To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when men aged between 60 and 64 years in the Bury St. Edmunds constituency will receive their Winter Fuel Allowance; and if he will make a statement on the reason for the delays. [129021]

Retrospective payments for previous years Winter Fuel Payments started to be paid in the week commencing 26 June 2000 in line with Government's targets. The payments will be issued as claims are processed and are not defined in postcode areas. Some customers in Bury St. Edmunds may have already received their payment and the remainder will receive them over the coming months as claims are received and processed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to modify the benefit arrangements for claimants who have criminal convictions which will appear on criminal conviction certificates and other certificates issued under the Police Act 1997; what assessment he has made of the extent to which details displayed on certificates may result in claimants being unable to find suitable work easily; what plans he has to increase payments to claimants who are obliged to certificate on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement. [129138]

We have no plans to modify the benefit arrangements for claimants who have criminal convictions which will appear on criminal conviction certificates and other certificates issued under the Police Act 1997.The Home Office will be working closely with relevant organisations to ensure that guidance is provided to encourage employers not to reject applicants with a criminal record without careful consideration of all the relevant factors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the PFI contracts entered into by his Department, indicating (a) their dates of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been subject to refinancing and (d) if his Department has a claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [129057]

The PRIME (Private Sector Resource Initiative for Management of the Estate) contract, commenced on 1 April 1998. It has an estimated private sector capital spend value of £350 million. It has not been subject to refinancing and has no specific refinancing share mechanism, but does provide for possible sharing of windfall gains and profits, including benefits from refinancing, made in the first five years.The ACCORD (Access to Corporate Data) project has so far progressed to signature of four Services Agreements, which are contractual vehicles to enable the Department to award specific PFI/PPP contracts in future. None of the Service Agreements contains a monetary value, but the projects estimated private sector capital spend value is £100 million. No contracts yet exist, and contract negotiations will include possibilities for sharing in future savings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the claims for disability living allowance from sufferers of MS were rejected by the tribunal because the sufferer was in temporary remission in the last three years. [129001]

The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, in respect of implementation of the Burns report on banning hunting with hounds, what estimate he has made of the total additional social security payments which will fall to be paid, broken down by type of benefit. [129038]

The Burns Report (The Final Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Hunting with Dogs in England and Wales) investigated the effects of banning hunting on employment. Its finding was that, in view of all the uncertainties, it is not possible to give a precise figure for the number of jobs that would be lost if hunting were banned. Consequently, it is not possible to estimate accurately the effects on Social Security expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) of 26 June 2000, Official Report, columns 348–49W, on pensions, if he will re-present the figures assuming (a) the state second pension remains earnings related and (b) the minimum earnings guarantee is available to those who made no second pension provision and the Minimum Income Guarantee is uprated in line with earnings; if he will set out the assumptions about investment returns which underly his estimates of returns on stakeholder pensions; what assumption he has made about the level of contributions to stakeholder pensions; and if he will estimate the effects of these projections based on 75 per cent. of average earnings. [128623]

The information is in the tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people receive Child Benefit by area in Great Britain. [129912]

Figures for the numbers of families receiving Child Benefit as at 14 August 1999 broken down by parliamentary constituency, government office region and local authority have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners in Hendon are aged over (a) 65, (b) 75 and (c) 85 years; how many in each of (a) to (c) receive minimum income guarantee; and how many (i) pensioners and (ii) pensioner couples will (1) receive winter fuel payments this year and (2) qualify for a free television licence. [129276]

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

Number of pensioners receiving the minimum income guarantee in Hendon parliamentary constituency
Age of Claimant	Number of claimants
65–74	800
75–84	900
85 and over	700

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for South-West Surrey of 28 February concerning Mr. M. Grove. [127347]

As the right hon. Lady has been informed, the issue she has raised is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I have therefore passed the correspondence to him.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the hon. Member for Broxbourne will receive a reply to her letters of (a) 3 April, (b) 5 May, (c) 1 June and (d) 29 June relating to her constituent Mr. S. Kitchiner. [128916]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: I replied to the hon. Member on 4 July 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses have benefited from start-up assistance from Government schemes; what types of business have benefited; and what initiatives have been taken in the years 1997 to 2000 (a) nationally, (b) in Teesside and (c) in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East; and if he will make a statement. [128512]

Numbers of businesses which have used Business Link services, which includes advice to people wanting to start their own business, since 1997 is as follows:

Year	Number
1997–98	446,040
1998–99	393,580
1999–2000	419,294

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many officials, on ceasing employment in his Department, have sought permission to take up employment, since May 1997, with (a) companies and (b) partnerships under the business appointment rules; and to what companies and partnerships they went. [128453]

Between May 1997 and June 2000, a total of 195 applications have been made to take up external appointments. As applicants are not required to detail the status of the organisation they are proposing to join, it is not possible to break down applications by type of organisation.Only senior Crown servants are required to notify that they have taken up appointment after their applications are approved. The following information details relevant appointments that have been taken up:

