To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of the deployment of Zimbabwean forces in protecting mining interests in the Congo; and who owns those interests. [120868]

We have seen reports that the Zimbabwean Defence Forces are deployed in areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which contain the main diamond fields and reserves of copper and cobalt. We understand that exploitation of diamonds is principally carried out by the Societe Miniere de Bakwanga (MIBA), and production of copper and cobalt by GECAMINES. Both of these companies are substantially DRC state-owned, but there are reports that they have entered into joint venture with various partners. There are also reports that the Zimbabwean Defence Force has set up a company called OSLEG Private Limited, which includes capital provided by private investors, to exploit DRC's mineral reserves.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his oral statement of 3 May 2000, Official Report, columns 149–50, if he will list the dates of his meetings with the previous Secretary-General of the Commonwealth to discuss the crisis in Zimbabwe. [121202]

Neither my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary nor I spoke to the previous Commonwealth Secretary General following the onset of the recent wave of illegal farm occupations in Zimbabwe.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communication he has had with the Iranian Foreign Minister regarding the timing of his visit to Iran; and if he raised the issue of legal proceedings concerning members of the Jewish community in Shiraz in the course of that communication. [121213]

The Iranian authorities are well aware of our concerns about the trial of 13 members of the Jewish community on espionage charges in Shiraz. The Foreign Secretary made these clear to Dr. Kharrazi personally when he visited London in January. We and our EU partners have raised our concerns on many occasions, most recently in the form of a demarche by the EU Presidency in Tehran on 29 April. As the hon. Gentleman will be aware, the Foreign Secretary's visit to Tehran has been postponed from 8/9 May to 4/5 July. The Foreign Secretary spoke briefly to Iranian Foreign Minister Kharrazi on 29 April in order to postpone this visit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 17 April 2000, Official Report, columns 396–97W, what assessment he has made of recent developments in the legal proceedings concerning members of the Jewish community in Shiraz, Iran, with particular reference to the case of Hamid Tefilin; what representations have been made to the Government of Iran about the decision to hold the trial in camera and about the proceedings in general; what steps have been taken by the Government to monitor the trial; and if he will make a statement. [121141]

We and our EU partners have raised our concerns about the detention and trial of a number of Iranians including 13 members of the Iranian Jewish community in Shiraz on espionage charges with the Iranian authorities on a number of occasions, most recently in the form of a demarche by the EU Presidency in Tehran on 29 April.Our Embassy in Tehran is working closely with our EU partners and other like-minded embassies to ensure that events in Shiraz are monitored closely. We are aware of reports emanating from Hamid Tefilin's defence counsel that Mr. Tefilin has confessed to being trained to spy for Israel, but that he has not carried out any espionage activity. We shall continue to monitor events closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Iranian authorities over the banning of newspapers and magazines. [121136]

We and our EU partners have been following closely events in Iran. We note that the editors of the newspapers and magazines that have been banned are avoiding public comment and urging their supporters to follow suit in an effort to maintain calm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations at the UN to allow sanctions against (a) Serbia and (b) Iraq to be lifted on goods relating to bona fide scientific and technological work essential to food testing and civil manufacturing industry. [121079]

UN Security Council resolution 1160 (1998) imposed an embargo on the supply of arms and related material to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and a ban on arming and training for terrorist activities there. There are no other UN sanctions measures in force in relation to Serbia.Under the current terms of the "Oil-for-Food" programme, established by Security Council resolution 986, Iraq can sell unlimited quantities of oil to buy a wide range of humanitarian goods, including the kind of equipment mentioned in the question. Iraq is expected to raise $10 billion this year from oil sales. Each contract is checked to ensure that the goods will be used for their stated purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to "IGC: Reform for Enlargement, Cm 4595", what study has been made by (a) Her Majesty's Government and (b) the European Union of the political consequences of admission to the European Union of parts of former Yugoslavia; by whom it was made; and if its conclusions have been published. [121061]

The Government's (and European Union's) overall objective is the fullest possible integration of the countries of the Western Balkans into the political and economic mainstream of Europe. No formal study has been made of the political consequences of admission to the European Union of parts of the former Yugoslavia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to "IGC: Reform for Enlargement, Cm 4595", in relation to the adoption of the Acquis of the Community, what permanent or temporary derogations are planned to be made to any applicant state in respect of (a) the Common Fisheries Policy, (b) the Common Agricultural Policy and (c) participation in the Cohesion Fund. [121077]

