To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to ban investment in Burma by United Kingdom-owned companies; and if he will make a statement. [117508]

We do not encourage trade with our investment in Burma and tell business enquirers so; we have also suspended all financial support for trade mission to Burma and for trade promotional activities there as was made plain in June 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution Britain is making to support initiatives for peace in Sri Lanka. [117642]

We take every opportunity at bilateral meetings to stress the need for a political settlement to end the conflict in Sri Lanka. We have made it clear that we stand ready to help if both sides ask us to play a role. We welcome the Norwegian Government's efforts to bring the Sri Lankan Government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam together for peace talks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the (a) total cost and (b) cost per passenger of the jets used to fly Ministers and officials to the Lisbon Summit; and if he will break down the cost by Government department. [117042]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 30 March 2000, Official Report, column 248W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who took the decision that three separate jets would be used to fly Ministers and officials to the Lisbon Summit. [1170401]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: This was a collective decision, in the light of operational requirements. All travel was undertaken fully in accordance with the rules set out in the Ministerial Code and Travel by Ministers, copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) officials and (b) political advisers accompanied Ministers to the Lisbon Summit. [117041]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley) on 4 April 2000, Official Report, column 390W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to involve non-Governmental organisations in consultation as part of the preparation of the Government's position for the Social Summit in Geneva in June. [117326]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has provided £25,000 to help the United Nations Environment and Development UK Committee (UNED-UK) co-ordinate UK civil society's input to the Special Session. We have financed an internet website, the creation of a key stakeholders' group, and a conference for nongovernmental organisations. The Department for International Development has provided £270,000 for the International Council for Social Welfare to help it enhance the role of civil society groups worldwide (and especially those from developing countries) at the Special Session.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which department is the lead department for preparing for the Social Summit in Geneva in June; and which other departments are involved in the preparation. [117325]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is the lead Department for preparations for the General Assembly Special Session on follow-up to the World Summit for Social Development. All other Whitehall Departments with responsibility for social development issues, both nationally and internationally, are fully involved in the preparatory process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who will represent Her Majesty's Government at the United Nations Social Summit in Geneva in June. [117324]

The full composition of the UK delegation is still being considered. The Minister for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities, has plans to attend for some of the discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of recent negotiations between Israel and Syria. [117598]

The meeting between President Clinton and President Asad in Geneva on 26 March was a demonstration of the efforts being undertaken to achieve the resumption of negotiations between Israel and Syria and progress towards agreement. The Government support these efforts and believe that a settlement remains possible. Time is, however, short. The Government will spare no effort, in co-operation with the United States and our European partners, to help the parties reach agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what effect the creation of the St. Helena Business Forum has had on unemployment levels. [117797]

The St. Helena Business Forum was formed in 1997 at the instigation of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In 1998 it became the St. Helena Focus Group and is now run by the private sector. It is a voluntary organisation that was established to promote St. Helena to the private sector in the UK. One of its members has been appointed as a part-time Commercial Representative to the St. Helena Government. The Commercial Representative and Focus Group have greatly improved the service to potential inward investors and have taken a proactive role in inward investment promotion activities. In 1997 unemployment was 20 per cent., at the end of 1999 it was 15 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans has he to develop employment opportunities on St. Helena in non-governmental areas. [117799]

The St. Helena Government in its Strategic Review 2000–2010 and Country Policy Plan 2000–01, 2002–03 clearly sets out its commitment to promote employment opportunities. These include increasing contracting out of government services; the promotion of tourism and inward investment; and increased export promotion. Many of these activities are undertaken in conjunction with the St. Helena Development Agency (SHDA) which has been instrumental in creating or sustaining well over 120 jobs in 1998 in the private sector. The Department for International Development has funded a £1.386 million project to provide working capital for the SHDA. The SHDA provides grants and loans particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises as well as training and advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many St. Helenians are serving in the Armed Forces; and what percentage of the population that represents. [117801]

Thirty six St. Helenians have joined the UK Armed Forces since November 1997 which represents roughly 0.72 per cent. of the population. Several have returned to St. Helena since recruitment because they have either not completed basic training or for other, personal, reasons. Currently 29 are in the services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans has he to assist St. Helena in developing the fishing industry. [117798]

Since 1996, the St. Helena Government (SHG) has been engaged in the establishment of a joint venture with Argos Ltd. On 29 February 2000 Argos Atlantic Cold Store was officially opened at Ruperts Bay in St. Helena. This increases fish freezing and cold storage capacity to 800 tonnes. Quotas placed on the local fishermen during times of high catches will now be eliminated. I understand Argos intend to take immediate steps to increase the volume of fish caught by importing bait and improving fishing expertise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to assist St. Helena in diversifying its economy. [117800]

The St. Helena Government set out their vision for the future and long-term development strategy in their Strategic Review 2000–10 and Country Policy Plan 2000–01 to 2002–03. This is clearly based on the need to continue to develop the island's private sector and attract inward investment. The St. Helena and British Governments agreed during this January's discussions on a new three-year aid agreement that progress towards a more sustainable economy will remain difficult until access to the island is radically improved. The outcome of the Department for International Development's proposed comparative costs study of future air access versus sea access will be relevant to future tourism development.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many persons were prosecuted for involvement in fraud over the procurement of computer equipment in the NHS in each of the last six years. [116858]

The Crown Prosecution Service holds no central records in respect of the number of persons prosecuted for involvement in fraud over the procurement of computer equipment in the NHS in each of the last six years. The information requested could be obtained only by examining each relevant file in every CPS office, at disproportionate cost. The Serious Fraud Office has not prosecuted any persons for involvement in fraud over the procurement of computer equipment in the NHS in each of the last six years.

