To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made with the proposed Regulatory Reform Bill. [119824]

The Regulatory Reform Bill has today been published in draft, in order to allow the two Parliamentary Deregulation Committees to report on it prior to its formal introduction to Parliament. The House of Commons Deregulation Committee and its counterpart in the House of Lords have great expertise on the existing deregulation order-making power under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. Their views on the proposed extension of this power will clearly be of great interest to the House when it comes to consider the Bill. 'Publication of the draft Regulatory Reform Bill' (Cm 4713) contains the draft Bill, Explanatory Notes and other supporting material, and I have placed copies in the Libraries of the House, the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office.In addition to the changes to the deregulation order-making power, the draft Bill includes provisions to replace section 5 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, which deals with enforcement of regulations. This policy was the subject of a public consultation exercise in Autumn 1999. The majority of those responding to the consultation document were supportive of the Government's proposals. I am today placing copies of the Government's response to that consultation exercise in the Libraries of the House, the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office. Copies of the Government's response to the earlier consultation exercise on the proposed changes to the deregulation order-making power, published in September 1999, are already in the Libraries.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what (a) number and (b) percentage of properties in her charge are empty; and what steps are being taken by her Department to reduce the number of such properties. [116909]

The Cabinet Office had 168 properties in its charge on 1 April 1999, of which 30.4 per cent. were empty on 1 April 2000. The majority of the empty properties were office buildings held by the Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE), a key responsibility of which has been to dispose of surplus occupied and empty office accommodation on the Government Estate. In many cases tenants have been found for previously empty properties to reduce the burden on the Exchequer and to make them more attractive for disposal to investors. The principal determinant for disposal is value for money to the Exchequer. PACE and another two of the Cabinet Office's agencies transferred to HM Treasury on 1 April 2000. The figures include three office buildings on the Cabinet Office estate undergoing refurbishment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the result of the Government's latest discussions with the Spanish Government on the subject of Gibraltar. [117396]

Discussions between Spain and the United Kingdom, in consultation with the Government of Gibraltar, to overcome difficulties which have arisen on a number of issues within the European Union concerning Gibraltar have been continuing for several months. I hope that it will be possible to bring them to a successful conclusion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to consult the Gibraltar Government before making decisions on matters affecting the people of Gibraltar. [119610]

We regularly consult the Government of Gibraltar on a wide range of matters affecting the people of Gibraltar. We do this routinely via the office of the Governor of Gibraltar and through meetings with Ministers and officials when the Chief Minister is in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [117481]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister for the Arts, 4 April 2000, Official Report, columns 392-93W.Most of the works of art on display in our missions abroad are on loan from the Government Art Collection. Some are purchased, as part of large capital projects, such as new Embassies. A comprehensive breakdown of expenditure on artwork purchased could be provided only at disproportionate cost as it has been recorded only as part of the overall capital project cost.We have no readily available information on the years prior to 1994. The best figures we have for the years 1994–95 to 1998–99 indicate that under £1 million was spent on artwork over that period, less than 0.5 per cent. of the overall programme of capital expenditure on the estate of £215.7 million for the same period.Upkeep costs are low, and not separately recorded. Expenditure on artworks will be separately identified in future under Resource Accounting and Budgeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the outcome was of the General Affairs Council held in Luxembourg on 10 and 11 April; and if he will make a statement. [118898]

The information is as follows:1. The General Affairs Council (GAC) in Luxembourg on 10 April adopted the A points listed in document No. 7592/00 and noted the resolutions, decisions and opinions adopted by the European Parliament in its session of 13-17 March in Strasbourg listed in document No. 6496/00. Copies of these documents will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as they become available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 4 April 2000, Official Report, column 407W, on employment in Grimsby, if he will set out the methodology used in the calculation of aggregate job losses for all constituencies in the United Kingdom. [118867]

Britain in Europe commissioned this survey from South Bank University. My hon. Friend should approach the organisations concerned for details of their research methodology.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the percentage change compared to 1990–91 in his Department's energy efficiency in each year since 1990–91; and if he will make a statement. [118988]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the then Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale), to my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, South-East (Dr. Iddon) on 22 July 1999, Official Report, columns 580-84W, which reported progress for all central Government Departments by 31 March 1998. We hope that results for the period up to March 1999 will be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's energy efficiency performance target, expressed as a percentage change in comparison to 1990–91, for each of the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [118989]

The FCO's energy efficiency performance target from April 2000 is the target set across the Government estate of an annual 1 per cent. reduction in greenhouse gas emissions against 1999–2000 levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the construction of the planned bypass roads in the West Bank on the future economic viability of a Palestinian state. [118949]

