To ask the Solicitor-General how many prosecutions there have been for incitement to racial hatred in each of the past three years; and what proportion of those prosecutions have led to convictions. [134530]

In 1998 there was one prosecution for offences of incitement to racial hatred under Part III of the Public Order Act 1986—this resulted in a conviction. In 1999 there were five defendants charged—three of these were convicted. There are currently three existing prosecutions involving such offences.

	1997	1998	1999	12000
No consent applications	12	2	5	3
Withdrawn	—	1	—	—
Not granted	2	—	—	—
Prosecuted	10	5	5	3
Convicted	9	3	3	2—
1To date
2Results awaited

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the quality of food in general hospitals in England and Wales.[134747]

Research has shown, and patients have told me, that in some hospitals the quality of food is not up to the standard that patients expect. The NHS Plan sets out a programme of work to improve the standard of hospital food:

A 24-hour National Health Service catering service with a new NHS Menu, designed by leading chefs. It will cover continental breakfast, cold drinks and snacks at mid-morning and in the afternoon, light lunchtime meals and an improved two-course evening dinner. This will be a minimum standard for all hospitals;

A national franchise for NHS catering will be examined to ensure hospital food is provided by organisations with a national reputation for high quality and customer satisfaction;

Half of all hospitals will have new "ward housekeepers" in place by 2004 to ensure that the quality, presentation and quantity of meals meet patient needs; that patients, particularly elderly people, are able to eat meals on offer; and that the service patients receive is genuinely available round the clock;

Dieticians will advise and check on nutritional values in hospital food. Patients' views will be measured as part of the Performance Assessment Framework and there will be unannounced inspections of the quality of hospital food.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated annual cost is to the NHS of treating people with drug-related illnesses.[134746]

In 1999–2000, the drug misuse special allocation to health authorities for the treatment of drug misuse was £59 million. Local authorities received £3 million through the drug and alcohol special grant for the same purpose. However, through the drug action team templates, health and local authorities report actual expenditure in excess of these levels. In 1998–99, the template indicated that £150.7 million was spent on drugs misuse treatment, inclusive of the special allocation and grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he next plans to meet the Chairman and members of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to discuss their decision on not prescribing beta interferon; [1347511)(2) what was the cost basis on which NICE made its decision not to allow the prescribing of beta interferon; [134738](3) if he will refer back to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence their decision on the non-prescribing of beta interferon. [134740]

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has not yet published its final guidance on beta interferon for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and it would not be appropriate to pre-empt what the final guidance might say.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will estimate the savings in social security benefits and local authority care costs that would arise if beta interferon were prescribed to those patients who might benefit.[134739]

No. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is conducting a thorough appraisal on beta interferon for the treatment of multiple sclerosis and has not yet completed its work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that Aricept and related drugs may be prescribed for Alzheimer's disease. [135063]

We have asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to conduct an appraisal of Aricept and other related drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. We expect NICE to issue guidance in December 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 16 August on behalf of his constituent Mrs. Sturman. [135791]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: A letter was sent to the right hon. Member on 30 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 18 September regarding a constituent (reference POH(4)5608/55). [135456]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 27 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his letter of 29 August (reference POH(4)5608/52). [135458]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: A reply was sent to my hon. Friend on 30 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how his Department defines intermediate care. [135836]

The term 'intermediate care' describes a range of multi disciplinary, multi agency services designed to promote independence and improve quality of care, particularly for older people. The aims of intermediate care are to:

Prevent avoidable hospital admission

Facilitate timely discharge from hospital, with an emphasis on active rehabilitation

Minimise premature or avoidable dependence on long term institutional care.

Intermediate care encompasses a wide range of service models and can be provided in a range of settings. These services can be provided in community-based settings or in the people's own homes, but may also be provided in step-down facilities within acute hospitals. The most intensive forms of rehabilitation should typically be provided in hospital.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the infant mortality rates were in each of the last 10 years for (a) Taunton constituency and (b) Somerset health authority. [134314]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the report of phase one of the Knowledge Network will be made publicly available. [136034]

The Knowledge Network Phase 1 Report will be published on the Cabinet Office website. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what surveys have been undertaken by the Public Services Productivity Panel. [135461]

I have been asked to reply.To date, 13 reports have been published by the Public Services Productivity Panel. They are available on the Panel's website: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/pspp/A brief description of the published reports follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the length of time will be between the withdrawal from service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary of HMS Olna and HMS Olwen, and their replacement by two new vessels. [134931]

The planned length of time between the withdrawal from Royal Fleet Auxiliary service of RFA Olna, on 3 November 2000, and the In-Service date of her replacement of RFA Wave Ruler, in September 2002, will be 23 months. The planned length of time between the withdrawal of RFA Olwen on 19 September 2000 and the In-Service date of her replacement RFA Wave Knight in February 2002, will be 18 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on military relations with Argentina. [134959]

The United Kingdom has a successful defence relationship with Argentina. We conduct annual defence contact talks, at which we agree an extensive defence contacts programme. This year's programme consists of over 50 items, including places on each other's training courses; ship and aircraft visits; exchanges of defence personnel and several visits by senior military officers. I visited Buenos Aires in March this year, and the Argentine Defence Minister, Sir Ricardo Lopez-Murphy, visited the UK as a guest of the British Government in July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what areas there is co-operation between the military forces of the United Kingdom and Russia. [134963]

