To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to give local authorities more control over land development. [112614]

Under our modernising planning initiative, local planning authorities, acting through regional planning bodies, are now responsible for preparing draft regional planning guidance. Local planning authorities have always been responsible for development plans and, in the first instance, for determining planning applications. We are committed to the plan-led system under which it is the local authority's development plan which provides the framework for decisions on the control of land development.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what legal advice he has received in the last year on proposals to change the powers of local authorities in respect of airports they own. [114573]

Local authorities are currently required to exercise their control over public airport companies in such a way that the companies do not engage in activities in which the local authorities themselves have no power to engage. Manchester Airport asked my right hon. Friend to remove this limitation by means of a provision in the Local Government Bill under which he could make regulations extending the powers of airport companies and their subsidiaries in relation to specified types of activity. We consider that the clause which Manchester Airport wished my right hon. Friend to add to the Bill for this purpose would have been outside its scope.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential benefits of extending the powers of local authorities in respect of airports they own. [114574]

We largely agree with Manchester Airport's own assessment of the potential benefits of wider powers for local authority airport companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential use that local authorities might make in respect of airports they own of the new obligation on local authorities to promote economic and social well-being. [114575]

Part I of the Local Government Bill gives local authorities broad new powers to do anything that contributes to the economic and social well-being of their areas. Subject to the terms of their Memoranda and Articles of Association these powers will also apply to local authority airport companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to ensure that the money paid to (a) Bus Employees Pension Trustees Ltd. to settle the action of the Bus Employees Superannuation Trust and (b) the National Bus Pension Fund Trust on 1 August 1999 is actually paid to pensioners. [114721]

[holding answer 15 March 2000]: Responsibility for distribution of the settlement sum to pensioners rests entirely with the trustees of the two funds who are independent of the Government. We have however made clear to the trustees that we are very concerned about the time it is taking to resolve this matter. I met them in February to discuss progress and emphasised the need to take matters forward as swiftly as possible.I was pleased to be able to say on 7 February 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes received home improvement grants in each of the years 1970–76. [114770]

This information can be found in Table X.28, page 119, Chapter 10, Part III of the 1977 Housing Policy Green Paper (Cmnd. 6851). A copy of this Green Paper should be available in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what guidance he has given to planning authorities about the protection of privacy for neighbours; [114921](2) what plans he has to introduce measures to improve protection of privacy for neighbours. [114920]

[holding answer 16 March 2000]: Under our plan-led system of development control, decisions on planning applications have to be made in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. We advise in our Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 "General Policy and Principles" that good neighbourliness and fairness are among the yardsticks against which development proposals can be measured and that, for example, it might be material to consider the question of 'overlooking' or loss of privacy experienced by a particular resident. It is for local planning authorities to determine what considerations are material to any particular case.Planning conditions may also be used to protect privacy. The Department's Circular 11/95 suggests, for example, that a local planning authority may wish in appropriate circumstances to attach to a planning permission a condition preventing the use of the roof area of an extension to a dwellinghouse as a balcony, roof garden or similar amenity area without further permission from the authority. We are not proposing planning to introduce any further specific planning measures to improve the protection of privacy for neighbours, although we will continue to keep the matter under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what additional resources have been allocated within his Department to oversee the regulation of the water industry. [115012]

[holding answer 16 March 2000]: Departmental resources for overseeing the regulation of the water industry have been kept broadly constant in real terms since the election. The Department's Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) regulates drinking water quality on behalf of the Secretary of State and the National Assembly for Wales. DWI expenditure in 1998–99 was £2.1 million, and is expected to be £2.2 million in 1999–2000, compared with £1.8 million in 1997–98.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what timetable he has agreed in respect of the 31 January announcement on consultation about the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and access to taxis. [115082]

We are reviewing the policy options and will consult with the taxi trade, disability organisations and local authorities on the final proposals, including the timetable for implementation in due course. An announcement with further details will be issued when the timing is clear.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report from London Underground on the continuing failings of the signalling system on the Jubilee Line, with particular reference to delays on the southbound line on the morning of Tuesday 14 March; and by what date this line is expected to be working efficiently and punctually. [115127]

I note my right hon. Friend's request for a report. This is an operational matter for London Underground Ltd., who have informed me that they are doing all they can to identify and resolve recurring faults. This work has already started to pay off in terms of improved train reliability. Indeed, work is currently in hand, in particular on signalling, which should improve performance significantly over the next few months.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to paragraphs 113 and 126 of the Ministerial Code, what steps he took to avoid conflicts of interest in respect of the renting of a flat from the RMT and other financial arrangements with the RMT. [115211]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has been a tenant since 1970 of a flat owned by the RMT. Like about 200,000 other pre-1989 private sector tenancies, it is a regulated tenancy under the Rent Acts and is subject to 'fair rent' control. My right hon. Friend has written to the Parliamentary Commissioner explaining to her the reasons why he sees no need to declare the tenancy in the Register of Members' Interests, but for the avoidance of doubt, he has asked for her advice on the issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if there is an exemption order for the Class 460 trains to be introduced into service by Gatwick Express in respect of provisions of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998; and if he will make a statement. [115700]

As my predecessor explained in her answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty) on 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 167W, we are expecting to receive a number of exemption applications from train operating companies whose designs for new rail vehicles were well advanced prior to the 1998 Regulations coming into force.We have received an application from Gatwick Express relating to the new Class 460 trains they wish to introduce into service. The exemptions, have been discussed with our statutory advisers the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. An exemption Order relating to the exemption of these trains has been laid in Parliament today. Copies are available from the Library.The exemptions will not prevent disabled people from using the new trains. Indeed, we believe that their introduction will make a significant contribution to improving mobility opportunities for disabled people.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee, pursuant to her answer of 13 March 2000, Official Report, column 14W, on photo passes, how many passes were held by temporary research assistants from overseas on 1 January. [115121]

Up to 50 passes at any one time are issued each spring, summer and autumn term to temporary research assistants from overseas, who are sponsored by an institution of higher education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the additional annual travelling and subsistence costs to the 2 Division will be consequent upon the relocation of the headquarters to Edinburgh; [108667](2) what the staffing costs will be of the 2 Division following relocation of its headquarters to Edinburgh. [108666]

