To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the organisations claiming to support victims of violence which (a) are currently receiving and (b) have received public funds; and how much each has received. [117123]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 12 April 2000, Official Report,columns 189-96W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the additional number of pensioners in Northern Ireland entitled to the winter fuel allowance following the European Court of Justice judgment of 15 December 1999. [118120]

It is estimated that there will be 39,000 additional people in Northern Ireland entitled to Winter Fuel Payments as a result of the European Court of Justice judgment. I should point out that these people will not all be pensioners, as men aged between 60-64 are not receiving retirement pension.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average time taken (a) to process an application for a wheelchair and (b) for an applicant to receive a wheelchair. [118581]

The average time taken to process an application for a wheelchair depends on the type of equipment required. For level 1 wheelchairs, applications are processed within one working day of receipt at the Regional Wheelchair Centre and chairs are delivered to clients within five working days. For level 2 modified equipment, an application takes 10 working days to process and the equipment is delivered within 20 working days. For level 3 specialised equipment, processing of an order takes 10 working days and delivery of the equipment can take in the region of 3-6 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many wheelchairs have been allocated to applicants in each of the last three years in Northern Ireland. [118579]

The information is as follows:

• 1 January-31 December 1997: 2,905
• 1 January-31 December 1998: 3,586
• 1 January-31 December 1998: 2,631

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland have (a) applied for and (b) are awaiting the allocation of a wheelchair. [118580]

There are 257 applicants awaiting the allocation of a wheelchair. The vast majority of these are existing wheelchair users who, due to changing circumstances, need more specialised equipment, which has been ordered and is awaiting delivery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (a) men and (b) women have benefited from the New Deal in the North-East. [117940]

Up to the end of January 2000, 31,838 young people (23,926 men and 7,912 women) and 17,753 long-term unemployed adults (15,620 men and 2,133 women) have benefited from the New Deals in the North-East. It is a measure of the success of the Government's Welfare to Work policies that 16,652 people in the North-East have found work through the New Deals. The remainder are benefiting from the help that the Personal Adviser can offer. This includes help with barriers to employment, access to specialist help and training, education and work experience opportunities. New Deals for the long-term unemployed are only part of the package of Welfare to Work measures introduced by this Government. Many other people in the North-East will benefit from the New Deals for Lone Parents, 50 plus, partners of the unemployed and the disabled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (a) men and (b) women have benefited from the New Deal in Houghton and Washington East. [117977]

Up to the end of January 2000, 1,032 young people (787 men and 245 women) and 478 long-term unemployed adults (411 men and 67 women) have benefited from the New Deals in the Houghton and Washington East constituency. It is a measure of the success of the Government's Welfare to Work policies that 522 people in Houghton and Washington East have found work through these New Deals. The remainder are benefiting from the help that the Personal Adviser can offer. This includes help with barriers to employment, access to specialist help and training, education and work experience opportunities. New Deals for the long-term unemployed are only part of the package of Welfare to Work measures introduced by this Government. Many other people in Houghton and Washington East will benefit from the New Deals for Lone Parents, 50 plus, partners of the unemployed and the disabled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000, Official Report,columns 49-51W, if he will provide the corresponding estimates of education standard spending assessments per pupil for (a) England and (b) Thamesdown. [118916]

The figures requested are shown in the table. Information for Thamesdown was listed under Swindon in the answer given to the hon. Member on 10 April 2000, Official Report,columns 49-51W.

	Thamesdown (Swindon)	England
SSA
Per Primary Pupil	2,290	2,474
Per Secondary Pupil	2,957	3,175
Total Special and Specific Grant per Pupil	151	173

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she will publish the report of the review of the Organisation of Public Sector Ombudsmen in England. [119218]

I am pleased to announce that the report of the review of the organisation of public sector ombudsmen in England is published today. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House and are also available from the Vote Office.The start of the review was announced by the then Minister for the Cabinet Office on 30 March 1999 and forms part of the Modernising Government agenda. The review, which was carried out by a team in the Cabinet Office, was wide-ranging: it covered the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Health Service Ombudsman for England and the Local Government Ombudsmen for England, and looked at the potential interaction between those ombudsmen and other independent complaints authorities such as the independent Housing Ombudsman and the Data Protection Commissioner. The review team consulted widely with those who have an interest in the ombudsmen system, including all Members, the ombudsmen themselves, central and local Government, representative bodies (such as the Local Government Association and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) and external interest groups.The main recommendations in the report are that the Parliamentary Ombudsman, the Health Service Ombudsman in England and the Local Government Ombudsmen in England should be merged into a collegiate structure (a new Commission); and that the present requirement for complainants to put their complaints via a Member to the Parliamentary Ombudsman (the "MP filter") should be removed; and that their procedures be simplified and made more flexible.The Government welcome the review's focus on providing a more customer-oriented Ombudsman service. It recognises that the recommendations raise a number of significant issues about the status and constitution of the Ombudsmen. Accordingly, we shall now be consulting widely before reaching our final conclusions on implementing the review's recommendations.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps she is taking to increase international co-operation on issues relating to genetically modified organisms. [117726]

International co-operation is a crucial part of this Government's policy in biotechnology, which gives priority to the protection of human health and the environment. The UK is active in a number of international bodies, including the World Health Organisation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, and the Codex Alimentarius group. It has pressed at European level on issues such as GM food labelling and releases of GMOs to the environment; and in January negotiated the United Nations Programme Biosafety Protocol. Most recently, it successfully hosted an OECD conference on GM food safety in Edinburgh. We will be discussing the results of that conference, including the recommendation for an international scientific advisory panel on GM food and environmental safety, with G8 partners and developing countries in advance of the next G8 summit.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many workplace car parking spaces are available at the buildings used and controlled by his Department. [116757]