Territory, and other issues which may have an impact on the viability of any future Palestinian state, should be determined in negotiation between the two parties, rather than predetermined by the unilateral acts of either.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Israeli Government in response to their announcement of the re-activation of the building programme of bypass roads in the West Bank. [118985]

We consider all settlement activity in the West Bank to be illegal and unhelpful to the peace process. We frequently make this view clear to the Israeli Government, and will continue to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what safeguards are included in the second phase of the European Union's assistance programme to the Palestinian Authority in support of counter-terrorism to ensure that human rights are protected. [118968]

EU member states recognise the importance of human rights in their Counter-Terrorism Assistance Programme with the Palestinian Authority. Under Phase I of the programme, there was a dedicated human rights project run by the Wallenberg Institute of Sweden. This will continue under Phase II, although the EU member state(s) has/have not yet been chosen.The UK, along with all EU member states, regards human rights as an important and integral part of the programme and takes every opportunity to convey this message to the Palestinian Authority. Human rights aspects of all projects under the programme are carefully monitored.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries have accepted the competence, without special agreement, of the International Fact-Finding Commission authorised under Article 90 of Additional Protocol I of 1977 to the Geneva Conventions of 1949. [119476]

The following countries have accepted the competence of the International Fact-Finding Commission in accordance with the provisions of Article 90 of Additional Protocol I:

• Algeria
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bolivia
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Bulgaria
• Belarus
• Canada
• Cape Verde
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• Germany
• Greece
• Guinea
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Laos
• Liechenstein
• Luxembourg
• Macedonia
• Madagascar
• Malta
• Mongolia
• Namibia
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Poland
• Portugal
• Qatar
• Romania
• Russia
• Rwanda
• Seychelles
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Tajikistan
• Togo
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom; and
• Uruguay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) Turkish and (b) Maltese Ministers are scheduled to visit the UK during the next 12 months; when the visits will take place; and if he will make a statement. [119290]

We expect our close relations with both Turkey and Malta to be supplemented by visits to the UK from Turkish and Maltese Ministers over the next 12 months. However, at present, no dates have been fixed for any visits.A number of senior Turkish Ministers have recently visited the UK. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Privatisation visited in 1999; the Labour and Social Security Minister and the Interior Minister have already visited this year.Both the Maltese Foreign Minister and Finance Minister visited the UK in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what ministerial visits are being planned to Turkey and Malta over the next 12 months; for what purposes; and if he will make a statement. [119291]

We expect our close relations with both Turkey and Malta to be supplemented by visits from UK Ministers over the next 12 months. I hope to visit both countries during the next 12 months.A number of British Ministers have recently visited Turkey. My hon. Friend the Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Wilson), formerly the Minister for Trade, my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, North (Mr. Henderson), formerly the Minister for the Armed Forces, and my right hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead, East and Washington, West (Ms Quin), formerly Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visited in 1999.In the same capacity, my right hon. Friend also visited Malta in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the waiting times in each queue for entry to the United Kingdom in (a) Bombay, (b) New Delhi, (c) Islamabad and (d) Dhaka; and by how much each has (a) increased and (b) decreased in the last 12 months. [119243]

The statistics requested are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 2000, Official Report, column 267W, if he will ensure that United Kingdom and Russian efforts to work together to combat terrorism do not include assistance for the activities of the Russian security forces in Chechnya. [119591]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received concerning the proposed (a) International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and (b) International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings; what plans he has to seek the views of the Northern Ireland Commission on Human Rights; and what plans he has made to open the consultation process concerning the conventions to non-governmental organisations. [118974]

We have received no recent representations concerning these Conventions, both of which the UK signed on the day they were opened for signature in January 2000 and January 1998 respectively.The Government have no plans to seek the views of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission or re-open a consultation process to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) at this stage. The Terrorism Bill, which provides the vehicle for the implementation of both these conventions in UK domestic law, was subject to a long and comprehensive consultation process which included the views of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission and all interested NGOs. The Government have stated their intention to ratify both these Conventions. If organisations would like to comment on any aspect of the ratification process they are welcome to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those cases against the United Kingdom that have been lodged and are awaiting consideration by the European Court of Human Rights, indicating (a) which Articles of the Convention are cited as having been breached in the application and (b) those cases which have been ruled admissible. [118975]

In 1999, 429 applications involving the United Kingdom were registered before the European Court of Human Rights. Of these, 32 have been declared admissible. To list the situation regarding each of these cases would be too detailed for the Official Report. I shall write to my hon. Friend with further details and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how long it took to process each stage in each case brought against the United Kingdom in the last four years before the European Court of Human Rights; and what estimate he has made of when it will be possible to form an assessment of the impact of structural changes to the European Court mechanisms upon the length of proceedings. [118976]

