To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what average saving in energy consumption he estimates would be made if new houses were constructed using best available techniques for energy conservation in place of the requirements of current building regulations. [108019]

New dwellings might have an annual energy consumption for space heating and hot water around half that of dwellings built in compliance with current building regulations if built using best available techniques that take account of factors such as capital and running costs, buildability and environmental costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he received (a) from Wiltshire County Council and (b) from named councillors in support of the provision of a pedestrian crossing on the A36(T) at South Newton, Wiltshire; [107640](2) for what reason he decided to construct a pedestrian crossing on the A36(T) at South Newton, Wiltshire; what type of crossing will be built; when it will be operating; and how much it will cost. [107641]

[holding answer 1 February 2000]: 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, pursuant to his answer of 24 January 2000, Official Report, columns 131–32W, on airline accidents, if new boundaries for public safety zones at airports were defined following the receipt of the advice from NATS Ltd. [108215]

We have accepted NATS' advice that it is feasible to base public safety zone boundaries on risk contours around airports, and NATS are well advanced with the detailed work to redefine the boundaries for us on this basis. We hope to bring the new boundaries into effect, together with guidance to local planning authorities, in the spring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had concerning the Open Skies policy in relation to regional airports in England and Wales during (a) this parliamentary session and (b) the last parliamentary session. [108634]

In June 1998 we offered to bilateral partners with whom we did not already have liberal agreements unrestricted third/fourth freedom access to all UK regional airports, as long as UK airlines were also allowed to operate on the same routes. Some 17 countries have accepted the offer and it has been discussed in virtually all air services negotiations held since June 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the proposals to be put forward by (a) Japan, (b) Norway and (c) other states on whales and whaling to the forthcoming meeting of the parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, indicating the position of Her Majesty's Government in relation to these proposals. [108492]

Japan and Norway have put forward four proposals to downlist whale populations to Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). These are the North-east Atlantic and North Atlantic Central, the West Pacific and Southern Hemisphere stocks of Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and the Eastern North Pacific stocks of Grey whales (Eshrichtuis robustus.) We have already made clear to both countries our opposition to these proposals on the grounds that they would undermine the moratorium on commercial whaling under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW). This position was endorsed by the majority of EU member states at a recent informal meeting of EU experts.The meeting of experts, which acts as a precursor to the formation of a common EU position through the Council of Ministers, also considered three resolutions concerning the relationship between CITES and the International Whaling Commission (IWC). There are two competing resolutions: one from Japan, that seeks to weaken the primacy of the IWC in the field of managing and conserving whale stocks; and one from the United States, which underscores existing arrangements. In addition there is a simple consolidation of all extant CITES resolutions on whaling proposed by the CITES Secretariat. The majority of member states agreed that the EU should seek the withdrawal of the US and Japanese proposals in favour of the simple consolidation of resolutions which will preserve the existing arrangements between the two Conventions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the latest available figures are for the number of designated school crossing patrols in (a) England and Wales in total and (b) each London borough; and how many of these designated school crossing patrols have vacant positions in (i) England and Wales and (ii) each London borough. [108676]

The figures requested are not collected.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many major road schemes were (a) accepted, (b) provisionally accepted, (c) deferred and (d) rejected in each English region in the local transport settlement 2000–01. [108721]

The information is given in the following table:

	(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)
Region	Accepted	Provisionally accepted	Deferred	Rejected	Total
South East	0	1	5	3	9
South West	1	0	2	2	5
West Midlands	2	0	6	3	11
North West	0	1	4	0	5
North East	1	0	2	0	3
Yorks and Humber	0	2	6	1	9
East Midlands	2	1	4	1	8
East of England	2	5	1	1	9

The table refers to the 59 bids which are either being funded as major road schemes or were identified as being wholly roads-based. A further 14 major schemes put forward contain significant road schemes as part of an integrated strategy including public transport and related works.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will issue guidance to local authorities on allowing housing in cases where a woman has left the area in which she was living as a result of domestic violence and has moved to a different authority area; and if he will make a statement. [108727]

People who are fleeing domestic violence are regarded as homeless by virtue of sections 175 and 177 of the Housing Act 1996. Authorities should consider whether applicants are vulnerable as a result of having suffered violence or abuse from a person with whom they are associated. If so, they will have a priority need for accommodation. When discharging their duties under the homelessness provisions of the Housing Act 1996, authorities must have regard to how suitable the location of that accommodation is. Threats of violence would clearly be a factor in their decision making.The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions revised draft Code of Guidance on the Allocation of Accommodation and Homelessness, due to be published in the Spring, gives clear messages to local authorities about the approach they might take where women need to leave their home because of domestic violence. It also encourages authorities to refer to the voluntary Inter-Borough Agreement on out-of-area-placements of homeless households in the private rented sector, which has been agreed between member authorities of the Association of London Government. This sets out a framework for co-operation and consultation between member authorities. Although this addresses the particular context of London, the principle and policies advocated apply equally across all areas where there is a need for out-of-area placement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will decide the future location of the Health and Safety Laboratory. [108789]

The Health and Safety Laboratory is currently in negotiations with a preferred bidder under PFI to rationalise its estate. This involves locating the Laboratory on a single site at Buxton. If Ministers are satisfied that the final proposals represent value for money, approval will be given. A decision on the project is due in Summer 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for the latest 12 months for which figures are available how many miles of resurfaced highway contained reprocessed waste tyres; and if he will make a statement. [108983]

Road surfacing products containing waste tyres are currently undergoing trials as part of their development process. No central records are kept concerning the use of these materials. A trial just under one mile long was laid on the A244 Hersham bypass in June 1999 for Surrey County Council, and is being monitored jointly with the Highways Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the need for primary legislation following the judgment of the Court of Appeal in R vs Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions ex parte Spath Holme Limited that the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (SI 1999 No. 6) was ultra vires. [108787]

We will consider whether any further action is appropriate once the outcome of the petition to another place is known.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on the stock of affordable homes of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in R v. Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions ex parte Spath Holme Limited that the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (SI 1999 No. 6) was ultra vires. [108783]

The Court of Appeal's judgment does not affect the supply of affordable homes. However, it is likely to affect the ability of some tenants to afford rent increases which would have been capped under the Order.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he plans to take following the judgment of the Court of Appeal in R v. Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions ex parte Spath Holme Limited that the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (SI 1999 No. 6) was ultra vires. [108785]

We intend to petition another place seeking permission to appeal the Court's decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on rents of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in R v. Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions ex parte Spath Holme Limited that the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (SI 1999 No. 6) was ultra vires. [108784]

The judgment is likely to lead to significant increases in fair rents that would have been capped under the Order. The impact will vary between regions. However, provisional analysis of rents registered by rent officers in England and Wales shows an average difference between the amount capped under the Order and the uncapped amount of £5.61 per week.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by what means he will prevent disproportionate increases in rent following the judgment of the Court of Appeal in R vs Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions ex parte Spath Holme Limited that the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 (SI 1999 No. 6) was ultra vires. [108786]

