To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reform the law relating to involuntary manslaughter, and in particular corporate manslaughter; and if he will make a statement. [123518]

I have today issued a consultation document containing the Government's proposals on how the law on involuntary manslaughter might be reformed. The paper accepts and builds on the Law Commission's proposals contained in their report number 237, "Legislating the Criminal Code: Involuntary Manslaughter".Copies of the consultation document have been placed in the Library.This is an important document dealing with a complex area of the law, but one which most commentators accept is in need of reform. The Government are deeply indebted to the Law Commission, not only for the detailed consideration they gave to this subject in their report number 237, but for their continuing help by participating in the inter-departmental working group we set up to consider their proposals.The consultation document concentrates on those areas of the Law Commission's proposals which are more contentious or where, for the reasons set out in the document, we have taken a different view from the Law Commission. In a number of areas we have not come to any conclusion but are seeking comments on possible options.We wish to clarify and rationalise the existing law relating to individual involuntary homicide and we agree with the Law Commission that the law relating to corporate liability for involuntary manslaughter is in need of radical reform. Our proposals in this respect raise important and difficult issues of policy, principle and practice.I would urge all those who are concerned about the reform of the law on involuntary manslaughter to read this paper and respond to it.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish the criminal justice system business plan. [123711]

My right hon. and noble Friends the Attorney-General, Lord Williams of Mostyn QC, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg, and I will today be publishing jointly a Business Plan for the criminal justice system in England and Wales 2000–01.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will announce the results of the consultation process on the design of a pilot study for financial bonds for visitors under sections 16 and 17 of the Immigration and Asylum Act. [123712]

I have today placed in the Library a detailed analysis of responses to our recent consultation paper on bonds for visitors, together with an analysis of responses to this proposal in the 1998 White Paper on Immigration and Asylum. I am grateful to all those who responded to our consultation document. We have taken full account of their views, and of the many other representations made to us, in considering how the pilot study should run.The pilot study on financial bonds will begin in October at two posts overseas, Manila and Casablanca. It will run for six months, followed by a further six months to monitor departure from the United Kingdom, and a further brief period for analysis of the results.The scheme is intended to enable more people to visit the United Kingdom by providing an additional facility to prospective visitors in borderline cases where their intention to return is in doubt. It will enable a British Citizen or overseas national settled in the United Kingdom who is a family member to provide a financial bond, in the form of a cash payment in advance, as an additional guarantee that the visitor will leave the United Kingdom at the end of their stay. The scheme will be open only to those seeking to visit close family members in the United Kingdom. The amount of the bond will be set at £3,000. The bond will be returned when the visitor leaves the United Kingdom.We shall monitor the scheme closely to ensure that it operates fairly, effectively and swiftly. We shall make available our analysis of the operation of the pilot study when it is complete.Further details about how the scheme will operate will be provided nearer the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines exist in respect of the use of DNA from pets for future cloning purposes; and if he will make a statement. [122920]

The cloning of a pet animal would not be a permissible purpose under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 which the Home Office operates. There are, therefore, no guidelines for the use of DNA from companion animals for cloning purposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many teaching staff have been employed in prisons and other custodial institutions in each of the last five years. [123496]

Prison education is contracted out. The Prison Service purchases and measures education in terms of teaching hours rather than numbers of teaching staff. The number of teaching hours purchased in each of the last five years is given in the table.

Financial year	Teaching hours bought
1995–96	1,245,580
1996–97	1,169,717
1997–98	1,117,241
1998–99	1,213,562
1999–2000	1,354,165

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the procedure is for prisoners receiving educational publications from relatives. [123492]

Educational publications for prisoners, such as books or periodicals, can either be left at reception, brought in on visits or sent in by post. These would be checked by prison staff before being passed on to the prisoner.The governor of each establishment has the discretion to restrict the handing or sending in of any item of property. If the governor of an establishment restricts the handing or sending in of property which prisoners may normally have in their possession, facilities will be made available for prisoners to purchase these items either through the prison shop or through approved mail order arrangements by using their private cash and/or earnings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what educational facilities are available in the Aylesbury Young Offenders Institution. [123493]

