To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many inquiries have been received concerning eligibility for the Minimum Income Guarantee since the campaign was launched in June 2000 (a) nationally, (b) from Plymouth, Sutton constituency, (c) from Plymouth, Devonport constituency, (d) from South-West Devon constituency and (e) from the City of Plymouth. [134311]

Since the announcement of our plans at the end of March, we have received around 500,000 inquiries in response to the Minimum Income Guarantee take-up campaign. We do not hold information on inquiries made at a local level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners he estimates are (a) eligible for, and (b) claiming the Minimum Income Guarantee in (i) Plymouth Sutton constituency, (ii) Plymouth. Devonport constituency, (iii) South-West Devon constituency and (iv) the City of Plymouth. [134310]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent contacts he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and (b) the BBC about the administrative arrangements for the free television licence scheme. [134543]

The Department has been working closely with officials in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and with the BBC on the administrative arrangements for the free TV licence scheme. I have been briefed by the BBC on the procedures to be used.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish the outcome of the Government's consultation on its proposals for managing dangerous people with severe personality disorders; and what progress has been made on them. [135201]

I refer my hon. Friend, to the reply I gave him on 28 July 2000, Official Report, columns 1167–68W.The Government's proposals for those who are Dangerous and Severely Personality Disordered (D and SPD) address a longstanding challenge to public safety by ensuring that effective powers of detention and high quality services are available to deal with this group. The consultation period for these proposals ended on 31 December 1999. A summary of the analysis of the consultation will today be placed in the Library together with copies of individual responses, where permission to publish was not withheld.Of those expressing a preference, the majority of respondents to the consultation exercise preferred option B as the more effective way of providing high quality services for this group. The Home Affairs Committee in its report published on 14 March strongly supported option B. The Government attach great weight to these views. However, the Government have decided that before taking final decisions on how best to provide services for this group in the long term, they need to pilot and to evaluate the assessment process and the various treatments available for this group within existing service structures. This period of piloting and evaluation will however take place at the same time as the expansion of dedicated specialist facilities within both the Prison Service and the National Health Service (NHS) and the introduction, as soon as parliamentary time permits, of new powers of detention for the assessment and treatment of this group.Following the recent Spending Review, I announced during the summer the allocation of substantial resources to pilot and develop new services for those who are D and SPD. This will mean 320 new specialist secure places across the Prison Service and the NHS by the end of the Spending Review period. The first pilot project at Her Majesty's Prison Whitemoor in the Prison Service has already begun and the first NHS pilot at Rampton Hospital will commence in November.At the same time, we are pressing ahead with the preparations for those legislative changes which will be required under either option. For example, arrangements for the assessment process and detention, and for safeguards and review, will apply whether those detained are held in existing services or in a new third service.Following the recent review of the Mental Health Act 1983, the Government believe that these changes can be made as part of wider changes to that Act. The effective implementation of new arrangements will require the provision of new, high quality, specialist services for this group which will be part of the process of service development and piloting. Access to these services will be managed through a plan of care and treatment appropriate to the individual. Subject to the results of the pilot projects, these powers would be available for this group as soon as they have been implemented. As my earlier reply indicated, these proposals will be published in detail in a White Paper before Christmas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when Mrs. M. Blee, a constituent of the hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, will receive answers to her letters of 20 December 1999, 11 February, 23 February and 4 April. [134143]

The Department has records of some correspondence from Mrs. M. Blee. Replies to Mrs. Blee's correspondence of 23 February and 4 April were sent on 27 June and 8 June. There is no trace of receiving correspondence dated 20 December and 11 February. The Department has asked for copies of these earlier letters in order that a full reply can be provided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the meeting between the Minister for Sport and the President of the International Olympic Committee in Sydney on 27 September. [134284]

I met with Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee while at the Olympic Games and Bob Steadwood, President of the International Paralympic Committee while at the Paralympic Games. These were informal meetings and we had discussions on issues relating to the Olympic and Paralympic Games and sport generally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 24 July 2000, Official Report, columns 415–16W, (1) if he has received the business feasibility study on the Lee Valley Stadium; if he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement; [134286](2) if he has received the technical feasibility study on the Lee Valley Stadium; if he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [134285]

I received a copy of the business planning study on 10 October and the final version of the technical feasibility studies on 18 October. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, who commissioned both reports, have said they will shortly publish summaries of the reports' conclusions. I will ensure that a copy of both summaries is placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he expects to receive the feasibility studies on a London Olympic bid prepared by the British Olympic Association. [134283]

We expect the British Olympic Association (BOA) to present their work on the feasibility of a London Olympic bid to my Department by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out the principal results of his visit to China. [134309]

