To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many names were appended to the petition presented to the Prime Minister last month regarding meat inspection charges; and what action he has taken in response. [137568]

Although not counted individually, there were several thousands of signatures on the petition. We are aware of the considerable public support for the recommendations made by Colin Maclean in respect of meat hygiene charges for small and medium-sized abattoirs. The Government are considering whether those recommendations may be implemented.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the geographical spread of abattoirs and their proximity to livestock production areas.[137556]

There is over-capacity in the slaughtering sector and a reasonable spread of abattoirs across the country.Despite the closure of some abattoirs in recent months, we are not aware that animal welfare has been in any way compromised by longer journey times from farm to slaughter. The welfare of livestock in transit and at their arrival at abattoirs is closely monitored.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 1128W, what further discussions he has had with other EU ministers regarding rules on hedgerows and field margins; and if he will make a statement. [136930]

[holding answer 8 November 2000]: The reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Denton and Reddish (Mr. Bennett) on 7 November 2000, Official Report, column 150W, explained that the European Commission had proposed a change to the rules of the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) which would allow United Kingdom farmers to continue, on a permanent basis, to treat hedges and other field margins in the same way as they had done in the past so far as their inclusion in IACS claims was concerned. I am pleased to say that the adoption of this proposal has now been secured. It will enter into force on 1 January 2001.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many samples of imported meat have been tested for classical swine fever virus by Government scientists since July. [138412]

[holding answer 14 November 2000]: Meat which is legally imported must be accompanied by veterinary certificates giving assurances about the health status of the animals from which it came. It is not routinely tested for specific diseases such as classical swine fever virus. In connection with the recent outbreaks in East Anglia, epidemiological studies revealed that the strain was an Asian one. Work was then carried out to establish in which countries it had previously been reported. From 18 September, the Government have been conducting tests on any meat imported from those countries. Since none of the countries concerned is approved to export meat to the European Community the tests are carried out only when illegally imported meat is identified. To date two such tests have been conducted, each of which gave a negative result.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many legal advisers are employed by his Department; and how many of those advise on matters relating to animals. [138920]

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: The Ministry currently has 45 lawyers in post, of whom six advise on matters relating to animal health and welfare. Other lawyers (eg prosecutors and litigators) also deal with these issues from time to time.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent discussions he has had with the Children's Society regarding (a) the adoption and (b) the fostering of children within their care; and if he will make a statement. [140027]

The Church Commissioners' responsibility is to manage their investments so as to provide support for the payment of clergy stipends, pensions and other legal commitments. As to the Children's Society, this is not a matter for the Church Commissioners.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will attend COP6 in The Hague. [139509]

A top-level delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for the Environment is representing the UK at the climate change negotiations in The Hague.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which relocation companies hold contracts with his Department for the relocation of civil servants; when the contracts were last renewed; where the contracts were advertised; and what the length and value of each contract is. [137194]

DETR(C) and its Agencies use the services of two relocation companies.Bradford and Bingley: This contract commenced in April 2000. It was advertised through OJEC. It is a three-year contract and the approximate annual value is £35,000 but this fluctuates from year to year.Phoenix ARC: This contract was extended for a year to 31 March 2001. It was advertised through OJEC. The initial contract term was three years. The approximate annual cost is £8,000 but fluctuates from year to year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the former Principal Rail Safety Inspector was relieved of responsibility for safety of the London Underground; and if he will make a statement. [138644]

[holding answer 16 November 2000]: This is internal management issue for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). I have asked the HSE Director General to write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reason the Local Transport Plan Settlement announced on 13 November allocated to Stoke-on-Trent a reduction in capital allocations between 2000–01 and 2002–03.[139502]

The capital allocations for highway maintenance were calculated using a formula applied on a consistent basis to all authorities. One criteria was that authorities should not receive a smaller allocation in 2001–02 or 2002–03 than they did in 2000–01. However, allocations were rounded to the nearest £1,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will assess the benefit of introducing a fixed sum per licence payment mechanism for post offices issuing vehicle licences. [139496]

The current agreement between the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and Post Office Network Banking (PONB) expires at the end of March 2002. A variety of payment methods will be considered when negotiations take place on the next agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will make it its policy to grant all post offices in England and Wales the authority to issue vehicle licences. [139495]

No. The current nation-wide network of 4,000 motor vehicle Licence-issuing post offices provides the best balance between the needs of customers and cost to the taxpayer.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the Tidy Britain Group's proposals on the disposal of abandoned vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [139501]

