To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has for an advertising campaign in the run-up to Christmas to discourage drinking and driving; and if he will make a statement; [136512](2) what representations he has received about previous advertising campaigns which sought to highlight the dangers of drinking and driving; [136506](3) what budget he has set aside for an advertising campaign to discourage drinking and driving during the Christmas period; [136510](4) what budget he has set aside for the on-going advertising campaign against drinking and driving. [136509]

Measure	Government target
Capacity (train kms run)	10 per cent. increase on 1998–99 performance
Reliability (unweighted excess journey time—minutes)	4 per cent. improvement on 1998–99 level
Customer satisfaction measures (measured through LT's Customer Satisfaction Survey)	Average score (out of 100)
Train service	77
Information	77
Customer safety and security	83
Staff helpfulness and availability	70
Cleanliness	69

The Government do not set specific targets for the performance of London Underground's contractors. Their performance is, however, reflected in the targets set for London Underground itself.In addition to the above targets, the 10-Year Plan includes a target to cut journey times on London Underground services by increasing capacity and reducing delays. Specific targets will be agreed with the Mayor after the Public Private Partnership has been established.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury of 23 October 2000, Official Report, columns 73–76W, on

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: In June this year, we launched the THINK! road safety publicity campaign which brings together the range of road safety messages for all road users. The total publicity budget for THINK! for the current financial year is £9 million.Drinking and driving is a year-round issue, and is one of the issues we tackle as part of the THINK! campaign advertising, on television, on radio and in other media.However, we shall be focusing again on the drink- drive issue in the the run-up to Christmas and the new year, and we have set aside around £1.9 million for this. Television advertising will run from 27 November, supported by radio advertising and poster advertising. In addition we are producing display materials for use by the police and road safety officers around the country in support of their own campaigns.We have received no formal representations about previous advertising campaigns.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what targets (a) were in place on 1 January and (b) he has set recently for the performance of (i) the London Underground and (ii) its contractors; and if he will make a statement. [137303]

The Government have set performance targets for London Underground covering the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2001. These were announced to the House of Commons in response to a question from the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Brake) on 4 April 2000, Official Report, columns 309-10W.The targets, which are to be met by the end of 2000–01, are as follows:ministerial directions, (1) if he will place in the Library the text and supporting documentation of the directions made by Ministers in his Department in 1998; and if he will make a statement; [137297](2) if he will place in the Library the text and supporting documentation of the directions made by Ministers in his Department in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [137296]

I have considered these requests under the terms of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and concluded that providing this information would harm the frankness and candour of internal discussion within government. The request therefore falls within the terms of exemption 2 of the Code of Practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from local authority associations concerning the use of the most recent earnings data in the area cost adjustment. [137329] [138077]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received from the local authority associations in relation to the Area Cost Adjustment Settlement for 2001–02. [137511]

Representations have been received both from the Local Government Association and from the Association of London Government on the use of the 1999 New Earnings Survey data in the Area Cost Adjustment. Both pressed the Government to update this data.Representations have also been received from two special interest groups, SIGOMA and the "Cliff Edge" group. Both pressed the Government not to update this

Combustion plant > 300 Mw continuing to emit SO2 and/or NOx
	Power station
TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)	Drakelow B Power Station, Burton on Trent
TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)	High Marnham Power Station, Newark
TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)	Ironbridge Power Station, Buildwas Road, Telford
TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)	Rugeley Power Stations, Armitage Road, Rugeley
TXU (was Eastern Merchant Generation)	West Burton Power Station, Retford
Innogy (was National Power plc)	Aberthaw Power Station, Nr Barry, S Glam.
Nitrogen Two Ltd. (was National Power plc)	Blyth Power Station, Welwyn Components Site, Bedlington
Innogy (was National Power plc)	Didcot A Power Station, Didcot
AES Drax Power Ltd. (was National Power)	Drax Power Station, PO Box 3, Selby
Eggborough Power Ltd. (was National Power plc)	Eggborough Power Station, Goole
Innogy (was National Power plc)	Fawley Power Station, Southampton
Innogy (was National Power plc)	Littlebrook D Power Station, Littlebrook Manor Way, Dartford
Innogy (was National Power plc)	Tilbury Power Station, Fort Road, Tilbury
Powergen (UK) plc	Cottam Power Station, PO Box 4, Retford
Edison First Power Ltd.	Ferrybridge C Power Station, PO Box 39, Strangland Lane, Knottingley
Edison First Power Ltd.	Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, Widnes Road, Warrington
Powergen plc	Grain Power Station, Isle of Grain, Rochester
Powergen plc	Ince B Power Station, Chester
Powergen plc	Kingsnorth Power Station, Hoo St. Werberg, Rochester
Powergen plc	Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station, Nottingham
Powergen plc	Richborough Power Station, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich
Scottish Power	Longannet
Scottish Power	Cockenzie
Scottish Hydro Electric	Peterhead
NIE	Belfast West
NIE	Premier Power (Ballylumford Power Station)
NIE	Coolkeeragh
NIE	Kilroot
BASF plc	Seal Sands, Middlesbrough
BP Chemicals Ltd.	Baglan Bay Works, Seaway Parade, Port Talbot
Alcan Smelting and Power UK	Lynemouth Power Station, Ashington
British Steel plc	Integrated Works, Llanwern, Newport
British Steel plc	Port Talbot Works, Port Talbot
Corus UK Ltd. (formerly British Steel)	Teesside Works, Steel House, Redcar
Corus UK Ltd. (formerly British Steel)	Sections Plates and Commercial Steels, Scunthorpe Works, PO Box 1, Scunthorpe
Brunner Mond (UK) Ltd.	Winnington IP Boilers, Winnington Site, Northwich
Ford Motor Co Ltd.	Main Site, Dagenham
ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd.	Weston Point Power Station, Castner Kellner Site, Runcorn
Enron Teesside Operations Ltd. (ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd.)	Wilton Power Station, Wilton
Phillips Petroleum Co UK Ltd.	Seal Sands, Middlesbrough
UML Ltd.	Merseyside Power Station, Thermal Road, Wirral

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions by how much the output of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide have been reduced in the last five years; and which power stations continue to emit these substances. [137719]

