [100517]

[holding answer 1 December 1999]: The companies are herewith listed.The lists do not include the thousands of UK sub-contracts who have benefited from ECGD cover provided either to a UK main contractor or to a bank which makes payment to a number of UK exporters on behalf of overseas buyers. They do however include the UK Branches of overseas companies who have been the beneficiaries of ECGD guarantees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the number of applicants in the following age bands who have made a claim for payment in respect of vibration white finger and chronic bronchitis and emphysema aged (a) 49 and below, (b) 50 to 59, (c) 60 to 69, (d) 70 to 79, (e) 80 to 89 and (f) 90 years and above. [101048]

As at 30 November, the age breakdown of claims made by ex-miners in respect of claims for compensation for VWF and respiratory disease is as follows:

Aged	Number
Respiratory disease claims received
49 and below	6,558
50–59	12,348
60–69	25,311
70–79	30,202
80–89	11,047
90 and above	2,556
VWF claims received
49 and below	15,780
50–59	13,364
60–69	14,382
70–79	8,414
80–89	925
90 and above	20

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Telecommunications Council held in Brussels on 30 November; and if he will make a statement. [101168]

I represented the UK at the Telecommunications Council on 30 November which adopted a Directive on a Common Framework for Electronic Signatures. I welcomed this as a major step forward towards clarifying the legal framework for electronic commerce.In addition the Commission presented a number of recent Communications which were followed by preliminary exchanges of views.In presenting the fifth report on implementation of the telecommunications regulatory package the Commission drew attention to progress towards implementation of the existing package of telecoms liberalisation legislation, and concluded that the successes of the existing regulatory framework had led to market growth with increased competition and lower tariffs. The Commission also drew attention to the remaining barriers to a single European market in telecoms, including a comparatively low level of harmonisation of Community licensing and interconnection regimes, incomplete implementation by some member states of Community cost accounting provisions, and the lack of competition in local access markets in all member states. Member states approved this general analysis.There was a first debate on the Commission Communication on the review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications. In presenting the Communication the Commission summarised its approach to the review of the regulatory package which would apply to all electronic communications systems and said it would report on the outcome of its public consultation in April before making legislative proposals in May. In the following debate all member states recognised the need for swift action in the face of the pace of technological change, and simplification of the regulatory framework. A number, including the UK, stressed the need for a flexible framework with a minimum of regulation. I emphasised that strengthening competition in the market for communications services is vital to produce an environment in which e-commerce can flourish in Europe, and welcomed the Commission's recognition that regulation should be on a co-regulatory basis with business where possible. The Council adopted Conclusions endorsing the Commission's principles for the new regulatory framework as set out in its Communication.The Commission also presented its Communication on the results of its public consultation on its Green Paper on radio spectrum policy. The Commission summarised the outcome of its consultation and the areas in which it indicated future legislative proposals. There was no discussion of the Communication: the Presidency concluded that the Council noted the Commission's intentions which would require further study when specific legislative proposals emerged in 2000.There was also a debate on the information society of the future and how to build trust and create effective rules for electronic commerce. The Commission will produce guidelines on the use of self-regulation in this area for discussion at the Information Society meeting in Lisbon in April 2000.The Council also noted, without discussion, the Commission Communication on implementation of Directive 97/47/EC on advanced TV standards. The

Applicant		Project
Professor I. G. Priede	Aberdeen	Autonomous Marine Environment Research Stations (AutoMERS)
Professor P. St. J. Russell	Bath	Photonic Crystal Fibres: Fabrication, Technology and Applications
Professor H. R. Saibil	Birkbeck	Equipment and Refurbishment for Electron Cryomicroscopy and Protein Crystallography
Professor M. N. R. Ashfold	Bristol	Materials, Physical and Computational Chemistry for the 21st Century
Professor R. J. Mair	Cambridge	Centre for Geotechnical Process and Construction Modelling
Professor D. M. Glover	Cambridge	Cell Biology and Drosophilia Research in the Cambridge University Genetics Department
Professor Sir John Gurdon	Cambridge	Relocation and upgrading of Wellcome CRC Institute
Professor P. Sissons	Cambridge	Biology and Pathogenesis of Virus Infections
Professor T. W. Robbins	Cambridge	Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience
Professor D. G. Crighton	Cambridge	Centre for Mathematical Sciences
Professor A. J. Moses	Cardiff	Production, Evaluation and Applications of Advanced Soft Magnetics Materials and Devices
Professor A. I. Lamond	Dundee	Dundee Centre for High Resolution Imaging in Cell and Molecular Biology
Professor R. W. Richards	Durham	Multi-disciplinary Condensed Matter Chemistry
Professor T. D. Jickells	UEA	Laboratory for Global Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry
Dr. K. J. Heywood	UEA	Sampling Equipment for the UK Marine, Physics and Chemistry Community
Professor R. D. Kenway	Edinburgh	A World-Leading Computing Facility for Simulations of the Strong Interaction
Professor P. J. Sadler	Edinburgh	Edinburgh Protein Interaction Centre (EPIC)
Professor N. P. Franks	ICSTM	General Anaesthesia: From Molecular Actions to Neuronal Pathways
Professor M. Van Heel	ICSTM	An Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Centre for Solving Biopolymer Structures
Professor P. McGuffin	KCL (Institute of Psychiatry)	The Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry
Professor M. B. Steer	Leeds	Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Design and Instrumentation Facility
Dr. M. C. Bell	Leeds	Leeds Health Air Pollution, Noise, Health and Emissions Research Network (LANTERN)
Professor P. K. H. Maguire	Leicester	The Acquisition of Seismic Recording Systems to study "Rifting Processes: Inception, Transition and Spreading"
Professor P. P. Allport	Liverpool	The Liverpool Semiconductor Detector Centre