Several hundred cases involving the United Kingdom have been brought before the European Court of Human Rights in the last four years. It would not be feasible to list how long each stage of the proceedings took in each of these cases. The procedure for each case is determined individually by the Court taking into account the particular facts and circumstances of the case. A proper assessment of the impact of the new procedures in Strasbourg will not be possible until a sufficient number of cases have been determined exclusively by the new Court. The European Commission on Human Rights ceased to consider cases only on 31 October 1999. It is still too early, therefore, to attempt such an assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people on Incapacity Benefit have, under the personal adviser section of the New Deal for the Disabled, (a) been contacted by a Personal Adviser, (b) attended an initial interview, (c) had a complete employability assessment, (d) had an agreed individual action plan, (e) found part-time employment as a result of the programme and (f) found full-time employment as a result of the programme. [118611]

We have been piloting the New Deal for Disabled People since autumn 1998. The latest available figures are those for the period up to 25 February 2000 covering the 12 personal adviser pilot areas.10,070 people have contacted and met a Personal Adviser to discuss their employment prospects. Some 6,650 people have developed an employment-focused action plan following a full assessment of their employment prospects.Our experience shows that for many in the client group the journey back to work will be lengthy. I am pleased therefore to be able to say that some 1,843 people had found work, representing 56 per cent. of those who had completed their action plans. Of these 1,081 were in full-time work and 551 in part-time work. A further 211 had become self-employed, entered supported employment or had been helped to retain their current jobs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to publish the research by Professor Jenson of York University into value-added league tables. [119253]

The publication of research is a matter for the author.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will list those LEAs which make specific provision for special schools for voice output communication aids for children with speech problems; how many aids are supplied in each LEA (a) at present and (b) in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement; [119225](2) if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the provision of voice output communication aids in special schools for children with learning disabilities and lack of verbal communication skills; and what his policy is in respect of allowing the use of such aids at home. [119229]

Information on specific provision that local education authorities (LEAs) make to special schools in relation to communication aids is not collected centrally.The Education Act 1996, associated regulations, and guidance in the 'Code of Practice on the identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs' places a statutory duty on LEAs to identify and assess children with special educational needs (SEN) for whom they are responsible. Where this leads to the issuing of a statement of SEN, the LEA has to ensure the child receives the special educational provision identified in the statement and the support required to ensure this provision fully meets the needs of the child. In cases where provision includes the use of communication aids many LEAs allow children to take such equipment home where it is appropriate, and we fully support that course of action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what steps his Department is taking to evaluate and analyse the benefits of voice output communication aids for children with communication difficulties in special schools; and if he will make a statement; [119226](2) what steps his Department is taking to help special schools and LEAs to improve the provision of communication aids for children with speech and communication problems. [119228]

The Department is not, at present, undertaking any evaluation or analysis of the benefits of voice output communication aids for children with communication difficulties in special schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from local education authorities requesting central government ring-fenced financing for voice output communication aids, in special schools for pupils with communication difficulties; and if he will make a statement. [119227]

There have been no representations from local education authorities (LEAs) requesting central government ring-fenced financing for voice output communication aids for pupils in special schools with communication difficulties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his policy on the recycling of materials produced by his Department. [107858]

The Department's policy is in line with the Government-wide waste minimisation strategy which promotes reduction, re-use and recovery through recycling. All of the Department's buildings have recycling schemes in place for paper, toner cartridges and fluorescent tubes. We also recycle computer equipment to schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what further plans he has for using Capital Modernisation Fund allocations in schools. [119722]

We are pleased to announce that £60 million is being allocated from the Capital Modernisation Fund to tackle deficiencies in secondary school science over the next two years. The initiative will do this by funding the construction of imaginative and effective 21^st century laboratories at those schools most in need.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will announce further appointments to the Commission for Racial Equality. [119912]

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Beverley Bernard as Deputy Chair for the Commission for Racial Equality. The appointment is initially for three years on a part-time basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the report by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary on Community Safety and Partnership. [119913]

Yes. I have today placed in the Library a note of the recommendations from the report, together with the Commissioner's responses and the police authority responses, which take into account the advice that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I have received from the Metropolitan Police Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what motorcycle theft reduction targets he has recently set. [119602]

No targets have been set specifically for the reduction of motorcycle theft. Motorcycle theft, which is estimated to account for about 6 per cent. of all thefts of vehicles, is included within the national target to reduce vehicle crime by 30 per cent. by 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to seek external legal advice on the definitions of terrorism and terrorist act in proposed (a) domestic legislation and (b) the International Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism. [118977]

In developing proposals for the definition of terrorism and a terrorist act in the Terrorism Bill, the Government took account of the responses to its consultation paper "Legislation Against Terrorism", including those which provided legal advice. Since the introduction of the Terrorism Bill, the Government have received a number of submissions from bodies on the definition, including some which specifically provided legal advice on the matter. These have been carefully considered.The Government have no plans to seek further legal advice on the terms of the International Convention on the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism or the International Convention on the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which organisations he has consulted concerning his proposed response to the 29 March 1998 communication from the President of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture; if he will place a copy of the response in the Library; and what is the reason for the delay in responding to this communication. [118978]