The education department at Aylesbury Young Offenders Institution is run by Amersham and Wycombe College, which is expected to deliver 16,000 hours of education classes in the current financial year. Prisoners who are employed on a full-time basis have access to two hours education per week, and those in part-time employment for approximately 12 and a half hours per week. A wide range of courses is available and prisoners' individual needs are identified as part of their sentence plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners undertake distance-learning courses at their own expense. [123498]

As at 3 April 2000, a total of 383 prisoners in England and Wales were registered on Open University distance-learning courses. Of these, 139 have not previously studied with the Open University.A range of other distance-learning courses are available in prison, including GCSE, A level and vocational courses.The majority of prisoners undertaking distance-learning courses pay for their courses through mixed funding arrangements, including self funding and charitable funding. Information on the number of prisoners who undertake distance-learning courses entirely at their own cost is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent on educational facilities in prisons and other custodial institutions in each of the last five years. [123495]

Information is not available centrally on funds spent at individual prison establishments specifically on the provision of educational facilities over the last five years.However, funds from the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) have been made available to prison establishments to spend mainly on enhancing basic and key skills through, for example, extending education contracts, improvements to prisoners' basic pay to encourage them to participate in basic education, training Prison Service staff as basic skill support tutors and developing imaginative integrated basic skills tuition. Some of this money will also be invested in enhancing educational facilities. The table gives a breakdown of these funds provided to each prison establishment over the three year period covered by the CSR.

Comprehensive Spending Review allocations to prison establishments
£
Area	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02
Central
Aylesbury	102,000	42,000	42,000
Bedford	93,478	82,347	84,810
Bullingdon	149,992	127,555	154,066
Grendon	27,000	27,000	27,000
Gartree	10,006	10,257	10,513
Reading	215,829	202,262	207,312
Woodhill	101,180	960,82	97,965
Area total	699,485	587,503	623,666
Kent
Aldington	24,702	0	0
Canterbury	57,954	58,970	60,137
Cookham Wood	16,420	16,913	17,470
Dover	334,959	300,000	300,000
East Sutton Park	5,352	8,736	8,964
Elmley	133,483	119,536	122,848
Maidstone	70,143	68,461	68,834
Rochester	49,681	45,786	46,930
Standford Hill	26,844	25,490	26,127
Swaleside	33,392	28,392	28,392
Area total	752,930	672,284	679,702
Mercia
Birmingham	168,028	120,506	120,506
Brinsford	103,410	103,410	103,410
Drake Hall	181,020	141,020	141,020
Featherstone	233,680	233,680	233,680
Shrewsbury	53,130	53,130	53,130
Stafford	274,797	274,797	274,797
Area total	1,014,065	926,543	926,543
South Coast
Camp Hill	26,955	28,900	28,900
Dorchester	51,000	51,700	52,500
Erlestoke	32,364	26,351	27,010
Guy's Marsh	282,780	195,353	199,949
Parkhurst	84,734	87,262	843,49
Portland	25,000	25,625	26,266
The Verne	56,888	51,955	56,404
Winchester	50,452	42,488	43,551
Area total	610,173	509,634	518,929

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what educational facilities are available to sex offenders in prisons held in accommodation separate from other prisoners. [123497]

It is not possible to identify separately the education provision for sex offenders. The Prison Service aims to provide them with similar education facilities to other prisoners. However, where sex offenders have to be segregated for their own protection pending allocation to a prison which offers suitable training facilities for them, safety considerations may limit their access to education.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what separate educational facilities are available for sex offenders in the Aylesbury Young Offenders Institution. [123494]

At Aylesbury, sex offenders are fully integrated with the rest of the establishment's population and have access to the same education.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what conclusions he has drawn about the impact of pilot voting schemes in the 4 May local elections. [123483]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 15 May 2000, Official Report, column 62W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides there have been by prisoners in each of the last five years. [123491]

The information requested is given in the table.