Appointment	Approved	Date post taken
Oxford Inst. of Energy Research	July 1997	August 1997
Cambridge Energy Research	April 1997	May 1997
British Airways	May 1997	May 1997
Eagle Star	October 1997	October 1997
BAT Industries	June 1998	September 1998
Covington & Burling	June 1998	November 1998
Industrial Bank of Japan	September 1998	November 1998
DNA Research Instruments	May 1999	May 1999
Wragge & Co.	January 2000	January 2000
Wastepack UK Ltd.	February 2000	February 2000
Expocentric.com	May 2000	May 2000
Tolman-Cunard	May 2000	May 2000

Further information on appointments approved prior to May 1999 is published in the First and Second Reports of The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments that are available in the Library of the House. Details of appointments approved since May 1999 will be covered in the Third Report of the Advisory Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the export licences granted for the export of (a) CS gas, (b) CS irritant cartridges and (c) CS canisters to Malaysia (1) in each year since 1992 broken down by category code; [128552](2) since 1992 where end use destination was for other countries. [128553]

The entry in the legislation under which the export of goods is controlled is known as their rating. The export of CS gas, CS irritant cartridges and CS canisters are controlled under entries in Part III of Schedule I of the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 as amended (commonly known as the Military List): CS and other irritants under entry ML7; cartridges (as ammunition) containing CS irritants under entries ML3 or PL5021 and canisters containing CS irritants under ML4 or PL5030. However, a variety of other devices may contain tear gas and these are also controlled under the latter four entries above as well as several other entries: for instance, portable anti-riot devices for administering an incapacitating substance under PL5001; grenades under ML4 or PL5030; ammunition (including artillery and mortar) under ML3 or PL5021; gas projectors or generators under ML2 or PL5018; gas projecting equipment for controlled ground vehicles, combatant vessels or aircraft, that are specially designed or modified for military use under entries ML6, ML9, or ML10 respectively; and portable devices designed for self-protection by the administration of an incapacitating substance under entry 1A905 of the Dual-Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulation 1996, as amended. It should be noted that other goods may also be controlled under each of these entries.The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated. Between 1 January 1992 and 1 May 1997, 548 Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) were issued covering the export to consignees or end users in Malaysia of goods with the relevant ratings: in the same period six SIELs were issued covering such exports to consignees in Malaysia with end users in any other destination.Individual licences may cover a range of goods with various ratings and OIELs may cover a range of countries. Where this is so, the licence is included in the table in the total for all the relevant ratings.

SIELs issued between 1 January 1992 and 1 May 1997 covering the export of goods with the relevant ratings to consignees in Malaysia with endusers in Malaysia and other destinations
Rating	Malaysia	Australia	Indonesia	Kuwait	Singapore
ML2	68	0	1	0	0
ML3	17	0	0	0	0
ML4	128	0	1	0	0
ML6	83	0	0	0	0
ML7	47	0	0	0	0
ML9	45	1	0	0	0
ML10	157	0	0	1	2
PL5001	3	0	0	0	0
PL5018	10	0	0	0	0
PL5021	2	0	0	0	0

An Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL) is specific to an individual exporter and covers multiple shipments of specified goods to specified destinations and/or, in some cases, specified consignees; these licences do not authorise exports by the licensee other than to those destinations specified on the licence and do not prohibit transfer between those permitted destinations. The Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated. Between 1 January 1994 and 1 May 1997, 57 OIELs were issued covering the export of goods with the relevant ratings to Malaysia and any other destination.

OIELs issued between 1 January 1994 and 1 May 1997 covering the export of goods with the relevant ratings to Malaysia and any other destination
Rating	Number of OIELs issued covering goods with this rating
ML2	4
ML3	3
ML4	13
ML6	5
ML7	1
ML9	14
ML10	19
PL5001	2
PL5018	1

Details of SIELs and OIELs issued between 2 May and 31 December 1997 were set out in the Government's Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office: one of the SIELs issued in this period covered the export of such goods to Malaysia with an end user in the United Arab Emirates.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions are taking place in the Office of Science and Technology concerning the future of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils. [128858]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the terms of reference for the quinquennial review of the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils in his reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden) on 13 June 2000, Official Report, columns 596–97W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans are being considered for the future of the Daresbury Laboratory as a scientific research establishment after 2007. [128857]

The future of Daresbury laboratory is a matter for the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC) which, under its Royal Charter, is responsible for the staff and resources under its control. Further to this, the Government have recognised the need to consider Daresbury's role in the North West Science Base and have commissioned two reviews to consider this matter. I refer the hon. Member to the announcements of the North West Science Review on 27 April 2000 and the North West Science and Daresbury Development Group on 9 June 2000, Official Report, column 388W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the effect on small and medium-sized enterprises of the assisted area status policy. [128865]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced the introduction of Enterprise Grant Areas in England on 15 July 1999, Official Report, column 275W. Small and medium sized enterprises in the Enterprise Grant Areas and in Tiers 1 and 2 of the Assisted areas are eligible to apply for Enterprise Grants. The introduction of Enterprise Grant Areas significantly increased the number of areas in England where small and medium sized enterprises could apply for grants to support investment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints his Department has received in the last 12 months in relation to the pricing of foreign package holidays. [128997]