[holding answer 30 March 2000]:The number of workplace car parking spaces available at buildings used and controlled by my Department is contained in the DETR Greening Operations Annual Report 1998–99, dated December 1999. We have prepared travel plans for all our key buildings in line with the commitment set out in the Transport White Paper and are reviewing the scope for reducing our car parking requirements in that context.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the (a) operational managers and (b) principal inspectors of health and safety in the Field Operations Division of the Health and Safety Executive possess qualifications in management. [118407]

The number of operational managers in HSE's Field Operations Directorate with externally recognised management qualifications is three.The number of principal inspectors in HSE's Field Operations Directorate with externally recognised management qualifications is 11.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the report on management among the principal inspectors of health and safety in field offices of the HSE; and what action is planned as a result of the report. [118388]

It is assumed that the report referred to is an internal study on the workload of operational managers in the Field Operations Directorate. The study was commissioned by the Director of Field Operations and reported to him in June 1998. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library. Action on the specific recommendations in the report has been taken forward by the Directorate in consultation with the managers concerned, and is nearing completion.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will ensure that all HSE field offices of the Field Operations Division have staffed reception areas for members of the public in easily-accessible ground floor locations. [118387]

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires the Health and Safety Commission to provide an "information and advisory service" to help the public. While the Health and Safety Executive ensure that members of the public have access to the information and advice they require, it cannot be guaranteed that staffed reception areas in ground floor locations will be available. In light of the relatively small number of personal callers to offices, a judgment has to be made as to whether a permanently staffed reception area is the most efficient use of resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance the Health and Safety Executive has issued, or plans to issue, on hospital-acquired infection relating to employees and patients of the NHS. [118406]

HSE has not issued any guidance on hospital-acquired infections to patients, and has no plans to do so. The primary responsibility for issuing such guidance rests with the Department of Health (DoH) although HSE is consulted where appropriate.HSE has, however, produced guidance which is relevant to certain aspects of the control of infection in health services, notably the Health Services Advisory Committee's guidance "The safe disposal of clinical waste" and "The safe working and prevention of infection in clinical laboratories, mortuaries and post mortem rooms".HSE's guidance and the code of practice under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 cover general precautions against infection risks, although they do not specifically address hospital-acquired infection.HSE is also planning to produce a leaflet on the risks from blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis and HIV, which will be applicable to a number of occupational groups including the healthcare sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the travelling expenses were of the NW regional director of the Health and Safety Executive in the last two and the current financial years. [118384]

The travelling expenses for the NW regional director of the Health and Safety Executive are as follows:

• 1997–98—£2,146.18
• 1998–99—£1,064.97
• 1999–20000—£4,489.57

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in travelling claims as a result of the closure of the Health and Safety Executive Office at the Triad, Bootle. [118383]

The estimated increase in travelling claims as a result of the closure of the Health and Safety Executive Office at the Triad, Bootle is £36,518 per annum in the first three years following the closure of the office, and £26,136 in the fourth year, with further reductions thereafter as Inspectors retire or move to other locations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the total travelling expenses of inspectors of health and safety in field offices of the Field Operations Division were in financial year 1999–2000. [118409]

In financial year 1999–2000, the total travelling expenses of the inspectors in field offices of the Field Operations Directorate were £2,899,965.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what will be the allocation of space per employee at the proposed new location for the Manchester office of the Health and Safety Executive; what is the current allocation; and if the new premises comply fully with the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 as regards (a) toilet provision and (b) space standards. [118386]

The allocation of space at the proposed new location for the Manchester office will be 18.5 sq m per employee. The current allocation at the existing Manchester office is 22.5 sq m. The new (proposed) premises will comply fully with the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 as regards (a) toilet premises and (b) space standards. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 replaced the relevant sections of the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the average age is of principal inspectors of health and safety in HSE field offices. [118405]

The average age of principle inspectors of health and safety in HSE field offices is 49 years calculated as at today's date.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the NW regional director of the Health and Safety Executive last met (a) theNW TUC and (b) the NW Regional Development Association. [118385]

The NW regional director of the Health and Safety Executive last met the NW TUC on 3 February 1999 and the NW Health Partnership, under the auspices of the NW Regional Development Agency, on 9 February 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which independent academic experts have been consulted over his proposals for changes to the index of local deprivation. [118554]

The index review team benefited from the advice of an advisory panel of 40 academic and other experts. The panel included academics from number of universities including Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Cambridge, Lincolnshire and Humberside, the London School of Economics, Warwick and York and members of other organisations including the Policy Studies Institute, the Local Government Association, the Improvement and Development Agency and members of the Central and Local Government Information Partnership sub-group on deprivation statistics.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his oral statement of 4 April 2000, Official Report,column 811, on housing, how much of the money he announced has been allocated to Wales; how much of this is additional money; and if he will make a statement. [118486]

The money referred to by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions was for investment in housing in England. The allocation of resources for housing in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with his counterparts in other EU member states concerning the incidence of air rage in their respective air carriers; and if he will make a statement. [118532]

Specific discussions at an EU level have not taken place but my officials and those from the CAA actively participate in a number of international fora where air rage issues are discussed and where other EU member states are represented. These include meetings of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the European Civil Aviation Conference, the International Air Transport Association and the Flight Safety Foundation. I understand in the EU only the UK has published comprehensive data on the incidence of air rage, therefore it is not possible to make comparisons with other member states' carriers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if it is Government policy that the Housing Act 1996 should be amended so that local authorities must provide a written explanation of the reasons for (a) excluding and (b) suspending an individual from the Housing Register; [118309](2) the Housing Act 1996 should be amended to prevent the exclusion of people in housing need, except in exceptional circumstances. [118308]

