To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost to his Department was of the supply of 226 LH-40C hand-held laser range-finders to the Army; how many units have been purchased; which companies bid for this contract; if the bid by the Eloptro Division of Denel company was the lowest; and if he will make a statement. [124883]

The total cost to the Department, including three years support, is in the region of £2 million, but the details are a matter of commercial confidentiality. Bids were received from four companies in November 1999: Eloptro, a division of Denel; Leica Geosystems Ltd.; Litton Laser Systems; and Simrad Optronics Ltd.Following a detailed technical evaluation including extensive trials of all candidate equipment only Eloptro provided a compliant tender and this, therefore, was the lowest acceptable bid. A contract for the supply and support of the 226 systems was awarded to Eloptro on 23 March 2000. The unsuccessful companies have been given the opportunity for a formal debrief and, while all have indicated that they wish to take up this offer, only Leica have done so to date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the planned in-service dates for follow-on Type 45 destroyers; and if he will make a statement. [124993]

On current plans, we expect that the first Type 45 destroyer will enter service with the Royal Navy in 2007 and that the last will enter service in 2014, with progressive deliveries between these dates. The delivery programmes for the ships have yet to be negotiated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the benefits of the United Kingdom being granted special status under the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [125380]

We welcome the announcement of the Defence Trade Security Initiative made by the US Government on 24 May 2000. The proposed reforms to US defence export control arrangements should reduce munitions licensing process times in general and simplify many licensing procedures, particularly for NATO countries, Japan and Australia. They represent a significant step towards enhancing alliance interoperability and preventing the widening of the technology gap.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role DERA played in securing the contract by BAe Systems to be the supplier to the Australian Defence Force of the Stone Fish MKIII Maritime Mining System; and if he will make a statement. [125435]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his Department spent on opinion research in the financial year 1999–2000. [123049]

The Government are committed to consulting and involving the public to help inform policy formulation and the delivery of better quality public services. Both are an important part of the Modernising Government initiative.The Government only commission market or opinion research when it is justified by the needs of the policy or programme and is the most economical, efficient and effective way to achieve the purpose.During the financial year 1999–2000, the amount spent on opinion research was £658,521. This information is broken down as follows:

	£
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development	20,536
Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure	13,000
Department of Education	5,975
Department of Environment	16,590
Department for Regional Development	15,050
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment	39,695
Department of Finance and Personnel	23,000
Department of Health, Social Services and PS	20,000
Department of Higher and Further Education, TE	346,375

	£
Department for Social Development	56,315
Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister	11,000
Northern Ireland Office	90,985

Responsibility in respect of research carried out by the Northern Ireland Departments has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list opinion research projects undertaken on behalf of the Department in the financial year 1999–2000 itemising (a) focus group research, (b) quantitative surveys and (c) other market research surveys, indicating in each case (i) when and (ii) where the results were published. [123050]

The information for the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments has been placed in the Library.Responsibility in respect of research carried out by the Northern Ireland Departments has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the demilitarisation measures taken in the past year; and if he will make a statement. [123506]

Listed are normalisation measures taken during 1999.

24 to 26 January 1999—Vacation of Patrol Bases at Mullan Bridge, Roscor Bridge, Wattle Bridge, Clonratty Bridge, Gortmullan Bridge, Killyvilly and Annaghmartin.

3 February 1999—Demolition of Aughnacloy Permanent Vehicle Check Point.

8 February 1999—Demolition of V3 Permanent Vehicle Check Point (Hump).

12 February 1999—Demolition of V4 Permanent Vehicle Check Point (Muff).

26 February 1999—Demolition of V1 Permanent Vehicle Check Point (Letterkenny Road).

21 May 1999—Demolition of Fort Whiterock completed.

9 July 1999—Requisitioned land in Crossmaglen returned to the GAA.

3 August 1999—Demolition of Gortmullan Patrol Base completed.

5 September 1999—Vacation of Carrickfergus Base.

31 December 1999—Closure of Castlereagh Holding Centre.

In April 2000, the Belfast Roulement Battalion was withdrawn.The Royal Ulster Constabulary is also making increased use of soft-skinned and high profile liveried vehicles and beat patrols. Police officers increasingly wear fluorescent jackets and now patrol without military support in most parts of the Province.In light of the lowering of the overall threat following the recent statement by the IRA the Chief Constable announced on 9 May further steps which will be taken within weeks to normalise security.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many laptop computers used by Ministers, officials and special advisers in his Department have been (a) lost and (b) stolen since May 1997. [123742]

The information requested is as follows:

(a) None

(b) Seven

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. [123944]

The answer to this question could be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of places on training courses for paramedics; and what plans he has to increase the number of places available. [122581]

There has been no central estimate of the number of places on training courses for paramedics as this training is managed directly by the 32 National Health Service ambulance service trusts around the country. We have made £21 million extra available per annum to support the ambulance services in meeting the national target of responding to 75 per cent. of all life threatening 999 calls within eight minutes. £18.5 million of this allocation is to provide additional staff, in particular paramedics, thereby increasing significantly the number of training places.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Subutex (buprenorphine) will be added to the list of drugs that can be dispensed using forms FP10(HP)(ad) and FP 10(MDA). [122899]

Ministers have agreed in principle to allow the prescription of buprenorphine (of which Subutex is a brand) on an instalment basis. We are currently consulting a range of organisations which could be affected by the proposal on how best to introduce it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the relative priorities accorded to mental and physical health in the Government's health policies. [125371]

We have set out our priorities in "Modernising Health and Social Services: National Priorities Guidance 2000/01–2002/03" which include physical and mental health problems as priorities for the National Health Service and Social Services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many responses to his consultation on the future of the NHS made reference to mental health or to mental illness; [125369]

(2) how many responses he received (a) in time and (b) out of time to his recent consultation on the future of the National Health Service; [125368]

(3) when and in what way he expects to announce a summary of the responses to the recent questionnaire on the NHS; [125374]

(4) how many responses to his consultation on the future of the NHS made reference to the medical needs and extra costs of patients aged over 85 years; [125370]

(5) what way NHS mental health patients were included in the consultation on the future of the NHS; [125372]

(6) if he will issue questionnaires to 12 million people relating to his top three priorities for mental health reform. [125367]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff consultation papers, "Have Your Say on a Better NHS", were distributed to the consultees by 4 June; and how many were received back by the closing date of 5 June. [125771]