I visited China from 12 to 18 October at the invitation of Vice Premier Wu Bangguo. My purpose was to enhance bilateral relations and promote UK business interests in China.I visited Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guilin, and Chongqing. In Beijing I had meetings with Vice President Hu Jintao, Vice Premiers Wu Bangguo and Wen Jiabao, other Government Ministers and the Mayor of Beijing. I also opened the Second Session of the UK China Forum with Vice Premier Wu Bangguo.In Shenzhen I attended with Vice Premier Wu Bangguo the opening of the China High-Tech Fair, at which there was a strong British presence. In Shenzhen and the other cities I visited I held meetings with senior provincial and city politicians.My discussions with Chinese political leaders covered bilateral relations, commercial matters, international issues, the environment, and human rights. I was received with great warmth throughout my visit and was left in no doubt as to the strength of UK/China political relations. I was particularly impressed by the effort that China is making to ensure that she develops in a sustainable way as she modernises for the 21

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he intends (a) to make and (b) to lay before Parliament, regulations to enable members of the Bar and solicitors in Scotland and Northern Ireland who are qualified for appointment as chairmen of employment tribunals in those regions, to be eligible for appointment in England and Wales. [134247]

Work is in progress on the necessary amendment to the Industrial Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Regulations 1993 which we aim to make before the end of this year and to lay once statutory consultation is completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to prepare for future petroleum licensing rounds on the UK continental shelf. [135200]

I have today initiated a three month public consultation which will look at the potential environmental impact of oil and gas activity in the area between the Shetland and Faroe Islands known as the 'White Zone'.A formal invitation will shortly be made to oil companies to bid for licences in this area. But before any licences are awarded, I want to hear the views of the public and experts on the environmental impact that these activities might have. Depending on the outcome of this consultation, we may impose conditions on the licences or withhold areas on offer.For the first time, the Department has commissioned and published an independent strategic environmental assessment of the White Zone, the surrounding area and the possible oil and gas impacts on it. This report will be made available to interested parties and should help promote informed responses to the consultation.The consultation also asks for views on draft regulations applying the EU's Habitats Directive, which requires the protection of certain species and habitats, to offshore oil and gas activities. Under the regulations, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State must consider the requirements of the Directive when taking decisions relating to those activities.Today's proposals mark a further major improvement to the transparency of our environmental and licensing regimes. They demonstrate the importance Government and industry continue to place on protecting marine habitats and species.However, it is also important to provide further opportunities for petroleum exploration on the UK Continental Shelf. The proposed changes will provide a stronger legal and environmental framework for future offshore licensing rounds.The 19

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will investigate the profits of oil companies in respect of the sale of petrol and diesel. [134338]

Under UK competition legislation, the Director General of Fair Trading is responsible for monitoring markets and considering complaints about anti-competitive behaviour. If the Director General has any concerns about profitability in this context, he has powers to investigate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the possible abolition of resale price maintenance on the sale of over-the-counter medicines. [134789]

The question of retaining or abolishing resale price maintenance on over-the-counter medicines is a matter for the Restrictive Practices Court. The case is currently before the court.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2000, Official Report, columns 509–10W, what changes there have been to the location and structures of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association since that answer. [134501]

Following the laying of the Defence Council's Reserve Forces Act 1996 (Reserve Associations) Order 2000, the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations (RFCA) for the South East and Eastern Wessex administrative areas, minus Dorset, have been amalgamated to reflect the South East Government Office and Channel Islands administrative jurisdictions. It will be known as the South East RFCA, with a headquarters at Seely House, Shoe Lane, Aldershot GU11 2HJ. The responsibility for carrying out the Eastern Wessex Association's functions for Dorset moves to the Wessex RFCA, whose administrative area will now reflect that of the South West Government Office region. The Wessex RFCA headquarters remains at 2 Beaufort Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2JS.These arrangements took effect from 1 October 2000. They are reflected in minor amendments to the RFCA Regulations, details of which have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. We have also agreed with the RFCAs revised or amended Schemes of Association. Following consultation with their Trade Union representatives, arrangements for those Association employees opting for redundancy have been agreed. These are broadly in line with civil service arrangements. This completes the implementation of the organisational improvements and efficiencies sought in the Strategic Defence Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what timetable has been set for Lockheed Martin Systems Integration and Thomson Racal Defence to assess the requirements of the Soothsayer integrated electronic warfare system; and if he will make a statement; [134256]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what budget his Department has for e-business projects. [132178]

[holding answer 23 October 2000]: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not have a separately identified budget for e-business projects. Exploitation of new electronic means of doing business—which might also be labelled as e-commerce, e-Government, or responding to the information age—is taking place across the range of MOD activities. The budget for any given project therefore normally forms part of the wider budget for the individual MOD management area that is responsible for its delivery. Nevertheless, there are a number of MOD projects of this type that are of sufficient size and importance for their individual budgets to be readably identifiable. These include the following:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recommendations the Government received pertaining to the installation of the cannon in the Eurofighter; for what reason a cannon was an original feature; and if he will make a statement. [134183]

