To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the (a) lowest and (b) highest HAS scores formally awarded to the Mead Webber plant since the introduction of HAS scores; what was the average score; and what were the (a) lowest, (b) highest and (c) average HAS scores awarded to the plant by Mr. Yogaratnam. [122051]

[holding answer 15 May 2000]: I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the lowest hygiene assessment system (HAS) score awarded to the Mead Webber plant since the system was introduced is 65; the highest 87 and the average 82.The lowest HAS score awarded to the plant by Mr. Yogaratnam is 80; the highest 87; and the average 84.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost was of food for each patient in each year since 1985 in (a) Bolton Hospitals NHS Trusts, (b) North West NHS hospitals and (c) NHS hospitals in England. [122594]

Information on the cost of food was collected centrally for the first time in the 1998–99 financial year.The cost of meal provision per patient per day for Bolton Hospitals National Health Service Trust was £4.39.The total cost of meal provision for the North West Region was £41,291,201.The total cost of meal provision for England was £255,868,647.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the average cost was of directly provided cleaning per square metre for each year since 1985 in (a) Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, (b) North West NHS hospitals and (c) NHS hospitals in England; [122596](2) what the average cost was of contracted-out cleaning per square metre for each year since 1985 in

Information was collected centrally for the first time in the 1998–99 financial year. However these data cannot be split between contracted out and directly provided services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many incidents of (a) virus infection and (b) horizontal gene transfer, broken down by the (i) place, (ii) date and (iii) exact nature of each incident, have occurred as a result of xenotransplantation procedures; and if he will make a statement; [125265](2) what safety precautions are implemented

[holding answer 9 June 2000]: The safety of research into xenotransplantation is governed by various regulations. A summary of the agencies involved and regulations that might apply is contained in guidance on making proposals to conduct xenotransplantation on human subjects (UKXIRA 1998). Copies are available in the Library.The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) requires employers to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) of incidents occurring in the workplace that result in the ill health of employees. The HSE has advised that data sets for reports under RIDDOR for the financial years 1994–95 to 1998–99 contained no reports of infection attributed to xenotransplantation procedures.No clinical trials involving humans have yet been approved in the United Kingdom. Our position remains that clinical trials in xenotransplantation involving humans will be allowed to take place only when we are fully satisfied that the risks associated with such procedures are acceptable, taking account of all the available evidence at the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the report, "Diabetes in the UK-the Missing Million"; and if he will make a statement. [125738]

We welcome the report, which will help to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes. We announced last year the development of a National Service Framework for diabetes in England. The diabetes National Service Framework will be published in 2001 for implementation in the National Health Service from 2002. Its aim is to improve health outcomes for people with diabetes, by raising the quality of services and reducing variations between them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding the Government contributed towards the financing of the North West air ambulance, and how many times the air ambulance has been called out in the North West, in the last year for which figures are available. [125959]

Air ambulances are not funded from National Health Service central funds. The North West air ambulance launched 480 missions in its first year, 1999–2000.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the financial effect on the Government of the EU Commissioners' proposal to achieve the required reduction in fishing for MAGP IV exclusively through cuts in fleet capacity; and what fleet cuts would be required in Britain for the remaining 18 months of the programme. [124452]

If adopted, the suggested measures would require a cut in the UK fishing fleet of 8 per cent. over the two years 2001–02, representing about 22,000 tonnes of capacity.It is not possible to make an accurate estimate of the likely cost of decommissioning this tonnage through a voluntary grant scheme. Based on the average level of successful bids under the most recent scheme in 1997, it would be about £75 million. But the cost would be substantially higher since there would have to be sizeable cuts in those profitable fleet segments which have hitherto shown little interest in voluntary decommissioning schemes. Cuts of this scale over such a time period are not ones we think are feasible or that we could support.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 3 May 2000, Official Report, column 140W, on live animal exports, what steps he plans to take to reduce the number of sheep originating from Kent which need to be removed by his staff at Dover port from consignments of slaughter/further fattening sheep; and if he will make a statement. [124888]

Careful consideration is already given to the reasons why individual sheep are found to be unfit at Dover so that steps can be taken to deal with any remediable cause.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 2000, Official Report, column 286W, on live animal exports, how many sheep were rejected by local veterinary inspectors from 31 May to 31 December 1999 as unfit to travel, broken down by county in England and Wales. [125135]

The updated numbers of sheep rejected by local veterinary inspectors as unfit to travel for the period 31 May to 31 December 1999 according to counties of origin are as follows:

Country/county	Number
England
Herefordshire	506
North Yorkshire	3,726
Shropshire	3
Scotland
Dumfries and Galloway	17
Lanarkshire	6
Mid-Lothian	1
Wales
Denbighshire	6,547
Monmouthshire	10

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the terms on which compensation is granted to farmers in the tuberculosis study areas; and what allowance there is for consequential loss. [125800]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: When cattle are slaughtered following a positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test, the farmer receives compensation of 100 per cent. of their market value. No compensation is given for consequential losses. Compensation arrangements are the same both inside and outside badger culling trial areas.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy on the transportation of pigs in farrowing crates. [125747]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: Farrowing crates are used to prevent sows from crushing their young piglets. They are not used to transport pigs.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the current importation licences which permit the importation of cynomolgus monkeys and wild-caught baboons into the UK for xenotransplantation research, indicating for each licence (a) the number of non-human primates involved, (b) the origin of the primates and (c) the expiry date of the licence; and if he will make a statement. [125302]

[holding answer 9 June 2000]: A list of the current import licenses for cynomolgus monkeys (macaca fascicularis, otherwise known as crab-eating macaques), with expiry dates, is as follows. The animals are intended for research purposes but this Department does not require the type of research to be specified on the licence application. There are no current import licences for the importation of baboons.