My officials are currently discussing with interested parties including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the Local Government Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers how to improve the legislation and arrangements for abandoned vehicles. We have replied to the Tidy Britain Groups's letter which set out their proposals and I have placed a copy of the correspondence in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to (a) review the Union Railways Property's handling of land acquisition programme in relation to the new high speed rail link in Kent and (b) seek representations from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Complaints Commissioner; and if he will make a statement. [139684]

The information is as follows:

(a) The Secretary of State's powers under the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) Act 1996 only allow for the acquisition and retention of as much land as is needed for the operation of the CTRL. The application of these powers is closely regulated by my Department and its engineering advisers. For properties that are not actually required for the CTRL there is a Discretionary Purchase Scheme operated by Union Railways and policed for consistency and fairness by an independent Discretionary Purchase Auditor who makes regular reports to this Department.

(b) The Complaints Commissioner has no locus in property matters. There is a recognised statutory mechanism for the remedy of disputes arising from compulsory purchase through the Lands Tribunal. In addition Union Railways are actively promoting the availability of a range of other new disputes resolution mechanisms which are simpler and quicker for owners and occupiers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money has been spent, in each of the past five years, on community road safety schemes in the UK; and what statistics his Department collects centrally on such schemes. [139472]

My Department receives figures annually from local authorities (in England) on road safety expenditure. Over the last five years expenditure has been:

Year	£ million
1995–96	50
1996–97	55
1997–98	60
1998–99	40
1999–2000	60

Statistics for road safety schemes are not held centrally but are a matter for each local authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what powers he has to fine Kent county council in respect of the implementation of the Swale Unified Network in the Rural Bus Challenge 1999 Fund; [139673](2) when Kent county council will implement the Swale Unified Network; [139672](3) if Kent county council accrues interest on unspent elements of the Rural Bus Challenge 1999 Fund; and if this is ringfenced. [139671]

Kent county council were successful in the Rural Bus Challenge 1999 with a bid for the Swale Unified Network project. None of the Department's grant awarded to this project has yet been paid to the council, though an initial payment will shortly be due on the basis of forecast expenditure in this financial year. The question of interest on unspent grant has not therefore arisen.Grant is available, up to the amount awarded, in respect of the costs actually incurred by the council in implementing the project as described in its successful bid. The conditions of the grant are set out in Special Grant Report No. 54, approved by Parliament in March this year. These conditions include the requirement on the authority to repay to the Department any grant received which is found after audit to have been used otherwise than provided for under the terms of the Report.The timing of the implementation of the project, subject to the conditions in the Special Grant Report, is a matter for the council. I understand there have been some difficulties implementing the project as quickly as planned, but that it is now being taken forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how much of the Rural Bus Challenge 1999 awarded to Kent county council has been spent to date; [139441](2) when Kent county council

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: Kent county council submitted its bid for the 1999 Rural Bus Challenge competition on 30 September 1999. The results of the competition were announced on 11 January 2000. Parliament approved the Special Grant Report authorising this and other Challenge awards in March. Kent was awarded £381,000 for the Swale Unified Network project.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guarantees have been (a) sought by his Department and (b) given by Legacy plc in relation to the proposed acquisition of the Millennium Dome site. [140187]

The details of discussions so far with Legacy plc and the issues to be pursued through negotiations are all commercially confidential while negotiations continue. In general terms, the Government have sought assurances about Legacy's scheme in relation to each of the published evaluation criteria for the competition.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the value is of the bid by Legacy plc for the Millennium Dome site; [140188](2) if the arrangements for Legacy plc to acquire the Millennium Dome site will include provision for a down payment; and if he will make a statement. [140189]

Details of the proposed overall financial consideration for the sale of the Dome to Legacy plc must remain commercially confidential at this stage. The arrangements for Legacy plc to acquire the Millennium Dome will include a cash consideration on exchange of contracts and a further cash consideration on completion of the sale, as well as other components.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the terms and conditions attached to the granting of preferred bidder status for the Millennium Dome site to Legacy plc. [140186]

Such issues are commercially confidential while negotiations with Legacy plc continue.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 25W, on the Millennium Dome, from which parties he received expressions of interest in procuring the Dome after Nomura withdrew its bid. [140219]