To ask the Solicitor-General when the report of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the case, R. v. Doran & Others, is due to be handed to the Attorney-General; and if the report will be published. [117318]

I have been informed by His Honour Gerald Butler QC that his report is close to completion, but I am not in a position to provide a specific date by which the finished report will be provided to the Attorney-General. The question of publication is a matter for the Attorney-General and the Chairman of HM Customs and Excise. As the previous Attorney-General, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Aberavon (Sir J. Morris) stated in his parliamentary answer of 22 July 1999, Official Report, column 607W, a summary of the report and its recommendations will be made available to the House.

To ask the Solicitor-General what factors led to the delay in the reporting of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the case, R. v. Doran & Others. [117319]

I have been informed by His Honour Gerald Butler QC that the inquiry took longer than anticipated for three reasons: (1) there were delays in providing the inquiry with all the relevant documentation; (2) the documentation was substantially more voluminous than anticipated when the inquiry was established; (3) there were far more witnesses to be interviewed than was thought to be the case at the outset. The inquiry has received evidence from, and interviewed, 37 witnesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when his Department will provide the projected funding figures for the World Class Performance Programme for 2000–01 in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Northern Ireland. [115329]

The World Class Performance Programme (WCPP) is administered by UK Sport for UK governing bodies and includes athletes from all parts of the United Kingdom. Sport England is responsible for the administration of the WCPP for English governing bodies and for the World Class Potential and World Class Start Programmes for English athletes. In addition, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland administer their own elite programmes for their national athletes below the level of World Class Performance.The Sport England projected budget for 2000–01 will be submitted to its Council for approval on 3 April and is not yet available. The projected funding figures for 2000–01 for the elite programmes for Scotland and Northern Ireland are as follows:

£
Sport Scotland—Talented Athlete Programme	2,000,000
Sport Scotland—Scotland Junior Groups Programme	750,000
Sports Council for Northern Ireland—Development of Talented Individuals Programme	530,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the individual awards for the World Class Performance Programme specifying the sports to date. [115328]

The World Class Performance Programme (WCPP) is administered by UK Sport for UK governing bodies and by Sport England for English governing bodies. The awards made by UK Sport and accepted by governing bodies since the Council became a lottery distributor on 1 July 1999 are given in the table. Sport England is currently upgrading its grant management system and information prior to 1 July 1999 and on the Sport England WCPP. I will write to the hon. Member with this information shortly and place a copy in the Library of the House.

£
Sport	Award1,2
Athletics	3,045,839
Athletics (Disabled)	2,315,009
British Paralympic Association Games	61,002
Bobsleigh	316,687
Cycling	444,267
Diving3	395,522
Equestrian	728,200

£
Sport	Award1,2
Goalball (Disability Sport)	110,220
Gymnastics	1,773,806
Ice Skating	94,252
Judo	425,636
Modern Pentathlon	100,000
Orienteering	449,743
Powerlifting (Disabled)	112,566
Rowing	2,754,621
Sailing	1,744,320
Shooting (Paraplegic)	65,000
Swimming3	2,522,836
Swimming (Disabled)3	1,356,912
Table Tennis (Disabled)	11,820
Trampoline	188,203
Triathlon	34,290
Water Skiing	31,300
Wheelchair Rugby	149,476
1 The list comprises only those awards that have been accepted by the Governing Body and are hard commitments.
2 The total awards committed may not necessarily equate to exact outtum expenditure. Athlete subsistence costs are a best estimate and may not be taken up in full. Performance costs are normally taken up in full but where an underspend does arise lottery funding may be recouped or withheld.
3 Diving, Swimming and Disability Swimming include awards that have been backdated to cover extensions to earlier awards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason there has been a reduction in funding of the World Class Performance Programme from 1998–99 to 1999–2000. [115330]

There has been no reduction in funding of the World Class Performance Programme. The information included in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Loughborough (Mr. Reed) of 22 February 2000, Official Report, columns 849-51W, provided details of the funding to elite sport by each of the Sports Councils and related to expenditure for the first 10 months of 1999–2000, not to the total value of awards.The expenditure figures for the financial year 1999–2000 remain incomplete since payments for March have still to be made. The expected outturn for 1999–2000 will be broadly in line with that for 1998–99. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the full year figures are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much National Lottery funding projects in Morecambe and Lunesdale constituency have received since the National Lottery began. [117313]

The total value of National Lottery awards to projects in the constituency of Morecambe and Lunesdale since the lottery began is £5,374,323. The data are taken from the National Lottery Awards database which uses information supplied by the distributing bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on National Lottery funding for historic engineering projects. [117595]

The Heritage Lottery Fund can support a wide variety of projects involving the acquisition, repair, conservation and restoration of buildings, sites and collections relating to industrial and technological history, which will include historic engineering projects. To date the Heritage Lottery Fund has committed over £104 million to projects in the industrial, maritime and transport sector, and expects to continue to allocate 9 per cent. of its income annually to this area within the period of the current Strategic Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with (a) the Football Association, (b) UEFA, (c) the Official England Supporters Club and (d) the Belgian Police Federation regarding the suitability of the Charleroi Stadium for holding major international football matches; and if he will make a statement. [117243]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has raised concerns about the suitability of Charleroi as a venue for the England v. Germany match with the Belgian Government, who have provided assurances that the stadium complies with UEFA and Belgian safety standards. The Home Office is overseeing preparations for Euro 2000 and there is extensive liaison with the host countries and with UK agencies involved in the tournament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent discussions he has had concerning safety issues at Charleroi Stadium. [117275]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: I recently discussed this matter with the Chief Executive of the Football Licensing Authority.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Wednesday, 5 April. [117370]