The consultation process included written consultation with key national organisations; telephone consultation and two seminars with patient groups; use of NHS Direct; and issues emerging from the regional consultation process.As part of the overall consultation strategy, in the week leading up to National Health Census day on 31 May 2000, 12 million consultation leaflets were made available at supermarkets, high street chemists and other NHS facilities. There were one million staff leaflets and 11 million public leaflets. It was also published on the worldwide web.For those who may have had difficulty reading the text or completing the form in these formats, the leaflet was also made available on tape with the facility to either record responses on the tape or by dictating over the telephone. There have been eight requests for the tape, none of which have used the telephone facility.The total cost of the design, printing and distribution of the leaflet was £475,487.200,960 leaflets have been received so far. In addition, 7,385 e-mails have been received. 1,663 letters have been received. NHS Direct has received 654 responses. In total, responses received so far are 210,662.Of the responses received and analysed to date, 1,975 made reference to mental health or mental illness. 3,707 made reference to care of the elderly. A review of a sample of early responses showed that suggestions related to the elderly did not mention specific threshold ages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many survey forms were issued to NHS staff and patients; and how many were returned (a) by the initial closing date and (b) to date. [125797]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: Of the 12 million leaflets made available to staff and the public, 200,960 have been returned so far.The results of these submissions will be reported to the meeting of the modernisation action teams working on the national plan. All responses will be incorporated into developing the national plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent by his Department on advertising in each year since May 1997. [125688]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: The figures for the annual spend on advertising for the Department for the financial years 1997–98 to 1999–2000 are shown in the table.

Financial year	Advertising expenditure (£ million)
1997–98	2.27
1998–99	8.63
1999–2000	14.83

The principal increases since 1997–98 are in the following areas:

	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
Blood donation	0.60	1.70	10.22
Nurse recruitment	0.30	4.90	4.21
NHS Direct	0.12	0.78	1.20
Smoking2	0.00	0.00	6.18
Winter campaign	0.00	0.00	1.07
1 The Department's spend on blood donation advertising reduced in 1999–2000 because most of this activity was funded direct by the National Blood Authority
2 Prior to 1999–2000 advertising on smoking was undertaken by the Health Education Authority

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when digital hearing aids will be available through the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [125774]

I refer my hon. Friend to the oral answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth (Mr. Healey) on 6 June 2000, Official Report, columns 143–44.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure early identification of people with diabetes. [125957]

We recognise the importance of detecting diabetes as early as possible. Ministers have asked the United Kingdom National Screening Committee, which advises us on all aspects of screening policy, to consider whether there is a case for the introduction of a targeted screening programme for Type 2 diabetes and, if so, how this could most effectively be achieved. The conclusions of the Committee will inform the work of the Expert Reference Group for the National Service Framework (NSF) for diabetes in England which we announced last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the eighth annual report of the National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance Unit. [126745]

The National Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Surveillance Unit's eighth annual report has been published today. Copies have been placed in the Library. The report documents the Unit's findings in relation to sporadic, familial, iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and also variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, up to 31 December 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if intermediate care services will be provided by (a) the NHS and (b) the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [126225]

We remain committed to the modernisation of the National Health Service which will continue to provide a universal service, free at the point of use and available to all on the basis of clinical need. Development of intermediate care is a key part of the Government's programme to improve services for older people, including the National Service Framework. It can be achieved in a number of ways—by investing more in NHS hospitals, including giving new life to community hospitals, and by entering into new arrangements with the private sector.The whole system approach, which typifies intermediate care and is essential to its development, should recognise the contribution made by all partners in the health and social care system, including the independent sector. The same standards of clinical quality and effectiveness will apply to both NHS and non-NHS providers, and services should provide value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish details of the proposed new intermediate care arrangements and their impact on local authority services; and if he will make a statement. [126224]

We shall announce detailed proposals on the introduction of new intermediate care services later this summer. Intermediate care involves a variety of different services in preventing inappropriate admissions to hospitals or long-term care and in providing active rehabilitation and support on discharge from hospital. Local authority services will have an important part to play in intermediate care. Our proposals will be influenced by the work of the modernisation action team on partnership, charged with ensuring that all parts of the health and social care, including local authority services, work together more efficiently.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his definition is of intermediate care. [126227]

Intermediate care is a whole system approach to a range of multi-disciplinary, multi-agency services designed to promote independence by reducing avoidable hospital admission; facilitating timely discharge from hospital and promoting effective rehabilitation; and minimising premature or avoidable dependence on long-term care in institutional settings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice and guidance he has issued to (a) the NHS and (b) local authority social services regarding intermediate care since 1999. [126226]

The Health Service Circular of 23 May issued jointly to local health and social care communities made it clear that the development of intermediate care was an integral part of winter planning. More detailed planning guidance is to be issued to health and social care communities in the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what projects have been carried out to evaluate the efficacy of prescribing diamorphine to heroin addicts; and if he will make a statement. [125998]

The Department has not carried out any projects on the efficacy of prescribing diamorphine to heroin addicts, which is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Act (Supply to Addicts) Regulations 1997. The Department is funding a £2.4 million research initiative on drug misuse. Over the next four years this will deliver evidence to underpin our 10 year anti-drugs strategy. A major aim of this initiative is to improve knowledge on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of treatment and care procedures. The initiative includes a trial comparing the efficacy of substitute prescribing of injectable and liquid methadone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements exist to consider cases before vaccine damage tribunals of simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines which have led to vaccine damage to recipients. [125873]

I have been asked to reply.The Appeals Service tribunals hear appeals in relation to vaccine damage. These tribunals are constituted of an independent legally qualified panel member and one or two independent specialist medically qualified panel members, all appointed by the Lord Chancellor. These arrangements apply to all cases involving the administration of one or more vaccinations against diseases specified in the Vaccine Damage Payment Act 1979.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to reply to the questions tabled by the hon. Member for North Shropshire on 9 May. [125813]

I replied to 23 of the hon. Member's 29 questions on 12 and 13 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the GM crop test sites that are not on his Department's website by (a) type of crop and (b) county. [123916]