Number licensed	Country of origin	Date licence expires
30	Israel	16 June 2000
36	China	16 June 2000
12	China	18 July 2000
100	Mauritius	16 August 2000
100	Mauritius	16 August 2000
100	Mauritius	16 August 2000
100	Mauritius	16 August 2000
18	Israel	21 September 2000
60	Israel	3 October 2000
60	Mauritius	11 October 2000
60	Mauritius	11 October 2000
60	Mauritius	11 October 2000

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of agricultural/horticultural workers in Cheshire are in (a) part-time and (b) full-time employment; how many receive the national minimum wage, how many of the part-time employees are female; and if he will make a statement on the retention of the Agricultural Wages Board. [124785]

The 1999 June Agricultural and Horticultural Census recorded 3,938 agricultural and horticultural workers in Cheshire (excluding farmers and managers). Of this total 23 per cent. were in part-time employment and 77 per cent. were in full-time employment. The agricultural work force in Cheshire included 868 regular part-time workers of which 408 were female. In addition 300 casual or seasonal workers were employed on a part-time basis. We have no information on the gender of these workers or any data on rates of pay on a county basis.All agricultural workers should receive at least the Agricultural Minimum Wage set under the Agricultural Wages Order. All such rates are above the national minimum wage.The review of the operation of the Agricultural Wages Board—one of the regular, standard reviews—is ongoing. The consultation period closed on 31 March and the responses which were received are being considered.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish an assessment of the animal health and safety welfare standards in countries from which the United Kingdom imports frozen beef. [124675]

[holding answer 5 June 2000]: All consignments of fresh or frozen beef meat imported into the UK, whether from other EU member states or third countries, must have been produced in accordance with the harmonised Community rules laid down in Council Directive 64/433/EEC. Ensuring that these rules are adhered to is the responsibility of the European Commission and reports of their veterinary inspection visits to a number of these countries are available on their website at the following address:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/dg24/health/vi/reports/index—en.html

On animal welfare, Article 8 of Council Directive 98/58/EC, which lays down minimum standards for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes, requires the European Commission to submit a report on the comparison between animal welfare provisions in the Community and in non-member countries which supply the Community. We await the findings of this report with interest.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the meat industry on the compulsory EU beef labelling scheme; and if he will make a statement. [123297]

At its meeting in Luxembourg on 17 April the Agriculture Council reached a political agreement on the adoption of a common position on a Commission proposal for a Regulation laying down general rules for a compulsory beef labelling system in the EU. Since then we have received representations from a number of organisations involved in the beef supply chain expressing concerns about the compliance costs, the value of the proposed compulsory indications to consumers and the timescale for implementation.Particular concern has been expressed about the requirement for beef to be labelled with the category of animal from which it is derived. We fully appreciate these concerns. The requirements may be amended following consideration of the proposed Regulation by the European Parliament.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers have left farming in each of the past 10 years. [123462]

[holding answer 23 May 2000]: Information in the form requested is not available. The overall number of main holdings in the agricultural census in the United Kingdom has declined from 256,700 at June 1989 to 239,600 at June 1999. These are net figures, which include holdings coming into, as well as leaving agriculture and will, in many cases, take no account of changes in ownership.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in respect of the proposed decision to add the genetically-modified maize variety Chardon LL to the United Kingdom National List, how much money those making representations have in total paid him for so doing. [121514]

To date £6,810 has been received in respect of written representations, and £40,280 for requests to be heard by a person appointed by Ministers.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a scheme to compensate pig farmers for the disposal of specified material on the same basis as that which exists for beef farmers. [121769]

There is no scheme in place which compensates beef farmers or slaughterers for the disposal of specified material. The additional veterinary inspection cost of overseeing the removal and destruction of specified risk material (SRM) from cattle is not presently passed on to cattle slaughterhouse operators but as there are no SRMs in pigs no additional veterinary inspection costs apply.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information was provided to regional service centres in December 1999 to assist them in responding to inquiries about the withdrawal of organophosphate sheep dips; and on what date the advice was received by each centre. [120074]

The withdrawal of organophosphorus sheep dips was announced to Parliament by written answer on 20 December 1999, when a MAFF News Release was also published and was made available on the MAFF website to which all Regional Service Centres have access. Regional Directors were informed of developments at their regular monthly meeting on 20 January and were subsequently provided with further briefing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the outcome of the General Affairs Council held in Brussels on 22 and 23 May; and if he will make a statement. [123722]

I wrote to the Chairman of the European Select Committee on 7 June to explain the outcome of the 22–23 May General Affairs Council held in Brussels. Copies of my letter have been deposited in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the net change in each year since May 1997 in the number of forms issued by his Department which (a) charities and (b) other voluntary organisations are required to complete. [123947]

Although the FCO has contact with many charities and other voluntary organisation, no central record is kept of those contacts and the information sought could be collected only at disproportionate cost.It is FCO policy, as far as possible, to minimise the administrative burdens it places on the charities and voluntary organisations with which it has dealings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Organisation for African Unity and (b) the United Nations, about the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea; and if he will make a statement. [124500]

[holding answer 5 June 2000]: Our Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York is in frequent contact with the United Nations Secretary-General and the Algerian OAU Presidency to discuss the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea.Our Ambassadors in Algeria and Addis Ababa also hold frequent talks with the Algerian OAU Presidency. And our Ambassador in Addis Ababa is in contact with the OAU Secretariat.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to support Croatia's proposed accession to the (a) European Union and (b) World Trade Organisation; and if he will make a statement. [125377]

Her Majesty's Government fully support the EU's Stabilisation and Association process, designed to build stability and prosperity in South East Europe. The 1999 Cologne European Council confirmed that Stabilisation and Association Agreements will offer

a prospect of European Union membership on the basis of the Amsterdam Treaty and fulfilment of the criteria defined at the Copenhagen European Council.