Self-inflicted deaths in HM Prison Service establishments in England and Wales: 1995–99
Calendar year	Number of self-inflicted deaths
1995	59
1996	64
1997	68
1998	83
1999	91

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many former members of the group known as the Force Reaction Unit have been interviewed by the Metropolitan police Special Branch in the past 12 months. [122761]

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has informed me that 15 former members of the Ministry of Defence Force Research Unit have been interviewed by the Metropolitan police Special Branch during the past 12 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what legal action will be taken in the United Kingdom against those English football fans recently arrested in Copenhagen; [123414](2) what action will be taken to prevent those English football fans recently arrested in Copenhagen from travelling to football matches overseas during Euro 2000; [123476](3) how many of the English football fans recently arrested in Copenhagen have restriction orders against them prohibiting them from travelling abroad to football matches. [123475]

The 15 individuals arrested in Copenhagen were not convicted of any offence and no legal action can be taken against them in the United Kingdom. None are subject to a restriction or any other category of football banning order. Under current football legislation, the only individuals who can be prevented from travelling to Euro 2000 are the 106 hooligans currently subject to an international ban. However, the Dutch and Belgian police have extensive powers to refuse entry to any individual or group felt to pose a risk to public order. The National Criminal Intelligence Service will provide them with details of the 15 individuals along with details of the 388 persons currently subject to domestic football bans. Police will be monitoring all England supporters at every United Kingdom exit point throughout the tournament and the information gathered will be shared with the Dutch, Belgian and French police, in addition to the United Kingdom police teams operating in all three countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers are available to him to control the ownership and use of crossbows; and what plans he has to extend them. [123469]

No such powers are available to the Secretary of State.The Crossbows Act 1987 applies to crossbows with a draw weight of 1.4 kilogrammes or greater. It makes it an offence to sell or hire a crossbow to persons under the age of 17, and prohibits persons aged under 17 from possessing a crossbow unless supervised by someone aged 21 or over.In addition, the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 prohibits the possession in a public place of any offensive weapon without good reason or lawful excuse.There are no plans to amend this legislation at present.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish the criteria by which police forces charge for providing security at (a) folk festivals and (b) other cultural events; [123468](2) if it is his policy that police forces should have discretion as to

The decision whether to charge for costs of policing at local events is for the local police authority and the Chief Constable.Under Section 25(1) of the Police Act 1996,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights into United Kingdom law. [121906]

We set out our views on the general financial effects of the Human Rights Act 1998 in the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum to the Human Rights Bill. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, set out the position with respect to the courts in her reply to the right hon. Member for Maidstone and The Weald (Miss Widdecombe) on 10 April 2000, Official Report, column 21W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for the period between the commencement of the Home Detention Curfew scheme on 28 January 1999 and 30 April 2000 inclusive, (a) the total number of prisoners released on the scheme, (b) the number of prisoners convicted of each specific offence who were released on the scheme, broken down by offences committed, including the specific offences committed by prisoners normally classified under the categories (i) other homicide and attempted homicide, (ii) other violence against the person, (iii) drug offences, (iv) assaults and (v) other offences, (c) the average sentence (i) received and (ii) served, and the average period spent on the scheme, in respect of each specific offence, (d) the number of prisoners released on the scheme, broken down by offences committed, who (A) breached the conditions of the curfew, (B) disappeared and were recaptured, (C) disappeared and remain unlawfully at large and (D) had their licences revoked, and for what reasons, (e) the specific offences committed by prisoners released on the scheme while on the scheme and (f) the specific offences committed by prisoners released on the scheme who committed a further offence while on the scheme that was similar in character to that for which they were originally convicted; and if he will make a statement. [121288]

[holding answer 8 May 2000]: As of 30 April 2000, a total of 20,028 prisoners had been released on Home Detention Curfew since the scheme commenced on 28 January 1999.The original offences committed by prisoners released under the scheme during that period, the number of prisoners convicted of each specific offence, the average sentence received and served for those offences, and the average period spent on the scheme in respect of the

Table 1: HDC discharges by offence type
	Months
28 January 1999 to 30 April 2000	Number	Average sentence	Average served	Average period spent on scheme
Total	20,028	14.4	5.7	1.5
Manslaughter	53	33.9	15.1	1.9
Other homicide and attempted homicide	167	23.0	9.9	1.8
Attempted murder	6	28.5	12.9	1.9
Making threats to kill	34	19.1	8.0	1.7
Conspire, aid, incite murder	1	42.1	19.1	1.9
Death by reckless driving	126	23.5	10.1	1.9

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were convicted of tobacco smuggling in the last 12 months; and how many of them were (a) imprisoned and (b) fined. [122903]