The Secretary of State has no powers to intervene to prevent disproportionate increases in rent. It is for rent officers and rent assessment committees to decide whether and by how much to increase the rent for tenancies registered under Part IV and Part VI of the Rent Act 1977. They must follow the rules set out in Section 70 of the Act and have regard to leading court judgments on the assessment of a fair rent.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation to control the use of minicabs in the Greater London area. [108731]

I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge) on 21 December 1999, Official Report, column 537W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential impact on business associated with each of the following planned deregulation proposals (a) the disposal of houses by local authorities in England, (b) amending section 7 of the Building Act 1984 and (c) eligibility to drive a private hire vehicle outside London. [108776]

[holding answer 7 February 2000]: A consultation exercise was carried out last year on the proposal concerning the disposal of houses by local authorities in England. Following this, an assessment of the potential impact on business has been produced, and is currently under consideration.The proposals to amend Section 7 of the Building Act 1984 arose from proposals made by the Better Regulation Task Force. A forthcoming consultation will seek to identify the impact of amending Section 7, and this will be fully assessed by means of a Regulatory Impact Assessment prior to making a deregulation order.The issues surrounding the eligibility to drive a private hire vehicle outside London are being considered in the light of consultation responses from business and other interested parties. If these result in a deregulation order, Cabinet Office guidance on making such an order will be followed. This guidance requires that a Regulatory Impact Assessment be produced.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the economic impact associated with each of the following deregulation orders and contracting out orders on business (a) the Deregulation (Parking Equipment) Order 1996, (b) the Deregulation (Motor Vehicles Tests) Order 1996, (c) the Deregulation (Building) (Initial Notices and Final Certificates) Order 1996, (d) the Deregulation (Exchangeable Driving Licences) Order 1998 and (e) the Deregulation (Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles) Order 1998. [108775]

[holding answer 7 February 2000]: The five listed orders were laid prior to the requirement, introduced in August 1998, to produce Regulatory Impact Assessments looking at all economic impacts of proposals. At that time, Compliance Cost Assessments were required, but only for proposals expected to impose costs. Since, under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, deregulation orders are not allowed to impose burdens, no such assessments were prepared in these cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the main report of the Raptor Working Group. [109089]

The report of the UK Raptor Working Group was launched at the Raptor Forum meeting hosted by my Department on 3 February. The full report is published as a priced publication entitled "Report of the UK Raptor Working Group" available from Scottish Natural Heritage at the address below. Copies are also available in the House Libraries.

• Fiona MacTaggart
• Scottish Natural Heritage
• Barrington Bond
• 1,2 Anderson Place
• Edinburgh EH6 5NP
• Tel: 0131 4462453
• E-mail: Fiona.MacTaggart@snh.gov.uk

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what options for additional capacity on the Thameslink rail route have been proposed since June 1999; and what is the timetable for such options. [109108]

The loan of four class 317 units from WAGN and two class 319 units from Connex has resulted in longer trains on Thameslink services, providing 3,900 extra seats per week, and an extra train path from 26 September 1999. The SSRA are currently evaluating proposals for new rolling stock and further additional train paths on the Bedford to London section of the route. They are also investigating other options for additional capacity on this section. The earliest any further additional capacity could be provided by the acquisition of new rolling stock is September 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase accessibility to bus and rail services for the (a) elderly and (b) disabled elderly. [109248]

The regulations we are introducing under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will ensure that in future all land-based public transport vehicles are fully accessible.Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations have been introduced which apply to all new types of passenger rail rolling stock first introduced into service from 1 January 1999. Similar regulations dealing with new buses and coaches used on local and scheduled services will be introduced this year. The regulations cover a wide range of features which will improve access for older people as well as for disabled people: for example, improved handrails which will benefit those with poor dexterity and the use of colour and tonal contrasts to assist those with low vision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions whether the target in draft PPG3 of 60 per cent. of homes on brownfield sites is a target for (a) each planning authority, (b) each planning region and (c) the country as a whole; and how he intends to ensure that authority and regional targets will achieve the national target. [109013]

[holding answer 8 February 2000]: The Government's target is that by 2008, 60 per cent. of additional housing in England should be provided on previously developed land or by re-using existing buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many staff were seconded from the private sector to his Department from (a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to the latest date for which figures are available, stating in each case the companies from which staff have been seconded. [109071]

[holding answer 8 February 2000]: Secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative, which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the Civil Service and other organisations. All sectors of the economy are involved: Voluntary, Education, Health, Public and Private. Interchange is a key component of the reform agenda. The Modernising Government White Paper committed us to increasing interchange, in particular by bringing in more people on secondment and seconding more of our people out.From May 1997 to April 1998, there were 19 secondees to the Department. Four of these secondees were from the private sector, and came from the following companies:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Montreal conference on the Biosafety Protocol. [109081]

The Montreal conference, at which I represented the United Kingdom Government, was a success. Countries throughout the world agreed by consensus on 29 January to adopt the Biosafety Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. We achieved our goal of securing a Protocol that is robust in protecting biodiversity, and effective and workable for those who have obligations under it.The Protocol will ensure that developing and developed countries alike will be able to take informed decisions, on the basis of scientific information including a risk assessment, about whether to import certain living (genetically) modified organisms (LMOs) that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. In the absence of scientific certainty, due to insufficient scientific information and knowledge, and consistent with Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration, countries will be able to take such decisions on import on a precautionary basis in order to avoid or minimise any potential adverse effects, and to take into account the impact of LMOs on the value of biodiversity to indigenous and local communities.Where importing countries lack a domestic regulatory framework for taking decisions on the import of LMOs, they will be able to do so under the Protocol. In the case of LMOs intended for intentional introduction into the environment, this will be on the basis of information provided in advance by the exporter. In the case of LMOs intended for direct use as food or feed, or for processing, importing countries without domestic legislation will be able to take decisions on the basis of information provided through a clearing-house mechanism established under the Protocol.Further provisions in the Protocol lay down minimum documentation requirements for LMOs moving between countries. These requirements are categorised according to whether the LMO is intended for intentional introduction into the environment, for contained use, for direct use as food or feed, or for processing, or for other purposes. The Protocol also requires work to be undertaken on the options for a regime for liability and redress to be completed within four years of its entry into force.The effectiveness of the Protocol in achieving its objective of contributing to biosafety is strengthened by specific recognition that trade and environment agreements should be mutually supportive with a view to achieving sustainable development.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if draft PPG3 contains a presumption against approval of large suburban housing estates, predominantly of high-priced housing. [109297]