The Commission has produced a study on the feasibility of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with Croatia recommending that the EU open up negotiations on an Agreement.We welcome the Commission's effort to reach agreement on the terms of Croatia's WTO accession. Following recent developments, we understand that the key outstanding issues surrounding a market access package have been resolved. We hope that this should open the way to Croatia's accession to the WTO in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the total amount paid by Her Majesty's Government to the OECD in respect of membership fees in each of the last three financial years. [125532]

The total amount paid by Her Majesty's Government over the last three financial years is £14,151,086.69. The OECD membership fees per year for the last three years are: 1997—£4,845,082.79, 1998—£4,586,554.69, 1999 —£4,719,449.21.We believe that this represents good value for money. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development provides expert analysis and facilitates policy discussion on a wide range of subjects, including macroeconomic policy, labour market reform, harmful taxation competition. E-commerce, and food safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries with which he has discussed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in the last 12 months. [125768]

We have discussed the Treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons with a range of interlocutors as part of our normal bilateral dialogues. It has also been discussed at European Union and G8 summits and at meetings of the United Nations Security Council. The review conference of the treaty in May 2000 offered the opportunity for further bilateral and multilateral discussions. The conference was attended by 155 states parties.In all appropriate forums, both bilateral and multilateral, we have made clear our commitment to the treaty and our determination that all those states which are not party to it should proceed towards accession as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his European and NATO colleagues concerning the protection of inhabitants of the Caucasus against Chechnyan forces. [125894]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: We have had regular discussions with international colleagues about the Chechnya conflict, including in the EU, NATO, the OSCE and other international fora. Such discussions have regularly included discussion of the impact of the crisis on regional stability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Chechnyan rebel leaders concerning the jihad in the Caucasus. [125893]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary have had meetings with Chechen warlords. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials have from time to time met Chechen representatives. In such contacts we have condemned terrorism and made clear our concern about the level of violence and reported human rights abuses on both sides in the Chechen conflict.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will ratify the 1996 revised European Social Charter of the Council of Europe signed on 7 November 1997. [125795]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: We are continuing to review ratification of the Revised European Social Charter and consultations will continue on the provisions that we might accept upon ratification.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government have taken to ensure that there is adequate Arab representation within the UNMOVIC inspection teams. [125142]

This is a matter for UNMOVIC's Executive Chairman, Dr. Hans Blix. The UK is in favour of UNMOVIC staff being drawn from the broadest possible geographical base, as called for under United Nations Security Council resolution 1284. We urge all UN members to respond positively to Dr. Blix's requests for staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to refer breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights by the Russian Federation in Chechnya to the European Court of Human Rights under Article 33 of the Convention; and if he will make a statement. [125990]

We have considered with our EU partners the possibility of bringing an interstate action against Russia under Article 33 of the European Convention on Human Rights. We and other EU states have pursued other means of ensuring accountability for alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya, notably at the 56th Session of the Commission of Human Rights. An EU-drafted Resolution was passed, registering major concerns, including the need for an independent Commission of Inquiry meeting international standards. With EU partners, we have agreed that this type of international pressure, rather than an interstate complaint, was the clearest way of indicating our concern over the situation in Chechnya.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the Government's policy to support the proposed suspension of the Russian Federation from the Council of Europe in accordance with Recommendation 1456 (2000) of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. [125991]

We share the concerns expressed in Recommendation 1456 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (CoE) and have taken every opportunity, bilaterally and in company with our EU partners, to impress on Russia the need to comply with its human rights obligations. However, we share the EU position that it is preferable to continue to bring pressure to bear through engagement within the CoE rather than to isolate Russia by suspension.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what restrictions on the use of QCs have been introduced (a) by Government Departments and (b) through legal aid funding, indicating in each case what savings to public funds he estimates will be made as a result; and if he will make a statement. [125533]

I have been asked to reply.Dealing first with

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many legal firms deal with legal aid work; and what the number was in 1996. [125434]

The information is not readily available in the form requested, and can be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Legal Services Commission, which replaced the Legal Aid Board on 1 April 2000, records payments made to solicitors offices and not solicitors firms. One firm may have several offices, but the Commission's payment system cannot identify them as belonging to the same firm.During the period April 1996 to 31 March 1997, 10,739 offices received legal aid payments. The most recent figure available is for the period 1 April 1998 to 31 March 1999, when the number was 10,751. The figure for 1999–2000 is not yet available but will appear in the Legal Aid Board's final annual report which will be laid before Parliament in July 2000.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what his policy is with regard to the exercise of his powers under the Access to Justice Act 1999 and the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 on the formation of partnerships between barristers. [125432]

The Lord Chancellor has no statutory powers with regard to the formation of partnerships between barristers.The Lord Chancellor's powers under Schedule 4 to the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990, as amended by schedule 5 to the Access to Justice Act 1999, enable him only to strike down and replace a professional body's rules if they unreasonably restrict a right of audience or to conduct litigation, or the exercise of such a right.The rules preventing barristers forming partnerships are entirely a matter for the Bar Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many alcohol-related incidents were reported to police on or relating to Thames river boats in (a) 1990–91, (b) 1992–93, (c) 1994–95, (d) 1996–97 and (e) 1998–99. [125446]

This information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many citizens of the European Community or European Economic Area, or members of their families, were (a) questioned, (b) searched and (c) detained in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999; and how the powers in these respects are exercised and at what location, in respect of those travelling by rail through the channel tunnel. [125385]

The information requested is not available. European Economic Area (EEA) nationals are normally admitted to the United Kingdom on production of a valid passport or identity card as evidence of nationality and identity, in accordance with Article 3(1) of the Immigration (European Economic Area) Order 1994 ("the EEA Order") and subject of Article 15(1) of the EEA Order. Under Article 3(3) of the EEA Order, an accompanying family member of an EEA national who is not himself an EEA national will normally be admitted to the United Kingdom, although he may, in addition, be required to hold an EEA family permit issued abroad.Under Article 15(1) of the EEA Order, immigration officers on arrival may refuse to admit a person if his exclusion is justified on grounds of public policy, public security or public health. This applies when the person is travelling by rail through the channel tunnel or by any other means of transport.Powers for immigration officers to question passengers arriving in the United Kingdom, whether they are citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area, or their accompanying (third country) relatives, are contained in paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971. Schedule 2 applies to the examination of (EEA) nationals in accordance with Article 20(2)(e) of the EEA Order. Under paragraph 4(3) of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971, a person who is examined under paragraph 2 of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971 may be searched, and his belongings examined, and that person may be detained under paragraph 16 of Schedule 2 of the Immigration Act 1971.These powers are normally exercised where the passenger first encounters the immigration officer or, in the case of a person examined on board a train, immediately on his arrival in the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he takes to ensure that alleged cases of institutional child abuse are thoroughly investigated. [125750]