The latest figures available from the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory show that in 1998 the total UK emissions of SO₂and NO_x were as 1,615 and 1,753 kilotonnes respectively. Between 1994–98 emissions of SO₂have been reduced by 56 per cent. and of NO_x by 76 per cent. Emissions will continue to reduce under the Environment Agency's ongoing regulation of sulphur emissions and, in the longer term, the revised EC Large Combustion Plant Directive and the proposed National Emission Ceilings Directive, which from 2010 will set annual ceilings of 585 and 1,167 kilotonne for SO₂ and NO_x respectively. A list of large power stations¹, that continue to emit one or both of these substances, is listed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his latest estimate is of the number of (a) hostel places for rough sleepers available and (b) rough sleepers in (i) London, (ii) Liverpool, (iii) Leeds, (iv) Birmingham and (v) Manchester. [138001]

Each of the cities mentioned has a large number of hostels providing a range of different types of accommodation. Information about the extent of emergency access provision that can be accessed by rough sleepers is collected locally and contained in the table. The table also contains the single night street count figures for each area as at June 2000.

	Emergency access accommodation1	Number of rough sleepers
Greater London	2,574	546
Liverpool	42	19
Leeds	249	17
Birmingham	260	23
Manchester	66	23
1Number of beds

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the remaining level of contamination land at the Millennium Site on the Greenwich Peninsula; and what plans exist to remediate the site. [137872]

The site of the Millennium Experience has been remediated fit for purpose in accordance with the requirements of both the London Borough of Greenwich and the Environment Agency. There are currently no requirements for further remediation. Any works in relation to foundations of future buildings which require amendments to the remediation strategy that has been adopted and approved to date will be considered at that time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what deadline has been set for the establishment of 30 mph as the normal speed limit in villages. [138067]

	Owner of motive power and rolling stock	Lessee of motive power and rolling stock	Contractor for light maintenance	Contractor for heavy maintenance
GNER	Angel Trains; HSBC Rail	GNER	GNER	Angle Trains; HSBC Rail
WAGN	Angel Trains; HSBC Rail	WAGN	WAGN; Adtranz	Railcare
Hull Trains	Porterbrook Leasing	Anglia Railways	Hull Trains; Adtranz	Adtranz
EWS	Locos
	Angel Trains; EWS	EWS	EWS	EWS
	Rolling stock
	Lafarge Redland	EWS	Wabtech	Wabtech

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 1 November 2000, Official Report, column 457W, what arrangements are made by the Railway Department of the Health and Safety Executive

The Road Safety Strategy outlines our commitment to a rural road hierarchy, one result of which would be 30mph speed limits in villages. A Government amendment to the Transport Bill requires the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the issues relating to the implementation of the hierarchy, and publish a report within 12 months of Royal Assent.In the meantime, local traffic authorities already have the power to impose 30mph speed limits throughout any village where they feel this is necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made about the effect on wildlife and natural habitats of plans to cut down woods near Farnborough Airfield. [137971]

[holding answer 10 November 2000]: No such assessment has been made by the Secretary of State as this matter has not come before him formally for determination. The proposal was the subject of a Notice of Proposed Development submitted to Rushmoor Borough Council by the Ministry of Defence. As a competent authority under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994, the Ministry of Defence are required to carry out an appropriate assessment of the implications of the proposed works on the Thames Basin Heaths potential SPA and I understand they are undertaking such an assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list (a) the contractors and sub-contractors responsible to Railtrack for maintenance of the track at Hatfield and (b) the names of passenger and freight train operators using that line, together with the (i) owners and (ii) lessees of the motive power and rolling stock used and their contractors for (1) medium and (2) heavy maintenance of that stock. [138213]

Railtrack's contractor responsible for maintaining the track at Hatfield is Balfour Beatty Rail Maintenance Ltd. Information is not held centrally on sub-contractors used by Balfour Beatty.The train companies which use the line at Hatfield and their suppliers of rolling stock and maintenance are given in the table. Train maintenance is normally split into light and heavy maintenance rather than light and medium.for the licensing and inspection of

The Health and Safety Executive do not license either type of contractor. The duty for ensuring the competence of a contractor in the railway industry lies with the holder of the accepted safety case. The holders of safety cases for the railway industry are (in summary) Railtrack, Railtrack's main contractors, the freight and passenger train operators and London Underground.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the average percentage rises in Council Tax in each of the past five years. [138219]

Average Council Tax increases in England (both average Council Tax per dwelling and Band D) between 1996–97 and 2000–01 are given in the table.

	Percentage increase average Council Tax bill per dwelling	Percentage increase on on average Council Tax for a Band D dwelling
1996–97	5.4	6.1
1997–98	7.4	6.5
1998–99	8.9	8.6
1999–2000	6.8	6.8
2000–01	6.2	6.1

The percentage increases in average Council Tax per dwelling give an indication of the increase in size of the Council Tax bill faced by the average resident. The percentage increases for the average Band D Council Tax (based on a dwelling occupied by two adults) are the measure used for tax-setting purposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the percentage rise in public sector current receipts for Council Tax in each of the last five years. [138218]

The information requested is given in the table.

Council Tax receipts
	Level(£000)	Increase (percentage)
1995–96	7,730,839	8.7
1996–97	8,404,016	8.7
1997–98	9,134,089	8.7
1998–99	10,133,609	10.9
1999–2000	10,992,040	8.5

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will meet the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health to discuss the inclusion of housing and health as an agenda item at the Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health in 2004. [138056]

The links between housing and health are important, and I would be happy to meet with the CIEH to discuss the issues in due course. In the first instance they should write to me with their detailed proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to order (a) an environmental impact assessment and (b) a health impact assessment for the proposed Terminal 5 at Heathrow; and when he expects to publish these impact assessments. [137986]

[holding answer 13 November 2000]: Heathrow Terminal 5 was the subject of a major Public Inquiry between May 1995 and March 1999. The Inquiry Inspector has said that he intends to produce his report within two years of the end of the Inquiry. The Terminal 5 proposal was subject to an environmental impact assessment and during the Inquiry the Inspector heard and received evidence on a wide range of environmental issues including the potential impact on health. The final decision on Terminal 5 and the associated applications, orders and appeals considered by the Inquiry rests with the Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and the Regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he next plans to review aircraft landing charges at Heathrow. [137750]