Information held centrally on the Home Office Court Proceedings Database combines sections 50(2)(3), 68(2) and 170(1)(2) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 "Fraudulent evasion of duty etc. other than drugs". However, the type of goods involved (tobacco, spirits, beers, wines, oils and guns) are not identified separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is in respect of experiments involving animals where the primary objective is to obtain information concerning human medical conditions which can reasonably be assumed to be self-inflicted. [122918]

Evaluating research proposals involving the use of animals is difficult and requires a delicate moral balance to be struck. Scientific developments have saved many human lives and cured many illnesses. Human medical conditions are likely to derive from a variety of causes. For example, bronchitis and emphysema can be caused by a genetic predisposition, various occupational causes and passive smoking as well as smoking. It would be immoral, in our view, to deny victims of such diseases the assistance that new scientific knowledge could bring from current work.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to establish a Royal Commission into animal experimentation. [122940]

The position remains that we have not ruled out a Royal Commission, but strongly believe that resources can best be used to make immediate improvements to the operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and to promote the fullest application of the 3Rs: to replace the use of animals with alternative methods, to reduce the numbers of animals used and to refine the procedures to minimise pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm.In this context, the Animal Procedures Committee will be issuing a public consultation paper this summer as part of its review of the cost/benefit assessment. As part of this work, the Committee plans to produce an authoritative statement on the validity of animal experiments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is in respect of animal experiments where the sole or primary purpose is one of commercial gain. [122916]

Section 5(4) of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 requires that, in determining whether and on what terms to grant a project licence, the Secretary of State must weigh the likely adverse effects on the animals concerned against the benefit likely to accrue as a result of the programme specified on the application.For the purposes of the cost/benefit assessment, the cost to the animal is considered as the adverse effects of pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm. The benefits must be for humans, animals or the environment and relate to the scientific and/or medical progress likely to result directly from the programme outlined in the application.The identification and assessment of benefit is set out in detail in the Chief Inspector's paper on the cost/benefit assessment, included in the Annual Report of the Animal Procedures Committee for 1997. My policy is that the profitability of a company applying for authorities and the researchers' career prospects are not valid considerations for the purposes of the cost/benefit assessment, but that the socio-economic advantages of cheaper healthcare cannot be ruled out as possible legitimate benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what criteria have been used to make appointments to the Inspectorate in respect of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; what plans he has to review these criteria; and if he will make a statement; [122305](2) if he will list the names of those appointed to the Inspectorate in respect of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; [122306](3) what steps he is taking to ensure that those inspectors appointed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to investigate allegations against licence holders have not been party to the original decision on granting that licence; and if he will make a statement; [122302](4) how many establishments have been inspected by the Inspectorate appointed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 over the last three years; and with respect to each establishment of how many visits notification of the inspection was given; how many visits were unannounced; and if he will make a statement. [122304]

There are approximately 300 designated establishments and the Inspectorate visits all of them. The number of visits to each establishment varies according to its size and the type of work being conducted at any particular time.Approximately 1,800 visits of inspection are conducted each year, two-thirds of which are without notice. Visits by appointment are usually made to conduct interviews with staff, to discuss new work proposals and ongoing work, to examine records of work, to investigate non-compliance or to view premises being considered for designation.When third party allegations are made against establishments or individuals, the investigation is handled by a Superintending Inspector from another region with no connection with the establishment or person, and no line management responsibility for the local inspector. The Chief Inspector quality assures these investigations and the resulting reports.The 1986 Act requires that Inspectors must be either medical or veterinary graduates: the former must be registered with the General Medical Council and the latter must be Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.Candidates are expected to have additional higher professional or academic qualifications, and to have first hand experience of designing and conducting research in a clinical, academic or commercial environment. They must have a sound knowledge of medicine and surgery and be familiar with current trends and technologies used in medical and biological research.Members of the Inspectorate are civil servants, appointed to advise the Secretary of State whether and on what terms authorities should be granted under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. It is the Secretary of State who has ultimate responsibility for deciding what is licensed and the conditions which will apply. It is not normal practice to reveal widely the names of individuals where it is not in the interests of personal safety and security to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent estimate he has made of the number of animals used in entertainment other than in circuses; and if he will make a statement. [122919]

