To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received from labour organisations regarding job losses in Wales over the last six months; and if he will make a statement; [136648](2) what representations he has received from labour organisations regarding job losses in Wales over the past six months; and if he will make a statement; [136647](3) what representations he has received from companies in Wales which have made job reductions in the past six months; and if he will make a statement. [136649]

I have had correspondence and discussions with several individuals and groups, including trade unions and company managers.Job losses are always unwelcome but it must be for individual companies to determine their response to market forces. The Government will continue to pursue its objective of securing long-term economic stability based on low inflation, allowing business to invest and plan ahead with confidence. The success of our policies is demonstrated by the steady fall in unemployment since May 1997.When redundancies do occur, the Employment Service has a range of measures available to assist workers in securing suitable fresh employment opportunities. For large-scale job losses, this can include an on-site presence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary concerning (a) measures to tackle drugs and substance abuse in Wales and (b) the provision of new money for this purpose; and if he will make a statement. [138064]

My right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with the First Minister to discuss a range of issues, including measures to tackle substance abuse.I understand that the Assembly's draft budget provides for an annual increase in direct funding for drug and alcohol initiatives of £1.5 million by 2003–04. These extra resources will support measures set out in the Welsh substance misuse strategy, which was launched earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the First Secretary concerning the amounts of extra money released from council house sales to (a) housing authorities in Wales and (b) Flintshire County Council in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [137020]

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the First Minister on a range of topics, including local authority finances.I understand that the forecast of total receipts from the sale of council dwellings in the current financial year in Wales is £39,081,000, of which £1,600,000 relates to Flintshire County Council. Individual authorities are permitted to apply 25 per cent. of these receipts to the financing of new capital expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of investment in Wales was of foreign origin in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [135227]

Between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000, capital expenditure by overseas-owned companies, as reported at the time of the investment decision, was £512,264,000. This cannot be expressed in percentage terms since a comparable figure of total investment in Wales is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to ensure that proposed legislation on housing takes due consideration of its impact on Wales. [135410]

I have a statutory duty to consult with the National Assembly for Wales about the Government's legislative programme for each session of Parliament. However, my office and other Government Departments also liaise closely with the Assembly as policy develops. This means that consideration will already have been given to many Wales-specific issues before the commencement of the statutory consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to ensure adequate levels of funding for flood prevention measures in North East Wales. [139334]

Following the bad weather and flooding in Wales, I am happy to confirm that the Welsh budget will be increased by £3 million over a four year period to 2003–04 as a consequence of additional funding made available because of the recent flooding in England. The Assembly can allocate its resources among individual programmes according to its own priorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he (a) has had and (b) is planning to have with other Cabinet colleagues and the First Secretary of the National Assembly to ensure a co-ordinated approach to flood prevention in North East Wales. [139333]

I have regular discussions with my right hon. Friends about a range of matters affecting Wales, including the important topic of flood prevention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received from farmers' organisations on the loss of silage and other animal foodstuffs as a direct result of the recent floods; [139461](2) what plans he has to assist uninsured farmers in Wales who have suffered financial losses as a result of the recent floods; [139680](3) what representations he has received from farmers' organisations on the replacement of hay and straw lost during the recent floods. [139589]

Having visited several parts of Wales in recent weeks, I am acutely aware of the serious impact of the floods on the farming community. It is for the National Assembly to decide what measures may be needed to assist farmers who have suffered loss.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what additional funding will be made available for the National Assembly of Wales to meet the unforeseen additional costs incurred by local authorities and other public sector agencies in Wales arising from recent acute bad weather and flooding; and if he will make a statement. [138025]

Following the bad weather and flooding in Wales, I am happy to confirm that the Welsh budget will be increased by £3 million over a four year period to 2003–04 as a consequence of additional funding made available because of the recent flooding in England.There is an existing scheme, the Bellwin scheme, to help local authorities who incur unexpected costs in the work of dealing with floods and other emergencies, and the National Assembly for Wales is responsible for the operation of this scheme in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to request the assistance of armed forces personnel in clearing-up those parts of Wales most damaged by the recent floods. [139588]

It is for individual local authorities to request assistance from the Ministry of Defence if they consider this appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to make use of National Lottery funds as compensation for residents and businesses in Wales most damaged by the recent floods. [139592]

I have been asked to reply.Lottery-funded relief of the type suggested by my hon. Friend would not be an appropriate use of Lottery money, which funds specific time-limited initiatives that are additional to taxpayer-funded programmes. The Bellwin scheme, which in Wales is administered by the National Assembly, reimburses local authorities for excess costs incurred as a result of severe weather conditions. The Assembly Secretary for Finance and Communities (Edwina Hart) has announced that councils will receive 100 per cent. reimbursement of eligible expenditure above the threshold.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on planned improvements to the Bellwin Scheme of assistance to local authorities in Wales. [139507]

Operation of the Bellwin Scheme in Wales is a matter for the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of people completing the New Deal for Young People have (a) ceased to be in work after 13 weeks and (b) returned to Income Support within 12 months. [137888]

This information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average level of personal debt per family in Wales. [136617]

This information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his estimate is of the average return on capital employed by companies in Wales in (a) the latest suitable year and (b) the latest available quarter. [137042]

This information is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure that people who are HIV-positive do not suffer discrimination as a result of employment practices followed by his Department. [137789]

My Department's permanent staff are mostly seconded from the National Assembly for Wales and we operate the Assembly's employment policies. The Assembly is an equal opportunities employer. Its policy is that all eligible people should have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their ability, qualifications and suitability for work. All employees are entitled to equal treatment throughout their employment. Individuals should not be disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.The Assembly also has a well established procedure for dealing with discrimination and harassment complaints from its employees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what factors underlay the decision to allow the sale of red diesel on roadside garage forecourts in Wales. [139587]

I am not aware of such a decision. However, during the fuel protests in September, Customs and Excise exceptionally issued licences to many holders of red diesel, allowing them to use it in their vehicles after paying the difference in duty between red diesel and road fuel. This enabled many diesel users to overcome the worst of the shortages. Once supplies were re-established, all these licences were withdrawn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly about the implementation of the National Plan for Health in Wales. [139274]