[holding answer 7 February 2000]: The staffing costs of the new HQ 2 Division are expected to be of the order of £8 million per annum. The travel and subsistence costs of HQ 2 Division consequent on its relocation to Edinburgh have not been identified separately. The move will save in the region of £4 million per annum in HQ costs compared with HQs in both Edinburgh and York.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel, in each of the armed services, who served in the Gulf War have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder; how many have been treated successfully; how many have left the services on grounds of ill health; and if he will make a statement. [113959]

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not keep a central record of all medical diagnoses and subsequent treatment for currently serving personnel. Responsibility for the health of ex-Service personnel, if resident in the UK, lies with the NHS, which similarly does not keep a central record of all diagnoses and treatment. Neither does the NHS routinely communicate diagnostic or treatment information to the MOD. No arrangements are in place to monitor the health of ex-Service personnel living overseas. Therefore, the total number of British Service personnel who took part in the 1990–91 Gulf conflict who have been diagnosed as having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), their Service and their subsequent treatment is not known.However, the MOD holds information on those Gulf Veterans who were referred by their Service Medical Officer or GP for assessment at the MOD's Gulf Veterans Medical Assessment Programme (MAP). Since its establishment in October 1993, MAP had seen a total of 2,934 patients (up to 31 January 2000). Of these, 245 personnel (nine Royal Navy/Royal Marines, 213 Army, and 23 RAF) had a recorded diagnosis of PTSD confirmed by a consultant psychiatrist.As at 31 January 2000, of the 53,462 Service personnel who deployed to the Gulf, 846 personnel (189 Royal Navy/Royal Marines, 554 Army and 103 RAF) had been medically discharged. Of these, 37 (10 Royal Navy/Royal Marines, 24 Army and three RAF) had been medically discharged following a diagnosis of PTSD. Of the 37 cases, nine (two Royal Navy/Royal Marines and seven Army) are included in the figure of 245 who had been to MAP.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the reason for the withdrawal from service of (a) the L27 off-route mine and (b) the Mk 7 anti-tank mine; and if he will make a statement. [114362]

(a) The L27 Anti-Tank Mine was withdrawn from service in 1997 because it was obsolete and no longer required for service use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of Army personnel (i) deployed to and (ii) stationed in (a) Kosovo, (b) Bosnia and (c) Northern Ireland in each of the past five years. [114256]

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: The information requested is given in the table:

	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999
Former Yugoslavia	3,315	10,489	—	—	—
Kosovo	—	—	0	0	4,235
Bosnia	—	—	5,468	5,129	4,136
Northern Ireland	15,608	15,308	15,022	14,483	13,517

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the military establishments within (a) Devon and (b) the Torbay constituency, indicating in each case the complement; what plans he has to change the (i) number and (ii) manning of such establishments; and if he will make a statement. [114553]

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) manned establishments within (a) the county of Devon and (b) Torbay constituency are listed in the table. The personnel complement at each establishment is also given. The data reflect the status of the establishments in question as of 1 October 1999, which is the most recent date for which data are centrally held.

Establishment	Town	Personnel
(a)
Royal Marine Bickleigh, 42 Commando Royal Marine	Plymouth	532
Royal Marine Commando Training Centre, Lympstone	Exmouth	748
Royal Marine Barracks Chivenor, Commando Logistics and 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers	Chivenor	805
Royal Marine Inslow, Amphibious Trials and Training Unit	Bideford	69
Royal Marine Barracks Turnchapel, 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines	Turnchapel	101
Royal Marine Barracks Stonehouse, Headquarters 3 Commando Brigade	Plymouth	526
Royal Marine Citadel, 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery	Plymouth	548
Britannia Royal Naval College	Dartmouth	233
HM Naval Base Devonport	Plymouth	2,440
HM Naval Base Devonport1	Plymouth	3,869
HMS Cambridge	Wembury, Plymouth	193
HMS Vivid	Plymouth	8
HMS Drake, HM Naval Base	Plymouth	227
RAF Chivenor	Barnstaple	54
Dartmoor Training Areas and Oakhampton Training Camp	Oakhampton	32
Fremlington Training Camp	Barnstaple	18
Naval Bases and Supply Agency	Exeter	83
Naval Bases and Supply Agency	Ernestettle	152
Army Base Repair Organisation, Contract Repair Office	Coypool, Marshmills	2
Defence Estates, Plymouth and South West Office	Plymouth	24
Wyvern Barracks	Exeter	32
Territorial Army Centre	Millbay, Plymouth	3
Territorial Army Centre	Derriford, Plymouth	14
Territorial Army Centre	Paignton	4
Armed Forces Careers Office	Exeter	4
Armed Forces Careers Office	Plymouth	30
Army Careers Information Centre	Exeter	9
Army Careers Information Office	Barnstaple	2
Army Careers Information Office	Torquay	1
Careers Information Office	Exeter	7
Careers Information Office	Plymouth	11
(b)
Army Careers Information Office	Torquay	1
Territorial Army Centre	Paignton	4
1 Personnel on ships based at Devonport

(i) There are currently no plans to change the number of establishments in Torbay constituency and the county of Devon.(ii) Current plans to change the manning of establishments in Torbay constituency and the county of Devon are set out as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the long-term service plans for use of (a) HMS Sheffield, (b) HMS Coventry and (c) HMS Cardiff. [114768]

HM ships Coventry, Sheffield and Cardiff will remain Fleet assets until replaced by new ships entering service. On current plans, HMS Coventry will be replaced by HMS St. Albans at the end of 2001. In due course HMS Sheffield will be replaced by the Future Surface Combatant and HMS Cardiff by the first Type 45. Until replaced, they will be subject to a normal programme of operational tasking and upkeep.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the refit of HMS Nottingham is proceeding on time and within budget; when she will start post-refit trials; what is the date for her to return to active service; and if he will make a statement. [114802]

The refit of HMS Nottingham is currently proceeding to programme and is within budget. Post-refit trials are planned to commence in the autumn and HMS Nottingham is expected to return to operational service early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the mid and long-term service plans for the three Royal Navy aircraft carriers; and if he will make a statement. [114797]

