To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many visits he has made to (a) the cinema and (b) the theatre in an official capacity since May 1997. [136242]

Since May 1997 I have attended 12 cinematic and 25 theatrical performances in an official capacity. In addition I have also attended performances at various festivals over this period and have attended both the cinema and theatre on numerous other occasions in a personal capacity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000, Official Report, column 476W, what estimates he has made of the cost to public funds of establishing the new service provisionally entitled Culture Online. [137221]

My Department is in the process of commissioning a full economic appraisal of this proposal in order to establish the likely cost to public funds and the potential for income generation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received about the proposed closure of Westminster Theatre and the Mermaid Theatre; what assessment he has made of planning arrangements governing the future listing of such buildings; and if he will make a statement. [137008]

I have received two representations asking me to consider listing the Westminster Theatre and none about the Mermaid. The Westminster Theatre has been assessed for listing and found not to meet the strict criteria; a certificate of immunity against listing, valid for five years, was issued in June 1997. The Mermaid Theatre will be considered should I receive such a request.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which relocation companies hold contracts with his Department for the relocation of civil servants; when the contracts were last renewed; where the contracts were advertised; and what the length and value of each contract is. [137189]

My Department has no regionally based offices so has had no need of such contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department has to work with (a) private health and fitness clubs and (b) public sports and leisure facilities to provide health benefits to all the population. [137045]

The Government's Sports Strategy "A Sporting Future for All" is based on creating opportunities to participate in sport. Wide participation, which requires easy access to various types of sports and fitness facilities and to sports clubs, will help to improve levels of fitness and lead to long-term improvements. The strategy implementation subgroup charged with this task, whose members include representatives from local authority sport and the private health and fitness sector, is on course to report back to Ministers at the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr. Corbyn) of 9 March 2000, Official Report, columns 806-07W, what the average cost per case is for the administration of Housing Benefit in each local authority in England. [136166]

The measure of the average cost to a local authority of administering a Housing Benefit case is based on a comparison of the amount the authority reports it spends on benefit administration and the reported size of its case load. The figures have been calculated using this comparison and have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent representations he has received on the introduction of a mortgage benefit scheme. [136814]

In April we published our Housing Green Paper, "Quality and Choice: A decent home for all" setting out our vision and strategy for the provision of housing in the future. It is the most comprehensive review of housing policy for 23 years and is all about raising standards, improving performance, extending choice and increasing accessibility and accountability. I am aware that some of the responses to the Housing Green Paper support the introduction of a mortgage benefit scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Inter-ministerial Group on Ageing and Older People last met to discuss the EU directive on discrimination in employment. [137319]

The EU directive is not specific to older people. It was therefore discussed by Ministers across Government throughout the year before it was signed in October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was spent on social security for the elderly as a proportion of gross domestic product in 1996–97; what he estimates it will be in 2001–02; and what amount this would be if basic state pension had been linked to earnings, excluding the cost of free television licences for the over-75s, Winter Fuel Payments and the Minimum Income Guarantee, but including Income Support. [137903]

In 1996–97, Social Security benefit expenditure on elderly people accounted for 5.32 per cent. of GDP. The forecasts underlying the most recently published expenditure plans¹ show that in 2001–02 the corresponding figure will be 5.33 per cent. of GDP. The corresponding figure for 2001–02 would have been 5.23 per cent. if basic state pension had been linked to earnings, excluding the cost of free TV licences for the over-75s, Winter Fuel Payments and the Minimum Income Guarantee, but including Income Support.

¹ Spending Review 2000 plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the chairmen of rail companies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many businesses (a) operate and (b) operated in 1995 in Wales. [136272]

In 1999 there were 75,230 businesses in Wales registered for VAT. The comparable figure for 1995 is 77,200. These figures do not include companies with an annual turnover of less than £50,000 or those in VAT-exempt sectors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary on the level of regulations on small businesses. [136478]

I have regular discussions with the First Secretary about a range of matters, including the concerns of small businesses.Both the Government and the National Assembly are committed to minimising regulatory burdens on business.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultation he has had with the First Secretary concerning skills shortages in Alyn and

Oversight of the railway industry is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.I have met representatives of rail companies on several occasions to discuss a range of issues. I also maintain close contact with the National Assembly for Wales, which has a key role to play in encouraging the development of integrated transport networks. I know that Sue Essex, the Assembly's Secretary for Planning, Environment and Transport, has had numerous meetings with the train operating companies and has issued guidance to those bidding for the Wales and Borders franchise, setting out the Assembly's aspirations for rail services in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the origins of foreign investment in Wales in each of the last 10 years. [135228]