I meet the First Secretary regularly to discuss a range of issues, including health services in Wales.Jane Hutt, the Assembly Secretary for Health and Social Services, set out her plans for the National Health Service in Wales (NHS Wales) in a statement to the National Assembly on 12 July 2000. Following this, I understand that a Strategy for NHS Wales is in preparation. Its launch is expected early in 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement on his responsibilities in relation to the INTERREG programme; [138211](2) what responsibilities regarding co-operation with the Irish Government to maximise the benefit which comes to Wales from the INTERREG Scheme are exercised by him; and what responsibilities are devolved to the National Assembly. [138210]

The United Kingdom Government retains responsibility for negotiating Structural Funds Regulations in the EU Council of Ministers, (involving the devolved administrations as necessary in accordance with the overarching concordat on co-ordination of EU policy issues). It was the UK Government, for example, which secured agreement to the Agenda 2000 package and the continued existence of INTERREG.The National Assembly for Wales is responsible for the administration in Wales of European Structural Funds programmes and for developing and implementing the INTERREG programme with Ireland.I am keen to promote the benefits and take-up of Structural Funds programmes in Wales. To that end, I discussed a range of Structural Funds issues during my visit to Ireland with the First Minister earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary and the police authorities in Wales concerning new measures to tackle vandalism and graffiti; and if he will make a statement. [138065]

My right hon. Friend and I meet regularly with the First Secretary to discuss a range of matters, including measures to tackle crime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of climate change levy, after rebates, on the manufacturing sector in (a the United Kingdom and (b) Teesside; and if he will make a statement. [139797]

The climate change levy has been designed with safeguarding the competitiveness of manufacturing industries in all parts of the United Kingdom in mind. The final impact of the levy on individual businesses will depend on the extent to which they take advantage of the various exemptions, whether they take advantage of the new scheme of enhanced capital allowances for energy efficiency, and whether they are eligible for the 80 per cent. discount offered to energy-intensive industries that enter into emission reduction agreements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to ensure that people who are HIV-positive do not suffer discrimination as a result of employment practices followed by his Department. [137784]

As an equal opportunities employer, the Department is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability. The Department's equal opportunities statement requires that no eligible job applicant should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or religious affiliation, or because they work part-time. We aim to develop DTI into an organisation that values the diversity of its staff and enables all to realise their potential by valuing the contribution of all and recognising the positive benefits that difference can bring.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to bring forward legislation on the control of UK arms brokering. [139799]

The Government propose to give effect to new licensing controls on arms trafficking and brokering by means of new primary legislation on strategic export controls. We will announce our proposals for new export control legislation, including details of the controls on arms trafficking and brokering, once we have completed the review of proposals in the White Paper on Strategic Export Controls. As to when new legislation will be brought before Parliament, this depends on the availability of time in the legislative programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contacts his Department has had with the Israeli Government, on what dates, to ascertain that equipment and components licensed for export to the Israeli armed forces by Her Majesty's Government since 1990 have not been used (a) against civilians in the Occupied Territories and (b) in Southern Lebanon. [138715]

My Department has had no such contact with the Israeli Government.The Foreign and Commonwealth Office would take the lead in any such contact, and I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to her by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Neath (Mr. Hain), on 13 November 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 16 February 2000, Official Report, columns 557–58W, if he has concluded the Review of Companies House announced by the Minister for Competitiveness on 16 February. [140496]

The Review of Companies House has now been completed.I was pleased to announce on 27 July 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the outcome of her Department's inquiry into the Westland helicopter aid deal with India. [138704]

The aid agreement for the supply of Westland helicopters to India was finalised in 1986. In 1993, the Indian authorities decided to sell the helicopters. We obtained a written agreement from the Government of India that any sale of the Westland helicopter packages would be for non-military use, and that the proceeds would be used for UK-supported poverty reduction programmes.The Government of India has kept us informed of progress on potential sales, and we understand that a buyer who has undertaken not to use the equipment for military purposes has now been found. We will be pursuing with the Ministry of Finance how to make best use of the proceeds from the sale, to help achieve poverty alleviation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with the Palestinian Authority to provide alternative education facilities to replace those schools unable to operate at present. [138713]

None. The majority of Palestinian schools were closed only until 7 October. For those children whose schools remain closed the Palestinian Authority has made its own contingency arrangements, wherever possible, to provide schooling at alternative locations.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the current aid given by the United Kingdom to (a) East Timor and (b) West Timor. [138817]

The bulk of the UK's current development assistance to East Timor is channelled through Trust Funds established by the United Nations, for the transitional administration, and the World bank, for reconstruction and development. We will contribute a total of £5.5 million to the Trust Funds this financial year. In addition we are supporting a Human Resource Development programme implemented by Oxfam, which works with local NGOs and civil society groups.During 1999–2000 we gave more than £6.1 million through UN agencies and NGOs as emergency support for East Timor and for those refugees who crossed the border into West Timor.International agencies have currently withdrawn their staff from West Timor, following the killing by militias of three UNHCR workers on 6 September. We are pressing the Indonesian Government to restore security in West Timor by disbanding and disarming the militias. When this has been done, and international agencies resume their operations, we will consider what further support we might offer to ensure that a census of those refugees remaining in West Timor is carried out, and that those wishing to return to East Timor are able to do so.More widely, our programme in Indonesia in 2000–01 is expected to be around £7.8 million and will support civil society "safety net" programmes, work to introduce more equitable and sustainable forest management, a contribution to the "Governance Partnership", and support for Trades Union development.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the Jalchatra Project in Bangladesh. [138974]

We have in the past provided funding to St. Paul's Church for development work in the Jalchatra region of Bangladesh, including most recently a small grant for an irrigation project implemented from 1997–98. We have no immediate plans for further funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the likely impact of the EU Trade Directorate's draft regulation on Least and Less Developed Country products on the Caribbean rice industry. [139349]

We do not expect the draft regulation to produce any large-scale increase in LDC rice imports in to the EU. LDCs represented 0.2 per cent. of rice imports into the EU in 1998 and less than 0.01 per cent. of rice imports into the United States. Guyana alone exported 40 times more rice to the EU than all of the LDCs combined. The draft regulation would give insufficient price incentive for any significant response from LDC producers.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on trends in global desertification. [139142]