The three aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible, Illustrious and Ark Royal undertake a rolling programme of operations and maintenance, to ensure that two ships are normally available for tasking. All three vessels are planned to remain in service for at least the next decade. Under current plans, Invincible will be the first to pay off, after which Illustrious and Ark Royal will provide the capability until the next two new aircraft carriers enter service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost of the refit is for the HMS Lancaster; if it will be completed to time and cost; if she will be able to carry the Merlin helicopter; and if he will make a statement. [114763]

Expenditure to date on HMS Lancaster's refit is about £10.5 million. There are some outstanding minor costs which are subject to negotiation with the refit contractor. It is expected that the final cost will be within the original budget. The refit contract was completed earlier than originally planned, and HMS Lancaster will shortly return to operational service. She is now capable of carrying the Merlin helicopter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when and where HMS Norfolk will have her next refit; at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [114771]

HMS Norfolk's next refit is planned to start in 2005 and to form part of MOD's competitive shipwork programme. Both the venue and the cost of the refit will therefore depend on the outcome of the planned competition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which of the soldiers on duty in Londonderry on 30 January 1972 suffered a bullet wound to his foot. [114901]

While on duty in Londonderry on 30 January 1972, a soldier suffered a bullet would to his foot as a result of the accidental discharge of his weapon. He has made a statement to the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, but his identity cannot be revealed under the Tribunal's ruling on anonymity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the amount of housing benefit paid by each local authority in respect of local authority rented housing in the years (a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97, (c) 1997–98, (d) 1998–99 and (e) 1999–2000; and if he will indicate the average number of recipients for each authority. [113843]

The information is in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 March 2000, Official Report, column 806W, if he will list the local authorities that did not volunteer to participate in (a) the Area Benefit Review of Housing Benefit and (b) the last Housing Benefit Review. [115210]

In the summer of 1997 all local authorities in Great Britain were invited to volunteer to participate in the second National Housing Benefit Review for which a representative sample of authorities was needed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Benefits Agency Fraud officer for North Essex will be contactable by e-mail; and if he will make a statement. [114978]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the impact on the social security budget of the introduction of IR35. [114498]

The introduction of IR35 is estimated to yield an additional £220 million per year in National Insurance contributions in a full year. Although the increased contributions are likely to lead to higher future National Insurance benefit expenditure, it is not possible to quantify this increase.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 13 March 2000, Official Report, column 53W, (a) what types of fraud the new scans of national insurance numbers will identify that previous scans have not been able to, (b) what estimate he has made of how many fraudulent numbers there will be for each type of anticipated fraud and (c) how many numbers on the Departmental Central Index will be scanned using the new technique. [115204]

The scans of National Insurance numbers are designed primarily to identify anomalies and duplicate records, rather than specific areas of fraud.It is not possible to estimate how many cases of fraud will be identified by scans, or the type of fraud involved.Each scan involves checking the whole of the Departmental Central Index database, some 81 million accounts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will bring forward proposals to provide compensation to those in receipt of a state pension in Scotland for the recent increases in water charges; and if he will make a statement. [114679]

[holding answer 16 March 2000]: No. Social Security benefits are paid at a set UK rate. Account is taken of a wide range of goods and services, including water charges across the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what recent progress has been made on the Sure Start projects introduced to date. [113174]

I have been asked to reply.Of the 60 Sure Start trailblazer programmes that were announced in January 1999, 53 have now received approval and are now starting to help young children and their families. The remaining seven will follow shortly. In November 1999, we launched the second wave of Sure Start by inviting a further 69 areas to start work to develop local programmes. All of these are now working on drawing up outline plans. This brings the number of Sure Start programmes so far announced to 129.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what proportion of poor children will be covered by the Sure Start programme when the roll-out is complete. [113783]

[holding answer 9 March 2000]: I have been asked to reply.Sure Start are committed to establishing 250 local Sure Start programmes in areas of disadvantage by March 2002. On the basis of the 60 Sure Start trailblazers now in place, it is estimated that when fully rolled-out the programme will cover 18 per cent. of children under four in England living in households in receipt of income-based benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the qualifying conditions will be for retired people to acquire computers under the computers within reach scheme for the purposes of lifelong learning. [114115]

The Government are making £15 million available for a scheme, "Computers Within Reach", to evaluate arrangements for those who cannot afford new computers to acquire reconditioned computers for use in the home for the purpose of improving their employment prospects, for lifelong learning or for their children's homework. Eligible recipients for computer packages under this scheme are expected to be those in receipt of a range of benefits including Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance, and may include those for whom state pensions are the main source of income.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment for the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000 what was (a) the number of occasions on which couriers were used to distribute news releases from his Department and (b) the total cost of using couriers to distribute news releases. [113969]

[holding answer 10 March 2000]: Prior to April 1998, the DfEE distributed hard copies of press notices via the Central Office of Information delivery service. After April 1998, all press releases have been distributed electronically via the News Distribution Service managed by the Central Office of Information. Couriers are not used purely to distribute press releases. It is however impossible to separate the times when couriers were used as the only practical means of sending out sensitive material which may have had press releases attached.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the (a) national, (b) regional and (c) local newspapers and media bodies to which his Department sent news releases during the period 2 May 1997 to 29 February 2000. [113995]

[holding answer 10 March 2000]: Due to the sheer numbers of media who will have received DfEE press releases, it is not possible to provide a list. Press releases are available to all the media via the News Distribution Service, managed by the Central Office of Information, and the internet. Targeted distribution will rely on the subject and content of the specific press release.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress is being made towards a national roll out of the New Deal for Disabled People. [114688]

[holding answer 16 March 2000]: We expect to make an announcement very shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what discussions he has had with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on (a) state aid for pig farmers and (b) monetary compensation to farmers for currency fluctuations; [114683](2) what discussions he has had with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on compensation for farmers for currency adjustments; and if he will make a statement. [114947]

My right hon. Friends the Chancellor and the Agriculture Minister discuss many issues. All relevant issues receive continuous close attention.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his estimates for migration from London to the south-east of England over the next five years. [114428]