Although the conduct of criminal investigations is a matter for the chief officer of police, the police have a duty and responsibility to investigate all criminal offences. Investigations into allegations of criminal offences against children in particular, should be carried out sensitively, thoroughly and professionally.The Home Office has worked with the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Employment to publish guidance—"Working Together to Safeguard Children"—which sets out how all agencies and professionals should work together to promote children's welfare and to protect them from abuse and neglect.In addition, following the North Wales Child Abuse Report (the Waterhouse Report) "Lost in Care", the Government agreed there was a need for an inter-agency review of best practice in conducting complex abuse investigations and that a Review Group would be established to take forward this work, bringing together representatives from the Home Office, Department of Health, Local Government Association, Association of Directors of Social Services and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people (a) have voluntarily contacted the police, (b) the police have contacted and (c) the police estimate they will wish to contact in connection with the Wiltshire Constabulary inquiry into the death of Ronald Maddison. [125989]

I understand from the Wiltshire Constabulary that no-one has contacted them on their own initiative in connection with the inquiry into the death of Ronald Maddison; that the force has so far been in contact with 12 people in this connection; and that it is not possible to estimate the final number who may be contacted. The inquiry into Mr. Maddison's death is just one aspect of a wider inquiry into events at Porton Down over many years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will direct that the relevant local authorities and regional assemblies be given the opportunity to be involved in all discussions between the National Asylum Support Service and the private agencies and landlords in the allocation of asylum seekers to different localities. [125278]

The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) is fully committed to consulting the regional consortiums as part of the negotiation process in dispersing asylum seekers. We recognise the importance of local knowledge and expertise and NASS has an established consultation process for the procurement of accommodation. It would not be practicable to give individual local authorities and regional assemblies the opportunity to be involved in all discussions with private agencies and landlords. NASS must strike the right balance between the need to consult and the need, for example, to secure accommodation within reasonable timescales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent the size of the local Islamic community and the availability of support workers in the education and social services departments and voluntary agencies is taken into account by the National Asylum Support Service in the allocation of asylum seekers to local authorities. [125279]

Wherever possible we disperse asylum seekers to areas where there is an established community of the same language. We also take into account any other local factors brought to our attention during the consultation process with the local regional consortium. The voluntary agencies are establishing "one stop shops" where asylum seekers can receive help and advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much money has been made available for spending under the Government's policy for community involvement by residents' and community groups since May 1997; and if he will make a statement. [124261]

The Home Office spent £170,000 in 1999–2000 under the Community Resource Fund, and is likely to spend a similar amount during this financial year. £325,000 was spent under the Community Development Learning Fund with £650,000 to be made available for 2000–01. Both these funds were established as a result of recommendations contained in the Policy Action Team 9 Report on Community Self-Help, and are aimed at enabling small and emerging community groups in deprived areas to access funds as easily and quickly as possible.Other departments also resource this activity. The hon. Member may wish to seek further information from, in particular, my right. hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and the Secretary of State for the Department for Education and Employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on (a) the effectiveness of her Department's no-smoking policy and (b) the proportion of her Department's offices that do not allow smoking. [125161]

Our smoking policy, which allows smoking in designated areas only, has been very effective. We have two offices in London and East Kilbride where smoking is permitted only in five designated areas which account for between 1 per cent. and 2 per cent. of the total available space.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if Know How Fund aid to Croatia has been increased since the election of the new Government; and if she will make a statement. [125376]

Our bilateral allocation to Croatia is £1 million in the current financial year, increasing to £1.5 million in each of the two following years. Our share of the EU programme to Croatia in 2000 is just over £2 million.Our aim is to complement the funding available through the EU and the international financial institutions to which we contribute. Since the election of the new Government we have discussed with the Croatian authorities several areas of possible support to their reform programme. Where our current funding allocations are insufficient to support good proposals put to us by the Croatian authorities, I shall consider transferring uncommitted funds from within the overall allocation for Central and South Eastern Europe.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid is being given towards the preservation of mangrove swamps in (a) the West Indies and (b) the Indian Ocean. [123245]

My Department supports a number of programmes and activities related to the sustainable use and conservation of coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass as well as mangrove swamps. Current programmes at least in part related to the preservation of mangrove swamps in the West Indies and the Indian Ocean include: the Turks and Caicos Islands Coastal Resource Management Project to develop institutional capacity; support to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for capacity building in coastal resource management; promotion of participatory natural resource management through the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI); the State Forest Management project in Grenada; rehabilitation of coastal mangroves in Bangladesh as part of a project to increase fish and shrimp production; and development of community management of coastal ecosystems at Mafia Island in Tanzania.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the standard spending assessment for education in Leeds in (a) 1998–99, (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01 and the actual spending and planned spending by the local authority on education in those years. [125425]

The following table sets out, for Leeds Local Education Authority, the Education Standard Spending Assessment for (a) 1998–99 (b) 1999–2000 and (c) 2000–01; the planned spending by the local authority on education for each of these years; the actual spending on education for 1998–99, the latest year for which such information is available; and the total resources available per pupil (5–15) through SSA and special and specific grant for all three years.