The problem of desertification is becoming increasingly widespread and acute. It is estimated that dry land areas in some 100 countries are prone to desertification. Its occurrence is exacerbated by the effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is the principal international mechanism for addressing desertification in affected countries. The effects of desertification are felt most acutely in African states, a fact recognised in the objectives of the Convention.We are concerned by problems of desertification and land degradation, since they are closely related to issues of poverty. To be effective, it is very important that actions to address desertification and land degradation are integrated into the sustainable development plans of affected countries. The latest UK report on activities in support of the Convention to Combat Desertification will be presented to the Fourth Conference of the Parties to the Convention in Bonn in December, which I hope to attend. Copies of the report will be deposited in the House of Commons Library on publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which Third World countries have benefited to date from the cancellation of their debt. [139464]

Twelve countries (Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guyana, Honduras, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda) have so far qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. The international community is doing everything possible to bring a further eight countries to their Decision Point by the end of the year. In addition, under the Government's 100 per cent. policy, countries with remaining debts to ECGD and CDC are to receive relief when they qualify for relief under the HIPC Initiative.Many of the remaining HIPC countries will not qualify for debt relief for some time, mainly because of their involvement in conflict.A number of other countries have at various points received debt reduction from the Paris Club of official bilateral creditors. Details are contained in the IMF publication "Official Financing for Developing Countries"; a new edition of this is expected shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had on the practice of sexual mutilation of young women. [139457]

Women's rights and health are crucial factors in achieving the Government's objective of poverty elimination. We are strongly committed to supporting work towards eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM), a basic rights violation which must be stopped.We are working bilaterally and with multilateral organisations, including UNIFEM, to persuade Governments to tackle FGM as a serious public health concern. Our support for WHO's work on FGM includes: research on the prevalence and health consequences of abuse; pilot projects to prevent and manage the consequences of FGM; and developing guidance for health workers. We seek to reduce the incidence of FGM by supporting advocacy to increase awareness of the dangers to women of the practice.The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Population, Development and Reproductive Health's FGM Hearings Report, which is to be launched today, is to be commended.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the countries whose human rights records she has discussed with their Governments during the last 12 months. [139455]

I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply of 8 February 1999, Official Report, column 34W. In addition, I will send him a copy of our Department's Strategy Paper "Realising Human Rights for Poor People", published in October this year. I will also place a copy in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the current position of the China Western Poverty Reduction Project; and what recent representations she has received concerning it. [139318]

Following the World bank board meeting in July this year, the Government of China withdrew its request for funding for the Qinghai component of the Western Poverty Reduction Project, and decided to use its own funding for activities under this component.We have received many letters on the subject and there was a well-organised but one-sided campaign against this project. As a result, the international community will not now be involved in ensuring that the important social and environmental safeguards for the project are in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions and co-operation with UK-based oil companies there has been concerning the training of personnel from the armed services for the driving of road fuel delivery tankers; and if he will make a statement. [139806]

We maintained close contact with the Oil Industry Emergency Committee both while we prepared our training programme and while training was under way. We discussed our requirement for the training of personnel with the Petroleum Training Federation as well as other organisations within the oil industry. As a result, a number of these organisations provided instructors and commercial fuel tankers to assist with this training and to ensure that it met industry standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will establish an independent inquiry into the experiments on service personnel and civilians at Porton Down. [139054]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Erewash (Liz Blackman) and to the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 21 November 2000, Official Report, columns 101–02W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if work to make safe cluster munitions at the Luce Bay range has been completed; and if he will make a statement. [139239]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Morgan) on 1 November 2000, Official Report, column 466W. Work on the containment of the remaining nine sites will be completed as soon as weather permits and should take slightly less than two weeks if the weather remains favourable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the procedures conducted on animals and the training facilities used by his Department for (a) experimental research and (b) training programmes in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [138919]

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: DERA's Chemical and Biological Defence Sector (CBD) carries out a number of research programmes involving the use of animals that are aimed at providing the armed forces with safe and effective protection against combat related trauma and the chemical and biological agent threat. During 1999, a total of 11,501 procedures, defined as licensed techniques under the terms of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, were reported to the Home Office from CBD Porton Down. These procedures were carried out on mice, rats, rabbits, guinea-pigs, hamsters, marmosets, pigs, and Rhesus monkeys.Additionally, DERA's Centre for Human Sciences (CHS) carried out 149 procedures on goats during 1999 as part of its on going submarine escape programme.All work at DERA involving the use of living animals is carried out in strict accordance with the requirements specified under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. DERA does not undertake any training with the armed forces which involves the use of living animals.Members of the Defence Medical Service have, however, participated in surgical training exercises conducted by the Danish Armed Forces' Medical Services, which involve live, fully anaesthetised pigs as surgical models. The last exercise in which a UK military surgical team took part was in May 1998. UK participation was subsequently suspended, but is now being resumed, with two military surgical teams taking part in an exercise this week.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to ensure that people who are HIV-positive do not suffer discrimination as a result of employment practices followed by his Department. [137788]

I can confirm that all possible steps are taken to prevent such discrimination. The Ministry of Defence and its Agencies are committed to, and operate a policy of, equal opportunity for all staff, whether civilian or military. This means that all members of the MOD, and potential recruits, must be treated fairly on the basis of their ability and qualifications. HIV is treated no differently from any other illness as far as employment practice is concerned. An individual risk assessment is carried out and, subject to the appropriate fitness or occupational health standard, all reasonable modifications to the individual's employment are undertaken where necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent consultations there have been on health and safety issues between his Department and trade unions representing civilian contractors employed in removing asbestos from Royal Navy ships. [139052]

There have been no recent consultations on health and safety issues between the Ministry of Defence and trade unions representing contractors employed in removing asbestos from Royal Navy ships. Responsibility for such consultations rests with the contractor, as the employer.We consult regularly with trade unions representing our own employees on all issues related to Health and Safety, including work with asbestos.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost when new was of (a) HMS London, (b) HMS Boxer, (c) HMS Beaver and (d) HMS Brave.[139347]

HMS London, HMS Boxer, HMS Beaver and HMS Brave, when new in the 1980s, cost approximately £159 million, £147 million, £148 million and £166 million respectively. The costs are at the price level relevant to the year in which each ship was delivered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason HMS Beaver is to be sold in a non-operational condition; and if he will make a statement. [139346]

