To ask the President of the Council what the Government's policy is on the release of the text of ministerial statements to Government backbenchers before the statement has been made, with particular reference to the oral statement on Defence procurement on 16 May 2000, Official Report, columns 149–51. [122932]

Ministerial statements are embargoed until the Minister has completed the statement. I have been advised that the Ministry of Defence did not release copies of the statement to Government backbenchers until my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State concluded his statement.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will make a statement on progress towards publishing the revised guidelines for Government call centres. [123273]

I am publishing the revised guidance to take into account significant new sections on Staffing Issues and Procurement. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House and on the Information Age Government website at www.iagchampions.gov.uk.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans the Government have to update the index to Civil Service guidance, Guidance on Guidance. [123275]

The Government has published today the directory of Civil Service Guidance. Copies are being distributed to Departments, and have been placed in the Libraries of the House. The Directory is also available on the internet at www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/guidance.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office which (a) individuals and (b) organisations she met during her recent US discussions concerning GM food and crops; what was discussed; and what action she plans to take following those meetings. [122512]

The Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Robert May, and I held a series of meetings on biotechnology in Washington on 1 and 2 May. We met US Government representatives, including Dan Glickman, US Secretary of State of Agriculture; Mike McCabe, Deputy Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency; and Sharon Smith Holston, Deputy Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration. We also met congressmen Dennis Kucinich and Calvin Dooley, representatives of interested non-governmental organisations and representatives from the Biotechnology Industry Organisation, in order to hear views from across the debate. In all these meetings I made clear the UK's commitment to a science-based approach to biotechnology which protects public health and the environment, explained developments in the biotechnology debate in the UK (including reform of our regulatory system and improved food labelling), and discussed American concerns in order to build a common understanding of the ways forward. As a result, in advance of the next G8 summit, we are taking forward discussions with G8 partners and developing countries on the recommendation of the OECD conference on GM food safety in Edinburgh for an international scientific advisory panel on GM food and environmental safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122263]

[holding answer 17 May 2000]: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not operate any vehicles directly but relies on the Government Car and Despatch Agency to supply official cars and drivers. The Royal Parks Agency operates 33 cars manufactured as shown in the table.

Manufactured	Cars	Commercial vehicle
In the UK	29	0
In the EU	1	0
Elsewhere>	3	0

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many applications for information he received under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many were granted. [121848]

[holding answer 18 May 2000]: I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 18 May 2000, Official Report, columns 216–17W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects to receive English Heritage's report on heritage policies; and what issues he expects to see covered. [123373]

I wrote to the Chairman of English Heritage on 17 May on behalf of myself and my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning, agreeing that the submission to Government of English Heritage's report on the review that it is leading of policies on the historic environment can be put back by two months to 30 November 2000. This extension acknowledges the view which has been expressed in some quarters that English Heritage requires more time to prepare public discussion papers, analyse the responses to those papers and work up its final report. The Government now intends to issue its own statement on the historic environment by mid March 2001. In addition to setting out a strategy and action programme for the immediate future, I have agreed that this first part of the review being conducted by English Heritage should extend to considering how relevant policies might be developed over the longer term. I am laying copies of my letter in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review the Police Negotiating Board and Police Advisory Board. [123375]

I have today written to the bodies represented on the Police Negotiating Board, and the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales, for comments on how we can improve the effectiveness with which these bodies carry out their functions. This is in accordance with sections 61 and 63 of the Police Act 1996, which provide that these bodies will be constituted in accordance with such arrangements, made after consultation with the relevant bodies, as appear to the Secretary of State to be satisfactory.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimated cost to date of the Burns Inquiry. [122830]

The approximate cost to date of the Burns Inquiry is £530,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if deafblind users of domiciliary care services were

Bed availability data for Worcester HA 1998–99
Trust type	Acute	Geriatric	Mental Illness	Learning Disabilities	Maternity	Total
Acute	543	127	0	0	78	748
Community	83	157	86	0	0	326
Multi-service	190	42	71	0	10	313
Worcester HA	816	326	157	0	88	1,387

In addition, 61 learning disability beds are provided to Worcester HA by North Warwickshire NHS Trust.

Deafblind organisations were not represented on the two groups developing standards but an organisation representing deaf people attended the user forum held in January this year. A draft version of the standards should be available for consultation later this year. The aim of the proposed regulatory framework for home care is that standards reflect the needs of all users of personal home care services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the consultation document on draft national minimum standards for domiciliary services will include standards relevant specifically to deafblind people, with particular reference to essential communicator-guide and intervenor services. [122790]

We are currently developing standards around the provision of home care, to be given force through the Care Standards Bill. We want these to reflect the needs of all users of personal home care services. Proper training and supervision for staff providing personal care will lie at the heart of the new regulatory arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 30 March regarding a constituent. [122935]

I replied to my hon. Friend on 18 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 2 May 2000, Official Report, column 44W, on hospital beds, if he will list the acute and community based beds available across Worcestershire broken down by the categories in paragraph 3.8.8 of annexe C of Sources, Notes and Definitions, Department of Health Statistical Bulletin NHS Hospital Activity Statistics. [121293]