The Housing Act 1996 gives local authorities considerable discretion to decide what classes of person qualify, or not, to appear on the housing register. In making any decision to reject a person's application to be put on its housing register, the authority must notify the applicant in writing.On 4 April 2000, the Government published their plans for a comprehensive review of housing policy in England in the Housing Green Paper "Quality and Choice: A Decent Home for All". This sets out the Government's proposals for providing choice in social housing. The Government do not believe that anyone should be permanently excluded from social housing and therefore propose to remove the power local authorities have to impose 'blanket' exclusions. Instead the Government propose to allow authorities temporarily to reduce the priority or suspend the applications of households on an individual basis where this is justified. In applying any such sanction, authorities would be required to explain the reason in writing and to give applicants a clear indication of any action necessary to have the restriction removed. They would have a right of appeal in cases of dispute.Any decisions to suspend an application would need to consider carefully the circumstances of the household in order to safeguard vulnerable people. Suspensions would be used in exceptional circumstances where other means of managing a problem had been exhausted.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has held with representatives of the Health and Safety Executive regarding excess gas flow valves. [118593]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), is undertaking a fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas to determine whether, or how far, changes are needed to the existing system of control.The use of excess gas flow valves is one of the many issues being considered in the review. HSE officials have twice met a manufacturer of excess gas flow valves; and HSE has received a written submission from them in response to the fundamental review's discussion document.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received about gas safety in domestic dwellings. [118596]

A fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas is currently being conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC). Over 650 replies have been received so far in response to the discussion document "Gas safety review: Options for change" published in November 1999 and recent related consultative exercises in Glasgow and Lambeth.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many gas explosions have occurred in each of the past five years in domestic properties. [118594]

In the period 1995–99 (last available figure to date) the number of gas-related explosions/fires in domestic premises reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations was as follows:

Year	Number
1994–95	35
1995–96	42
1996–97	40
1997–98	45
1998–99	137
1 Subject to validation

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to discuss with housing bodies installation of excess gas flow valves in (a) high rise flats and (b) other domestic properties at risk from gas explosions. [118595]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), is undertaking a fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas to determine whether, or how far, changes are needed to the existing system of control. The use of excess gas flow valves in all domestic properties, including high rise flats, is being considered as part of the review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has recently (a) made to and (b) received from the Health and Safety Executive about the health and safety implications of telecommunications masts sited in residential areas. [118289]

My officials regularly discuss the health and safety aspects of telecommunications development with officials from the Health and Safety Executive. They have, in particular, held discussions about the joint DETR/DH circular on land use planning and electro-magnetic fields. The guidance will be finalised as soon as practicable after the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones has reported.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for North-East Hampshire of 29 November 1999, regarding his constituents, Mr. and Mrs. Hewett. [118845]

I replied to the right hon. Member's letter on 12 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will call for a report from the Health and Safety Executive on the health implications of the continuing accumulation of garbage, in the walkway between Westminster underground station and the House; and if he will call for reports from London Underground on (a) the continued failure (i) to operate lifts at Westminster Station and (ii) to remove netting, fencing and tapes from the walkway from that station to the House on the recessed platform adjoining that walkway and (b) on signal failures on the westbound Jubilee Line on the morning of Monday 10 April. [118910]

These are operational matters for London Underground (LU). HM Railways Inspectorate, part of the HSE organisation, is in discussion with LU on outstanding issues at Westminster and elsewhere on the extended Jubilee line.LUL has cleared litter from the subway in question and will be liaising with Westminster Council (who own the new subway) to ensure that a regime is developed for routine maintenance and cleaning.Three of the five lifts at Westminster are already operating. The remaining two are expected to enter service by the end of next month.Fencing, tape etc. are in place where there is still work to be done (such as installing permanent lighting) in order to separate the works from the general public. In the interests of public presentation, white painted hoardings are shortly to replace some fencing, and will cover a few currently exposed ledges.On the morning of 10 April, trains ran on average every 3-5 minutes westbound through Westminster. There was an 8 minute gap at 08.38 due to the activation of a passenger emergency alarm at Waterloo. There was a 7 minute gap at 09.24 due to a passenger being taken ill on a train at Canary Wharf. Finally, there was a 13 minute gap at 09.48 due to signal computer problems.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure greater protection for the public from carbon monoxide poisoning. [118872]

The Government fully support the published commitment of the Health and Safety Commission to reducing gas-related carbon monoxide poisoning fatalities by at least 10 per cent. over a 10 year average. To further this aim, the Commission published a discussion document on 4 November 1999, entitled "Gas safety review: options for change" to invite views on a wide range of issues which impact on domestic gas safety. This reflects preliminary representations made to the Health and Safety Executive by key consumer and industry stakeholders, analysis of accident data, and work commissioned under the auspices of the Government's People's Panel initiative on the attitudes, knowledge and behaviour of Panel members in relation to gas safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of genetically modified crop trials in the United Kingdom. [117740]

Following my announcement about the Farm Scale Evaluations on 17 March, my Department has been notified of 42 proposed field sites. This information is available on our website, which is regularly updated.During the spring, GM maize, beet and spring oil seed rape will be planted in part of each field involved in the programme, and the rest of the field will be planted with the equivalent non-GM crop. Independent researchers will then study what effects, if any, growing and managing the GM crops has on wildlife.Demonstrating the Government's commitment to openness and transparency on GM issues, my Department has arranged a series of public meetings across England, about the research programme. These meetings provide local people living near to the trial sites an opportunity to hear a series of presentations about the Evaluations and to put questions to a panel consisting of an official from my Department, one of the scientists from the independent researchers, a representative from an environmental group and a representative from the biotechnology industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made with the revision of planning guidance on flooding. [119334]