The 1998 Strategic Defence Review announced the reduction in the size of the surface flotilla including the decommissioning of some Royal Navy Batch 2 Type 22 frigates earlier than planned. HMS Beaver was the first of these. Despite strong efforts by the Disposal Sales Agency, no foreign navy customer was found for her before she became non-operational in March 1999. Offers of the ship in a regenerated condition have similarly found no customer. Any cost-effectively re-usable parts of the ship have been removed leaving sale for scrap as the most economical remaining option.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the sufficiency of doctors, nurses and other staff at the Royal Hospital Haslar; and if he will make a statement. [139098]

We have acknowledged that there are significant shortfalls in the Defence Medical Services and this is reflected in the manning situation at the Royal Hospital Haslar. However, Haslar continues to provide a broad spectrum of clinical services and when military personnel are unavailable, locum and full-time civilian personnel are employed where possible. We are working very closely with the Portsmouth Hospitals Trust to ensure services are maintained for the local military and civilian population.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are being taken to ensure the safety of all nuclear submarines following the damage to HMS Tireless. [139681]

Following inspections in HMS Tireless, the Ministry of Defence has carried out checks in all Royal Navy hunter-killer submarines. Defects similar to those found in Tireless, though at a much earlier stage of development, have been found in a further six submarines. A programme to address these defects is being drawn up. No submarine will return to sea unless it is safe for it to do so. Of the five submarines in which defects have not been detected, only HMS Triumph is currently available for operation duties because other vessels are in refit. Ministry of Defence safety authorities have approved her operation and she will be subjected to further regular inspections.Vanguard Class ballistic missile submarines have a different design of reactor plant and Ministry of Defence safety authorities have endorsed their continued operation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much he has spent on the barracks building at Cobridge for each of the last three years; and what grants have been awarded to cadet forces based at Cobridge. [139666]

The amount of money expended on the barrack buildings at Cobridge in the last three years was as follows:

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the Restriction on Pithing (England) Regulations 2000 gives rise to animal welfare concerns. [139621]

[holding answer 22 November 2000]: There should be no risk of an animal regaining consciousness during the slaughter process provided effective stunning is carried out and the abattoir has efficient arrangements in place for the shackling, hoisting and sticking of cattle.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people his Department employs under the New Deal for Young People. [137953]

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

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he will give farmers regarding alternative crops to be grown in place of reduced sugar beet acreages resultant upon the proposed new EU sugar regime. [137605]

Since no decisions have been made on the proposals and the final outcome is far from clear at the present time, it would be inappropriate to give such advice. Ultimately it is a matter for farmers themselves to decide what crops to grow in light of their individual circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 14 November 2000, Official Report, column 608W, on arms exports to Israel, when the Government first had concerns that CS gas exported from the United Kingdom had been used by the Israeli security forces against (a) Palestinians and (b) Israeli Arabs. [139231]

The Government have not approved any licences for the permanent export of CS gas to Israel. We have had concerns, since we came to office, about the Israeli Security Forces' use of CS gas solely against Palestinians and Israeli Arabs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if end-use restrictions have been placed on any export licences approved by Her Majesty's Government on components and equipment exported from the United Kingdom to the Israeli armed forces since 1997 to (a) exclude their use in the Occupied Territories, (b) exclude their use in southern Lebanon and (c) restrict their use in other ways. [139229]

No such geographical restrictions have been placed on export licences to Israel. We assess all applications for export licences against the criteria and in light of the best information available at the time. We do not issue licences if we judge the equipment would be used in any way to contravene the criteria. In addition, since the recent outbreak of violence we have asked the Israeli Government for an assurance that no equipment or components licensed for export from the UK have been used against civilians in the Occupied Territories or in southern Lebanon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Israeli Government about the shooting of Hussein Mustafa, Yusef Ghenaimb, Khaled Ghenaimb and Bassem Al-Hour, near Hebron. [139504]

The Government have repeatedly urged the Israeli Government to limit its use of force with a view to minimising casualties and contributing to de-escalation.We remain appalled at the scale of the violence over recent weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he has expressed his sympathies to the German Government on the death of Dr. Harry Fischer in Beit Jala. [139503]

The Foreign Secretary has seen the German Foreign Minister on several occasions within the past two weeks. They last discussed the situation in the Middle East at the General Affairs Council in Brussels on 20 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the European Court of Human Rights made its decision on voting rights in European parliamentary elections for the electors of Gibraltar; what plans the Government have to introduce measures in response to that decision before the next European Parliament election; and if he will make a statement. [139449]

The European Court of Human Rights made its judgment on this question on 18 February 1999. We are actively seeking Gibraltar's enfranchisement in time for the next European Parliament elections in 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the member countries of the Council of Europe which are failing to comply with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of such failure to comply. [139514]

There are no instances where member states' governments have refused to accept the judgment of the Court, although there have been significant delays in the implementation of judgments. Such delays may result from the need to amend domestic law or be attributed to difficulties in a wider political context. However, the Government expect all member states to comply fully with the Court's judgments, and we regularly make our position clear to those concerned. The Government play their part in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in carrying out the task of supervising the implementation of judgments and taking the necessary measures to ensure that they are implemented, and supports the principle that all cases should remain open until the committee is fully satisfied that they have been properly addressed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Africa Conflict Fund in relation to development in Western Sahara. [138112]

[holding answer 22 November 2000]: The Government's pooled fund for conflict prevention in Africa covers sub-Saharan Africa and will not extend geographically to Western Sahara. Activities beyond sub-Saharan Africa will be funded by a separate pooled budget, which will be operational from the beginning of next financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions he had with the Indian Foreign Secretary on 15 November, with particular reference to the imprisonment of Peter Bleach in Calcutta. [139746]

[holding answer 22 November 2000]: The Foreign Secretary and the Indian Minister for External Affairs, Jaswant Singh, discussed a wide range of issues during their talks on 15 November. The Foreign Secretary raised our concerns about Peter Bleach's case. Jaswant Singh said he would re-examine the case on his return to Delhi, and I discussed this further with Dr. Singh in New Delhi on 20 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans his Department has to make the end-use monitoring of UK arms more stringent. [139798]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Tewkesbury (Mr. Robertson) on 8 November 2000, Official Report, columns 282–83W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral statement of 14 November 2000, Official Report, columns 805–08, on resources and priorities for the NHS, what additional revenue was received by the NHS as a result of increases in tobacco duty in the Budget. [138825]