The information requested is in the table.Deeside, with particular reference to small and medium-sized enterprises; and if he will make a statement. [137012]

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the First Secretary about a range of matters, including the skills requirements of businesses in particular localities.Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) are currently responsible for assessing the skill needs of employers in their areas—including small and medium-sized enterprises, and for working with local authorities and others to promote local action to meet those needs. I understand that the National Assembly is supporting this process through commissioning research under the Future Skills Wales study, which provides information on skill needs at TEC area and local authority level. From April 2001, the responsibility for analysing and addressing local skill needs will fall to regional offices of the Council for Education and Training in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what consultations he has had with the First Secretary concerning the provision of skilled persons in the engineering industries; and if he will make a statement; [137018]

I have regular discussions with the First Secretary about a range of matters including the skill requirements of particular industries.I understand that the National Assembly liaises closely with the Engineering and Marine Training Authority (EMTA) and other national training organisations on the skill needs of the engineering industry and will take account of their views in drawing up an employment action plan as part of the National Economic Development Strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the First Secretary concerning the number of houses built by local authorities in Wales since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [137021]

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the First Secretary about a range of matters, including housing provision.I understand that local authorities reported 1,859 homes completed between January 1990 and December 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the First Secretary concerning the requirement for skilled persons in Alyn and Deeside, with particular reference to the aerospace industry; and if he will make a statement. [137014]

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the First Secretary about a range of matters, including the skill requirements of particular industries.I understand that the National Assembly, the Welsh Development Agency and the Training and Enterprise Councils have been working with the aerospace sector to help overcome recruitment and training difficulties. For example, the Assembly has part-funded a collaborative project with the industry to meet training needs arising out of new British Civil Aviation Authority requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what funds organic farming in Wales will receive from EU sources in each of the next three years. [137098]

That is a matter for the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the training of RAF aircrews in laser-guided bombing performance; and what plans he has for improving it. [134403]

As we have acknowledged in the publication 'Kosovo—Lessons from the Crisis', the RAF already has a well-practised low-level all-weather attack capability. Given the strong possibility that future operations could, as in Kosovo, be conducted at medium altitude, we have considered how best to be prepared for such an eventuality. Precision guided munitions, including the RAF's Laser Guided Bombs (Paveway II and Paveway III), achieved good results in the Kosovo crisis. The RAF had built up their precision attack capability as a consequence of lessons from the Gulf War and this paid dividends, with the laser-guided systems performing well and in accordance with expectations. Nevertheless, the limitations of our current laser-guided systems in poor weather were highlighted.I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 30 October 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if Crown immunity applies to the Tons Warren Range at the head of Luce Bay, Galloway; and if such immunity extends to prescribed sea areas adjacent to both that range and Kirkcudbright Ranges, Galloway. [135107]

Crown immunity is an expression used by lawyers to refer to exemptions for the Crown which appear in legislation. Whether or not the Crown is exempt from certain legislation in respect of the sites in question will depend on the precise terms and effects of that legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000, Official Report, column 276W, what percentage of Army commitment and what interval between deployments his Department assesses to be optimal in order for overstretch to be alleviated; and if he will make a statement. [136743]

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: We concluded during the Strategic Defence Review process that for the Army, six-month operational tours and an average interval between tours of 24 months are optimum for operational effectiveness and retention. We do not identify an optimum percentage figure for commitment levels, which are a reflection of operational deployments. Whether such deployments are sustainable depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the task and duration of the commitment, which are not reflected in overall percentage figures on commitment levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how often nuclear submarines are inspected for safety. [137215]

Royal Navy nuclear submarines are subject to a rolling programme of planned inspection and maintenance. The periodicity of this work is designed to ensure the safety of the nuclear reactor and the submarine as a whole. For example, certain reactor protection systems are inspected every 24 hours, while some hull and support system components are examined every few months. In addition, there are major overhaul periods, which can take some two years to complete, when further inspections are made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the cracks in the cooling system of HMS Tireless will have on the immediate environment; and if the cracks resulted from a design flaw in the nuclear submarines. [137212]

Since her arrival in Gibraltar on 19 May, HMS Tireless has undergone routine radiation monitoring and has had no effect on the immediate environment. During her repair, no radioactive contamination of any kind will be released into the environment either within HMS Tireless or externally in Gibraltar. All nuclear waste arising from her repair will have extremely low levels of radioactivity and will be returned to the UK in specially constructed tanks.At present there is no evidence to suggest that the defect found in some, but not all, hunter-killer submarines, has resulted from a design flaw. It is feasible that the defect could have arisen from the manufacturing process when the submarines were built or have some other origin. The analysis of the evidence collected so far is, as yet, inconclusive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the official language of the European forces as defined in EU Council document SN 300/99 will be; [136298](2) if