It is too early in the accession negotiations to predict the extent of any derogations.Negotiations on Fisheries have started with six applicant countries (Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia). The EU Common Positions agreed for these negotiations make clear that all new member states will be expected to apply the Common Fisheries Policy in full.Negotiations have also started on Regional Policy with these countries. But their participation in the Cohesion Funds will not be determined until later in the negotiations.We expect negotiations on Agriculture with these countries to begin in June this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2000, Official Report, column 67W, on Iraqi oil, if he has asked the (a) Council of Ministers and (b) European Commission to put pressure on Turkey to bring the trade in Iraqi oil across its borders into the UN humanitarian programme; what was the volume of oil in metric tonnes sold through the UN programme in (i) 1999 and (ii) 2000 to date; and what was the estimated value in (1) 1999 and (2) 2000 to date of Iraqi oil sold (x) through the UN programme and (y) in breach of sanctions. [121054]

We have discussed measures to cut down on oil smuggling including through Turkey with the other members of the Security Council which includes two fellow members of the European Union.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the net financial impact, in the first financial year of its operation, of the climate change levy on (a) the automotive industry, (b) the farming industry, (c) the shipbuilding industry and (d) manufacturing industry in the West Midlands. [120992]

[holding answer 5 May 2000]: The Climate Change Levy package as a whole is expected to be revenue neutral for the private sector. Its introduction will entail no net financial gain for the public finances. The levy package as a whole is also expected to be broadly neutral between the manufacturing and the service sectors.The Government have sought to design the climate change levy in a way that maximises its environmental effectiveness while protecting the competitiveness of UK firms. It is not possible to say with precision what the effects of the climate change levy on individual sectors or firms will be, since this will depend, among other things, on each sector's future energy use, employment trends, and take up of the various incentives to improve energy efficiency.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent on the New Deal since 1997. [120997]

[holding answer 5 May 2000]: Information on the estimated allocation of the Windfall Tax receipts between different programmes, including the New Deal, is set out in Table 4.1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report, 2000.Annex Bii of the Department for Education and Employment and the Office for Standards in Education Departmental Report 2000 provides information on expenditure on New Deal programmes within their Departmental Spending Limit.Figure 10a of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Departmental Report 2000 provides information on expenditure on the New Deal for Communities within their Departmental Expenditure Limit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the efficiency of the administration relating to bonds by National Savings; and if he will make a statement. [120218]

[holding answer 2 May 2000]: National Savings (NS) takes great care to ensure the systems it uses to deliver its products are efficient and effective. This is essential if NS are to continue to operate successfully in the increasingly competitive retail savings sector. Ministers set annual targets for NS to measure, report on and improve the efficiency of its product administration systems. To achieve these targets NS uses a framework of performance measures, standards and reporting procedures constantly to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of its product administration systems, including those relating to bonds. This ensures they are subject to continuous improvement and that they remain competitive.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the median duration of (a) a marriage and (b) a cohabiting union in (i) 1970, (ii) 1980 and (iii) 1999. [120677]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people were prosecuted for failure to complete the 1991 census; [121056](2) when the 2001 census will be

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the Director of the Office for National Statistics. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be the tax treatment of moneys paid out by UK banks under the British Bankers Association Restore UK initiative in respect of bank accounts opened by Holocaust victims, frozen during World War II under the Trading With the Enemy Act and subsequently held as dormant accounts. [121457]

The Government very much support the British Bankers Association "Restore UK" initiative.It is right that people who were Holocaust victims, or their beneficiaries, who have moneys restored to them under this scheme, should receive not only the original capital but some form of compensation.I am glad to announce that no tax will be payable on any moneys paid out by the banks under this initiative to Holocaust victims or their beneficiaries. This exemption will cover income tax liability on any compensation payments as well as any death duties in respect of the capital held in the accounts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on delays in the payment of bills due under the Army Criminal Legal Aid Authority. [120136]