The cannon was originally included in the European Staff Requirement for Eurofighter as a close range air-to-air weapon. The improved minimum range capability of Eurofighter's Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile over previous such missiles, together with the pattern of operations over the last decade, mean that the gun now has only a minimal operational utility, and this is outweighed by its support, fatigue and training cost implications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Prime Minister's answer of 17 July 2000, Official Report, column 2W, on Eurofighter, if he will define offensive air support in the context of his reply; and to what extent the 27 mm Mauser cannon was identified as an asset in that role of the Eurofighter. [134199]

Further to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's answer of 17 July, offensive air support is a term used to describe air action against hostile land targets which are either in close proximity to, or in a position directly to affect, friendly forces. The original European Staff Requirement for Eurofighter does not identify the cannon as an asset in that role.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many chicken farms her Department is funding in Kosovo. [132187]

As part of our contribution to rehabilitation in Kosovo we funded a range of micro-projects to help repair facilities and support income-generation. This included start-up costs for four chicken farms.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what new initiatives she proposes to take in Sierra Leone. [132188]

In Sierra Leone we are already providing budgetary support, humanitarian relief and assistance to improve the effectiveness of Government particulars in financial management and anti-corruption.The challenge in Sierra Leone is to extend Government control over the half of the country currently dominated by the rebels. For this reason we are providing equipment, training and advice to the new Sierra Leone army, strengthening the police and supporting improved management of the UN peacekeeping operation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on funding by her Department for the countries of central and eastern Europe. [132189]

Our financial support to countries in central eastern Europe last year was £150 million through the EC and £182 million in direct spending—over £100 million of which was humanitarian relief for Kosovo.The purpose of our spending is to improve economic management and Government effectiveness in order to better the lives of the people, particularly the poorest.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on Rwanda's progress in poverty reduction. [132190]

The Government of Rwanda's commitment to poverty reduction is strong. They have embarked on an ambitious programme of recovery from conflict, through national reconciliation and poverty reduction. The Government face many challenges but are committed to meeting the International Development Targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's assistance to Ukraine. [132191]

Over the last five years we have provided over £44 million in direct assistance to Ukraine and expect to provide around £9 million this year. The UK also assists Ukraine through its contributions to multilateral agencies, including an average of £10 million a year as the UK share of European Community assistance.Our objective in the Ukraine is to support the process of transition in a way which brings sustainable benefits to all levels of society with particular focus on poor and vulnerable groups. Over 30 per cent. of the population of Ukraine live in poverty.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what projects her Department is developing with the Ukraine, with particular reference to the issue of street children; and if she will make a statement. [132192]

Many of Ukraine's street children come from state orphanages. We are working with UNICEF to develop alternatives to institutional care, and to help establish a foster care system in four regions in Ukraine. We are also supporting the training of Ukraine's social workers, to increase their capacity to address the needs of vulnerable children, including street children.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work of her Department in promoting education. [132193]

Investing in basic education is vitally important for development and poverty reduction. Since May 1997 we have committed over £400 million to helping governments in developing countries to put in place sustainable education systems able to provide high-quality primary education to all their children.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of investment in women's education in reducing poverty in the developing world. [132195]

Investment in education for girls has been shown consistently to be one of the most important determinants of development, with positive implications for all other measures of progress. World bank research has demonstrated that education increases the likelihood of women choosing to have smaller, healthier families and deciding to send their own children to school.Nearly 900 million people are illiterate, and some 600 million of these are women. We are strongly committed to the international development targets of achieving universal primary education (UPE) by 2015 and gender equity in primary and secondary schooling by 2005. Achievement of UPE requires a strong commitment to gender equality. It needs a consciousness throughout the education system that changes of attitude and practice are necessary. We have in the last three years committed £400 million to support primary education programmes, all with a strong focus on gender equality. We will do more.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions took place at the annual World bank-IMF meeting in September on adopting a global initiative on education. [132203]

In the Development Committee, Ministers discussed progress in the implementation of the country-led approach to development embodied in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes (PRSP) process and Comprehensive Development Framework. We and others have repeatedly made it clear that education should feature prominently in countries' poverty reduction strategies.The UK Ministerial Statement to the Development Committee reiterated our commitment to Education for All. We said:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the proportion of her departmental budget to be allocated for education over the next three years. [132204]

We are committed to the international development targets of achieving universal primary education by 2015 and gender equity in primary and secondary schooling by 2015, and to increasing investment in lifelong learning and skills development. Education is vitally important for development and poverty reduction and will continue to be given high priority in DFID's bilateral and multilateral programmes. We have committed £400 million to this work over the last three years and will do more.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if, following the comprehensive spending review, she has new proposals for attaining the international goal of universal primary education by 2015. [132201]