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: The European forces referred to in EU Council document SN 300/99 are the pool of capability needed to achieve the Headline Goal. The Headline Goal states that, by 2003, EU nations should be able to assemble, deploy rapidly and sustain up to 60,000 troops capable of undertaking the full range of crisis management tasks.In the event of an EU-led or NATO-led operation being launched, each nation would decide when and how to commit their forces and each nation would be under their own national command and national flag.National forces deployed on an EU-led operation in support of this goal will speak their own language. The issue of working language between national forces or in Multinational Headquarters has not yet been addressed in the EU context. However, in NATO the working language for these purposes is English.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions (a) coalition aircraft and (b) UK aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone in Iraq have released ordnance in response to violations from (i) 20 December 1998 to 17 May 2000 and (ii) 17 May to date indicating in percentage terms over said periods (1) the nature of the threat, (2) the category of the target attacked and (3) the tonnage of ordnance released on each category of target in proportion to the overall tonnage released in said periods; and if he will make a statement. [136593]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: For the period 20 December 1998 to 17 May 2000 I refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to the answer I gave him on 6 June 2000, Official Report, column 170W.Saddam Hussein continues to try to kill coalition aircrew conducting legitimate humanitarian patrols. Coalition patrols respond to these attacks only in self-defence. If Saddam stopped trying to kill our aircrew we would not have to react in this way.Between 18 May and 31 October 2000 coalition aircraft were directly threatened by the Iraqi air defence forces in the southern no-fly zone on 55 occasions, and responded in self-defence on 16 occasions against Iraqi military facilities posing a direct threat to coalition forces. UK aircraft released ordnance on eight occasions. Details of the threats broken down by percentage, are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what tonnage of ordnance has been released by (a) coalition and (b) UK aircraft in operations to maintain the southern no-fly zone in Iraq from 17 May to date; and if he will make a statement. [136594]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: Between 18 May and 31 October 2000 coalition aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone released some 60 tonnes of ordnance. The UK element of this figure was some 11 per cent. These weapons were released in self-defence in response to Iraqi threats to coalition aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role the armed forces have played in dealing with the recent floods in the UK. [137314]

The armed forces are always ready to respond to requests from the emergency services to provide help and support in the event of national disaster. Over the past week they have responded to numerous requests to help with flood relief. At the peak about 600 service personnel were providing assistance in numerous locations, performing tasks such as the reinforcement of flood defences and the evacuation of residents. Chinook helicopters have been used to move sandbags to inaccessible areas and Sea King helicopters have conducted rescue missions for people trapped by floodwaters.The armed forces are continuing to provide assistance in several areas, and they remain ready to respond to further calls from the emergency services, wherever the need may arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce the number of MOD police at RAF Innsworth; and if he will make a statement. [136987]

The complement of Ministry of Defence Police at RAF Innsworth reduces from six to two on 1 April 2001. A review of the possible need to strengthen MDP resources in the wider area is currently nearing completion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the income provided to gardeners employed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. [136980]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr. Gibb) on 31 October 2000, Official Report, columns 341-42W.

To ask the Solicitor-General when a decision will be made on the bringing of charges against officers from Tottenham police station in connection with the death of Mr. Roger Sylvester; and if he will make a statement. [136975]

The investigation report of the Essex police has been considered carefully by the Crown Prosecution Service, in accordance with the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors. Further medical evidence has recently been obtained and is urgently being considered by the Crown Prosecution Service. It is expected that the Crown Prosecutor reviewing the case will be in a position to complete the review by the end of this month. I will write to my hon. Friend when a decision has been made.

To ask the Prime Minister what additional projects are planned for the Performance and Innovation Unit; and if he will make a statement. [137757]

To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the remit given to the Performance and Innovation Unit to make a study of the future of renewable energy; what resources are to be committed to the study; and by when he has asked the PIU to report. [135431]

I have asked the Performance and Innovation Unit to undertake the following further projects:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what licences to permit the sale of spare parts for Hawk fighters in Indonesia have been granted in the past 12 months; and what reports he has received concerning the Hawks used in civil conflicts in (a) East Timor and (b) other parts of Indonesia. [136655]

Between 1 November 1999 and 31 October 2000, four Standard Individual Export Licences (SIELs) and one Open Individual Export Licence (OIEL) were issued covering the export to consignees or end-users in Indonesia of spares for Hawk aircraft. These figures have been obtained by searching the ECO's computer databases using the entries relating to military aircraft spares.As regards the receipt of any reports concerning the use of Hawks, I have been informed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office that they understand Hawks are regularly deployed to various parts of Indonesia for routine training.I also understand that the FCO are not aware of any evidence that Hawks have ever been used for counter insurgency in East Timor or in Indonesia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which relocation companies currently hold contracts with his Department for the relocation of civil servants; when those contracts were last renewed; where the contracts were advertised; and what the length and value of each contract is. [137190]