This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I will have further such meetings later today.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what provision her Department has made for assistance to members of Burmese ethnic minorities held in Thai refugee camps. [117288]

My Department provides assistance to Burmese refugees in Thailand through a grouping of NGOs called the Burma Border Consortium. This Consortium supports around 106,000 Burmese refugees from the Karen and Karenni ethnic minorities in Thailand. Over the last two years, DFID has provided the Burma Border Consortium with £537,500 for its work.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is her policy in relation to cancellation of third world debt on discrimination in favour of aid recipients which have exercised good stewardship of aid received. [117405]

The purpose of giving debt relief is to benefit the poor. I welcome the international agreement that this should be the main criterion for debt relief. Under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, countries will produce poverty reduction strategies which set out policies and programmes to tackle poverty. The strategy will then provide a framework for all poverty reduction resources available to the country—Government revenue, debt relief savings and international development assistance.I welcome the IMF and the World bank commitments to use the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) as a basis for their programmes of support. In countries committed to poverty reduction, our bilateral country strategies will take their lead from the PRSP, and I encourage other bilateral donors to do likewise.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much has been spent on (a) the upkeep and (b) the purchase of works of art in the Lord Chancellor's Department for each financial year since 1992. [117480]

Current financial systems cannot provide a figure for expenditure on works of art without recourse to disproportionate time and expense. All major paintings in court buildings are either part of the Government Art Collection or are on loan from private museums or collections. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts, 4 April 2000, Official Report, columns 392-93W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many press officers are employed by the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales. [116323]

The Office of the Secretary of State for Wales employs one press officer with an assistant. I am also advised on media matters by my Director of Information and Communications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many special advisers are employed by the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales. [116332]

The Wales Office employs two special advisers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in (a) the Basildon parliamentary constituency, (b) Basildon and (c) Thurrock are in receipt of the minimum income guarantee. [117054]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will introduce legislation to ensure that a separated or divorced husband or wife is not liable for mortgage arrears on his or her former marital home which accrue after he or she has left that property. [117121]

This Department has no plans to introduce such legislation. This is a matter for those concerned to resolve.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in the parliamentary constituency of Basildon were in receipt of (a) Family Credit and (b) Child Care Allowance in each of the last five years. [117056]

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

Numbers of Family Credit recipients in Basildon parliamentary constituency—August 1995–99
Thousand
	Number of Family Credit recipients
August
1995	0.6
1996	0.9
1997	0.8
1998	0.9
1999	1.1

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in (a) Basildon and (b) Thurrock were in receipt of (i) Family Credit and (ii) child care allowance in each of the last five years. [117055]

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is in the tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he intends, under the draft stakeholder pension regulations, the no penalty requirement (exemptions from employer access, Part IV) to relate to the contributions made on behalf of the member by the employer; and if he will make a statement. [117599]

The draft regulation seeks to ensure that a personal pension which is to provide exemption from the employer access requirement does not impose additional penalties on members because they transfer out of the scheme or stop paying into it. It will relate to the total amount in the fund at the time of transfer or cessation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what effect 3COM's announcement that they are to quit the high-end networking market will have on his Department's existing and planned computer systems. [R][117622]

[holding answer 4 April 2000]: This Department has purchased 3COM products through a procurement channel and uses major Service Providers for their day by day support. The Department has been advised that existing products will have at least two years' ongoing support and 3COM are looking to other third parties to supply for a further three years. The Department will work with existing and future direct service providers to manage this and to plan for alternative supply through initiatives already under way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will introduce pension sharing. [118217]

We have decided that pension sharing will be available in respect of divorce and nullity proceedings that begin on or after 1 December 2000. The necessary regulations will be laid before Parliament shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much Government aid was given to the north-east to deal with the effects of job cuts at the Fujitsu plant; and how much this was per worker facing redundancy. [116285]

£415,000 was made available through the rapid response fund to help those facing redundancy from Fujitsu quickly to take up new jobs or training, where no alternative provision is already available.The allocation of £415,000 was not on a per head basis but resulted from a bid by the Fujitsu Response Group to provide job search and training beyond that available through the Employment Service and Durham Training and Enterprise Council.The number of employees made redundant was 576.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received a copy of the Kansai Electric Interim report on the MOX fuel data published on 1 March; and if he has ordered a translation of the report. [116442]

Kansai Electric's interim report on its investigation into the falsification of quality assurance data for MOX manufactured by BNFL was made publicly available in Japan on 1 March 2000. The report is in Japanese. A formal English translation has not been produced by Kansai. For their own internal use, BNFL arranged for an unofficial English translation of the report. A copy of that English language text has been passed to officials in my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 28 February 2000, Official Report, column 49W, what types of goods are covered, broken down by category of equipment, by the ECGD guarantees issued in respect of contracts with Turkey in 1999–2000. [117073]

The ECGD cover for defence business with Turkey in 1999–2000 relates to the supply of air defence missiles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what basis he set the target for an increase in favourable media coverage of the activities of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority contained in the authority's corporate aims and objectives programme. [117071]

The UKAEA target for favourable media coverage is based on industry established monitoring methodologies. The target set for this year improves on what they achieved last year. It is at a level which is challenging and attainable. This measure is part of the framework to monitor UKAEA performance on safety, environment, value for money and public acceptability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the combined heat and power capacity where planning consent has been given over the last 15 months is under construction. [117766]

Since the publication of the White Paper, "Conclusions of the Review of Energy Sources for Power Generation", in October 1998, 14 combined heat and power schemes have been approved. Implementation of those approvals is a commercial matter for the developers concerned and not a matter for my Department, although my Department has no information to suggest that any of the approved projects will not go ahead.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on net metering from (a) business, (b) environmental groups and (c) others; and how he intends to enable domestic producers of renewable and clean energy to gain access to the grid. [117709]