Real progress towards education for all will only be achieved and sustained within well-defined, country-owned strategies for the sector, firmly set within broader development and budgetary frameworks. We are opposed to any interpretation of the Framework for Action agreed at Dakar which calls for separate funds for education, new mechanisms and new conditionalities. We believe that the way forward is to ensure that education, and basic education in particular, is given priority within Poverty Reduction Strategy Programmes (PRSPs). It was agreed at Dakar, and reaffirmed by the G8 at Okinawa, that the international community will respond positively to requests for assistance from countries with sound education strategies. We have committed £400 million to primary education over the last three years and will do more.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the priorities are for her Department's work on HIV/AIDS. [132194]

The HIV/AIDS epidemic is an unprecedented threat to development and a human tragedy of vast proportions. The fight against HIV/AIDS is a key priority for my Department. We continue to focus on prevention, but we also place great emphasis on reducing the personal, social and economic impact of illness and death caused by the disease. Last year my Department spent over £53 million on HIV/AIDS work and a further £35 million on reproductive health. We will do more.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what consultation she has carried out on her White Paper on globalisation and development. [132196]

We have consulted widely with organisations and individuals here and in developing countries as part of the preparation of the White Paper on Globalisation and Development. In March, an outline of the White Paper was sent out to key institutions and a website established. We invited submissions from interested individuals and organisations and we received a substantial number of thoughtful contributions. My Department followed up many of these submissions with meetings and discussions. In addition, I have chaired round-tables on globalisation and development with representatives of developing countries, and have held many other high-level seminars.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress made towards providing an airfield on St. Helena. [132197]

The comparative study of air and sea access is currently underway. The study team visited St. Helena last week and we expect their draft report to be produced by the end of this year. The final report and its recommendations will then need to be considered and discussed with the St. Helena Government. The results of the study cannot be prejudged and no presumption can be made that it will lead to support being offered for the provision of an airfield.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Iraq following the withdrawal of UN officials. [132198]

The increase in the oil price will allow $16 billion to be spent on humanitarian needs in Iraq this year. Living conditions continue to improve in Iraq, in contrast to those parts controlled by Saddam Hussein. The Government of Iraq have also refused to co-operate with the preparation of an independent report of the humanitarian situation in Iraq, or to allow experts in to consider possible ways of using oil revenues to meet local costs. The UK provides some £6 million of bilateral humanitarian aid to Iraq through international organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to support poverty reduction programmes in Cameroon; and if she will make a statement. [132199]

We are supporting poverty reduction in Cameroon in the forestry sector. Many of Cameroon's poorest people live in, and are dependent on, the forest zones for their livelihoods. We plan to intensify this by working closely with Government, civil society and other international agencies to support a sector reform programme. The UK supported Cameroon's bid for access to the heavily Indebted Poor Countries' initiative (HIPC). To ensure that the resources released are targeted on poverty reduction, we will continue to press for action to reduce the high levels of corruption and strengthen financial management in the public sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the impact which the availability of arms in developing countries has on the stability of those countries. [132200]

It is well known that the proliferation of small arms has a deleterious effect on stability in developing countries and that development cannot be sustained where there is instability. We are supporting projects that address the proliferation of small arms, including the reform of police and security forces, and have been active in developing a rigorous UK policy in connection with the UN Conference on The Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects which will take place in 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her Department's contribution to conflict resolution. [132205]

We are contributing to efforts to support conflict prevention, reduction and management worldwide, both through our development and humanitarian assistance programmes, and through our support to international institutions, most notably the UN and the EC.We recognise that a reduction in armed conflict is an essential precondition for the achievement of sustainable development. We are pursuing a number of targeted strategies for conflict reduction and the promotion of sustainable peace in post conflict countries.Arrangements are also in hand for the implementation of two new interdepartmental initiatives on Conflict Prevention to enhance collaboration between my Department, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence. One will be for Africa—to be managed by a Ministerial Committee headed by myself; and the second for the Rest of the World—to be managed by a Ministerial Committee headed by the Foreign Secretary.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that development assistance is not granted for the construction of dams whose effect would be to restrict the flow to countries downstream. [132206]

We are not currently involved in providing development assistance for dam construction but we understand the importance of dams for water storage, and the regulation of river flows. We also recognise the potentially negative effects of dams, including changes to downstream flow regimes. In this context both insufficient releases during times of low flow, and excess releases in times of flood, are of equal relevance. Both have potentially devastating effects on the lives and livelihoods of people living downstream. We look forward to the launch of the report of the World Commission on Dams, in London next month, for which we have contributed financial support. This will provide guidance on balancing the positive developmental benefits of dams, against the detrimental social and environmental impacts. It will inform any future assistance we may give on dams projects, and provide a basis for a position paper on dams and development that we will issue next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with her counterparts in other European Union member states about the efficient delivery of European Union aid to developing countries. [132207]