The consultation draft of PPG3 states that any substantial new development should be planned as a community with mixed land uses, including adequate shops and services. It also advises that local planning authorities should adopt policies to secure an appropriate mix of dwelling size, type and affordability in new developments to meet the changing composition of households in their areas. The final version of PPG3 will be issued shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions under what circumstances schools may receive grants for environmental projects from the proceeds of the landfill tax; and if he will make a statement. [108781]

I have been asked to reply.Operators of landfill sites who are registered for landfill tax may claim for tax credits for contributions that they make to support environmental projects. These may include research and education for the purpose of encouraging the use of more sustainable waste management and the provision and maintenance of public amenities in the vicinity of landfill sites. Landfill site operators may choose to support schools as part of such projects.Further information regarding the scheme can be obtained from the regulatory body, ENTRUST Ltd., at the following address:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of fitting the British Army units in Kosovo with platform level digitisation systems; and how many units will be refitted. [99414]

We have no immediate plans to fit British Army platforms in Kosovo with digitised systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department has carried out into the failure rate of cluster bomb sub-munitions used by Her Majesty's armed forces. [107427]

Information on the failure rate of cluster bomb sub-munitions used by UK armed forces is collected during regular in-service trials and from field data. Recent statistics show a failure rate of approximately 5 per cent. in line with expectations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the costs per minute of telephone calls to the United Kingdom by service men based in (a) Belize, (b) the Falklands and (c) Cyprus; and what assessment he has made of the impact of such costs on recruitment and retention in the armed forces. [107862]

We recognise the importance to personnel serving overseas of keeping in touch with family and friends by being able to telephone home. The standard cost of telephone calls per minute to the United Kingdom is:

• Belize: £2
• Cyprus: Peak 33p Off-peak 28p
• Falkland Islands: Peak 99p Off-peak 80p.

Falkland Islands costs can be reduced by 15 per cent. by purchasing telephone cards from Service sources on the island.The call-back services provided by a number of telecommunications companies can reduce these charges substantially. Typical rates are 41p per minute for Belize, 17p for Cyprus and 59p for Falklands (although the latter is a limited service). The availability of these reduced cost services is widely publicised at each location and personnel are encouraged to use them.Personnel in these overseas locations are in receipt of Local Overseas Allowance (LOA), which contains an element for telephone calls.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of installing the UK/VSC 501 system on the 18 Land Rovers and the Hagglunds BV206 vehicles currently being delivered to the Royal Marines. [108591]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department has taken to improve racial equality in the armed forces in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [108744]

The Armed Forces continue to work hard to develop an organisational culture that welcomes racial diversity and places the highest priority on tackling racism within the Services. Within the framework of the Partnership Agreement with the Commission for Racial Equality, the cornerstone for Service racial equality policies, the Armed Forces are committed to reflecting more closely the rich ethnic balance of our society, and to be a beacon for others in the promotion of racial equality.During the last 12 months the Armed Forces Equal Opportunities goal was published on 22 March 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the value of that part of the contract between his Department and Shorts Missile Systems that will be spent in the United Kingdom; [108749](2) how many high-velocity missiles are to be supplied by Shorts Missile Systems under their contract with his Department. [108748]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what study he is making of the long-term effects of Sarin. [108464]

[holding answer 7 February 2000]: The Department is at present undertaking no specific study into any possible long-term effects of exposure to the nerve agent Sarin. There is, however, both on-going and completed MOD funded research which will inform, in general terms, our understanding of the effects of nerve agents. The results from two earlier studies on the effects of low levels of exposure to Sarin have been published: the first appeared in the "Journal of Human and Experimental Toxicology" in 1996 (Vol 15, pages 369–375); and the second in the "Journal of Psychopharmacology" in 1999 (Vol 13, pages 128–135).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he and his officials have held with the United States Government about the future of Fylingdales in Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement. [108664]

[holding answer 7 February 2000]: I have discussed with the US Defense Secretary, William Cohen, the possible US requirement for facilities in the UK to support the US National Missile Defence (NMD) programme. We have received no formal request from the US Administration regarding Fylingdales, nor would we expect any until after a US decision on whether or not to proceed towards deployment of the NMD system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence was used by his investigators to determine the weather conditions affecting the coastline on the Mull of Kintyre in the last 40 seconds before impact of RAF Chinook ZD 576. [109119]

[holding answer 8 February 2000]: The RAF Board of Inquiry obtained evidence relating to weather conditions from the Meteorological Office, as well as from several witnesses who were in the area at the time of the accident.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received about whether the Mull of Kintyre was covered or only partly covered in cloud as RAF Chinook ZD 576 made its final approach on 2 June 1994. [109121]

[holding answer 8 February 2000]: The RAF Board of Inquiry found that the weather was very poor, with cloud and hill fog extending from below the lighthouse level (300 ft) to at least the summit of Beinn na Lice (1,400 ft), the highest point on the southern tip of the Mull.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what feasibility study was undertaken in respect of the land at Thiepval barracks; if he will make a statement on the options contained in the report; which option was chosen; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [109082]

The land at Thiepval barracks was last subject to a major review in 1997. The resulting report contained classified information regarding the layout of the barracks and proposed development. I am therefore withholding information on the content of that report under Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning army communications in the Balkans. [109582]

As part of my Department's on-going efforts to reduce overstretch in the Army, I am pleased to announce that a contract has been let to provide for less manpower-intensive and more modern communications equipment in the Balkans. The contract, with BAe Systems, will provide for wide area communications in support of the UK' s contribution to the NATO Multi National Divisions in Bosnia and Kosovo. While maintaining the UK's responsibility to NATO's peacekeeping forces, it will enable us to bring home some 150 Royal Signals personnel by the end of the year. It is also an excellent example of the SMART Procurement Initiative by demonstrating the advantages of working closely together with industry to deliver the equipment our front-line troops need. The contract is specific to the Balkans theatre of operations and does not affect the Army's wider communications requirements. The cost of this equipment will be met from the Contingency Reserve.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 December 1999, Official Report, column 373W, what restrictions were placed on contractors carrying out research projects funded by his Department in 1999 in respect of them discussing their findings with journalists (a) before and (b) after publication. [108197]

The terms and conditions with regard to publicity about research projects undertaken by contractors on behalf of the Home Office vary depending upon the detailed circumstances of the contract. As a rule, research contracts with the Home Office require contractors not to make public statements concerning the work without the prior consent of the Department. In practice, this usually means that contractors do not discuss findings of research before publication but are free to do so afterwards. I am committed to ensuring that any research commissioned by my Department is published once it has been properly validated (save in subject areas where the protection of national security or the prevention of serious crime require that the research can only be used for internal purposes). I have agreed a protocol with my Director of Research governing the publication of the Home Office research reports. I have placed a copy in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given by his Department to police forces on the provision of suitably designed body armour for female officers. [109000]