The Budget contained new money for the National Health Service for 2000–01 and the following three years. For the NHS in England the Budget confirmed the extra £250 million from tobacco revenues and provided a further –1.4 billion new money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he will take under the Health Act 1999 to protect the titles of chiropodist and podiatrist. [138814]

The proposals we have published for legislation to replace the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 include provision for strengthening the protection of professional titles. It would be a matter for the new Health Professions Council to propose the specific titles to be protected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to change the status of (a) state registered and (b) non-state registered chiropodists; and if he will make a statement. [139405]

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: Our published proposals for legislation to replace the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1960 include provision for the registration both of practitioners who are currently state registered and those who are not.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy on the drug Tolcapone. [139279]

Tolcapone, a treatment for Parkinson's Disease, is not currently available in the United Kingdom or in any other European member state. The marketing authorisation for Tolcapone, issued under the European centralised system, was suspended in 1998 following reports of serious side effects affecting the liver.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when NHS Direct will be available throughout England. [139574]

NHS Direct has been available to callers throughout England since the end of October this year. The period since NHS Direct's launch has been invaluable in shaping the service. NHS Direct is no longer a stand-alone telephone helpline. Independent evaluation highlights a service that is safe and popular, and increases access to advice and information without increasing demands on other parts of the NHS.On 20 November we published a guide to NHS Direct called "NHS Direct, A gateway to healthcare", copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the percentage of the increased expenditure recently announced for North Yorkshire Health Authority that will go towards administering (a) primary care groups and (b) primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [139482]

The North Yorkshire Health Authority intends to create primary care trusts by using existing resources invested in primary care group management costs, together with management costs transferred from trusts and the health authority resulting from the movement of services/responsibilities to the primary care trusts. The authority plans to remain recurrently within the given management cost envelope.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has made an assessment of the research conducted worldwide into foetal abnormality syndrome and its connection with the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. [139404]

[holding answer 21 November 20001: I understand research indicates that although maternal age, parity, and health as well as specific foetal susceptibility may contribute to the outcome for an infant whose mother drinks alcohol while pregnant, the potential for harm to the foetus is much stronger with large amounts of maternal alcohol consumption than with smaller amounts. My Department's advice therefore centres on it being better not to drink alcohol during pregnancy, suggests strategies to avoid alcohol consumption and advises that if alcohol is consumed that it be restricted to no more than two units (equivalent to one pint of ordinary beer) once or twice a week.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures he proposes to ensure that the patient advocates employed by the Patient Advocate and Liaison Service will be independent of the trusts employing them; [139965](2) what plans he has to involve voluntary organisations in the proposals for advocacy in the Patient Advocate and Liaison Service. [139966]

The National Health Service Plan announced the creation of a Patient Advocacy Liaison Service to be established within every NHS trust.Over the last few months we have held a series of national stakeholder seminars to develop the detail of the new arrangements for public and patient involvement, including the development of PALS and mechanisms for ensuring independence where appropriate. The output from the seminars will be taken into account when developing the guidance for the new arrangements, which we expect to launch in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he plans to hold discussions with the Small Practices Association in respect of the proposals referred to in the NHS Plan. [139938]

I have agreed with the Small Practices Association that we should meet to discuss our proposals, and the concerns that some people have about them, when detailed proposals are more fully developed.In the meantime, and at my instruction, senior officials maintain regular contact and an ongoing dialogue with the Small Practices Association on all matters affecting small and single-handed general practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason he has not answered the question tabled for answer on 13 November, by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to correspondence concerning Mr. D. Garnett. [139679]

There was an administrative delay in replying to my right hon. Friend's letter about Mr. Garnett which meant that my right hon. Friend's question of 13 November could not be answered substantively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Ms King) of 23 October 2000, Official Report, columns 78–80W, when Ministers discovered that the 1989 guidelines applied only to injectable medicines, and to those applied to the eyes or open wounds; and what steps he is taking in respect of the Medicines Control Agency, following the incorrect advice proffered to Ministers; [138992](2) to what extent vaccines cleared for general use may contain material of bovine origin used as ingredients in the process of production; [138929](3) what procedures his Department

[holding answer 21 November 20001]: I have asked the Chief Medical Officer to review all the advice given to Ministers on vaccines in relation to public health and vCJD. This review will include the circumstances leading to the withdrawal of the Medeva manufactured oral polio vaccine and advice to Ministers on withdrawal or recall of vaccines more generally.When the report of the CMO is available, I will respond to the specific points raised.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the effectiveness of the monitoring of emissions from waste disposal incinerators. [138188]

Authorisations issued by the Environment Agency to operators of the waste incinerators that it regulates already require rigorous emissions monitoring to demonstrate compliance with its authorisation conditions. The Agency carries out independent check monitoring. The forthcoming EU Waste Incineration Directive will impose stringent emission standards (including a dioxin limit of 0.1 ng/m³, which means one ten thousand of a gramme in each cubic meter of air) and associated comprehensive monitoring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on installing lighting on those sections of the Ml and M6 which have none in place. [139067]

The decision on whether to provide lighting is based on an assessment carried out in accordance with the DETR "New Approach to Appraisal". This covers an economic assessment of the capital, maintenance and energy costs together with the potential savings as a result of a reduction in night-time personal injury accidents and the environmental impacts.The work, which commenced recently, to install lighting on a 6 km section of the Ml between J26 and J27, is scheduled to finish in the spring of next year. At this time there are no proposals to install lighting on other sections of the M1 and M6 motorways.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his reply of 9 November 2000, Official Report, column 343W, on street lighting, when he expects the national condition survey for street lighting to be completed. [138900]

The survey will depend upon current research into non-destructive methods of assessing the structural condition of lighting columns. We estimate that the results could be available within a year, and we would then hope to be able to carry out the survey within the following two years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what alternatives to the freight access charges to the rail network he has assessed. [139246]

The structure and level of freight access charges is a matter for the Rail Regulator as part of his approval of access contracts between Railtrack and freight operating companies. The Rail Regulator is currently carrying out a review of freight charging policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with Railtrack about the level of freight access charges. [139247]