I frequently meet my counterparts from the other EU member states. We most recently met as a group at the May 2000 Development Council. My Under-Secretary of State attended a seminar in Paris in June to discuss reform with EU Development Ministers and officials and non-governmental organisations. I met the French Development Minister, Charles Josselin, in July to discuss plans for improving EC development policy during the current French Presidency of the Union. This issue will also be discussed at the next meeting of the Development Council on 10 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the activities of the IMF as they affect developing countries, following its annual meeting. [132208]

At the Annual Meetings, IMF Governors including the UK strongly supported the objective of making globalisation work for all and reaffirmed the importance of the IMF's role in developing countries. The IMF's key responsibilities are to promote international financial stability, contribute to the establishment of sound macro-economic and financial policies and encourages pro-poor economic growth. The Government particularly welcome the commitment to speed up progress in implementing the enhanced initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC). We have strongly supported strengthening the link between the IMF's Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and countries' Poverty Reduction Strategies. We also welcome efforts to improve collaboration between the IMF and the World bank. We will press for further progress in all these areas. We will also continue to encourage the IMF to take greater account of the relationship between stabilisation, structural issues, poverty and growth, and to support broad debate within countries about the design and impact of their policies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Mozambique. [132209]

Almost all those displaced following the severe floods in Mozambique earlier this year have now returned home. Reconstruction and rehabilitation works are under way. These include works on vital health and education buildings. Under Government guidelines houses are being rebuilt using more robust materials. Water and sanitation facilities are also being rehabilitated, and in some cases built where previously there were none.Landmines have posed a significant humanitarian threat to the people of Mozambique in the past. Although the job of clearing them is far from over, large areas of land have been made safe. We are supporting demining in Zambezia, where most of the Province has now been declared safe from exploded ordnance and landmines.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she has received on administering aid through smaller charities; and if she will make a statement. [132210]

I receive many representations from a wide range of organisations in Britain, including small development charities.All the work of my Department is focused on reducing global poverty. Civil society organisations in the UK and in the developing world have an important role to play. We have established a new Civil Society Challenge Fund—the CSCF—to provide finance to civil society groups, that provide support to poor people in asserting their rights and to promote innovation and reforms for sustainable development. The CSCF is open to any UK based non-profit group, organisation or network. My officials will shortly be discussing the operation of the new scheme with all applicants to date. Details of the CSCF are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on progress in writing off the debts of the most impoverished countries in Africa. [132181]

Of 35 countries that could qualify for debt relief under the enhanced HIPC initiative, 30 are in Africa. Nine out of the 11 countries that have so far qualified are African. One, Uganda, has completed the HIPC process. As much as two-thirds of the debt owed by these countries could be written off.A further 11 African countries could qualify for debt relief under HIPC by the end of the year, though some of these do not meet the standard HIPC requirements. The international community recently agreed to show flexibility in assessing countries' eligibility for relief, focusing on actions that are critical for poverty reduction.After this group of countries it will be difficult to make substantial progress—nine of the 10 remaining African countries are affected by conflict.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much debt owed by poor countries has been cancelled (a) unilaterally by the UK and (b) as a result of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative. [132202]

The UK's policy of 100 per cent. debt forgiveness starts at decision point. The exact amount of debt forgiven unilaterally in addition to the reduction as part of the HIPC initiative depends on the exact settlement reached multilaterally when a country's debts are reduced to a sustainable level. At the start of this month, 10 countries had reached decision point and will see £245 million written off. Twenty countries are scheduled to reach decision point by the end of the year and will receive £610 million debt relief under the UK's policy. The first 10 countries to reach decision point will receive $21 billion in total debt relief, $16 billion in debt relief under the HIPC initiative and $5 billion from traditional debt relief measures.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consultation and options for management of funds will take place with clients of the Public Trust Office prior to any change in such management. [134040]

If a client wishes to use alternative fund managers to those offered by the Public Trust Office, they will be able to apply to the Court of Protection to do so. The Court will consider every application on its merits, bearing in mind the performance, charges and financial probity of the alternative fund manager proposed.

To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to visit Portsmouth. [132215]

I have no immediate plans to do so.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how growers of organic crops six kilometres or less from unpublicised genetically modified plantings can find out the location of such plantings in order to assess the threat to their organic status. [123078]

Releases of genetically modified (GM) plants for research purposes under Part B of EU Directive 90/220 are advertised locally and placed on the public register of releases before sowing. The locations of these plantings are also published on the DETR website (www.environment.detr.gov.uk).Plants with a Part C marketing consent under Directive 90/220 have undergone a detailed safety assessment and been approved for commercial release across the EU. The directive does not require the disclosure of plantings with Part C approval, but where they are part of the Farm Scale Evaluation (FSE) programme details are published on the DETR website, and where they are part of National List trials the locations have been made available at civil parish level as set out in the table.I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment to my hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon (Ms Drown) on 15 June 2000,

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out, in regard to his reorganisation of his Department, the assumptions he has made for the uptake of internet technology among farmers; and what provision has been made for farmers unable to access the required technology. [134097]