[holding answer 2 May 2000]: The Army Criminal Legal Aid Authority (ACLAA) was set up in 1996 to administer the provision of legal aid for individuals facing court-martial or other defined legal processes. The role of ACLAA is to receive applications for legal aid, define the individual contribution required, make an offer of legal aid on that basis, negotiate acceptance with the employing unit and individual, instruct legal representatives, and finally to review and settle bills for work done.In December last year the Officer in Charge became ill which led to some reordering of work while his situation clarified. Sadly it has become clear that it will not be possible for him to return to ACLAA. In addition another experienced member of staff also became ill in January, and has not been able to return either.While new staff were being recruited it was necessary to give priority to the allocation of legal aid to individuals to ensure that the legal process was not disrupted or delayed. Regrettably this meant that ACLAA was not able to assess and clear bills until the arrival of additional staff. Over the last month ACLAA staff have been working hard to deal with the backlog of bills that were awaiting payment and many have now been settled.Any delay in payment is regrettable. However, ACLAA is currently being expanded and strengthened which should ensure that similar delays, caused by unforeseen circumstances, do not recur.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the divorce rates for serving military personnel in (a) the Army, (b) the Royal Navy and (c) the Royal Air Force for the last 12 month period for which figures are available. [120408]

[holding answer 3 May 2000]: Due to the manner in which each Service records data on changes in marital status, it is not possible to provide information in the precise manner requested. Notwithstanding, the rates for 1998–99 by Service are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops from (a) the UK and (b) other EU countries are committed to (i) Eurocorps and (ii) EUROFOR. [120820]

[holding answer 5 May 2000]: The UK has no troops committed to either the 5-nation (France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain) EUROCORPS or the 4-nation (France, Italy, Portugal and Spain) EUROFOR as a matter of course, though we have one Liaison Officer attached to HQ EUROCORPS.Numbers of troops contributed to the forces in question by other countries are a matter for the countries concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy regarding the supply of British beef for consumption by members of Her Majesty's armed forces. [121073]

The supply of food for the armed forces has been contracted out to "3663" and we require them to seek the best price in the open market, consistent with meeting our quality standard. I am as keen, however, on seeing our servicemen and women eating British products as I am for our contractor to secure best value for money. In the case of British beef, since autumn of 1998 we have been supplying 100 per cent. British beef to our armed forces personnel based in the United Kingdom. Supplies for armed forces personnel based overseas are currently sourced from a number of countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proportion of oral and written complaints made by members of the public were fully investigated by inspectors of health and safety in field offices of the Field Operations Division in fiscal year 1999–2000. [118410]

The information requested can not be produced at this time, because full year data on inspectors' work for the year ended 31 March 2000 are not yet available. However, data on the number of complaints followed-up by staff in HSE's Field Operations Directorate for the years 1997–98 and 1998–99 are set out in the table. The table also shows, for information, the number of complaints investigated as a percentage of those received.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average number of businesses dealt with by band 3 inspectors in the Health and Safety Executive in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [120390]

[holding answer 2 May 2000]: Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Band 3 inspectors are used in the majority of sectors for which HSE has enforcement responsibility. Inspector contacts with businesses can vary considerably, depending on the sector and circumstances. Inspectors may contact the same business more than once during the course of the year, or may contact several operating sites owned by the same business. Also, a contact could involve an in depth audit, taking several days, or a short visit or meeting.In total, HSE staff made 183,000 regulatory contacts with dutyholders and businesses in 1998–99, the last year for which figures are available. Of these, about 8,000 were made by administrative staff in HSE's Field Operations Directorate (FOD), and 33,000 by FOD inspectors other than Band 3 inspectors. A proportion of the rest may have involved inspectors other than Band 3 inspectors, but these could be disaggregated from the date only at disproportionate cost.In total, approximately 500 Band 3 inspector staff years spent by HSE Operating Directorates and Divisions in 1998–99 on inspection, investigation and enforcement activity which would have generated the vast majority of regulatory contacts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the New En-route Centre at Swanwick will be fully operational. [120786]

The Swanwick Centre is scheduled to come into operation by spring 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many overseas consultancy projects have been undertaken by National Air Traffic Services in the last three years; and where these projects were undertaken. [120789]

In the past three years, NATS has undertaken a total of 30 consultancy projects. Projects were undertaken in, or on behalf of, the following countries: Abu Dhabi, Antigua, Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Eire, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Libya, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Syria, Switzerland, and the UK. In addition, NATS has participated in a number of consortiums on behalf of the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many aircraft movements there were at UK airfields without air traffic control services in the last 12 months. [120788]

There are 142 airports licensed by the CAA. Eighty-eight do not have air traffic control services but published data on aircraft movements are available only for 11 of these. For these 11 airports, there were 100,000 movements, both commercial and non-commercial. There were a total of 3.5 million aircraft movements at all UK airports for which data are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average length of time taken to train an air traffic controller; how many are in training; and how many controllers are required to staff the airfields and centres under NATS control. [120784]