Certificates of registration are sent to the Home Office by local authorities under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925. Local authorities were reminded in January of their statutory obligation to provide this information. The Home Office has so far this year received details of over 2,000 animals which perform other than in circuses. Of these, 1,390 are included in two registration entries, and are used in promotional, film and television work.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if any of those appointed to the Burns Inquiry secretariat have been (a) members and (b) supporters of (i) fox, deer, hare or mink hunts and (ii) other pro-field sports organisations, or have participated in hare coursing events; [123516](2) if he sought to determine if those appointed to the Burns Inquiry secretariat had views on hunting with dogs prior to their being selected. [123515]

The Committee of Inquiry into Hunting has been set up as a Committee which is independent of Government.The appointment of the Inquiry team's Secretariat, and other issues relating to the Secretariat, are matters for the Chairman of the Inquiry team, Lord Burns.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many visits have been undertaken by each member of the Burns Inquiry team in the course of the inquiry to events and functions organised by (a) anti-hunting groups and (b) pro-hunting groups. [123514]

I understand from the Secretariat to the Committee of Inquiry into Hunting with Dogs that the information is as follows:Members of the Committee of Inquiry attended 11 events organised by, at the suggestion of, or in conjunction with, anti-hunting organisations. Attendance was as follows: Lord Burns 10; Dr. Victoria Edwards seven; Professor Sir John Marsh six; Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior one; Professor Michael Winter four.Members of the Committee attended 23 events organised by, at the suggestion of or in conjunction with, pro-hunting organisations. Attendance was as follows: Lord Burns 16; Dr. Victoria Edwards 12; Professor Sir John Marsh 11; Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior seven; Professor Michael Winter 12.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what meetings he has had with the Law Society over the introduction of the Criminal Justice (Mode of Trial) (No. 2) Bill. [121897]

There have been no meetings on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to bring forward legislation regarding the role of trustees. [123499]

I have been asked to reply.The Government have no plans to bring forward such legislation. However, the Trustee Bill, presently awaiting its Committee Stage in another place, would make certain provisions in relation to the powers and duties of trustees and particularly in relation to their powers of investment and related matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the UK aid contributions for sexual and reproductive health projects for the years (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [123284]

My Department's bilateral contributions to sexual and reproductive health, including HIV/AIDS, in 1997–99 were:

• 1997—£53.4 million
• 1998—£58.4 million
• 1999—£57.3 million

In addition, the UK's core contributions to the following multilateral agencies also support action on sexual and reproductive health:

£ million
	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
United Nations Population Fund	11.5	13	15
United Nations Children's Fund	8	10	13
UNAIDS	2.3	2.75	3
World Health Organisation (Reproductive Health)	1.4	1.4	2
International Planned Parenthood Federation	5	5.5	5.5

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the new EU-funded Gaza Hospital will open; and if he will make a statement. [123294]

I am informed that Commissioning of the EU funded Gaza Hospital is now likely to start in July 2000 and be completed by the end of the year, when it is expected that the hospital will be fully operational. An interim Management Team has been recruited by EC and will gradually hand over responsibility for day-to-day operations to local counterparts. It is intended that the Management Team will remain in place until July 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for what reasons a further study has been commissioned on the feasibility of an air strip on St. Helena. [123328]

A desk study undertaken in 1999 considered the regulatory and technical feasibility of operating an air service to St. Helena. It did not consider the engineering, economic, financial, environmental and social feasibility of developing appropriate facilities on the island. These issues will be investigated as part of the comparative study of air and sea access which is now being commissioned. The study will compare air with future options for continuation of sea access and will identify the most cost-efficient permanent solution to St. Helena's international passenger and cargo needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development who will have responsibility for paying the cost of the air strip feasibility study on St. Helena. [123470]

The cost of the comparative study of air and sea access will be met by my Department from within the £29 million development assistance package agreed for the 2000–01 to 2002–03 Country Policy Plan period.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the study on the feasibility of an air strip on St. Helena will be completed; and if she will ensure it is published. [123413]

The comparative study of air and sea access for St. Helena is currently being tendered. Work is expected to commence in August. The study will take about 14 weeks. As the study is being undertaken on behalf of the St. Helena Government it is they who should decide if the final report is published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the contracts entered into with private sector companies for the provision of goods or services since May 1997 where penalty clauses were triggered for non-performance; and if he will make a statement. [122022]