	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01
Education SSA (£ million)	278.7	292.4	306.6
Budget (£ million)	297	306.6	315.2
Net revenue expenditure (£ million)	292.6	—	—
SSA + Special and Specific Grant per pupil (5–15) (£)	2,505	2,683	2,937

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many end of Key Stage 2 (a) mathematics and (b) science test papers were returned for a review of marking in each of the past four years. [124894]

Information on the number of end of Key Stage 2 mathematics and science test papers returned for a review of marking is available only for the past three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will announce a decision about the sale of the Allington School site in Chippenham. [125716]

The application from Wiltshire County Council to sell the former Allington school site has been put on hold, at the request of the County Council, pending further discussions between the County Council, North Wiltshire District Council and Chippenham Town Council over the provision of additional playing fields in Chippenham.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many additional free early years education places would be required to meet the Government's target of free places being available for 66 per cent. of three-year-olds by 2002 for (a) England and (b) each local education authority in London. [122710]

[holding answer 19 May 2000]: 190,000 additional new free early years education places for three-year-olds will be made available over the next three years using the £390 million allocated by the Government. This will allow us to meet the national target of providing 66 per cent. of all three-year-olds in England with a free place.We are seeking to target those children in most social need. To this end different targets have been set with different local authorities to reflect their position on the Government's Index of Local Deprivation.The following table shows the estimated number of new places required in the local education authorities in London to contribute to taking the national figure to 66 per cent. It also shows our estimate of the percentage of three-year-olds in each area who will have a free place by April 2001.

Local education authority area	New Places required to reach national target of 66%	% of children expected to have free places by April 2001
Barking and Dagenham	0	81.9
Barnet	695	51.0
Bexley	669	44.9
Brent	494	81.7
Bromley	2,022	16.0
Camden	518	80.7
City of London	2	64.0
Croydon	1,276	57.4
Ealing	0	79.7
Enfield	1,235	67.4
Greenwich	245	84.2

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial support his Department has given to the Pre-school Learning Alliance in each year since April 1997. [123102]

The Department has provided the following Financial Support to the Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA) since 1997:

£
	Marketing, quality and training infrastructure	Section 64 grant: core funding	Total
1997–98	1,578,000	420,000	1,998,000
1998–99	1,585,000	420,000	2,005,000
1999–2000	1,590,000	420,000	2,010,000
2000–01	1,600,000	450,000	2,050,000
Total	6,353,000	1,710,000	8,063,000

During the same period £640 million has been made available to fund places for three and four-year-olds—around 50 per cent. went to the voluntary sector. I am encouraged that over 80 per cent. of new free nursery places for three-year-olds created during 1999–2000 were in the voluntary and private sectors.In March, I announced that, for the third year running, we are making available £500,000 for a further round of small grants for pre-schools and playgroups facing financial difficulties. This will give groups breathing space in which to consider their longer term plans.In recognition of the challenges facing the sector we have announced the provision of £250,000 for specific projects to help pre-schools and playgroups develop and grow, as the early years sector expands.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2000, Official Report, column 483–84W, on London Underground, if he will list (a) train, (b) signal and (c) track failures in each financial year for each line of the London Underground. [125281]

This is an operational matter for London Underground Ltd. (LUL). The figures requested are not standard London Underground performance measures and data are not kept in this format. Therefore to provide the figures on a line by line basis would incur disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list (a) those local authorities which have transferred some or all of their housing stock to registered social landlords, (b) the name of the registered social landlord to which the stock has been transferred, (c) the average rent increase or decrease determined by the registered social landlord in each financial year since the transfer and (d) the rent collected by the registered social landlord as a percentage of the total rent due in each financial year since the transfer; [124258](2) if he will list those registered social landlords to which local authority housing stock has been transferred which have failed to satisfy the performance indicators set by the Housing Corporation, for each financial year since the stock was transferred, and in each case give details of the specific performance indicators they failed. [124259]

[holding answer 8 June 2000]: The information requested, that is readily available, has been placed in the Libraries of the House.However, information about rent increases and decreases has been collected as part of the Housing Corporation's performance indicators only since 1995–96. Information on rent increases for transfer tenants and for new tenants is not collected separately. The rent differential between these two groups can be over 20 per cent. It would be misleading to provide an average figure combining rent increase and decrease figures for transfer tenants and new tenants.The Housing Corporation has collected a range of performance indicators since 1993–94. Since April 1998, RSLs have been expected to achieve set levels of performance in certain key areas of housing management. In view of this, a list of RSLs to which local authority housing stock has been transferred which failed to satisfy the performance indicators set by the Housing Corporation is available only for the years 1997–98 and 1998–99.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what were the (a) cash and (b) percentage changes to the Housing Investment Programme in the London boroughs of (i) Kensington and Chelsea and (ii) Westminster in each year since 1992. [125421]

Kensington and Chelsea's and Westminster's Housing Investment Programme allocations for 1992–93 to 2000–01 were as set out in the table. The figures for 1997–98 to 1999–2000 include the allocations made through the Capital Receipts Initiative.

£ thousand
	Kensington and Chelsea
Year	Allocation	Change on previous year
		Amount	Percentage
1992–93	13,084	+3,440	+36
1993–94	12,087	-997	-8
1994–95	9,567	-2,520	-21
1995–96	9,327	-240	-3
1996–97	9,583	+256	+3
1997–98	7,453	-2,130	-22
1998–99	9,682	+2,229	+30
1999–2000	10,625	+943	+10
2000–2001	16,395	+5,770	+35

£ thousand
Westminster
Year	Allocation	Change on previous year
		Amount	Percentage
1992–93	21,314	+1,249	+6
1993–94	25,190	+3,876	+18
1994–95	18,780	-6,410	-25
1995–96	16,583	-2,197	-12
1996–97	15,763	-820	-5
1997–98	12,313	-3,450	-22
1998–99	14,172	+1,859	+15
1999–2000	15,561	1,389	+10
2000–2001	25,535	+9,974	+64