The creation of the new CAP Payments Agency (CAPPA) will transform the way in which farmers claim their CAP payments. I recognise that some farmers are concerned about the changes and the CAPPA business case makes the prudent assumption that only around 20 per cent. of farmers will be using electronic forms by 2004. I believe that this is achievable, and that many farmers will recognise the benefits of electronic form submission and will be keen to use them.Encouraging farmers to submit their claims electronically is clearly important to the success of CAPPA. We will work very closely with them to help them reap the benefits which electronic service delivery offers. As a first step, the consultation exercise "Modernising Key Services" sought views on the best way of ensuring a smooth transition to the new arrangements, and we are currently analysing the response.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will publish the reasons he selected his Department's regional service centres in (a) Worcester, (b) Cambridge, (c) Bristol, (d) Nottingham and (e) Crewe for closure; [134095](2) what assessment he has made of the result of his plans to reorganise his Department with special reference to the areas

I announced on 24 July 2000, Official Report, columns 472–74W, the sites that will make up the new CAP Payments Agency (CAPPA). This decision was particularly difficult. All the existing Intervention Board and MAFF Regional Service Centres were carefully considered as possible locations for the new Agency.A detailed analysis of financial issues did not produce clear conclusions on which sites should be selected: in most cases, the choice of one site over another had a very limited impact on the overall funding for the programme. A number of non-financial criteria were therefore taken into account, specifically:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representation has been made by Her Majesty's Government to Iraq and to the United Nations regarding Kuwaiti and other third country nationals who have been missing since the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi troops; and if he will make a statement. [134002]

HMA Kuwait, as the British representative on the Tripartite Commission which, under ICRC chairmanship, seeks to account for the whereabouts of the Kuwaiti missing, called on Iraq to return to the Tripartite Commission process when he attended a consultation meeting of Commission members in Geneva on 21 June. I also take this opportunity to urge Iraq once again to re-engage with this process and finally to tell the truth about the whereabouts of those who have tragically been missing for so many years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many copies of the booklet "A Glossary of Eurosceptic Beliefs: An Exposé of Misunderstanding" have been produced; and what is the target audience. [134193]

This publication was produced by the European Commission, not the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. I therefore refer the hon. Member to the office of the European Commission in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what was the (a) budget line and (b) cost of producing the booklet entitled "A Glossary of Eurosceptic Beliefs: An Exposé of Misunderstanding"; and if his Department was consulted thereon; [134194](2) if he will request the European Commission to publish a document of like format to the "Glossary of Eurosceptic Beliefs" assessing the arguments of European integrationists. [134185]

We do not seek to influence the publications policy of the European Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the private sector companies from which secondments have been made to his Department since June 1997. [133872]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the question raised by the hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Foster) on 29 June 2000, Official Report, column 581W, and to my letter of 5 July to the hon. Member for Bath, placed in the Libraries of the House, which set out a full updated list.Since my answer, there have been a further five secondments to the Department from the following private sector companies:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department is holding with Mr. Denktash on reasons for the arrest of newspaper editor Mr. Semer Levent in Northern Cyprus. [133815]

We and key European partners have made it clear to the Turkish Cypriots at various levels that Mr. Levent's arrest, and any other measures which restrict journalists' freedom of speech, raises questions about their respect for human rights. It is encouraging that all those involved have now been released from custody. We and our EU partners will continue to monitor the situation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Sir David Hannay will hold discussions with Mr. Denktash on the arrests of trade union members in Northern Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [133816]

As my hon. Friend will be aware, we monitor the situation in the north of Cyprus closely and we are not aware of any systematic harassment of trade union members. We understand that some trade union members were arrested in July but that these individuals were released shortly afterwards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how long a person applying for entry clearance for settlement in (a) February, (b) March, (c) April, (d) May and (e) June can be expected to have to wait for an interview in each queue at each post in the Indian sub-continent; and what estimate he has made of the numbers of additional staff required in (i) Dhaka, (ii) Islamabad and (iii) New Delhi to bring waiting times down to the levels maintained at the British post in Colombo. [133845]

The statistics for 2000 are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will (1) list those areas where the negotiators of the Lome Peace Accords requested advice from Her Majesty's Government; [134196](2) list those articles of the Lome Peace Accords on which his Department contributed advice. [134192]

Representatives of HMG, along with the other international observers helping to facilitate the Lomé peace negotiations, were in close touch with the negotiators over all aspects of the draft agreement, in the interest of encouraging a successful conclusion. However the resulting agreement was a matter for the parties involved, not for HMG.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 19 July 2000, Official Report, column 186W, on Sierra Leone, if he will make a statement on the nature of the conflict between the Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources and existing Sierra Leonese Government ministries, with reference to related action by Her Majesty's Government. [134198]