A consultation paper on a new Planning Policy Guidance Note 25 "Development and flood risk" is published today and has been placed on the Department's website.The Government recognise the importance of flooding and the effects it can have on people's lives. While there is no quick and easy solution, in the longer term a more precautionary and risk-based approach will ensure that new development is not exposed to risk unnecessarily or itself add to flood risk in other areas. Taken together with MAFF and Environment Agency initiatives on flood warning and flood defence, this new guidance will assist in reducing the potential impact of flooding.The draft guidance published today takes account of the developing knowledge of the likely impacts of climate change, but recognises the inherent uncertainties. Planning decisions should apply the precautionary principle to avoid inappropriate development in flood-risk areas. Where other material considerations outweigh flood risk in favour of proceeding with development, the draft guidance emphasises the need to design and defend such development to an adequate level to ensure the safety of people and minimise property damage. It also emphasises the need for developers to contribute towards the cost of flood defences that may be required as a result of implementing their project.The draft guidance advises that it is necessary to look at development and flood management on a wider scale and to ensure that run-off from new development is controlled as near the source as possible through the use of sustainable drainage systems. This mitigates the problems caused when additional run-off from extensions to built-up areas increases flood risk downstream.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the review of the conclusions of the report of the Expert Group on Thaumasite. [119400]

I am today publishing, on my Department's website, the review undertaken by Professor Leslie Clark of the conclusions of the report of the Expert Group on Thaumasite which he chaired and which reported in January 1999. When I announced the publication of the report last year I said that I had asked Professor Clark to review its conclusions in a year's time in the light of the findings of further research and monitoring which was then being commissioned.The review found that the recommendations of the Thaumasite Expert Group's report were robust and continue to minimise the risk of the thaumasite form of sulphate attack in new construction. The report has been generally well received by the construction industry and is viewed as sound and well balanced.There have been 20 new cases of the thaumasite form of sulphate attack identified in the last year. All of these have taken place in conditions that were anticipated in the report. None have posed any threat to public safety.The new data available do not permit relaxation at present of the report's recommendations with one exception. There is a majority view within the Expert Group that the report's very conservative procedure for assessing the sulphate class of sulphide bearing ground can now, with safety, be relaxed somewhat in respect of pyritic clays. The review has also suggested the need for clarification of some aspects of the guidance given in the relevant BRE Digests and British Standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many replies were received in response to consultation on draft guidance and regulations under Part II of the Local Government Bill [Lords]. [119403]

176 written responses have been received to consultation to date. None of these have asked to remain confidential. A list has today been placed in the Library of the House and full copies of these have been made available in my Department's library for public scrutiny.We will consider carefully all these responses before publishing a revised draft for further consultation after Easter.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made with the review of competition in the water industry. [119431]

The Government are today publishing, jointly with the National Assembly for Wales, a consultation paper entitled "Competition in the Water Industry in England and Wales". Copies of this paper have been placed in the Libraries of the House and it is available on the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' website.The Government believe that the properly managed development of effective competition in the water industry in England and Wales is desirable. It should benefit consumers by promoting greater efficiency, lower prices, innovation and better services—as it has in other utilities. This consultation paper seeks views on how increased competition can be arranged in ways that safeguard, in particular, public health, the environment and wider social objectives. We are keen to receive a wide range of responses to inform policy decisions. We expect that some of these will be taken forward in a future water Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when regulations providing for the phasing out and disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls will be laid before Parliament. [119432]

The Environmental Protection (Disposal of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and other Dangerous Substances) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 were laid before Parliament today.They require holders of PCB contaminated equipment to register with the Environment Agency and, subject to certain specific exemptions, for PCBs and associated equipment to be disposed of by the end of December this year. The agency will also have responsibilities in relation to monitoring and enforcement.The Regulations will have the effect of curtailing release of PCBs, and so lowering their concentrations in the environment, including in relation to sea mammals, in which PCBs have been found in significant quantities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on (a) the landscaping being undertaken in Green Park and (b) when the fountains will be turned on. [118291]

Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency and I have asked for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Lottery money has been allocated to the Lottery Sports Fund for each of the last four years; and how much is planned to be allocated in (a) 2000–01 and (b) 2001–02. [118783]

The total amount of Lottery proceeds (including interest) allocated to sport for 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 was:

£million
Year	Amount of Lottery proceeds
1996–97	314
1997–98	368
1998–99	307
1999–2000	273

The total Lottery proceeds (including a notional estimate for interest) to be allocated to Sport for 2000–01 and 2001–02 have been estimated using the Lottery income scenarios which the Department sent to distributing bodies in October 1999:

£million
Year	Forecast income
2000–01	245 to 292
2001–02	226 to 298

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many awards have been made to date by the Lottery Sports Fund; how many have been made for tennis; and what is the total amount spent on tennis projects from the Lottery funds to date. [118784]

The five distributing bodies of the Lottery Sports Fund have made over 6,300 awards to sport since the inception of the National Lottery in November 1994. Of these, nearly 600 awards have been made to tennis projects with a total value of over £29 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what is the allocation per head from the Lottery Arts Fund since its establishment for Waverley Borough Council; and which local authority has had the (a) largest and (b) lowest allocation per head; [118787](2) how much money has been allocated to the Lottery Arts Fund since its establishment; and how much was spent from the fund in Surrey in each of the last three years; [118785](3) how many awards have been made from Lottery funds to arts centres for capital projects. [118786]