Ministers and officials in my Department meet regularly with Railtrack about a wide range of issues. The level of freight access charges is primarily a matter for the Rail Regulator to consider in exercising his function to approve access contracts between Railtrack and the freight operating companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the causes are of the delay in repairs to the escalators at stations on the Victoria and Northern lines. [139250]

This is an operational matter for London Underground, who report that, in addition to their ongoing programme of planned maintenance and replacement of escalators, there are currently 11 escalators under repair following breakdowns on the Northern and Victoria lines. For most of the escalators which have suffered breakdowns, the causes have been problems with either top-shafts or steps. In a number of cases the relevant parts have to be specially ordered before repairs can be carried out and this does cause some delays. London Underground have prioritised the programme of repairs to tackle first those stations where customer numbers are greatest. A number of escalators have already been returned to service.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the cause was of the escalator failure at King's Cross Station; and when these escalator defects will be repaired. [139249]

This is an operational matter for London Underground, who inform me that following routine tests some steps were found to be defective on three escalators on the Piccadilly Line. As a safety measure London Underground closed these escalators on 18 September 2000 for repairs. All three escalators are now back in service. Another escalator at Kings Cross was taken out of service during week commencing 13 November 2000 as part of London Underground's routine programme of planned refurbishment. This is due to be returned to service in approximately 18–20 weeks' time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlay his decision not to permit the Saltire to be included on vehicle number plates, following the introduction of the proposed new regulation on number plates. [139157]

The proposed new number plate regulations include provision for the optional display of the Euro-symbol, allowing motorists with such plates to dispense with the need for a separate national identification sticker when using their vehicles in other European member states. The EC regulation permitting this stipulates that the distinguishing sign shall be that of the member state, which under international treaties is "GB" for vehicles registered in Great Britain and Northern Ireland when visiting other countries party to the conventions. Under the terms of the EC regulation allowing the display of the Euro-symbol, the national identifier used must relate to the United Kingdom as a whole, in accordance with the international agreements, and include the EU circle of stars on a blue background only.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will bring in Stage 2 controls on petrol storage and distribution which cover the control of petrol vapour recovery; and if he will make a statement. [139511]

As a party to the 1991 VOC Protocol to the UN/ECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, the UK is committed to applying techniques to reduce VOC emissions from motor vehicle refuelling emissions by October 2002. The Government are considering how best to meet this commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the Local Transport Settlement for 2001–02. [139595]

We expect to announce the Local Transport Settlement for 2001–02 in December.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much of the budget for repairing local roads in England announced on 13 November is (a) direct grant to local authorities and (b) supplementary credit approval. [139594]

The funding for 2001–02 will be provided as supplementary credit approvals. It is intended that the funding for 2002–03 will be provided through the Single Capital Pot as basic credit approvals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the impact will be on the amount local authorities will spend on the maintenance of local roads in 2001–02 as a result of his statement of 13 November. [139593]

The statement said that we will provide £535 million to fund capital maintenance works on local highways in 2001–02, an increase of 103 per cent. compared to 2000–01. The –1,905 million that will be provided next year through the Highways Maintenance Standard Spending Assessment for Revenue Support Grant is an increase of 2.5 per cent. compared to 2000–01. Taken together these figures represent an overall increase of 15 per cent. in the amount available to local authorities for highway maintenance in 2001–02 compared to the previous year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure adequate resourcing for the implementation of the Supporting People programme; and if he will make a statement. [139430]

The Government have allocated £138 million over the next three years (2001–02 to 2003–04) to ensure the effective implementation of the Supporting People programme. In the first year, 2001–02, the largest share will go to local authorities but we are also funding initiatives to help provider organisations adjust to the change. No decisions have yet been made about the distribution of funding in later years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of the Minister for London. [139475]

My role as the Minister for London is to act as a first point of contact in Government for all issues relating specifically to London and as the focal point for contact between Government and the Mayor. I am also the sponsoring Minister for London Underground until its transfer to Transport for London following commencement of the Public-Private Partnership. In addition to my London role, I am responsible for a wide range of other policies within the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the estimated pigeon population was of (a) London and (b) the rest of England in each of the last 10 years. [139659]

My Department does not hold such detailed information on feral pigeon populations but I can provide a summary of the best information available.Feral pigeons are one of the most abundant urban bird species and are also becoming increasingly common in the English countryside. Major concentrations are present in the conurbations of the south-east, west midlands and north of England. The bird's English range expanded by some 69 per cent. between the late 1960s and early 1990s, apparently due to the colonisation of rural areas in the 1970s.Due to its secure conservation status and the difficulty of accurately surveying the high densities found in urban areas, the feral pigeon population has never been satisfactorily censused and many ornithologists ignore their presence on population monitoring plots. The BTO/JNCC/RSPB Breeding Bird Survey, commenced in 1994, will be the first scheme to provide adequate monitoring of the species. It may also enable us to derive a realistic population estimate, although this will be complicated by the difficulty of separating feral and semi-domesticated birds, and the fact that many thousands of birds, especially young homing pigeons, are added to the population every year.The Breeding Bird Survey results for 1999 suggest that the English feral pigeon population has been stable in recent years, with a 3 per cent. increase on monitoring plots in the period 1994–99.The London Bird Report for 1992 recorded "more than 2000" feral pigeons in Trafalgar Square alone. The latest issue of the London Bird Report covering 1997 states that although the overall population appears to be stable there has been a slow expansion to more rural and suburban habitats in recent decades, while at several well established sites there has been a recent increase in breeding numbers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes are affected by radioactive radon gas; and if he will list the 20 worst affected areas. [139606]

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: Following advice from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) in 1990, a level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre of air (Bq m—^-3) in homes was adopted as an "Action Level". This is the radon concentration at which it is recommended that remedial action be taken to reduce levels in the home.The number of homes found to be at or above the Action Level and the total number of homes estimated to be at or above the Action Level in the United Kingdom is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers he has to regulate (a) aircraft movement, (b) airport management and (c) aircraft design and safety, currently subject to legislative provision of the United Kingdom Parliament, including those required by international treaties, that would be subject to the legislative provisions of the European Union under its proposed (i) common European sky and (ii) air safety authorities. [139945]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what powers of regulation relating to aircraft, airports, and control of airspace, which are subject to the provisions of United Kingdom legislation and International Treaties, would be subject to EU law under the proposals of the European Commission relating to aircraft safety and air traffic regulation. [140011]