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: 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 Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions his Department has had with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about capital funding for facilities for major athletics events; and if he will make a statement. [113946]

[holding answer 14 March 2000]: No recent discussions have taken place between the Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about capital funding for facilities for major athletics events. Any additional needs will be considered as part of the current spending review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of gross domestic product was spent on the Investing in Britain Fund in the financial years (a) 1998–99 and (b) 1999–2000; what estimate he has made for (i) 2000–01 and (ii) 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [114705]

[holding answer 15 March 2000]: The Investing in Britain Fund provides for the renewal and modernisation of the UK's public sector capital stock. Figures for capital investment as a percentage of gross domestic product are shown in Table B6, Annexe 2 of the pre-Budget Report (Cm 4479). These figures will be updated in the forthcoming Financial Statement and Budget Report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the economic implications of the entry of dot.com companies into the FTSE 100. [114997]

Changes in the composition of the FTSE 100 reflect market valuations of UK companies.As the Prime Minister explained in a recent speech, the challenges and opportunities presented by the growth of e-commerce apply to all businesses, in all sectors of the economy. The Government recognise the importance of these developments and have set a target of making the UK the best place for e-commerce in the world by 2002.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to allow local authorities greater access to the financial markets. [114911]

There are currently no plans to allow local authorities greater access to the financial markets.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of ECOFIN on 13 March. [115740]

The Paymaster General attended the Economic and Finance Council of Ministers.The Commission presented its action plan for improving financial management and procedures. The Council recommended granting discharge in respect of the 1998 financial year.The Stability programmes of Luxembourg, France and Portugal were agreed.The Presidency announced that the ECOFIN Ministers would he invited to attend the Lisbon European Council on employment, economic reform and social cohesion. ECOFIN agreed a report to the Lisbon Council which emphasised the importance of sustainable growth, macroeconomic stability and economic reform in promoting a dynamic, innovative and socially inclusive European economy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the number of neurosurgiacal consultants in each NHS region in each of the last 10 years. [110932]

The latest available information is shown in the tables.

Neurosurgical consultants by regional health authority 1988–1995 England at 30 September each year
Headcount
	1988	1989	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995
Northern	10	10	10	0	10	0	10	10
Yorkshire	10	10	0	10	10	10	10	10
Trent	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10
East Anglia	0	0	0	10	0	0	10	10
Oxford	0	0	0	0	0	10	0	0
NW Thames	0	0	0	10	0	0	0	10
NE Thames	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10
SE Thames	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	0
SW Thames	0	10	10	10	0	10	10	10
Mersey	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10
North Western	10	10	10	10	20	20	10	10
South Western	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10
Wessex	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
West Midlands	10	10	10	10	10	10	10	10
England	100	90	100	100	100	100	110	110

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the change in central administration spending by his Department in each of the last two years; what is the budgeted change for this year and 2001. [106771]

The change in central administration spending by my Department was a reduction of 7.9 per cent. in real terms in 1997–98, from the previous year, and a further 9.9 per cent. reduction in 1998–99. The budgeted changes are a 8.7 per cent. real terms increase for 1999–2000, and a real terms reduction of 6.1 per cent. in 2001–01.The budgeted administration expenditure in 1999–2000 includes an amount towards the set up costs of the new Food Standards Agency. Excluding this amount, the changes in real terms are:

Neurosurgical consultants by regional office 1995–1998 England at 30 September each year
Headcount
	1995	1996	1997	1998
Northern and Yorkshire	20	20	20	20
Trent	10	10	10	10
Anglia and Oxford	10	10	10	10
North Thames	20	20	20	20
South Thames	10	10	10	20
North West	20	20	20	20
South and West	10	20	20	20
West Midlands	10	10	10	10
England	110	120	130	130

Year	Percentage change
1997–98	-7.9
1998–99	-9.9
1999–2000	+3.9
2000–01	-1.7

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the amount by which each health authority in England is expected to be above or below its capitation target in (a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01, expressed (i) in cash terms and (ii) as a percentage of each authority's expenditure. [112037]

[holding answer 9 March 2000]: The information requested is shown in the table.