Area Control (AC) Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) receive 78 weeks training at the College of Air Traffic Control at Hurn followed by between 12 and 24 months on the job training before achieving validation. Airports ATCOs receive 52 weeks training at the College also followed by between 12 and 24 months on the job training before achieving validation. NATS has a total of 255 controllers currently in training (132 AC and 123 Airports—including part valid controllers). 436 controllers are required to staff the airfields under NATS control and 1,010 to staff the centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the suppliers of distress and diversion air traffic control to UK aircraft and aircraft using UK airspace. [120783]

The Distress and Diversion (D&D) Air Traffic Control Service in the UK is provided to civil or military aircraft in distress or emergency in UK airspace. This service is supplied by RAF Air Traffic Control personnel located at the London Area and Terminal Control Centre (LATCC) and Scottish Area Control Centre (ScATCC).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many air traffic controllers are needed to bring Heathrow up to full complement; and how many controllers are being trained at Swanwick. [120785]

The total operational requirement for the Heathrow Visual Control Room and Thames Radar/SVFR is 61. There are currently 58 validated controllers. Two trainees are expected to validate within the next six to eight weeks together with one experienced ATCO undergoing retraining who is expected to regain validation within the same period. In addition, there are seven operationally valid Watch Managers at Heathrow.The New En-Route Centre at Swanwick is scheduled to come into operation by spring 2002. Operational Conversion Training will begin in January 2001 to meet this requirement. A total of 380 Area Control ATCOs will undergo Operational Conversion Training prior to the operational date.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those UK airports where (a) there is no air traffic control and (b) only (i) an air ground and (ii) flight information service is provided. [120787]

The table lists UK airports where there is no air traffic control. Those with an Air/Ground service are indicated by A/G and those with a Flight Information Service, by FISO.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what increase was allocated by his Department for social service provision in Devon County Council's standard spending assessment for 2000–01. [120090]

[holding answer 2 May 2000]: The personal social services standard spending assessment for 2000–01 for Devon County Council increased by £5,326,769, or 5.2 per cent., compared with the previous year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made with PFI projects in local government: and if he will list those projects endorsed so far. [120844]

A total of 126 projects across the country have been endorsed from 86 local authorities. Of these, 38 have reached contract signature and another 88 are rapidly progressing towards that stage. These projects are already bringing real improvements to the quality of life in local communities. A full list of the schemes endorsed is as follows. The list is updated regularly and is available on the DETR website http://www.local.detr.gov.uk/pfi.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set national guidelines for road user charge exemptions and concessionary discounts. [121277]

We will consider issuing guidance to local authorities on road user charging exemptions and concessions in due course, to supplement those set through regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make regulations listing the classes of vehicles which will (a) receive discounts and (b) be exempt from road charging schemes. [121278]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the operation of the Rent Service Agency in the last 12 months. [121204]

We have received several representations regarding the Rent Service Agency and how rent officers perform their independent statutory functions in connection with housing benefit and registration of fair rents.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statutory powers are available to him in respect of the operation of the Rent Service Agency. [121205]

The Rent Act 1977 (as amended) grants the Secretary of State power to appoint, remunerate and provide administrative support for rent officers carrying out their statutory functions. A framework document (which is deposited in the Library of the House) authorises the Chief Executive to carry out these powers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions on rent controls he has had with the Chief Executive of the Rent Service Agency in the last 12 months. [121208]

We have regular discussions with the Chief Executive of the Rent Service Agency at official and ministerial level about how rent officers perform their independent statutory functions in connection with housing benefit and registration of fair rents.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which Minister in his Department is taking lead responsibility for the proposals contained in the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999. [121206]

The Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rents) Order 1999 was signed by my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning on the basis of a collective decision by Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what external legal advice he has sought in respect of the use of his powers under section 31 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. [121207]

The Treasury Solicitors Department has sought the best advice through the usual channels.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many meetings have been held at the Trade Union Sustainable Development Advisory Committee since its establishment; who attended them; what subjects were discussed; and if he will make a statement. [120419]

Since the formation of the Trades Unions Sustainable Development Advisory Committee in July 1998 there have been six meetings. I have co-chaired them with John Edmonds, General Secretary of the GMB Union. They have been attended by representatives of the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union, the Engineers' and Managers' Association, GMB, the Graphical Paper and Media Union, the Institute of Professionals, Managers and Specialists, the Manufacturing Science Finance Union, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, the Transport and General Workers' Union, the Trades Union Congress, the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians, UNISON and the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers. The Committee has discussed a wide range of sustainable development issues, including climate change, the employment effects of environmental policies, environmental issues in the workplace and workplace training on energy efficiency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the extent of the United Kingdom's compliance to date with the terms of the Montreal Protocol; and when he expects full compliance to be achieved. [120421]