My Department has no record of any such contracts in the last three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the role of the members of the National Lottery Charities Board and the role played by Ministers in their appointment. [123082]

Members of the National Lottery Charities Board take decisions on applications for grants from charitable, benevolent and philanthropic organisations. They formulate policies that continually improve and develop the Board's grant-making and contribute to the strategic development of the Board in a changing environment. Members also act as the public face of the Board.Board members are appointed for up to five years by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. The Board's Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland representatives are appointed following consultation with the relevant head of the devolved Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will provide support for the Indonesian administration in order to reduce fighting between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia; [122853](2) what representations he has made to the Indonesian Government regarding religiously motivated violence in Indonesia; [122852](3) what recent reports he has received concerning religious violence in the Moluccas Islands. [122850]

The violence in Ambon and elsewhere in Maluku is a major concern for the Indonesian administration as well as for Britain and the international community. The new Indonesian Government aim to resolve regional conflicts through dialogue and reconciliation. We fully support that process, and have pressed upon them the need for conflict resolution work in particular communities. As part of the international effort through the United Nations Development Programme, we have already funded two conferences promoting reconciliation in Maluku, between 28 March and 3 April. We stand ready to help with further conflict prevention projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what UK expertise he will provide for training the Indonesian police force in managing conflict. [122854]

To explore the scope for the UK to support the Indonesian national police in its transition to a civilian accountable service, a senior British police officer will be attached to our Embassy in Jakarta from 1 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received concerning the arrival of Jihad warriors in the Moluccas Islands. [122851]

We have received reports that a number of extremists from outside Maluku have travelled to the province, and are under the close scrutiny of the authorities in Maluku. We are concerned at recent reports that these extremists have threatened further violence in the province. We have urged the Indonesian Government to ensure the security forces maintain law and order and the protection of all citizens.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the implications for the British legal systems of the incorporation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights into the Treaty of European Union. [121896]

The Cologne Conclusions state that the question of

whether and if so how the Charter should be integrated into the Treaties

will be considered only once the drafting body has presented its draft before the European Council in December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when Peter Penfold left his post as High Commissioner in Sierra Leone; and what his last day was in Sierra Leone. [123269]

Mr. Penfold left his post as High Commissioner, and Sierra Leone, on 29 April 2000, his tour of duty having been the normal length for such postings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations his Department made to President Kabbah regarding accepting Foday Sankoh into the Sierra Leonean Government; [123313](2) what representations were made to his Department regarding Foday Sankoh's inclusion in the Sierra Leone Government by

Foday Sankoh has no formal post in the Sierra Leone Government. Under the Lomé Peace Agreement, he was made Chair of the Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources, National Reconstruction and Development, with the status of Vice-President.Representatives of Nigeria, the US and Britain were among those present as observers during the negotiations in Lomé between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to (a) the US Administration and (b) his European counterparts regarding the freezing of bank accounts of leading members of the Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone and their families. [123320]

UN sanctions are already designed to target the Revolutionary United Front. UN Security Council resolution 1171 (1998) imposes a travel ban on leading members of the former military junta and of the Revolutionary United Front. It also imposes an embargo on the supply of arms and related material to Sierra Leone other than to the Government of Sierra Leone (with certain exemptions). We have not discussed the option of freezing the bank accounts of leading members of the Revolutionary United Front and their families with the US Administration or with European counterparts. However, the UK will ensure that the Security Council keeps the impact and effectiveness of sanctions under review and will make proposals for modification of the sanctions regime as we consider appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received of illegal arms shipments going through Burkina Faso to the Sierra Leone rebels. [123317]

Her Majesty's Government are aware of allegations that arms flown from Ukraine to Burkina Faso in March 1999 were subsequently forwarded via Liberia to the rebels in Sierra Leone. We raised our concerns regarding this matter with the Burkinabe authorities and the UN Sanctions Committee at the time. The Chairman of the UN Sanctions Committee also raised these allegations with the Governments concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role the Commonwealth has played in finding a peaceful solution to the latest crisis in Sierra Leone. [123316]

The Commonwealth remains an active supporter of the Government of Sierra Leone's efforts to secure lasting peace. Meeting on 2 May, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group condemned the killings and detention of UNAMSIL peacekeepers; expressed its determination to stand by the people of Sierra Leone; and reiterated its readiness to assist the reconstruction of Sierra leone and the consolidation of its democracy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent representations he has received from the US Administration on the situation in Sierra Leone; [123323](2) what recent representations he has made to the US Administration on the situation in Sierra Leone. [123322]