	1999–2000 distance from target		2000–01 distance from target
Health authority	£000	Percentage	£000	Percentage
Avon	-6,924	-1.17	-7,351	-1.15
Barking and Havering	-1,934	-0.75	2,573	0.94
Barnet	4,594	2.25	447	0.20
Barnsley	-4,786	-2.98	-5,379	-3.11
Bedfordshire	-12,427	-3.82	-13,980	-3.98
Berkshire	-15,619	-3.50	-15,847	-3.23
Bexley and Greenwich	14,573	5.31	18,097	6.15
Birmingham	2,656	0.39	4,390	0.60
Bradford	-5,542	-1.77	-3,853	-1.13
Brent and Harrow	9,296	3.09	7,051	2.15
Bromley	-498	-0.27	214	0.11
Buckinghamshire	-9,343	-2.48	-11,999	-2.92
Bury and Rochdale	-3,241	-1.29	-1,049	-0.39
Calderdale and Kirklees	1,619	0.44	-671	-0.17
Cambridge and Huntingdon1	-2,663	-1.13	—	—
Cambridgeshire1	—	—	-10,687	-2.41
Camden and Islington	6,949	2.22	6,701	1.95
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly	6,454	2.08	5,506	1.65
County Durham	-9,737	-2.31	-8,724	-1.93
Coventry	-7,182	-3.45	-6,172	-2.76
Croydon	-2,556	-1.25	-2,517	-1.14
Doncaster	-276	-0.14	-427	-0.20
Dorset	9,771	2.24	9,035	1.93
Dudley	-1,840	-1.00	-3,044	-1.52
Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow	-2,835	-0.59	-133	-0.03
East and North Hertfordshire	-2,118	-0.73	-4,059	-1.28
East Kent	7,108	1.83	11,031	2.67
East Lancashire	-2,389	-0.68	-2,822	-0.74
East London and The City	-24,117	-4.69	-20,945	-3.77
East Norfolk1	3,198	0.85	—	—
East Riding	-2,397	-0.66	-159	-0.04
East Surrey	5,013	2.10	5,777	2.25
East Sussex, Brighton and Hove	10,634	2.15	13,072	2.48
Enfield and Haringey	1,731	0.54	1,464	0.42
Gateshead and South Tyneside	-1,954	-0.76	-2,889	-1.05
Gloucestershire	12,408	3.85	10,564	3.05
Herefordshire	61	0.06	-319	-0.30
Hillingdon	658	0.43	-963	-0.58
Isle of Wight	6,326	7.35	6,603	7.16
Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster	-27,917	-8.88	-27,876	-8.14
Kingston and Richmond	4,593	2.25	5,795	2.55
Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham	-3,567	-0.62	12,253	2.00
Leeds	1,203	0.26	3,114	0.62
Leicestershire	-13,466	-2.54	-16,280	-2.83
Lincolnshire	2,528	0.64	-3,733	-0.88
Liverpool	7,149	2.09	6,603	1.81
Manchester	7,758	2.28	7,498	2.06
Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth	9,553	2.31	8,245	1.88
Morecambe Bay	8,671	4.40	7,291	3.43
Newcastle and North Tyneside	1,752	0.53	3,206	0.91
Norfolk1	—	—	186	0.04
North and East Devon	5,434	1.84	4,395	1.38
North and Mid Hampshire	3,913	1.36	1,612	0.52
North Cheshire	3,561	1.80	2,200	1.04
North Cumbria	111	0.06	434	0.20
North Derbyshire	-575	-0.25	-1,090	-0.44
North Essex	-3,480	-0.69	-436	-0.08
North Nottinghamshire	-2,849	-1.19	-5,763	-2.21
North Staffordshire	-8,156	-2.62	--5,796	-1.74
North West Anglia1	-4,748	-1.86	—	—
North West Lancashire	-1,356	-0.42	54	0.02
North Yorkshire	-1,736	-0.40	-2,462	-0.53
Northamptonshire	4,847	1.51	3,079	0.89
Northumberland	-325	-0.17	-661	-0.31
Nottingham	-10,151	-2.53	-10,245	-2.39
Oxfordshire	-9,569	-2.84	-8,166	-2.24
Portsmouth and South East Hampshire	-917	-0.28	60	0.02
Redbridge and Waltham Forest	13,384	4.72	11,902	3.89
Rotherham	-1,079	-0.67	-1,970	-1.14
Salford and Trafford	6,440	2.13	5,725	1.75
Sandwell	-2,795	-1.34	-2,060	-0.93
Sefton	1,987	1.05	5,688	2.82
Sheffield	5,419	1.50	4,686	1.21

	1999–2000 distance from target		2000–01 distance from target
Health authority	£000	Percentage	£000	Percentage
Shropshire	-905	-0.36	-3,616	-1.34
Solihull	1,598	1.32	496	0.38
Somerset	2,866	1.00	1,843	0.59
South and West Devon	6,989	1.86	5,998	1.48
South Cheshire	2,168	0.54	4,007	0.93
South Derbyshire	-7,068	-2.03	-5,958	-1.59
South Essex	-14,809	-3.42	-7,240	-1.57
South Humber	6,625	3.44	4,180	2.01
South Lancashire	4,328	2.38	4,249	2.14
South Staffordshire	2,721	0.85	-508	-0.15
Southampton and South West Hamptonshire	312	0.10	178	0.05
St. Helens and Knowsley	-1,013	-0.43	-2,173	-0.85
Stockport	802	0.46	926	0.49
Suffolk	6,452	1.65	3,950	0.94
Sunderland	-1,530	-0.76	-2,255	-1.04
Tees	-3,681	-0.99	-4,624	-1.15
Wakefield	771	0.37	1,031	0.46
Walsall	-2,093	-1.27	-2,826	-1.58
Warwickshire	7,616	2.66	5,177	1.67
West Hertfordshire	4,980	1.59	1,788	0.53
West Kent	3,636	0.65	5.974	0.99
West Pennine	-4,898	-1.62	-5,594	-1.72
West Surrey	8,531	2.35	10,150	2.65
West Sussex	-3,555	-0.76	-2,609	-0.52
Wigan and Bolton	-12,069	-3.13	-12,351	-2.98
Wiltshire	5,699	1.68	7,725	2.12
Wirral	4,365	2	7,386	3.14
Wolverhampton	-2,351	-1.45	-3,311	-1.89
Worcestershire	5,228	1.75	1,981	0.62
1 On 1 April 1999 Cambridge and Huntingdon Health Authority, East Norfolk Health Authority and North West Anglia Health Authority merged to form Cambridgeshire Health Authority and Norfolk Health Authority

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to publish the Stewart report on mobile phone masts; and if he will make a statement. [114710]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for South-East Cornwall (Mr. Breed) on 16 March 2000, Official Report, column 300W.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will offer immunity from prosecution under the Official Secrets Act 1989 to enable former employees of military intelligence to testify anonymously before the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. [114645]

On 22 February 1999, the then Attorney-General wrote to Lord Saville of Newdigate setting out the terms of an undertaking he gave in relation to witnesses appearing before the Bloody Sunday Inquiry. The terms of the undertaking were as follows:

"An undertaking in respect of any person who provides evidence to the Inquiry, that no evidence he or she may give before the Inquiry relating to the events of Sunday 30 January 1972, whether orally or by written statement, nor any written statement made preparatory to giving evidence, nor any document produced by that person to the Inquiry, will be used to the prejudice of that person in any criminal proceedings (or for the purpose of investigating or deciding whether to bring such proceedings) except proceedings where he or she is charged with having given false evidence in the course of this Inquiry or with having conspired with, aided, abetted, counsel procured, suborned or incited any other person to do so."