I have asked the Arts Council of England, as the main distributing body of lottery money for the arts, to provide this information. When it is available, I will write to the right hon. Member and place a copy in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the British Olympic Association about the suitability of the proposed athletics facility at Picketts Lock to host the 2012 or 2016 Olympics. [118114]

[holding answer 10 April 2000]:My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I met representatives of UK Athletics, UK Sport, Sport England, the British Olympic Association and London International Sport on 24 March to discuss the bid for the 2005 World Athletics Championships. At that meeting, the British Olympic Association indicated that they were content with Picketts Lock as having the potential for facilities to stage an Olympic Games.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last visited Picketts Lock, Enfield. [118111]

[holding answer 10 April 2000]:Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have visited Picketts Lock recently.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what financial (a) help and (b) guarantees his Department has offered to UK Athletics for the development of Picketts Lock; [118215](2) what discussions he has had with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority about the long-term ownership and use of the proposed athletics stadium at Picketts Lock; [118110](3) what discussions he has held with

[holding answer 10 April 2000]:UK Athletics is to be congratulated on securing both the 2003 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham and 2005 World Athletics Championships in London at Picketts Lock. UK Athletics is now continuing the process of drawing up detailed proposals for developing the site, including proposals for road and rail links. That process will involve discussions with the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, the London Borough of Enfield, Sport England, UK Sport, the Government Office for London and my Department, among others.Prior to making the bid presentation to the IAAF in Paris, UK Athletics and Sport England undertook extensive discussions with a range of parties across London to determine the optimum site for staging the 2005 championships in London. During that process representatives from UK Athletics and Sport England and an official from my Department met representatives of the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and the London Borough of Enfield on 21 March to discuss the feasibility of the Picketts Lock site for staging the championships. At that meeting, the Park Authority indicated that funds were already earmarked in its business plan for developing the Picketts Lock site and both capital and revenue contributions might be forthcoming to a world-class athletics facility on that site.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the oral statement by the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, of 11 April 2000, Official Report,column 11WH, if he will set out the Government's position on not-for-profit bidders for the next licence to run the National Lottery. [119305]

We have maintained the policy of seeking (and welcoming) any bids from efficient not-for-profit operators; but the selection of the next operator of the National Lottery is a matter for the National Lottery Commission, not the Government. Subject to ensuring that players are protected and the Lottery is run with all due propriety, the Commission will award the next licence to the bidder likely to raise the most for the good causes. Any comments made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting during the course of the debate on 11 April should not be interpreted as contradicting this position in any way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will announce the membership and terms of reference of the Spoliation Advisory Panel. [119219]

Following consultation on our proposals on both the membership and the terms of reference, I am now able to do so. In establishing the Spoliation Advisory Panel the Government's aim, by providing an alternative to litigation, is to facilitate a just resolution of claims made for cultural objects that may have been looted in the Nazi era between 1933 and 1945.The membership of the Panel will be:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recent representations he has received concerning the independence of the Police Complaints Authority from the police that they investigate; [118586](2) what plans he has to increase the Police Complaints Authority's independence from the police that they investigate. [118587]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary receives many representations about the investigation of complaints against the police and the need for greater independence in the process. Although the Police Complaints Authority, which oversees the complaints process, is fully independent of the police, the present arrangements rely on police officers to carry out investigations. We recognise that a complaints system with a stronger independent element in the process would do much to bolster public confidence.In line with recommendations made by the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, we commissioned a feasibility study, which we intend to publish shortly. We will, at the same time, invite public comments on the options which have been identified for achieving such a system.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the parliamentary constituencies at the 1997 General Election ranked from highest to lowest by (a) number of proxy voters and (b) proxy voters as a percentage of registered electors. [118381]

The lists of parliamentary constituencies ranked by number of persons who appointed proxies to vote on their behalf at the 1997 general election and those persons as a percentage of registered electors have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the body of Charles Kray will be released for burial intact. [118878]

I understand that the coroner released the body for burial on 7 April after a post-mortem examination had been carried out on his instructions. No organs or other body parts were retained.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of incorrect information from criminal record files provided in response to employment inquiries have been reported to police forces in the last year for which figures are available. [118870]

Such information is not available centrally. We recognise that there are shortcomings in the accuracy of records, which need to be addressed, especially given that the Criminal Records Bureau will come into operation from July 2001 onwards. The Police Service is working to improve the accuracy of criminal records, and the Association of Chief Police Officers has produced proposals for enhancing police data handling. In addition, a report of a review by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary of data quality of criminal records information held on the Police National Computer is expected to be published in the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of fraud were prosecuted in (a) 1997 and (b) 1999. [117761]

Information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database shows that in England and Wales in 1997 there were 20,744 defendants prosecuted for fraud (including false accounting) offences. In 1998, the figure was 23,880. Provisional data for 1999 will be available in the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 6 April 2000, Official Report,columns 595-96W, and his answer to the hon. Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham) of 27 March 2000, Official Report,columns 1-3W, on the number of recruits resulting from the additional £11 million, what level of funding is being provided by his Department for (a) 2,000 extra recruits in 2000–01 and (b) 3,000 extra recruits in 2001–02; how many extra recruits will be funded by the £46 million he has announced in total for 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [118847]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave on 6 April 2000, Official Report,columns 595-96W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent changes there have been in young offenders' institutions to deal with bullying; if such changes have been effective; and if he will make a statement. [118875]

The most recent change in young offender institutions has been the introduction of Prison Service Order 1702 which was issued in July 1999, a copy of which is in the Library. The Order requires that each establishment has a written anti-bullying strategy and an anti-bullying co-ordinator in place. In addition, each establishment must provide a copy of their strategy to Prison Service headquarters. On 11 April 2000, 55 written strategies had been reviewed by Prison Service headquarters; of these, 10 were from young offender institutions.The positive action already being taken by establishments will convey to all prisoners that the Prison Service takes the problem of bullying seriously. The Prison Service is confident that the development of the local strategies, together with improved training for staff, will reduce bullying in young offender institutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what allegations have been received by his Department of bullying at young offenders' institutions in the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [118876]

The information requested cannot be obtained from the centrally available data without incurring disproportionate costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides have occurred in the past two years in young offenders' institutions; and if he will list the institutions. [118877]

The information requested is given in the table.