[holding answer 13 November 2000]: Under the 1986 Airports Act the Civil Aviation Authority sets a maximum limit on the amounts that may be levied by way of airport charges, including landing charges, over a five-year period at airports designated by the Secretary of State. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester are those airports which are currently subject to this detailed price control. New price caps are required for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2008. The CAA is presently conducting a programme of work, including consultation, which will lead to decisions on the new price caps by autumn 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the environmental effects of the large scale production of ultra-low sulphur petrol. [138230]

[holding answer 13 November 2000]: Ultra-low sulphur petrol will have a direct benefit in reducing traffic related air pollutants. It will also facilitate the introduction of new fuel-efficient petrol engine technology. This emerging technology holds the promise of significant reductions in CO₂ emissions from the vehicle fleet and will help ensure delivery of the voluntary agreements with the car manufacturers to improve new car fuel efficiency by 25 per cent. by 2008.The reduction of sulphur content of petrol from a maximum of 150 ppm to 50 ppm may result in increased energy consumption in oil refineries and hence CO

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the outcome of the Environment Council held in Brussels on 7 November; and if he will make a statement. [137763]

The Deputy Prime Minister and I represented the UK at the Special Environment Council in Brussels on 7 November 2000.The main purpose of this Council was to review the EU's negotiating positions in advance of the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP6), due to take place in the Hague later this month. Ministers discussed the EU's strategy, and exchanged views on possible options which may emerge in the course of the negotiations. Council Conclusions were agreed reaffirming the EU's negotiating position on the main issues—supplementarity, the clean development mechanism, and sinks. These also stressed the Council's commitment to achieving a successful outcome at COP6.The Commission also reported on the progress of the European Climate Change Programme, noting that while the Community as a whole was achieving stabilisation of CO2 emissions, a number of member states were not. There was a brief exchange of views between member states.Council Conclusions to guide the final round of international negotiations on the UNEP Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, to be held on 4-9 December 2000, were also taken without discussion.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many motor cars are registered in the UK with engine sizes (a) above and (b) below 1500 cc; and how many miles were driven on average in each of the last five years in the UK by motor cars with engine sizes (i) above and (ii) below 1500 cc. [138441]

At the end of June 2000, the most recent date for which figures are available, there were 14,420,933 cars licensed in Great Britain with an engine size of greater than 1500 cc and 9,856,665 cars with an engine size of 1500 cc or less.Average mileage of cars in Great Britain is estimated as part of the National Travel Survey. However, results are not available for individual years and are instead

combined over three years to ensure a suitable level of accuracy. In the last five years, there has been little change in the average annual car mileage by engine size:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions on what date the Single Programming Document on aid to the West Midlands was successfully submitted to the European Commission. [138445]

The Single Programming Document on aid to the West Midlands was presented to the Commission on 14 April 2000. It was confirmed as acceptable, with full retrospection of eligible spend back to 1 January 2000, in the Commission's letter of 4 May 2000 to the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will report on progress in clearing proposed EU structural funds to the West Midlands with the European Commission. [138446]

The West Midlands region will receive Structural Fund moneys through a number of channels. The bulk of these will be delivered through the Objective 2 Single Programming Document. This document is still the subject of negotiation between the Government Office for the West Midlands and the European Commission.It is difficult to predict the precise time that the negotiations will be completed. The document is then the subject of consideration by the Commission's internal services committee, a process taking about four weeks. It is currently anticipated that the document will be presented to either the January or February committees for approval.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many builders have applied to join the Birmingham quality mark trial. [138449]

To date, two firms have been awarded a quality mark, a further 17 are in the process of assessment and are expected to complete shortly. In addition, a further 470 builders have shown their interest by requesting, and being issued with a registration pack.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how the Government intends to take forward the implementation in England of the Supporting People programme. [138765]

A consultation paper entitled 'Phased Implementation' was published on 17 May, inviting all the major stakeholders, local authorities, probation services, health authorities and provider organisations to give us their views on the implementation process for this programme. Specifically they were asked to say whether they supported the view that implementation should be phased.The responses to the consultation paper have been most helpful to our decision making on this issue, and I am today publishing a summary of the analysis of the consultation responses. Copies are being placed in the Library and will be sent to all those who made responses.The overwhelming response from stakeholders was that Supporting People should be implemented in all local authorities in England at the same time, and that phasing the programme would only add unnecessary complexities and cause confusion for authorities, their partner organisations, providers and service users.Following publication of the consultation paper, the Comprehensive Spending Review made available substantial resources for the implementation of this programme, the majority of which will be used to resource implementation at a local level.The Supporting People programme will therefore be implemented across England in April 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. [138793]

My Department has today initiated a review of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC). It was established as an Executive Agency in 1989 and must be reviewed every five years in accordance with the latest Cabinet Office guidance. The last review led to a market test which resulted in a five-year service level agreement being awarded to the in-house management team from 1 April 1996.The review will, in particular, take account of:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reason no fee is being charged to the Ministry of Sound for the hire of secondary venues at the Dome on 31 December. [135735]

[holding answer 31 October 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 14 November 2000, Official Report, column 620W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make representations to the BBC to continue Open University broadcasts. [138162]

The question of making such representations does not arise, since I understand that the BBC has said it remains fully committed to its partnership with the Open University.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people his Department employs under the New Deal for Young People. [137957]

I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Cabinet Office on 13 November 2000, Official Report, column 551W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2000, Official Report, column 646W, regarding Lord-Lieutenants, what expenditure was incurred by his Department in support of each Lord-Lieutenant for the financial year 1999–2000. [134858]

The information requested is contained in the table.