Since May 1997, the Department has used only one company for relocating civil servants, Cendant Relocation Services (previously known as Bradford and Bingley Relocation Services and Black Horse Relocation Services). The contract was last let in November 1999. The contract was not advertised; six companies were invited to tender. The contract runs until 31 October 2002 (with provision to extend if necessary). Its value at award was £950,000 a year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) Crown post offices, (b) franchised post offices and (c) sub-post offices there are in each parliamentary constituency. [137010]

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: I refer to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett) on 29 November 1999, Official Report, column 22W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had recently with representatives of farming organisations regarding the division of Milk Marque into three separate processing companies. [137231]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: None since my announcement on 2 May that the successors were free to develop milk processing activities if they wished.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those organisations invited to attend the recent summit on household debt. [137254]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: I invited the following organisations to the conference on tackling over-indebtedness which I hosted on 30 October:

• Association of Payment Clearing Services
• British Bankers Association
• British Retail Consortium
• Cabinet Office—Social Exclusion Unit
• Consumer Credit Association
• Consumer Credit Trade Association
• Consumers Association
• Council of Mortgage Lenders
• Creation Financial Services
• Credit Services Association
• Department for Education and Employment
• Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions
• Department of Social Security
• Department of Trade and Industry—Insolvency Service
• Equifax
• Experian
• Federation of Independent Advice Centres
• Finance and Leasing Association
• Financial Services Authority
• HM Treasury
• Lord Chancellor's Department
• Mail Order Traders Association
• Money Advice Trust
• National Consumer Council
• National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
• National Pawnbrokers Association
• Office of Fair Trading
• Office of the Data Protection Commissioner
• Personal Finance Research Centre
• Scottish Executive
• Sheriffs of England and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what proposals he has to deal with irresponsible lending by financial institutions; [137255](2) if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent summit on household debt. [137253]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: The meeting was very constructive and creditor representatives have agreed to work with the Government to look at ways of achieving more responsible lending and borrowing.I will shortly set up an industry task force to look at three key areas:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the UK patents which have been (a) applied for and (b) granted between (i) 1 July 1999 and 27 July 2000 and (ii) since 28 July 2000 in respect of genetically engineered animals and processes for creating such animals; and if he will make a statement. [137293]

I can give information only about patent applications which have been published. Prior to publication such information is confidential. Patent applications filed since 1 July 1999 will not yet have been published, since publication occurs 18 months after filing. Between 1 July 1999 and 27 July 2000 four UK patents relating to genetically engineered animals or processes for creating them were granted. These were GB 2318578, GB 2331751, GB 2318792 and GB 2340493, all relating to reconstituting an animal embryo. Since 28 July 2000 there have been no UK patents granted relating to genetically engineered animals or processes for creating them. This information does not include applications filed at the European Patent Office which may have the effect of UK patents if granted by that office.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the role and aims of the Africa Conflict Prevention Fund. [136456]

The aim of the Sub-Saharan Africa Conflict Prevention Joint Pool is to reduce violent conflict by improving the effectiveness, impact and efficiency of HMG's contribution to peacekeeping, conflict prevention and management. The Joint Pool's remit is limited to those policy areas and actions that directly contribute to conflict prevention, reduction and management in sub-Saharan Africa. The new arrangements will come into effect from FY 2001–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if her Department funds incentivised sterilisation in developing countries. [136640]

The Department for International Development does not fund incentivised sterilisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of corruption in projects administered by the European Union. [136626]

We assess financial propriety in EC aid by evaluating the annual reports of the European Court of Auditors on the EC budget and the European Development Fund, and their series of special reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of the bilateral aid budget is spent on sector-wide approaches. [136636]

To date spending on sector-wide work has been recorded within existing categories defined by the OECD's Development Assistance Committee and cannot be distinguished separately. However, work is under way to generate separate data in consultation with other donors.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she has taken to ensure that British aid to Malawi was not used to purchase 39 Mercedes cars for Government Ministers; and if she will make a statement. [136656]

British aid has not been used for this purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department made of corruption in the Malawian education sector before her recent aid announcement. [136664]

The education programme reviewed financial management in the sector. The programme will itself be audited annually.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support has been given to the Malawi Anti-Corruption Bureau. [136638]

We have provided £352,000 to support the Anti-Corruption Bureau. This comprises a long-term technical adviser and support for professional training. We are discussing additional support for staff, including assistance with prosecutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the level of corruption in the Malawian Government. [136663]