Suitable body armour for female officers, designed and approved to standards set by the Home Office Police Scientific Development Branch

Table showing the number of asylum seekers being supported by London boroughs1 at 7 January 2000
Borough	Total number of asylum seekers	Unaccompanied minors2	Single adults	Number of families3	Number of people in families
Barking and Dagenham	2,440	140	800	530	1,500
Barnet	1,420	40	270	330	1,100
Bexley	400	80	100	60	220
Brent	1,890	50	570	430	1,270
Bromley	530	40	170	90	310
Camden	1,820	80	510	370	1,230
Corporation of London	170	—	90	20	70
Croydon	940	150	180	180	610
Ealing4	1,280	—	390	260	900
Enfield4	1,970	60	420	550	1,490
Greenwich	1,850	70	820	330	960
Hackney	2,440	—	920	490	1,520
Hammersmith and Fulham4	2,400	180	670	470	1,550
Haringey4	4,680	320	1,330	910	3,040
Harrow	750	40	170	150	540
Havering4	310	—	220	30	90
Hillingdon	1,880	400	760	230	710
Hounslow4	920	30	210	270	690
Islington4	2,360	220	1,280	460	860
Kensington and Chelsea	1,790	130	810	260	850
Kingston-upon-Thames4	330	10	90	70	230
Lambeth	2,900	150	1,050	580	1,710
Lewisham4	2,390	90	1,000	410	1,300
Merton4	910	—	260	190	660
Newham	6,120	70	1,240	1,420	4,810
Redbridge	1,860	200	540	340	1,120
Richmond-upon-Thames	1,650	210	710	2107	30
Southwark	2,850	190	1,010	550	1,660
Sutton	550	50	250	90	260
Tower Hamlets	660	10	230	130	420

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers who are (a) single adults, (b) families with children and (c) unaccompanied children in each London borough were being supplied through (i) the Social Services departments and (ii) other housing departments on 31 January. [108797]

Central Government do not collect information in the form requested. I understand that the Association of London Government collates data on the numbers of single adults, families and unaccompanied minors being supported by London boroughs each week. A breakdown between those persons supported by social services departments or other housing departments is not available.The latest figures available from the Association of London Government, for the week ending 7 January 2000, are set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has taken to ensure that current overstayers will not lose the right to a suspensive appeal against a decision to remove them taken after 1 October. [109544]

Section 9 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 provides for a minimum three month period during which overstayers can apply to regularise their immigration status. If they do so, and the application is refused after the new removal procedures are implemented, the old procedures will apply to their case after 1 October and a suspensive right of appeal will be retained.The Immigration (Regularisation Period for Overstayers) Regulations 2000 came into force on Tuesday 8 February. The period runs from now until 1 October 2000, which is the day before the Human Rights Act 1998 is expected to come into force, and thus lasts for a minimum of almost eight months.I shall shortly write to all Members, giving details of the scheme and how an application should be made under it. I shall place copies of the information leaflet we have produced in the Library. We shall be discussing further publicity with relevant interest groups, but as a first step the leaflets are being distributed to local community groups through the Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants.The scheme is solely intended to retain a suspensive right of appeal to the Immigration Appellate Authority for those overstayers who make a specific application to us during the period. It is by no means an amnesty: the same considerations apply whether an application under the scheme is made or not. All overstayers should be aware that a decision to remove them from the United Kingdom is, and will, remain the normal response to their unlawful behaviour. Only when the compassionate circumstances outweigh the public interest in maintaining an effective immigration control will we allow them to remain.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many women's refuges there are in each Greater London borough. [108729]

Refuges operate independently of Government, and such data are not collected centrally. The most comprehensive and up-to-date information available is contained in "The Gold Book: the Women's Aid Directory of Domestic Violence Research and Helpline Services 1999", published last year by the Women's Aid Federation (England). Information is also available on the Women's Aid website, http://www.womensaid.org.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding has been made available to (a) open and (b) support women's refuge projects in the Greater London area in each of the last three years. [108723]

Refuges are funded by a range of sources, rather than directly by central Government. In some cases, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, through the Housing Corporation, provides capital and revenue funding. Other income comes from the rents paid by users (who may be relying on Housing Benefit support), local authorities, charities, trusts, private donations and their own fund-raising activities. Some refuge projects work in partnership with Housing Associations. Because of this the information requested is not available.The paper "Supporting People" outlined plans to introduce a new policy and funding framework for the provision of supported accommodation for all who need it, including the survivors of domestic violence, from April 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many days it takes to process the grant and renewal of a shotgun and firearm certificate in each police constabulary area. [108823]

This information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what monitoring and evaluation of the firearms licensing regime has been carried out in respect of the level set for firearm fees. [108822]

As with other aspects of police administration, firearms licensing is subject to monitoring by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) as part of their inspection process.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representatives of shooting user groups have been invited to participate in Home Office discussions on firearms fees. [108821]

The Firearms Consultative Committee (FCC), the independent statutory authority that advises the Government on firearms matters, considered initial proposals for reviewing firearms licensing fees last year. The Home Office has since received detailed information from the Association of Chief Police Officers as to the basis on which the fees might be set. Ultimately, it is for the Home Secretary to lay an Order before Parliament setting out any changes, but before doing so we shall wish to consult the British Shooting Sports Council for their views.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to improve the efficiency of police firearms licensing departments in respect of the criticisms made in Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary report in 1993. [108820]

In the years immediately following the publication of their 1993 Report on Firearms Licensing, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) paid particular attention to firearms licensing departments during their inspection of individual forces, having regard to the shortcomings identified in the report. In general, HMIC was satisfied that most forces had taken those steps identified by the Inspectorate to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in this area.Since the publication of the 1993 Inspection Report, there has been considerable change in the field of firearms licensing following the tragic events at Dunblane and the subsequent legislation. There have also been wider changes, for example in the role and effectiveness of computer systems. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary is, therefore, drawing up new inspection protocols for firearms licensing departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1999, Official Report, column 124W, what are the respective responsibilities of his Department and the Scottish Executive in relation to British summer time in Scotland. [108818]

The Scotland Act 1998 reserves powers relating to summer time to Westminster and responsibility, therefore, remains with the Home Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consult road safety groups and others on abandoning British summer time in England and Wales. [108819]

We have no plans to promote changes to the present summer time arrangements, but we will continue to listen to all sides of the argument.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much he has spent on counsel's opinion in respect of securing statements of compatibility of public bills with the requirements of the Human Rights Act 1998. [108757]