According to Departmental records, a total of 46 complaints were received in the last 12 months in relation to the pricing of foreign package holidays. Seventeen of these were from the same person.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his policy is regarding the repatriation of the consideration of competition issues arising from the sale of Hyder plc. [129031]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: The Director General of Fair Trading advises this Department on the competition issues raised in cases that have fallen to the EC Merger Regulation. The Secretary of State will assess whether Western Power Distribution Limited's proposed acquisition of Hyder Plc meets the tests laid down in the EC Merger Regulation by which member states can request referral of cases from the Commission and whether to request such a referral in the light of the DGFT' s advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a draft regulatory impact assessment in advance of the announcement of the conclusions of the review of the Export Credits Guarantee Department. [129394]

There are no plans to make a Regulatory Impact assessment in advance of the Review announcement. It is unlikely that the Review will lead to any legislation or change in regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to launch an inquiry into the leaking of a memo sent to him by Andrew Fraser. [129416]

An internal inquiry into the leaking of the memo sent to me by Andrew Fraser is underway.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the operation of Commuter coach services from Kent to London to the Competition Commission. [129311]

Under UK competition law in the first instance, it is the responsibility of the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and possible abuses of a dominant position.If my hon. Friend has any evidence that competition in this market is not working, he should draw it to the attention of the DGFT.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with small business organisations concerning his proposals to pay subsidies to sub-post offices. [129431]

In preparing their report "Counter Revolution: Modernising the Post Office Network", the Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) had discussions with a number of organisations representing small businesses. In addition, both the PIU and I have had extensive discussions with the National Federation of Subpostmasters about the Government's proposals for financial assistance to modernise and improve the sub-post office network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has held with the EU concerning his proposals to pay subsidies to sub-post offices. [129432]

The European Competition Commissioner has been informed about the new package of measures to modernise the post office network. Throughout the process of developing detailed projects officials will work in close consultation with the European Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission about the legality of granting subsidies to post offices; [129212](2) if he has clearance from the EU competition authorities to grant subsidies to post offices. [129211]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given today to the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Mrs. Browning).

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices are projected to close in (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03. [129418]

As all sub-post offices are privately owned and operated, there can be many different reasons leading to a decision to close and there is no accurate way of forecasting future closure levels. However, the Post Office seeks to maintain post office services wherever possible and this policy is being reinforced by the Government's requirement on the Post Office to maintain the rural network and to prevent any avoidable closures of rural post offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library a copy of the research by Christie and Co., referred to on page 62 of the Performance and Innovation Unit's report into the post office network. [129430]

Christie and Co. provided information about sub-post offices to the Performance and Innovation Unit on an exclusive and confidential basis as the information was and is commercially sensitive. I am therefore unable to place a copy of this research in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research his Department has commissioned into the impact of Internet-based services on the letters market. [129420]

This issue is kept under review by the Post Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what estimate he has made of the level of remuneration sub-post masters will receive for acting as Government general practitioners; and if he will make a statement; [129423]

I refer the hon. Member to my statement and subsequent exchanges on 28 June 2000, Official Report, columns 907–20, and the PIU report also published on 28 June, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House and the Vote Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of rural sub-post offices have ISDN lines. [129421]

I understand from the Post Office that they do not have a percentage breakdown of rural post offices which currently have an ISDN line, but every post office will have an ISDN line or equivalent satellite link by February 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the cost of installing ISDN lines to the post office network. [129422]

Under the existing Horizon programme, every post office outlet will have an ISDN line or equivalent satellite link by February 2001. The costs are an integral part of the Horizon contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the average figures for European unleaded petrol prices for each country of the European Union in pence per litre, with the amount of tax paid and the percentage of tax this represents. [129285]

The latest available information for premium unleaded petrol prices and taxes is for April 2000 and is as shown.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the change in petrol prices per litre, at an annual rate, in each month since March 2000. [129271]

The information requested is in the following table.

	1999	2000	Difference
	Pence per litre	Pence per litre	Pence per litre	Percentage change
Premium unleaded petrol
March	66.51	78.32	11.81	17.8
April	70.20	79.96	9.76	13.9
May	70.04	79.54	9.50	13.6
June	69.80	84.08	14.28	20.5
4 star/lead replacement petrol1
March	73.85	82.99	9.14	12.4
April	77.83	84.45	6.62	8.5
May	77.61	84.04	6.43	8.3
June	77.32	88.00	10.68	13.8
Super unleaded petrol
March	82.24	85.24	3.00	3.6
April	83.39	87.18	3.79	4.5
May	83.82	86.93	3.11	3.7
1From October 1999 lead replacement petrol replaced four star

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment his Department has made of levels of taxation on pensioners' income; and if he will make a statement. [127613]

Six out of 10 pensioners do not have any income tax to pay. In his 1999 Budget, the Chancellor increased the age-related personal allowances by an amount well above inflation, and in his latest Budget maintained their value by increasing them by statutory indexation. As a result in 2000–01, someone aged 65 to 74 can have an income of £111 a week before paying tax. This Government are committed to supporting older people. We will be spending an extra £6.5 billion on pensioners in the course of this Parliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much it costs to send out the forms to taxpayers in respect of child tax credit; and if he will make a statement. [128364]

The Inland Revenue sent out claim forms in June to all PAYE taxpayers who they thought might be eligible for the Child Tax Credit. The cost of doing this is estimated to be about £1.7 million.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many companies have used the mechanism which allows them to contribute 20 per cent. of their tax obligations to environmental bodies. [128318]