Outside Government, we have consulted the Metropolitan police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Government of the Isle of Man.The Government responded to the communication to which the Question refers on 16 October 1998. Delays in publication of the report are largely due to what appears to be a bureaucratic oversight by the Committee and then to its initial unwillingness to remove passages subject to legal professional privilege. It was published on 13 January 2000.We hope to send the Government's response to the Committee on 19 April, and that the Committee will publish it within two or three weeks. This delay has enabled us to respond more fully to the Committee's recommendations in the context of the Government's consideration of an independent police complaints system. I will place a copy of the response in the Library when it has been published.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deaths from fire there were in (a) residential and (b) non-residential property where a sprinkler system was fitted in each of the last 10 years. [119110]

The information is given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deaths from fire in residential property there were where a freestanding smoke detector was (a) fitted and working and (b) fitted but not working in each of the last 10 years. [119111]

The information for 1994 to 1998 only is given in the table. Figures for smoke alarm operation were not collected nationally for years prior to 1994. The table has been split to show both numbers of deaths from fire where a smoke alarm was present, operated and raised the alarm, and deaths where smoke

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent arrangements he has made to ensure that emergency services adopt safe driving procedures. [119207]

This is an operational matter for the police service, the ambulance service and the fire service. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) reviewed training arrangements in their Police Pursuit Driving Training report of September 1998. The report has been accepted in principle by all of the 43 police forces in England and Wales and its recommendations are being taken forward on a national basis.Under the Fire Services Act 1947, it is the duty of each fire authority to provide the efficient training of the members of the fire brigade taking account of Home Office guidance and local circumstances.I understand that drivers of emergency ambulances are required to undertake a two-week practical and theoretical training course. This arrangement has been in place since the 1970s and driving standards are assessed by specially trained driving instructors.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is given to (a) police officers and (b) other law enforcement groups for the policing of the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act 1985. [119187]

The training of police officers is ultimately the responsibility of individual chief constables who have discretion to provide training on any subject for which there is a local need.We are not aware of any other law enforcement groups which might be involved in policing the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures the Government will alarms were present, operated, but did not raise the alarm (ie although the alarm sounded the fire brigade was not called).put in place to respond to the findings of the Sentencing Advisory Panel on fairness and consistency in sentencing for environmental offences. [119209]

The role of the Sentencing Advisory Panel is to provide views to the Court of Appeal on particular offences or categories of offence to assist the Court in framing or revising guidelines. The Court of Appeal has discretion as to how it chooses to use those views. It would not be appropriate for the Government to interfere in this.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government will take to implement the Sentencing Advisory Panel's recommendations that a higher level of compensation than £5,000 for environmental offences should be allowed in magistrates courts. [119191]

On 21 January 2000, the Chairman of the Sentencing Advisory Panel wrote to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary suggesting an increase in the level of compensation available in magistrates courts for environmental offences. The Government are currently considering how to respond.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the services which (a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies responsible to his Department (i) provide online and (ii) expect to be deliverable online by 2002. [119439]

The Cabinet Office will shortly be publishing the spring 2000 report summarising progress towards the delivery of all Government services electronically by 2005. We are currently collecting data to contribute to that report. This will include our progress towards delivering 25 per cent. of Government services electronically by 2002. We currently provide a range of services electronically which include the following:

a 24 hour, seven day a week call centre within the United Kingdom Passport Agency, established in January this year, which is able to give members of the public responses to a wide range of inquiries, including progress of their passport applications;

the online provision of Home Office research and statistical publications. This includes the Digest of Criminal Justice Statistics, enabling criminal justice practitioners, academics and other members of the public to carry out their own analysis of criminal justice statistics; and

a comprehensive online information service, provided by the Home Office website, for all aspects of my Department's work.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers he has to seek the extradition of persons suspected of murdering British citizens abroad. [119289]

I have no powers to seek the return of persons suspected of murdering British subjects abroad unless the suspect is also a British subject. Under section 9 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, the extraterritorial jurisdiction of courts in England and Wales extends only to cases where a British subject is accused of committing murder or manslaughter abroad and not to those where the victim is a British subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if inquests will be held into the deaths of the 23 further alleged victims of Dr. Harold Shipman in connection with which the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided he should not be charged. [119723]

I understand that the relevant coroner is considering whether inquests ought to be held. Since the bodies have all been cremated in these cases, the coroner cannot proceed without my authority. If such consent is sought, I will consider very carefully whether inquests are desirable and whether to direct the coroner accordingly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the recommendations of the inquiry into the machinery for determining firefighters' conditions of service. [119127]