Statements under section 19 express the Minister's view as to whether the provisions of a Bill are compatible with the Convention. Each Department is responsible for seeking its own advice before making a section 19 statement. No money has been spent by the Home Office on counsel's fees for the immediate purpose of making such statements. But in forming a view as to a Bill's compatibility, the Minister will take into account all the legal advice available to the Department, including any advice from outside Counsel, where appropriate. Such advice may be obtained in relation to a specific issue or have been given, for example, in the context of relevant litigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library copies of the paper setting out the basis for statements of compatibility of Public Bills with the Human Rights Act 1998. [108756]

Copies of the revised guidance to Departments have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the document relating to the Lawrence Inquiry, entitled, "Summary of Progress on Key Action Points". [108718]

Yes; but I shall shortly be publishing a much fuller account of the progress made in implementing the action plan published in March 1999 in response to the report of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) of 2 February 2000, Official Report, column 599W, on his proposals to restrict the right to elect trial by jury, (a) if it is his intention to allow (i) either the prosecution or defence, or both, to petition the Crown court for an oral hearing of an appeal against the determination of mode of trial by magistrates, where an oral hearing is not requested by the judge and (ii) only circuit judges to hear appeals in the Crown court against the determination of mode of trial by magistrates, and (b) if the prosecution and defence will be able to adduce additional evidence, over and above that presented to the magistrates, during the course of an appeal to the Crown court against the determination of mode of trial by magistrates, and if they will be able to call witnesses and expert witnesses to give oral testimony. [109208]

[holding answer 8 February 2000]: The appeal would be a re-hearing by a circuit judge of the magistrates decision. It would be open to either of the parties to seek an oral hearing in the notice of appeal, and it would be for the discretion of the judge whether to allow an oral hearing to take place. It would also be for his discretion whether to allow the parties to adduce further evidence (including, in the unlikely event that it would be necessary, evidence from expert or other witnesses) in support of their representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 2000, Official Report, column 599W, what parts of criminal proceedings in the Crown Court may at present be heard in chambers by a single judge; what estimate he has made of the number of Crown Court sitting days that would be taken up by the hearing of appeals against the determination of mode of trial by magistrates, what items are included in the cost of (i) a written and (ii) an oral appeals; and on what basis he reached his estimate of the number of defendants who would appeal against magistrates' decisions on mode of trial. [109209]

[holding answer 8 February 2000]: Business which may be heard in chambers by a single judge (pursuant to Crown Court Rule 27) includes applications for bail and for the extension of time-limits, and appeals against the decision of magistrates on those issues. In estimating the cost of appeals against mode of trial, the generous assumptions have been made that in 25 per cent. of cases the defendant might appeal, and that 17.5 per cent. of cases will require an oral hearing. In total, less than 650 judicial hours would be spent on these appeals per year. The costs have been based on court time, prosecution costs and legal aid standard fee rates. The reply I gave to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe), on 2 February 2000, Official Report, column 599W, contained a typographical error: it is estimated the number of defendants who would appeal is 3,000, and not 3,900 as stated.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to encourage a further strengthening of co-operation with Hungary to combat organised crime. [109668]

I have today signed with the Minister of the Interior of Hungary, Dr. Sandor Pinter, a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation in Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organised Crime, International Terrorism and Illegal Immigration. The agreement provides a framework within which law enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities in our two countries can develop their close working relations in preventing, detecting and investigating all forms of serious and organised national and international crime. It is an important step forward in combating the common threat from criminal activity both within and beyond Europe.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he has made to ensure that immigration officers exercising the new powers of search, entry and seizure in Part VII of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 will have regard to the codes of practice issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. [109669]

The new powers of entry, search and seizure will come into force on 14 February 2000. In accordance with section 145 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, a Direction has been made which will ensure that immigration officers exercising these powers, and their existing powers of arrest under Schedule 2 of the Immigration Act 1971, must have regard to the relevant provisions of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Codes of Practice. A copy of the Direction is being placed in the Library. It is also being sent to members of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) User Panel and will be made available more widely via the IND website.The use of the new powers will be restricted initially to a team of immigration officers involved in a joint pilot scheme with the Metropolitan police. This pilot scheme will enable the powers to be tested in the operational arena before more widespread use of the powers is considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on changes in the membership of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Complaints Audit Committee. [109671]

Ms Ros Gardner has been appointed as a new Member of the Complaints Audit Committee to replace Janet Whitaker, who resigned on being made a Life Peer. Ms Gardner runs a consultancy specialising in customer care and complaint handling. She was formerly Manager of the Customer Services Department of Marks and Spencer and was a member of the Cabinet Office's Citizens Charter Complaints Task Force.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the results of police forces' bids for funding from the Crime Fighting Fund to recruit police officers. [109672]

All 43 police forces in England and Wales bid for a share of the Crime Fighting Fund to recruit 5,000 police officers over and above the number they had otherwise planned to recruit over the next three years commencing April 2000.The total number of officers which forces bid for came to 8,220. As all forces meet the gateway criteria set out in the Bidding Guidelines, I have, in allocating funding for the 5,000 officers between forces, taken into account the information which they provided in support of their bids.The table shows the number of police recruits each force has bid for, the number they have been allocated in each year of the scheme and in total, and the funding each will receive in year one of the scheme.The numbers of officers in years two and three are provisional at this stage. They are dependent on forces meeting the continuation criteria for benefiting from the Fund in those years.Forces tell us that, without the additional resources from the fund, they are planning to recruit a total of 12,478 police officers (new recruits to the service) in the three years commencing in April 2000. Their estimates reflect the decisions they and their police authorities have made about the way in which they will use the resources available to them next year, and the assumptions they have made about funding and budget levels in the two following years which have yet to be settled. The money from the Crime Fighting Fund will be used to recruit 5,000 officers over and above the number forces plan to recruit over the three-year period.