We remain in close touch with the US Administration over the situation in Sierra Leone, particularly over the need for practical help to enable UNAMSIL to build itself up over the next few weeks. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary most recently discussed this with the US Secretary of State on 20 May. We welcome the US announcement of $20 million to support peacekeeping in Sierra Leone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what factors influenced the decision to offer amnesty to all the Sierra Leone Revolutionary United Front's members, as part of the Lomé peace accord. [123319]

Granting an amnesty for crimes committed before the signature of the Lomé Peace Agreement on 7 July 1999 was one of the many hard decisions taken by the Government of Sierra Leone in their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he was first informed about the worsening situation in Sierra Leone after January. [123318]

We have kept the situation in Sierra Leone under careful and constant review. The present crisis began when the Revolutionary United Front attacked UN peacekeepers at a Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration camp in Makeni on 1 May. Reports of this attack were received early the following day.The security situation deteriorated rapidly thereafter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 3 April 2000, Official Report, column 284W, concerning officials who met Mr. Roger Crooks, which official they have been unable to contact; and what the reason is for the delay. [123386]

We had been unable to contact the relevant official, due to his absence on annual leave. He has now confirmed that he has not met Mr. Crooks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what part the Government played in negotiating the Lomé agreement of 7 July 1999. [123321]

The Lomé Peace Agreement was negotiated between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front, under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States. Representatives from the international community, including the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the Organisation of African Unity, and the United States, as well as Britain, attended the negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Lomé peace accord. [123310]

The Lomé Peace Agreement was signed on 7 July 1999. It provides for a permanent end to hostilities in Sierra Leone; disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of all former combatants; democratic elections; the creation of effective and democratically accountable armed forces; and an international peacekeeping force to supervise the peace process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Western Sahara. [123648]

With the support of the UN Security Council, James Baker, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy on the Western Sahara recently visited several north African countries to assess the prospects for resolving the long-standing dispute over the Western Sahara.Following these visits, Mr. Baker invited the two main parties—Morocco and the Polisario Front—and the two front-line states—Algeria and Mauritania—to meet in order to consider the options for moving discussions forward. The UN asked the British Government if we could provide a venue for 14 May. We agreed, and the UN accepted our offer of Lancaster House.We welcome the willingness of the two parties to engage. We hope they will respect the spirit and aims of Mr. Baker's mission and work with him to secure an early, durable and agreed resolution of this dispute.The 14 May talks were private and conducted throughout by Mr. Baker and his United Nations team. The UK's role was limited in this instance to logistical support. But I hope it sends a clear signal of our continuing willingness to support UN efforts to resolve conflicts in the African continent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the health of the Serbs held by KFOR in Kosovo who are on hunger strike. [121578]

There are around 40 Kosovo Serbs on hunger strike in Mitrovica. We understand that they are being held in UNMIK detention facilities guarded by KFOR troops. Four of the 40 have been hospitalised. In three of the four cases, this was principally due to poor general health rather than the effects of the hunger strike.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which of his Department's trade promotion initiatives in the last three years have involved the Joannou and Paraskevaides Construction Group. [123140]

[holding answer 22 May 2000]: A representative from the Joannou and Paraskevaides Construction Group (J + P) attended and spoke at a promotional event in the UK in November 1998 to publicise export opportunities presented by the 2004 Olympics in Athens. J + P were also present at a follow-up event in Athens a year later.There is no other record of the Joannou and Paraskevaides Construction Group having been involved in FCO (and since may 1999 in British Trade International) trade promotion initiatives in the last three years.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the proportion of (a) recipients of Working Families Tax Credit and (b) partners of the recipients of Working Families Tax Credit who earn within (i) 5 per cent. and (ii) 10 per cent. of the minimum wage; and if he will make a statement. [123069]

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Havant (Mr. Willetts) on 8 March 2000, Official Report, column 771W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the key buildings for which his Department (a) submitted and (b) did not submit green transport plans by March. [122623]

[holding answer 18 May 2000]: The Treasury submitted green transport plans in March 1999 covering the two buildings it occupies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the capital contribution which Britain would have to make to the European Central Bank on joining the euro. [123043]