[pursuant to his reply, 12 April 2000, c. 226W]: The word "employees" was inadvertently substituted for the word "employers" in the first paragraph. The final sentence of the first paragraph should, therefore, have read:

These include proposals which would involve the acceptance by the employers and the union of conciliation and arbitration, in the event of disputes, a clarification of procedures, a streamlining of the negotiation arrangements, and an independent Chair for the National Joint Council.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the dates on which meetings were held between Her Majesty's Government and the French Government on the Synchrotron project; and if he will make a statement on the nature of the French Government's representations on the siting of the Synchrotron. [117103]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: I am advised that officials from the UK Government and the French Government met on 15 September 1999, 4 November 1999 and 13 December 1999 to discuss the new synchrotron project. On 14 October 1999 my noble Friend the Minister for Science had a private discussion with the French Minister for Research and Education who stated that it would be more acceptable for the French if the synchrotron were to be located at the Rutherford Laboratory. My noble Friend had a further conversation with the French Minister on 9 March 2000, during which the French Minister said they would withdraw their support from the synchrotron project if the Wellcome Trust withdrew.Both partners expressed the view that the favoured the Rutherford site. The French Education Ministry state publicly that

To ask the Prime Minister when he will reply to the question tabled on 28 March by the right hon. Member for Birkenhead on Government meetings in connection with the relocation of the synchrotron (reference 117103). [119693]

I have done so today.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to ensure that all persons carrying out duties abroad on his behalf can be questioned in Parliament. [118425]

[holding answer 10 April 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) to the right hon. Member for Horsham (Mr. Maude) on 12 April 2000, Official Report, column 180W.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received from pig farmers on the compensation sought for the BSE-equivalent costs. [119448]

I have received a number of representations. But, as has been made clear by Agriculture Commissioner Fischler, payment of aid to pig producers linked to BSE is not possible under EU state aid rules. Helping the industry to meet the challenges it faces is the way forward and this is the prime objective of the Pig Industry Aid Scheme I announced at my meeting with industry leaders on 30 March 2000.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will reply to the letters of 5 and 13 April from the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells. [119682]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 April 2000, Official Report, column 390W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedure was followed by the Honours and Distinction Committee to ascertain the eligibility of members of the Royal Irish Regiment claiming accumulated service medals, but for whom the necessary records were not available. [119344]

[holding answer 17 April 2000]: I have been asked to reply.The Royal Warrant for the Accumulated Campaign Service Medal specifies that the award to Royal Irish Regiment personnel is dependent upon completion of 1,080 operational duties for full-time members, and 1,000 operational duties for part-time members. In the absence of contemporary local records, the Ministry of Defence has introduced a protocol to assist applicants in providing evidence of their operational service. Dedicated teams have been established to help applicants with their cases and each applicant is allocated his/her own case officer. As the qualifying criteria for the medal remain unchanged, there has been no need for my Department to consult the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (known as the HD Committee).

To ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 and the Government's Year 2000 programme. [118177]

The Government's year 2000 programme has been an outstanding success, with the UK almost untouched by the Bug. This is due to the hard work of many across the public and private sectors who worked in partnership with Government and Action 2000.The work done has also delivered far-reaching benefits. These are drawn out in a Command Paper entitled "Modernising Government in Action: Realising the Benefits of Y2K" that I am publishing today. The Paper explains how the lessons and benefits of tackling the Bug are being captured across government.

To ask the President of the Council what assessment she has made of the work of Action 2000 in tackling the year 2000 problem. [118182]

Action 2000's contribution in helping to tackle the Millennium Bug has been significant. The National Infrastructure Forum (NIF) alone was a remarkable achievement. The links which were forged in the NIF, and the work done to map the key processes of the national infrastructure, will be of lasting benefit.

To ask the President of the Council how many recommendations have been made by the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons; and how many have been implemented. [118176]

The Modernisation Committee reported at the beginning of this Session that of the 56 recommendations we have made, 47 have been approved by the House and implemented either in whole or in part. Since then, another one has been implemented by the use of a second Reading Committee for the Royal Parks (Trading) Bill.

To ask the President of the Council if she will bring forward proposals to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons to increase the amount of time available for oral questions. [118179]

No. But any Member of the House may put proposals to the Modernisation Committee.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make it her policy that hon. Members should be able (a) to have written questions answered and (b) to table and have published early-day motions during parliamentary adjournments; and if she will make a statement. [118178]

The Modernisation Committee is currently looking at questions in the recess; until now, no Member has raised the matter of EDMs.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the factors that she takes into account in determining parliamentary recesses. [118185]

My right hon. Friend takes many factors into account in determining Parliamentary recesses, including the progress of business, Members' needs to have time for constituency business, and the desirability of arrangements which allow Members and staff to spend time with their families.