Crime Fighting Fund: Recruits
		Allocation				Year 1 costs (£)
Forces	3 Year total bid	2000–01 Year 1	2001–02 Year 2	2002–03 Year 3	Total	Total to force	Training1	Total Year 1
Avon and Somerset	165	20	40	41	101	510,000	140,000	650,000
Bedfordshire	102	11	22	22	55	280,500	77,000	357,500
Cambridgeshire	69	16	14	12	42	408,000	112,000	520,000
Cheshire	115	17	34	35	86	433,500	119,000	552,500
City of London	16	8	0	0	8	225,040	56,000	281,040
Cleveland	57	5	23	0	28	127,500	35,000	162,500
Cumbria	60	8	16	16	40	204,000	56,000	260,000
Derbyshire	250	20	40	41	101	510,000	140,000	650,000
Devon and Cornwall	200	28	55	55	138	714,000	196,000	910,000
Dorset	90	9	18	19	46	229,500	63,000	292,500
Durham	60	13	18	20	51	331,500	91,000	422,500
Dyfed Powys	100	10	20	20	50	255,000	70,000	325,000
Essex	124	23	40	40	103	586,500	161,000	747,500
Gloucestershire	70	12	20	20	52	306,000	84,000	390,000
Greater Manchester	1,000	78	145	155	378	1,989,000	546,000	2,535,000
Gwent	65	12	20	11	43	306,000	84,000	390,000
Hampshire	150	27	53	53	133	688,500	189,000	877,500
Hertfordshire	48	13	16	16	45	331,500	91,000	422,500
Humberside	251	15	29	30	74	382,500	105,000	487,500
Kent	180	30	58	58	146	765,000	210,000	975,000
Lancashire	152	25	51	50	126	637,500	175,000	812,500
Leicestershire	150	17	26	40	83	433,500	119,000	552,500
Lincolnshire	50	11	20	10	41	280,500	77,000	357,500
Merseyside	360	40	80	81	201	1,020,000	280,000	1,300,000
Metropolitan Police	1,800	242	424	447	1,113	6,807,460	1,694,000	8,501,460
Norfolk	90	11	30	25	66	280,500	77,000	357,500
North Wales	75	12	25	25	62	306,000	84,000	390,000
North Yorkshire	39	5	20	0	25	127,500	35,000	162,500
Northamptonshire	105	14	25	14	53	357,000	98,000	455,000
Northumbria	172	27	57	52	136	688,500	189,000	877,500
Nottinghamshire	120	17	35	35	87	433,500	119,000	552,500
South Wales	90	14	27	27	68	357,000	98,000	455,000
South Yorkshire	150	20	40	41	101	510,000	140,000	650,000
Staffordshire	102	17	33	33	83	433,500	119,000	552,500
Suffolk	73	11	24	10	45	280,500	77,000	357,500
Surrey	120	18	30	30	78	459,000	126,000	585,000
Sussex	135	22	45	45	112	561,000	154,000	715,000
Thames Valley	379	40	80	80	200	1,020,000	280,000	1,300,000
Warwickshire	68	6	24	0	30	153,000	42,000	195,000
West Mercia	108	18	35	36	89	459,000	126,000	585,000
West Midlands	480	64	120	126	310	1,632,000	448,000	2,080,000
West Yorkshire	180	26	52	53	131	663,000	182,000	845,000
Wiltshire	50	8	16	16	40	204,000	56,000	260,000
Total	8,220	1,060	2,000	1,940	5,000	27,687,500	7,420,000	35,107,500
1 The £7,000 per recruit to forces other than the Metropolitan Police Service for training will be paid to National Police Training

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the number of police officers in each police force area in England and Wales, and in total, for the latest available date; and, if he will list the total number of (a) police officers and (b) civilian support staff in England and Wales for each year from 1990. [109673]

The information is set out in the tables. At the end of September 1999, the total number of police officers in England and Wales was 125,464. The number of officers in the 43 forces (excluding officers seconded to the National Crime Squad, the National Criminal Intelligence Service and central service) was 123,050. At the end of September 1999 there were 53,254 civilian support staff in the police service.I have also accepted the recommendations of a Working Group chaired by Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary and including representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Association of Police Authorities on the re-classification of police service personnel. The Working Group recommended that greater recognition should be given to the important contribution that civilian support staff make to operational policing. Civilian staff now account for 30 per cent. of total police service personnel.From March 2000, police service staff will be categorised within three bands as (a) operational, (b) operational support, or (c) organisational support. The new information, to be collected annually by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, will provide a more accurate reflection of the deployment of all police service personnel.We shall continue to publish information on police officer numbers in the usual way.

Police numbers—change between March 1999 and September 1999
Force	Strength as at 30 September 1999	Change since 31 March 1999
Avon and Somerset	2,988.7	-11
Bedfordshire	1,048.4	+7
Cambridgeshire	1,272.2	-2
Cheshire	2,043.6	-27
City of London	744.6	-33
Cleveland	1,372.6	-43
Cumbria	1,092.9	-33
Derbyshire	1,763.6	+5
Devon and Cornwall	2,861.1	-26
Dorset	1,276.1	-3
Durham	1,554.6	-13
Dyfed-Powys	1,048.6	+22
Essex	2,834.7	-56
Gloucestershire	1,098	-6
Greater Manchester	6,810.3	No change
Gwent	1,261.3	+14
Hampshire	3,410.8	-63
Hertfordshire	1,760	+36
Humberside	1,926.2	-48
Kent	3,256.7	+56
Lancashire	3,221.4	-23
Leicestershire	1,997.5	+4
Lincolnshire	1,110.8	-29
Merseyside	4,070.8	-140
Metropolitan police	25,884.5	-188
Norfolk	1,381.5	No change
Northamptonshire	1,130	-7
Northumbria	3,800.1	-40
North Wales	1,399	+8
North Yorkshire	1,293.7	-43
Nottinghamshire	2,227	+2
South Wales	2,983	+2
South Yorkshire	3,165	-3
Staffordshire	2,206	-32
Suffolk	1,160	-30
Surrey	1,721.1	+59
Sussex	2,909.3	+63
Thames Valley	3,749.5	+1
Warwickshire	915.7	+8
West Mercia	1,979.4	-45
West Midlands	7,296.4	-24
West Yorkshire	4,873	-109
Wiltshire	1,150.2	-1
Force total strength	123,050	-791
Seconded police officers	2,414	+159
Total police service strength	125,464	-632
1 Includes officers seconded to NCS, NCIS and central service such as National Police Training.

Total police service personnel—1990–99
Year	Total police officers	Total civilian support staff
31 March 1990	126,777	44,525
31 March 1991	127,495	46,373
31 March 1992	127,627	47,320
31 March 1993	128,290	49,503
31 March 1994	127,897	50,229
31 March 1995	127,222	51,096
31 March 1996	126,901	52,933
31 March 1997	127,158	53,011
31 March 1998	126,814	52,974
31 March 1999	126,096	53,031
30 September 1999	125,464	53,254

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will order the sale of the former nuclear bunker at Soar, Devon; and if he will make a statement on outstanding issues in relation to the National Trust. [108994]

The outstanding issues in relation to the National Trust are on the point of being resolved. The first stage in the process of offering this property for sale will begin on 24 February, with the first of a number of open days, when prospective purchasers will have an opportunity to view the property prior to submitting sealed bids.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide statistics on incidents of crime in Banbury and Abingdon (a) in the 12 month period before and (b) after the installation of closed circuit television surveillance. [109123]

This information is not available centrally. The British Crime Survey and other centrally collated crime statistics are not sufficiently detailed to provide the comparative before and after information requested.