The Department's website is updated regularly to include a list of all the sites which have been notified by consent holders for Part B research and development releases (www.environment.detr.gov.uk/acre/trials.htm).There is no requirement to notify the Department of releases of a GM crop which has a Europe wide Part C marketing consent for cultivation. However, the industry body SCIMAC has agreed to provide location details for the GM maize being grown in the Farm Scale Evaluations under a Part C consent. All Farm Scale Evaluations sites are listed at www.environment.detr.gov.uk/fse/location/index.htm.We have no information on any other small scale test sites for such crops with Part C consent as they do not have to be notified to the Department. Growing for any purpose other than small scale trials is precluded by the terms of the agreement with SCIMAC on the growing of GM crops finalised last November.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the total expenditure by his Department on each estate action programme in the borough of Westminster since 1993; and what this was as a percentage of the total cost of each programme. [125423]

The total expenditure for each of the estate action projects in Westminster since 1993 is as follows:

£
	Mozart Estate	Lisson Green
1993–94	179,000	—
1994–95	1,500,000	1,136,000
1995–96	1,384,000	945,000
1996–97	2,180,000	1,955,000
1997–98	3,000,600	6,000,000
1998–99	3,200,000	2,660,000
1999–2000	600,000	1,701,400
Total	12,043,600	14,397,400

The total expenditure detailed above as a percentage of the total cost of programme is:

	Total cost of programmer	Percentage of grant expenditure against total cost
Mozart Estate	37,636,000	32
Lisson Green	63,031,000	22.8

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many accidents arising from strikes on bridges recorded in the last two years have been (a) fatal, (b) minor and (c) serious; and what has been the cost in the last two years of road strikes on low bridges. [125587]

The number of injury accidents in Great Britain which involved a road vehicle striking the side or roof of any bridge are given in the following table for the two most recent years for which figures are available.

	Fatal	Serious	Slight
1997	9	69	264
1998	14	67	282

Railtrack estimate that the annual cost of road strikes on low railway bridges is of the order of £10 million. This includes both the repair and delay costs, including those in damage-only accidents.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action the Government are taking in conjunction with (a) railway companies and (b) highway authorities to minimise damage to bridges caused by road vehicles striking low bridges. [125590]

Guidance has already been published on a range of measures to prevent bridge strikes, and regulations now require the height of the motor vehicle to be displayed in the cab, if the overall travelling height is in excess of three metres. The Department continues to chair the Bridge Strike Prevention Group which meets twice a year to discuss issues related to bridge strikes with the road transport industry, local authorities and bridge owners, to review trends and to encourage the adoption (and where appropriate the development) of new cost-effective measures to reduce the number and severity of bridge strikes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what additional information he requires to enable him to approve funding to upgrade the A436 in Gloucestershire; [125540](2) what factors he took into account in deciding not to fund Gloucestershire County Council's priority request to upgrade the A436 between Shipton Solers and Crickley Hill. [125539]

The Government Office for the South West wrote to Gloucestershire County Council on 16 December 1999 explaining why my Department was unable to accept the A436 Shipton Solers to Air Balloon scheme for support in the 2000–01 Local Transport Capital Settlement. The County Council has been advised to consider alternative solutions including looking at the feasibility of dealing with the safety issues by a combination of smaller scale schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the average speed of a journey through central London in daylight by (a) car, (b) bus and (c) bicycle. [124861]

[holding answer 9 June 2000]: The average speeds recorded in the 1999 DETR door-to-door journey times survey in central London were:

	Miles per hour
(a) Car	3.4
(b) Bus	2.5
(c) Bicycle	5.4

These are door-to-door journey times and so include an element of walking to and from bus stops, car parks etc. All journeys are made within the hours of 7am and 7pm.The full results of the survey are published in the DETR Transport Statistics Bulletin SB (00) 14, "Journey Times Survey, Inner and Central London: 1999", available in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the increase in capacity on the railways that would result from additional expenditure of (a) £500 million per year and (b) £1 billion per year. [125548]

The effect of expenditure on capacity would obviously depend on the nature of the expenditure. I cannot anticipate the conclusions on railway capacity and expenditure which will be reflected in the 10-year Plan for Transport which my right hon. Friend will be publishing next month.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what statistics he collects about bus accidents involving loose wheels. [125737]

Currently, all Vehicle Examiners who receive a request from the police to inspect vehicles that have been involved in a road traffic accident are required to complete a comprehensive report to help determine whether defects on the vehicle caused or contributed to the reason for the accident or to the severity of any injuries. Most of the requests are for examinations of heavy vehicles. A copy of the report goes to the police while another is sent to the VI Vehicle Safety Branch in Bristol. The information in the report is entered into the Inspectorate's "accidents" database which contains details of any faults or defects found on the vehicles examined, for example, wheel loss or brake failure.Vehicle Safety Branch are currently responsible for managing the database, on behalf of DETR's Vehicle Standards and Engineering Division. Since 1991, when the database was last revised, there have been 122 reported incidents of wheel loss on public service or large passenger vehicles above 16 passenger seats capacity, and four reported incidents on mini-buses with between nine and 16 passenger seats.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received calling for change in planning regulations that govern the erection of mobile phone masts. [125877]

In the past year, we have received around 175 letters calling for changes in planning regulations that govern the erection of mobile phone masts.In addition, the report of the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones, published on 11 May, recommended that for all base stations, permitted development rights for their erection should be revoked and that the siting of all new base stations should be subject to the normal planning process.In its response to the report, issued on the same day and placed in the Libraries of both Houses, the Government said that they were minded to introduce a requirement for an application for full planning permission for all new telecommunications masts, but would need to consult widely before doing so, including on the principle and precise scope of any new arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of transport spending was on national road maintenance and highways maintenance in England in each of the last five years. [125811]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: The percentage of transport spending in England on national road maintenance and local road maintenance for the five years up to 1998–99 is given in the tale. Figures for 1999–2000 are not yet available.