	Expenditure
Antrim	741.37
Armagh	506.82
Belfast	987.09
Down	822.54
Fermanagh	507.85
Londonderry	2,899.49
Tyrone	635.68
Grand total	7,100.84

The Lord-Lieutenancy of County Londonderry is higher than that for other counties because that amount comprises two Lord-Lieutenants—Londonderry City, and Londonderry County.Pursuant to this, it may be helpful if 1 provide some further information to put the figures in their proper context.Lord-Lieutenants are appointed under current legislation by Her Majesty the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, following consultations locally and, where appropriate, with the First Minister. Lord-Lieutenants are much appreciated in their counties and areas, particularly as a link with the royal family and for their support of a wide range of local voluntary and community work. Lord-Lieutenants are unpaid. They may however claim expenses from central Government for certain items such as travel and other reasonable non-entertainment expenses incurred in carrying out their official duties. Amounts claimed will clearly vary according to, for example, levels of activity in each county, size and dispersal of populations, and the personal circumstances of each Lord-Lieutenant. Some choose not to claim any expenses.In addition most counties provide varying levels of administrative support, as do some Government Departments in respect of functions carried out by Lord-Lieutenants on their behalf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the impact of the New Deal for Young People in Northern Ireland. [136475]

Responsibility for this subject has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is therefore no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those Bills to which the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has given a declaration of compatibility with human rights and also list those which have received an adverse declaration in regard to Bills presented to (a) Parliament and (b) the Northern Ireland Assembly. [136611]

There is no requirement for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to give a statement of compatibility before Parliament or the Assembly can consider a Bill; this is required from the Minister in charge. In the Assembly, this is part of the Minister's statement that the Bill is within the legislative competence of the Assembly.Under its statutory functions, the Commission is required to advise the Assembly on whether a Bill is compatible with human rights—including the Convention rights—only when it is asked to do so and on such other occasion as the Commission thinks appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the total costs to date of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning. [138099]

The total cost to date of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning is IR £4,131,215. The costs are split on a 50/50 basis shared by the British and Irish Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the total costs to date of the activities of the international arms inspectors. [138100]

The amount paid to the international arms inspectors to date is IR £37,160, which includes some travel costs. This is split on a 50/50 basis shared by the British and Irish Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a copy of the Northern Ireland Office's Service Delivery Agreement 2001–02 to 2003–04; and if he make copies available to hon. Members in the Vote Office. [138190]

Copies of the Agreement have been placed in the Library and also made available to the Vote Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the purpose of the chemical burns experiments conducted on pigs at Porton Down; what measures have been taken to ensure their welfare is protected; and what involvement Salisbury District Hospital has had with these experiments. [136607]

[holding answer 10 November 2000]: The primary role of DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down is to provide safe and effective protective measures for the UK and its armed forces.Sulphur mustard (mustard gas) remains a significant chemical threat both on the battlefield and from terrorists. The burns that result from contact with mustard heal extremely slowly and are prone to potentially life-threatening infection. The studies undertaken at CBD with pigs have conclusively shown that the technique of dermabrasion can significantly accelerate the healing of such burns and reduce the risk of infection. Staff at Porton Down are now confident that dermabrasion will help save lives and reduce the suffering in any future casualties.To pursue these studies DERA employed the skills and experience of two plastic surgeons who had trained at the Burns Unit at Salisbury District Hospital. These surgeons were not working for the Salisbury Health Care Trust at the same time as they were undertaking this research and the trust was not itself involved in this particular research. All animal research is conducted under licence authorised by the Home Office. In addition to statutory controls, an independent body, the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), reviews the arrangements for animal care and welfare at CBD, monitors the research programmes to ensure the highest possible standards and advises on best practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the cost/benefit analysis applied to the chemical burns experiments conducted on pigs at Porton Down. [136608]

[holding answer 10 November 2000]: No formal cost/benefit analysis has been applied to the chemical burns experiments conducted at DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down.improve the rate of healing by three or fourfold. These techniques will be of significant benefit to service personnel and, more generally, to civilians, by reducing the time currently spent in hospital recovering from the effects of burns form acids, alkalis and other corrosive chemicals suffered at home or in the work place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the functions and treaty base of (a) the European Military Committee, (b) the European Military Staff and (c) the Political and Security Committee; and if he will make a statement on their relationship to NATO. [138216]

At the Helsinki European Council in December 1999, EU member states agreed to the establishment of a Political and Security Committee (PSC), a Military Committee and a Military Staff within the European Council.The function of the Political Security Committee is to deal with all aspects of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, including the Common European Security and Defence Policy, in accordance with the provisions of the EU Treaty. In the case of an EU-led crisis management operation, the PSC will exercise, under the authority of the Council, the political control and strategic direction of the operation. The PSC will also forward guidelines to the Military Committee.The function of the Military Committee is to give military advice and make recommendations to the PSC and provide military direction to the Military Staff. The Chairman of the Military Committee will attend meetings of the Council when decisions with defence implications are to be taken.The function of the Military Staff is to provide military expertise and support to the Common European Security and Defence Policy, including the conduct of EU-led operations. The Military Staff will perform early warning, situation assessment and strategic planning for Petersberg tasks.

Medical negligence claims and costs
	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
Number of medical negligence claims received	243	308	255	147
Number of medical negligence claims for which compensation was paid	58	58	112	79
Compensation paid (£)	2,766,821	3,545,060	9,816,803	9,688,420

Complaints procedures are available to service personnel and their families wishing to complain of medical negligence by military medical personnel. My Department aims to deal with any such complaints in a fair and timely manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the United Kingdom version of the Eurofighter Typhoon will not be armed with a cannon. [137926]

The improved minimum range of capability of Eurofighter's Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile over previous such missiles, together with the pattern of operations over the last decade, mean that the Permanent arrangements covering the relationship between the EU and NATO on crisis management will be based upon the principle of effective mutual consultation, co-operation and transparency between the two organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will mark next year's International Year of Volunteers by spending a day working as a volunteer. [137425]

[holding answer 13 November 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on 13 November 2000, Official Report, column 531W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions in each year since 1990 his Department received complaints from service personnel or their families of medical negligence by military medical staff, stating in each case (a) whether the complaint was upheld by his Department in the first instance, (b) whether the complaint was upheld after recourse to legal proceedings and (c) how much compensation was paid; and if he will make a statement. [138289]

A central record of complaints from service personnel and their families alleging medical negligence is kept only of those cases where compensation is being sought. However, prior to 1996–97 such claims were not recorded separately from other common law claims for compensation. The vast majority of the claims detailed in the table have been the subject of legal proceedings, but this does not necessarily mean that they were all heard in court. The majority of claims are settled amicably on a legal liability basis without recourse to the courts. The payment of compensation does not necessarily occur in the financial year that the claim was received.gun now has only a minimal operational utility, and this is outweighed by its support, fatigue and training cost implications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is concerning a ground attack role for Eurofighter Typhoon. [137905]