[holding answer 3 July 2000]: Operators of landfill sites who are registered for landfill tax may claim tax credits for contributions that they make to support environmental projects. There are currently 850 registered operators. Of these, 494 have made contributions representing 91 per cent. of the potential amount available as tax credits.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the number of new ISA accounts opened by savers who did not previously hold (a) PEPs or (b) TESSAs. [129027]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: Detailed information on each ISA opened has to be sent to the Inland Revenue by ISA managers after the end of each tax year. The information for 1999–2000 has not yet been received from all ISA managers. When all this has arrived, the Inland Revenue will be able to start the analysis which will determine how many ISA savers do not also have TESSAs and PEPs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on (a) the Cruickshank report on anti-fraud aspects of the future development of credit card technology and (b) representations by Europay and its members on the technical basis underlying the report. [128932]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: The Government have consulted and received responses from a number of organisations about the Cruikshank report's recommendations on payment systems. While some of these have referred to fraud issues the responses have tended to focus on the broader competition issues raised in the report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assistance he will provide for micro businesses that will not benefit from the reduction in National Insurance contributions to address the impact of the climate change levy. [128935]

[holding answer 5 July 2000]: Small and medium-sized firms stand well placed to benefit from a number of the features of the climate change levy package, notably the reduction in employers' National Insurance Contributions, the enhanced capital allowances for energy savings investments and the £50 million 'energy efficiency' fund. In particular, one of the specific aims of the £50 million 'energy efficiency' fund is to provide energy efficiency advice/audits to small and medium sized firms. Furthermore, firms that are very small consumers of energy—as set out in Schedule 6 of the Finance Bill—will be covered by the exemption for the domestic sector, and will therefore not be subject to the climate change levy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of revenue lost due to the (a) cross-border purchasing and (b) smuggling of road fuels in Northern Ireland; and what are his latest estimates for the volume of legitimate fuel imports from the Republic of Ireland to (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) Great Britain. [128183]

[holding answer 5 July 2000]: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 20 March 2000, Official Report, 442W.HM Customs and Excise do not have information on which to base estimates for the volume of commercial-scale legitimate fuel imports from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the most recent figures for road fuel duty levels in (a) the Republic of Ireland and (b) the United Kingdom, in sterling; and if he will estimate the additional duty for (i) a motorist to fill a tank of petrol in an average car and (ii) a haulier to fill a tank of diesel in an average lorry in (1) Northern Ireland and (2) the Republic of Ireland. [128184]

[holding answer 5 July 2000]: The rates of excise duty for the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are published in the European Commission's Oils Bulletin, which is kept in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the annual report of the Financial Services Authority to be published. [129789]

A copy of the Board's report was laid before Parliament today. It includes a report, pursuant to Section 1(3) of the Banking Act 1987, on the exercise of the Authority's functions under that Act, during the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000. It also includes the report made by the FSA under section 117 of the Financial Services Act 1986, covering the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 106W, on the knowledge economy, if he will list representations that he has received during the course of the review; and if he will make a statement. [129279]

The representations received during the course of the review from external organisations and individuals were provided in confidence.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had with Scottish industry concerning the implementation of the aggregates tax in 2002; and if he will make a statement. [129042]

The Government have developed the aggregates levy in an open and consultative way. HM Customs and Excise issued a consultation document in June 1998, which invited views from industry and other parties with a potential interest on the practical issues that would arise from a levy on aggregates. Draft legislation for the levy was then published for consultation on 30 April 1999.During this process, the Government have received a number of representations from Scottish business, and these have been taken account of in the design of the levy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed aggregates tax on Scottish industry; and if he will make statement. [129040]

The aggregates levy will bring about environmental benefits by making the price of aggregates better reflect their true environmental costs. This will provide an incentive for all business to use more recycled aggregates and to use all aggregates more efficiently.All of the revenues raised will be recycled back through a cut in employer NICs and a new "Sustainability Fund" aimed at delivering local environmental benefits. It is not possible to say precisely what the effect will be on Scottish industry, since this will depend, among other things, on the degree to which firms switch to recycled materials.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the implementation of the new Quarrying Sustainability Fund in Scotland. [129041]

The Government will be consulting all interested parties shortly on how the new Sustainability Fund can best be used to deliver local environmental improvements.No decisions have yet been made on the form or size of the Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list for each week since 1 January the number of (a) punishment beatings, (b) punishment shootings and (c) murders in Northern

Security situation statistics—1 January 2000–28 June 2000
	Casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings		Casualties as a result of paramilitary style assaults		Security situation related murders
Year	By Loyalist	By Republican	By Loyalist	By Republican	By Loyalist	By Republican
1–8 January 2000	1	—	2	—	—	—
9–15 January 2000	—	—	3	—	1	—
16–22 January 2000	2	—	—	—	—	—
23–29 January 2000	—	—	2	1	—	—
30 January–5 February 2000	1	—	4	1	—	—
6–12 February 2000	1	—	—	—	—	—
13–19 February 2000	—	—	2	1	2	—
20–26 February 2000	1	—	—	1	—	—
27 February–4 March 2000	4	—	1	—	—	—
5–11 March 2000	1	2	1	1	—	—
12–18 March 2000	4	3	1	1	—	—
19–25 March 2000	1	—	2	1	—	—
26 March–1 April 2000	2	2	3	1	—	—
2–8 April 2000	—	3	1	3	—	—
9–15 April 2000	—	4	—	—	—	—
16–22 April 2000	—	1	—	1	—	—
23–29 April 2000	5	—	2	3	—	—
30 April–6 May 2000	4	4	2	—	—	—
7–13 May 2000	4	—	2	5	—	—
14–20 May 2000	1	—	2	2	—	—
21–27 May 2000	1	1	—	1	1	—
28 May–3 June 2000	—	1	2	—	1	—
4–10 June 2000	—	—	—	1	—	—
11–17 June 2000	3	—	4	1	—	—
18–23 June 2000	2	1	—	2	—	—
25–28 June 2000	1	1	1	—	—	—