We look forward to engaging Russia in a meaningful defence relationship. We made good progress towards that objective in 1997 and 1998. But since 1999, the only significant activity that has continued unabated is a programme to re-train Russian servicemen who are about to retire.Earlier this year, the Russians indicated that they are willing to re-commence a bilateral defence relationship with us. I welcome this and we have taken steps to re-establish the relationship. This must, clearly, be part and parcel of the UK's overall relationship with Russia and must therefore take account of the situation in Chechnya. This is why our approach is one of critical engagement.On the operational front, Russian forces continue to work effectively with KFOR troops in Kosovo. Bilateral co-operation is resuming in a number of areas. The Naval co-operation programme includes personnel exchanges, ship visits, exercises at sea and the exchange of doctrine and operating practices. Resumption of the programme was supported during the Naval Staff talks held in June and efforts to re-establish links are progressing, albeit slowly. Nevertheless, HMS Sheffield visited St. Petersburg in July and HMS Newcastle and HMS Cornwall visited Vladivostok in August.We have also contributed a total of 11 officers from across the Services to attend three-month long United Nations Military Observer courses run by the Russians at the Vystrel Training Academy outside Moscow. Exchange visits between 20 Squadron RAF and the Russian 174 Fighter Regiment in Monchegorsk continue the ongoing affiliation between these two units. Elsewhere, there is Russian participation at various military seminars and courses in the United Kingdom organised as part of the Outreach programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the disposal of Royal Navy submarines not powered by nuclear reactors. [134928]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend Lord Robertson, the then Secretary of State for Defence, gave on 6 April 1998, Official Report, column 57W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth (Mr. Healey) and to the answer I gave on 23 October 2000, Official Report, column 30W, to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock). Canada has acquired the four ex-Royal Navy Upholder class submarines, which are powered by diesel-electric engines. The acquisition takes the form of an eight-year lease with an option of outright purchase.The first of the submarines was handed over to Canada on 6 October 2000 and the three remaining submarines will follow over the next 18 months.There are no other Royal Navy submarine exports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how recruitment policy for the armed forces will be affected by the incorporation into UK law of the European Convention on Human Rights. [135159]

The incorporation into UK law of the European Convention on Human Rights on 2 October 2000 will not affect recruitment policy into the armed forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the war graves located within the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency. [135059]

This is a matter for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission who have responsibility for the maintenance in perpetuity of war graves from the two World Wars. However, I will arrange for the Commission to be informed of this request and ask that they respond with the necessary information direct, and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on proposals by the War Graves Commission to cut overseas allowances. [135047]

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is an autonomous body subject to Royal Charter and as such has responsibility for formulating its own pay and allowance system, which includes a package of allowances to help cover the additional costs (for UK-recruited staff) of living abroad.The changes are not the result of any reduction in funding by the UK Government; the Ministry of Defence will continue to contribute to the Commission in proportion to its number of war graves and there are no plans to reduce the current contribution of £23 million. The Government will ensure, in conjunction with the Commission, that the highest standards in tending war graves will be maintained and that our war dead will continue to be afforded the utmost respect.The Commission has announced that they have decided to hold an independent review of the allowances. There will be full consultation with the staff and their representatives. Any changes will be delayed until the review has been completed. Baroness Dean of Thorton-le-Fylde has agreed to conduct the review; it would be inappropriate to comment further until the review has concluded.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the environmental effects of ionospheric research; and if he will make a statement. [134230]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: My Department has undertaken no such assessment. However, we are not aware of any evidence that would point to significant environmental damage as a result of ionospheric research projects undertaken for the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's contribution to the Scientific and Technological Options Assessment Panel's investigation into the local, global and public health risks of ionospheric research. [134235]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: My Department has not contributed to any investigation by the Scientific and Technological Options Assessments Panel of the European Parliament into the local, global and public health risks of ionospheric research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the ionospheric research projects in which his Department is involved, stating in each case (a) the number of personnel involved, (b) the duration of the project and (c) the yearly and total project cost to his Department; and if he will make a statement. [134229]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: The table provides the information requested in respect of two ionospheric research projects. I am withholding information on other ionospheric research projects undertaken for the Department under Exemption 1 (Defence, security and international relations) of the Code of Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's contribution to (a) the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Programme and (b) the European Incoherent Scatter Radar Project, stating in each case the (i) nature, (ii) duration and (iii) purpose of the contribution, including how many staff were attached to the projects and what financial support was given. [134231]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: My Department has not contributed to these projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the recent contacts he has had with representatives of the Survivors Association for HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales. [135140]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: My Department has received a substantial amount of correspondence from the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse Survivors Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish his conclusion on the report into whether the sites of HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse should be designated under the provisions of the protection of the Military Remains Act 1986. [135074]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his actions to protect HMS Repulse and HMS Prince of Wales as war graves. [135139]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: A review of policy on wrecked military vessels is being undertaken at present. I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House when the review is complete.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total value of the contracts awarded is for the design of the future generation of aircraft carriers. [133600]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 269W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Mr. Twigg).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the changes will be made to the armed forces pension scheme to introduce pensions for life for armed forces attributable widows. [135938]

I am very pleased to announce that the amendments to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme have now been approved with an effective date of 31 October 2000. This means that those in receipt of an attributable armed forces widow(er)'s pension will keep their pension should they remarry or begin to cohabit on or after this date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former employees of his Department and the armed forces have a position on the board of directors at British Aerospace. [135480]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: There are no former employees of the Ministry of Defence currently on the Board of BAE Systems. However, two individuals who have previously worked in the Ministry of Defence on secondment from BAE, one during the 1980s and the other in the 1990s, are now members of the BAE Systems Board.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the costs have been to date of the UK training teams deployed in Sierra Leone under Operation Basilica. [135922]