The Government have received a number of representations on net metering from industry, particularly solar energy companies, environmental organisations and private individuals. Many of the issues in those representations have been debated in the House—most notably in the Standing Committee debate on Clause 30 of the Utilities Bill, held on 14 March 2000.The Government are keen to ensure that all renewable generation, including that produced by domestic customers, is treated in an equitable fashion and receives full and fair value for energy exported to the distribution system. To this end, the DTI last year mounted an internal review of a wide range of issues associated with embedded generation and a consultation paper which set out the outcome of this review was issued in December.Many informative and helpful responses to the consultation document were received from the renewable industry, distributors and other interested parties. A joint industry-OFGEM-Government working group has now been established to take the process forward, and this will report before the end of the year. The working group represents a major opportunity to resolve a number of long-standing issues relating to the treatment of renewable and other embedded generation and to ensure access to the distribution networks on an equitable and fair basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list all those goods requiring export licences which have been licensed for export to Sri Lanka since 1 December 1999. [117646]

The entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating. The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated. Between 1 December 1999 and 24 March 2000, 11 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and one Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL) were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in Sri Lanka of goods subject to export control by being listed in Part III of Schedule 1 to the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, commonly known as the Military List. Individual licences may cover a range of goods with various ratings (and OIELs may also cover a range of countries). Where this is so, the licence is included in the table in the total for all of the relevant ratings.

Individual Licences issued between 1 December 1999 and 24 March 2000 covering the export to Sri Lanka of goods on the Military List
Rating	Number of SIELs issued covering goods with this rating	Number of OIELs issued covering goods with this rating
ML2	2	0
ML3	1	0
ML4	1	0
ML5	0	1
ML6	2	0
ML10	1	0
ML11	2	0
ML15	1	1
ML22	1	0
PL5017	2	0
PL5031	1	0

This information does not cover any Media OIELs that may have been issued during this period. Media OIELs authorise the export to all destinations of protective clothing, mainly for the protection of aid agency workers and journalists, when working in areas of conflict.Information on export licensing decisions in 1999, including details of the military equipment licensed, will be set out in the 1999 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, which will be published later this year. Similar details of the military equipment licensed in later years will be set out in the relevant Annual Reports.This information should be considered in light of the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswood (Mr. Berry) on 27 July 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent on (a) the upkeep and (b) the purchase of works of art in his Department for each financial year since 1992. [117472]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts on 4 April 2000, Official Report, columns 392–93W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that low-income consumers using pre-payment meters are charged the same amount for their gas and electricity as those who pay by direct debit. [117509]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: Provision of a gas or electricity supply through a prepayment meter (PPM) is inherently more expensive than via a standard meter because the meter itself is more complex and because of the additional payment infrastructure that is necessary. We have, however, encouraged the regulator and the energy supply industry to bring PPM tariffs closer to the cost of standard credit, so as to reduce the burden on those PPM users who may be on a low income. As part of the new price controls on the Public Electricity suppliers, the Office of Gas and Electricity Management (Ofgem) has proposed a new licence condition limiting the maximum additional annual surcharge for a PPM to £15 above the standard credit tariff. For gas, Centrica, which has about 90 per cent. of gas PPMs, has already reduced its PPM prices so that they are the same as those paid by standard credit customers who have not paid promptly enough to receive a discount for quick payment.I should point out, however, that the use of PPMs should not be taken as a proxy for fuel poverty: a wide range of people use these meters because they like the control it gives them over payment. Many PPMs are in second homes or holiday lettings. About half of those reckoned to be fuel poor are pensioners; and yet less than 10 per cent. of pensioners use a PPM.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what commitments he has been given by the management of BNFL regarding the reorganisation of management structure and methods at the company. [117616]

I have asked the Chairman of BNFL to carry out a "root and branch" review of the company. I expect to receive his proposals shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the deadlines for implementing the recommendations and requirements of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate reports published in February regarding BNFL, will be met; and if he will list the (a) expected and (b) achieved completion date for each such requirement. [117618]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published three reports on 18 February. The report of the "team inspection of the control and supervision of operations at BNFL's Sellafield site" requires BNFL to produce a programme within two months to address HSE's recommendations. Their report "into the falsification of pellet diameter data in the MOX demonstration facility (MDF) at the BNFL Sellafield site and the effect of this on the safety of MOX fuel in use" says that the MDF will remain closed until BNFL have met all 15 of HSE's recommendations. The third report, which deals with the storage of liquid high level waste at Sellafield, requires BNFL to produce within six months a strategy to reduce stocks of such waste to a buffer volume by around 2015. Copies of all three reports were placed in the Library of the House on 18 February.I expect BNFL to respond positively, constructively and on time to all the recommendations in the HSE reports. However, it is for the company, in discussion with HSE, to produce detailed implementation plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the proposed EU Directive on Artists' Resale Rights has recently been discussed by EU Ministers; and if he will make a statement. [117401]

The proposal for a Directive harmonising droit de suite went to four Internal Market Councils last year but, on each occasion, a decision was delayed to provide more time to explore ways of overcoming UK concerns. Negotiations have continued this year in the Committee of Permanent Representatives where a workable compromise was finally agreed unanimously on 15 March. This reflects an acceptable balance between the competitiveness of the art trade, the rights of artists and the need to complete the Single Market.The British Art Market Federation has paid tribute to the Government's achievement in securing a compromise which will greatly limit the damage to Britain's international competitiveness in the global art market. The Directive will now go forward to Council as an "A" point—i.e. for agreement without discussion—and, thereafter, for approval by the European Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to receive the European Commission's approval of the UK's proposed Objective 2 Structural Fund areas. [118218]