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures he will take to ensure that Railtrack minimises inconvenience to passengers travelling to London from stations on the northern section of the Thameslink line, during the construction of the Thameslink 2000 project; and if he will make a statement. [125591]

The shadow Strategic Rail Authority is already working closely with Railtrack to construct replacement timetables for services disrupted by the engineering works for Thameslink 2000. These discussions supplement the normal 30 week notice period Railtrack must give to Train Operating Companies in order to undertake long planned work, and the aim is to reduce disruptions to the minimum.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to encourage the reinstatement of discontinued sleeper services between the North of England and London. [125549]

These services were withdrawn some years ago by the British Railways Board as they were no longer financially viable. Since then journey times and opportunities on North of England services have been substantially improved both early in the morning and late into the evening. The Franchising Director has no plans to include North of England sleeper services in Passenger Service Requirements at present, since there is little perceived demand. These services could be provided by train operators in the future if there is an adequate commercial basis for their provision. Financial support could be sought through the making of an appropriate Rail Passenger Partnership bid.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons Jubilee Line services to Charing Cross have been discontinued; what consultation tool place before the withdrawal; and if he will make a statement. [125606]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: It was decided to extend the Jubilee Line from Green Park to Stratford via Westminster and Waterloo, omitting Charing Cross for engineering, cost and passenger benefit reasons. London Underground Limited did not undergo a consultation period before the withdrawal of the service since Part Five, Section 38 of the London Underground Act 1992 (giving construction powers) excluded them from any need to do so. However, throughout the time the Bill was going through Parliament London Underground made clear their intention to close the Charing Cross Jubilee platforms.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make it a requirement for the successful bidder for the Connex South Central franchise to include firm proposals to reopen the Lewes-Uckfield railway line. [125610]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: Negotiations for a replacement South Central franchise are at an advanced stage. The Deputy Prime Minister has asked the Franchising Director to evaluate the bids against the following criteria: commitment to secure better performance and customer services, the extent to which extra or earlier investment can be secured, the extent to which passengers will be given a greater voice in the level and standard of services, and value for money to the taxpayer. All the investment proposals contained in bids will be evaluated against these criteria.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safeguards he proposes to put in place to secure the independence in respect of policy making of the rail passenger committees. [125608]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: The recently renamed Rail Passengers Committees will continue to have the freedom to express their independent views under the sponsorship of the Strategic Rail Authority as they currently do under the sponsorship of the Office of the Rail Regulator. Although the SRA will sponsor the RPCs, the Secretary of State will continue to appoint the Chairmen of the RPCs and the Chairman of the national Rail Passengers' Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that appropriate hydrological and management regimes are established by 2005 in all lowland raised bog areas which have been damaged but still retain nature conservation interest. [125773]

The Biodiversity Habitat action plan for Lowland Raised Bogs, published in October 1999, and placed in the Library of the House, sets out the planned action for restoring this habitat to favourable conservation status in the UK.English Nature is the Lead Agency for co-ordination of action and work plans by the organisations identified in the plan. The plan acknowledges that a list must first be drawn up to decide which bogs require action to be taken.Some bogs are included in the list of Candidate Special Areas of Conservation under the EC Habitats Directive which is currently under review. The Government will ensure that activities on or around candidate SACs which may damage their hydrology and are subject to formal permissions or licences are reviewed, including planning consents and activities licensed by the statutory water regulators. This could lead to a number of different outcomes to remove the source of damage.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how often the Working Party on Dog Identification has met; what items were on its agenda when it met; who has given evidence or provided reports or submissions to it; what means of dog identification are being considered by it; what methods of enforcement of dog identification are being considered by it; and if it will receive and consider submissions from members of the public. [125874]

The Dog Identification Working Group (DIG) was set up to consider the issues surrounding the permanent identification of dogs in England. The Group will produce a report to reflect a consensus view on all the available options for dog identification and this is expected in the Summer. No decisions will be taken until I have fully considered the report.The Working Group has met on eight occasions, the first meeting was held on 17 May 1999 and chaired by the then Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale). The Agenda items of these meetings have been wide ranging to cover all the issues surrounding dog identification. Among the issues the Group has discussed are existing voluntary schemes, different methods of enforcement, a Dog Registration Consultation Paper from the Pet Advisory Committee, International Experience of dog identification schemes, a public education and marketing strategy and the use of databases. The Group has considered a wide range of evidence relevant to its terms of reference—copies of this will be contained in annexes to the Group's report. All forms of identification are being considered including possible future developments in technology. Enforcement is a matter which will be covered by the Group's report. When I have received the Group's report, I will consider the recommendations and whether any further consultation is required.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received regarding the installation of excess gas flow valves in public sector housing. [124870]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), on behalf of the Health and Safety Commission, is undertaking a fundamental review of the current health and safety regime for the installation and use of gas to determine whether, or how far changes are needed to the existing system of control. As part of the consultation process, HSE has received three representations from a UK supplier of excess gas flow valves about the safety case for fitting these valves in domestic premises generally, including public sector housing. I am also aware of a similar representation made recently to my right hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which local authorities have fitted excess gas flow valves to their housing stock; and how many have been fitted. [124872]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: I have been advised by the Health and Safety Executive that it is aware of 21 local authorities and three housing associations that have specified and are fitting excess gas flow valves, as set out in the list. I have no information about the numbers that have been fitted.

Local authorities and housing associations known to be specifying and fitting excess gas flow valves

Local Authorities

• Birmingham city council
• Bristol city council
• Bromsgrove district council
• Cheltenham district council
• Coventry city council
• Derby city council
• Dudley Metropolitan borough council
• Glasgow city council
• Halton Metropolitan borough council
• Hounslow London borough council
• Hillingdon London borough council
• Kingston upon Thames borough council
• Leicester city council
• Macclefield borough council
• Newham borough council
• Nottingham city council
• Newcastle upon Tyne borough council
• Preston borough council
• Rotherham Metropolitan borough council
• Sandwell borough council
• Slough borough council

Housing Associations

• Guinness Trust
• Orbit housing association
• Touchstone housing association
• Waterloo housing association

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what measures the Government have pursued since 1 May 1997 (a) to promote the wider use of powered two-wheelers and (b) to improve their safety. [125453]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone" recognised that there are circumstances in which mopeds and motorcycles can have a role to play in integrated transport. We have thus:

established an Advisory Group on Motorcycling;

advised local authorities to take account of the contribution powered two wheelers are making in delivering integrated transport policies.