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will define the phrase, "undue cross-subsidy", in paragraph 28 of the Post Office White Paper. [101289]

The phrase "undue cross-subsidy" refers to any cross-subsidy from the monopoly to non-monopoly services which is intended or has the effect of being a breach of competition rules. It will be for the Postal Services Commission to regulate this and to make decisions based on the facts of any particular case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to announce awards from round 2 of the Joint Infrastructure Fund. [101685]

I have today announced jointly with the Wellcome Trust and the Higher Education Funding Council for England details of the awards from round 2 of the Joint Infrastructure Fund (JIF). Over £320 million has been awarded to 45 successful applicants across 27 universities across the United Kingdom.The projects awarded funding cover the broad spectrum of science and engineering. They range from projects costing £750,000 to over £30 million.There are a further 3 rounds of the JIF with decision points in March and November 2000 and March 2001.Details of the individual awards announced today are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on plans for operating the national minimum wage. [101509]

The Government asked the independent Low Pay Commission to monitor and evaluate the operation of the national minimum wage, with particular reference to its impact on pay, employment and competitiveness in low paying sectors and small firms. I look forward to reading the Commission's findings, which will be included in their report to the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State later this month, and we will consider carefully the recommendations it makes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact of the Employment Relations Act 1999 on the working of the entertainment industry. [101087]

No regulatory proposal which has an impact on businesses, charities or voluntary bodies is considered by the Government without a thorough assessment of the risks, costs and benefits, a clear analysis of who will be affected and an explanation of why non-regulatory action would be insufficient. These effects are examined in Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs), which are published with legislative proposals.The RIA which accompanied the Employment Relations Bill calculated a total recurring annual compliance cost to business of £60 million. No figures were prepared for individual sectors such as the entertainment industry. The Act's impact on an individual sector will depend on the scope of existing provision in that sector, whether this provision exceeds the statutory minimum in the Act, and the extent to which individuals take up their rights. However, views were received on the legislation from both management and unions in the entertainment sector.The compliance costs need to be set against the benefits which the Act is expected to bring, contributing to improvements in employment relations across the economy, stimulating a more co-operative approach and thus contributing to enhanced economic performance, and helping people achieve a better balance between work and family life, with wider long term social benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many public limited companies in the UK have been taken over by companies based in Germany in each of the last three years. [101360]

I have been asked to reply.The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received about the removal of current affairs and analysis from BBC World TV programming. [99965]

We have received three representations from hon. Members and their constituents. I am afraid however it is a longstanding principle that the Government do not intervene in the BBC's programming and editorial issues, which are matters for the BBC Board of Governors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is in respect of the amalgamation of companies holding ITV franchises. [101458]

Media mergers are subject to general competition law as well as specific ownership provisions under the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. These are matters for the Independent Television Commission and the Office of Fair Trading.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many press releases were issued by his Department in relation to the deferral of export licences for works of art (a) from May 1997 to June 1998 and (b) from June 1998 to date. [101853]

Between May 1997 and June 1998, 12 news releases were issued by the Department relating to the deferral of 20 export licences for cultural items.From June 1998 to date, 15 news releases were issued relating to the deferral of 24 such export licences.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he has taken to publicise his Department's publication, "Export of Works of Art 1998–99". [101852]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, East (Mr. Heppell) on 26 November 1999, Official Report, column 216W, when I said that the Reviewing Committee's Annual Report for 1998–99 was published on that day, and that copies had been laid before Parliament. I also issued a news release on the same day announcing its publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) who will own the lottery terminals which his Department has decided should become obsolete; and what value has been put on them; [101515](2) what extra costs will be incurred in terms of the provision of new lottery machines as a consequence of the decision that the existing ones should be replaced; and if this cost falls on

The decision to require the successful applicant for the new National Lottery licence to install new terminals was taken by the National Lottery Commission. The Commission is independent of Government.The National Lottery terminals are the property of the National Lottery operator, Camelot Group plc, and will remain Camelot's property when the current operating licence expires. My Department does not hold information on the installation costs or the present value of these terminals. The full cost of purchasing and installing the terminals was met by Camelot from its operating costs: no part of the cost of the terminals was met from public funds.The National Lottery Commission has a statutory responsibility to ensure that the National Lottery is run with all due propriety, to protect the interests of players, and subject to satisfying those two criteria, to maximise the amount the Lottery raises for good causes. The Commission took the view that a competition is the best way to ensure that the amount raised for good causes is maximised, and therefore insisted on new technology for National Lottery terminals to remove an obstacle to competition. The Commission's decision will have no impact on other budgets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many indemnity undertakings were given by departments under section 16 of the National Heritage Act 1980 for the six month period ended 30 September; and what was the value of (a) any contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings given at any time under that section which remained outstanding as at 30 September, (b) non-statutory Government indemnities in respect of loans handled by the Government Art Collection which remained outstanding as at 30 September and (c) non-statutory undertakings to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection which remained outstanding at 30 September. [102029]