Bed data are not available in the format requested. Bed availability is grouped by sector rather than by individual speciality.The request concerning acute and community beds requires classification of the trusts within Worcester health authority. Kidderminster Healthcare National Health Service Trust is not classified as acute or community but is included to complete data for Worcester health authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will answer the question tabled for answer on 4 May from the hon. Member for Ludlow (ref. 121293). [122838]

I replied to the hon. Member's question tabled on 4 May today.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the steps she is taking to (a) reduce and (b) cancel the bilateral debt of poor countries. [122587]

We have already cancelled our aid debts for all of the poorest countries, not just for countries who qualify for relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Their remaining bilateral debts to the UK are owed to the Export Credits Guarantee Department. These are being reduced under the enhanced HIPC Initiative. However, last December, it was announced that the UK will go further and provide 100 per cent. debt relief on all bilateral export credits for qualifying HIPC countries. This action will free up more resources in HIPC countries for investment in poverty reduction programmes.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Government will review the recommendation of the 1978 Royal Commission on Civil Liability and Compensation for Personal Injury on making a change in the law of tort so that parents of children who suffer brain damage following vaccination can take action for compensation on a balance of probabilities. [122912]

The Royal Commission recommended that the Government, or the local authority concerned, should be strictly liable in tort for severe damages suffered by anyone (adult or child) as a result of vaccination which has been recommended in the interests of the community. Following the work of the Commission, the Vaccine Damage Payments Scheme, which is administered by the Department of Social Security, was established in 1978. Under the scheme, one-off payments of £40,000 are made to people severely disabled by vaccination against certain diseases. The Government have no plans to make changes to the liability rules that apply to compensation claims through the courts for these cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the estimate of the gross cost to the Exchequer on an annual steady rate basis of paying parental leave at (a) full earnings, (b) 90 per cent., (c) 50 per cent. and (d) 30 per cent. of earnings replacement value assuming that the take up of (i) fathers is 100 per cent., and mothers is 100 per cent. and (ii) fathers is 50 per cent., and mothers is 90 per cent. [120393]

Estimates of the annual costs to the Exchequer of paid parental leave for each of these options are set out in the table.

£million
Assume rate of payment	Case (i) Mothers 100% Fathers 100%	Case (ii) Mothers 90% Fathers 50%
Full earnings replacement	3,440	2,050
90 per cent.1	3,095	1,845
50 per cent.1	1,720	1,025
30 per cent.1	1,035	615
1Earnings replacement

The assumptions on which these calculations have been made are:1 That the Exchequer meets the full costs of the paid parental leave.2. That the 13 weeks of parental leave are spread evenly over the first five years of the child's life.3. That every parent has only one child in the age group.4. That no qualifying periods by length of service are taken into account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to reply to the Third report from the Education and Employment Committee, Session 1999–2000, HC297, the Draft Part-time Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000. [122478]

[holding answer 16 May 2000]: The Government's response was sent to the Clerk of the Committee on 18 May 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the cost of increasing the statutory paid holiday from three weeks to four weeks; and how many workers have benefited. [122604]

[holding answer 18 May 2000]: The estimated cost of the increase in the paid annual leave entitlement to four weeks, on 23 November 1999 as required by the Working Time Directive, was £0.4 billion per annum. It is further estimated that the rise benefited 3.1 million employees. A full Regulatory Impact Assessment is held in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications for information he received under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many were granted. [121847]

[holding answer 18 May 2000]: I refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 18 May 2000, Official Report, columns 216–17W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the POST report number 136, published in April, entitled "Cleaning Up? Stimulating Innovation in Environmental Technology", and what use his Department's Joint Environmental Market Unit plans to make of the report. [122815]

I believe that the report provides a good and balanced review of the issues surrounding the importance of stimulating innovation in the field of environmental technologies. As it has only just been published, my Department, including the Joint Environmental Markets Unit, has not yet been able to discuss with others how best to take forward the recommendations in the report, but it will do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to provide help and support to Wilton Research and Technical Centre on Teesside. [122985]

The Department of Trade and Industry is aware of the importance of the Wilton Centre as an integral part of the chemical cluster in the North-East. We look forward to seeing the outcome of the current consideration by the Regional Development Agency and others of its future development. My hon. Friend the Minister for Competitiveness plans to visit the Wilton Centre during a tour of Teesside on 15 June to hear more about these plans and the scope for DTI involvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Ministerial Group to promote technology clusters. [122986]

Since the Government announced its intention to review clusters policy in November 1999, it has commissioned a mapping study, to be completed by June, of existing cluster activity to inform the work of a new Clusters Policy Steering Group (CPSG) chaired by my noble Friend the Minister for Science. Membership of this group includes other Ministers, RDAs, the private sector, the CBI, TUC, academia, local government and cluster experts. The Group has an open remit to look at all aspects of cluster-related activity and recommended to Cabinet new policy initiatives intended to remove any barriers to the growth and the development of clusters. The Group will look at all cluster activity and will not concern itself exclusively with technology clusters. It will nevertheless take due account of the recommendations made by my noble Friend the Minister for Science's separate group which looked at bio-technology clusters and reported in August 1999.