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the PFI contracts entered into by his Department prior to 30 May, indicating (a) their dates of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been subject to refinancing and (d) if his Department has a claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [129061]

The Northern Ireland Office has never entered into any PFI contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government first consulted English Nature about the contamination by GMOs of rape seed. [123834]

[holding answer 25 May 2000]: The Government have not formally consulted English Nature about the planting of oil seed rape containing 1 per cent. GM material. However, English Nature is aware of the facts and has been in contact with my officials since

The table shows the number of casualties resulting from paramilitary-style attacks for the period 1 January to 28 June 2000. The figures may be subject to amendment.18 May. English Nature has stated publicly in a press notice of 22 May 2000 that there is no immediate risk to wildlife from the contaminated rapeseed.English Nature is also an assessor on the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) and was party to the ACRE meeting on 25 May where members discussed this matter in full and further endorsed their recent advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish advice given to him by English Nature on the GM contamination of Advanta Seeds UK's Hyola spring oilseed rape. [124325]

English Nature has not given formal advice on this matter. English Nature published a press notice of 22 May 2000, stating that there is no immediate risk to wildlife from the contaminated rapeseed. A copy has been placed in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to introduce independent and comprehensive testing of incinerator emissions and ash. [126471]

[holding answer 20 June 2000]: Incinerator emissions are already tightly regulated. Under the provisions of Part I the Environmental Protection Act 1990, regulators (for England and Wales, either the Environment Agency for larger plant and all hazardous waste incinerators, or local authorities for other plant) must include in an incineration plant's permit conditions to deliver BAT/BATNEEC (Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost). Guidance is published on what constitutes BATNEEC. The regulators have powers to require independent emissions testing where they consider it warranted.Data on levels of dioxins in ash sent for disposal are not routinely held by the Agency or my Department. The operators of incineration plant are required by section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to provide sufficient information to those managing waste ash to ensure that it is disposed of appropriately, for example chemical and physical information. They are also required to ensure that ashes which contain hazardous substances above certain thresholds are disposed of in accordance with the Special Waste Regulations 1996 (as amended). Environment Agency powers enable it to monitor the operation of these controls. We have no plans at present to introduce further requirements for testing ash sent for disposal.The Environment Agency requires that site-specific authorisation be sought for the use of ash in unbound construction applications and for ashes which have not been 'characterised' on the basis of various chemical properties. Where used in a construction application the processed ashes will normally be required to meet relevant technical specifications. We understand that the industry is working towards a quality control procedure to ensure that the ash consistently meets the 'fit for purpose' criteria required by these technical specifications. DETR, the Environment Agency and industry representative organisations are also developing a policy protocol for the use of Incineration Bottom Ash (IBA) in construction applications. A draft is currently under review. It will also require the 'characterisation' of ash for various chemical properties which, according to best practice, would be carried out in accordance with a robust quality control procedure.The proposed waste incineration Directive (Common Position (EC) No 7/2000), which the Government have welcomed and which is now in the last stages of negotiations, will apply to virtually all types of incineration and co-incineration plant. It sets stringent standards for emissions to air and water, places controls on solid residues, and includes monitoring requirements for air and water emissions. Article 9 of the proposal also says:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the extent of shortages of bus drivers; and if he will make a statement; [128447](2) if he will make it his policy to offer financial incentives to bus companies facing recruitment difficulties for the training of bus drivers. [128446]

My Department is aware of the difficulties being experienced by bus operators in recruiting and retaining bus drivers in some areas. The bus industry has drawn our attention to this issue, which has also been a matter considered as part of the Department's research on trends in the industry.The responsibility for ensuring that they have sufficient drivers is primarily a matter for individual bus companies. However, my Department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency are pursuing with the industry what steps can be taken to assist with the current problems.In addition, I understand the Department for Education and Employment has provided £145,000 to TRANSfED, the bus industry's National Training Organisation, to identify and address future skills needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the council wards in Morecambe and Lunesdale that are eligible for single regeneration funding. [128341]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 29 June 2000, Official Report, column 604W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals are under consideration by his Department for additional runways at Heathrow; and what is the status of these proposals. [128869]

As the then Minister for Transport announced on 11 March 1999, Official Report, columns 360–61W, the South East and East of England Regional Air Services (SERAS) study will examine a wide range of options and has started from the position that nothing is ruled in and nothing is ruled out.Options will be appraised through a process of successive sifts. A very large number of options will be considered during the sifting process, which is designed to reduce the options to a manageable number, so that those can be appraised in sufficient detail to support a meaningful public consultation at the end of the study.Until then, it would be premature to comment on the scope or status of any option.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce a performance target for tackling the backlog of repairs in the local authority sector; and if he will make a statement. [128903]