The provision for the Government Indemnity Scheme is made by the National Heritage Act 1980. The scheme facilitates public access to loans of works of art and other objects for public display made to museums, galleries and other such institutions by private owners and non national institutions. It does this by indemnifying lenders against loss or damage to their loan. Loans covered by the scheme must be for public benefit. The scheme also covers loans of such objects for study purposes within borrowing institutions where this would contribute materially to the public's understanding or appreciation of the loan. Examples of this are enhancing interpretation or explanation to the public of objects or bringing into the public domain the conclusions of any study.In the six month period ended 30 September 1999, the following undertakings to indemnify were given under section 16 by the relevant Departments for objects on loan to national and non-national institutions:

	Number
Department for Culture, Media and Sport	592
Scottish Executive Education Department	101
The National Assembly for Wales	61
Department of Education for Northern Ireland	18

The value of contingent liabilities in respect of undertakings given at any time under section 16 and which remained outstanding is:

	£
Department for Culture, Media and Sport	1,625,435,897
Scottish Executive Education Department	480,066,111
The National Assembly for Wales	66,972,145
Department for Education for Northern Ireland	8,523,168

The value of non-statutory Government indemnities to cover loans handled by the Government Art Collection and which remained outstanding as at 30 September 1999 is:Value: £4,475,000.The value of non-statutory Undertakings given to Her Majesty in respect of loans from the Royal Collection and which remained outstanding as at 30 September 1999 is:Value: £274,848,263.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many times the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee has met in 1999; [101212](2) when he expects the next meeting of the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee to take place; and what will be on the agenda. [101214]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 5 July 1999, Official Report, column 362W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much his Department has spent on ministerial transport in each of the last two years. [98690]

Ministers are required, under the Ministerial Code and "Travel by Ministers", to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. For information on spend on the Government Car Service, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 1 December 1999, Official Report, columns 255–56W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much his Department has spent on civil servants' transport in each of the last two years. [99147]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 1 December 1999, Official Report, columns 255–56W. This gave details of providing the Government Car Service, which included the costs for Ministers and Ministerial private office expenditure in DETR. All travel undertaken by civil servants in the Department complied with the requirements of the Civil Service Management Code.The amount paid for other civil servants transport was not retained separately from other travel expenditure on the previous Department of Transport Accounting system which was in use until end of March 1999 so that a combined total for the two Departments for previous years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what motor mileage allowance rates his Department offers to (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants using their own vehicles for official business; and what has been the cost of each in each of the last five years. [99148]

Ministers, when travelling on official business, may use a private car instead of an official car, and claim mileage allowance in the same circumstances and on the same terms as their civil servants. Use of public transport is encouraged. The Department's aim of minimising journeys by car to reduce the environmental impact of transport activity has been publicised widely. Where public transport is available but a private car is used, a single flat rate of 24 pence per mile is payable. Where it is impracticable to use public transport, payment for the use of a private car is at the rate of 40 pence per mile for the first 4,000 miles regardless of engine size, and 24 pence per mile after that. Claims for payment have to confirm that each journey was arranged in the most cost effective way.The amount paid for motor mileage was not retained separately from other travel expenditure on the previous Department of Transport accounting system so that a combined total for the two Departments could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children aged under 16 years regularly travelled as motorcycle pillion passengers in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [100012]

No estimate is available. The number of children identified in the National Travel Survey making journeys as motorcycle pillion passengers over the last five years has been too small to give any estimate for the population as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many children have been (a) killed and (b) seriously injured whilst riding as a passenger on a motorcycle, in each of the last 10 years. [100010]

The information requested is shown in the table.

Child motorcycle pillion casualties by severity: GB 1989–98
Casualties
Year	Fatal	Serious	Slight	All
1989	0	66	148	214
1990	6	51	147	204
1991	1	34	108	143
1992	1	36	122	159
1993	2	53	130	185
1994	2	54	138	194
1995	0	46	170	216
1996	1	51	130	182
1997	3	48	137	188
1998	0	34	141	175

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his estimate is of the value of land and property (i) in Scotland, (ii) in the United Kingdom, (iii) overseas and (iv) in total within the responsibility of (a) the British Railways Board, (b) the British Waterways Board, (c) the Civil Aviation Authority and (d) London Regional Transport (including assets under construction); and what is the value of (1) plant and equipment, (2) vehicles and rolling stock, (3) investments and (4) other moveable assets held by each of these bodies. [99823]

[holding answer 26 November 1999]: The table which has been placed in the Library sets out the value of land and property (including assets under construction), plant and equipment, vehicles and rolling stock, investments and other assets within the responsibility of the respective bodies set out, as shown in their respective accounts for the year ended 31 March 1999. All figures relate to the group and to the United Kingdom. There were no properties held overseas. Where appropriate, the figure in respect of Scotland has been separately identified. Unless otherwise stated there were no investments held. The net book value should be considered to be current values as at 31 March 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the current estimated value of land and property in (i) Scotland, (ii) the United Kingdom, (iii) overseas, and (iv) in total within the responsibility of (a) the Audit Commission, (b) the British Board of Agreement, (c) the Commission for the New Towns, (d) the Countryside Commission, (e) English Nature, (f) English Partnerships, (g) the Environment Agency, (h) general lighthouse authorities, (i) Trinity House Lighthouse Service, (j) Northern Lighthouse Board, (k) the Health and Safety Commission and Executive, (l) housing action trusts, (m) the Housing Corporation, (n) the Joint Nature Conservancy Committee, (o) the National Forest Company, (p) the Rural Development Commission, (q) the Traffic Director for London and (r) urban development corporations. [99811]