	Number of self-inflicted deaths
Young offender institutions	1998	1999
Aylesbury	0	3
Castington	0	1
Deerbolt	0	0
Dover	0	0
Feltham	0	0
Glen Parva	2	1
Guys Marsh	0	0
Hatfield	0	0
Huntercombe	0	0
Onley	0	0
Portland	0	1
Reading	3	0
Stoke Heath	0	1
Swinfen Hall	0	0
Thorn Cross	0	0
Wetherby	0	1

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many asylum appeal cases were awaiting a hearing on 1 April. [118492]

At the end of March 2000 there were no arrears of work before the adjudicators. All the cases in the system (some 3,500 at the end of February) were at the appropriate stage of preparation for hearing or promulgation of the decision.At the end of February, the Immigration Appeal Tribunal had 2,000 cases awaiting hearing. By the end of April all backlog cases which were awaiting a hearing date will have been heard and all new cases will be listed for hearing within five weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of persons over state pension age who are not entitled to a winter fuel payment because they have not paid sufficient national insurance contributions to receive a state pension and who do not receive another qualifying benefit. [118917]

Arrangements are now in place to make winter fuel payments to people aged 60 and over who satisfy the qualifying conditions, regardless of whether they are in receipt of state retirement pension or other social security benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are registered as looking for work and claiming only national insurance credits in each region of the UK, broken down by sex; and of these how many are aged (a) over and (b) under 50 years. [118758]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many empty houses are owned by his Department in the United Kingdom; how many of them have been empty for over six months; and if he will make a statement. [11 8062]

As at 29 February 2000, the Defence Housing Executive held a stock of 61,936 married quarters in England, Scotland and Wales, of which 47,385 were occupied and 3,719 were in the course of disposal. Of the balance of 10,832 empty properties, 3,507 were under offer to service families, most of which are likely to be occupied within the next two months. 1,145 were vacant awaiting further unit deployments or use as decant accommodation during refurbishment programmes. 1,652 properties were empty awaiting modernisation and 4,528 were routine voids, that is a working management margin for some 22,000 family moves each year.Including properties identified for disposal, approximately 8,300 have been empty for more than six months.Over 6,500 properties are planned for disposal during the next two years. Most of the MOD housing stock in England and Wales is owned by Annington Homes and is underleased by the MOD. Properties identified as having no long-term requirement to the Department are released to that company under the terms of the contract agreed in November 1996 by the previous Administration. Surplus MOD owned properties are sold by Defence Estates.In Northern Ireland, a further 3,235 married quarters are owned by the MOD, of which 473 were empty as at 31 March 2000 and 236 had been empty for over six months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many weapons of mass destruction are held in the United Kingdom. [118537]

I have nothing to add to the information on our minimum nuclear deterrent set out in the 1998 Strategic Defence Review.The UK has no biological or chemical weapons. As made clear in the 1999 Ministry of Defence publication, "Defending Against the Threat from Biological and Chemical Weapons", the UK gave up its offensive biological and chemical capabilities in the 1950s. A copy of the publication is in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 April 2000,Official Report,column 400W, if, in his discussions with the US Defense Secretary or the Deputy Defense Secretary, he (a) indicated UK (i) opposition to or (ii) support for the proposed national missile defence system and (b) offered UK co-operation over the proposed system. [118317]

The US has not asked for UK assistance in the deployment of the proposed National Missile Defence system, nor would we expect them to do so until after a US decision on whether or not to proceed with its deployment. In my discussions with the US Administration on the subject, I have made it clear that the UK would consider any such request carefully. I have also welcomed the fact that the US will make their deployment decision on the basis of a number of important factors, which will include taking account of the views of Allies and the status of the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made by his Department in its strategic environmental appraisal of the Strategic Defence Review; and if he will make a statement. [119123]

The study phase of the strategic environmental appraisal has now been completed. My Department is reviewing its recommendations and I intend to publish the report in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if an economic option appraisal was conducted by his Department before making the decision to put Serle's House on the open market; and if he will make a statement. [118914]

I can confirm that a full investment appraisal and cost-benefit analysis was conducted before the decision to dispose of Serle's House was taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what will be the cost of moving the Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum from Serle's House to the Guard Room in Upper Peninsula Barracks; who will bear this cost; and if he will make a statement. [118923]

The cost of moving the Western Headquarters of the Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment and the Regimental Museum of the Royal Hampshire Regiment from their current home in Serle's House to the Guard Room in Upper Peninsula Barracks has been costed at approximately £317,000, which will cover the refurbishment of the new site and the cost of removals. This cost will be borne by the Adjutant General's Top Level Budged and offset departmentally by the disposal receipt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much Government funding (a) was spent in the last 12 months and (b) is planned to be spent in the next 12 months on construction work at the former RAF base at Finningley; [118688](2) on what basis Defence Estates is procuring construction work at the former RAF base at Finningley; [118690](3) what work is to be carried out by Defence Estates at the former RAF base at Finningley. [118689]

The RAF Finningley site was sold to Peel Holdings in June 1999, at which point my Department ceased to have any involvement with it. No central government funding has been spent in the last 12 months on construction work at the former RAF Finningley, nor will be spent in the next 12 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the famine in Ethiopia. [118040]