The Housing Green Paper issued in April sets out a range of proposals for tackling housing problems, including our commitment to ensure that all social housing is of a decent standard within 10 years. The Department's Public Service Agreement (PSA) target on the council house repairs backlog agreed in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review is to deliver a reduction of 10 per cent. in the backlog by April 2002. Any further targets will be announced following the current spending review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed council housing stock transfer programme for 2000–01 on the rents of (a) existing tenants and (b) future tenants; and if he will make a statement. [129065]

The table shows (a) the transfer rents of existing tenants and (b) the relet rents of new tenants for local authorities who have places on the 2000–01 housing stock transfer programme. These rents are guaranteed to rise by not more than RPI plus 1 per cent. for five years after transfer under the new landlord. We would expect rent increases to be kept below this level wherever possible. We have also set out in the Housing Green Paper, our proposals for achieving rent harmonisation over the next 10 years.Birmingham CC and Sunderland CC have yet to be formally accepted onto the programme.

	Weekly Rents at Transfer
	(a) Existing tenants	(b) New tenants
Barnsley MBC	32.33	35.56
Blackburn with Darwen BC	49.69	49.69
Birmingham CC	44.10	51.60
Calderdale Metropolitan BC	37.06	44.48
Chester CC	40.48	50.60
Chichester DC	52.92	61.23
Coventry CC	39.17	47.00
East Northamptonshire DC	40.00	50.00
East Staffordshire BC	38.75	44.56
Fylde BC	37.08	48.19
Horsham DC	59.00	64.90
Manchester CC—Handforth Estate	43.30	49.80
Manchester CC—Knutsford Estate	45.90	50.50
Mendip DC	44.80	49.29
LB Richmond	62.83	68.62
South Bedfordshire DC	48.83	53.71
Staffordshire Moorlands DC	39.31	47.17
Sunderland CC	42.73	49.13
Torbay Council	46.94	54.23
Walsall MBC	39.54	44.35
Waverley BC	59.85	68.83
West Oxfordshire DC	47.25	51.98
West Wiltshire DC	52.87	60.79
Wgycombe DC	52.44	57.44
1Weekly rent figures are based on 52 weeks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received on setting targets for affordable housing in regional planning guidance; and if he will make a statement. [128908]

The Secretary of State published his proposed changes to the South East and East of England draft Regional Planning Guidance in March this year. The consultation period finished on 19 June and the responses are still being analysed. Over 500 representations have been analysed as of 3 July. Of these some 100 have pressed for targets for affordable housing in regional planning guidance. However, this Government have made it clear that assessments of local housing needs are matters for local authorities to undertake in light of their local circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the current unmet need for affordable housing in (a) London and (b) England; and if he will make a statement. [128902]

While the Government have from time to time commissioned studies of the extent and nature of housing need to inform their views on the requirement for affordable housing in England, they believe that neither national nor regional estimates can adequately reflect the wide diversity of needs and priorities which exist at the local level. For these reasons, the Government believe that local authorities are best placed to carry out robust assessments of housing need in their areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will (1) give local authorities greater discretion to secure affordable housing on sites for developments below the thresholds currently set out in Circular 6/96; and if he will make a statement; [129062](2) revise Circular 6/98 to reduce the threshold above which an affordable housing element can be secured through the planning system in

The thresholds were in fact reduced by Circular 6/98. We have recently issued Planning Policy Guidance Note 3: Housing (PPG3) which reaffirms the detailed policy guidance on affordable housing in Circular 6/98 including the flexibility to facilitate lower thresholds in areas of special need outside Inner London. We have no plans at present to revise the guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent representations he has received on reducing the threshold set out in Circular 6/98 for securing affordable housing through the planning system; and if he will make a statement. [129067]

We received a number of representations about affordable housing in response to the consultation draft of revised Planning Policy Guidance note 3: Housing. Of these, 23 raised the question of the thresholds set out in Circular 6/98.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his definition of a key worker is for the purposes of the Starter Home Initiative described in the Housing Green Paper; and if he will make a statement. [128901]

The Housing Green Paper made clear that the Government were looking for proposals on how the Starter Home Initiative could be operated most successfully and cost effectively, and that we would announce details of the initiative in the light of responses to the Green Paper and the Spending Review. The announcement will cover, inter alia, how a key worker might be defined.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide a breakdown by registered social landlord of the average rent paid by (a) existing tenants and (b) new tenants where large-scale voluntary transfers have taken place in each of the three years following transfer. [129066]

Information on average rents is collected by the Housing Corporation as part of their Regulatory Statistical Returns but information on average rents paid by transfer tenants and by new tenants is not collected separately. The Government have set out their proposals for rent harmonisation in the Housing Green Paper, "Quality and Choice: a decent home for all".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when a decision will be announced on the three motorway service area development applications on the M42 in Solihull. [128876]

The Government have set a target for deciding 80 per cent. of planning appeals within eight weeks of receipt of the Inspector's report following the local inquiry. The inquiry into the appeals closed in June, and the Inspector has not yet submitted his report to the Secretary of State. At the inquiry the Inspector indicated his intention to submit his report by September.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on progress in the implementation of the European Habitats Directive. [128733]