To ask the Prime Minister what mechanism exists for Parliament to hold to account Ministers who have breached the Ministerial Code. [120641]

[holding answer 4 May 2000]: As the Ministerial Code makes clear, Ministers are accountable to Parliament for their decisions and actions. It is for Parliament to determine how it holds Ministers to account.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his responsibilities for ensuring the compliance of Ministers with the Ministerial Code of Conduct. [121273]

[holding answer 8 May 2000]: The Ministerial Code itself sets out the responsibilities of individual Ministers and of the Prime Minister.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the Ministers who are in receipt of financial support from a trade union, indicating the nature of that support. [121209]

[holding answer 8 May 2000]: The information requested is not held centrally. There is no requirement for Ministers to inform me of the handling of their private interests.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) which Minister in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has been invited to reply to the letter sent to him on 5 April by the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells concerning the Ministerial Code; and when a reply will be sent; [121201](2) pursuant to his answer of 4 April 2000,

[holding answer 8 May 2000]: I replied to the hon. Member on 17 May. A copy of my reply has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received from the European Federation of Retired and Elderly Persons on (a) the forthcoming Intergovernmental Conference and (b) developments in European Union policy since 1997. [121502]

The Government are in regular contact with a wide range of non-governmental organisations on European issues. I last received representations from the European Federation of Retired and Elderly Persons in a letter of 28 February on the IGC. My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, replied to this letter on my behalf on 11 May.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Government's policy in respect of a ban on hunting with hounds. [122528]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Worcester (Mr. Foster) on 11 November 1999, Official Report, columns 787–88W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the annual running costs of HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid. [121702]

The average annual running costs for HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid (in her present standby role) are approximately £24.66 million and £2.61 million respectively. This includes repairs and maintenance, manpower, fuel and other costs (such as port and harbour dues) where applicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when and where the first two Type 45 destroyers will commence construction; and what will be their in-service dates. [122465]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the development of an advanced amphibious assault vehicle; and if he will make a statement. [122377]

While we continue to keep our amphibious requirements under review, we have no plans at present to develop an advanced amphibious assault vehicle capability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the (a) timescale for the delivery and (b) total cost of the contract for the support system for the Rapier FS132 surface-to-air missile system; if the contract was for a fixed price; and if he will make a statement. [122376]

The Rapier FSB2 surface-to-air missile system came into service in 1988. A contract for the support of the Rapier FSB2 system was signed with Matra British Aerospace (MBD) on 1 April 2000. Under the contract MBD will assume responsibility from MOD for the management, storage, repair and distribution of Rapier FSB2 spares until 2006–07 when the FSB2 goes out of service. The transfer of responsibility will take 12 months as the new arrangements are put in place. The contract was let for a maximum price of approximately £24 million (including VAT) and includes an incentive arrangement whereby any savings made by MBD are shared with MOD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May 2000, Official Report, column 390W, if the eggs referred to as being of British origin were laid in the United Kingdom. [122741]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what compensation has been given to civilian dockyard workers for work-related asbestosis at Millbay Dock, Plymouth, in the last 10 years. [122693]

No work-related compensation has been paid by the Ministry of Defence in respect of workers at Millbay Docks, Plymouth, as these Docks are not, and never have been, the responsibility of the Ministry of Defence or the Royal Navy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the Government's policy on Operation Danish Bacon; and if he will make a statement. [122700]

[holding answer 18 May 2000]: UK participation in Surgical Training Exercises in Denmark was suspended in 1998 and an internal review of MOD surgical training methods was set in hand. As a result of that review, an independent study by eminent representatives from appropriate fields was commissioned. They investigated the suitability and effectiveness of other training methods and witnessed a complete Surgical Training Exercise. The study team were satisfied that the treatment of the animals was entirely humane and appropriate steps were taken to avoid suffering during all phases of the exercises. They could identify no equally effective alternative to the use of live animal models in order to prepare our surgical teams for the treatment of trauma under battlefield conditions. They concluded that to ensure the best possible treatment for injured Service personnel and civilians during conflict, it is entirely appropriate and necessary for our military surgical teams to resume participation in the Surgical Training Exercises. On the basis of this advice, we have decided that UK participation in the Danish Surgical Training Exercises should resume when we are invited.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many applications for information he received under the Open Government: Code of Practice on Access to Government Information in the last parliamentary session; and how many were granted. [121850]

[holding answer 18 May 2000]: I refer my right hon. Friend to the answer given to him on 18 May 2000, Official Report, columns 216–17W by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what performance targets have been set for the Pay and Personnel Agency for 2000–01. [123431]

The Chief Executive of the Pay and Personnel Agency (PPA) is responsible for providing pay and personnel information services for the Ministry of Defence as defined in the agency framework document. During 2000–01 the PPA will be set the following challenging key performance targets:

1. To make 100 per cent. of all payments to staff by the due date (excluding late payments caused by invalid claims or late notification outside the control of the Agency).

2. To keep error rates within the following limits:

• 6 per 1,000 payments of weekly industrial pay
• 6 per 1,000 payments of monthly non-industrial pay
• 20 per 1,000 awards of pension
• 15 per 1,000 payments of expenses

3. By 31 March 2001 to demonstrate a 3 per cent. increase in customer satisfaction.

4. To meet the Department's requirement for implementing agreed pay and grading changes.

5. By 31 March 2001 to complete training of 100 per cent. of all staff in leadership or change management or customer service as appropriate.