There have been three Short Term Training Teams deployed in Sierra Leone working with the Sierra Leone Army. The cost so far has been some £1.9 million. In addition equipment has been provided to the SLA worth a further £1.6 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops have been deployed under the UN from each country in Sierra Leone; what the timetable plan has been for their deployment in each case; and what the numbers and timetable are for future deployment for each country's troops. [135923]

The latest figures we have for the number of troops deployed in support of UNAMSIL are as follows:

Country	Number
Nigeria	3,201
Kenya	878
Ghana	774
India	3,059
Guinea	777
Jordan	1,825
Zambia	777
Bangladesh	780
Russia	112

The numbers fluctuate on a daily basis as individuals in each contingent move in and out of the country. In addition, there are 260 UN Military Observers deployed in support of UNAMSIL from a variety of countries including the UK.The deployment timetable for these troops, and any future troops, is an issue for the United Nations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were on Incapacity Benefit in Wirral Metropolitan Authority for each of the past three years. [134737]

The administration of Social Security is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Alexis Cleveland. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what advice he has received from his Department's auditors on the risk of duplicated payment by automated credit transfer re-occurring; [134759]

The administration of benefit payments is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what steps are being taken to recover the outstanding sums resulting from the duplicate payments of Income Support by automated credit transfer; [134755](2) how much money overpaid by means of duplicate payment of Income Support by automated credit transfer has been written off. [134756]

The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will list the causes of the failure of batch runs of payments of income support by automated credit transfer on 12 January 2000; [134760](2) how many duplicate payments of income support were made using automated credit transfer; and between which dates they occurred; [134754](3) how much money was recently overpaid by duplicate automated credit transfer payments of income support. [134753]

The administration of benefit payments is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the average processing time is for attendance allowance for (a) first-time claims and (b) appeals for claims to be reconsidered. [134551]

The administration of Attendance Allowance is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, who will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance he has issued to the Benefits Agency about its approach to cases in which pensioners on benefits, unbeknown to them and to the Agency, have been over-paid for 12 months or more. [134380]

The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners have been awarded Income Support since 1 May; how many pensioners were awarded Income Support in the same period in 1999; and if he will make a statement. [135667]

Between May and September over 137,800 successful claims to the Minimum Income Guarantee have been received. Over 101,900 successful claims were received for the equivalent period in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners have applied (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully for the Minimum Income Guarantee since the start of the take-up campaign (i) in total and (ii) in each Benefit Agency area. [135653]

The information is in the table. The table excludes those cases which are currently being processed.

Number of successful and unsuccessful Minimum Income
Guarantee (MIG) claims received in each Benefits Agency (BA)
area
Area	Successful	Unsuccessful	Total
East London and Anglia	2,086	1,937	4,023
Chilterns	1,741	1,558	3,299
London South	2,915	2,820	5,735

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioners, in each region, are entitled to extra financial assistance through the minimum income guarantee, but are not receiving it; and if he will make a statement. [135749]

We estimate that about 500,000 pensioners are missing out on their entitlement within Great Britain. This information is not available on a regional basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the funding of the over 75s' free television licence scheme. [136146]

In his pre-budget statement on 9 November 1999, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced that, from autumn 2000, every pensioner aged 75 or over will receive their television licence free of charge. The over 75s' free television licence scheme will be introduced from 1 November 2000 and the cost of this concession will be met from public funds, via payments by the Department of Social Security to the BBC.The Amendment (Cm 4797), dated 3 July 2000, to the Agreement (Cm 3152), dated 25 January 1996, between the predecessor of the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the British Broadcasting Corporation was laid before Parliament and approved by way of an affirmative resolution on 6 July. Under the Amendment the Secretary of State for Social Security undertakes to pay the Corporation (out of moneys provided by Parliament) a sum or sums equivalent to the moneys foregone by the Corporation in issuing free television licences together with an additional sum or sums in respect of the administrative costs arising from the issue of such licences.Parliamentary approval of this expenditure will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for the Housing benefit subsidies, council tax benefit subsidies and administration, payments into the National Insurance Fund and Social Fund and other grants vote (Class XII, Vote 2). Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £348 million will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the proposed advertising campaign on stakeholder pensions will begin; how much he estimates it will cost; and how long it is planned to last. [134531]

The Department is not planning a specific campaign on Stakeholder Pensions. The Department will continue its pensions education marketing activity from January 2001. The campaign aims to communicate basic impartial information about pensions, and to explain the new wider range of pensions options available, so that people can make informed decisions about their pensions arrangements. The first wave of advertising is planned to run from January to March of next year. It will cost in the region of £4.8 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the local authorities which he deems to have administered housing benefit incorrectly. [134512]

The standard of performance in local authorities which have been inspected by the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) has been found to be variable. As at 31 October 2000 the BFI has completed 74 inspections of local authorities and the published reports are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he proposes to raise the level of payments under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979; and if he will make a statement. [135447]

On 27 June, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced that he intended to increase the Vaccine Damage Payment to £100,000. Regulations were laid shortly after and the new rate is now effective for new claims made on or after 22 July this year. We have no plans to raise the level of payment further.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the annual cost would be of extending Winter Fuel Payments to those under the age of 60 now in receipt of the middle or higher rate of Disability Living Allowance care component or higher rate of mobility component. [135839]

It is estimated that the extension of Winter Fuel Payments to recipients of Disability Living Allowance higher or middle rate care component or higher rate mobility component would cost around £150 million in the winter of 2000–01.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will make filing cabinets available to hon. Members accommodated in Portcullis House. [134325]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones) on 30 October 2000, Official Report, column 238W.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will make a statement on recent media reports concerning Portcullis House. [135913]