Eurofighter will be a multi-role aircraft, able to carry both air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry. Its priority role, however, remains air-to-air. With Tornado GR4 and Harriers continuing in-service for many years, there is less immediate need to arm Eurofighter for its air-to-ground role at its entry into service. Existing plans progressively to enhance Eurofighter's capability in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, from its entry into service onwards, remain unchanged.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about compensation payments to former British servicemen and women who were held in Nazi concentration camps during the Second World War. [138158]

In 1964 the German Government agreed a £1 million settlement to compensate British victims of Nazi persecution. All those, including British service personnel, who were held in Nazi concentration camps were eligible under this scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many deaths of personnel at RAF Leeming occurred in the past three months; how many aircraft based there crashed; and if he will make a statement. [138325]

Three personnel based at RAF Leeming have died in the last three months. In the same period, one aircraft based at RAF Leeming has crashed. The aircrew ejected safely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an order for new hospital ships. [138240]

[holding answer 13 November 2000]: We have no plans to procure hospital ships, which are subject to restrictions under the Geneva Convention that limit their utility. We are continuing, however, to define the requirement for a new Primary Casualty Receiving Capability, to enhance afloat medical support. A number of procurement options are under consideration, and the timing of an order will be determined by the chosen option.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies his Department is involved in of the future role of the Army and Navy in the provision of air sea rescue services around the British Isles; and if he will make a statement. [138331]

[holding answer 14 November 2000]: There are no studies in progress which are looking at the future role of the Army and Royal Navy in the provision of air sea rescue services around the British Isles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his assessment is of the relative effectiveness of the different types of helicopters used in air sea rescue around the British Isles. [138330]

[holding answer 14 November 2000]: I can only comment upon the military Search and Rescue helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, as the responsibility for civil SAR rests with other Government Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2000, Official Report, column 73W, when he will make an announcement on his proposals for reform of the Mental Health Act 1983; and if at or before that time hon. Members will have access to his Department's summary of responses to the Green Paper. [135669]

In my reply to my hon. Friend of 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 987W, I stated that we will set out our plans for reform of the Mental Health Act 1983 in a White Paper to be published before Christmas.We are today publishing the Department's summary of responses to the Green Paper, "Reform of the Mental Health Act 1983 Proposals for Consultation". A copy of the summary is being sent to hon. Members and, where authors have agreed, copies of their responses to the Green Paper have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the non-departmental public bodies responsible to him which have duties relating to Scotland, indicating their budget and staffing in Scotland, the number of Scottish board members and their emoluments. [137688]

The following non-departmental public bodies, sponsored by the Department, have a remit which covers Great Britain or the United Kingdom.

• Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee
• Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens
• British Pharmacopoeia Commission
• Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work
• Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment
• Gene Therapy Advisory Committee
• Genetics and Insurance Committee
• Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
• Human Genetics Commission
• Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation
• National Biological Standards Board (UK)
• National Radiological Protection Board
• Scientific Committee on Tobacco and Health
• The Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee
• UK Advisory Panel of Health Care Workers Infected with Bloodborne Viruses
• UK Tissue Banking Group
• United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority.

The remaining information is not held centrally in the form requested but general information on expenditure, staffing, board members and levels of remuneration is published annually in the Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies". Copies of "Public Bodies 1999" have been placed in the Libraries of the House. "Public Bodies 2000" is due to be published next month. Information on board membership and remuneration can also be downloaded from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Directory website (www.cabinet-office.gov.uk).

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the anticipated length is of the clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of using cannabis for medicinal purposes. [137894]

The duration of a programme of clinical trials to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a new medicine is determined by the company developing it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy that the NHS should provide free care for doubly incontinent patients on a drip and confined to bed 24 hours a day. [138070]

All residents of nursing homes will have their nursing care needs assessed by the National Health Service. Subject to parliamentary approval, the NHS will be responsible for providing registered nursing care free. When people have health needs at such a level that they need continuing health care in a nursing home, the NHS will be, as now, responsible for meeting the full costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the new hospital bids expected to be submitted for selection to the Capital Project Advisory Committee this year. [138455]

A decision will be made by the end of November on the hospital development schemes which will go forward for consideration at the next prioritisation round.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to announce the next round of hospital building schemes. [138456]

The start of a process to identify the next round of major hospital building schemes was announced on 14 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cannabis psychosis cases there were in each of the last 10 years. [138451]

The table shows data from the hospital episodes statistics system (HES) and relates to in-patients with a primary diagnosis of psychotic disorder due to cannabinoids who have finished their hospital episodes under the care of a consultant. There are no comparable data prior to 1995–96.We know that cannabis can have a range of adverse health effects in addition to those risks associated with smoking tobacco. The Department is currently funding research into patterns of use and the health effects of long-term heavy use of cannabis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on further measures to liberalise the energy market. [138612]

I am satisfied that the programme of reforms of the electricity market set out in the Government's 1998 White Paper is now substantially complete. I am therefore lifting the stricter consents policy on gas powered stations with immediate effect.We considered the stricter gas consents policy necessary as it provided a breathing space for existing coal fired power stations until distortions in the electricity market were ironed out.I recognise that the ending of the stricter gas consents policy will create a new market and new challenges for coal which is why we are putting in place an aid scheme for the industry which this morning has been approved by the European Commission.I am aware that the end of the stricter gas consents policy is eagerly awaited by industry. New power stations are important drivers of economic growth both nationally and regionally:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the (a) role and (b) mandate of the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market, with particular reference to the nature of the harmonization concerned. [138080]

The Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market deals with Community-wide intellectual property rights. It is responsible for the registration and subsequent administration of Community trade marks. This role is likely to expand following adoption of a Community Regulation which will create Community-wide rights for industrial designs. It is self-financing from fees paid by businesses who use the system, and expects to receive some 60,000 applications for Community trade marks this year. The Office began its work on 1 September 1994 in Alicante, Spain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many haulage companies were declared bankrupt each year since 1995. [138279]

The following table shows company compulsory liquidations and individual bankruptcies for the road transport industry in England and Wales, 1995–2000. The road transport industry includes road haulage, car hire, taxis, bus services, and other road passenger transport—detailed figures solely for road haulage are not available.