To ask the President of the Council to ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what recent discussions the Commission has had on the provision of refreshment facilities for visitors to the House. [118180]

This is primarily a matter for the Catering Committee, as my hon. Friend knows. In my reply to her on 26 July 1999, Official Report, columns 17-18, I indicated that provision of the Visitor Centre depended upon acquisition and conversion of Westminster Hall cafeteria once Portcullis House was functioning. Work towards establishing the Visitor Centre is accordingly expected to begin in 2001.

To ask the President of the Council what plans she has to propose the establishment of a human rights committee. [118181]

Draft Standing Orders for a Joint Committee on Human Rights are in preparation. The Government propose that the Committee should have a wide remit to study human rights in the United Kingdom. It remains the expectation that the Joint Committee will start its work before implementation of the Human Rights Act.

To ask the President of the Council what representations she has received on electronic voting. [118183]

I have received no written representations.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee when Portcullis House will be opened. [118820]

Hon. Members and their staff will start to be moved into the building in September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what amount of public funds was paid as compensation to Crossmaglen Gaelic Athletic Association for use of a portion of their playing fields; and if he will make a statement. [119019]

I have been asked to reply.Responsibility for the matter in question has been delegated to the Compensation Agency under its Chief Executive, Mr. Denis Stanley. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 April 2000, Official Report, columns 486-87W, on AWE Aldermaston, against what criteria the parent companies were judged to ensure that they achieved full compliance on safety performance. [118561]

[holding answer 10 April 2000]: The assessments of the competing consortiums' bids were made on the basis of a safety criterion with 28 components of which 20 were classed as critical. Compliance was required against each of the critical components in order for the bid to be processed further. The components are as shown—(C=Critical; NC=Non-critical):

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress with long-range precision munitions; and if he will make a statement. [117487]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: The Strategic Defence Review identified precision weapons as an increasingly important military capability. The value of long-range all-weather precision weapons was confirmed during Kosovo and they are a key capability in the NATO Defence Capabilities Initiative. Long-range weapons allow the UK armed forces to strike with less risk to UK personnel and equipment, and precision guidance reduces the risk of civilian casualties.Our current long-range precision strike capability is provided by the submarine-launched Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) which entered service in 1998 and proved effective during Kosovo. From 2002 this capability will be complemented by the introduction of the air-launched Storm Shadow missile.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Royal Ordnance sites from which Ministry of Defence Police cover will be withdrawn; on what date this will take effect; and if he will make a statement. [117665]

[holding answer 5 April 2000]: Ministry of Defence Police are currently deployed at the Royal Ordnance sites in Bridgwater, Chorley, Glascoed, Nottingham and Radway Green. Royal Ordnance has requested that they be withdrawn as a cost saving measure and replaced by alternative arrangements. We have concluded that there is not sufficient reason to insist on their retention and are commencing consultation on the withdrawal of MDP from the sites in question subject to certain physical security enhancements required by the licensing authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ministry of Defence Police will be deployed to Kosovo in support of the UN International Police Force; what will be the length of their tour; what training they will receive; and if he will make a statement. [117667]

[holding answer 5 April 2000]: Up to 60 Ministry of Defence Police officers are to be deployed to Kosovo in support of the UN International Police for a 12-month tour of duty. All officers are currently undergoing a four-week training course including advanced firearms tactics, explosives and weapon searches, conflict resolution, personal safety and conditions in Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will bring forward legislation to extend the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence Police to give them the same constabulary powers as Home Office police; and if he will make a statement. [117669]

[holding answer 5 April 2000]: The Ministry of Defence Police already have constabulary powers in the places defined in Section 2 of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987. The adequacy of these powers is currently being reviewed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the procurement projects worth £300 million or more for which, since 1996, (a) delivery dates, (b) stage payment dates and (c) in-service dates have been varied from those specified in the original contracts. [118264]

The information requested is not readily available; however, I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence following the decisions made at the Helsinki European Council relating to a Common Defence and Security capability of the European Union, which tasks within the remit of armed forces acting on the authority of the Council are additional to those capable of being conducted by agreement of all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation; and who is responsible for liaison between the Political and Military Committee of the European Council and the decision-making authority of NATO. [118866]

At Helsinki, EU member states made a commitment to be able, by 2003, to deploy rapidly and sustain up to 60,000 troops capable of undertaking the full range of Petersberg tasks. The Petersberg tasks are defined as humanitarian intervention, rescue operations, peacekeeping, and crisis management (including peacemaking). NATO is capable of conducting all of these tasks.The mechanisms for liaison between the EU Political and Security Committee and the NATO North Atlantic Council are being developed in accordance with the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council and the NATO Washington Summit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost to his Department of equipment lost, damaged, and no longer available for MOD use in (a) Bosnia and (b) Kosovo; and if he will make a statement. [119167]