I am pleased to have this opportunity to correct some of the misleading, or inaccurate, comments and articles made by the media about Portcullis House. During the summer, my Committee was encouraged to see in the technical press and elsewhere the positive response to the building from construction professionals and commentators. This was to be expected given the fine quality of the design and the technical achievements in the construction of the building. However, as I have said, a number of unfounded or inaccurate claims have been made or repeated from earlier reports. Hon. Members may find the following facts helpful to know.The building has been constructed on time and within budget. The construction period agreed by the House of Commons Commission in 1993 was 30 months. Construction started on 5 January 1998 and the certificate of practical completion issued on 18 August 2000, including the additions to the brief. The budget approved by the Commission in 1993 was £165 million plus building cost inflation between then and the start of construction works and £9 million for the delay caused by the late handover of the site from London Underground. Against this total of £237 million the forecast outturn cost is £231 million.The oft-quoted cost of "£1 million per hon. Member" is simplistic. It totally ignores the fact that at least an equal number of staff will be employed in hon. Members' offices and that two of the floors (one third of the building) provide Select Committee, conference and other communal facilities for the benefit of all 659 hon. Members, particularly those 450 now with offices north of Bridge Street.There are no plans to spend £0.5 million on buffing up the roof and fenestration. Nor is £200,000 being spent on further planting.The reception desk in the main entrance did not cost £75,000, nor the preposterous £300,000 as reported more recently. The figure of £75,000 is the cost of a "package", which includes the main reception desk, the security desk at the subway entrance and the security enclosure at the main entrance area.Hiring trees such as those in the courtyard is a normal commercial arrangement. The cost includes their care and maintenance and requires the nurseryman to replace at no additional cost any that do not thrive. The trees are not purely decorative. The shading will reduce the amount of cooling needed in the summer, contributing to the energy efficiency of the building. Despite reports to the contrary, the trees are not dying. The trees were distressed having been uprooted and a significant leaf fall was expected, particularly during the first few weeks. There will always be some loss of leaf, but we are advised they will fully recover.The closure of the building after the basement flooded was a short-lived and precautionary measure lasting some four hours only. Torrential rain on 15 September coincided with a high tide. As a result, storm water backed up flooding a lightwell in an adjacent building, which overflowed through a ventilation duct into the basement, entering an electrical substation. Only four hon. Members had by then moved into the building, none of whom was inconvenienced, and the programme of moves continued on schedule without interruption.At least three timekeeping devices have been provided in hon. Members' and their staffs rooms—on the annunciators, the telephones and personal computers.Hon. Members require both storage and work surfaces. The most effective way to meet both requirements is to provide storage under the work surfaces using two or three-drawer pedestals. Filing and storage space is provided also in the joinery walls.It is not the practice to comment on the implications of any alleged security lapses; suffice it to say that the reported four-inch gap near the main entrance door is due to a capping piece being awaited and, contrary to irresponsible reports, the appropriate authorities did not raise any matters of concern.Neither feng-shui nor space utilisation experts have been used on the project.Marble has not been used in the building. The wall and ceilings of the offices are plain concrete.The easy chairs provided in some hon. Members' offices do not have a "snooze control" facility.Over 150 hon. Members and their staff have now moved into the building. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It is inevitable, however, that in a project of this size there will be some teething troubles. To date these have been minor and will be dealt with under the Parliamentary Works Directorate's normal defects and maintenance programme.

To ask the President of the Council if she will list the hon. and right hon. Members who have initiated debates in Westminster Hall since its inception, stating the number of debates initiated by each Member. [132841]

[pursuant to her reply, 27 July 2000, c. 811W–13W]: I regret that the information provided was incorrect. Revised figures from the beginning of the Session to 26 July are as follows. It does not include Government adjournment debates or debates on Select Committee reports.

• Ms Diane Abbott—1
• Mr. Richard Allan—1
• Mr. David Amess—5
• Mr. Peter Atkinson—1

• Mr. Norman Baker—1
• Ms Jackie Ballard—2
• Miss Anne Begg—1
• Mr. Martin Bell—1
• Mr. A. J. Beith—3
• Mr. Tony Benn—1
• Mr. Bob Blizzard—2
• Mr. Crispin Blunt—1
• Sir Richard Body—1
• Mr. Peter Bottomley—1
• Mrs. Virginia Bottomley—1
• Mr. Peter Bradley—1
• Mr. Graham Brady—2
• Mr. Tom Brake—7
• Dr. Peter Brand—2
• Mr. Colin Breed—2
• Ms Helen Brinton—1
• Mr. Desmond Browne—1
• Mrs. Angela Browning—1
• Ms Karen Buck—1
• Mr. Paul Burstow—1
• Dr. Vincent Cable—4
• Mr. Alan Campbell—1
• Mrs. Anne Campbell—1
• Mr. William Cash—1
• Mr. David Chaytor—4
• Mr. Christopher Chope—1
• Mr. Michael Clapham—1
• Mr. Tom Clarke—2
• Ms Ann Clwyd—1
• Mr. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown—3
• Mr. Vernon Coaker—1
• Mr. Harry Cohen—2
• Mr. Iain Coleman—1
• Mr. Tony Colma—2
• Mr. Jeremy Corbyn—3
• Mr. Jim Cousins—1
• Mr. Tom Cox—3
• Mr. Tam Dalyell—3
• Mr. Edward Davey—1
• Mrs. Valerie Davey—1
• Mr. David Davis—2
• Mr. Hilton Dawson—2
• Mr. Andrew Dismore—1
• Mr. Frank Dobson—1
• Mr. David Drew—5
• Ms Julia Drown—2
• Mr. Alan Duncan—1
• Mr. Clive Efford—1
• Sir Peter Emery—1
• Mr. Jeff Enniss—1
• Mr. Nigel Evans—1
• Mr. Michael Fabricant—2
• Mr. Jim Fitzpatrick—1
• Mr. Howard Flight—1
• Mr. Paul Flynn—2
• Mrs. Maria Fyfe—1
• Mr. Barry Gardiner—2
• Mr. Andrew George—2