To ask the President of the Council, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for South Ribble (Mr. Borrow), of 8 December 1999, Official Report, column 532W, on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, what parliamentary procedures preceded the appointment of my hon. Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) as the delegate of the House to the Charter drafting body; and what documents set out his instructions as a delegate. [108736]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 7 February 2000, Official Report, column 24W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which fees his Department, its agencies and associated public bodies collect; how much has been raised and will be raised from each of these fees from 1989–90 to 2004–05; and which of these fees count as negative expenditure. [107977]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the previous question on 8 February 2000, Official Report, column 134W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of the Secretary of State for Defence of 20 January 2000, Official Report, columns 536–37W, on the three new military committees to be established in the European Council, what Parliamentary proceedings will be initiated by a Minister of the Crown prior to negotiations and decision-making concerning their respective terms of reference. [108735]

Draft Council Decisions establishing the three interim structures (the Interim Political and Security Committee, the Interim Body of Military Representatives, the secondment of Military Experts to the General Secretariat of the Council) are being submitted for Parliamentary Scrutiny. Future Decisions and other instruments concerning these bodies will be similarly submitted for Parliamentary Scrutiny, in line with the Government's 1998 White Paper on the Parliamentary Scrutiny of EU business.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 2000, Official Report, column 622W, on diplomatic staff what instructions he has given UK diplomatic staff not to meet particular UK nationals. [108958]

No instructions have been issued to members of the Diplomatic Service not to meet particular UK nationals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the appointment of the next Governor of Gibraltar and the timing of the appointment. [109183]

The present Governor, Sir Richard Luce, is due to leave Gibraltar towards the end of March. An announcement on his successor will be made in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Sharia law continues to be imposed in parts of (a) Chechnya and (b) Dagestan; and what representations he has made concerning this. [109092]

Sharia law, as imposed in parts of Chechnya and Dagestan, has included, among other punishments, public executions. These are in contravention of the European Convention on Human Rights and the human rights standards of the OSCE. The Government have made repeated representations to the Russian Government to urge them to seek a political solution to the situation in Chechnya, with the aim of restoring normal European standards throughout the territory of the Russian Federation. We have urged Russia to use the good offices of the OSCE and the Council of Europe in this task.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of ethnic cleansing by the SPDC of minority groups in areas of Burma closed to monitors for security reasons. [109095]

We continue to receive disturbing reports of human rights violations against ethnic minorities from many parts of Burma. These violations include arbitrary killings, rape, torture, mass arrests, forced labour and forced relocations. We take every opportunity to condemn these violations: for example, the UK co-sponsored the UN General Assembly resolution adopted last November which contains strong condemnation of the appalling catalogue of human rights violations in Burma, including against ethnic minorities. We continue to make regular representations to the regime on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he will take to promote the long-term safety of the (a) Karen, (b) Chin, (c) Kavenni and (d) other minority tribes in their homelands in Burma. [109096]

We take every opportunity to raise with the Burmese authorities our concerns about the violations of human rights of ethnic minorities, including the Karen people. We support the work of the UN agencies. such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees' work on Burma's Western border and UN Development Programme's projects in ethnic minority areas all over Burma. We also support the international non-governmental organisations working under difficult conditions in many of the ethnic minority areas. In Thailand, we provide humanitarian assistance through the Burma Border Consortium (£270,000 this calendar year). We continue to encourage political dialogue between the Burmese regime and democratic leaders, including ethnic minorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the SPDC calling for it to open up all areas of Burma to human rights monitors and humanitarian aid workers. [109097]

The SPDC have persistently refused any visit to Burma by Judge Lallah, the present UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights. We have co-sponsored resolutions both at the UN Commission on Human Rights and at the UN General Assembly expressing concern at this lack of co-operation. Several UN agencies and international non-governmental organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, are in Burma doing excellent work, but some parts of Burma are not accessible to them, largely because of civil unrest due to the regime's continued oppression of ethnic minorities. We deplore this oppression and call on the regime to enter into a dialogue with democratic groups, including ethnic minorities, to resolve Burma's political impasse.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to ensure that the minority tribes in Burma are not subjected to forced labour. [109098]

Forced labour is one of the key areas of concern in Burma. We condemn it wherever it occurs. A report by the International Labour Organisation in 1998 highlighted the use of forced labour in Burma and made three recommendations for the regime to implement: to stop forced labour; to penalise those who exact it; and to amend Burmese legislation. So far, these recommendations have not been adopted. Until they are, we will continue to maintain pressure in the ILO, and will raise this subject again at the March Governing Body.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures the Government have taken (a) alone and (b) in collaboration with the United Nations, to ensure that instability within the borders of Indonesia does not spread throughout the region; and if he will make a statement. [109110]

We believe that President Wahid's democratic government is committed to finding a fair and lasting solution to the regional troubles in Indonesia. We and the international community stand ready to offer practical help to President Wahid and shall continue to support him in his efforts to create a democratic and united Indonesia, which will be a force for stability in South East Asia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he has received from the newly elected President of Indonesia that his Government will stop the persecution of Christians within its borders; and if he will make a statement. [109111]

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I all discussed the situation in Maluku with President Wahid when he as in London last week. President Wahid reaffirmed his commitment to secure lasting peace between the conflicting Muslim and Christian communities in the province.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent support the Government have given to Moldova; and if he will make a statement. [109038]

We fully support the work of the OSCE Mission to Moldova in their efforts to reach a political settlement in the Moldova/Transdniestria conflict. We will continue to press for complete withdrawal of Russian forces from Moldovan territory by the end of 2002, as agreed at the OSCE Istanbul Summit in November 1999. We have provided funding for several projects in support of reaching a settlement including, for example, part-funding a constitutional workshop, attended by members of the Moldovan and Transdniestrian experts groups, in December 1999; and funding a seminar "Living with Conflict—the Role of Local Authorities" in September 1999. We are also funding training of six Moldovan journalists at the BBC, to enhance their reporting skills and to promote balanced media coverage.The Department for International Development's programme of assistance to Moldova stands at £1 million for 1999–2000. The main focus of the programme is the rural livelihoods sector, to which DFID have recently extended work. To complement this, DFID have also recently started work to facilitate further the effective development of savings and credit associations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government have taken to persuade the Government of Guatemala (a) to prosecute the murderers of street youths, with particular reference to murders in which the police are believed to have been involved, and (b) to give better general care and protection to Guatemala's street children. [109039]