Percentage
	National road maintenance	Local road maintenance
1994–951	8.3	20.4
1995–961	6.5	21.1
1996–971	6.7	23.3
1997–981	7.6	24.4
1998–991	9.3	27.9
1Outturn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the correlation between (a) speed, (b) alcohol consumption and (c) road conditions, and road deaths. [125812]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: The Department estimate that excess or inappropriate speed is a contributory factor in one in three road deaths.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to issue a new Planning Policy Guidance notice concerning playing fields. [125926]

I hope to publish a draft revision of Planning Policy Guidance note 17 (PPG17) on sport and recreation for consultation shortly. This will update the existing guidance on playing fields.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the total number of valid applications he has received for the sale of playing fields in each month since October 1998. [125927]

The Secretary of State's consent to the disposal of land by local authorities under their general powers is required only where they wish to do so at less than the best reasonably obtainable consideration, which is normally open market value Six applications for consent for the sale of playing fields have been received since October 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how many interest-free equity loans have been granted to date under the Homebuy Scheme to residents in (a) Christchurch, (b) East Dorset, (c) Bournemouth, (d) Poole and (e) the New Forest since the inception of the scheme; [125970]

(2) how many households have been housed in England in each of the last five years under the Do-It-Yourself-Shared-Ownership Scheme; [125972]

(3) how many interest-free equity loans have been granted to date under the Homebuy Scheme in England; and how many he expects to be granted in 2000–01; [125971]

(4) how many residents in (a) Christchurch, (b) East Dorset, (c) Bournemouth, (d) Poole and (e) the New Forest have purchased homes under the Do-It-Yourself-Shared-Ownership Scheme in each of the last five years. [125973]

The Homebuy scheme started in April 1999. Homebuy replaced the Do-It-Yourself-Shared-Ownership (DIYSO) scheme following the rationalisation of the low cost home ownership programme offered by registered social landlords and funded by the Housing Corporation. However, local authorities continue to have the option to fund DIYSO until March 2001 when the position will be reviewed.The total number of Homebuy loans granted in England to the end of May 2000 is 1,083. 1,334 such loans are planned for the year 2000–01. The table shows the number of Homebuy loans granted to residents in the local authority areas named.

Number of Homebuy loans by local authority area
Local authority	1999–2000	2000–011	Total
New Forest	8	1	9
Bournemouth	7	0	7
Christchurch	2	0	2
Poole	4	1	5
East Dorset	3	0	3
Total	24	2	26
1 1 April to 31 May 2000

The total number of households housed in England in each of the last five years under the Do-It-Yourself-Shared-Ownership (DIYSO) Scheme is as follows:

Total number of DIYSO units completed 1995–2000
	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	Total
Local authority funded	312	230	252	192	226	1,212
Housing Corporation funded	4,588	2,435	1,986	1,472	191	10,672
Grand total	4,900	2,665	2,238	1,664	417	11,884

The following table shows the number of residents who have purchased homes under the DIYSO scheme in each of the last five years in the local authority areas shown.

Annual DIYSO completions by local authority area for period 1995–2000
Local authority	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	Total
New Forest	32	29	17	23	18	119
Bournemouth	19	9	8	11	0	47
Christchurch	13	9	2	3	0	27
Poole	13	16	8	9	0	46
East Dorset	7	7	7	4	0	25
Total	84	70	42	50	18	264

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 June 2000, Official Report, columns 195–96W, if (a) the Model allotments, (b) Moorside allotment and (c) Nun's Moor allotment have been subjected to unauthorised excavation for bottles and metal material since toxic ash from Byker Heat Station was deposited. [126007]

Newcastle city council advise that they are not aware of any unauthorised excavations at the Model allotments or Moorside allotments. Nun's Moor allotment has experienced some small-scale unauthorised excavations, however these were not in the area of the ash paths.The Fenham Allotments, as opposed to the Fenham Model allotments, have experienced severe damage from unauthorised excavations for bottles. This site, however, has not received ash from the Byker Heat Station.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 June 2000, Official Report, columns 195–96W, what prima facie failures of statutory duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have occurred in the distribution of toxic ash from the Byker Heat Station to bridleways and allotments. [126008]

The Environment Agency investigation, referred to by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in his answer of 6 June 2000, Official Report, columns 197–98W, into the deposit of ash at allotments and other sites in the Newcastle area, is continuing.The Agency investigation will establish whether the waste management controls under Part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have been contravened, including any breaches of the statutory duty of care imposed under section 34 of the 1990 Act. If there is evidence of contravention, action will be taken in accordance with the Agency's published Enforcement policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 June 2000, Official Report, columns 197–98W, if he will list the flooding incidents at Jesmond Dene and Ouseburn that have occurred from 1 May to date; how many properties were so affected; and what assessment he has made of the impact the proposed sustainable urban drainage system from Newcastle Great Park would have had on flooding incidents. [126009]

The Environment Agency's records indicate that since 1 May 2000 one domestic garage has flooded from the Ouseburn. The Environment Agency is aware of further surface water flooding within the Red House Farm estate and within Brunton Park, Gosforth. This flooding was caused by the drainage systems within these estates being unable to discharge into the Ouseburn when in flood. Although precise numbers are not available, the Environment Agency believes around eight properties on the Red House Farm estate were affected, along with a similar number on the Brunton Park estate.The Environment Agency believes, based on detailed modelling studies, that the development of the Newcastle Great Park will have no adverse impact in terms of flooding within the Ouseburn catchment. The use of Sustainable Urban Drainage techniques, in the form of large balancing ponds, will maintain water and discharge flow into the Ouseburn at a rate equivalent to the undeveloped site. The design criteria utilised will reduce flows from the development site in extreme rainfall events. The development will also benefit from a sewerage system in which foul sewage and surface water will be dealt with separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Government's transport strategies and the development of industrial land on the local economy in Lancaster. [124599]

Such assessments should be included in the District Local Plan and Local Transport Plan, which are the responsibility of Lancaster city council and Lancaster county council respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Government policy relating to combined heat and power projects. [124593]

Combined heat and power is vital to helping us meet our Kyoto commitments. The Government are actively working towards a target of at least 10,000 megawatts by 2010, and will issue and consult on a new CHP Strategy for achieving the target. The Government have already announced that Good Quality CHP will be eligible for Climate Change Levy exemption, Enhanced Capital Allowances, and de-rating of electricity generating plant and machinery, from April next year. I announced the basis on which "Good Quality" would be assessed, following consultation, on 17 May.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in his statement to the House on energy policy on 17 April 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to bring the purchasing of park homes within the scope of the existing laws covering the purchase of houses and land; and if he will make a statement. [126093]

My Department will publish the recommendations of the Park Homes Working Party in July, and we will announce our conclusions on them in due course. The report's recommendations include changes to the arrangements for the sale of park homes, but do not propose that park homes be brought within the scope of existing housing legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what payment and expenses the Chairman of the construction industry advisory group, Movement for Innovation, receives; [126169]

(2) what the term of office is of the Chairman of the construction industry advisory group, Movement for Innovation; [126170]

(3) if he will review the appointment of the present Chairman of the construction industry advisory group, Movement for Innovation, taking account of his resignation as managing director of a building company. [126171]