I am pleased to say that the European Commission approved the UK's Objective 2 Structural Funds map on 30 March 2000. This is confirmation of their agreement in principle on 22 December 1999.This is good news for UK, and ensures that many of the most needy areas in the UK will benefit from £3 billion of European regional funding between 2000 and 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of cross-departmental co-operation on EU Objective 1 programmes. [116412]

There has been a great deal of effective inter-departmental co-operation on the Objective 1 Programme, at both ministerial and official level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish an annual estimate of the costs of Government regulations to businesses which employ fewer than 100 people. [116403]

The Government have no plans to publish such information.All Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) contain information on the costs associated with new regulations; copies of all RIAs are placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library details of his contacts with BMW and Rover between 1 June 1999 and 16 March 2000. [118219]

I have placed copies of these in the Libraries of the House.

	Private sector1	Local authority1	Registered social landlords2	Other public sector3	of which: Government Departments
(a) London
1995	109,500	19,000	7,400	1,900	1,600
1996	101,800	20,800	7,000	1,900	1,600
1997	94,800	18,500	6,600	1,700	1,400
1998	88,300	15,700	6,500	2,200	1,900
1999	89,300	14,700	8,100	2,100	1,800
(b) England
1995	689,900	71,800	20,900	20,000	17,000
1996	667,400	79,600	23,600	20,000	17,000
1997	640,000	81,200	26,800	19,000	16,000
1998	623,200	81,700	29,300	19,000	16,000
1999	636,800	83,900	32,600	19,000	16,000
1 Estimates from the annual HIP Operational Information return from local authorities.
2 Housing Corporation RSR form from Registered Social Landlords.
3 Government Departments and estimates from the annual HIP Operational Information return from local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what policy guidelines his Department has issued to authorities responsible for bus shelters regarding consultation prior

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's plans for neighbourhood regeneration. [116174]

The Government's policy responses to neighbourhood regeneration will be brought together through the Urban White Paper later in the year, and through the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal, a consultation draft of which will be published shortly. We will ensure that programmes such as the New Deal for Communities, Single Regeneration Budget and Sure Start all play their part in delivering the coherent and co-ordinated response needed to deliver sustainable change.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the number of empty properties in (a) London and (b) England owned by (i) private landlords, (ii) local authorities, (iii) housing associations, (iv) Government Departments and (v) other landlords for each of the last five years. [116697]

Estimates of the numbers of vacant dwellings in (a) London and (b) England on 1 April are given in the table. Information is collected on the total private sector and it is not possible to distinguish between private landlord and owner occupied empty properties.to erecting new shelters; and what plans he has to re-issue such guidelines to require consultation with local residents; [117274](2) what targets he has for building new bus shelters and upgrading existing bus shelters for each of the next three years. [117273]

Decisions on expenditure on bus shelters are a matter for each local authority taking account of the availability of resources and the assessment of needs in their area. In developing bus strategies as part of their local transport plans, authorities will need to consider what improvements to bus infrastructure are needed, and what targets are appropriate in this regard. Local partnerships with the private sector can make an important contribution to achieving these improvements.Bus operators and local authorities have permitted development rights under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to provide passenger shelters. The current guidance in DOE Circulars 15-92 and 9-95 makes it clear that there should be arrangements for advance notifications and publicity for individual proposals, wherever appropriate. We have no plans to re-issue this guidance.London Transport has separate powers to erect and maintain shelters in London; these powers will be transferred to Transport for London under the Greater London Authority in July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of rail freight's share of the freight market following the introduction of 44 tonne lorries. [117082]

In its interim report "Permitting 44 tonne lorries for general use in the UK", the Commission for Integrated Transport considered carefully the impact of 44 tonne lorries on the rail freight market. They concluded that work to estimate the precise effect on rail freight's market share would be unlikely to produce reliable results in the light of the Rail Regulator's forthcoming review of track access charges and other factors.The Commission has invited the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA) to develop detailed recommendations on measures to promote the growth of rail freight. We expect to be able to take the sSRA's proposals into account in developing our Transport 10-year Plan, due to be published in July.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many households in homes heated by community heating schemes are in fuel poverty; and if such households will be eligible to benefit from the Affordable Warmth Programme. [116676]

[holding answer 30 March 2000]: The present estimates of the number of fuel poor households in England are based on data from the English House Condition Survey. Unfortunately it is not possible to identify the number of households heated by community heating schemes who are also suffering from fuel poverty.I can confirm that households heated through community heating schemes will be able to benefit from the Affordable Warmth Programme announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Capital allowances will be made available to lessors on de-mountable heat exchangers, radiators and heating controls installed inside dwellings under the Programme. Lessors will be able to write off 25 per cent. of the cost of this equipment each year on the reducing balance basis against their taxable income, provided their expenditure is incurred by 31 December 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how frequently he intends to monitor the number of households in England which are in fuel poverty. [116677]

[holding answer 30 March 2000]: The present estimates of the number of fuel poor households in England are based on data from the English House Condition Survey which is carried out quinquennially. The Ministerial Group on Fuel Poverty is looking at how progress in tackling fuel poverty should be monitored in the future, and will consider whether estimates can be made available more frequently. This will form part of the overall strategy which the group aims to publish later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 23 March 2000, Official Report, column 624W, on second homes, what change there was in the number of second homes owned between January 1995 and January 2000 in the South East, excluding London. [116776]

[holding answer 30 March 2000]: It is not possible to give a robust estimate of the change in the number of second homes in the South East between 1995 and 2000. The following table shows the latest available regional estimates, based on averages over the three years ending March 1999.