The situation in Ethiopia is serious. Ethiopia is a very poor country with a GDP of $110 per capita. Many Ethiopians are partially dependent on food aid in most years. This is the third year in succession when the early rains have either failed or been poor. Ethiopia has also been engaged in a war with Eritrea since May 1998. The war has disrupted Ethiopia's economic and social progress. It has also affected food security by diverting trucking capacity and increasing costs; denying access to the ports of Massawa and Assab; and denying rural households supplementary income sources in Eritrea and Tigray. As a result, eight million people now face serious food shortages. According to the information we have available, Ethiopia's initial appeal for 758,000MT of cereals is almost fully met. Britain has provided £4.5 million of food and non-food bilateral assistance this year. We have provided more bilateral food aid this year than any European donor and we will contribute 17 per cent. of the 432,000 metric tonnes which will be provided through the EC this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effect of cyclone Hudah on (a) the flooding in Mozambique and (b) Madagascar. [118097]

Cyclone Hudah has not affected the previously flooded areas in southern and central Mozambique. The cyclone made landfall in Pembane in northern Mozambique late on Friday 7 April. Preliminary assessments indicate very limited damage to property and while there has been some localised flooding this has not been exceptional. Full assessments will be completed over the coming days, but it appears there are no outstanding needs at this time.The cyclone had previously caused considerable damage while tracking across the North East of Madagascar. As a result, there are an estimated 100,000 people requiring immediate assistance. My Department has already provided some £600,000 for immediate relief to those affected by Cyclones Eline and Gloria. We will continue to monitor the situation closely in collaboration with operational agencies on the ground and the British Embassy in Antananarivo and stand ready to respond following completed assessments.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the need for emergency aid for Madagascar after the recent hurricane. [118042]

My officials have maintained close contact with our Embassy in Antananarivo and operational agencies on the ground. There are an estimated 100,000 people requiring emergency assistance as a result of cyclone Hudah. Following the previous two cyclones, Gloria and Eline, effective co-ordination mechanisms were established and the United Nations and Red Cross have been supporting the Government of Madagascar to respond to relief needs.My Department has already provided some £600,000 for immediate relief to those affected by cyclones Eline and Gloria. This support has been channelled through United Nations Children's Fund, for water sanitation and health activities; and the World Food Programme for food and delivery of relief items to isolated communities. However, due to the increase in the number of people requiring assistance these resources may run out quicker than planned. We stand ready to respond further, pending completion of detailed assessments.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make future aid programmes to Zimbabwe conditional on respect for democracy and human rights. [118047]

Good governance and human rights are among the factors taken into account in formulating strategy in all country programmes. Our Zimbabwe country strategy published in 1999 makes clear our position in relation to Zimbabwe.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs concerning the suspension of aid to Zimbabwe. [118053]

I have been keeping the development programme for Zimbabwe under very close review since 1997, taking full account of other Departments views. It is the Government's view that it would not help the poor in Zimbabwe to suspend our aid programme. We are disbursing less than half the aid that our published Country Strategy Paper makes clear would be available if the Zimbabwe Government showed a commitment to better governance and economic policies that would benefit the country and improve the life of the poor of Zimbabwe.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Treasury estimate of business tax based on the OECD definition as a share of GDP in (a) UK, (b) France and (c) Germany in the latest year for which figures are available. [118643]

[holding answer 11 April 2000]:The latest OECD figures for tax on business as a share of GDP, for the UK, France and Germany, are published in the OECD publication "Revenue Statistics: 1965/98". A copy of this document is available in the House Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the reduction in public debt interest payments resulting from a (a) 2 per cent., (b) 3 per cent., (c) 4 per cent. and (d) 5 per cent reduction in interest rates over a period of three years. [118096]

Because of the wider economic consequences of such large interest rate movements, the impact on inflation and Government borrowing would give rise to indirect changes to debt interest payments which are difficult to predict both in magnitude and direction.

To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the work of the Crown Prosecution Service in co-operating with police and judicial authorities to speed up the completion of court cases. [117755]

Since my appointment as Solicitor-General, I have visited many Crown Prosecution Service offices throughout England and Wales. The people I speak to, and the reports I receive, confirm that the CPS continues to co-operate closely with the police and the courts in bringing a high proportion of cases to a speedy conclusion and, wherever possible, at the first hearing. These improvements have involved a significant change in the working practices for many CPS staff which, I am pleased to report, they have undertaken with enthusiasm and professionalism.

To ask the Solicitor-General what estimate he has made of the costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of the closure of local magistrates courts in the last year for which figures are available. [117757]

The Crown Prosecution Service does not gather information on any costs (or savings) incurred from the closure of local magistrates courts.

To ask the Solicitor-General what progress he has made on the review of the code for crown prosecutors. [117759]

The review team has now been established, and met for the first time on 5 April. Consultation has begun: the team has written to a large number of organisations and individuals with an interest in the criminal justice system, asking for comments on the existing Code. Local consultation is being led by Chief Crown Prosecutors, who will report their findings to the review team. Information about the Code review has been put on the CPS website, together with an invitation to the general public to e-mail or write to the CPS with comments on the Code. The Director aims to publish the new Code in early September.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the efficiency of the Crown Prosecution Service. [117760]

In the year ending December 1999, the CPS secured convictions in respect of 98.3 per cent. (980,729) of defendants in magistrates courts, whose case proceeded to a hearing. In the Crown court, convictions were secured in respect of a further 88.4 per cent. (67,352) of defendants.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many unduly lenient sentences the Attorney General has referred to the Court of Appeal in the past five years which relate to driving offences. [117758]