The appointment and term of office of the Chairman of the Movement for Innovation Board are matters for the Board. He has never received any payment or expenses for his work as Chairman. The Movement for Innovation Board and their Chairman have played an important role in promoting radical change in the construction industry and have had a major impact in little more than 18 months. I applaud the very considerable contribution they have made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will estimate for councils in Norfolk the reduction in revenue from council tax which arises from the 50 per cent. dispensation for second homes; [125109](2) if he will estimate the reduction in revenue to the Norfolk Police Authority which arises from the 50 per cent. dispensation in council tax for second homes. [125108]

There should be no loss of revenue to Norfolk councils. If a local authority has a reduced tax base because it has dwellings subject to a discount or exemption (this includes second homes discounts), it will receive more grant from the Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future of consumer representation in the water industry. [124585]

There are currently 10 Customer Service Committees operating in the interests of consumers in England and Wales as part of the Office of Water Services (OFWAT). The OWFAT National Consumer Council consists of the chairmen of each regional Customer Service Committee and speaks for water consumers at the national level.The Government have reviewed their policy on consumer representation in the regulated utilities. They published two consultation papers: "A Fair Deal for Consumers: Modernising the Framework for Utility Regulation" (March 1998); and the subsequent "Consumer Councils" (September 1998). The Government's policy was set out in the responses to these consultations published respectively in July 1998 and April 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to publish proposals for changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, which deals with energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement. [126584]

A consultation on proposals for substantial changes to the energy conservation requirements in Part L of the Building Regulations has been published today. The consultation period will end on 29 September 2000. The Government have made clear their aim to do all they can to address the global problem of adverse climate change. This cannot be achieved by any one policy, and the contribution made by each separate initiative will be crucial to achieving our overall aim.Buildings produce about half of the total national CO

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he received the report of the inspector with the revised plans for the Otterburn training area; and when he will make a decision on the proposals. [124578]

The Inspector's report on the re-opened public inquiry into the MOD proposals for Otterburn Training Area reached Government Office officials on 21 October 1999.The right hon. Member will be aware of the complex issues involved and the substantial amount of evidence to be considered. I am unable at this stage to give any indication as to when a decision is likely. However, the Secretary of State does appreciate the concern of those who feel that delays are creating uncertainty.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to her answer of 30 March 2000, Official Report, column 249W, concerning contracts, if she will list the companies concerned; and whether these contracts were subject to a competitive tendering process. [124815]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: Pursuant to my answer of 30 March 2000, Official Report, column 249W, the information required is as follows.The specific companies with the associated contract values are:

Companies awarded contracts on a competitive basis
	£
BAe	84,300
Douglas Clarke Projects	5,000
HEDRA Ltd.	7,357
KPMG	5,000
Rayfield Mills	24,000

Companies awarded contracts on a non-competitive basis
	£
K. Bates	43,489
DERA	44,308
HVR Consultancy Services	5,000
PCMS	124,011
J. Watson Associates	700

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many UK vessels are obliged under EU regulations to carry operational satellite monitoring equipment; and how many UK vessels comply; [125133](2) how many UK vessels have satellite monitoring equipment on board which is not operational; and in which fleet segment these vessels are concentrated. [125134]

Some 430 UK fishing vessels over 24 metres overall length are required to carry satellite monitoring equipment. Our records, and those of the devolved administrations, show that all vessels are equipped. The vast majority of vessels are complying with the requirement to provide position reports at the required frequency. Those which are not submitting reports are mostly in the demersal segment. Some vessels have not submitted reports because they have recently been inactive due to lack of fishing opportunities and the number not complying is declining. Appropriate action is being taken against active vessels which are not yet fully compliant.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much grant in aid his Department has provided for the implementation of water level management plans in (a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–01. [125779]

MAFF provides grant towards the cost of approved capital works undertaken by the Environment Agency, local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards, inter alia, to implement water level management plans. The amounts of grant paid in 1999–2000 and so far in 2000–01 are £47,000 and £1,000 respectively.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many water level management plans have been adopted by the operating authority and agreed by English Nature. [125776]

There are 61 Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation with water level management plans (WLMPs) that have been fully agreed by English Nature, and a further 26 that have been agreed in principle. This means that there may need to be some modification to the plans prior to implementation.For those SSIs that are not SPAs or SACs, there are 130 WLMPs that have been fully agreed by English Nature, and a further 31 that have been agreed in principle.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many water level management plans (a) have been completed and (b) are outstanding for (i) Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation and (ii) sites of special scientific interest; and if he will list their locations in each case. [125778]

A Water Level Management Plan has been completed, at least in draft, for 112 sites that are designated or proposed Special Protection Areas, or candidate Special Areas of Conservation. These include a number of larger sites where more than one plan has been prepared to cover separate areas.There are a further 25 Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation where a Water Level Management Plan is required, but where English Nature has not yet received a draft plan, and are therefore considered to be outstanding.For those sites that are Sites of Special Scientific Interest but are not SPAs or SACs, there are 194 that are completed at least in draft.A further 123 SSSIs require a WLMP but have no plan prepared to date. The deadline for completing these plans is December 2000.Lists of all the above sites have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what targets his Department has set for the completion of water level management plans for sites of special scientific interest which are also special protection areas or special areas of conservation. [125777]

The Government's High Level Targets for Flood and Coastal Defence document produced in November 1999 set, in partnership with English Nature, a target date of 30 March 2000 for completion of water level management plans for sites of special interest which are also special protection areas of conservation.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases of alleged rape were passed to the Crown Prosecution Service by the Police which were not proceeded with, together with the reasons for not proceeding, in each of the last five years for which statistics are available. [125787]

The Crown Prosecution Service holds no central records on the outcome of particular offences. The information is held on individual case files, and could be recovered only by examining every relevant file in each CPS office. The costs of such an exercise would be prohibitive.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what decision has been made about whether to include a question about religious identity in the 2001 Census. [125875]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the revenue from fuel duty was raised in each country and region of the UK in each of the last five years. [125792]

Duty on hydrocarbon oil products is collected centrally and there is no direct information available to provide a geographical breakdown of the revenue raised.Figures for inland deliveries of fuel and oil by country are published in the Department of Trade and Industry's "Digest of UK Energy Statistics".