Insolvencies: Road transport industry (England and Wales)
Year	Company compulsory liquidations	Individual bankruptcy orders
1995	204	824
1996	197	1,008
1997	174	971
1998	174	829
1999	152	979
2000 (to quarter 2)	94	495

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many invoices his Department paid in 1999–2000; and how many of these were paid within 30 days of receipt or from the date a supplier dispute was resolved. [138401]

In 1999–2000, DTI paid 46,500 invoices, of which 93 per cent. were paid within 30 days of receipt or from the date a supplier dispute was resolved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many licences were granted for the export of cluster munitions in each of the last five years. [137690]

The export of cluster munitions is controlled under entries ML3 and ML4 in the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994, commonly known as the Military List. Other munitions are also controlled under these entries. It would entail disproportionate cost to examine the records to establish which, if any, of the licences issued in the last five years covered the export of cluster munitions.Details of SIELs and OIELs issued between 2 May 1997 and 31 December 1999 have been set out in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls, published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; copies are in the Library of the House. The Reports list by country of destination the numbers of export licences issued and refused in each equipment category and give details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted.For the periods not covered by the Annual Reports, the Export Control Organisation's computer databases have been interrogated, and the results are set out in the table.

Individual licences issued covering the export of goods with the ratings ML3 and MIA to consignees or end-users in all destinations
Issued from	SIELs	OIELs
1 January to 31 December 1996	937	33
1 January to 1 May 1997	306	9
1 January to 2 November 2000	754	27

This information should be considered in light of the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kingswood (Mr. Berry) on 27 July 1999,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the countries to which the UK has allowed the export of military equipment in the last 12 months. [137382]

The most recent information is set out in the Government's 1999 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls which was published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Report lists by country of destination the numbers of export licences issued and refused in each equipment category and gives details of the military equipment for which licences have been granted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what actions he intends to take to ensure that suppliers of ADSL services do not dilute contention ratios beyond those quoted in their sales literature; and if he will make a statement. [138329]

[holding answer 14 November 2000]: ADSL service suppliers are expected to specify a number of quality/performance parameters as part of their sales literature. It is likely that the suppliers will specify contention ratio as one of the quality parameters within a service contract and they will be commercially obligated to fulfil their contractual requirements concerning quality of service. Competition in supply of ADSL services will enable customers to select their preferred ADSL supplier based on quality and price. It is therefore for market forces to determine which services consumers are likely to demand and what price consumers are willing to pay for such services based on service quality information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on legal proceedings against his Department in respect of its division of Milk Marque into three separate processing companies. [137974]

[holding answer 10 November 2000]: Milk Marque and the National Farmers Union started judicial review proceedings last year. Their main argument is that it was unlawful for the Monopolies and Mergers Commission to carry out an investigation under domestic competition law and for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to act on their report. The High Court has referred certain questions to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling. When the ECJ has given its views the proceedings in the High court can continue. This legal process is unlikely to be quick.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much financial support was given to TrustUK in (a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000 to date. [137842]

[holding answer 10 November 2000]: The Government have not provided any funding to TrustUK, which is an organisation led by the private sector. The Government do however strongly support TrustUK; the Minister for Small Business and E-commerce took part in its launch in July. Officials of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Fair Trading have contributed to the development of TrustUK and have taken part in its process of approving codes of practice for e-commerce. The Department of Trade and Industry has hosted meetings of TrustUK and is considering what further assistance it can give.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer to the Competition Commission the impact on retail newsagents of W. H. Smith's proposal to extend their newspaper and magazine wholesale operation. [138291]

Under UK competition legislation, it is for the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and if appropriate make a reference to the Competition Commission under the Fair Trading Act 1973 or take action under the Competition Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade if he will discuss with the Competition the operation of its proposed code of respect of the relationship between and suppliers with regard to newspapers and magazines. [138290]

The Competition Commission has no role in implementing any remedies it recommends.The Director General of Fair Trading has been asked to approach those supermarket chains with 8 per cent. or more of the market to agree a Code of Practice concerning relations between supermarkets and suppliers which would meet the concerns identified by the Competition Commission. This process is ongoing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further discussions he plans to have with, and representations he plans to make to, the European Commission regarding the Nickel Directive. [138072]

The Directive has been implemented by The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Nickel) (Safety) Regulations 2000.On 2 May 2000, my officials wrote to the European Commission supporting another member state in its request for a review of the Directive. The Commission replied on 8 June 2000, confirming its intention to review the Directive in the light of technical progress since the Directive's adoption in 1994. Reports are currently being gathered and the findings may be referred to the Scientific Committee on Toxicology, Ecotoxicology and the Environment for an independent assessment. On that basis, the Commission expects to examine an adaptation to the Directive in 2001.I have also instructed my officials to liaise with Industry now on these issues. This will enable the UK to make cogent and reasoned representations to the Commission and to obtain the optimum solution for Industry and the Consumer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what strategic measures he is taking to allow for environmental changes induced by climate change. [137181]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment gave on 13 November 2000, Official Report, columns 469-70W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the proposed regional venture capital funds will be cleared by the European Commission. [138447]

As soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was in each of the past three years of petrol for his Department's fleet of ministerial cars; and how many vehicles there are in that fleet.[135028]

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the cost was in each of the past three years for petrol for his Department's ministerial cars; and how many cars there are in that fleet. [134579]

Six cars are used by Ministers in my Department. On fuel consumption, I refer the hon. Members to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 14 November 2000, Official Report, column 552W, for the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the non-departmental public bodies responsible to him which have duties relating to Scotland, indicating their budget and staffing in Scotland, the number of Scottish board members and their emoluments.[137696]

The following non-departmental public bodies, sponsored by my Department, have a remit which covers Great Britain or the United Kingdom.

• Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
• British Hallmarking Council
• Coal Authority
• Gas and Electricity Consumer Council
• National Consumer Council¹
• Post Office Users'National Council²
• Design Council
• Competition Commission
• National Research Development Council
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils
• Economic and Social Research Council
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
• Medical Research Council
• Natural Environment Research Council
• Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council
• Simpler Trade Procedures Board
• United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
• Advisory Committee on Cleaner Coal Technology
• Aerospace Committee
• Council for Science and Technology
• Energy Advisory Panel
• Foresight Steering Group
• Fuel Cell Advisory Panel
• LINK/Teaching Company Scheme Board
• Low Pay Commission
• Measurement Advisory Committee
• OSO Industry Board
• Partnership Fund Assessment Panel
• Renewable Energy Advisory Committee
• Small Business Council
• Small Business Investment Task Force³
• Spectrum Management Advisory Group
• Standing Advisory Committee on Industrial Property
• Central Arbitration Committee
• Copyright Tribunal
• Employment Appeal Tribunal
• Employment Tribunals
• Insolvency Practitioners'Tribunal
• Persons Hearing Consumer Credit Licensing Appeals
• Persons Hearing Estate Agents Appeals
• ¹The National Consumer Council has a sub-committee dealing with Scottish issues—The Scottish Consumer Council
• ²There is a separate Post Office Users' Council for Scotland
• ³The SBITF's remit covers England but advice is made available to the devolved Administrations.

The remaining information is not held centrally in the form requested, but general information on expenditure, staffing, board members and levels of remuneration is published annually in the Cabinet Office publication, "Public Bodies". Copies of "Public Bodies 1999" have been placed in the Libraries of the House and "Public Bodies 2000" is due to be published next month. Information on board membership and remuneration can also be downloaded from the Cabinet Office Public Appointments Directory website www.cabinet-office.gov.uk

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies his Department has undertaken on the competition effects of increased price transparency due to use of the internet; and if he will make a statement.[137331]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 2 November 2000, Official Report, column 584W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list those projects his Department supports highlighting the dangers of drug abuse to children and young people. [137340]

DfEE guidance Circular number 4/95 sets out the statutory position on drug education in schools and was supplemented by the guidance "Protecting Young People" (1998) which gives detailed advice to identify what works in drug education and how best to take that forward effectively. To further support schools in the dissemination of effective drug education DfEE in partnership with the Department of Health commissioned the Standing Conference On Drug Abuse (SCODA) to product further guidance for schools, the three "R's", "the right approach", "the right response" and "the right choice". DfEE has also made funding available in partnership with the charity DrugScope to identify, develop, promote and disseminate good practice in drug and alcohol education and prevention programmes for young people, parents and professionals in schools and in informal settings. DfEE will continue to fund the dissemination of guidance and support materials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his assessment of the current trend in (a) permanent exclusions and (b) fixed term exclusions.[138266]

The rate of permanent exclusions is falling. In 1998–99, the latest year for which data are available, there were 10,400 permanent exclusions compared to 12,300 in 1997–98—a 15 per cent. reduction. We are on course to achieve the national target of 8,400 by 2002.Data on fixed period exclusions are not collected centrally, but Ofsted estimated in its report "Exclusions from secondary schools" (1995–96) that there are around 100,000 a year. Some of these may be repeat exclusions of the same child.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils are officially classified as Education Otherwise.[138267]

In the January 2000 Annual Schools' Census, nearly 24,000 students were reported as receiving education otherwise than at school, including those at Pupil Referral Units. We do not collect centrally the number of pupils educated at home by their parents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what discussions his Department has had with excluded young people about the causes of their disaffection.[138292]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him to his supplementary question on 26 October 2000, Official Report, columns 368-69 and to my answer of 9 November 2000, Official Report, columns 358-59W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he has taken to ensure teachers are able to deal effectively with poor behaviour.[138293]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 368, and that given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for School Standards on 26 October 2000, Official Report, column 293W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of poor behaviour on (a) the achievement of individual schools and (b) the morale of teachers. [138294]

On (a) I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 12 April 2000, Official Report, column 184W.On

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to ensure greater recognition of the achievement of schools and teachers who deal most effectively with disaffected pupils.[138295]

Disaffection is often manifested by irregular attendance or prolonged truancy. As part of our wider drive to cut truancy levels, the 50 schools which achieve the most in cutting truancy levels in challenging circumstances will have the chance to win a "Truancy Buster" award of up to £10,000 to help them act as Excellence Centres. The first awards will be made early in the new year.Beacon status is another way in which we recognise the achievement of schools, and tackling disaffection is one area in which Beacon schools are working to help spread effective practices to other schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what decision he has reached on whether statements of special needs will (a) specify or (b) otherwise set out assistance from a local authority in the proposed code and regulations on special needs.[138324]

We are considering the broad range of representations received to these and other issues relating to the draft revised code and proposed amendments to the regulations. We will decide shortly on the appropriate final wording in the Code of Practice to underpin our determination to achieve both clarity and specificity, as has always been our intention.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what projections his Department has made for the number of successful claimants per year for each component scheme of the ERDP.[136498]

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: We will publish shortly and post on the MAFF website the indicative impact indicators and targets for the ERDP (Table 2). These focus on what the ERDP might deliver, eg the number of training days provided, not the number of claimants.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what potential sources of infection he has eliminated in respect of the recent outbreak of bovine TB in South Shropshire. [137552]

The recent outbreak of bovine TB in cattle in South Shropshire is still under veterinary investigation.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to test badgers for evidence of TB in areas where bovine TB has recently emerged. [137561]

There is no reliable test for bovine TB in live badgers. All badger carcases from the Government's badger culling trial are tested for bovine TB at post mortem. Additionally, a sample of badger carcases found on roads or on farms will be tested for bovine TB in a new survey in seven counties of England, of which Shropshire is one.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the effect of badger protection upon the health of the UK cattle herd. [137554]

The Krebs report concluded that the sum of evidence strongly supports the view that in Britain badgers are a significant source of TB infection in cattle. However, it went on to say that it is not possible to quantify what contribution badgers make to cattle infection. The Government accepted the report's recommendation that MAFF should set up a field trial to quantify the impact of culling badgers on TB in cattle. The trial is in progress and results are expected no later than 2004.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy and practice is regarding post mortems on badgers killed on public highways. [137559]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 6 November 2000, Official Report, column 48W.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the effect of abattoir closures upon the (a) length and (b) time of journeys for animals consigned for slaughter. [137558]

We have no plans for such an assessment. The Welfare of Animal (Transport) Order 1997 sets rules, including journey time limits, for farm livestock in transit, including on journeys to slaughter.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was (a) the total amount of remuneration paid to members of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committe in each year since its inception and (b) the highest remuneration of any one member in these years. [137577]