We understand that the respective roles and functions of the Commission for the Management of Strategic Resources, National Reconstruction and Development, the Ministry of Mines, and the Government of Sierra Leone itself has yet to be defined.This was a matter for the respective bodies to work out. Our own policy was—and remains—to support the objective of the Lomé Peace Agreement that the Government of Sierra Leone shall exercise full control over the exploitation of gold, diamonds and other natural resources for the benefit of all of the people of Sierra Leone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of UNAMSIL in Sierra Leone. [134262]

We strongly support the UN's effort to help bring peace and stability to Sierra Leone. We remain ready under a Memorandum signed with the UN in 1999 to deploy a rapid reaction force of up to brigade size, based in the UK, in support of UN peacekeeping operations including that in Sierra Leone. Final decisions on deployment remain with the Government, but the speed and scale of the force's deployment in Freetown in May shows what is available. We are also meeting requests from the UN to fill key appointments in the UNAMSIL headquarters in Freetown, adding to the military observers already deployed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the United Nations settlement plan for the western Sahara; and if he will make a statement. [134188]

We have given full support to UN efforts to achieve a just and durable peace in the western Sahara and continue to believe that a just solution depends on the Saharawi people having their say at the ballot box.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on increasing co-operation between the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement. [134202]

The Government are content that the current process of co-operation between the European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights functions well. Any increase in co-operation is a matter for the courts themselves.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the basic principles attached to EU membership, breach of which encourages EU sanctions, as discussed at Feira; and if he will make a statement. [134203]

The principles on which the EU is founded are listed in Article 6(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). These are liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law. A serious and persistent breach of these principles can lead to measures under Article 7 TEU.The Intergovernmental Conference is not proposing any changes to these principles, but is discussing the introduction of an early warning mechanism in Article 7 to forestall any breach.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his policy on (a) the inter-institutional agreement on transparency in European Community institutions and (b) extending transparency beyond that agreement. [134205]

The UK strongly supports improved openness in the Community institutions, and has been very active in promoting this. We supported the 1993 inter-institutional declaration on democracy, transparency and subsidiarity, and are pleased that many of the elements in it have been successfully implemented. For example, the Council now holds regular public debates as well as publishing records and explanations of its voting.As for extending transparency beyond that agreement, a new regulation on public access to documents is currently being negotiated by the Council and the European Parliament. The UK is playing an active role and will continue to push for a regulation which allows the maximum public access to documents, while providing adequate protection for the most sensitive documents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress made in setting up modalities for full consultation, co-operation and transparency between the EU and NATO. [134093]

The Feira European Council proposed to NATO the establishment of four joint EU/NATO "ad-hoc working groups": to discuss the preparation of an EU-NATO Security Arrangement; to exchange information on the elaboration of capability goals; to establish modalities for enabling EU access to NATO assets and capabilities and to define permanent arrangements for EU/NATO consultation. Each of these groups has met and progress is being made on the issues they are addressing. The North Atlantic Council and the EU's interim Political and Security Committee have also met jointly to oversee the work of these groups.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made by the EU in setting up consultation and co-operation links between the EU and (a) NATO's non-EU members, (b) other countries who are candidates for accession to the EU and (c) other prospective partners in EU-led crisis management. [134092]

The Feira European Council established interim arrangements to ensure the necessary dialogue, consultation and co-operation on EU-led crisis management between the European Union and non-EU European NATO members and candidates for accession to the EU. Meetings of the EU's interim Political and Security Committee and the interim Military Body have since been held with the non-EU European NATO members and EU accession candidates.The French Presidency of the EU is expected to make initial proposals for appropriate arrangements for consultation with other prospective partners at the Nice European Council. It also intends to propose permanent arrangements for consultation with the non-EU European NATO members and EU accession candidates.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his European counterparts on efforts to find a peaceful resolution of tensions between Serbia and Montenegro. [134094]

I am in regular contact with my European counterparts on all aspects of the political situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Tensions have subsided dramatically following the departure of Slobodan Milosevic. I am encouraged that President Kostunica of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and President Djukanovic of Montenegro appear willing to resolve remaining differences peacefully and democratically.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his (a) EU and (b) American counterparts regarding the developments in the southern Balkans. [134080]

I am in regular and frequent contact with my European Union and US colleagues on all matters relating to the Balkans. The conclusions of the EU General Affairs Council on 9 October showed the common determination of EU member states to support fully the very positive changes in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the political and security situation in (a) Kosovo, (b) Serbia, (c) Montenegro, (d) Vojvodina and (e) Sandjak. [134087]

The fall of the Milosevic regime has given considerable reason for optimism about the political future and prospects for peace and security in the Balkans. Preparations for municipal elections in Kosovo on 28 October are on track, following which municipal assemblies will be established. The security situation has significantly improved although ethnic violence remains a serious problem. President Kostunica has already begun a dialogue aimed at improving relations between Serbia and Montenegro. There was also widespread electoral support on 24 September for the new democratic forces in both Vojvodina and the Sandjak area of Serbia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on the current security situation in Kosovska Mitrovica; [134086](2) what assessment he has made of the political and security situation in Mitrovica; and if he will make a statement. [134082]