Location of second homes in England
Thousand
Government Office Region	All second homes1	Owned second homes
North West and North East2	31	27
Yorkshire and Humberside	19	16
East and West Midlands3	33	28
East and South East2	70	64
London	28	21
South West	44	40
England	225	197
1 Second homes in England owned or rented by households whose main residence is also in England. Excludes homes which are the main residence of another household, or which the owners are intending to sell.
2 Cannot be separated as the regional definitions changed during the survey period. Neither is it possible to give separate estimates for the 'Rest of South East' region used for regional planning purposes.
3 East and West Midlands combined due to small sample sizes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much has been spent on (a) the upkeep and (b) the purchase of works of art in his Department for each financial year since 1992. [117483]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts on 4 April 2000, Official Report, columns 392-93W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list his targets for asset sales for each local authority in the next financial year, listed alphabetically by Government Office region. [117296]

The Government have not set targets for asset sales for individual local authorities.The Government wish to see local authorities make the best possible use of their land, buildings and other capital assets, including the identification and disposal of those surplus to requirements. My Department has recently issued guidance on good practice in strategic asset management as part of the move to a 'single pot' for capital allocations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that the Government fulfil their commitments under the Ospar agreement in respect of radioactive discharges; and if he will make a statement. [117154]

[holding answer 4 April 2000]: The Government are fully committed to the agreement reached at the Ospar Ministerial Meeting in 1998, on the reduction of radioactive discharges. The UK's intentions for implementing this agreement were submitted to the Ospar Secretariat in October 1999 and a copy is in the Library. The UK is developing a national strategy for radioactive discharges, to cover the period 2001 to 2020. It is planned to issue a draft of this document for consultation before the summer and to publish the final strategy by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had on improving transport facilities for disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [117824]

There are frequent and regular discussions with representatives of disabled people, including our statutory advisers the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), with the transport manufacturing and operating industries and with local authorities.We have already brought forward regulations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 setting detailed technical access standards for all new trains. This year we will be bringing forward similar regulations applying to buses and coaches and we will be consulting on proposed regulations for taxis. These regulations cover facilities for wheelchair users and for people with a wide range of other disabilities.Through the Local Transport Plans we are also ensuring that local authorities give due weight to the needs of disabled people across the whole spectrum of their responsibilities, including pedestrian facilities, transport infrastructure and voluntary and community transport services.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will bring forward legislation to extend the jurisdiction of the British Transport Police to give them the same constabulary powers as Home Office police; and if he will make a statement. [117668]

The Government announced on 31 July 1998, Official Report, column 637W, their intention to seek to establish, when a suitable legislative opportunity arises, an independent national police authority for the British Transport Police (BTP). Following consultation with the police service, my Department is considering with the Home Office an extension to the BTP's jurisdiction in specific circumstances. If accepted this extension would be included within the legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultation took place with regulatory authorities in relation to the appropriateness of BNFL as a partner in the consortium set up to bid for the contract to manage AWE. [113667]

[holding answer 9 March 2000]: MOD has regular meetings with officials of the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate and of the Environment Agency on safety and environment at AWE, including the conduct and progress of the competition to appoint a new management and operating contractor. Both bodies were consulted on the suitability of all consortia member companies before RFQs (Requests for Quotation) were issued for the competition and both have been kept fully informed of developments. On 13 April 1999, the NII and EA made presentations to BNFL and all other parent companies of the competing consortia informing them of the standards that would be required of the successful contractors. Both regulators were given copies of each consortium's management prospectus and bid material relevant to environmental, safety and health matters. The NII has also given presentations and has taken part in syndicate discussions and assessment meetings with bidders. Finally, as detailed to my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, West (Mr. Salter) on 29 March 2000, Official Report, columns 159-60W, the most recent review found nothing which would cause them to oppose AWE ML's take over of the sites on 1 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the criteria against which the applications for the new contract to run AWE Aldermaston were assessed. [113668]

[holding answer 9 March 2000]: In assessing bids to manage and operate the Atomic Weapons Establishment from 1 April 2000 information was required from all participating consortia to demonstrate that their parent companies met full compliance on safety performance. This was essential to qualify for further consideration of the bids. Once over this hurdle assessment was made against the following criteria:

Safety (the risk of harm and potential harm to people, property and the environment to be as low as reasonably practicable).

National Capability (the ability of AWE to underwrite safety and reliability of nuclear warheads without recourse to nuclear testing and to maintain minimum capability to design and produce a successor to Trident if this were to be deemed necessary).

Security (the protection of assets, information and people).

Management (including the provision of Directors, adequate management measurement criteria and public relations).

Infrastructure (the maintenance of the capital asset base to support outputs and waste management and decommissioning).

Material (the production and through life support of weapons).

Commercial (including the costs of the contract).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the areas of responsibility assigned to each of the three members of the AWE management consortium under the terms of the contract to manage the AWE Aldermaston site. [116344]

[holding answer 27 March 2000]: It is intended that at the start of the contract responsibilities will be allocated to parent company nominees as follows:

Serco—Chief Executive, Business Services, and Communications

Lockheed Martin—Deputy Chief Executive, Research, and Production

BNFL—Assurance. Infrastructure, and Human Resources and Strategic Development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings Ministers in his Department have held with members and officials of the United States Government to discuss proposed US plan to deploy a national missile defence system since 1 January; when each meeting took place; which Ministers were involved; and which members and officials of the United States Government and from which departments attended each meeting. [117077]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 April 2000, Official Report, column 400W, to my hon. Friend for Milton Keynes, South-West, (Dr. Starkey).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the 70 per cent. reduction in the explosive power of the UK's nuclear arsenal is matched by an equal reduction in the combined potential destructive power of each separately targetable warhead. [117094]