6. To establish "centre of excellence" operations for pensions administration by 31 March 2001.

7. To deliver the financial objectives resulting from the PPA Efficiency Review and included in the Agency's service level agreement with the owner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Government's policy is on identifying fraud in procurement contracts; what safeguards exist to protect against fraud; and what steps have been taken as part of the Smart Procurement initiative to combat fraud. [122754]

The MOD adopts a 'zero tolerance' policy on all types of fraud and following Treasury guidance seeks to reduce risk, including that applying to procurement contracts, through effective controls and prompt investigation. Safeguards created to deter procurement fraud, including collusion and corruption, cover separation of duties, rotation of staff, hospitality books and quality checks. Good procurement practices are employed, such as effective competition, avoidance where possible of single source 'cost plus' arrangements, providing clear specifications, avoiding changes to requirement after contract award and authorising payment only when requirements have been met. These safeguards also naturally apply to the Smart Procurement process during the introduction of which the amount of fraud awareness training to procurement staff increased. Moreover, full guidance on fraud deterrence and detection is now available to all procurement staff on internal electronic mail systems as part of a Project Manager's toolkit. These specialist aspects of the procurement process are part of a wider range of fraud deterrence initiatives already in place or about to be introduced, including the creation in February 1999 of a Defence Fraud Analysis Unit. This unit now acts as the focus for MOD fraud matters including the promotion of risk awareness and uses the latest data mining and fraud detection techniques in a proactive response to fraud risk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in the past five years his Department has investigated allegations of fraud in procurement contracts; on how many occasions allegations were upheld; and on how many occasions prosecution followed, indicating in each case the contract and project concerned. [122755]

I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the (a) armoured vehicles and (b) helicopters (i) in service and (ii) shortly to enter service in the armed forces which (A) the C17 can carry, (B) the A400M can carry, (C) the C130J can carry and (D) none of the above can carry; and in the case of helicopters if he will specify in each case whether carriage requires partial dismantling. [122914]

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 if the Airbus A400M is the preferred supplier for the long-term strategic heavy lift aircraft. [122933]

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made to the House on Tuesday 16 May in which I announced the Government's intention to procure 25 A400M aircraft, to be developed and produced by Airbus Military Company, to meet the strategic airlift needs of our armed forces in the medium to long-term.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that, for future years, the Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls includes full information on the number and type of weapons exported. [121925]

I have been asked to reply.We are considering the content and format of future Annual Reports in the light of comments on the first two Reports, in particular the joint Report by the Defence, Foreign Affairs, International Development and Trade and Industry Committees, to which the Government will respond as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list for each (a) area-based and (b) other regeneration-related initiative

£ million
Outturn		Estimated outturn		Forecast budget
	FY 1997–98	FY 1998–99	FY 1999–2001	FY 2000–01	FY 2001–02
Education Action Zones (Rounds 1 and 2)	—	10.2	29.2	50.0	60.0
Employment Zones (prototypes from 1998–2000—fully fledged from 2000–02)	1.0	5.0	16.0	56.0	56.0
Neighbourhood Support Fund	—	—	20.0	20.0	20.0
Sure Start1	—	—	219.0	184.0	184.0
Excellence in Cities	—	—	32.0	200.0	3—
Early Excellence Centres	0.12	1.9	4.1	10.0	10.0
Early Years Nursery Education Grant funding for education places for three-year-olds	—	—	38.0	110.0	250.0
New Start	0.93	3.85	5.6	5.0	4—
Millennium Volunteers5	—	0.4	4.0	15.0	15.0
Community Champions	—	—	0.46	1.0	—
Adult and Community Learning Fund	—	65.46	6.1	6.5	5.0
New Deal for Schools7	78.077	223.710	282.355	500.400	293.400
1Sure Start is a cross-departmental programme, which is overseen by a steering group involving Ministers from the Departments of Education and Employment, Health, Social Security, Environment, Transport and the Regions, Culture, Media and Sport and the Home Office, the Lord Chancellor's Department and the Treasury.
2Spending in the first year was lower than originally planned; the underspend will be carried forward and used to meet the costs of programme activity in future years.
3The final figure for the third year of this initiative is dependent on the Year 2000 Review.
4To be decided in the light of the phased introduction of the Connexions Service which will build on the New Start partnership working from April 2001.
5These figures do not include a total of £12.75 million from the Windfall Tax which has been made available as start-up funding for the programme in England over the lifetime of this Parliament.
6This figure includes £3.27 million on Laptop Programme for Adult and Community Learning Tutors.
7These are total funding figures. A substantial proportion is spent in schools serving disadvantaged areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what estimate he has made of the number of schools that are operating with a budget deficit; [122719]

[holding answer 20 April 2000]: The Department's aim is

to give everyone the chance, through education, training and work to realise their full potential and thus build an inclusive and fair society and a competitive economy.