The European Commission has yet to table any legislative proposals relating to its Single European Sky initiative.The Commission has issued a provisional version of a proposal for a regulation on establishing common rules in the field of civil aviation and creating a European Aviation Safety Agency. Until this proposal is formally presented and examined in detail, it is not possible to identify precisely which UK legislative powers would be affected. The Government will submit to the relevant Scrutiny Committees at the appropriate time an Explanatory Memorandum, which will include an assessment of the impact of the proposals on UK law.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the introduction of (a) upper rent levels and (b) affordability caps on social housing rents; and if he will make a statement. [139926]

Over 1,000 respondents sent us their views in response to the Housing Green Paper we published in April. We are considering those views and will publish our response shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the changes in the supply of housing available to London councils in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [139968]

The figures for completion of permanent dwellings in London are set out in the following table:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of (a) the number of new households in London for each of the years from 1998 to 2001 and (b) the number of new households in these years unable to (i) rent and (ii) buy housing in London. [139967]

The latest available mid-year estimates show that there were an additional 34,000 households in London in the year to July 1998. Mid-year household figures for 1999 and subsequent years are not yet available.DETR's Projections of Households in England to 2021, published in October 1999, indicate that the capital's households will increase by approximately 126,000 over the period 1996–2001, giving a total of 3,128,000 projected households in 2001.Estimates of the number of new households in these years unable to rent or buy are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of changes in the supply of low cost homes on the housing situation in London. [139969]

I have made no such assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of (a) the increases in road traffic and (b) the change in the number of (i) deaths and (ii) serious injuries arising from road traffic accidents as a result of rail passenger traffic being displaced to road during the work by Railtrack over the next three months to replace cracked rails. [138787]

The Government recognise that the current disruption to the railways may displace traffic onto the roads, where travellers are on average at greater risk. It is therefore essential that the rail network is returned to a safe working condition as soon as possible. That is the aim of Railtrack's current rail replacement programme, to which the Government and HSE are giving every possible assistance. I am advised that statistics to quantify any increased risk arising from any consequent displacement of traffic from rail to road are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will calculate the probability of (a) death and (b) serious injury to rail travellers per passenger mile if the work planned by Railtrack over the next three months to replace cracked rails is conducted (i) as planned and (ii) over a programmed 12 month period. [138788]

The primary risk arising from cracked rails is derailment, leading to fatal and serious injuries as occurred tragically at Hatfield. It is for Railtrack, as infrastructure controller, to manage that risk. To mitigate the consequences of such derailments, Railtrack have imposed emergency speed restrictions on the sites most affected by `gauge corner cracking', until the track has been tested and replaced where necessary. Such speed restrictions in themselves may create further risks on the network, for example by increasing overcrowding at stations.I am informed by the HSE that they have sought from Railtrack risk estimates on the cracked rails situation, and that HSE is working closely with Railtrack so that these restrictions can be lifted as soon as safety can be adequately assured. Extending the rail replacement programme would prolong the period for which restrictions are in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the information (a) held by his Department and (b) submitted by the Building Research Establishment on the condition of dams in England and Wales. [139919]

My Department holds no comprehensive information about the condition of dams in England and Wales. Local authorities which have enforcement duties under the Reservoirs Act 1975 are required to maintain public registers containing prescribed details of all the reservoirs in their area subject to the Act's safety regime. Such reservoirs are those which are designed to hold, or are capable of holding, more than 25,000 cu m above the natural level of adjoining land. These details include summaries of all certificates and reports received by the authority from the panel engineers appointed by the Secretary of State to supervise and inspect reservoirs. Enforcement authorities receive copies of all reports of inspections which draw attention to measures necessary to be taken in the interests of safety.As part of the Reservoir Safety Research Programme of my Department, the Building Research Establishment has compiled a Dams Database, to provide a register of dams that come within the ambit of the Reservoirs Act 1975, to provide background information for particular research projects and to assemble data on problems, incidents and remedial works. Information contained in the database has been made available to parties with an interest in reservoir safety and is available on request.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with (a) the European Commission and (b) the Governments of other member states concerning the introduction of a UK "vignette" to charge commercial vehicles for the use of UK roads; and if he will make statement. [139801]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury today to the right hon. Member for Wokingham (Mr. Redwood), Official Report, column 318W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research organisations are owned by his Department; and what their budgets are for the year 2000–01. [R][140156]

My Department does not own any research organisations, having transferred all its former research establishments to the private sector. All the Department's research is now procured by external contract and details are available through the DETR website and through the Office of Science and Technology's annual publication, "SET Statistics".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish his Department's response to the consultation regarding compulsory purchase orders. [139936]

Consideration is currently being given to the recommendations of the advisory group which conducted a review of the laws and procedures relating to compulsory purchase and compensation, published on 27 July, and comments received on that report. The Urban White Paper (Cmnd 4911), published on 16 November, sets out on pages 58 and 59 the action we propose to take in the short term. We hope to make a policy statement setting out the Government's proposals for longer-term reform, in response to the recommendations made in the review and comments on them, including proposals for legislation, early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those district and unitary authorities in South East England that do not have a published empty homes strategy. [139937]

The information is not collected as it is not a statutory duty for district and unitary authorities to publish an empty homes strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 November 2000, Official Report, column 658W, on Heathrow, when he will publish the environmental impact assessment which was carried out as part of the Heathrow Terminal 5 inquiry. [139753]

The Environmental Statement on Heathrow Terminal 5 and a number of other reports on environmental aspects of the Terminal 5 proposal are publicly available as part of the evidence submitted to the Terminal 5 inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to discuss foreign airlines' compliance with CAA guidelines on toilet compartment leaks with the CAA; [139754](2) what plans he has to impose penalties on foreign airline operators who fail to meet CAA guidelines about toilet compartment leaks. [139755]