The Attorney General concluded his letter by stating that

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to add genetically modified seed to the National Seed Register; and if he will make a statement. [111779]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne) on 13 March 2000, Official Report, column 47W.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to prevent the destruction of GMO field trials. [112255]

[holding answer 8 March 2000]: The Government deplore vandalism of GM crop trials. My Department has liaised with other Departments, the police and the industry to alert them to the risk of vandalism, so that measures can be taken to prevent it.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received in respect of the two metre rule in relation to hedgerows and grassy banks bordering arable land eligible for crop payments. [114112]

Representations concerning the two metre maximum width of field margins for inclusion in claims for arable area aid under the Integrated Administration and Control System have been received from the Allerton Research and Educational Trust, the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, the Country Landowners Association, the Countryside Agency, English Nature, Essex Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, the National Farmers Union, the National Trust, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, the Tenant Farmers Association, Wildlife and Countryside Link and from a number of other organisations, private individuals and companies.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the length of hedgerows in the UK which are more than two metres wide and which border land affected by CAP arable crop payments. [114137]

No such estimates have been made. However, information is available on the percentage of all fields inspected by MAFF in 1999 on which arable area payments were made on the basis of full Ordnance Survey areas where the field margins were found to be wider than two metres. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for South-East Cornwall (Mr. Breed) on 9 March 2000, Official Report, column 798W.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will refer the issue of arable crop payments affecting hedgerows and grassy banks to the Green Ministers' Committee; [114114](2) what recent discussions he has had with MAFF in respect of the impact of the two metre rule in relation to the eligibility of hedges and grassy banks for arable crop payments; and if he will make a statement. [114139]

It is not proposed to refer the issue referred to by my hon. Friend to the Green Ministers' Committee, concerning as it does the implementation of EU legislation and advise from the European Commission and the European Court of Auditors. MAFF and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions are, however, in close touch on this issue.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings he (a) has recently held and (b) plans to hold with the European Commission in respect of environmental integration and arable land crop payments. [114113]

My right hon. Friend the Minister raised the environmental consequences of field margin rules for arable area payment claims at meetings with the European Commission on 1 February and 9 March. The need for any future meetings on this subject will depend upon the outcome of current discussions between my officials and the Commission.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he is proposing to reduce the impact of the strong pound on British farmers. [114337]

Over the last three years we have paid nearly £400 million in agrimonetary compensation. We plan to pay a further £88 million this year and £44 million next year in agrimonetary compensation to beef, sheep and arable farmers.Any additional optional agrimonetary compensation will have to be considered against other calls on public expenditure.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much was paid in subsidies to beef farmers in the United Kingdom in 1999. [114249]

Payments by the Exchequer in support of the beef industry for the financial years 1998–99 and 1999–2000 are outlined in the table. It should be noted that not all subsidies are paid directly to farmers. Figures for 1999–2000 are estimates.

April/March (financial years)
£ million
	1998–99	1999–2000
Suckler Cow Premium Scheme	339.5	219.9
Beef Special Premium Scheme	294.0	220.1
Beef Deseasonalisation Scheme	5.6	3.0
Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances: cattle	70.3	56.5
Internal market measures	2.0	2.4
Intervention purchases/sales	-29.3	-85.8
Intervention storage costs	24.2	9.9
Export refunds	-1.9	0.6
Over Thirty Month scheme purchases	263.8	248.4
Over Thirty Month Scheme slaughter, disposal costs etc.	116.2	127.7
Calf Processing Aid Scheme	51.0	10.0
Selective cull	18.9	2.2
Other measures	5.2	0.5
Total	1,159.5	815.4

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the Government's response to Recommendation 4 of his Red Tape Working Group on the Meat Industry, whether he intends unannounced visits to replace existing procedures or be additional to them. [113884]

[holding answer 10 March 2000]: A system of unannounced inspections is seen as integral to the introduction of a full Hazard Analysis Critical Control and Point approach as recommended by the Meat Industry Red Tape Working Group. They would therefore replace the current inspection system, but amendments to existing EU legislation are required before HACCP could be introduced. However, the Working Group recommended the earliest possible introduction of a regime of unannounced, thorough, targeted inspections of plants. We are currently considering the costs and benefits of adding such a system to the existing controls.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made with negotiating the voluntary agreement with industry on labelling of genetically modified produce. [113765]

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: All genetically modified food sold in the UK is required by law to be labelled. In the UK these requirements apply to foods sold in restaurants as well as in retail premises. We are working within Europe to agree a definition of "GM free" in a labelling claim and to achieve a labelling regime for animal feed in relation to GM ingredients.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has commissioned on the safety for human consumption of meat from animals fed on GM crops. [113767]

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: None, as there is no evidence that meat from animals fed on GM crops is in any way distinguishable from animals fed on conventional feedingstuffs.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce legislation to give effect to EC Regulations 49/2000 and 50/2000 concerning the labelling of genetically modified foods. [115741]

The Genetically Modified and Novel Foods (Labelling) (England) Regulations 2000, which will come into force on 10 April, have today been laid before Parliament. These Regulations make provision in England for the enforcement of two new European labelling Regulations for GM foods, which will take effect automatically in all member states on 10 April, as well as consolidating all earlier GM labelling provisions.The first of these, EC Regulation 49/2000, amends Regulation 1139/98 on the labelling of foods containing GM soya and maize, to extend the scope of the requirements to include foods for catering establishments, and to establish a 1 per cent. de minimis threshold for the adventitious contamination of non-GM material, below which GM labelling will not be required. The second, EC Regulation 50/2000, will require for the first time, the labelling of foods and food ingredients which contain GM additives and flavourings.The Government are determined that consumers should be able to make informed choices about whether or not to eat genetically modified foods, and these new Regulations will strengthen further the arrangements already in place for this purpose.A letter is being sent today to interested parties advising them of the content of the Regulations and enclosing a copy of the text. A Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Regulations has been prepared and placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total hectarage of (a) registered and (b) non-registered land under agricultural management within Greater London. [114556]

The total area on agricultural holdings in Greater London was 13,322 hectares at June 1999. This includes estimates for minor holdings. Information is not available on unregistered holdings.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many (a) agricultural land holdings and (b) other agricultural practices there are within Greater London. [114557]

The number of agricultural holdings in Greater London was 479 at June 1999. This includes estimates for minor holdings. Information on other agricultural practices is not available.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many primates have arrived in the UK via Dover port in (a) October 1999, (b) November 1999, (c) December 1999 and (d) January 2000; and of those how many were found to be (i) ill and (ii) dead. [114419]