To achieve that, programmes must reach and impact effectively on people who are suffering from disadvantage. While not directly focused on regenerating deprived areas, DfEE initiatives offer crucial support for those individuals most affected by deprivation. The steps which the Department is taking to widen participation in learning, particularly targeting those who traditionally drop out or have low levels of achievement, will also contribute to the regeneration of local areas. These include Excellence in Cities, piloting Education Maintenance Allowances and introducing the Connexions Service. In addition a substantial proportion of New Deal For Schools funding benefits schools in disadvantaged areas. We have also made available £16 million for improving the quality and developing the range of adult basic skills provision in 1999–2000 and 2000–01.The table includes sums already expended and planned budgets for the current and next financial years for those initiatives which could most easily be described as

Returns received from 145 of the 150 Local Education Authorities in England show that of 21,542 schools in those Authorities, 2,470 schools reported a budget deficit at 31 March 1999, leaving 19,072 without deficit. At 31 March 1998, schools in deficit numbered 2,753.While it is not possible to give a definitive answer on the cause of deficits, it is clear that historic underfunding has led schools to attempt to protect services in the anticipation of the kind of improved funding which is in evidence in the current financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the key buildings for which his Department (a) submitted and (b) did not submit green transport plans by March. [122620]

[holding answer 18 May 2000]: By the end of March 2000, Effective Travel Plans had been submitted for all the Department's main buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on his plans for the location of the local arm of the Learning and Skills Council in West London. [123402]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has decided that the local arm of the West London Learning and Skills Council (LSC) should initially be located in Hounslow. In taking this decision he has taken into account the suitability and availability of premises in other West London locations as well as the need to get best value for money. My noble Friend the Minister of State has written to the hon. Members whose constituencies are in West London, and copies of the letter have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what weaknesses were found by the Ofsted inspection agency in the Ofsted inspection carried out at Middlefield primary school; and if a teacher was criticised during the inspection in front of pupils. [122936]

These are matters for Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, Chris Woodhead, and I am satisfied that they have been fully investigated by Ofsted. I have asked the Chief Inspector to write to my hon. Friend and to place a copy of his letter in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to encourage schools and local education authorities to participate in the Holocaust Education Day in January 2001. [122835]

We are contributing fully to the Government's general programme of support for Holocaust Memorial Day, on 27 January. We are working with a range of organisations involved in holocaust education to develop educational materials for schools, youth and community groups and local education authorities. In June this year we will issue a resource pack for schools which will show how holocaust education can be built into the programmes of study for History at Key Stage 3 and identify connections with other areas of the curriculum, including Citizenship. We will also encourage schools to hold special events, for example, special school assemblies, poetry readings, workshops and seminars.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his speech to the Child Poverty Action Group on 15 May, if he will disaggregate the £7 billion additional spending in 2001 relative to 1997 on children's financial support. [122983]

I refer my right hon. Friend to Chart 5.2 in the March 2000 Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report, HC 346.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis he made the statement that many poorer families are now £50 per week better off in his recent speech to the Child Poverty Action Group. [122836]

I refer my right hon. Friend to paragraph 1.31 of the EFSR which stated that "By 2001, when personal tax and benefit changes measures from this and previous Budgets have come into effect—a single-earner family with two children earning £12,500 a year will be £2,600 a year or £50 a week better off".

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the measurement he used to determine which children live in poverty when he described Government policies as having taken more than one million children out of poverty in his speech to the Child Poverty Action Group on 15 May. [122981]

The estimate that 1.2 million children will be lifted out of poverty is based upon the number of children in low-income families who will no longer be living in households below 60 per cent. of median income after the combined effect of the personal tax and benefit changes announced in the four Budgets since May 1997. The calculation includes those households classified as self-employed and measures income after allowing for housing costs, as explained in Box 5.1 of the March 2000 Economic and Fiscal Strategy Report, HC 346. Consistent with the indicators chosen in "Opportunity for all", Box 5.1 also presents estimates of the number of children lifted above a number of low-income thresholds.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the basis of the calculation made in his speech to the Child Poverty Action Group on 15 May that the poorest 20 per cent. of families receive 50 per cent. of the additional £7 billion per year spent on children's financial support. [122982]

This calculation is based on analysis of the distributional impact of the main children's measures announced by the Government. The analysis is consistent with the chart in Box 5.1 of the EFSR. The measures included are the introduction of and increases in the Working Families Tax Credit, increases in Child Benefit and the child premia in income-related benefits, and the new Children's Tax Credit. The estimates are based on data from the Family Expenditure Surveys from 1996–98 uprated to estimated 2000–01 levels of prices and earnings.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to review the composite rate of VAT on equipment supplied to the visually impaired; [122937](2) when he expects to report on the review of VAT in relation to disability equipment; [R] [122931](3) what regional variations exist in the application of VAT to disability equipment. [122938]

Customs and Excise have looked at the application of the composite rate of VAT on equipment supplied to the visually impaired, but there are no plans to change this concession. There has been no broader review of VAT relief on disability equipment.Customs are unaware of regional variations in the application of VAT to disability equipment, but would be glad to look into this if cases are drawn to their attention.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the (a) total and (b) forecast level of expenditure on the Working Families Tax Credit; how many families have claimed the Working Families Tax Credit; and what estimate he has made of the projected number of claimants on a year by year basis; [122601](2) what is the

[holding answers 18 May 2000]: The total expenditure on Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) and the Disabled Persons Tax Credit (DPTC) in 1999–2000, and the Budget projections of expenditure on these credits for 2000–01 and 2001–02, are shown at Table C 12 of the March 2000 Financial Statement and Budget Report. Most of this relates to WFTC. Up to the end of March 2000 there had been 1,030,200 awards made of the WFTC.It is estimated that the extra expenditure in 2000–01 due to the childcare tax credit element of WFTC will be about £200 million, and that about 125,000 families will benefit. Projected figures for other years are not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate (a) the retail value of goods purchased and (b) the tax, broken down between excise duty and VAT, lost through (i) cross-border shipping and (ii) cross-border smuggling of (1) alcohol products and (2) tobacco products for each year since 1996. [119217]