I refer the hon. Member to my reply on 13 November 2000, Official Report, column 495W.The Secretary of State does not currently have plans to discuss the issue of toilet compartment leaks from foreign registered aircraft with the CAA. CAA guidance on checking aircraft water systems applies only to UK operators and aircraft. Responsibility for the safety of foreign aircraft rests with the respective State of Registry.It is an offence under the Air Navigation Order to cause or permit any aircraft, regardless of nationality, to endanger the safety of persons or property. The penalties for this offence are a fine not exceeding £5,000 on summary conviction or a fine or term of imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both on conviction on indictment. The CAA will investigate any incidents reported to them with enough detail but it is difficult to prove, for prosecution purposes, that a particular aircraft was responsible for an icefall. However, where there is sufficient information to suggest that a foreign aircraft may have been responsible, the CAA will refer the matter to the State of Registry of the aircraft for appropriate remedial action to be taken.Foreign registered aircraft may only operate into the UK if they comply with internationally agreed minimum safety standards of airworthiness. If we have reason to suspect an aircraft is not complying with international standards we will arrange for it to be inspected by the CAA. Evidence of water leaks found during an inspection will be drawn to the attention of the authorities responsible for the safety of the aircraft and, where appropriate, remedial action may be required before the aircraft is allowed to operate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish the Regional Planning Guidance for East Anglia; and if he will make a statement. [140322

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has today published the Regional Planning Guidance for East Anglia. It is the first RPG to be completed under the new regionally based procedures with testing of the draft RPG at a public examination under an independent panel. It provides a clear strategy for the sustainable development of the region which will support economic growth and regeneration, meet the housing needs of all sectors of the community, and protect the environment. It provides a long-term planning framework for the East of England Development Agency's Regional Strategy.The RPG strategy reflects the Government's priorities in the Urban White Paper and policy guidance on planning for housing. It stresses urban renaissance and indicates that new development should be concentrated in the region's cities and larger towns. It proposes an initial target of 50 per cent. of new housing on previously developed land and buildings. This is below the national target of 60 per cent. but, given East Anglia's character, it will be challenging. It endorses the housing target proposed by the Standing Conference of East Anglian Local Authorities—SCEALA—of some 9,900 additional dwellings a year as the starting point for the plan, monitor, manage approach to housing provision. It also recognises the importance of an active rural economy and of the region's many market towns. These themes will be further developed in the Rural White Paper.The RPG reflects our emphasis on the integration of transport and development. It confirms that the A47 Thorney Bypass and the two remaining schemes to complete the dualling of the All to Norwich, have been added to the targeted programme of Trunk Road improvements. As set out in Transport 2010, the Government's 10-year plan for transport, DETR will be looking to speed up scheme preparation significantly.The Cambridge Sub-Region is central to the guidance. It meets the needs for a more sustainable approach to accommodating development to support the growth of the research and technology-based economy. It proposes a sequential approach looking first at the capacity of Cambridge, then possible urban extensions, then a new settlement, then at the area's market towns, always considering brownfield land first. It accepts the panel's recommendation for a review of the Cambridge Green Belt. This work is currently being carried out by the local authorities. The East Anglia RPG shows how the new arrangements for RPG are working to deliver regionally based strategies which will meet development needs and contribute to achieving sustainable development. It is for the local authorities to reflect the policies of the RPG in their development plans and to work with the private sector and other agencies to see those policies implemented.We have placed the relevant documents in the House Libraries and made copies available to MPs from the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the draft statutory Guidance to the Environment Agency on the regulation of radioactive discharges into the environment from nuclear licensed sites, referred to in the UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges consultation document, will be issued for public consultation; and what its contents are. [140495]

The Government have today published a consultation paper setting out our proposals for Statutory Guidance to the Environment Agency. It brings together and publicises, for the first time, the factors that we require the Environment Agency to consider when setting discharge levels.The draft guidance reinforces the Government's commitment progressively to cut discharges and discharge limits. It will help deliver the commitment the UK has given to its OSPAR partners to ensure that by 2020, discharges are reduced to levels where the additional concentrations in the marine environment above historic levels, resulting from such discharges, are close to zero.The guidance will help ensure that discharge authorisations are consistent with the UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges 2001–20, which is now being finalised following public consultation earlier this year.Central to the guidance is the need to ensure the protection of the public, not only within the UK but beyond our borders. For example, the guidance proposes that, in general, discharge levels are set so that Community Food Intervention Levels are not exceeded, even though there is no requirement to do so under law.Equally, none of the measures taken to protect the environment should compromise the safety of workers, and this is also covered in the guidance, in terms of both routine exposures and risks of accidents.Keeping radioactive waste to a minimum must be the key to reducing discharges. While the industry works to achieve this, we are asking the Agency to evaluate alternative ways of making allowable discharges so that the best practicable environmental option can be chosen.Each case will be considered on its merits but the presumption now will be that discharges should be minimised by requiring radioactivity to be trapped and immobilised for subsequent storage or treatment, rather than discharged into the environment.The guidance will encourage operators to keep their discharges to a minimum by setting strict limits on how much they can discharge. These limits will be subject to regular review. We also propose that there should be a "cap" on discharges from new plant.The guidance recognises that it is not necessary to apply a specific limit to every radionuclide which is discharged, but effective control over all discharges is essential. The Agency is therefore given guidance on which radionuclides, as a minimum, it should control.New technology will play a vital role in reducing discharges. With this in mind the draft guidance requires the Agency to set timescales for research and development to be carried out into new technological developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to lay a deregulation order relating to Sunday dancing. [140242]

I hope to lay a draft order shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in implementing the recommendations of the Policy Action Team 9 report on community self-help. [140321]

The Policy Action Team 9 (PAT9) report on community self-help was one of 18 reports commissioned by the Social Exclusion Unit to come up with recommendations to tackle the unacceptable problems in England's poorest neighbourhoods. Since the publication of the PAT9 report in September 1999, we have made good progress in implementing many of the recommendations, some of which have been included as key ideas of the National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal. We have set out the key achievements in an annual report which also includes a look forward to the main action points for future work. A copy of the annual report will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many attacks on elderly people have been committed in the last year by convicted criminals who were on early release from prison at the time of the attack. [139811]

This information is not held centrally, and could be collected only at disproportionate cost. Central statistical databases do not hold information on the characteristics of the victims of crimes other than homicide and certain sexual offences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what academic and vocational education and training is available to young people serving custodial sentences. [139321]