[holding answer 26 November 1999]: Although not separately identified between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, information on the values of land and property is contained in the tangible fixed assets note of the individually published audited accounts of the bodies concerned. These accounts, which are published either as a White Paper Accounts or in the form of a glossy version, have been laid before Parliament and are available in the Library for inspection. Any additional information could not be provided without delay and without incurring disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the current value of land and property in (i) Scotland (ii) the United Kingdom (iii) overseas (iv) total within the responsibility of the (a) Coastguard Agency, (b) Driving Standards Agency, (c) Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency, (d) Highways Agency, (e) Marine Safety Agency, (f) Planning Inspectorate Executive Agency, (g) QEII Conference Centre, (h) Vehicle Certification Agency and (i) Vehicle Inspectorate. [99813]

[holding answer 26 November 1999]: The table which has been placed in the Library sets out the value of land and property within the responsibility of the respective bodies set out, as shown in their respective audited accounts for the year ended 31 March 1999. Marine Safety Agency and the Coastguard Agency formally merged on 1 April 1998. Their figures therefore appear combined. For the avoidance of doubt I should mention that the Driving Standards Agency, the Vehicle Inspectorate and the QEII Conference Centre are trading funds and not executive agencies of DETR. Value information for the Highways Agency is being developed as part of the implementation of resource accounting; this information is currently being audited and is not available. All figures are for the United Kingdom and none for overseas. Where appropriate, the figure in respect of Scotland has been separately identified. The net book value should be considered to be current values as at 31 March 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the current estimated value of land and property in (i) Scotland, (ii) the United Kingdom (iii) overseas and (iv) in total within the responsibility of DETR central; and if he will further list the value of moveable assets within DETR central. [99812]

[holding answer 26 November 1999]: The table which has been placed in the Library sets out the value of land and property within the responsibility of DETR central and the value of other assets as shown in the Department's dry run resource accounts for the year ended 31 March 1999. The first year of published resource accounts will be in respect of 1999–2000. All figures relate to England and Wales. No assets are held by DETR Central in Scotland or overseas. The net book value should be considered to be current values as at 31 March 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his estimate is of the value of land and property (i) in Scotland, (ii) in the United Kingdom, (iii) overseas and (iv) in total held by the Ordnance Survey; and what is the value of moveable assets and other assets held by this body. [99824]

[holding answer 26 November 1999]: Estimates are as follows:

	£
(i) Value of land and property held by Ordnance Survey in Scotland	10
(ii) Value of land and property held by Ordnance Survey in the United Kingdom	14,950,000
(iii) Value of land and property held by Ordnance Survey overseas	0
(iv) Value of land and property held in total by the Ordnance Survey	214,950,000
(v) Value of moveable assets and other assets held by Ordnance Survey	10,328,000
1 All office accommodation in Scotland is rented
2 Same as (ii)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to increase traffic flow during the current road works on the A31 in the New Forest particularly during weekends; when he expects the road works to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [100522]

Average local reference rents, Greater Manchester and Cheshire
Weekly rent (£)
	Accommodation with four rooms			Accommodation with five rooms
	1996	1997	1998	1996	1997	1998
Greater Manchester	71.00	71.37	72.20	19.17	79.17	80.81
Manchester	74.17	71.01	75.55	83.34	80.45	85.63
Stockport	87.23	86.96	86.83	93.73	95.04	93.25
Oldham	58.40	60.14	60.59	60.66	64.16	64.96
Tameside	75.67	79.61	76.00	78.94	80.02	81.48
Bolton	63.34	67.31	66.64	68.08	72.22	71.90
Rochdale	60.10	63.35	63.88	62.27	69.80	68.41
Trafford	84.71	86.90	87.82	89.32	92.91	92.49
Bury	59.74	66.21	66.23	63.88	67.80	70.73
Salford	64.64	66.39	67.18	68.81	71.58	72.87
Wigan	60.31	66.03	65.49	63.67	69.57	70.38
Cheshire	83.72	88.70	88.73	89.94	99.25	97.09
Congleton	177.89	182.67	183.76	176.37	192.86	191.51
Macclesfield	115.90	125.92	121.59	1122.85	1139.16	1127.87
Crewe and Nantwich	67.62	71.28	71.50	78.55	178.04	81.92
Vale Royal	80.44	190.31	93.22	189.53	1102.81	1105.92
Ellesmere Port and Neston	180.03	183.72	80.00	184.65	199.18	185.94
Warrington	84.88	87.41	93.08	192.50	198.67	1103.81
Chester	95.38	1105.99	100.03	195.22	1115.21	1109.81
Halton	74.32	77.94	77.49	180.57	183.90	184.68
1 Number of cases fewer than 100

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the standard reference rent established by the Rent Officer Service for each locality within Greater Manchester and Cheshire for four room and five room accommodation in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [100768]