• Mr. Neil Gerrard—1
• Dr. Ian Gibson—3
• Mr. Christopher Gill—3
• Mrs. Cheryl Gillan—1
• Mrs. Teresa Gorman—1
• Mr. Win Griffiths—1
• Mr. Patrick Hall—1
• Mr. Fabian Hamilton—1
• Mr. Phil Hammond—2
• Dr. Evan Harris—2
• Mr. David Heath—2
• Mr. Kelvin Hopkins—2
• Mr. Lindsay Hoyle—2
• Mr. Simon Hughes—2
• Mr. Andrew Hunter—02
• Dr. Brian Iddon—2
• Mr. Eric Illsley—3
• Ms. Helen Jackson—1
• Ms. Jenny Jones—1
• Ms. Helen Jones—1
• Dr. Lynne Jones—1
• Ms. Sally Keeble—1
• Miss. Julie Kirkbride—2
• Dr. Ashok Kumar—2
• Dr. Stephen Ladyman—1
• Mrs. Jacqui Lait—1
• Mr. Edward Leigh—2
• Dr. Julian Lewis—2
• Mr. Peter Lilley—1
• Mr. Richard Livsey—1
• Mr. Tony Lloyd—1
• Mr. Tim Loughton—1
• Mr. Andrew Love—1
• Sir. Nicholas Lyell—1
• Mr. Peter Luff—1
• Mr. Calum Macdonald—1
• Mr. Robert Maclennan—1
• Mr. Denis MacShane—1
• Ms. Judy Mallaber—1
• Mr. Michael Mates—1
• Mr. John McDonnell—1
• Miss. Anne McIntosh—1
• Mr. Patrick McLoughlin—1
• Mr. Kevin McNamara—1
• Mr. Ken Maginnis—
• Ms. Gillian Merron—2
• Mrs. Ray Michie—1
• Mr. Austin Mitchell—1
• Ms. Laura Moffatt—1
• Ms. Margaret Moran—1
• Ms. Julie Morgan—1
• Mr. George Mudie—1
• Mr. Jim Murphy—1
• Mr. Patrick Nicholls—3
• Mr. Mark Oaten—3
• Mr. Stephen O'Brien—1
• Mr. Richard Page—1
• Mr. David Prior—3
• Mr. Bill Rammell—2
• Mr. John Randall—1
• Mr. David Rendel—2
• Ms. Joan Ruddock—1
• Ms. Joan Ryan—1
• Mr. Nick St. Aubyn—1
• Mr. Martin Salter—2
• Mr. Mohammed Sarwar—2
• Mr. Malcolm Savidge—1
• Mr. Jonathan Shaw—2
• Mrs. Gillian Shephard—2
• Mr. Marsha Singh—1
• Mr. Llew Smith—1
• Rev. Martin Smyth—2
• Mrs. Caroline Spelman—1
• Mr. Richard Spring—1
• Dr. Phyllis Starkey—1
• Mr. Anthony Steen—1
• Mr. George Stevenson—1
• Mr. David Stewart—1
• Mr. Ian Stewart—1
• Dr. Howard Stoate—1
• Mr. Andrew Stunell—1
• Mr. Desmond Swayne—1
• Mr. David Taylor—1
• Mr. Matthew Taylor—1
• Mr. Gareth R. Thomas—1
• Mr. William Thompson—2
• Dr. Jenny Tonge—2
• Mr. Michael Trend—1
• Dr. George Turner—1
• Mr. Stephen Twigg—1
• Mr. Derek Twigg—1
• Mr. Bill Tynan—1
• Mr. Peter Viggers—1
• Ms. Joan Walley—1
• Ms. Claire Ward—1
• Mr. Charles Wardle—1
• Mr. Steve Webb—5
• Mr. Bowen Wells—2
• Dr. Alan Whitbread—1
• Mr. John Wilkinson—1
• Mr. David Wilshire—1
• Mr. David Winnick—1
• Mr. Nicholas Winterton—1
• Mr. Phil Woolas—1
• Mr. Tony Worthington—2
• Mr. Derek Wyatt—2

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the impartiality requirements which apply to the 10 Downing Street website in arranging ministerial discussions about politically controversial subjects with children at school. [135002]

The team of civil servants in my office who support and operate the Downing street website work in full accordance with the rules on impartiality as set out in the civil service code.

To ask the Prime Minister what changes he has made over the past year to the frequency of his broadcasts on the Downing street website. [135004]

I continue to put out statements on the No. 10 website when there is a particular issue that needs to be addressed. There have been 16 broadcasts since February this year.