[holding answer 14 March 2000]: According to our records, 124 primates arrived in the UK via Dover port in October 1999, 60 arrived in November 1999, 44 in December 1999 and 124 in January 2000. These were inspected by a veterinary surgeon at the quarantine premises which was their destination and were found to have travelled well with no signs of ill health or disease.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what response the Government have made to the recent OECD report on international price comparisons. [114079]

OECD statistics on purchasing power parity are a regular statistical publication. No official response is made regarding such routine statistical publications by the OECD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the development and promotion of liquefied petroleum gas-powered vehicles in rural areas. [113933]

[holding answer 13 March 2000]: The Department's Foresight Vehicle programme provides funding of up to 50 per cent. for the development of innovative technologies for future vehicles. This includes developments of systems for hybrid electric and alternatively fuelled vehicles including LPG. Bi-fuelled LPG vehicles are, however, already available for purchase.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what factors the Low Pay Commission takes into account when setting the accommodation offset for the national minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [114789]

Before making their recommendation on the level of the accommodation offset for the introduction of the national minimum wage, the Low Pay Commission undertook an extensive and wide ranging consultation exercise, which included written and oral evidence from organisations and individuals in various sectors that provide accommodation for workers. They also examined current charges in the agricultural and hotel industries and took account of the rates set in the former Wages Councils. In view of the representations received during the consultation exercise on the draft National Minimum Wage Regulations, the Government asked the Commission to look again at this issue in February 1999. The Commission also considered the offset for their second report, which monitored the impact of the minimum wage since its introduction in April.The Government believe that workers should be paid a reasonable wage and not have to rely on benefits in kind. The accommodation offset figure is not intended to be a commercial valuation but is designed to protect workers from unreasonable accommodation charges, while recognising that these arrangements are of benefit to worker and employer.The Commission has recommended that the offset should be retained at its present level and considered again when the national minimum wage is next reviewed. The Government accepted this recommendation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how the accommodation offset for the national minimum wage has been calculated; and if he will make a statement. [114790]

The maximum amount which can be offset against national minimum wage pay by employers who provide accommodation is £19.95 a week. This is to be calculated at either £2.85 per day or 50p an hour, up to the maximum. The two different methods of calculation ensure that part-time workers do not lose out.The maximum amount reflects the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission in their first report in June 1998. The amount is not meant to reflect the commercial value of the accommodation provided. The accommodation offset was considered further in the Commission's special report on the offset produced in March 1999, which

concluded that it was set at the right level. The most recent Commission report, published in February 2000, recommended that

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if it is his policy to make available secondhand refurbished computers to socially excluded groups; and if he will make a statement. [114999]

The majority of the Department's IT equipment is owned by UNITAS (a consortium of ICL and CMG) who provide the equipment under a private finance arrangement. UNITAS are responsible for the disposal of this equipment.In respect of other equipment that remains the Department's property, contracts are in place for recycling that which is surplus to requirements. Under these contracts, London Computer Auctions and Recycle IT refurbish such equipment, where suitable, and sell it to schools at a low cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will be in a position to make a statement about the outcome of the Office of Fair Trading consultation with the impulse ice cream industry regarding Walls distribution. [114794]

As announced in my press notice of 28 January, I have invited views from the industry to be put to the Director General by the end of the month. He will advise me by Easter on the remedy and I will make an announcement once I have considered his advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that personal shareholders are represented on the consultative committee when carrying out its review into company law; and if he will make a statement. [115029]

[holding answer 16 March 2000]: The company law review is designed to take into account as many views and interests as possible. It is an open and consultative exercise, and the consultative committee is an important aspect of that process. While the consultative committee already represents a very wide range of interests, I am considering whether it adequately reflects the views of personal shareholders, and will write to the hon. Member shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what involvement David McLachlan had in the decision of the ECGD to support the (a) nuclear power project in Ain Shan China Phase III, (b) coal handling export terminal in Tianjin, China, (c) coal-fired power station in Manjing, Malaysia and (d) line of credit for the Korean Development Bank. [114786]

In his capacity as a banking member of the Export Guarantees Advisory Council, Mr. David McLachlan may be asked for his advice from time to time on cases which are being put forward for underwriting decisions. Such advice is sought only from a Council Member who has no direct business interest in the relevant transaction.Of the four cases mentioned, Mr. McLachlan's advice was sought only in respect of ECGD's risk analysis and recommendation regarding the Korean Development Bank. The line of credit was subsequently underwritten by ECGD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, following his decision to aid the A3XX Super-Jumbo project, he will publish (a) an independent investment appraisal of the project and (b) a report on his efforts to finance the project on a fully commercial basis. [115137]

My Department has received independent advice on the financial implications of the application from BAE SYSTEMS for launch investment for the A3XX from PricewaterhouseCoopers. The specific terms of the investment are commercially confidential. I am satisfied that the basis of the Government's participation in this risk sharing partnership is fully justified by the benefits it will secure for the UK economy, by ensuring substantial UK involvement in the design and production of this advanced aircraft. Supporting innovation and enterprise, improving productivity and developing skills is the only way forward in the knowledge-based economy of the 21^st Century.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many applications for visas for settlement from family members of persons who had held exceptional leave to remain in the UK for less than four years were (a) received and (b) granted in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [114567]

Entry clearance staff overseas do not routinely record for statistical purposes information on the immigration status of those sponsoring applications for settlement in the United Kingdom. The information is therefore not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the responsibilities of the Defence Sales Desk Officer in the South East Asia Department. [114729]

FCO desk officers, including those in the South-East Asia Department, among other duties scrutinise and advise licence applications for the countries they cover against the UK national criteria and the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Latvia regarding the imprisonment of Mr. Vassily Kononov; and if he will make a statement. [114793]

None. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) on 16 March 2000, Official Report, column 289W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for West Chelmsford to the Minister for Trade of 13 October 1999 that was transferred to the Foreign Office on 21 October 1999 concerning the issues raised by Ms P. Jones of Chelmsford. [115209]