The available annual information is given in the table. Reference rents will differ from one year to the next because of differences in the type and condition of property covered each year. These figures are not included in the publication "Rent Officer Statistics" because the number of cases reported for each locality is too small a basis for reliable quarterly estimates.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if safety recommendations to be enacted in accordance with section 37 of the Cologne Conclusions will apply to the Channel Tunnel; and if cost compliance will be included by the UK delegates in working group negotiations. [100996]

The Transport Council has yet to consider any recommendations on tunnel safety. However, paragraph 37 of the Cologne Council conclusions refers to road tunnels. It therefore seems likely that any recommendations would not be directly applicable to rail tunnels such as the Channel Tunnel.The independent, binational Channel Tunnel Safety Authority, which oversees all matters relating to safety in the Channel Tunnel, has studied the various investigations into the Mont Blanc Tunnel fire and has identified no immediate or urgent safety implications for the Channel Tunnel. The Safety Authority will study with interest any recommendations the Transport Council may make, once they are published, to see whether they have any implications for the Tunnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the provision of direct rail services between the north west and the rest of Europe via the Channel Tunnel. [101347]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: Such services are the subject of an extensive independent review, the results of which the Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering. A statement will be made in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the value of porous asphalt road surfacing as a means of reducing spray in wet weather. [101136]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what emissions are produced from the use of a gallon of (a) unleaded petrol, (b) super unleaded petrol and (c) lead replacement petrol. [101093]

There is no fundamental difference in emissions produced by any of these grades of petrol, the primary combustion products being carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapour. Combustion of one gallon will produce approximately 10.7 kg of CO₂ and 4.3 kg of water. Small amounts of secondary combustion products can also be created, but the actual amounts will vary from vehicle to vehicle depending on the combustion efficiency of the engine in which the fuel is burned and the efficiency of any exhaust gas after-treatment that may be fitted. These secondary pollutants are mainly comprised of hydrocarbons (HC) arising from unburned or partially burned fuel, oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulates. Depending on the level of sulphur in the fuel, sulphur compounds can also be produced. Other compounds, resulting from the use of fuel additives such as, for example, potassium that is used in lead replacement petrol, may also be emitted in trace concentrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the EDP costs, (b) accommodation and telephone costs, (c) London Transport finance and HR services charges and (d) PFI contract costs incurred by London Underground Ltd. in 1997–98. [100934]

Figures for these items were given in my answer of 25 October 1999, Official Report, column 673W.A more detailed breakdown of the costs referred to could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of high-tension and control cables (a) have been and (b) will be transferred to the Seeboard Powerlink consortium under the Power PFI contract. [100932]

Under the terms of the Power PFI contract, approximately 1,000 miles each of high-tension and control cables (covering the entire Underground network) transferred to Seeboard Powerlink on 16 August 1998. Seeboard Powerlink is responsible for the maintenance and renewal of these cables for the duration of the contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans have been agreed with the Seeboard Powerlink consortium for the retention of generating plant at (a) the Lots Road and (b) the Greenwich power stations. [100933]

Under the terms of the Power PFI contract, Seeboard Powerlink are working together with London Underground to close Lots Road Power station during 2001. Main power supplies for the Underground will then be obtained from the National Grid.For the duration of the contract, Seeboard Powerlink will require Greenwich Power station to provide emergency power in the event of a failure of supplies from the National Grid. Seeboard Powerlink is responsible for maintenance and renewal during this period.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many London Underground sub-station staff were transferred to the Seeboard Powerlink consortium under the terms of the Power PFI contract. [100931]

Under the terms of the Power PFI contract, 315 London Underground employees transferred to Seeboard Powerlink, including 148 sub-station staff.

£ million
	CSR11999–2000	Latest21999–2000	CSR12000–01	Latest22000–01	CSR12001–02	Latest22001–02
Housing and other	3,829	3,665	4,581	4,422	5,195	5,032
Regeneration (including New Deal for Communities)	1,352	1,443	1,533	1,621	1,765	1,849
Transport	2,880	2,935	3,231	3,172	3,673	3,575
London Transport, Rail Franchise Payments and CTRL	1,670	1,624	1,238	1,255	1,367	1,431
Total DETR	9,729	9,666	10,582	10,470	12,000	11,888
1 As published in Table 8.1 of Cm 4011 (Modern Public Services for Britain—Investing in reform).
2 Post Summer Supplementary/Revised Estimates position.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the national minimum concessionary bus fare for pensioners has been budgeted for introduction before 2001–02. [100890]

The Transport Bill published on 1 December contains our proposals for the introduction of the standard minimum for local authority concessionary travel schemes for pensioners. The standard minimum concession cannot be implemented until the necessary primary legislation has been enacted, so the earliest practical introduction date will be 2001–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the titles of departmental reports being prepared for publication in the next 12 months, giving in each case the estimated date of publication. [100889]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the changes made to Comprehensive Spending Review spending plans for his Department since July 1998. [100891]

The following table sets out the spending plans within my Department's Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) as published in July 1998 (Table 8.1 of Cm. 4011) compared to the position following the 1999–2000 Revised and Summer Supplementary Estimates. For subsequent changes I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Cleethorpes (Shona McIsaac) on 5 November 1999, Official Report, columns 346–49W, and the Supply Estimates 1999–2000: Winter Supplementary Estimates published on the 18 November.The changes between the CSR settlement and the present position for Housing and other and Regeneration, are the result principally of the establishment of the Regional Development Agencies (now included in the Regeneration line), which have taken over the administration of some programmes formerly included with Housing and other. The other changes are the cumulative result of a large number of: small technical (public expenditure classification) changes; transfers to and from other Departmental Expenditure Limits; and some minor transfers between programmes within my Department's DEL.