The Malawi Government inherited an ineffective and corruption ridden government mechanism from the Banda regime. It has repeatedly stated its commitment to rooting out corruption. We are working with the Government to set up systems to reduce corruption and to take action against those implicated.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list her Department's aid projects in Malawi. [136666]

My Department's aid projects in Malawi are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the FCO concerning the publication of the Annual Human Rights Report 2000. [137223]

FCO's Human Rights Report 2000 makes clear the close interaction between FCO, DFID and other departments in making and implementing the Government's human rights policy.This year's report is not a joint publication as it was in the past. We published in October 2000 a paper. "Realising Human Rights for Poor People", describing the Human Rights strategy of DFID and how we will integrate reporting on human rights into our annual departmental report.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what advice she gives to people in the Third World about contraception; and if she will make a statement. [136991]

The Government are committed to the principles of freedom and choice in reproductive health services as agreed at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, and to the International Development to attain universal access to reproductive health services before 2015.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to ensure that concessionary travel for pensioners is available on an equal basis between men and women. [135854]

The Government have a strong commitment to concessionary travel for elderly people. In the Transport Bill, we are introducing a statutory minimum for local authority concessionary travel schemes, which will provide pensioners and disabled people with half-fare travel or better on local buses with a free pass. In total about 6.5 million people will benefit from the new minimum standard. Under the terms of the Pensions Act 1995, the age of entitlement for concessionary travel for both men and women will be equalised at 65 by 2020.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what response the Government have made to the proposed EU directive introducing common measurements of aircraft noise across the European Union. [136543]

The European Commission's proposal for a Directive on the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise is concerned with noise from transport and industrial sources generally, not only noise from aircraft. The Government have undertaken a consultation on the proposed Directive and prepared an initial regulatory impact assessment. Copies of the results were placed in the House Library on 19 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with airports and aircraft companies regarding the fitting of mufflers to aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [136997]

Officials regularly discuss with stakeholders our strategy on new noise standards, including modification of aircraft to meet those standards. Studies have shown that fitting mufflers can impair an aircraft's performance and handling. Safety is, of course, paramount. Certifying the airworthiness of aircraft is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many miles of bus lanes there are in England; what steps are taken to enforce the regulations which apply to them; and if he will make a statement. [136669]

Allocation of road space is a matter for the local highway authority and information about the length of bus lanes in England is not kept centrally.Enforcement of bus lanes is shared by the police and local highway authorities. Stationary offences can be enforced by local authorities in London, and outside where authorities have taken on decriminalised parking enforcement. In London also, following trials in four boroughs, authorities will be taking on the enforcement of moving offences in bus lanes, using cameras. The Transport Bill contains powers which, when enacted, would allow authorities outside London to do the same.The Metropolitan police are currently responsible for all enforcement on the Greater London Authority road network, some of which uses cameras provided by Transport for London. Outside London the police are responsible for all bus lane enforcement except where the local authorities have taken on the relevant powers to do it themselves.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce lighting standards for all classes of road in urban areas; and if he will make a statement. [136425]

Standards for road lighting for all classes of roads can be found in the British Standard Code of Practice for Road Lighting, BS 5489. It is for the lighting authority concerned, normally the highway authority, to decide if a road should be lit and how to apply the standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent studies the Health and Safety Executive has carried out into the safety of organophosphorus sheep dips in relation to (a) humans and (b) sheep. [136205]

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has completed studies on the following subjects since 1993:

• occupational hygiene in sheep dipping;
• biological monitoring techniques;
• spontaneous reactivation and ageing of acetylcholinesterase in human red blood cells after inhibition by orgnophosphorous (OP) pesticides;
• in vitro effects of OP pesticides on cell surface esterases and functional tests at the cellular level;
• the relative inhibitory effect of OPs and carbamates towards pseudocholinesterase in human blood;
• handling of sheep dip concentrates;
• the epidemiology of chronic effects of low level exposure to OP dips (two studies);
• human liver metabolism of OP pesticides;
• improvements to laboratory analyses for organophosphate pesticide exposure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the compatibility of operating asphalt production plants with the proposed European Union directive on assessment and management of environmental noise, COM (2000) 468 Final, of 26 July. [136295]

The proposed directive does not contain provisions for controlling noise at source. The proposals are for harmonisation of noise indicators and assessment methods for noise from transport sources and from industry in urban areas. They would require use of the common indicators and assessment measures to gather information about exposure of individuals to these sources in the form of noise maps. Information would be made available to the public, and would form the basis for action plans at the local level.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if he will list each of the asphalt production plants licensed to operate in England, indicating the owners, operators, output capacity and date opened in each case; [136705](2) what recent assessment has been made by