The United Kingdom meets its substantive obligations under the Montreal Protocol (1987) through EC Regulation. The European Community and the UK have ratified the Protocol as well as its London (1990) and Copenhagen (1992) Amendments. In addition, they are bound by the adjustments to the Protocol adopted in London (1990), Copenhagen (1992), Vienna (1995) and Montreal (1997). The means by which the Community gives effect internally to all these obligation is EC Regulation 3093/94. Once a further EC Regulation, which is still under negotiation, enters into force later this year the Community and the UK will also be able to ratify the Montreal Amendment (1997).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safety guidance is issued in respect of the storage or use of volatile organic compounds (a) in and (b) near NHS premises; and if he will make a statement. [120426]

The Health and Safety Executive has issued no specific safety guidance on the storage or use of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in and near NHS premises.The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires all employers to assess the risks to people's health and safety from the undertaking, which would include the storage or use of substances such as VOCs, and to take steps to minimise the risk.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance (a) his Department and (b) NHS Estates gives to health service bodies tendering for refrigeration equipment. [120418]

The model framework for greening Government operations—which Government departments have been encouraged to adopt or adapt to meet their special circumstances—promotes environmentally preferable refrigerants having a zero or low potential for ozone depletion or global warming. I cannot answer for NHS Estates as responsibility here rests with the Secretary of State for Health. However, it is DETR's policy not to buy refrigerants containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and to avoid hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances where there are suitable alternatives. Our policy is also to favour technologies and refrigerants with little or no potential to contribute to global warming where they are safe, cost effective and practicable. Advice on environmentally preferable refrigerants is given in DETR's "Green Guide for Buyers"

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with fire safety experts about the implications of installing (a) hydrocarbon and (b) ammonia-based refrigeration as part of air conditioning systems in public places; and if he will make a statement. [120420]

It is the responsibility of any person or company installing hydrocarbon or ammonia-based air conditioning equipment in a public place to ensure that all fire and safety issues are properly addressed. Such installations should follow the guidance set out in British Standard (BS 4434): "Specification for safety and environmental aspects in the design, construction and installation of refrigerating appliances and systems (1995)". The Health and Safety Executive were on the technical committee that drafted BS 443.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his policy on the storage and use of (a) hydrocarbons, (b) HFCs and (c) ammonia in (i) refrigeration and (ii) air conditioning systems used by health service bodies. [120423]

The Management of Heath and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require all employers, including health service bodies, to carry out an assessment of risks to people's health and safety form the undertaking, including the effects of hazardous substances. This would include an assessment of the risks from hydrocarbons, HFCs and ammonia used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his estimate of the quantity of (a) HFC, (b) HCFC, (c) ammonia, (d) hydrocarbons and (e) CFCs in use in the UK in (i) refrigeration, (ii) air conditioning, (iii) aerosols, (iv) metered dose inhalers and (v) other applications. [R] [120429]

The most recent estimates available are given in the table. Data on the use of ammonia and hydrocarbons in the air conditioning and refrigeration sectors are not available; however, their use is relatively minor. In addition, the majority of aerosols manufactured in the UK are filled with hydrocarbons, but data on the amounts used are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total value by benefit of unclaimed benefits for the latest 12 months for which figures are available. [119851]

The latest estimates were published in a Departmental press release dated 24 September 1999. I have placed a copy in the Library.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has also recently launched a substantial national take-up campaign for the Minimum Income Guarantee. The campaign will include;

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the net cost after taxation of an increase in the basic State Pension of (a) £5 per week at age 75 and (b) £10 per week at age 80 years. [120548]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in receipt of (a) income-related benefits, (b) National Insurance-related benefits and (c) in total receive income from an occupational pension. [120360]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have claimed Income Support during parental leave in the last 12 months. [120350]

The new Income Support rules on parental leave came into effect on 5 January 2000. Early indications from a number of offices are that only a handful of claims have been received so far.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people chose to have child benefit and pensions paid by automatic transfer into bank accounts in each year since 1992. [120803]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, for each of the main social security benefits, how many people in each of the last 12 months have contacted his Department and its agencies requesting that their benefit payment be switched to a post office from payment into a bank account. [120987]