The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions is preparing DETR Departmental Annual Report 2000, which will be published in spring 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the completion of the A41 Aston Clinton bypass on traffic (a) volumes and (b) flows on the A41 through Aylesbury. [101117]

I have asked the acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on (a) how the debts of British Rail are to be managed and (b) the borrowing powers available to the Strategic Rail Authority. [100885]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is considering these matters with the Chairman of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority and the Treasury.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to prevent drivers of motor vehicles from using hand-held mobile phones whilst they are driving. [100901]

Drivers are charged with dangerous driving (Section 2 of the Road Traffic Act 1988) or driving without due care and attention (Section 3 of that Act) if using a mobile phone causes them to drive in such a manner; or with failing to exercise proper control of a vehicle (Section 104 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the benefit of the Merseytravel concessionary fares scheme to the (a) elderly and (b) disabled. [101166]

I have not made any assessment of this scheme. It is for individual local authorities—in this case Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority—to decide whether to operate concessionary fare schemes and what level of benefit to provide.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to commission research on the needs of older single homeless people accommodated and rehoused via local authority homeless services. [101186]

Data are already collected on older households accepted as homeless by local authorities. Overall, the total number of such households has declined from 6,060 in 1993–94 to 3,700 in 1998–99. During this same period the proportion of these households, compared to other households accepted as homeless, has declined from five per cent. to four per cent.¹The Department has no plans for additional data collection or research in this area at present.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for how long it is planned that the future Mayor of London will occupy the offices currently under conversion for him. [101155]

The Greater London Authority will remain in Romney House until the new headquarters building at London Bridge is completed. Negotiations on the agreement to lease and occupancy date are well advanced and I expect to make an announcement very shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the budgeted cost is of converting offices for the future Mayor of London. [101154]

The temporary home of the new Greater London Authority in Romney House was selected from the Department's estate and it is anticipated that the cost of refurbishment will be around £2 million. The offices will be re-used by the Department once the GLA moves to its new headquarters building in London Bridge.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response there has been to the consultation on the paper, "The Shape of Things to Come", concerning the organisational structure for the Greater London Authority. [102116]

The GLA Transition Team, under Dr. Robert Chilton, has advised me on the responses to the consultation exercise, and I have agreed some minor changes to the organisational structure originally proposed. A response document, entitled "Shaping up for the Mayor and Assembly" has today been published. A copy will be placed in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those local authorities which have met his target for recycling domestic waste. [101446]

There is no recycling target which each individual local authority is expected to meet. There is a national goal to recycle or compost 25 per cent. of household waste as soon as possible, hopefully by 2005. By 2010 we hope to see 30 per cent. of household waste being recycled or composted, and in the longer term we hope to see a third of all households being dealt with in this way.Under our Best Value Initiative performance indicators are being developed for local authority waste services. From these, authorities will be expected to derive targets for their own performance on waste, having regard to any national goals we set in the forthcoming National Waste Strategy. I emphasise, though, that local targets should take account of local assessments of the Best Practicable Environmental Option, and will not therefore necessarily be at the same level as our national goals. I fully expect some authorities to put forward targets that exceed those that we propose, and others to put forward lower targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's liability for any health problems caused by the incineration of waste. [100942]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The setting and enforcing of high environmental protection standards for waste incineration is a priority for the Government. Incinerators in England (and Wales) are regulated by the Environment Agency or local authorities under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Whether a particular person or organisation would be liable for any damage caused by incineration would be for the Courts to decide in the circumstances of the particular case.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the incineration of waste on (a) the Government's national air quality strategy and (b) local authority air quality strategies; and if he will make a statement. [100944]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The recent review of the UK National Air Quality Strategy considered all stationary and mobile sources of air pollution, including waste incineration, in forecasting the future air pollution climate. A revised version of the Strategy is to be published shortly. Incineration plant are already tightly controlled under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 through which EU waste incineration legislation is also implemented.No national assessment has been made of the impact of incineration on local air quality strategies. In carrying out their local air quality management duties, however, local authorities will need to take account of the impact on air quality of any incineration processes in their areas. In drawing up any action plan or strategy to tackle local air pollution, authorities will wish to ensure that any additional reduction contributed by different sources (including any incineration processes) is balanced, proportionate and cost effective in relation to achieving the plan's objectives.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research the Government have commissioned into the possible risk to human health from the incineration of waste, indicating the publication date of each research document. [100943]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The following recent Government sponsored research has addressed possible risks to human health specifically in relation to waste incineration:

Risk assessment of dioxin releases from municipal waste incineration processes HMIP/CPR2/41/1/181 Published by HMIP, 1996.

Cancer incidence near municipal solid waste incinerators in Great Britain, by SAHSU, Elliott P, et al. Published in the British Journal of Cancer 1996 volume 73, pp 702–710. (A follow up study is to be published in the same journal early next year).

A study of dioxins and furans in soil around four municipal waste incinerators in Hampshire, prepared by AEA Technology for the Environment Agency, 1996.

Risks from BSE via environmental pathways, prepared by DNV for the Environment Agency, 1997.

Health Effects of Waste Combustion Products, prepared by the Medical Research Council/Institute for Environment and Health for DTI, 1997.