To ask the Prime Minister what consultations he has held with the business community in respect of the merits of environmental reporting. [135444]

Officials and Ministers in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Department of Trade and Industry regularly meet companies to discuss a range of environmental issues, including environmental reporting. The Government have also undertaken several initiatives in consultation with business to help companies improve their environmental performance and reporting.In particular the DETR has consulted the top 350 UK businesses and others on detailed guidelines on how to measure and report on greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Similar guidance on water use will follow in December 2000.To help a wider group of businesses to make a start on reporting, the DETR relaunched the "Making a Corporate Commitment" (MACC 2) campaign in June this year, after consultation with a range of businesses.The Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment—which reports to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry—is currently looking at how to encourage businesses to make sustainability a key part of their decision making. ACBE has consulted with business and plans to publish advice to company board members on this issue. Reporting and communication with stakeholders will be included in this advice as part of the wider sustainability agenda.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out each of the planned sources of funding for the new Carbon Trust. [135442]

The funding allocations for the Carbon Trust are still being finalised. However, initially it will receive, on an annual basis, £27 million for England from the Energy Efficiency Fund recycled from the climate change levy, up to £6 million for the Devolved Administrations from the same source and at least £17 million from the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme.

To ask the Prime Minister which Government Department will be responsible for the Kyoto Mechanisms Office. [135443]

The UK Kyoto Mechanisms Office Will be an interdepartmental unit under the joint responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

To ask the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to encourage the development of green technologies as part of Government regeneration strategy. [135441]

The Government's strategy for tackling social exclusion and improving the environment in deprived areas is being delivered through a range of programmes that encourage and support sustainable regeneration.Regional Development Agencies have a statutory duty to promote sustainable development. As well as promoting the development of green technologies generally, they are able to support specific projects through their administration of the Single Regeneration Budget. These may include:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of graduates were claiming unemployment benefit a year after completing their university courses in each of the past five years in Wales. [134907]

Information is not available in the form requested. The latest available figures on unemployment rates of newly qualified graduates are given. These show the position six months after graduation from higher education institutions in Wales.

First degree full time graduates from higher education institutions
in Wales who were assumed to be unemployed six months after
graduation1
Year of graduation	Percentage
1994–952	9.1
1995–96	7.6
1996–97	7.1
1997–98	5.6
1998–99	5.1
1Data do not indicate whether graduates were claiming unemployment benefit or not.
21994–95 data were collected only for students obtaining qualifications in a 10 month period (1 October 1994 to 31 July 1995) whereafter from 1995–96 onwards, data relate to students qualifying in a 12 month period (1 August to 31 July).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much funding each university in Wales has received towards research in each of the past five years. [134905]

£000
Institution	1994–95	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99
University of Glamorgan	2,508	2,969	3,003	2,301	1,910
University of Wales, Aberystwyth	12,689	11,618	12,598	11,230	12,922
University College Wales, Bangor	12,092	12,765	13,790	13,100	15,067
Cardiff University	28,916	30,441	32,089	37,865	38,903
University of Wales, Lampeter	1,492	1,042	1,213	1,268	1,097
University of Wales, Swansea	17,371	17,284	16,646	16,303	17,339
University of Wales College of Medicine	14,900	14,898	15,305	15,933	17,536
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff	151	318	343	1,022	987
University of Wales College, Newport	233	246	255	278	501
North East Wales Institute	1,533	1,536	1,204	878	844
Swansea Institute of Higher Education	64	2	1	231	170
Trinity College Carmarthen	35	74	130	171	63
Welsh College of Music and Drama	0	0	0	0	0

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what discussions his Department has had with officials from the National Assembly for Wales on the development of common practice across Government when framing legislation which accords secondary legislation powers to the National Assembly for Wales; [134365](2) what discussions his Department has had with officials from the National Assembly for Wales on the development of common practice across Government when framing legislation which accords secondary legislative powers to the National Assembly for Wales. [134366]

I recognise the importance of developing common practices in framing the Assembly's secondary legislative powers. Devolution Guidance Note (DGN) 9 on Post Devolution Primary Legislation Affecting Wales is currently being prepared and I expect it to be published by Cabinet Office shortly. Both my officials and those of the National Assembly for Wales have been involved in the discussions on its contents.The framing of the Assembly's powers in current Bills will continue to be discussed thoroughly on a case-by-case basis by officials, including Assembly officials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average waiting time between application and completion of work involving mandatory home improvement grants for (a) Wales and (b) each council in Wales in each of the last two years. [135239]

This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many historic building grants were awarded in the last five years in Wales; and what was the average cost of these grants.[135206]

The figures set out include research income from all sources including Research Councils, charities, industry, commerce, Government and public bodies. Since 1 July 1999 this has been the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales.

Between 1 April 1995 and 30 June 1999 Cadw offered grants in respect of 486 properties in Wales. The average offer per property was £22,902.Since 1 July 1999, this has been a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from the motor industry since the start of his Rip-off Britain Campaign. [134978]

[holding answer 26 October 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has received a number of representations from the motor industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many company insolvencies there were in the last 10 years. [135229]

The total number of company insolvencies in England and Wales for the years 1990 to 1999 was 166,829. The number in each year is shown in the table.

Year	Number
1990	15,051
1991	21,827
1992	24,425
1993	20,708
1994	16,728
1995	14,536
1996	13,461
1997	12,610
1998	13,203
1999	14,280

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list licence fee increases for the top 50 licence payments payable to Ofgem. [135058]