The Department does not routinely collate the information requested.However, as the overall trend on all benefits is an increase in payment into a bank account, it is unlikely that a significant number of customers are changing from payment into a bank account to payment at the post office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 7 March to the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency regarding a constituent (Ref. E24618). [121260]

A reply was issued to my hon. Friend on 4 May 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will respond to the letter from the hon. Member for North Thanet dated 11 April concerning non-payment of widows' payment to Mrs. Corrina Smith and similar cases. [121110]

A reply was issued today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the distribution of Child Benefit expenditure according to (a) the gross income bands, (b) the equivalised gross income bands and (c) the equivalised net income bands of recipient families using (i) each band of £5,000 up to £40,000 and (ii) over £40,000. [121104]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of appeals against decisions to refuse Disability Living Allowance were successful in (a) Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) England in the last year for which figures are available. [120931]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate how many pensioners would benefit financially and what the average benefit would be from reducing the tariff income from capital from the present rate to £1 per week for every £500 over £6,000 for people aged over 60 years. [121274]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the cost of reducing the tariff income from capital from the present rate to £1 per week for every £500 over £6,000 for people aged over 60 years. [121275]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much Tritium has been produced at the Chapelcross nuclear facility in each month since April 1995; and what percentage of the Tritium produced by this facility has been traded to Governments and agencies outside the United Kingdom. [120750]

I have been asked to reply.I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Welsh) on 3 April 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason the 1998 Annual report on Strategic Exports does not include information about physical exports of strategic goods from the UK to the Channel Islands. [120204]

Details of the value of UK exports and of the number of weapons including small arms was taken from information collected by HM Customs and Excise for trade statistics purposes. For these, the Channel Islands are regarded as part of the UK and thus movements between the UK and the Channel Islands are not recorded.However, the 1997 and 1998 Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls listed by country of destination the numbers of export licences issued and refused in each equipment category and gave details of the military equipment for which licences had been granted. They also set out the value of defence exports to each country. Entries were included for the Channel Islands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of Scottish energy production is from (a) nuclear power, (b) coal, (c) oil and (d) renewable sources. [120747]

The most recently available figures for the indigenous production of primary fuels in Scotland are for 1998. Data are, however, not available without disproportionate cost for oil (or gas) production from Scotland or Scottish waters, so it is not possible to calculate the shares of nuclear power, coal or renewables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the allocation from the Competitiveness Development Fund to the West Midlands Region; and if he will list schemes supported by the fund in the North Staffordshire sub-region. [120396]

The DTI's Competitiveness Development Fund (CDF) is available to Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to spend on priorities they identify for increasing competitiveness in their regions. The CDF allocation to Advantage West Midlands (the RDA for the West Midlands Region) for this Financial Year (2000–01) is £440,000, which represents an increase in funding of over 75 per cent. compared to the previous financial year.Advantage West Midlands used its CDF allocation of £250,000 for the last financial year (1999–2000) to support a wide range of projects that were designed to have a region-wide effect: none were specifically limited to North Staffordshire. These projects included work on promoting enterprise and innovation, encouraging best practice and developing supply chains.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from (a) Members of Parliament, (b) representatives from other parliaments and assemblies and (c) Ministers from other Governments, in respect of the dangers posed by the operation of Sellafield, in each month since January 1999; and what response he has made. [120712]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has received a number of representations by correspondence, Parliamentary Question or in person in relation to the safety of operations at Sellafield. Each has been carefully considered and appropriate responses, addressing the issues raised, have been provided. The table lists the representations made since January 1999. In the case of Parliamentary Questions, the responses were of course published in Hansard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessments have been undertaken by (a) his Department and (b) the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate/Health and Safety Executive of the (i) accident risk and (ii) accident consequences of the operation of Sellafield since May 1997. [120713]

It is for the licensee of a nuclear site—BNFL in the case of Sellafield—to assess both the accident risk and potential accident consequences of its operations as part of a comprehensive safety case for each operation. This information must be updated with changing circumstances. As required under the terms of the Sellafield site licence conditions these safety cases are presented to the Site Nuclear Safety Committee, which includes independent members.The role of HSE is to analyse these safety cases in detail to verify that they are sound. Regular on-site inspections by the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) seek to confirm that the limits and conditions contained in the safety cases are complied with in the plant at all times. HSE/NII publishes information about its assessments of particular plant from time to time; a recent example is its report "The storage of liquid high level waste at BNFL, Sellafield", which deals with the B215 complex which includes the highly active liquor tanks.The Department of Trade and Industry has no role in this independent regulatory process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 17 April 2000, Official Report, column 323W, concerning state aid to the motor industry, where the EU publishes information about rules and criteria for these purposes. [120741]