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which organisations and individuals he has consulted while undertaking the cross-departmental review of the Knowledge Economy; in what form he has consulted them; on how many occasions he has met them; and if he will make a statement. [126005]

Informal consultations were held in confidence with a range of external organisations and individuals during the course of the review. The outcome of the review will be announced as part of the Government's new spending plans for 2001–02 to 2003–04.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Treasury will require Departments to include environmental appraisals in their submissions to the Treasury on the spending review. [125977]

The guidance issued to Departments for the conduct of the Spending Review makes clear that evaluation of policy options should be carried out in accordance with the Treasury document "Appraisal and Evaluation in Central Government" (revised 1997) and by DETR's publication "Policy Appraisal and the Environment: Policy Guidance" (1998). Both of these stress the importance of environmental costs and benefits being considered in appraisals, even when these cannot be easily quantified.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what training has been undertaken to assist staff of Government Departments to assess the implications of spending reviews for the Government's sustainable development objectives. [125978]

It is a matter for individual Departments to ensure the relevant staff are adequately trained in policy appraisal. Within the Treasury, economic appraisal is included in microeconomics training for staff. The Spending Review guidance issued to Departments included references to sources of guidance on policy appraisal. It also reminded Departments that advice on sustainable development, or sources of expertise on environmental considerations can be obtained from DETR's Sustainable Development Unit.In addition, the First Annual Report of the Green Ministers Committee included a commitment that all Departments would put in place strategies to raise awareness on sustainable development and general environmental issues.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had on the expansion of community banking; and with whom. [124588]

On 16 November 1999 the Government published a report by Police Action Team 14 on ways to improve individual access to financial services, and by the Credit Unions Taskforce on ways in which banks and building societies could help credit unions to grow. Last month I met members of the All Party Group on Community Banking Services and will soon be meeting with the Association of British Credit Unions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the expenditure per head was in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) England and (d) each Government Office region in England in each year since 1990 on (i) health and social services and (ii) education services covered by the Barnett formula; [126002]

(2) what proportion of public expenditure in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales was of the type covered by the Barnett formula in each year since 1990; and what expenditure per head in each country for that share of spending resulted; [126010]

(3) what categories of expenditure in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales were covered by the Barnett formula in each year since 1979; and what changes in those categories he has under review in the current spending review; [126003]

(4) if he will publish the population-based spending allocation formula share for each year since 1979 for (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland; and what population share he proposes to adopt as the basis for spending allocations in the 2000 expenditure review. [126004]

Information on the coverage of the Barnett Formula since 1979 was published in 1997 in Annexe 1 of the Treasury Committee report on the Barnett formula. The current coverage was published last year by the Treasury in the Statement of Funding Policy. No decisions have been made yet on the outcome of the current spending review.The population-based spending allocation formula was set out in Annexe B of the Statement of Funding Policy and was also referred to in the above Treasury Committee report.Information which is available on public expenditure trends by country and region including expenditure per head is published in the analysis of identifiable total managed expenditure by country and region in Chapter 8 of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (Cm 4601).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will introduce legislation to compel banks and other institutions to search for claimants to accounts which have remained dormant for more than five years; [126174]

We have no plans to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans the Government have to encourage other developed nations to lift trade barriers and quotas to help developing countries compete in the export market. [115921]

The Government have pressed the EU—which represents all member states in WTO negotiations—to seek, in the next Round of multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO, reduction of the barriers to agricultural and non-agricultural trade. We are also strongly committed to provide duty free access for essentially all products from the Least Developed Countries by 2005. We are pressing the Commission to bring forward proposals to fulfil this commitment and to exempt as few products as possible. Thereafter, we will press for all remaining barriers on imports from the Least Developed Countries to be removed as pledged by the Prime Minister in his speech at Mansion House on 22 November. We are urging other developed countries to match this commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer of 5 May 2000, Official Report, column 218W, on the Careers Service, if he will produce a revised list of the Careers Service contractors holding (a) a Charter Mark, (b) an Investors in People award and (c) an International Standards Organisation registration. [126517]

I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 5 June 2000, Official Report, columns 144–47W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to celebrate excellence among PE teachers; and if he will make a statement. [124681]

[holding answer 5 June 2000]: The Sports Strategy, which was published in April this year, explicitly recognises the contribution of inspirational PE teachers in enabling young people to develop physical skills, in promoting personal and social development and in laying foundations for sport and healthy exercise to become a lifelong habit. The Sport England awards, Sportsmark and Activemark, recognise good practice nationally in primary and secondary schools and celebrate the teachers responsible for attaining these very high standards, and I attended the recent Sportsmark national presentation. We have also introduced Advanced Skills Teachers, a grade which offers experienced, excellent classroom teachers, including specialists in physical education, an enhanced pay scale, encouraging them to stay as front-line teachers rather than moving into management. We have also introduced this year new arrangements which give all good qualified teachers the opportunity to cross the threshold onto a new upper pay range.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the contents of the international dimension to the revised National Curriculum, with particular reference to (a) values and (b) issues covered. [124747]

The Government's approach to the international dimension in the National Curriculum is spelt out in the "Values, aims and purposes" section of the National Curriculum handbook:

Education influences and reflects the values of society, and the kind of society we want to be. It is important, therefore, to recognise a broad set of common values and purposes that underpin the school curriculum and the work of schools.

Foremost is a belief in education, at home and at school, as a route to the spiritual, moral, social, cultural, physical and mental development, and thus the well-being of the individual. Education is also a route to equality of opportunity for all, a healthy and just democracy, a productive economy, and sustainable development. Education should reflect the enduring values that contribute to these ends. These include valuing ourselves, our families and other relationships, the wider groups to which we belong, the diversity of our society and the environment in which we live. Education should also reaffirm our commitment to the virtues of truth, justice, honesty, trust and a sense of duty.

At the same time, education must enable us to respond positively to the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly changing world in which we live and work. In particular, we need to be prepared to engage as individuals, parents, workers and citizens with economic, social and cultural change, including the continued globalisation of the economy and society, with new work and leisure patterns and with the rapid expansion of communication technologies.