The Department of Health's Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has also published a number of reports which are relevant to possible health effects of waste incineration. These are:

Non-biological particles and health, Published 1995

Asthma and outdoor pollution, Published 1995

Quantification of the effects of air pollution on health in the UK, Published 1998.

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's Seventeenth Report on Incineration of Waste (Cm 2181, 1993) also considered health effects of waste incineration. The Department of Health/Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Air Pollution Research Initiative is currently examining the effects on health of some products of combustion, including particles. A report for the Environment Agency on clinical waste disposal risk assessment is to be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he has taken to ensure that the North West Regional Development Agency consults local authorities in non-assisted areas within the region. [101344]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: RDAs are expected to consult regularly with all local authorities in their regions and we will expect them to continue to consult on their activities as these progress.Most recently, the North West Development Agency consulted with local authorities and other regional partners in drawing up its regional strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has given to regional development agencies on discharging of their statutory obligation to promote sustainable development in their regional economic strategies. [101697]

Guidance on the formulation of the strategies was issued to the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) on 31 March 1999. This outlined how the RDAs should seek to meet their statutory duty under Section 4 of the RDAs Act 1998, to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development in the UK, where it is relevant to its area to do so.The guidance specifies that an appraisal of the contribution the strategy will make to sustainable development should be produced.In addition to the guidance on RDAs' strategies, the Government have issued supplementary guidance to advise the RDAs more fully on sustainable development issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the regional economic strategies of the regional development agencies will be monitored to ensure that the regional development agencies conform with statutory guidance (a) to take account of the needs of rural areas and (b) to promote sustainable development. [101698]

As set out in the guidance to RDAs on the formulation of their strategies, the Government Offices for the Region will provide the focus for an on-going dialogue with Government as each strategy develops and is reviewed. They will also provide a means of ensuring that each strategy enhances and supports national policies and programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will complete his review of transport safety and accident investigation. [101846]

The review of transport safety arrangements, including accident investigation, is expected to be completed in the New Year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on recent EU legislation allowing member states to recycle low-level radioactive waste into consumer products. [101694]

The EURATOM Basic Safety Standards Directive Euratom 96–29 imposes a high degree of radiological protection revising earlier Directives setting basic safety standards for the protection of workers and members of the public against the dangers of ionising radiation. Article five of the Directive makes the disposal, recycling or re-use of radioactive substances subject to authorisation by the regulators.With most materials containing some radioactivity it is important to set thresholds in regulations below which materials will be treated as outside the framework of control. The Directive therefore permits member states to set levels of radioactivity below which materials can be disposed of, recycled and re-used without needing prior authorisation. This concept is known as clearance, with clearance levels setting a threshold at or below which the levels of radioactivity are small and pose negligible radiological risk, irrespective of the volume and fate of that material. The Government have recently issued a consultation document on implementation of the Directive including the issue of clearance levels. Responses to this are still being considered and Government proposals will be made in due course.In the UK, the sale or disposal of radioactively contaminated material is closely regulated by the Environment Agency (in England and Wales), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (in Scotland), and Department of Environment (NI) in Northern Ireland under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 to ensure that the levels of radioactivity involved pose insignificant risk to human health or the environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received concerning the recycling of low-level radioactive waste into consumer products. [101695]

In response to a leaflet run by the Low Level Radiation Campaign (LLRC) about concerns of contaminated materials being reused and recycled into consumer goods, the Department has received 28 letters, 14 of which have been replied to by Ministers and 14 by officials. In addition, in response to a recent consultation exercise on implementation of the revised Basic Safety Standards Directive Euratom 96/29, further representations in support of the LLRC were received.My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment has met with representatives of the LLRC when the matter of recycling low-level radioactive waste in consumer products was discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to strengthen the regulation of rail companies to ensure that adequate rolling stock is provided on peak-time rail services in order to avert over-crowding. [101346]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: Train Operating Companies (TOCs) have a general obligation to avoid excessive overcrowding on all services. London commuter TOCs and TOCs providing some commuter services into Edinburgh are subject to annual counts of Passengers in Excess of Capacity (PIXC) and must not exceed 4.5 per cent. above capacity in either the morning or evening peak and 3 per cent. in the combined morning and evening peaks. My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister issued the Franchising Director with new Instructions and Guidance on 29 September 1999 in which he asked him to deliver improvements in services through re-negotiation of the terms of franchise agreements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his policy is on the electrification of the Blackpool to Manchester line. [101345]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: Railtrack have told me that they believe there is no business case for electrification of the Blackpool to Manchester line unless external funding is available. They also say that no interest has been shown from any train operating company.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the brownfield development sites in (a) Colchester borough and (b) Tendring district. [101631]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The information is not available centrally. Provisional estimates, from the National Land Use Database, of the total amount of previously developed land that may be available for redevelopment by Government Office Region were published last May in the Department's Information Bulletin 500.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what Government-sponsored research there has been into the health effects of burning landfill gases in the last 10 years. [101434]

Last year the Department commissioned the Small Area Health Statistics Unit at Imperial College to carry out a national study of adverse health effects around landfill sites. The results of this study are anticipated in approximately 18 months time. In September this year my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Environment, launched a Government-funded research programme which will provide further information about potential harmful effects of substances which may be released from landfill sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which body is responsible for ensuring that there are sufficient water resources for future large scale development under regional planning guidance. [101433]