We have taken action to improve the safety of motorcyclists by:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to declare a moratorium on further planning applications for new telecommunications masts pending the outcome of the announced review of planning policy; and when he expects to complete this review. [125889]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, set up at the instigation of the Government and chaired by Sir William Stewart FRS FRSE, has considered the possible health effects of the use of mobile phones, base stations and transmitters. The Group published its report on 11 May.The Group concluded that

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the new Class 175 trains will be brought alto service on the North Wales Coast Route; and what the reasons are for the late delivery. [125796]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: The train operating company, First North Western, hopes to introduce the new trains into service late this year. Delay in their introduction is due to technical difficulties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to monitor the effectiveness of cross-departmental initiatives aimed at neighbourhood renewal and urban regeneration. [124272]

My Department commissions in-depth evaluations to assess the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at neighbourhood renewal and urban regeneration. These evaluations are concerned with effectiveness both in terms of process issues, such as delivery structures, and in terms of their impact on deprivation and exclusion. DETR is currently responsible for the following evaluations of cross-departmental initiatives:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many organisations have expressed interest in being included on the list of interested parties to bid for the NATS public-private partnership. [125936]

Nineteen companies have expressed an initial interest in the NATS PPP. These are not formal expressions of interest. In accordance with the Department's agreement with those companies their identities cannot be revealed. Furthermore, in order to maintain a competitive and level playing field, the Department does not intend to release the identities of bidding companies and consortia in future stages of the PPP process.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the cost of part-privatising NATS. [125935]

DETR, NATS and the CAA expect to incur consultancy costs in the order of £20 million in connection with the NATS PPP. In addition, restructuring costs of around £15 million are expected to be incurred in order to achieve the separation of NATS from the CAA.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mrs. Dunwoody) of 18 January 2000, Official Report, column 358W, concerning NATS, if he has produced (a) the list of properties and (b) the valuation; and when he plans to publish this information. [125937]

A list of properties, which are owned or leased by NATS, has been placed in the Library. Valuations for the key sites are in progress. However, we do not intend to publish these at this stage as they will form part of the confidential information released to pre-qualified bidders in the NATS PPP.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made on the co-ordination of Government initiatives at a regional and local level. [124274]

We have established the core of the new Regional Coordination Unit. We will publish, in July, a timetabled action plan for implementing the conclusions of the Performance and Innovation Unit's Report on the role of central Government at regional and local level.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons copies of the draft regional planning guidance for the south-east were not available in public libraries until Thursday 18 May; if he will extend the deadline for replies to the consultation; and if he will make a statement. [125964]

Boxes of leaflets and documents were sent to all chief executives of local authorities in the south-east, requesting them to distribute the document and leaflet to their council offices and to their libraries. The documents were sent out on the first day of consultation, 27 March 2000. It is the Secretary of State's opinion that draft Regional Planning Guidance for the south-east has been made widely available and that there is no need to extend the consultation period.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will take steps to enable the National Assembly for Wales to establish passenger transport authorities under the terms of the Transport Bill. [125471]

We made our position clear in our response¹ to the 2nd Report of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee (HC287) "The Transport Bill and its impact on Wales". In particular we said that:

The possibility of creating new Passenger Transport Authority areas was considered at the time of the Transport White Paper. We rejected it then, partly because no group of authorities seemed to have a very strong case for establishing a PTA and partly because, although PTAs have a good track record in co-ordinating and developing public transport, they have no roads responsibilities, and this can create problems in fully integrating transport in their areas.

Local authorities outside the PTAs already work closely together in developing transport strategies for their areas, as the Local Transport Plans for England submitted to the DETR last summer have shown. A number have submitted joint plans for their combined areas, and we are confident that this co-operation will continue. We are not persuaded of the argument to bring forward primary legislation to enable the establishment of one or more PTAs in Wales.

¹ Response published as the 5th Special Report of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee (HC497) "The Transport Bill and its Impact on Wales".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the airworthiness directives the Civil Aviation Authority has issued to British airlines relating to BAe 146 aircraft in their service about (a) engine icing and (b) the ingestion of fumes from the engines into the cabin. [125988]

As a result of in service experience of engine icing on the BAe 146, the Civil Aviation Authority has issued a total of five Airworthiness Directives, two of which have been superseded. These Airworthiness Directives impose operating limitations and placarding requirements. In addition, the CAA has accepted as mandatory three Airworthiness Directives (two of which have been superseded) issued by US Federal Aviation Administration in relation to the Allied Signal ALF 502 engine used on the BAe 146. The CAA is entirely satisfied that all the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that the aircraft meets both UK and international airworthiness standards. The current limitation published for aircraft have shown themselves to be both effective and practical for crews to apply.The CAA has not issued any Airworthiness Directives relating to the ingestion of engine fumes into the cabin on BAe 146. This issue is currently the subject of investigations by both the Australian Senate and the Swedish aviation authorities. Should these investigations reveal problems the CAA will ensure that appropriate action is taken.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when current forecasts indicate convergence between the UK and Euroland economies under the convergence programme submitted to the EU. [125554]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: As set out in Articles 99 and 104 of the EC Treaty, the UK once a year submits a Convergence Programme as part of the Stability and Growth Pact. The Chancellor has said we will produce an assessment of the five tests early in the next Parliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 7 June 2000, Official Report, column 274W, on the Royal Collection, if the Royal Collection includes all the Queen's assets. [125901]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: The custody and care of the assets in the Royal Collection Trust are the responsibility of the trustees. I have asked the Director of the Trust to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what sterling/dollar exchange rate was assumed when forecasting the North Sea tax revenue as set out in the March Financial Statement and Budget report. [125639]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to page 165 of the March 2000 Financial Statement and Budget Report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for how long the old Department of the Environment building in Marsham street has lain empty; and if he will make a statement. [124268]