Last year, the Government submitted a list of 340 UK sites as candidate Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive. The UK site list was, like those of other member states, criticised as inadequate by the European Commission in the autumn of last year. As a result, the country nature conservation agencies, co-ordinated by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, have conducted a fundamental review of site selection. The advice arising from that review is currently being considered and I hope to be able to make an announcement on a revised site list soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the current year's investment is, for each London borough, per property, of capital improvements to (a) council and (b) housing association properties; and if he will make a statement. [129120]

[holding answer 5 July 2000]: The latest available outturn data for Registered social landlords (RSLs) relate to 1999–2000, and for local authorities to 1998–99. Figures for local authorities in 1999–2000 will become available in the autumn.Figures for planned expenditure on existing stock by RSLs based on Approved Development Programme (ADP) allocations for 2000–01 are also available. Local authorities reported their planned spend for 2000–01 on the HIP Annual Plan returns last summer but these plans were drawn up before HIP allocations for the year had been decided.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will challenge the European Commission ruling that member state grants to clear contaminated brownfield land violate EU regulations. [128399]

We have accepted the European Commission's ruling of 22 December 1999 that the Partnership Investment Programme breached the state aid rules, and closed the programme from that date. We are discussing with the Commission possible ways forward on joint public/private partnership working in regeneration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of brownfield sites in (a) England, (b) the South West and (c) Devon are classified by his Department as suffering from contamination preventing redevelopment. [128562]

Sites are not classified in the manner suggested. The potential impact of contamination on any development will depend significantly on the nature and design of the specific development. For example, a site which is "suitable" for development for commercial and retail uses may not be "suitable" for residential use without prior remediation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many contaminated brownfield sites identified for development (a) qualify for Government grants to aid decontamination and (b) will be affected by the European Commission's ruling on state aid for decontamination. [128563]

Under the former Partnership Investment Programme, it was the specific development proposal for any given site which may have been eligible for support, not the site itself. Data are not available in the form requested, as sites were not classified as eligible for funding support.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement about his plans for charging at the Dartford river crossings. [129910]

The current legislation authorising the collection of tolls at the Dartford river crossings is forecast to expire in June 2002. The cessation of tolling would be likely to have the effect of significantly increasing demand on the eastern sector of the M25 which would further increase the level of congestion at the crossings and elsewhere and have associated environmental and safety implications.The Government are therefore minded to continue to charge for the use of the Dartford river crossings when the current legislation expires. Subject to the consent of Parliament we will consult next year on detailed proposals. Revenues from charging would be hypothecated for spending on transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will provide financial assistance to Wear Valley District Council under the Bellwin Scheme in respect of costs incurred following flooding in the district on the weekend of 3 and 4 June. [129913]

I am satisfied that financial assistance under the Bellwin scheme is justified in the case of Wear Valley District Council given the exceptional nature of the flooding and the damage caused. A scheme will, therefore, be established under section 155 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Grant will be paid to the authority to cover 85 per cent. of the eligible costs above a threshold, which it has incurred in dealing with the flooding.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to check if United Kingdom crops have been affected by GM contamination of French maize crops. [129915]

Following reports in the French press last week that the French authorities had discovered low levels of GM presence in conventional maize seed imported into France, we contacted the French authorities, who confirmed on 30 June that they had indeed found some GM seed in conventional maize seed, which has been sown in South West France. Further information now indicates that they have found three different modifications in a number of varieties of forage maize imported into France by the company Golden Harvest. The French authorities have not yet confirmed which varieties of maize seed are involved, but have confirmed that sweetcorn varieties are not affected by their current investigations. We are seeking further information from them on the varieties concerned. However, as the varieties concerned are cultivated in Southern France, it is possible that they would be unsuitable for cultivation in UK conditions.The GMs found in maize samples by the French authorities are BT 176 and BT 11, and one further, as yet unidentified, modification. BT 176 is insect resistant and has Part C consent within the EU under Directive 90/220 for import, food and feed use, and for cultivation. BT 11 is insect resistant and has Part C consent for import and use in animal feed. Pending further information from the French authorities, my Department, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Food Standards Agency are considering what the implications would be should further investigations indicate that affected seed may have been sown in the UK.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will list for his Department and its agencies the approved list of manufacturers of (a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles; and if he will make a statement on his Department's leasing and purchasing policy. [128992]

The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and the Treasury Solicitor's Department make use of cars provided by the Government Car Service. I understand that the Cabinet Office will shortly give details of cars leased and purchased by the Government Car Service to my hon. Friend in a written answer.The Crown Prosecution Service has a car and van leasing scheme. There is no purchase scheme. Under the leasing scheme, there are four approved manufacturers: Ford, Peugeot, Rover and Vauxhall. The Crown Prosecution Service ensures good value for money from its leasing scheme by seeking Competitive quotations for all new leases and, to take account of environmental considerations, there are limits on the size of engine capacities for leased vehicles.The Serious Fraud Office neither leases nor has purchased cars or commercial vehicles, though it keeps this position under review.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will list the PFI contracts entered into by the Law Officers' Department, indicating (a) their dates of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been subject to refinancing and (d) if his Department has a claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [129053]