As set out in Article 29 of the Statute of the European System of Central Banks and of the European Central Bank, each national central bank of participating member states contributes to the ECB's capital according to a weighting, based on their relative population and national income.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total conversion costs for business of switching from the pound to the euro. [123044]

The level of costs would depend on the approach adopted by individual companies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place the terms of reference of the 13 cross-departmental reviews announced on 21 December 1999 in the Library; and if he will make a statement on their progress. [122785]

The terms of reference of the 13 cross-departmental reviews announced on 21 December 1999 have been placed in the Library, along with the terms of reference of the two cross-departmental reviews announced since December. The 15 reviews are making excellent progress. The 2000 Spending Review will report in due course.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to introduce tax relief for pensioners in receipt of low levels of occupational pensions which are subject to tax. [122095]

Only four out of 10 pensioners have any income tax to pay. People aged 65 or more receive a higher level of income tax personal allowance: for example, someone aged between 65 and 74 has a personal allowance of £5,790 in 2000–01, in contrast with the allowance for people under 65 of £4,385. The age-related personal allowances were increased by substantially more than statutory indexation in 1999–2000 and have risen in line with indexation this year. They are gradually withdrawn in cases where income exceeds £17,000 a year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to require banks and insurance companies to compensate mortgage borrowers who have been the victims of endowment mis-selling. [123250]

[holding answer 22 May 2000]: Where mortgage borrowers have been mis-sold an endowment, the regulators have powers to take disciplinary action which can result in firms being directed to make compensation. Mis-selling may arise from unsuitable advice, ie recommending that a borrower plans to repay a mortgage with a product which is either unsuitable for the purpose or unsuitable for the borrower's circumstances. The Government intend that the FSA will have comparable powers under the Financial Services and Markets Bill when enacted.Recently many endowment providers have contacted their customers to tell them that their endowments may not yield enough to repay associated mortgages. This does not necessarily arise from mis-selling and reflects the reduction in inflation in response to the Government's policy to deliver a stable macroeconomic environment conducive to long term economic growth. When inflation falls, investment returns also reduce so that the cash proceeds of an endowment may be lower than initially expected, eg insufficient to repay an associated mortgage.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department plans to spend on the national changeover plan (a) in total, (b) in Wales and (c) in Ceredigion in this financial year; and if he will make a statement. [123454]

Information on changeover planning is contained in the second Outline National Changeover Plan, published on 9 March.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the proceeds have been from the landfill tax in each of the last five financial years; how much of this has gone to (a) the Exchequer and (b) community projects; and what figures are estimated for the current year. [123481]

Total landfill tax receipts net of credits claimed in respect of contributions to environmental bodies, for each financial year since the introduction of the tax on 1 October 1996, are as follows.

£
Year	Total receipts
1996–97	112.8
1997–98	360.7
1998–99	333.1
1999–20001	439
1 Provisional

The revenue raised from landfill tax is general Government revenue not earmarked for particular purposes. However, funding is available through the Landfill Tax Environmental Bodies Credit Scheme to support projects which achieve lasting community and environmental benefits and advance more sustainable waste management practices. Under the scheme, landfill site operators who are registered for landfill tax may claim tax credits to the value of 90 per cent. of any contribution they make to an approved environmental body, subject to an overall cap of 20 per cent. of their annual tax liability, in each 'contribution year'. Total credits claimed in respect of contributions to the scheme, for each financial year since the introduction of the tax are as follows.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the independent environmental trusts which have benefited the proceeds of the landfill tax in each of the last five years in each local authority area in England and Wales. [123482]

Information about which environmental bodies have received contributions under the Landfill Tax Environmental Bodies Credit Scheme is a matter for the Regulator for the scheme, ENTRUST. I have therefore asked them to provide such data as they hold and will place a copy of their response in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue has been raised from (a) tax and (b) VAT on road fuels in each of the last five financial years. [123479]

The amount of excise duty raised on road fuels for the last five years is published in Table K2 of "HM Customs and Excise Annual Report 1998–1999". The estimated amount of VAT raised on road fuels can be calculated from the amount of household expenditure on petrol and derv. This is shown in Table 6.1 of "Consumer Trends", published by the Office for National Statistics.