The estimated total cost of stock written off to date, in relation to operations in the Balkans, is:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines govern the involvement of part-time and serving members of the armed forces in political activities; if members of the (a) Ulster Defence Regiment and (b) Royal Irish Regiment are subject to separate guidelines for Northern Ireland; and how many soldiers have been dismissed for political activities in each year since the UDR was created. [118980]

Guidelines on political activity for members of the armed forces, including full-time and part-time members of the Royal Irish Regiment, are contained in Queens Regulations for each service.The Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) used to have a separate set of Regulations with guidelines on political activities, and these clearly stated that Queens Regulations also applied to UDR personnel.We have no records of the number of soldiers dismissed for engaging in political activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the social and economic impact on remote and island communities of the automation of meteorological stations; and if he will make a statement. [118969]

[holding answer 14 April 2000]: This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Meteorological Office. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has defined what is a reasonable distance when determining access to a post office. [119757]

Decisions on access criteria will be made in the light of the Performance and Innovation Unit's report on the post office network and subsequent consultations with interested parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what agreement he has with the Post Office about the (a) number and (b) percentage of existing Crown post offices that should be maintained. [119002]

As set out in the White Paper "Post Office Reform: A World Class Service for the 21" Century", the Government agreed a strategy, reflecting proposals put by the Post Office to the trade unions, of retaining a core of directly owned and managed Crown offices. For the foreseeable future, the Post Office intends that at least 15 per cent. of the total business transacted by the counters' network is done at Crown offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if changes have taken place since May 1997 in the restrictions on the activities of Crown post offices. [119003]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he will promote to maximise the income of sub-postmasters from (a) benefit transactions and (b) other transactions following the introduction of automated credit transfers in post offices. [119205]

The Government have given a commitment that all benefit recipients who wish to access their benefits in cash at post offices will continue to be able to do so, both before and after the migration of benefit payments to automated credit transfer from 2003. By equipping the whole of the post office network with Horizon, a modern, automated IT platform towards the capital costs of which the Government are contributing £480 million, from spring 2001 the Post office will be able to improve its services to existing clients and take advantage of new business opportunities. In particular, Horizon offers the potential to move into automated network banking on an agency basis and to use the post office network as a delivery channel for electronic Government services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets he has set Companies House for 2000–01. [119987]

I have set Companies House the following targets for the year 2000–01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if new appointments have been made to the Council for Science and Technology. [119985]

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has recently decided to increase the number of independent members to 16 and to appoint the following as new members:

• Mr. Javaid Aziz, CEO, Aspective
• Mr. Euan Baird, Chairman, Schlumberger Ltd.
• Professor Vicki Bruce, Deputy Principal of Research, University of Stirling
• Professor Sir Paul Nurse, Director General, Imperial Cancer Research Fund
• Professor Peter Schuddeboom, Vice President, Nortel Networks
• Professor David VandeLinde, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bath
• Mr. John Weston, Chief Executive, BAE Systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he plans to take on the Collum report on BNFL; and if he will make a statement. [118798]

[holding answer 14 April 2000]: I have now received an outline of the proposed changes from the BNFL Chairman and Chief Executive, following their initial review of BNFL management. It will be for the company to implement the proposed changes, which will be achieved over a period of time. Where relevant, these will need to be fully consistent with the company's site licence obligations and agreed by the Government as shareholder. More detailed announcements related to the Review will be made in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the Collum report on BNFL. [118790]

[holding answer 12 April 2000]: I understand that Hugh Collum, the BNFL Chairman, intends shortly to make an announcement about the conclusions of his review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the services which (a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies responsible to his Department (i) provide online and (ii) expect to be deliverable online by 2002. [119435]

So that the Cabinet Office can publish the Spring 2000 report monitoring progress towards delivery of all Government services electronically by 2005, we are currently collecting data which will include our progress on delivering 25 per cent. of Government services electronically by 2002. I do not wish to pre-empt that report but I can say that we currently provide a range of services electronically which includes information and advice to small and medium enterprises via the Small Business Service Internet 'gateway', and other websites covering science and technology, information on 1.4 million companies (and facilities to register changes to company status), plus the award winning consumer gateway. By 2002, we shall be providing and contributing to more services in these areas and others such as trade promotion, company formations, oil well consents and applications for research grants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he sought clearance from the EU Commission for the Enterprise Fund; and when he expects to reach agreement with the EU Commission on it. [119311]