Licence fees paid by individual licensees are commercially confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 1999 prices, what was the value of military equipment licensed for export to China in each year between 1985 and 1999. [134435]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, in response to a recommendation made by the Quadripartite Committee, the 1999 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls sets out the total value in respect of which a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) was issued for the export of military equipment and other goods subject to strategic export controls. However, this total is likely to be greater than the value of exports that are actually made under the SIELs concerned because some of these will not be used to make all of the exports authorised and others will not be used at all. In addition, some goods are exported only temporarily and later returned to the UK.It should also be noted that this figure does not cover all types of licence. Open licences allow the exporters concerned to make multiple shipments of the specified goods to the specified destinations in accordance with the licence conditions. While such licences do not normally impose any limit on the volume of exports that may be made under the licence, exporters are required as a condition of the licence to maintain records of all controlled exports for a minimum of three or four years depending on the goods. While these records may be examined by compliance offices in the course of routine compliance visits, the Export Control Organisation does not compile any central record.For the years prior to 1999, applicants for Standard Individual Export Licences were required to record on the application form the value of the goods for which a licence was sought; this information was then recorded on ECO's computer databases. However, where a licence was issued, the value of the goods covered by that licence may have been less than the value of the goods covered by the original application. Exporters sometimes mistakenly apply for a licence to export goods for which no licence is required. In addition, goods are sometimes withdrawn from the coverage of an application during the licensing process, for example at the exporter's request, or the value may change during the time taken to process the application because of changes in exchange rates. Moreover, the value of the goods licensed for export by each individual licence was not recorded on ECO's computer database until 1 January 1999, although it was shown on the licence itself.Finally, HM Customs and Excise collect and record information on imports to and exports from the UK for trade statistics purposes. This information is set out in Part III of the Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much his Department spent on advertising in the recent Government publication, "Voices". [135586]

[holding answer 30 October 20001: The DTI spent £4,388 (excluding VAT) on advertising in the recent Government publication "Voices".

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Department since 1999 in reducing sickness absence; what targets he has agreed with the Cabinet Office; and if he will make a statement. [135493]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: The Cabinet Office prepares each year an annual report of sickness absence in the Civil Service, which includes information for each department. The report for 1999 is currently being finalised and will be published soon.Details of the department's targets for reduced sickness absence for the years 2001 and 2003 against a baseline year of 1998 will be included in its Service Delivery Agreement. This is also to be published shortly.The department has a programme of action to encourage management best practice in maximising attendance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received on the increased cost of petrol to businesses, rural dwellers and farmers; and if he will make a statement. [135796]

I have received a number of such representations and understand concerns about the continued rise in petrol prices. Most of this is caused by the current unsustainably high level of oil prices. Together with other oil consuming countries, the Government are calling for action from OPEC and other oil producers which would contribute to a reduction in oil prices and greater stability in oil markets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 6 July 2000, Official Report, columns 252–53W, concerning the percentage of the price of petrol which is accounted for by taxation in each EU country, if he will update those figures.[135774]

The latest available information for premium unleaded petrol prices and taxes is for July 2000 and is shown in table.

European unleaded petrol prices1
Pence per litre2
	Prices as at mid July 2000
	Pump price	Amount of tax	Tax component Percentage
Austria	61.48	36.27	59.00
Belgium	66.21	43.34	65.46
Denmark	71.01	46.77	65.85
Finland	73.31	48.37	65.98
France	71.61	48.74	68.07

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent service personnel are being trained to operate fuel delivery lorries in the event of disruption to supply. [135654]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary published on 29 September a Memorandum of Understanding signed by all members of the Fuel Supply Task Force aimed at putting in place robust systems to avoid disruption of fuel supplies.Military personnel played a contingency role during the disruption in September and they will be in a position to do so again if needed to ensure the distribution of fuel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what constraints exist, where a breach of merger undertakings is identified, on the ability of the competition authorities to require an immediate rectification of such a breach; and if he will make a statement. [135665]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: Where the parties to a merger are found to be in breach of statutory undertakings and the Director General of Fair Trading advises my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry that the circumstances of the breach are such that the relevant provisions should be enforced, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry may make an order under sections 73 or 75k of the Fair Trading Act 1973 exercising the powers referred to therein, where he considers this will remedy the adverse effects of the merger. An application to the court may also be considered under section 93A of the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action can be taken by the competition authorities for which he is responsible where a company is found to be in breach of undertakings given to obtain approval of a merger under the Fair Trading Act 1973; and if he will make a statement. [135668]

[holding answer 30 October 2000]: If the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) considers that a breach of undertakings has occurred, he will consider whether to advise my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to release the parties from the undertakings, or to vary or replace them (for example, because a change in market conditions has made it difficult or unreasonable for the parties to continue to seek to comply with the undertakings). The DGFT will also consider whether the circumstances of the breach are such that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry should be advised to make an order under section 73 or 75k of the Fair Trading Act 1973 exercising the powers referred to therein, where he considers this is required to remedy the adverse effects of the merger. Consideration may also be given to civil proceedings in an appropriate case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many claims for compensation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been (a) received and (b) settled in each of the last five years. [134437]

The Department has received a total of 122,952 claims for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, of which 5,161 have been settled in full and final settlement. In total the Department has made payments totalling £78 million, including 22,292 interim settlement payments.These are broken down as follows:

	Received	Settled full and final	Interim
Pre 1996	870	—	1
1996	5,548	—	4
1997	3,259	—	—
1998	54,145	7	10,519
1999	29,424	799	5,485
2000	29,706	2,509	6,283

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when the claim of William Farrington (deceased) for compensation for respiratory disease will be dealt with by IRISC Claims Management; [134442](2) what action he has taken to deal with the claim of Mr. William Farrington (deceased) for compensation for respiratory disease [134443]

On 24 February 2000, in line with the prioritisation procedure agreed with the solicitors representing the claimants, IRISC (the Department's claims handling agents) sent Maddocks Clarke, Mrs. Farrington's solicitor, the necessary Claims Questionnaire, Financial/Other Losses Questionnaire and Mandates which authorise access to the late Mr. Farrington's medical records.Maddocks Clarke returned the completed forms to IRISC on 22 May. Unfortunately there was conflicting information entered on the Claims Questionnaire and the Financial/Other Losses Questionnaire and IRISC contacted Maddocks Clarke to clarify this. Clarification was received on 23 June and the forms were forwarded to Healthcall, provider of the medical assessments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the average time take by IRISC Claims Management to deal with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claims in the last 12 months. [134438]