This information is available only at disproportionate cost. However, from April 2000, the maximum daily allowances for attending SEAC meetings, including preparatory time, were £259.00 and £219.00 for the Chairman and the members respectively.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what support his Department offers to private landowners to repair damage to river banks caused by flood water. [137518]

None. Grant aid from this Department for new and improved capital schemes is directed to the flood and coastal defence operating authorities—the Environment Agency, Local Authorities and Internal Drainage Boards.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what effect the installation of new flood defences at Pateley Bridge has had on water levels in the River Nidd at Knaresborough during the early November floods; [137517](2) what action the Environment Agency took to alert riparian businesses and home owners on the River Nidd at Knaresborough about the probability of flooding in advance of the recent floods; and how many properties were affected by the floods. [137519]

The Environment Agency's staff in the north-east are still fully committed to dealing with the impact of the floods in that region, and it would be inappropriate to divert them at this point of time. I have asked the Agency once the immediate work is completed, in conjunction with their partners, to produce a full report on the flooding, its effects, how the flood warning and emergency response worked and what lessons we can learn; this report should be available by Easter. In terms of the specific questions I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the information can be obtained.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the deployment of troops to assist in areas of West Sussex disrupted by recent flooding; and if he will make a statement. [137616]

There are standing arrangements in cases of serious flooding for the Environment Agency to request for military assistance from the Ministry of Defence. In the case of West Sussex, the military has been used in the Chichester area for sandbagging duties and is on standby for bridging work around the City. It has not yet been deemed necessary to call upon the services of the military elsewhere in West Sussex.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will instruct the Environment Agency to re-assess the risks of flooding in Buckinghamshire. [138003]

MAFF has set in place a series of high level targets one of which is for the Environment Agency to ensure that inspections of flood defences, main rivers and critical ordinary watercourses are undertaken and, as a result of these inspections, to report to the Ministry on its assessment of flood risk. These reports are due to be provided by April 2001.To this end the Environment Agency is undertaking surveys of all defences and structures on main rivers within Buckinghamshire. Local authorities and internal drainage boards are in the process of identifying critical ordinary watercourses, and inspecting flood defences upon these, assisted by the agency teams.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many (a) Finnish, (b) Spanish and (c) Portuguese vessels he estimates will fish North Sea stocks after 31 December 2002; how many vessels (i) from the UK and (ii) in total fish these stocks at present; and if he will commission a study on the effect of such fishing on stocks. [137899]

As things currently stand, from 1 January 2003, vessels from Finland, Spain and Portugal will only be entitled to fish for non-quota stocks in the North Sea. The number of vessels from Finland, Spain and Portugal that fish in the North Sea after 31 December 2002 will depend on commercial decisions taken by the fishermen in these countries. It is not possible to estimate accurately how many vessels will chose to fish in the North Sea. The number is likely to be extremely low. In any case they will have no access to any stock covered by quota arrangements as all main commercial stocks are in this category.945 UK vessels currently fish for North Sea stocks. We do not keep information on other member states vessels fishing in the North Sea.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assess the report of the Irish Government into the Sea Horse-Exodus incident; and if he will make a statement on its impact on his policy towards UK-flagged foreign fishing vessels. [138165]

The report of the Irish Government into the collision between the Sea Horse and the Exodus in March 1997 has not yet been published. It is therefore too early to say what impact it may have on policy towards UK flagged foreign owned fishing vessels.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his position towards common EU monitoring procedures for the Common Fisheries Policy, indicating the proposals which are under discussion. [138183]

I am aware that the Commission is looking at the division of monitoring and control work between national authorities and the Community. It has not issued any proposals and there have been no formal discussions with member states. We shall, of course, give careful consideration to any proposals that may emerge.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he plans to take to address the issue of cetacean bycatch in United Kingdom waters; if he will raise cetacean bycatch in the Council of Ministers; if he will raise the issue of protection of cetaceans in the 2002 review of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement. [138016]

[holding answer 10 November 2000]: The Sea Mammal Research Unit is currently undertaking a three-year research project funded by my Department which will monitor bycatch in a number of fisheries not previously assessed. It will also attempt to establish definitively why harbour porpoises become entangled in gill nets, with a view to developing suitable mitigation measures.We are also proposing to produce, jointly with DETR, a strategy for the protection of all cetacean species. This will build on that already established for the harbour porpoise.The Commission and other member states are already well aware of UK concerns on this issue. The Commission have made clear that addressing the problem of cetacean bycatch is one of the issues for coverage in the 2002 Review. I have already raised this issue in the Fisheries Council.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the (a) budget and (b) purpose of the Community Plant Variety Office. [138078]

The purpose of the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) is to administer a system of intellectual property rights for plant varieties valid throughout the European Community and to evaluate and decide upon applications for community plant variety rights. The CPVO is self-financing and recovers its costs through fees charged to plant breeders. The CPVO sets a budget each year, which includes estimates of all the office's anticipated revenue and expenditure. The budget is subject to approval by the CPVO Administrative Council, which comprises representatives of all member states and the Commission.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason farmers farming organically may not dispose of surplus organic manure to farms not being organically farmed. [137542]

[holding answer 14 November 2000]: This requirement is part of Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 (as amended). Its intention is to ensure that there is a balance within organic farming between livestock production and land available for the disposal of manure. We shall be assessing the impact of this requirement as part of a review of the effects of the implementation of the Regulations.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the need for the use by organic farms of synthetic amino acids in poultry feed. [137543]

[holding answer 14 November 2000]: The use of synthetic amino acids is prohibited by Council Regulation (EEC) 2092/91 (as amended), but we have received a number of industry representations saying that they are important in commercial poultry production. We shall be assessing the need as part of a review of the effects of the implementation of the Regulations.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those members of UKROFS who have particular expertise in poultry matters, giving in each case the applicable qualifications. [137544]

[holding answer 14 November 2000]: Three members of the board of UKROFS have expertise in poultry matters. Two have no formal qualifications but the third has an Msc in Animal Production with a special interest in and experience of poultry production systems. In addition the board has available to it advice from experts within MAFF.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money is held by Her Majesty's Government by way of statutory levy in the Pig Disease Eradication Fund. [138413]

The Meat and Livestock Commission holds a capital sum of £605,000 on behalf of the Pig Disease Eradication Fund Ltd.