The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers have not entered into any PFI contract.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the action he will take following the High Court ruling in respect of the Crown Prosecution Service's decision not to prosecute officers involved in the death of Alton Manning in Blakenhurst private prison. [129095]

Judgment in this case was handed down on 17 May 2000 when the CPS decision not to prosecute was quashed and the matter was referred back to the CPS to reconsider the decision. The avenue of appeal is to the House of Lords. No appeal is possible unless the Divisional Court certifies that its decision involves a point of law of general public importance and unless leave to appeal is given by either the Divisional Court or the House of Lords. The relevant legislation provides 14 days within which to make an application to the Divisional Court for such certification and leave. The CPS made such an application within the 14-day limit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is on the country of origin of trees planted on its land and that of its agencies. [124633]

Conservation is a key element in the Ministry of Defence's stewardship of its woodland and the Defence Estates Agency employs full-time professional foresters who manage this process on Ministry of Defence land. Woodland planning includes a study of the local habitat, the soil and the environmental impact of any planting. Wherever possible, species indigenous to the soil are planted, often using seeds collected on the Defence estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many reservists are currently serving with regular forces as mobilised soldiers; and in each of the last five years what was the total number of (a) regular forces, (b) reservists and (c) reservists serving with regular forces as mobilised soldiers. [126202]

The total number of reservists currently serving as mobilised soldiers is 649. (This figure consists of members of the Army Reserve and Territorial Army)

Total number of regular forces for each of the last five years
Year	Number
1995	233,340
1996	221,870
1997	210,823
1998	210,136
1999	208,636

Total number of reservists1for each of the last five years
Year	Number
1995	348,956
1996	320,636
1997	321,977
1998	317,070
1999	306,440
1The total number of reservists consists of members of: the Royal Fleet Reserve, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marine Reserve, the Army Reserve, the Territorial Army, the Air Force Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force

Number of reservists serving as mobilised soldiers in each of the last five years
Year	Number
1995	1441
1996	1,416
1997	973
1998	756
1999	1,177
1Records start at the first call-up to Bosnia in December 1995. Figures for the rest of 1995 are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the detailed costs and benefits of the Royal Naval Reserve utilising reservists as Sea Harrier pilots, with particular reference to (a) the costs of the reservist pilot programme and (b) improved aircraft utilisation. [129282]

The Air Branch of the RNR has 13 trained Sea Harrier pilots. All of them are former regular RN Sea Harrier pilots.Their RNR function is to maintain a close familiarity with current military fast jet operations so that, in the event of call-out, it would take a minimum period of training to bring them up to operational standard and permit them to be deployed alongside, or in support of, their RN counterparts.The minimum annual training requirement which these pilots are required to achieve is 17 Operational Role Training days. In the period April 1999 to March 2000 they averaged 25 training days. The training is designed to maintain otherwise perishable skills. The cost of 25 days' training, in current individual pilot salary terms, is £2,778.With regard to the benefits of aircraft utilisation, in recent years one, but very often two, such pilots have at any time been serving in support of Sea Harrier pilot training. Every opportunity is taken to recall these pilots—when their civilian jobs allow—as a very cost-effective way of supporting the Regular forces and ensuring maximum usage of Sea Harrier aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his long-term plans for the Clyde Naval Base, with special reference to the likely impact on the numbers employed there. [128073]

The Defence Logistics Organisation has challenging targets to reduce costs while improving the quality of logistics support to the Front Line. As part of this, discussions are being held with the Dockyard companies and senior Trades Union national officers on the problem of over-capacity in warship support within the Dockyards and Naval Bases, including Clyde. The discussions are not aimed at closing any Dockyards or Naval Bases.It is too early to say what the outcome of these discussions will be in terms of numbers employed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British forces are stationed in Belize; and if he has any plans to increase their number. [129077]

The British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) is the only unit permanently stationed in Belize and consists of 84 British military personnel. There are no plans to increase this number.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from the Belize Government regarding military assistance; and if he will make a statement. [129079]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I, as well as other Ministers including my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, met Said Musa, the Prime Minister of Belize, during his recent visit to the United Kingdom. During our meeting we discussed the strong defence relationship between our two countries, and current levels of military assistance funding provided by the UK to Belize. Her Majesty's Government are giving further consideration to representations from Mr. Musa on this subject. I also took the opportunity to express our thanks to Mr. Musa for his country's continuing support for the British Army jungle training unit in Belize, BATSUB.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Army's inventory is of MLRS; and how many are operationally available. [129123]

The Army has 64 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) including one non-operational training equipment. Three systems are currently in storage or repair. As at 31 May 2000, the latest date for which information is available, 77 per cent. of systems were immediately available for operations increasing to 90 per cent. within 24 hours.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement about the future of British Forces Post Office, Mill Hill. [129277]

A study is currently being conducted into the future structure and location of the British Forces Post Office, whose headquarters is at Inglis Barracks, Mill Hill. I expect to receive advice in the autumn of this year and announce my decision soon after.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the function is of the personal job account in the operation of employment zones. [127935]

The Personal Job Account is a radical and practical way of helping long-term unemployed people into work. Existing funds have been drawn together to make up the Personal Job Account, namely funds for Employment Service Support, training and benefits payments. There is no upper or lower limit to the amount allocated; it is dependent upon the needs of that participant and their most effective route back into work.