I understand that the asphalt production referred to is roadstone coating. These plants are a prescribed process under Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and as a result must be authorised by the relevant local authority. Authorisations must include conditions aimed at ensuring the use of Best Available Techniques Not Entailing Excessive Cost (BATNEEC) to prevent and minimise air emissions. Statutory guidance is issued by the Secretary of State on what constitutes BATNEEC for various sectors, including roadstone coating plant. This guidance has been recently revised and published for consultation. A copy of this can be found on the Internet at http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/epns/laucons.htmlMy Department does not collect the specific data requested for each of the 17,000 processes regulated by authorities in England and Wales. However, data taken from our annual Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC) statistical survey for 1998–99 allow us to prepare good estimates of the number of roadstone coating and mineral drying processes in England and Wales and which authority authorises them. This information is given in the table. The precise numbers cannot be produced without disproportionate cost. But under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 authorities have a duty to maintain a public register containing all particulars of any application for an authorisation made to an authority and the authorisation itself, and it would therefore be feasible to examine authority registers individually.The Environment Agency is reviewing the LAPC guidance, referred to above, on roadstone coating and mineral drying processes for the Department has

examined air pollution impacts. In addition the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory, which is produced under a departmental contract, estimates that in 1998 emissions from roadstone coating plant contributed 0.4 per cent. of UK particulate matter under 10 microns (PM

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many responses to the consultation on mobile phone masts planning rules have been received (a) in total, (b) from members of the public, (c) from local authorities and other public bodies, (d) from mobile phone companies and associated businesses and (e) from hon. Members; of (a), how many were (i) broadly supportive of the Government's proposals and (ii) opposed; when he plans to announce changes to the rules; and if he will make a statement. [136942]

At the end of the day, 7 November 2000, we had received 301 responses in total. Of these, 45 were from members of the public; 230 were from local authorities and other public bodies; 18 were from mobile phone companies and associated businesses; and eight were from hon. Members. The Department is currently analysing the responses. We will announce any changes as soon as practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions are taking place between his Department and Liverpool City Council concerning (a) the future running and ownership and (b) the lease of the Philharmonic Hall. [136946]

There are no discussions taking place between my Department and Liverpool City Council about the Philharmonic Hall.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what average proportion of their income working tenants of (a) local authorities, (b) registered social landlords and (c) private landlords paid in rent in the last 12 months. [136813]

Estimates from the Family Resources Survey are shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what rates of interest Burnley borough council and Coventry city council were paying on debts redeemed under the arrangements for stock transfer; and what interest rates are expected to be paid on the new investment being raised by the successor bodies. [136817]

For the purpose of calculating interest on notional Housing Revenue Account (HRA) debt, an individual Consolidated Rate of Interest (CRI) is calculated for each authority. The CRI is a weighted average of actual interest payable on external debt during the year and notional interest on—or the opportunity cost of—internal debt. In the case of Burnley borough council and Coventry city council, the most recent CRI prior to their stock transfers were 6.85 per cent. and 8.37 per cent. respectively.The methodology for an authority to determine the proportion of debt repaid as a consequence of its stock transfer was announced to the House by my hon. friend the Minister for Housing and Planning on 16 November 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of recent heavy rainfall and flooding on the replenishment of depleted aquifers; and if he will make a statement. [136944]

The UK's hydrological situation is monitored jointly by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the British Geological Survey and monthly reports are published. This regular monthly monitoring shows that only a small minority of aquifers were slightly below their average capacity in early October. Recent heavy rainfall will have helped replenish those remaining depleted aquifers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what rural statutory duties have been placed on the regional development agencies; and which of these relate explicitly to agriculture. [136680]

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: The statutory purposes of Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) relate to: economic development and regeneration, business efficiency, investment and competitiveness, employment, skills and training and sustainable development. They apply as much in relation to the rural parts of their areas as to the non-rural parts. In addition there is at least one member of every RDA Board with experience in rural issues. The statutory guidance on the preparation of RDAs' strategies states that RDAs should take account of the particular features of the region's rural areas including the role of land-based industries such as agriculture.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what sanctions his Department operates in respect of waste disposal authorities which do not include incineration as an option within their waste local plans. [137247]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: There are no specific sanctions. However, a waste local plan is required to set out credible land use policies to deliver the waste management strategy determined by the local waste disposal authority. The Secretary of State will scrutinise waste local plans and can make objections to any of the policies of a plan, which will be considered by an Inspector at a public inquiry. He may also object to any of the policies as proposed to be modified after such an inquiry. Should the Secretary of State and the relevant authority fail to agree on the policies he may direct that changes be made. The Secretary of State would not normally issue directions about particular sites or technical options, but would address plans which did not contain satisfactory policies to manage or dispose of the waste likely to arise in the authority's area. In exceptional circumstances the Secretary of State could call in part or all of a plan for his own determination.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the guidance his Department issues to waste disposal authorities on incineration. [137246]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: The Government are currently publishing no such guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on Mr. Justice Colman's report following the re-opened formal investigation into the loss of the MV Derbyshire. [137362]