The Programmes of Study outline the issues, including those relating to the international dimension, covered in each subject area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what part the Youth Parliament will play in the Government's citizenship programme; [125641](2) what support his Department has given to the Youth Parliament in the form of

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: The Government welcome the setting up of a UK Youth Parliament (UKYP). The development of a UKYP fits with the Government's commitment to involve young people in all aspects of Government and to develop citizenship skills among young people—an essential element of education is citizenship and the teaching of democracy in schools. As the Department with the lead responsibility for the Connexions strategy and the development of citizenship through the National Curriculum, DfEE has a particular interest in supporting the work of the UKYP. For example, we recently agreed to a full-time member of staff from the Department being seconded to the UKYP for 12 months. In addition, the Department has funded consultancy support for the group of young people and other representatives who make up the UKYP steering group, taking forward the development of the UKYP. And the training process for prospective young Members of the Youth Parliament, currently being developed, will include sessions on citizenship—the UKYP is in discussion with DfEE on the help that we will be able to provide for those sessions, which are scheduled to take place in late October. While DfEE and other Government Departments are helping in its development, the UKYP is independent of Government and political parties and will belong to the young people themselves. It is the young people who will ultimately decide how the UKYP will be run, what issues they want to debate and the part they wish to play in future citizenship developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many people have joined the subsidised employment option of the New Deal since implementation, by unit of delivery; how many and what percentage of these (a) completed their programme before leaving the New Deal, (b) left their programme before completing it and (c) left at any stage for unknown destinations; [113555]

(2) how many people have joined the Environmental Task Force option of the New Deal since implementation, by unit of delivery; how many and what percentage of these (a) completed their programme before leaving the New Deal, (b) left their programme before completing it and (c) left at any stage for unknown destinations; [113554]

(3) how many people have joined the voluntary sector option of the New Deal since implementation, by unit of delivery; how many and what percentage of these (a) completed their programme before leaving the New Deal, (b) left their programme before completing it and (c) left at any stage for unknown destinations; [113556]

(4) how many people have joined the full-time education and training option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds since implementation, by unit of delivery; how many and what percentage of these (a) completed their courses before leaving the New Deal, (b) left their courses before completing it and (c) left at any stage for unknown destinations; [113557]

(5) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam of 27 March 2000, Official Report, column 40W, on the new deal for 18 to 24-year-olds, how many (a) 18 to 24-year-olds have left the New Deal for young people to jobs lasting less than 13 weeks and (b) 18 to 24-year-olds have left the full-time education and training option of the New Deal for young people to jobs lasting less than 13 weeks, broken down by unit of delivery; [117246]

(6) if he will list by unit of delivery how many people joined the voluntary sector option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds between January 1998 and the end of July 1999; and how many of these (a) completed their course before leaving the New Deal and (b) left their course before completing the New Deal; [118220]

(7) if he will list by unit of delivery how many people left the voluntary sector option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds between January 1998 and July 1999 for (a) destination unknown, (b) other known destination, (c) sustained unsubsidised employment, (d) jobs lasting less than 13 weeks and (e) other benefits; [118221]

(8) how many people left the employment option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds, by unit of delivery, between January 1998 and July 1999 for (a) destination unknown, (b) another known destination, (c) sustained unsubsidised employment, (d) jobs lasting less than 13 weeks and (e) other benefits; [118493]

(9) how many people joined the Employment option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds, by unit of delivery, between January 1998 and the end of July 1999; and how many of these (a) completed and (b) left their course before completing the New Deal; [118494]

(10) how many people, by unit of delivery, left the Environmental Task Force option of the New Deal for young people aged 18 to 24 years for (a) unknown destination, (b) other known destination, (c) sustained unsubsidised employment, (d) jobs lasting less than 13 weeks and (e) other benefits; [118701]

(11) how many people, by unit of delivery, joined the Environmental Task Force option of the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds between January 1998 and the end of July 1999; how many of these (a) completed their course before leaving the New Deal and (b) left their course before completing the New Deal; [118705]

(12) when the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam will receive replies to his questions of 6 April, 7 April and 10 April. [123282]

[holding answer 3 April 2000]: The information showing, by Unit of Delivery, cumulative data from the start of the New Deal to the end of March 2000, the latest date for which information is available, is contained in a number of tables, copies of which have been placed in the Libraries.The tables show:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the role of the broadcasting industry in the economy of the north-west. [124597]

The broadcasting industry makes an important contribution to the economy of the north-west. The creative and media industries have been identified as identified as priority sectors by the north-west Development Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the performance of manufacturing industry in the east midlands region. [124598]

Some sectors of manufacturing in the east midlands have continued to suffer, particularly in clothing and textiles and more traditional engineering. Other sectors, including those in higher technology, are faring much better. Overall manufacturing confidence remains significantly higher than for the same period last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he plans to introduce to increase shareholders' power in respect of setting directors' pay. [124600]

The Department of Trade and Industry published a consultation paper on directors' remuneration last year which put forward a number of proposals for improving disclosure of directors' remuneration and the board's accountability to shareholders. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will make an announcement shortly on the Government's response to the consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he next intends to meet the directors of Corus to discuss rail production in Workington. [124601]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has met senior executives from Corus on several occasions to discuss a range of matters of interest to the steel industry. My Department maintains a regular dialogue with Corus and other companies as well as with other key organisations in the steel industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received on steel-making in the United Kingdom. [124608]

My right hon. Friend regularly receives representations on steel-making in the United Kingdom from a variety of sources. He has also held discussions recently with senior executives from the Corus Group plc and representatives from the Steel and Metals Union (ISTC) to discuss a range of issues relating to steel-making.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his policy is on electricity generation. [124603]

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the Government's energy policy. [124609]

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his energy policy. [124606]

Our policy is to ensure secure, diverse and sustainable supplies of energy at competitive prices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with Ford motor company concerning its future investment in the United Kingdom. [124604]

I have had frequent discussions with Ford over their recent review of European operations and its implications for the United Kingdom, particularly at Dagenham.We shall maintain this close contact as their future investment plans for the United Kingdom develop.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the west midlands regional development agency regarding the future of the Rover Longbridge plant. [124607]

The Rover Longbridge plant is in private ownership. I have had no recent discussions with the West Midlands Regional Development Agency about the future of the Longbridge plant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements he has made for managing and distributing the funds for regional venture capital and innovation. [124612]

Arrangements are currently being put in place for the creation of Regional Venture Capital Funds with Government support based on bidding guidance published in December 1999. Lessons learned from this exercise will inform how the new money announced in the Budget will be managed in the English Regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action has been taken against employers who pay below the national minimum wage. [124613]

The National Minimum Wage (NMW) Act 1998 contains a number of provisions relating to enforcement, both civil and criminal. To date, 155 enforcement notices have been issued which require employers to start paying the NMW and make good any past failure to pay the NMW. Two notices have so far required follow up action with a penalty notice fining the employer for each day of non-compliance with the enforcement notice.It is also a criminal offence to refuse or wilfully neglect to pay the NMW. So far it has not been necessary to take a criminal prosecution, though enforcement officers will do so in appropriate circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the merger between the Invest in Britain Bureau and British Trade International. [124614]