The political and security situation in Mitrovica remains tense. UNMIK and KFOR are taking steps to improve public order and to counter extremist activities. UNMIK is also trying to improve the quality of life for Serbs in northern Mitrovica. Our longer term aim is to promote ethnic reconciliation between the two communities. We hope the recent changes in Belgrade will improve the situation in Mitrovica, which has suffered in the past from interference by the Milosevic regime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Kosovo Serbs in Northern Mitrovica have registered for the Kosovo autumn elections. [134083]

Figures provided by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) suggest that to all intents and purposes, there has been virtually no registration by Kosovo Serbs in Northern Mitrovica. This was due, in part at least, to intimidation by the former Milosevic regime. UNMIK are taking steps to ensure that despite being unable to vote, Serbs will be represented on the municipal councils.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he has taken to ensure that the OSCE mission in Kosovo registers the displaced non-Albanians to allow them to vote in the forthcoming elections. [134088]

Within Kosovo the UN/OSCE Joint Registration Task Force had registered approximately 1 million people before the official close of Registrations on 19 July 2000. To encourage registration the OSCE Mission in Kosovo mounted extensive public information campaigns and regular meetings with representatives of all ethnic groups. Out-of-Kosovo registration was contracted out to the Institute of Migration who have registered just under 40,000 people. Unfortunately as a result of Milosevic's deliberate policy of non-co-operation with the International Community those displaced persons resident in Serbia were not able to register.Registration figures are not broken down on ethnic lines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in establishing the Kosovo War and Ethnic Crimes Court. [134081]

The proposal for a Kosovo War and Ethnic Crimes Court is still under consideration within the UN system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions have been taken by (a) UNMIK, (b) the EU, (c) the International Committee for the Red Cross and (d) the International Commissioner for Human Rights to secure the release of the Kosovo Albanian prisoners detained in Serbia. [134084]

UNMIK, the EU, the International Committee for the Red Cross and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights worked hard on this issue while Milosevic was in power. The recent change of power in Belgrade brings new hope of a resolution. President Kostunica is aware of the importance the international community accords to this issue and we along with others will continue to raise it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Kosovo Albanian prisoners are detained in Serbia. [134085]

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) some 942 detainees from Kosovo are currently held in prisons in Serbia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Kosovo Serbs have registered for the Kosovo autumn elections. [134089]

Although registration figures are not broken down on ethnic lines, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Kosovo, which is responsible for organising the forthcoming elections, estimate that under 1,000 Serbs have registered to vote.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met Dr. Bernard Kouchner; and if he will make a statement on the progress of reconstruction in Kosovo. [134091]

The Foreign Secretary last met Dr. Kouchner on 30 March this year.UNMIK have made significant progress in their reconstruction efforts since June 1999. Schools have reopened with over a quarter of them repaired and refurbished and 90 per cent. of Kosovo children back in school. Extensive housing reconstruction is under way and will be stepped up.UNMIK have begun work on a public reconstruction and investment programme for the period 2001 to 2003 which will set out Kosovo's needs for the medium term.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with other Government Departments on (a) the missile threat to Europe and (b) the US Government preparations to pursue national missile defence. [134075]

The relevant Government Departments work very closely together on both these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his European Union counterparts regarding the missile threat to Europe. [134078]

The Government are in regular dialogue with its European partners on this and related issues. NATO is the main forum for such discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from the US Administration on further development of the European Union's common security and defence policy. [134076]

President Clinton welcomed the outcome of the Feira European Council regarding the European Security and Defence Policy in a statement on 20 June 2000. Defence Secretary Cohen also took part in a discussion on this subject at the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Birmingham on 10 October 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from Turkey and Norway regarding the European Union's common security and defence policy. [134077]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Foreign Minister of the Turkish Republic on 12 September 2000 and my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister met the Prime Minister of Norway on 13 October 2000. The European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy was discussed on both occasions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress he and his European counterparts have made in creating consultative bodies for the common foreign and security policy that are acceptable to the Turkish Government. [134079]

Turkey is kept appraised of recent developments in the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. For example the Foreign and Commonwealth Office briefs the applicants for EU membership, including Turkey, after every General Affairs Council and European Council. Furthermore, Turkey has played a full role in interim arrangements established at the Feira European Council, to ensure the necessary dialogue, consultation and co-operation on EU-led crisis management with non-EU European NATO members and applicants for EU membership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on facilitating the sale of arms to Zimbabwe. [134090]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced a national arms embargo on Zimbabwe to the House on 12 May 2000, Official Report, columns 493–94W. This remains in force.

To ask the President of the Council how many Government amendments were accepted in the House of Lords to Government bills in the present session. [134098]

3,892 (as at close of business on Tuesday 24 October).