[holding answer 6 December 1999]: The consultation draft of Planning Policy Guidance Note 11—Regional Planning, published earlier this year, makes clear (para. 2.31) that the Regional Planning Bodies, in framing policies in draft Regional Planning Guidance, should consider with the Environment Agency and the water industry the availability of water resources. Regional Planning Guidance should help foster co-operation between local planning authorities, water companies and the Environment Agency to ensure that water supply sources are protected and that rates of development do not exceed the capacities of existing or planned water supply systems to meet projected demand.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the costs of public transport in (a) London and (b) other European capitals. [101510]

The cost to the Government of supporting London Transport is recorded in the Annual Report of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The Annual Report also gives the cost of supporting train services, though it is not possible to identify separately the cost of supporting train services in London.Costs incurred by London Transport in providing bus and underground services are published in their annual report and accounts.The Government do not maintain statistics on the finances of public transport systems in other European capitals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the role of the public sector in providing match funding for the Objective 1 Merseyside Programme for (a) the current programme and (b) the programme for 2000–2006. [101840]

Merseyside has run a highly successful Objective 1 programme in the current round, and the Government welcome the new Objective 1 programme which will bring in more than £850 million in European funding. This will bring new opportunities to stimulate economic growth and encourage increased investment and jobs.The position on match funding for the Objective 1 Merseyside Programme has not changed—it will continue to be the responsibility of grant applicants. This principle is an important element in ensuring local ownership and commitment, and helping integration of regional priorities and strategies. In this way, European funding is used alongside money already provided at the national and local level to help revitalise the area and achieve a better quality of life for those who live there.The Government have provided, and will continue to provide, significant financial support for Merseyside through a wide variety of programmes. These include the Single Regeneration Budget and New Deal for Communities, as well as mainstream programmes such as the Revenue Support Grant for local authorities. Local partnerships can prioritise the use of these resources to fund projects jointly with the Structural Funds, thereby boosting their impact.Regional partners can also seek to match their European funds with contributions from the voluntary and private sectors, as well as through loans from organisations such as the European Investment Bank.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will equalise the rights and the responsibilities of unmarried parents where both parents' names are given on the child's birth certificate and where there is financial commitment by both parents to the maintenance and welfare of the child. [101338]

I refer my hon. Friend to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) on 6 December 1999, Official Report, column 398W.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellor will publish the report on the consultation on the document, Contact between Children and Violent Parents. [101507]

The consultation paper on the question of parental contact in cases where there is domestic violence was issued by the Children Act Sub-Committee of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Board on Family Law in June 1999. The Advisory Board is an independent, advisory non-departmental public body. The consultation period was extended to 1 December and the responses are currently being collated for consideration by the Sub-Committee. The Advisory Board will consider in the new year the question of how and when the results of the consultation should be made public.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which organisations responded to the consultation document, Contact between Children and Violent Parents, produced by her Department's Advisory Board on Family Law; and what issues they raised. [101506]

The consultation paper on the question of parental contact in cases where there is domestic violence was issued by the Children Act Sub-Committee of the Lord Chancellor's Advisory Board on Family Law in June 1999. The Advisory Board is an independent, advisory non-departmental public body. Over 200 responses have been received and these are currently being collated and summarised for consideration by the Sub-Committee in the New Year. The Sub-Committee will consider the issues raised, the advice to be given and the question of how the results of the consultation should be made public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much his Department has spent on ministerial transport in 1995–96 and 1996–97. [98715]

The information my hon. Friend has requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, information dating from the establishment of the Government Car and Despatch Agency in April 1997 is available, and I refer her to the answer provided by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on 1 December 1999, Official Report, columns 255–56W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what changes he has made to the indicators of delay which have to be satisfied before a special payment can be considered since 1 May 1997; [101095](2) if he will publish in respect of each benefit payable the indicators of delay which must be satisfied before a special payment can be considered due to late payment. [101096]

No changes have been made to the indicators of delay which have to be satisfied before a special payment can be considered since 1 May 1997.The indicators of delay which must be satisfied in respect of each benefit before a special payment can be considered due to late payment are published in "Financial Redress for Maladministration". This document is available in every Local Office for the general public to read upon request. It is also available in the Library, at main public libraries and as a priced document from The Stationery Office bookshops.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to extend (a) private and voluntary sector involvement in and (b) call centre facilities to all the single work-focused gateway pilot projects. [100873]

There are no plans to extend the private sector involvement or call centre facilities to the four 'basic model' pilots. The three pilot variants were chosen to test different methods of delivering the ONE service. We are monitoring the pilots carefully and have planned a full evaluation of the ONE service using qualitative as well as quantitative research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what recent assessment he has made of the performance of the single work-focused gateway pilot project in Clyde Coast and Renfrew; [100874](2) how many people

The early signs are encouraging; clients are pleased with the ONE service and the active support that it offers. It is helping people to make links with the labour market who might hitherto never have considered that work was even a possibility. It is not, however, meaningful to assess the pilots further at such an early stage or to draw any conclusions from the figures while the pilots are settling down. We are investing considerable resources in a thorough evaluation of the ONE service and when robust and reliable data are available we will make them public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish in respect of all benefits payable the length of time which his Department expects to clear claims for that particular benefit. [101094]

The administration of benefits is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.