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) announced that we need a stockpile of less than 200 operationally available warheads. Against levels at the end of the Cold War, this represents a reduction in the potential explosive power of the deterrent of more than 70 per cent. The SDR also made clear that the one Trident submarine on patrol would carry a reduced load of 48 warheads. The SDR did not refer to the potential explosive power of individual Trident warheads; such information remains classified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the dates and locations of the United Kingdom/United States Stocktake meetings to review the co-operation on nuclear weapons under the 1958 US/UK Mutual Defence Agreement which have taken place since 1 January, 1996; how many members of his Department and which United States Government departments took part in each of these stocktake meetings. [117079]

Two UK/US Stocktake meetings have taken place since January 1996. The first was on 18 June 1997, in London, at which a total of nine officials from my Department were present. In addition, five AWE Aldermaston staff attended. The second meeting was held on 10 June 1998, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at which seven MOD officials and four AWE Aldermaston staff were present. At both meetings, US representation was from the Departments of Defense and Energy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date Professor Peter Lachmann and his panel were appointed to conduct a review of the zinc cadmium sulphide trials; how many times he and his team visited the Porton Down chemical and biological defence establishment and the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency during the course of their inquiry; and on what dates he and his team made each of their visits. [117059]

Professor Lachmann was appointed on 23 August 1999 to lead the independent study of the zinc cadmium sulphide trials. Other members of the team, namely Dame Barbara Clayton, Professor Paul Elliot and Dr. Clive Philips, were selected by Professor Lachmann following his own appointment.Professor Lachmann and two of his team visited CBD Porton Down on 29 September 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the Israeli Arrow missile system. [117561]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: A Pre-feasibility Programme (PFP) that was undertaken in 1994–1996 examined possible options, cost and timescales for ballistic missile defence of the UK and its deployed forces. This was carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by a consortium led by what was then BAe. In considering potential system architectures, the PFP examined publicly available material on all government funded BMD capable weapons systems. The Arrow weapon system was assessed within this limited context.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British military personnel (a) currently employed by his Department and (b) on the Reserve List have been on secondment to Sri Lanka (i) military training establishments and (ii) units since 1 January 1997. [117644]

An Army officer has been loaned to the Sri Lankan Army Command and Staff College to advise on syllabus development and training since January 1998. No other British military personnel have been seconded to Sri Lanka since 1 January 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what security clearance has been awarded to Lord Levy in respect of his meetings with the Chief of Defence staff. [117775]

All personnel who have access to sensitive material are subject to security clearance procedures. It would not be appropriate to give details of the particular level of clearance held by individuals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the announcement by 3COM that they are to quit the high-end networking market will have on his Department's existing and planned computer systems. [R] [117623]

[holding answer 4 April 2000]: None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action (a) he is taking and (b) he plans to take to prevent bogus claims of self-employment, with particular reference to the construction industry; and what estimate he has made of the loss of revenue as a result of such claims. [116509]

Whether an individual is employed or self-employed depends upon the terms of the contract under which they are engaged. This is true for all industries including the construction industry.The Inland Revenue is, however, aware that workers in the construction industry in particular have been incorrectly categorised in the past. Following consultation with the industry, the Revenue increased its compliance activity in this area to ensure that there was a consistency of treatment across the industry. The Revenue continues to police the status of workers in all areas including those in construction to ensure that the rules are properly understood.The Inland Revenue has no information that can accurately provide an estimate of revenue, which may have been lost in cases where the contract has not been categorised correctly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what policy consideration led him to raise the threshold for earnings liable to 40 per cent. income tax by an amount less than the average growth of earnings; and if he will make a statement. [116879]

In 2000–01, the basic rate limit, above which the higher rate of income tax of 40 per cent. is payable on earnings, rises to £28,400 in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. The legislation provides that, unless Parliament determines otherwise, the basic rate limit for a year should be increased in line with the rise in the Retail Prices Index in the year ended in September in the previous year of assessment, rounded up to the nearest £100.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effect of Budget changes including the (a) abolition of the married person's tax allowance, (b) decrease in the standard rate of income tax, (c) establishment of the 10 per cent. rate of income tax and (d) indexation of tax allowances on a married woman earning £14,000 a year, who is the sole income earner for a family of a husband and two children, and who has no more than the basic tax allowances. [116831]

This Government have introduced a range of measures to make work pay and to improve work incentives, including the lop starting rate of income tax, basic rate cut, National Minimum Wage, National Insurance Contributions reform and the Working Families Tax Credit.The income tax and National Insurance Contributions liability for a married woman earning £14,000 a year, who is the sole income earner for a family of a husband and two children under 11 would be £2,728 less in 2001–02 compared with the 1998–1999 regime with all of the allowances and limits increased in line with inflation. That is over £52 per week better off.For 1998–99 it has been assumed that the woman claims the married couple's allowance and family credit.The family would also gain from Child Benefit which increased by £179.40 per year more than inflation.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy with excisions of matters of operational sensitivity to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, of Martin Taylor's report on the Government's strategy to combat tobacco smuggling and any accompanying correspondence. [117680]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy, with appropriate excisions of matters of operational sensitivity to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, of the Taylor report on the Government's strategy to combat tobacco smuggling and the accompanying correspondence. [117544]

No. Martin Taylor's advice to the Chancellor was personal and confidential. It would therefore not be appropriate to disclose his advice. However his recommendations on how to tackle tobacco smuggling were summarised in the Government paper "Tackling tobacco smuggling". A copy of this paper has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Martin Taylor's report on the Government's strategy to combat tobacco smuggling has been made available to the senior officers of HM Customs and Excise at policy and operational levels who are responsible for the control of tobacco smuggling. [117501]