On 17 December 1998 I ordered that the Formal Investigation into the loss of the MV Derbyshire be re-opened in the High Court. Today the Honourable Mr. Justice Colman has published his report following a reading of his executive summary at the Royal Courts of Justice, London. The Court sat for a total of 54 days from the 5 April 2000 and concluded its oral hearings on the 26 July. I am grateful to Mr. Justice Colman for presiding over the hearings in the way he did and for producing such a comprehensive and conclusive report.My gratitude also extends to all those who contributed to the underwater survey of the wreck, the subsequent analysis of the survey material, the related research and the Court hearings. I particularly applaud the fortitude of the relatives and friends of those who died with the vessel. The demands of the investigation will have been difficult for many.Copies of Mr. Justice Colman's report have been placed in the Library of the House.Mr. Justice Colman finds that the ship sank through progressive collapse of the main hatch covers following significant flooding of some bow spaces through broken ventilators and air pipes located on the foredeck as a result of prolonged exposure to the sea states generated by Typhoon Orchid. He concludes that the officers and crew of the vessel were in no way to blame for the vessel's loss and specifically rejects any suggestion that the bosun's stores hatch on the foredeck was left unsecured by the crew.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation to make high hedges subject to planning control. [136983]

The Government announced their plans to bring forward legislation on high hedges on 10 August. The new legislation, which will be introduced as soon as there is space in the parliamentary timetable, will not make high hedges the subject of planning control. It will instead make provision for a complaints system run by local authorities, designed to deal with individual disputes as they arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce (a) a transport plan to include the use of motorcycles, (b) guidelines to local authorities regarding excluding motorcycles from congestion and workplace charges and (c) the right of motorcycles to use bus lanes; and if he will make a statement. [136994]

Our 10-year plan, Transport 2010, and White Paper "A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone", both recognise the contribution that motorcycles can make to integrated transport in certain circumstances. There are complex matters to consider, including road safety, traffic management and environmental issues. We therefore set up an Advisory Group on Motorcycling, chaired by my noble Friend the Under-Secretary, to look at such issues. This will assist us in further defining the role of motorcycles within integrated transport.We intend to issue guidance to local authorities on how road user charging and workplace parking levy schemes might best be implemented and operated. This guidance will include advice on the treatment of motorcycles in charging and levy schemes.We need properly monitored pilot studies on motorcycle use of bus lanes before we can reach conclusions about this practice. We are seeking to encourage proposals from local authorities interested in conducting such pilots. A thorough examination of the traffic, safety and environmental implications for motorcyclists and other road users is required. We have contacted a number of authorities that have expressed an interest and will work with any who are keen to proceed to monitor and evaluate the effects.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the rules regarding the driving of mini-buses, large vans and small lorries by people with insulin-treated diabetes. [136993]

The Secretary of State's Honorary Medical Advisory Panel on Driving and Diabetes reviewed the licensing arrangements for Group 2 vehicles (vehicles above 3.5 tonnes) on 4 October. They agreed that those with good diabetic control and no significant complications should be allowed to apply for a licence for category C1 vehicles (between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes). They

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation to bring the sale of park homes under property and land law. [136978]

Changes to the provisions on the sale of park homes were included in the recommendations of the Park Homes Working Party, published earlier this year. We have consulted on, and are considering, the Working Party's recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many New Deal clients there were in each standard region, in (a) April 1999 to March 2000 and (b) April to August 2000; and how many of these (i) went into non-subsidised employment, (ii) went into New Deal options and (iii) left the register for other reasons. [134569]

The table shows, for each cohort of New Deal starts, the number who have subsequently gained an unsubsidised job from any stage of the process, begun an option from the gateway stage, and left New Deal and JSA for other reasons.The figures are not mutually exclusive, as people who started an option may have subsequently gained a job or left the register.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the average fee is for completion of a university course in the United Kingdom. [136006]