Under Article 87(1) of the Treaty of Rome (as amended by Amsterdam), the Commission may develop 'appropriate measures' for State aid by issuing frameworks or codes. These frameworks describe the practice the Commission intends to follow when examining aid proposals, and generally set limits on the intensity of assistance which may be paid within the State aid rules.The framework are published in the Official Journal, and are available in full on the Commission's website at www.europa.eu.int/comm/dg04/lawaid.htm.The Official Journal reference for the Motor Vehicle framework is: OJ C279, 15.9.1997.p1.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 13 April 2000, Official Report, columns 273–76W, concerning employment and tribunal claims, if he will make it his policy to produce separate statistics for Wales, England and Scotland; and if he will provide the figures requested on that basis. [121045]

The Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) records information on tribunal applications, for statistical purposes, by the office where they are handled rather than by the place where the action arose. ETS offices may, for operational and judicial reasons, handle cases arising in England or Wales and it is not therefore possible to provide figures in the form requested. Tribunals operate within the same policy framework across Great Britain and I have no plans to change the current policy on provision of such figures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the outcome of the Telecommunications Council held in Brussels on 2 May; and if he will make a statement. [120991]

There was an orientation debate on the review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications. During the debate all member states supported the general approach of the Commission on regulation of access to infrastructures in order to promote competition. A number, including the UK, welcomed the Commission's proposal that regulation should be on a co-regulatory basis with business where possible. Regarding the new institutional structure, member states welcomed the Commission's intention to build on the existing structure, but define the roles of any new bodies. On the scope of universal service, most member states, including the UK, supported the Commission's proposal to retain the existing scope of universal service, but to keep this under review.The Commission presented its Communication on the World Radiocommunication Conference 2000 and the Council adopted Conclusions giving broad support to the Communication.The Commission also presented a number of recent or forthcoming Communications concerning: the results of its consultation on creation of the EU internet top level domain; organisation and management of the internet; unbundled access to the local loop; and gave an update on the forthcoming postal services liberalisation Directive. The Council also noted Presidency reports on the outcome of the Conference on Digital Terrestrial Television, and the Ministerial Conference on Knowledge and the Information Society held in Lisbon on 17–18 February and 10–11 April 2000 respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assumptions were made in his Department's appraisal of the A3XX project about the likely demand for these aircraft from airlines flying into and out of UK airports, with specific reference to Heathrow. [121027]

In appraising the A3XX project the Department undertook a full market study of the aircraft's prospects. Details of this report are commercially confidential, but a key market rationale of the A3XX is to carry large numbers of passengers from hub to hub. We would therefore expect Heathrow to be one of the airports where the A3XX would operate. The A3XX has been designed to meet the most stringent environment and noise standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will re-include the Farnworth and Kearsley wards in the assisted status map as it affects the Bolton metropolitan borough. [120846]

The consultation period on the amended proposals for the new Assisted Areas ended on 2 May. The Government are considering carefully the representations received, including those relating to Bolton, and will be discussing the representations received with the European Commission. The new Assisted Areas are subject to approval by the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information about wards included in and excluded from the assisted areas map was given to representatives of the media by (a) ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) officials in his Department before Monday 10 April. [121049]

No advance information about wards included in or excluded from the revised assisted areas map was distributed to the media before Monday 10 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Zenith Milk will be permitted to process milk. [120807]

[holding answer 5 May 2000]: The Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) has advised that Milk Link, Axis and Zenith, the three successors to Milk Marque, have been operating independent arrangements for the marketing and selling of their members' milk this winter.Following that advice, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 2 May that, on the basis that the assurances given last year of independent operation will continue to be observed, he can see no reason why Milk Link, Axis, and Zenith should not establish or extend their processing activities if they choose to do so.The assurances given were that all policy making and selling of milk would be carried out independently by each of the successors with no joint ventures between the new businesses in marketing or processing milk, with no common directors and no shareholdings by any one of the new businesses in either of the others. Milk Marque also stated that they would not supply to the successor bodies, after 31 March 2001, central services which could not be split prior to the reorganisation which took place last year.Should the new businesses choose to extend their processing activities through acquisition they will of course be subject to the merger provisions under competition law in the same way as any other company. In addition, Milk Link, Axis and Zenith must, like all undertakings, operate their businesses in accordance with both domestic and European competition law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy on the future of the second class post. [121267]