We regularly raise human rights concerns generally, and those of street children specifically, with the Government of Guatemala. For example, we have lobbied the Guatemalan Government to enact its Child Code legislation, which would offer greater legal protection to children.Our Embassy in Guatemala has made a number of inquiries about the state of investigations into the murders or abuse of street children. NGOs working in this area suggest that abuse of street children by state agencies has decreased in the past few years. Street children are more frequently incidental victims of the prevalent violent street crime in Guatemala. There is also an increasing incidence of serious violence between the street children themselves, mostly as a result of an increase in drug trafficking and addiction by and among these children.The European Union is providing 200 million euros in 1997–2000 towards projects supporting the Peace Programme in Guatemala. The UK's contribution amounts to about £24 million. About a third of the EU funding is dedicated to establishing a National Civil Police Force and strengthening the administration of justice. We expect one consequence of the reform of the police and judiciary to be better treatment of street children. We also indirectly promote human rights and challenge impunity through our support for the UN Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA).In addition to working with the Guatemalan Government to protect and care for street children, we also provide support directly. In 1999 we gave £13,500 to an NGO, Toybox (known locally as El Castillo), to finance building a hostel for rehabilitating street children outside Guatemala City. In 1998 we gave £75,000 to Toybox for a similar project.We shall continue to convey to the Guatemalan authorities our concern for the well-being of street children in Guatemala.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what child care provision was made available in the financial year 1998–99 for use by (i) his departmental staff and (ii) employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department; what was the cost to parents of this child care; and how many parents used the facilities. [109189]

The Department's site at Hanslope Park has an on-site nursery and creche facility used by 22 parents in 1998–99. The Department also had access to 16 places at a central London nursery, all of which are subsidised. It participated in the Whitehall holiday playscheme to a total of 240 days. The cost to parents of child care provision varied according to the site, the age of the child and the particular scheme. Allowances for UK-based staff overseas include provision of 390 hours of child care a year for staff with children accompanying them. The value of the provision varies according to the Post. Representational allowances cover the cost of child care overseas incurred as a result of official representational duties. The Wilton Park Executive Agency has no child care facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what provisions are made available to (i) departmental staff and (ii) employees of executive agencies under the control of his Department, for (a) maternity leave, (b) maternity pay, (c) paternity leave, (d) parental leave, (e) flexible working hours, (f) part-time work, (g) job sharing, (h) leave to care for sick children, (i) home-working, (j) term-time contracts, (k) annual hours contracts, (l) child care allowances, (m) careers leave and (n) career break schemes; and what criteria are used to judge eligibility in each case. [109190]

I shall write to my hon. Friend shortly with the details she has requested

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase his Department's contribution to the British Council budget. [109230]

In the current CSR period, starting in 1999–2000, this Government have already provided the British Council with an uplift of some 2 per cent. in real terms over 1998–99, in line with the settlement for the FCO as a whole. We shall seek to ensure that the Council continues to share whatever gain we obtain as a result of the current spending round, covering 2001–02 to 2003–04.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the responses of teachers to the consultation on those aspects of the Green Paper, "Teachers: meeting the challenge", dealing with performance-related pay; and if he will make a statement. [107262]

The consultation on the Teacher's Green Paper ran from December 1998 until March 1999. The results of the consultation exercise on the Green Paper were published on 8 July 1999. A leaflet, "Teachers: taking forward the challenge of change", was delivered to all schools, summarising the outcomes and explaining how the proposal would be taken forward. Copies of more detailed analysis of the consultation responses were placed in the Libraries of the Houses of Parliament.Although the formal consultation period on the Green Paper has closed, discussions have been on-going with key stakeholders. The proposals to reform teachers' pay were outlined in further detail in the written evidence which the DFEE submitted to the School Teachers' Review Body (STRB) last autumn. The STRB's report, published 1 February 2000, backed the Government's proposals. The Secretary of State will consult on its recommendations and announce arrangements for the new pay structure during spring 2000, for introduction in September 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance his Department has issued to schools and education authorities about the use of the video, "Beyond a Phase". [108216]

The Department is in the process of consulting on the shape and content of revised sex and relationships education guidance. This will make it clear that it is for the governing body, in consultation with parents, to develop a policy on sex and relationships education, and to determine whether material used in schools is appropriate to the age of the pupils and in accordance with the PSHE framework, and the law which states that materials produced by health authorities often have a specific purpose of treating or preventing the spread of disease and schools need specifically to address the appropriateness of such material within a school context, again consulting with parents on its use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what research his Department has undertaken into the number of hours per week spent on physical education in schools since 1 May 1997; [108294](2) what assessment he has made of the amount of competitive sport played in schools; and if he will make a statement; [108295](3) what figures he requires from local education authorities on the amount of sport and PE taking place in schools. [108296]

OFSTED collects information about the percentage of taught time for each subject when inspecting schools. The number of school hours spent on physical education varies from school to school. Evidence from OFSTED inspections during 1998 of the average number of hours per week primary and secondary schools currently spend teaching National Curriculum PE is given below.

	Average hours of PE per week (approximately)
Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7)	1 hour 20 minutes
Key Stage 2 (ages 7–11)	1 hour 35 minutes
Key Stage 3 (ages 11–14)	2 hours
Key Stage 4 (ages 14–16)	1 hour 15 minutes

We have set an aspiration that all schools should provide two hours of curricular or extra curricular activities a week, and my officials are meeting regularly with DCMS and representatives of PE and sports organisations to discuss ways of promoting this aspiration in schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance is given to (a) universities and (b) university departments on choosing external examiners. [109025]

The Quality Assurance Agency published a section of its Code of Practice that deals with External Examining in January 2000. This contains advice on the appointment of external examiners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what instructions his Department gives to universities in respect of payment of fees to external examiners. [109026]

Payment of fees to external examiners is a matter for individual institutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what issues are included in the reviews undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education relating to external examiners. [109024]

The Quality Assurance Agency considers, in relation to assessment and quality management, the use made by an institution of its external examiners and of their reports. It also considers, in relation to the way an institution discharges its responsibilities for the academic standards of all its awards, the selection, appointment and briefing procedures used and the approaches adopted to the follow-up of external examiners' comments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what date his Department assumed responsibility for educating children with learning disabilities from the Department of Health and Social Security. [109172]

The Education (Handicapped Children) Act 1970 removed the power of health authorities to provide training for children with learning disabilities and transferred responsibility for the education of these children to Local Education Authorities.The Government's education policy includes a clear strategy for children with special educational needs. A cornerstone of that strategy is to develop and promote the inclusion of children with special educational needs in mainstream schools, where parents want this and appropriate support is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when his Department assumed responsibility for pensions of nurses and ancillary staff working in education establishments who had previously been the responsibility of the Department of Health and Social Security. [109173]

Academic staff in the former Colleges of Health, which have transferred to the higher education sector, have been eligible for membership of the Teachers' Pension Scheme since 1992.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Montserrat regarding conditions on the Island of Montserrat and the need for some residents to relocate to the United Kingdom. [108758]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State last met with the Montserrat Chief Minister during the October 1999 Consultative Council meetings in London. Senior officials visit the island regularly.In October 1997, my Department approved £1.6 million for the Assisted Passage Scheme, which met the cost of flights and onward travel costs of those people who chose to relocate to the UK. DFID also finances an Evacuee Return Air Fare Scheme for those wishing to return to Montserrat.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what procedures she is establishing to consult (a) NGOs and (b) other interested parties before she publishes her proposed White Paper on globalisation. [108979]