[holding answer 17 April 2000]: The Enterprise Fund consists of a number of elements.The existing Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme element of the Enterprise Fund continues to operate under "de minimis" arrangements, apart from in the agriculture and fisheries/aquaculture sectors, which have been separately notified and cleared. The "de minimis" arrangements allow for schemes that contain aid falling below a minimum threshold level to be accepted without State Aid notification.With regard to the venture capital elements of the fund, my Department's officials are working with Commission officials to assist them in their development of a framework for dealing with venture capital schemes on a community-wide basis. We expect this framework to be in place by summer 2000.We expect the full amounts previously announced to be committed within this spending round.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he announced the establishment of the Enterprise Fund; and when the first payments will be made from it. [119310]

[holding answer 17 April 2000]: The Enterprise Fund was announced in the December 1998 Competitiveness White Paper (Cm 4176). Payments are already being made under the fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes the EU has asked for to his Department's scheme for an Enterprise Fund. [119312]

[holding answer 17 April 2000]: The EU has not asked for any changes to be made to my Department's scheme for the Enterprise Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 16 March 2000, Official Report, column 274W, on KONVER, for what reason the KONVER Programme II Initiative was not renewed. [119051]

[holding answer 17 April 2000]: The European Commission proposed to reduce the number of Community Initiative programmes from 13 to three as part of the Agenda 2000 package. There is no proposal to continue with the KONVER initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received a copy of the report by ERM Ltd. for the European Commission on the

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to include the recommendations of the Stewart report in the contract requirements for the new mobile phone network contracts. [119689]

The Government regulate mobile phone networks via licences granted under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998 and the Telecommunications Act 1984.The Report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones chaired by Sir William Stewart is expected to be published in May. It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on it until that time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the names and occupations are of the members of the Longbridge Task Force. [119016]

The members of the Rover Task Force have been drawn from a wide range of organisations and between them represent the regional key partners in the West Midlands region.The original membership has expanded to 20 under the chairmanship of Alex Stephenson, who also chairs the Regional Development Agency, Advantage West Midlands.The current members and their occupations are:prospective future demand for nuclear energy and the commitment by the member states of the European Unionto the Kyoto Climate Change agreement. [119137]

[holding answer 13 April 2000]: The Department has not yet received a copy of this report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his written answer of 17 February 2000, Official Report, column 629W, if Zimbabwe has repaid the full cost of the Hawk aircraft. [118633]

[holding answer 11 April 2000]: Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets he has set the Patent Office for 2000–01. [119986]

I have set the Patent Office the following targets for 2000–01.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been achieved by the Tax Law Rewrite project in the last year; and what plans it has for the coming year. [119823]

I am pleased to announce that the Tax Law Rewrite project is making excellent progress and continues to enjoy wide support. The Inland Revenue have today published a report which reviews the recent progress of the project and outlines its work programmes for 2000–01.The rewritten legislation produced by the project has been very well received by the main users in the tax community and they are enthusiastic that the project should continue. I am very pleased to tell the House that the project plans to have its first rewrite Bill ready for introduction in Parliament later this year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it became his policy to base increases in fuel duty on a forecast of the likely rate of inflation in the following September. [118747]

The increase in fuel duties has been based on a forecast of inflation since July 1997. The methodology for calculating the inflation indexed basis for changes in excise duties was set out in that Budget and in all subsequent Budgets.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has (a) to review the regulatory and core structure of low contribution home service endowment insurance policies and (b) to propose amendments to the Industrial Assurance Act 1923. [119215]

The Government announced plans in June 1999 to amend the Industrial Assurance Acts 1923 and 1948. There has been useful recent consultation with the Association of British Insurers and the Association of Friendly Societies on the extent of the amendments. Following the amendments the FSA will regulate all home service business using its powers under the Financial Services and Markets Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in the UK (a) received their pension every four weeks, (b) received 12 pension payments and (c) received 13 pension payments in 1999–2000. [118834]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security by what percentage the basic retirement pension could be increased in April without reducing the expected balance of the National Insurance Fund at the end of the year 2001–02 below the minimum level recommended by the Government Actuary. [117588]

The information is in the table.The basic pension and linked benefits could be increased by 11.8 per cent. in April 2000 without reducing the National Insurance Fund below the minimum level recommended by the Government Actuary in 2001–02. However, funding this level of increase even in that year only and with a return to uprating in line with prices thereafter would lead to a large shortfall in the next year and in subsequent years. This would lead to an increase in rates of National Insurance Contributions. Thus it can be seen that allocation of a surplus to an immediate increase has consequences for future years by wiping out this surplus.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners will benefit from the minimum income guarantee in the (a) Cleethorpes, (b) Great Grimsby, (c) Scunthorpe and (d) Brigg and Goole constituencies. [118653]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in (a) Warrington and (b) Warrington, North constituency are in receipt of the minimum income guarantee. [118851]

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