The Government have no proposals to abolish second class mail. The Post Office tell me that no such proposals have been submitted to the Post Office Board, nor are any expected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 13 April 2000, Official Report, column 273W, which British banks are included in the lending syndicate for the Ilisu Dam project. [121019]

The lending syndicate for the Ilisu Dam project has not yet been formed, and is unlikely to be formed until after the export credit agencies have made their decisions regarding support for the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with BP Amoco concerning its investment with Talisman Energy and the China National Petroleum Corporation operating in Sudan. [120269]

[pursuant to his reply, on 2 May 2000, c. 29W]: I would like to point out that BP Amoco has no operations or investment in Sudan. Furthermore, BP Amoco's business and ethical policies preclude such involvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent meetings he has had with Corns; and if he will make a statement. [120930]

I have had meetings with the Chief Executive of Corns and visited the Corns Steelworks at Shotton.The Government recognise that Corns is one of the most efficient steel producers.The Government fully understand the importance of a successful manufacturing sector; steel is making a vital contribution to the economy and employment.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made by the EU Commission in setting up a regulatory fund to aid pig farmers. [119704]

The European Commission has come forward with a proposal to introduce a European Regulatory Fund for pig producers. An initial statement about the proposal was made by the European Commission at the Agriculture Council on 17 April. As presented, it does not provide for funding from the EU Budget; rather it is proposed to be a voluntary fund, financed by pig producers themselves.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what arrangements have been made to allow archaeological research to be undertaken at the Amphitheatre, Chester, before construction commences on a new court building on any part of that site. [121272]

The site is owned by a developer, David McLean Developments Ltd., with whom the Court Service has entered into an agreement to lease. Following demolition of the British Telecommunications building which occupied the same footprint as the new building, David McLean Developments Ltd. funded an intensive series of archaeological excavations in consultation with the City Archaeologist and English Heritage. These excavations impacted upon the design of the building and as a result it has been possible to avoid disturbing the remains of the amphitheatre beneath. In fact, the foundations of the new building have been carefully designed to avoid any remains and to preserve them in situ, for posterity.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if a binding contract has been signed for the construction of a new court building on any part of the Amphitheatre site in Chester. [121271]

The Court Service signed a legally binding contract with the Developer, David McLean Developments Ltd., on 20 December 1999 whereby the Court Service is legally bound to occupy the building within 21 days of the completion of its construction. The Court Service were aware of the location of the site and of its archaeological significance, but all appropriate approvals in relation to both planning and preservation had been obtained by the developers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the independent review of Northern Ireland railways, which was published on Tuesday 28 March; and if he will make a statement. [119563]

The Government welcome the publication of the strategic safety review of Northern Ireland Railways. The extensive recommendations cover all aspects of the operation of the system and the Government are considering, with Translink, how best to target developments. A high level task force has been created to report as soon as possible on the options for the future of the railways in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures the Government will adopt to improve the railway service in Northern Ireland. [119562]

A task force has been established that will identify, within the wider strategic context of the future development of transportation in Northern Ireland, a range of options for the future of the railway network. It will look at the costs, benefits and affordability of these options. The task force is expected to present its assessment by the summer. The future level of funding for the railway system in Northern Ireland will be considered as part of the 2000 Spending Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors led to the decision to increase the remuneration for the Chairman of the Parades Commission, commencing with the February appointment of a new person to that post. [119831]

The decision was based on the need to secure as wide a pool of candidates as possible for the post.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations were made during his Department's review of the Parades Commission against changing more than half of the commissioners from the previous Commission when appointing the new Commission; and what such representations were made in the six months prior to the commissioners' appointment. [119842]

The composition of the Parades Commission was outside the terms of reference of the review, and no representations were received along the lines indicated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many times the full membership of the Parades Commission has met since the new members were appointed in February. [119841]

Since the appointment of the new members to the Parades Commission, the Chairman and six members have met on three occasions and a further 11 meetings have been attended by a quorum of at least three members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days the Chairman of the Parades Commission has spent in Northern Ireland since his appointment in February. [119832]

Between the 17 February and the 27 April 2000, the Chairman of the Parades Commission has visited Northern Ireland on 11 occasions, for a total of 20 days and 11 nights.