The processing of COPD claims requires the involvement of many bodies—the Department, its contractors, the Compensation Recovery Unit of the Department of Social Security and the claimants' solicitors. Where IRISC, the Department's claims handling agents, are involved there are time scales at various stages of the process, set out in the Handling Agreement signed by the Department and the solicitors representing the claimants.Some of the main deadlines include agreeing or contending an Employment History within 56 days of receipt of a completed Claims Questionnaire and making an offer on general damages within 28 days of receipt of a medical assessment process—MAP—report. It should be noted that there are not formal time scales for other parties, including solicitors.For those claimants who have received a full and final settlement since 1 November 1999 IRISC advise that the targets set out in the Handling Agreement have been met in all cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what power the Government have to seize oil tankers owned by (a) private contractors and (b) oil Companies [135944]

The Energy Act 1976 contains powers which would enable Government to direct both private contractors and oil companies to act in specified ways. The Act contains no specific powers to requisition vehicles.It would be possible, however, to take powers to requisition vehicles in emergency regulations made under section 2 of the Emergency Powers Act 1920.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the appointment of the Director General of Telecommunications. [136103]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has today re-appointed David Edmonds as Director General of Telecommunications for a further three years from 1 April 2001. Since his appointment on 1 April 1998, Mr. Edmonds has been successful in stimulating a more competitive, forward looking telecoms regulatory regime.The Government are committed to creating the most dynamic and competitive communications market possible, giving consumers more choice, lowering prices and encouraging greater innovation. Mr. Edmonds is the right person to make and carry through the tough decisions necessary to achieve that goal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future structure and strategy of the British Council. [135592]

The British Council has reviewed its operations over the next five years, to ensure that it continues to make maximum impact in a world of rapid change and to exploit new opportunities to reach wider, younger target audiences.As a result, and with the encouragement of the FCO, the Council will increase its work in countries in transition to full democracy. It will open up in Armenia, and increase resources for Central and Eastern Europe.In recognition of the important work the Council does overseas, under this year's Spending Review of 2001–02 to 2003–04 the Council will receive an increase in its grant in aid of £24.8 million. In addition to helping to fund the proposed expansion in the Council's overseas network, particularly in Russia and China, it will assist in the development of new knowledge and learning centres, for the benefit mainly of developing countries.In Western Europe, where infrastructure costs are particularly high, and new forms of Information Technology widely used, the Council will make a significant shift in resources from fixed costs to activities. It will focus its physical presence in capital cities and use some of the savings to fund investment in new, IT-based programmes and services, exploiting the enormous potential of the new media. This will allow the Council to reach wider audiences, particularly young professional people, while maintaining core programmes.To reflect changed priorities the Council will close country directorates in Belarus, Ecuador, Lesotho and Swaziland (citizens of some of these countries may still be able to participate in British Council programmes in their region). The Council will also close a small number of offices outside capital cities. Where appropriate, it plans to modify library and information services to match changing patterns of local demand.The reduction in physical presence will allow overall program expenditure to increase. Arts, science, English language teaching and education training will remain core activities. The Council will expand work on governance and human rights; it will aim work in science, the environment, health and technology at wider, younger audiences. Generally, it will move to larger cross-sectoral activities that will attract wider audiences and have greater media impact.In summary, the Council's new strategy is designed to ensure that it remains in tune with the evolving needs of target audiences as we move into a new century.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact on dealing in illegal diamonds by the RUF in Sierra Leone of his initiatives on conflict diamonds. [135918]

As part of HMG's initiative to tackle the problem of conflict diamonds, the UK played the lead role in promoting UN Security Council resolution 1306(2000) which was adopted on 5 July 2000 and imposed a ban on the direct or indirect import of all rough diamonds from Sierra Leone to the territory of UN member states. The resolution provided for an exemption from the ban for diamonds controlled by the Government of Sierra Leone through a Certificate of Origin regime. This exemption came into effect on 6 October when the UN Sanctions Committee Chairman reported to the President of the Security Council that an effective regime was fully in operation.We anticipate that the new regime will enhance the capacity of the Government and people of Sierra Leone to benefit from their country's diamond wealth, while limiting the rebels' income from the illicit diamond trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Nigeria concerning allegations about senior Nigerians in the UN force dealing in illegal diamonds. [135920]

UN Security Council resolution 1306, adopted on 5 July 2000, prohibits the direct or indirect import of all rough diamonds from Sierra Leone to the territory of UN member states, unless accompanied by a Certificate of Origin issued by the Government of Sierra Leone.It is for the UN Sanctions Committee to investigate any allegations that this prohibition may have been violated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to President Mugabe of Zimbabwe over (a) the revocation of the national reconciliation policy and (b) threats to arrest Ian Smith and other former Rhodesian Government members. [135838]

Although President Mugabe has announced to supporters that he intends to revoke the National Reconciliation Policy and arrest members of the former Rhodesian Government, he has taken no steps to do so. We are concerned by any action or statement which might threaten stability and political reconciliation in Zimbabwe, and will follow developments closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his most recent discussions with King Abdullah of Jordan. [135837]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman on 12 October and in London on 25 October. The main topic of discussion at each meeting was the continuing crisis in the Middle East and the Peace Process. The Foreign Secretary praised King Abdullah for his constructive efforts to bring peace to the region and reaffirmed Britain's strong commitment to close co-operation and friendship with Jordan.