The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions finally vacated 2 Marsham street at the end of April 1998.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to publish the next Inquiry into Retail; and to which years' statistics it will relate. [125571]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on (a) the effectiveness of his Department's no-smoking policy and (b) the proportion of his Department's offices that do not allow smoking. [125169]

My Department operates the same policy on smoking as the National Assembly for Wales, which is designed to protect the great majority of staff, who do not smoke, from the effects of smoke, as required by health and safety legislation. Smoking is therefore not permitted in working areas, whether cellular or open plan, and sources of information and advice on stopping smoking are provided to those staff who wish to give up the habit.My Department only has one building housing about 40 staff who have agreed between themselves that smoking should take place only in certain rooms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 2000, Official Report, column 633W, on opinion research, what steps have been taken to ensure that his Department makes such results publicly available as required by paragraph 19 of the Cabinet Office May 1999 Guidelines on Research into Public Attitudes and Opinions. [125992]

The Wales Office has not carried out any market or opinion research since it was established on 1 July 1999. In the event that my Department does undertake any market or opinion research, the Guidelines will be followed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Army Training and Recruitment Agency for the financial year 2000–01. [125578]

The Chief Executive of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency has been set the following Key Targets for 2000–01:

1. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for 620 commissioned officers.

2. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for 610 officers qualified for service in Field Force units following successful Special to Arm training.

3. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for the professional development training of 6,714 officers.

4. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for 10,831 regular soldiers qualified for service in Field Force units following successful Basic and Special to Arm training.

5. To meet the Adjutant General's requirement for professional development training for 52,458 soldiers.

6. To achieve a 3 per cent. annual aggregate improvement in ATRA efficiency measured on the ATRA Efficiency Index.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many depleted uranium shells have been (a) fired and (b) recovered from the DERA establishment at Dundrennan in each of the last three years; [124697](2) if the test firing of depleted uranium shells at the DERA establishment at Dundrennan, Kirkcudbrightshire is continuing. [124718]

The number of depleted uranium shells fired at the range in each of the last three years is as follows:

	Number
1997	749
1998	134
1999	111

During this period only one projectile has been recovered. This was in October 1997 when a fishing vessel trawled up one in the Solway Firth. Current planning proposes a programme of DU firings up to October 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reasons underlay the length of time taken to procure the successor Identification Friend or Foe system for the Royal Air Force; what the original cost was; if the contract is to be signed at that original cost; and if he will make a statement. [124885]

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 obligations Raytheon has in respect of industrial participation and offsets in respect of the current order for AMRAAM missiles for the RAF; and if he will make a statement. [124991]

The order placed in 1992 for AMRAAM missiles is now complete and was made through the Government to Government Foreign Military Sales process. Such purchases do not attract industrial participation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what obligations he plans to place upon Raytheon in respect of industrial participation and offsets in respect of the additional AMRAAM order announced on 16 May; and if he will make a statement. [124990]

The announcement on 16 May stated the intention to purchase a quantity of AMRAAM missiles to equip Eurofighter when it first enters service. Options for acquisition, whether by a Government to Government order or through a direct contract with Raytheon, are being examined. The potential for industrial participation opportunities will be taken into account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about structural and metallurgical defects on Warrior fighting vehicles in Kosovo. [125316]

Despite its advantages there are also inherent problems in the use of aluminium armour on vehicles such as the Warrior. The Department has been aware of this for some time and appropriate repair schemes have been developed with the Design Authority. There have been no reports, however, of specific structural or metallurgical defects affecting any Warrior vehicles deployed to Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what projects his Department is engaged with the US Department of Defense involving (a) unmanned aerial vehicles and (b) unmanned aerial combat vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [125706]

None. However, we do have in place a number of Information Exchange Agreements with the US Department of Defense in support of unmanned aerial vehicle systems research for sea, land and air operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is on the use of PFI or PPP solutions for the procurement of front-line equipment. [125805]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: Public Private Partnerships comprise a range of close relationships between the public and private sectors including Private Finance Initiatives (PFI) and Smart Procurement. PFI solutions are being explored for a number of services in direct support of operations (e.g. Heavy Equipment Transporter, Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft) where we judge this may offer best value for money without detriment to operational effectiveness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were employed by his Department in Scotland in (a) 1979, (b) 1989, (c) 1994 and (d) 1999, broken down into (i) civilian and (ii) military personnel and including territorial forces. [125574]

The table gives details of the number of people employed by the Ministry of Defence in Scotland in (a) 1979, (b) 1989, (c) 1994 and (d) 1999 broken down into (i) civilian and (ii) military personnel.

Year	(i) Regular Forces	(ii) MOD civilians
(a) 1979	19,016	n/a
(b) 1989	20,035	12,209
(c) 1994	18,030	11,238
(d) 1999	14,937	9,274

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his letter of 2 June, what ways of funding the Serbian health system the Government have identified in the last 12 months and are considering for the next 12 months; and if he will give details of the initiative to which he refers to facilitate the return of Serb communities which have fled Kosovo. [125604]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: We have contributed £2.5 million each to the Balkans appeals of the ICRC and UNICEF. There are no specific allocations to Serbia, but UNICEF plans support to mother and child health services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees. ICRC programmes include provision of essential medicines to IDPs, refugees and the socially vulnerable in Serbia. In addition, ECHO plans support to primary health care services in remote locations, including to IDPs and refugees.We have provided £120,000 for roads and community schemes managed by British and Swedish troops of Multi National Brigade (Central) to encourage Serbs to return to villages in the Sliovo area, and Albanians to return from Pristina to their villages in the region.