Senior Customs and Excise officials are aware of the advice Martin Taylor gave to the Chancellor on how to combat tobacco smuggling.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the loss to public revenues in each of the last three years and the current year to end of March consequent on the smuggling of (a) petrol, and (b) other fuel oils from the Irish Republic into Northern Ireland. [117677]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 20 March 2000, Official Report, column 442W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will grant tax relief on the costs of conversion of minibuses and coaches to allow for wheelchair and disabled access. [117639]

The capital costs of providing wheelchair and disabled access to minibuses and coaches will normally qualify for capital allowances at 25 per cent. a year on the reducing balancing basis. Small and medium-sized businesses will qualify for first year capital allowances at 40 per cent. on these costs. This is increased to 100 per cent. if the costs are incurred between 12 May 1998 and 11 May 2002 by such businesses on the conversion of minibuses and coaches for use primarily in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on people who will be of pensionable age in the next five years of the ending of the married persons tax allowance. [115896]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: The Government will be spending an additional £6.5 billion on pensioners over the course of this Parliament.Pensioners who are taxpayers can benefit from the 10p starting rate of income tax on pensions and savings income and from the cut in the basic rate to 22p in the pound from April. Those aged 65 or more saw the age-related income tax personal allowances for 1999–2000 rise by up to £200 more than required by statutory indexation. In 2000–01, the allowances will rise to £5,790 for someone aged 65 to 74 and to £6,050 for someone aged 75 or more.The majority of pensioners have no income tax to pay. All households with someone aged 60 or more will benefit from the increase in the winter fuel allowance to £150, an increase of £50 on the fivefold increase to £100 announced in the Chancellor's 1999 Budget. The poorest pensioners will gain from the minimum income guarantee which will stand at £121.95 per week for a pensioner couple under 75. Pensioners aged 75 or more will also benefit from free Television Licences from this autumn.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will assess the benefits of introducing tax incentives for new companies which operate below the threshold of turnover above which they would receive exemption certificates; and if he will make a statement. [117338]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: There are no plans to introduce tax incentives for companies (or other businesses) that carry out construction operations but whose construction turnover is insufficient to enable them to pass the turnover test for the new Construction Industry Scheme.However, a Joint Working Group comprising officials from the Inland Revenue, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and representatives from the Construction Industry, is being set up to review the scheme. This group will be considering the introduction of in-year repayments for companies that do not pass the turnover test, which will improve the cash flow position of those companies that receive payments under the scheme after deductions on account of tax and NIC.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the smuggling of alcohol and tobacco on the retail sector, with particular reference to newsagents. [117551]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: The Government recognise that smuggling damages legitimate businesses. They are responding with a strategy worth up to £209 million, which aims to put tobacco smuggling into decline within three years. This is described in detail in "Tackling Tobacco Smuggling". Constraining the growth of smuggling will help retailers by preventing them losing market share to criminals.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will estimate the amounts of alcohol and tobacco smuggled into the UK for each of the past 10 years; and what estimate he has made for the next three years; [117552](2) what was the estimated tax lost to the Treasury in smuggled

[holding answers 3 April 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the "Tackling Tobacco Smuggling" paper published on 22 March 2000 by HM Customs and Excise and HM Treasury; to my answer given on 26 November 1999, Official Report, columns 254-55W; and to the technical report on cross-Channel smuggling placed in the Library of the House on 19 September 1998.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the current penalties are for smuggling tobacco and alcohol; and what plans he has to revise them. [117550]

Customs have a range of penalties available including:

Seizure of the goods and any vehicle carrying them;

Payment of a compounded penalty;

Prosecution in Court, including disqualification from driving, revocation of a liquor licence or haulier's licence, removal of lottery terminal, compensation or confiscation orders.

The penalty regime is kept under constant review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many successful prosecutions there were for smuggling (a) tobacco products and (b) alcohol in each of the past 10 years. [117548]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: I regret that records are not kept in this format.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he has taken to advertise the Bootlegging Hotline; and what the budget was for advertising it. [117554]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: In order to improve efficiency, HM Customs and Excise amalgamated all its hotlines into one number—Customs Confidential on 0800 59 5000. On 21 July 1999, I launched a public information campaign to highlight the hotline in relation to tobacco, alcohol and drugs smuggling.The publicity campaign included:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many calls the Bootlegging Hotline has received in each month since its introduction; and how many successful prosecutions have resulted from the Bootlegging Hotline. [117553]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: The "Bootlegging"" hotline was consolidated into the Customs Confidential hotline on 21 July 1999. This hotline is for reporting of all information and suspicious activity which may be of interest to the Department.Since June 1999 the total number of calls by month relating to "Bootlegging" are:

Month	Number
June	788
July	846
August	944
September	851
October	742
November	912
December	966
January	680
February	774
March	924
Total	18,427

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the 2000 Departmental reports will be published. [118094]

The publication dates for the 2000 Departmental Reports will be:

Date	Departmental report
Thursday, 6 April	Health
	DfID
Friday, 7 April	DfEE
	Treasury and Chancellor's smaller departments
Monday, 10 April	MAFF
	MoD
	FCO
	DCMS
	Home Office
	Inland Revenue
	C and E
	Cabinet Office
Tuesday, 11 April	Main Estimates
	Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses
	DTI
	DSS
	DETR
	LCD
	Law Officers Departments
	Wales Office
	Scotland Office
	Northern Ireland Office

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the basis for the revision of the figure for the expected revenue in 2000–01 from his changes to the tax and national insurance treatment of personal service companies between table 1.11 of the 1999 Budget report and table A2.1 of the 2000 Budget report. [117302]