[holding answer 14 April 2000]: The tables show the revenue lost through cross-border shopping and cross-Channel smuggling, and the estimated retail value of equivalent goods bought through legitimate UK retail outlets. Cross-border shopping estimates for 1999 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he consulted the Permanent Secretary at his Department about his controlled rent tenancy of a flat owned by the RMT, in accordance with paragraph 123 of the Ministerial Code. [120586]

[holding answer 4 May 2000]: It has been the practice of successive Administrations not to disclose information relating to internal opinion, advice, recommendation, consultation and deliberation, consistent with Section 2 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the (i) executive agencies, (ii) non-departmental public bodies and (iii) local public spending bodies within his Department's remit and (b) the contractors employed by his Department whose work (1) has been transferred since 1992 and (2) is planned to be transferred in the next 12 months (y) to and (z) from the Northern Region. [121052]

The executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies which fall within the Department's remit are listed. The only local public spending bodies which fall within the Department's remit are registered social landlords (RSLs). There are approximately 2,100 RSLs, which are registered with the Housing Corporation. These are listed in the Housing Corporation's "Directory of Registered Social Landlords 2000", a copy of which is in the House Library. No executive agencies or non-departmental public bodies have been transferred from the Northern Region since 1992 or are planned to be transferred in the next 12 months. Information on local public spending bodies could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.The information requested on contractors is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Tunbridge Wells to the Prime Minister of 13 March regarding enforcement of the Ministerial Code, which has been passed to him for reply. [121210]

[holding answer 8 May 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister today (PQ121212), Official Report, column 286W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has made in the past six months to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about reducing the level of value added tax levied on building renovations and conversions; what plans he has to make such representations in the next six months; and if he will make a statement. [122100]

The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on many issues throughout the year. These discussions are confidential. Final decisions on taxation are a matter for the Chancellor. The Secretary of State has no plans to make a statement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects new rolling stock to be introduced by Northern Spirit on the Skipton to Leeds line; and if he will make a statement. [122740]

It is anticipated that new rolling stock will be operating on the Skipton to Leeds line by the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of his review of the Motor Insurers Bureau agreements. [122810]

The Uninsured Drivers Agreement is subject to a Judicial Review as a result of an application by the Motor Accident Solicitors Society. When the result of that is known we will be considering whether any changes are necessary. A consultation exercise on proposals to amend the separate Untraced Drivers Agreement will start in the next few days. We shall be consulting widely among representatives of the legal profession, consumer groups and the motor insurance industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will estimate the total of housing debt owed by local authorities; [123015](2) if he will estimate the total of housing debt owed by local authorities in Great Britain. [123014]

Local authorities manage their debt corporately so there are no separate figures for debt in respect of housing. We do, however, make estimates of notional housing debt for the purposes of revenue subsidy calculations. The England total estimated housing debt for subsidy purposes for 2000–01 is £19.3 billion. With regard to these matters in Scotland and Wales, the responsibility has been passed to the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the limits on the weight of fireworks which may be stored at private premises and the length of time they may be so stored. [R] [122631]

The Health and Safety Executive is in the advanced stages of a review of the legal controls on the manufacture and storage of fireworks and other explosives. This includes a review of limits on the storage of fireworks in private premises. The Health and Safety Commission plans to consult publicly on its proposals towards the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent assessment has been carried out by his Department of the proximity of the locations of storage and manufacture of fireworks and explosives to private dwellings. [R] [122624]

The Health and Safety Executive is in the advanced stages of a review of the legal controls on the manufacture and storage of explosives, including fireworks. This includes a thorough and expert re-examination of the distances currently specified for separation from inhabited buildings, and related work on the location of existing sites. The Health and Safety Commission plans to consult publicly on its proposals towards the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if there is an exemption order for the fleet of new Class 168/1 trains to be introduced into service by Chiltern Railways Ltd. in respect of any of the provisions of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998; and if he will make a statement. [123276]

As my predecessor explained in her answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, East (Mr. McNulty) on 9 March 1999, Official Report, column 167W, we are expecting to receive a number of exemption applications from train operating companies whose designs for new rail vehicles were well advanced prior to the 1998 Regulations coming into force.We have received an application from Chiltern Railways Ltd. relating to the new Class 168/1 trains they wish to introduce into service. The exemptions have been discussed with our statutory advisers the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. An exemption order relating to the exemption of these trains has been laid in Parliament today.The exemptions will not prevent disabled people from using the new trains. Indeed, we believe that their introduction will make a significant contribution to improving mobility opportunities for disabled people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will second staff to work for the Government Joint Environmental Markets Unit. [121490]

We have agreed FCO funding for an initial six month secondment to DTI/DETR's Joint Environmental Markets Unit (JEMU). We are currently discussing with JEMU specific opportunities for later this year and are in the process of identifying suitable officers for secondment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the benefits of reconvening the conference which led to the Treaty of Montreux to reconsider the provisions of that Treaty. [121473]