We will reply to the hon. Member's letter of 13 October 1999 to the Minister for Trade, enclosing a postcard from his constituent Ms P. Jones about the information contained in the Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, as soon as possible. We regret the delay in issuing a response, which was the result of an administrative oversight. Since publication of the Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls on 3 November 1999, we have received over 1,500 letters from MPs and members of the public on the same subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those United Kingdom embassies overseas where embassy staff include paid secondees from commercial companies; and for each secondee, if he will list the (a) seconding company and (b) whether the secondee is paid by (i) the seconding company, (ii) the embassy or (iii) another source. [114815]

In line with HMG's policy of increased interchange with the private sector, as part of the modernising government agenda, there are eight private sector secondees at posts overseas, in Japan, Hong Kong, Angola, Thailand and the USA. In addition, there is one secondee with a roving remit for South-East Asia.The secondees are bound by Diplomatic Service regulations relating to conduct and discipline, and answerable to the head of the diplomatic post at which they are serving.I will ask the companies concerned for their agreement to their details being provided to the hon. Member and will write to him. I will place a copy of my letter in the Libraries of the House. As regards payment, the most common arrangement is for the secondee to continue to be paid by his or her employer, which in turn seeks reimbursement from the FCO. However, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British embassies the Minister for Europe has visited during his period of office. [115341]

Twelve.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what restrictions affect the purchase of (a)agricultural and (b) industrial land by (i) citizens and (ii) companies in (A) EU member states and (B) candidates for membership. [113146]

I have been asked to reply.Under the terms of the EC Treaty, there are no restrictions affecting the purchase of agricultural and industrial land by citizens and companies in EU member states. As regards the candidate countries, there is currently a range of restrictions on the purchase by EU citizens and companies of agricultural and industrial land in the different states. Compliance with the Single Market acquis means that these restrictions should be removed on accession. The EU will respond later in the negotiation process to applicants' requests for transition periods, to allow the retention of some restrictions for a limited period after accession.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what rules govern civil servants accompanying Ministers to overseas fund-raising functions; [115206](2) what rules govern civil servants accompanying Ministers to party political functions. [115208]

Paragraph 60 of the Ministerial Code makes it clear that Ministers should not ask civil servants to attend, still less take part in, Party Conferences or meetings of policy or subject groups of any of the parliamentary parties. It is an established principle in the public service that civil servants in their official capacity should not accept invitations to conferences convened by, or under the aegis of, party political organisations. The situation is, of course, different when Ministers require officials to be in attendance at party political events in order to enable the Minister to carry out urgent departmental business. This guidance applies to events within the United Kingdom and overseas.

To ask the Prime Minister which of the task forces created since he came into office have had their lifetime extended beyond the original envisaged wind-up date, indicating the reason for such extensions. [113303]

Information in the form requested is not held centrally. A full list of Task Forces established since the General Election was placed in the Library on 9 December 1999. The list includes details of wind-up dates, where appropriate. Task Forces which are classified as non-departmental public bodies are excluded from the list as information on them is published in the annual "Public Bodies" publication.Individual Ministers are responsible for agreeing the programme of work of the Task Forces for which they are responsible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many tickets for the Millennium Experience had been sold in each region of the UK on the latest date for which figures are available. [107184]

[holding answer 31 January 2000]: Dome tickets can be purchased through National Lottery outlets, travel operators, the New Millennium Experience Company's website and a call centre as well as at the dome. It should be borne in mind, however, that when people purchase dome tickets, particularly those bought at the dome itself but also those purchased through the other outlets, their location at the time is not always an indication of their place of residence. For example, 7.9 per cent. of tickets were bought on the door and are counted in the proportions as having been bought in England. Of the total sales as at 7 March, 97.2 per cent. were purchased in or from addresses in England, 1.3 per cent. in Wales, 1.1 per cent in Scotland and 0.4 per cent. in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on (a) the pay rates offered to and (b) the payment schedule for production crews of the Millennium Dome. [110073]

[holding answer 14 March 2000]: The New Millennium Experience Company considers the information requested to be confidential and that its release would both harm the company's relationship and negotiating position with the individuals in question and impair the company's ability to operate in a commercial and professional manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will publish the terms and conditions of standard contracts with the operators of the catering outlets that operate in and around the Millennium Dome at Greenwich. [110505]

[holding answer 17 February 2000]: The New Millennium Experience Company considers the information requested to be confidential and that its release would both harm the company's relationship and negotiating position with the individuals in question and impair the company's ability to operate in a commercial and professional manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many contracts were awarded by the New Millennium Experience Company to (a) advertisers and (b) designers; and what is the total cost to the NMEC of those contracts to date. [110913]

[holding answer 21 February 2000]: M & C Saatchi were appointed by the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC) in August 1997 to develop an integrated communications campaign, including creative development, media planning and sales promotion in support of the Millennium Experience and its associated National Programme. Their appointment followed a competitive process, through OJEC. As stated in the OJEC advertisement, the estimated total value of the contract is up to £16 million. NMEC has contracted no other advertisers.Design contracts for exhibit zones, entered into by NMEC, were also subject to OJEC procedures in August 1997. The total value of these contracts is about £17.1 million (excluding VAT), subject to normal resolution procedures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many of the contracts awarded by the New Millennium Experience Company to (a) advertisers and (b) designers were granted after a process of competitive tendering; and how many of those contracts were still in place on 31 January 2000. [110914]

[holding answer 21 February 2000]: All contracts awarded by the New Millennium Experience Company to advertisers and designers were granted after a process of competitive tendering. The advertising contract with M & C Saatchi is still in place. The designers have completed their services under the agreements. The contracts are still in place in the sense that NMEC either owns the products of their services or is licensed to use them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to promote the importance of sport in association with tourism; and if he will make a statement. [112640]

On 11 January this year, my hon. Friend the Minister for Sport and I launched the British Tourist Authority's Action Plan for Sports Tourism. The strategy aims to position sports as an integral part of the British tourism product and to maximise the potential of sport for inbound tourism to Britain. It includes proposals to establish a Sports Tourism Forum with partners (eg UK Sport) to identify opportunities, formulate strategy and implement a joint sports tourism action plan and to mount an international promotional campaign.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will assess the benefits of granting partially sighted people a reduced television licence fee. [113268]

The independent review panel on the future funding of the BBC considered the question but recommended only that registered blind people should be entitled to a 50 per cent. reduction in the licence fee. We have no plans to make any further assessment.