For students eligible for student support the total tuition fees payable over the duration of their course will depend on the type and length of course as well as their and their families' financial circumstances. For those normally resident in England and Wales only a minority of full-time undergraduates are expected to pay the full fee, which in 2000–01 is set at £1,050 per year, and in future around a half are expected to pay no fees at all. Taking this into account, we estimate that the average total fee payable by an English or Welsh full-time student on a three year degree course (excluding any repeated years) will be around £1,360 in 2000–01 prices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the effect on the number of compensation claims for perceived educational or other deficiencies in schools by present or former pupils, of the incorporation of the European Convention of Human Rights into UK law. [136259]

Although European Convention Rights were incorporated into UK law in October this year, the Government have observed them for 50 years. We believe that our domestic laws are in harmony with the Convention and we have undertaken a thorough review of our policies and procedures over the past few months. We think these steps reduce the risk of a successful challenge. As with any new legislation, we will keep the situation under review as the law develops.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research he has commissioned in the past three years from the Centre for Research in Higher Education. [136557]

The Department has not directly commissioned any research from the Centre for Research in Higher Education in the last three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what redress is available to parents when a local education authority fails to identify a named person on statements for pupils with special educational needs. [137102]

Should a local education authority fail to give notice in writing to the parent of the name of the person to whom he may apply for information and advice about the child's special educational needs when serving a copy of the statement on the parent of the child, the parent should ask the LEA to do so immediately. If this does not succeed, it is open to the parent to ask the Secretary of State to investigate in order to try and resolve the issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will reply to the letters of 6 June and 18 July from the hon. Member for Vale of York concerning the widow's pension of Mr. A. R. Pickering of Rufforth, York. [137211]

I have replied to the hon. Member today, Wednesday 8 November 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will estimate the additional cost as net saving to the Exchequer of increasing the cost of raising the threshold for repayment of income-contingent student loans to (a) £13,000, (b) £15,000 and (c) £17,000 at real interest rates of (i) 0 per cent., (ii) 1 per cent., and (iii) 2 per cent., annually for the years up to 2004–05 assuming student numbers continue on current trends and the proportion of income taken remains at the current level. [136976]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on recruitment and training of personal mentors to date. [137033]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: Connexions Partnerships have been issued with guidance, drawing on the innovative work of the Connexions Pilots, to assist them to meet our requirement that they identify in their delivery plans how they will recruit the extra staff required to deliver the service from a variety of backgrounds and sectors and with a range of expertise.A training programme is being developed to meet the varying needs of the range of people who will become Connexions Service personal advisers, and to ensure that all are provided with appropriate training. One element of this programme, the Diploma of Personal Advisers, is currently being piloted in Connexions pilot areas. Further guidance on the recruitment and training of Connexions Service personal advisers will be issued shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations he has held with the National Youth Agency and the Connexions Service on matters and activities of mutual concern. [137034]

[holding answer 7 November 2000]: We have consulted widely on the development and implementation of the Connexions Service. The National Youth Agency and other partners in the youth field have been active participants in a number of working groups looking at different aspects of the new service, including the Professional Formation, Inspection and Standards and Involving Young People Working Groups and the Youth Service Transition Group. The National Youth Agency has also taken the opportunity to respond to public consultations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance he has issued to further education colleges in respect of police checks for college staff working on school link courses for 14 to 16-year-olds; and if he will make a statement. [135926]

DfEE Circular 9/93 makes it clear that all staff selected for posts which involve substantial unsupervised access on a sustained or regular basis to children under the age of 16 should undergo a police check before appointment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to deregulate liquor licensing regulations for new year's eve and new year's day. [135576]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Henderson), on 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 203W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the operation and success of each of the secure training centres since opening; for each of the centres (a) what percentage of children breached their orders, (b) what percentage of children re-offended during the period of their order, (c) what percentage of children has been reconvicted during the period of their order, (d) what assessment has been made of the provision of education and training, (e) what percentage of staff has experience of working with children, (f) how many and what percentage of the total number of staff have resigned since each centre opened, (g) how many incidents of self harm have been recorded, (h) how many incidents of concerted indiscipline have been recorded, (i) how many assaults on staff have been recorded and (j) what is the total amount of payment reductions for contract failures; and if he will make a statement. [135581]

Each secure training centre (STC) is subject to comprehensive inspection by the Social Services Inspectorate (SSI), who may be accompanied by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons and by one or more of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Schools (OFSTED), at least once every three years. There are also annual inspections to check that the secure training centre is meeting core requirements. Other inspections, with or without notice, can take place at any time of the year; and each centre is subject to a pre-opening inspection. Annual and triennial inspection reports are placed in the House of Commons Library as they become available.The Inspectors' reports show that, after significant initial operational difficulties at the first STC, Medway, both it and the newer centres at Rainsbrook and Hassockfield have progressively developed to provide a good standard, comprehensive regime for difficult young juveniles.