The UK keeps all Treaties to which it is a signatory under review. We do not believe there is a need for changes to the Montreux Convention at present. No other party to the Convention has asked for the conference to be reconvened.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the grounds on which the United Kingdom breaks off diplomatic relations with other countries. [122476]

The establishment of diplomatic relations between States takes place by mutual consent, and if either State withdraws that consent diplomatic relations are broken. There are no legal limitations on the right of a State to break diplomatic relations with another, but the action is now almost invariably taken for political reasons. A break in diplomatic relations often follows a sequence of reciprocal or retaliatory moves between two States to downgrade their relations or a collective political decision by a number of States directed against another State whose conduct is regarded as unacceptable. The reasons for the United Kingdom deciding to break off diplomatic relations in any particular instance depend very much on the circumstances of each case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Turkish Government regarding the case of Abdullah Ocalan; and if he will make a statement. [122382]

I refer to my reply to my hon. Friend on 17 April 2000, Official Report, column 395W.The conviction and sentencing of Mr. Ocalan are principally a matter for the Turkish courts. When the opportunity arises, we continue to make clear to the Turkish authorities our opposition to the death penalty as a matter of principle.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the (a) meetings attended and (b) people met by Sir David Hannay since 1 January in relation to Cyprus. [122383]

Sir David Hannay is in regular contact with all those interested in a settlement of the Cyprus problem.During the period in question, Sir David attended the second round of UN proximity talks in Geneva from 31 January to 8 February, in the course of which he had numerous contacts with all those present (including the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, the UN Secretary-General and his Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, representatives of the Greek and Turkish Governments and representatives of other Permanent Members of the Security Council, of other EU member states and of the European Commission).Sir David visited Cyprus on 13–15 March, when he held discussions with the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders. He is planning to re-visit Cyprus in early June.Sir David has also visited New York twice for discussions with the UN Secretary-General and his Special Adviser on Cyprus: Brussels for discussion with the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, and the Commissioner for Enlargement, Gunter Verheugen, and Commission officials; Strasbourg for discussions with Jacques Poos, European Parliament Rapporteur on Cyprus, and other members of the European Parliament; Lisbon for discussion with the Portuguese EU Presidency; Paris for discussion with the incoming French EU Presidency; Athens (twice) for discussion with representatives of the Greek Government; and Ankara for discussion with representatives of the Turkish Government.Sir David also attended the call by President Clerides on the Prime Minister on 10 April and the call by Cyprus Foreign Minister Cassoulides on the Foreign Secretary on 16 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he proposes to have with the Government of Turkey prior to the next round of talks on Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [122372]

We are in regular contact with the Government of Turkey on the UN Cyprus process and will remain so. We continue to urge Turkey, and all those with an interest in the Cyprus settlement process, to continue to cooperate with the UN Secretary General in a constructive and flexible manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Bosniac refugees have returned to Zepa and Srebrenica since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. [122316]

Since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement in November 1995, there have been 15 Bosniac returns to the town of Zepa, and 123 Bosniac returns to the Zepa municipality. There has been one Bosniac return to Srebrenica.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what final date has been set for the Kosovo municipal elections. [122315]

No final date has been set for Kosovo's municipal elections. However, they are expected to take place in the autumn of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of pre-war Bosniac inhabitants have returned to Eastern Bosnia since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. [122313]

The UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) do not have on record any figures for the percentage of Bosniac returns to Eastern Bosnia. However since the signing of the Dayton agreement in November 1995, 247,228 Bosniacs have returned to the Federation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Serb refugees have returned to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. [122317]

There have been no significant outflows of ethnic Serb refugees from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) during the last decade.UNHCR figures put the number of Serb refugee returns to Bosnia and Herzegovina since 1 January 1996 (shortly after the Dayton agreement) at 33,470.According to UNHCR statistics, there were 200,900 refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and 296,600 refugees from Croatia present in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) at the end of 1998 (the latest figures available). In addition the number of internally displaced persons from Kosovo present in other parts of the FRY has been estimated provisionally at 180,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Bosniac and Croat refugees have returned to the territory described as Republika Sprska since the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement. [122319]

UNHCR figures state that between 1 January 1996 and 31 March 2000, there were 2,729 Bosniac returns and 1,021 Croat returns to Republika Sprska. (The General Framework Agreement for Peace was signed at Dayton in November 1995).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress in establishing an effective judiciary in Kosovo. [122314]

The development of an effective judiciary remains a matter of priority for the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). In addition to the recruitment of local judges and prosecutors, the UN has asked the international community to consider seconding legal professionals of their own. We have received a number of registrations of interest from prosecutors and are seeking to identify judges for short-term detachments to Kosovo to work with UNMIK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress in preparations in advance of municipal elections in Kosovo, of regulations to define the function, powers and terms of, and limitations on, the municipal offices there; and what stage has been reached in the approval of these regulations by the UN. [122318]

The Secretary General's Special Representative in Kosovo, Bernard Kouchner, is, with the co-operation of the Council of Europe, in the process of preparing a draft regulation entitled "Self-Government of Municipalities in Kosovo" which will set out the status, responsibilities and powers of Kosovo's municipalities. The document is in its second draft and is subject to continuing discussion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress in the electoral registration of Kosovar Serbs resident in Serbia. [122312]