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement I gave to the House on 24 May 2000, Official Report, columns 522–23W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the number of compensation claims from retired miners that have been settled to date. [124615]

To date the Department has made payments in full or part settlement of claims totalling some £60.5 million to 21,500 respiratory disease claimants, and some £120 million to 25,300 Vibration White Finger claimants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the performance of manufacturing industry in the Yorkshire region in the past 12 months. [124616]

The performance of manufacturing industry in the Yorkshire and the Humber Region is regularly assessed by a number of organisations. Most recently a joint initiative has been launched by the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, and the CBI to gauge business activity in the region.The Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber is in regular contact with local and regional partners about business matters in the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will undertake an assessment of the performance of manufacturing industry in Lancashire and the North West region. [124611]

Manufacturing industry is important to Lancashire and the North West. It accounts for 129,000 or 26 per cent. of jobs in Lancashire. All business performance is being continually assessed by markets operating in conditions of free and fair competition. This Government's first priority is to create and maintain the conditions of economic stability, which allow companies to plan ahead with confidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to promote research and development among UK companies. [124617]

The Government are taking a number of significant steps to promote research and development among UK companies. Working closely with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, we have recently introduced an R&D tax credit for small and medium-sized companies which gives them 150 per cent. relief for the cost of staff and consumables used in R&D. The R&D tax credit will be supported by new Guidelines on R&D which will help companies of all sizes to benefit from Research and Development Allowances. We are also increasing the DTI Innovation Budget by some 20 per cent. over three years to nearly £230 million by 2001–02. This budget will fund a number of new and enlarged initiatives designed to drive forward a fundamental change in innovation performance in the UK. This includes for example the Smart scheme which supports R&D activities in private small and medium-sized companies and is being expanded and extended over the period 1999–2002, and the technology transfer scheme known as TCS, for which DTI is doubling its expenditure. Our aim is to improve the overall climate for investment in R&D and innovation. But the level of R&D investment by companies is for companies themselves to determine. DTI helps companies make an informed decision by providing a valuable source of information on UK and international R&D investment through the annual R&D Scoreboard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the arrangements for preventing unsolicited fax messages. [124618]

The arrangements for avoiding unsolicited direct marketing faxes are contained in the Telecommunications (Data Protection and Privacy) Regulations 1999. These ban the sending of unsolicited direct marketing faxes to individual subscribers, and introduce an "opt-out" scheme—the Fax Preference Service—for corporate subscribers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the economic impact of regional ITV companies on their region. [124584]

As high technology companies employing people with valuable skills, ITV companies are likely to have a significant impact on the economies of the regions they are in.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the Berwick Task Force following the closure of the Pringle's knitwear factory. [124610]

The Task Force, set up after the announcement of the closure of the Pringles knitwear factory in Berwick has met on a number of occasions since July 1998, the latest meeting being held this week. A consultancy firm has been engaged to work with the Task Force and the local authority to help establish a comprehensive regeneration strategy for the town, and a bid for further Single Regeneration Budget funding is likely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make it his policy to collect figures on expenditure by (a) catering establishments, (b) farms and agricultural holdings, (c) water and sewerage companies, (d) other business and (e) local authorities of (i) treating rat infestations and (ii) remedying damage caused by rats. [113047]

I have no plans to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South will receive a reply to his letters of 16 December and 7 March, concerning Mr. James Murdoch, of Kilwinning. [125387]

I have replied to my hon. Friend today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have to require cosmetic products imported into the United Kingdom which have been tested on animals to be labelled with this information; and if he will make a statement. [125952]

Under the current Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1996, any reference to testing on animals in the labelling of a cosmetic product must state clearly whether the tests carried out involved the cosmetic product itself or its ingredients. (However, if manufacturers market their products without any reference to animal testing, the regulations do not require them to alter that practice).The European Commission has proposed a 7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive, which aims to ban animal testing in the EU. One aspect of the proposed amendment will be that the Commission, in collaboration with member states, will produce guidelines to ensure that common criteria are applied to any claims relating to animal testing, and that such claims do not mislead the consumer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the current UK share is of internationally mobile projects with growth potential; and by how much he aims to increase this in 2000–01. [125968]

The UK's share of inward investment stock reached a record figure of £244.1 billion at the end of 1999, an increase of 26 per cent. over the previous year. This is a larger share than for any other EU member state.The Government are fully committed to ensuring that the UK remains the No. 1 location in Europe for inward investment, including for projects with growth potential. We will continue to pursue economic policies which enhance the UK's attractions including: developing a skills base, provide flexible labour markets and a stable economy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements he intends to make for the licensing of broadband fixed wireless access at 28 GHz. [126773]

Following extensive consultation with interested parties, I intend to award by auction later this year licences for the provision of broadband fixed wireless access at 28 GHz. There will be three licences available in each of 11 English licence areas and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each licence will have forward and return channels of 112 MHz. A successful bidder will be able to hold just one licence in each licence area, but will be able to hold a licence in any number of licence areas. Licences will be for a term of 15 years.I will shortly be publishing draft Regulations to be made under section 3 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1998 to provide for this auction. The period for comments to be received concludes on 17 July. I hope to lay the Regulations before Parliament by the end of July. With the draft Regulations I am also publishing for comment a draft of the Notice that I intend to issue under the Regulations. The Notice sets out the detailed arrangements for the auction and will include the date on which applications should be made. I am placing copies of the draft Regulations and the draft Notice in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will announce his decision on Northern Electric plc's proposal to build a gas-fired power station at Sevelco works, Avonmouth. [126774]

The proposal to build a new 180 MW gas-fired combined heat and power station at the Sevelco works, Avonmouth, has several potential benefits particularly those to the local area in terms of atmospheric pollution and the requirements of the Environment Agency for a pollution control arrangement. The Station being combined heat and power, albeit not fully meeting the criteria given in the Energy White Paper, the benefits are such that I have decided not to use my powers, under section 14(3) of the Energy Act 1976, to defer or halt this project. However, local planning and other clearances are still required under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989.I have placed copies of this Press Notice and the decision letter in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total gross registered tonnage of merchant vessels constructed in United Kingdom shipyards in (a) 1990, (b) 1995 and (c) 1999. [124605]

The information for merchant vessels completed in the United Kingdom is in the table.

Merchant vessels completed in the United Kingdom
	Number	Gross tonnage Number (thousand)
1990	28	127
1995	24	127
1999	13	23