The number of sentences referred to the Court of Appeal in cases which concerned either causing death by dangerous driving or causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs is as follows:

• 1995—five sentences;
• 1996—11 sentences;
• 1997—one sentence;
• 1998—five sentences;
• 1999—three sentences.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many specialist advisers have been appointed by each Select Committee; and what were the associated costs since May 1997. [118349]

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much has been spent on overseas travel by each Select Committee since May 1997. [118360]

The information sought by the hon. Members is contained in the Sessional Returns ordered to be printed by the House on 25 January 1999 (HC142) and on 16 December 1999 (HC1). The returns contain comprehensive information about Select Committee activity costs and costs which the hon. Members may find useful.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on food hygiene standards in respect of livestock imported into the UK from France. [117741]

Livestock imported into the United Kingdom from France and from other member states must be certified in accordance with harmonised rules for intra-Community trade. Random, non-discriminatory documentary, physical and identity checks are carried out on such imports. Thereafter, livestock entering the United Kingdom is subject to the same legislation as livestock reared here.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action the Government are taking to support British pig farmers and the pig industry. [117742]

At the 30 March Agriculture summit my right hon. Friend the Minister announced that the Government have decided to introduce a pig industry restructuring scheme. This three year scheme, which has been formally notified to the European Commission and we await its clearance, will make available £26 million to pig producers in its first year. The aim of the scheme will be to help pig producers reduce breeding capacity, reduce costs, overcome any competitive disadvantage and restore long term viability.My Department has also helped the pig industry through the Agriculture Development Scheme and through measures to promote pigmeat consumption and to tackle misleading labelling.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effects of global warming and climate change on British food production. [117743]

Like many business sectors, agriculture will need to adapt to the effects of changing climatic conditions. Last month, my Department published a booklet summarising a £6 million research programme we have commissioned into the impact of climate change on all sectors of agriculture. The booklet also suggests practical ways in which farm management can adapt.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in support of the Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill. [117744]

In excess of 2,000 representations have been received from members of the public and animal welfare organisations supporting the banning of fur farming.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to help new entrants to the farming sector. [117745]

The Action Plan for Farming announced at the Agriculture Summit on 30 March will help create a long-term perspective for farming which will be of benefit to both existing farmers and new entrants. In addition, measures under the England Rural Development Plan announced in December will be targeted at new entrants where appropriate.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on measures announced as a result of the Prime Minister's agricultural summit. [117746]

A wide cross section of farming and food industry interests were represented at the Prime Minister's meeting on 30 March. There has been a good deal of interest in the outcome of the meeting.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about compensation for distant-water trawlermen. [117747]

The case for providing compensation for former distant water trawlermen is being given urgent consideration and a decision is expected shortly.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the savings to consumers from the Agenda 2000 reform of the common agricultural policy. [117748]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Hamilton, South (Mr. Tynan) on 16 March 2000, Official Report,column 307W.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what business support he is offering to farmers. [117749]

The Action Plan for Farming announced on 30 March provides help for farmers in relation to diversification, the use of IT, and training and other steps to develop better business practices including £6.5 million which has been allocated to deliver tailored business advice through the Small Business Service.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what help he is providing for dairy farmers. [117750]

The Plan for Farming announced on 30 March indicated that we would be paying around £22 million in agrimonetary compensation to dairy farmers this year. Dairy farmers will also benefit from any raising of the maximum weight limit under the Over-Thirty-Months Scheme. It also included the removal of dairy hygiene charges in England. In addition, my right hon. Friend announced last autumn the deferral of cattle passport charges worth some £12 million in total to dairy farmers.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list his priorities for the review of the common fisheries policy of 2002. [117751]

The Government are pursuing a wide-ranging agenda of improvements to the Common Fisheries Policy. Our priorities include maintaining six and 12 mile limits, improving the integration of environmental policy into the CFP and introducing a greater regional dimension into decision-making.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to address the level of farm incomes. [117739]

The Government recognise the serious problems facing the farming industry. That is why my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister hosted a meeting on 30 March with farming and food industry leaders to determine a strategy for the future. A copy of the "Action Plan for Farming", discussed at the meeting, has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the items in his Department's budget on which planned expenditure was reduced by over £100,000 in financial year 1999–2000 and in each of the previous three financial years. [117972]

[holding answer 6 April 2000]:The information requested by the hon. Member could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the amount of agri-monetary compensation (a) claimed by the UK in (i) 1997–98 (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000 and (b) that the Government intend to claim in 2000–01. [117971]

[holding answer 6 April 2000]:The approximate figures are set out as follows for the following CAP scheme years:

Scheme year	£ million
1997	85
1998	48
1999	264

Because payments relate to scheme years, some of the expenditure falls between calendar years.In addition, we intend to pay £154 million in 2000 and £44 million in 2001. This is subject to exchange rates remaining as they are, and approval of new schemes by the European Commission.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what meetings have been held between United States Government officials and his Department in (a) the USA and (b) the UK in the last 12 months, indicating the dates and locations of the meetings and the subjects discussed. [118627]

[holding answer 11 April 2000]:There have been frequent meetings between United States Government officials and MAFF officials over the last 12 months covering a range of bilateral and multilateral issues. Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Government's policies on sustainable agriculture. [117736]

In December 1999 this Government set out their long-term strategy for the development of a sustainable industry that must be competitive, diverse, flexible, responsive to consumer demands and environmentally responsible. The Plan I announced on 30 March will help steer the industry in a new direction; it will help ensure that Government and industry work together to find ways to improve profitability; and it provides financial support to ease the process of change for the hardest hit sectors. The Government continue to work to secure a more market-oriented CAP.