Registration for the forthcoming municipal elections in Kosovo is the responsibility of the Joint Registration Task Force (JRTF) of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is handling out-of-area registration on behalf of the JRTF.The JRTF is making strenuous efforts to ensure that displaced Kosovo Serbs are able to register. Three registration centres have been set up inside Kosovo, close to the internal boundary with Serbia for those Serbs wishing to register.The task will be all the easier if Belgrade agrees to the registration process, which so far it has not. UNMIK are hoping however that Belgrade can be persuaded to give its agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how associate members and associate partners of the WEU will participate in European Union decisions and actions in the framework of the European Security and Defence Policy. [122321]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer he received on 16 May 2000, Official Report, columns 112–13W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the WEU Assembly. [122322]

The question of parliamentary oversight of European defence is one we must get right in putting into practice the new defence arrangements within the EU. We are still considering the options.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the WEU Assembly proposal to transform the Assembly into a European Security and Defence Assembly. [122320]

The WEU Assembly's Lisbon Initiative has made an important contribution to the discussion of the appropriate parliamentary framework to support the new defence structures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government's policy is on encouraging another country to offer Jonas Savimbi political asylum and immunity from arrest. [122443]

We have not at this stage encouraged any country to offer Savimbi political asylum or immunity from arrest. We do, however, regard Savimbi as the major obstacle to a resolution to the conflict in Angola.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the EU' s policy on the eligibility of Tunisia, Morocco and Libya for membership of the European Union. [122446]

Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union sets out the eligibility criteria for membership of the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 April 2000, Official Report, column 414W, on entry waiting times, what plans he has to reduce the waiting times in each queue for entry to the United Kingdom in Islamabad and Dhaka. [122576]

The High Commission in Islamabad has made good progress this year in reducing waiting times. The Post now has a full complement of entry clearance staff, which will be supplemented by additional temporary staff during the busy summer season. New reception arrangements, about to be introduced, should speed the processing of applicants. A high level review team will visit the Post in June to consider working practices.In Dhaka, one entry clearance officer vacancy is being filled, and two additional entry clearance officer slots have been created. Dhaka will also receive temporary seasonal relief staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what price was realised by the sale of the Ambassador's Residence in Dublin; and what proportion of this sum has so far been paid. [122954]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Greenock and Inverclyde (Dr. Godman) on 5 May 2000, Official Report, column 239W, in respect of the Diplomatic estate in Dublin. Because they are sensitive, it is not our policy to reveal details of price and other terms agreed in such transactions.I will write to the hon. Member shortly about this matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, further to the answer of 11 April 2000, Official Report, column 112W, on Mr. Richard Hudson, whether drivers working on behalf of KFOR other than Mr. Hudson have been prosecuted for (a) road traffic offences and (b) other offences in Macedonia; and if NATO has offered assistance in their cases.[121577]

I have been asked to reply.Aside from Mr. Richard Hudson, we are not aware of any cases of civilian contractors (British or otherwise) working for KFOR being charged with any criminal offences by the authorities of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.Mr. Hudson was working for a company contracted by the British armed forces in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He was not directly employed by NATO or by KFOR.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Valuation and Lands Agency in 2000–01. [123403]

For 2000–01 the following key performance targets have been set for the Agency:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to publish details of the targets for the Northern Ireland Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement. [123404]

The Northern Ireland Child Support Agency will publish its 2000–01 Strategic and Business Plan today. Copies will be placed in the Library.The targets that I have set for the Child Support Agency for 2000–01 are set out:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for Construction Service in 2000–01. [123405]

For 2000–01, the following performance targets have been set for Construction Service:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for 2000–01 for the Northern Ireland Health and Social Services Estates Agency. [123406]

The targets which have been set for 2000–01 are based on the corporate aims and objectives of the Agency as set out in Section 5 of its Corporate and Business Plan. The targets are in line with the Government's policy of seeking to improve the service provided to clients in terms of both quality and value for money, and I am satisfied that they present a demanding challenge for the Agency. A copy of the Corporate and Business Plan will be placed in the Library.The targets are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what performance targets have been set for the Land Registers of Northern Ireland in 2000–01. [123407]

For 2000–01, the following performance targets have been set for LRNI:

1. To achieve a customer satisfaction rate, measured against complaints, of at least 98.5 per cent.

2. To achieve a registration accuracy rate of at least 98.5 per cent.

3. To process regular Land Registry dealings in an average of 20 days.

4. To process regular Registry of Deeds dealings in an average of 10 days.

5. To process regular Statutory Charges Registry dealings in an average of 15 days.

6. To process pre-completion land information applications in an average of five days.

7. To achieve a weighted unit cost target of £22.3 (net of PFI costs) and £31.5 (inclusive of PFI costs).

8. To process 130 application units per member of staff per month.

9. To cover Agency costs out of fee income.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those sub-post offices that (a) he and (b) other Ministers have visited since May 1997. [121626]

Department of Trade and Industry Ministers exercise Government responsibility for sub-post offices. Accordingly, neither I nor any of the Ministers have visited sub-post offices in an official capacity. However, like the rest of the population, we all make regular use of sub-post offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the level of financial support that the Benefits Agency gives towards burial costs. [122323]