Both the Dome Europe and Legacy bids have been assessed within the framework of the competition to find a long-term sustainable use for the Millennium Dome. A number of unsolicited expressions of interest in the Dome have separately been received from third parties, mostly submitted in confidence or of a superficial nature. Since the Government have been pursuing a competition on a defined basis, these expressions of interest have not been evaluated.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 25W, on the Millennium Dome, what the outstanding contractual issues are; and if he will publish the agreed timetable for resolving all such issues. [140217]

The details of the issues to be pursued through negotiations with Legacy plc are commercially confidential while negotiations continue. If all goes well, we expect to exchange contracts during February. Progress will be reviewed regularly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on local roads of the development and operation of a business park inside the Millennium Dome. [140184]

The evaluation criteria for the Dome legacy competition include that schemes should demonstrate minimum reliance on access by car and maximum use of public transport. The Legacy plc scheme conforms with this principle. The details will be addressed through the planning process, initially through consideration by the London Borough of Greenwich, who are familiar with the issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contingency plan the Government have in the event of the failure of negotiations with Legacy plc to procure the Millennium Dome site. [140190]

In the event of the failure of negotiations with Legacy plc, the Government would pursue other possible uses of the Dome.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of commercial demand for a business park inside the Millennium Dome. [140185]

The evaluation criteria for the Dome legacy competition include the expectation that the winning scheme will be commercially and financially successful. Legacy plc has provided advice on likely commercial demand for a business park and a business plan related to this, which have been evaluated by the Government advisers. This evaluation is confidential. Further development of evidence of commercial demand will be important in conducting negotiations towards exchange of contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions for what reasons the Strategic Rail Authority awarded the South-Central rail franchise to GoVia in preference to Connex. [140312]

The proposals put forward by GoVia and Connex Transport UK Ltd. both offered substantial improvements over current standards of service. However, the Franchising Director considered that GoVia demonstrated that they have the vision to bring about a step change in quality, and the capacity to deliver, while offering better value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if the franchise agreement reached with GoVia in respect of the South-Central franchise (a)precludes the closure of any station and (b) maintains at present levels as a minimum the present timetable operated by Connex on each of its South-Central routes; [140307](2) on what date he expects responsibility for the South-Central franchise to transfer to GoVia. [140313]

A new franchise agreement will be signed with GoVia once detailed negotiations and funding plans have been developed and terms have been agreed between them and Connex Transport UK Ltd. for the early transfer of the existing South Central franchise. GoVia do not currently propose the closure of any station included in this franchise. Service provision will be based on existing Passenger Service Requirements (PSRs), which provide a specified minimum service level. Where the PSR is currently augmented by higher levels of service, the aggregate additional train mileage will be incorporated as a separate contractual obligation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will review Gloucestershire County Council's Structure Plan's allocation of house building numbers to Tewkesbury, following the floods in that area; and if he will make a statement.[140023]

No. Both the Gloucestershire Structure Plan, adopted by Gloucestershire County Council in November 1999, and the draft Tewkesbury Local Plan, deposited by Tewkesbury Borough Council in November 1998, contain policies restricting development in areas at direct risk of flooding or where it would increase the risk of flooding.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account he took of the plans to build extra houses, industrial and retail units at Brockworth, Gloucestershire, when assessing improvements to the A417 at Nettleton Bottom and Crickley Hill; and if he will make a statement. [140283]

The Government Office for the South West is considering with the Highways Agency how the traffic problems associated with the A417 trunk road between Nettleton Bottom and the Brockworth Bypass might best be addressed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with train operating companies about services to and from Ashchurch Station; and if he will make a statement. [140177]

Neither Ministers nor the shadow Strategic Rail Authority have been party to any discussions with train operators about services to and from Ashchurch Station.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much the Marine Accidents Investigation Branch investigations into the sinking of the (a) Derbyshire, (b) Marchioness and (c) Gaul, cost. [139818]

The Derbyshire sank in 1980 well before the Marine Accidents Investigation Branch (MAIB) had been established and the Branch played a very limited role in the investigations into the ship's loss. The cost of the MAIB's involvement cannot be separately identified but was not significant. Overall, the cost to the Department of the Derbyshire investigations up to and including the re-opened Formal Investigation are estimated as totalling between £9 and £10 million, including legal fees.The MAIB undertook an investigation into the loss of the Marchioness and has, more recently, assisted the Attorney-General in the Formal Investigation which is currently being held. The costs of individual MAIB Investigations are not separately recorded. Overall, the cost to the Department of the Marchioness investigations, including the current Formal Investigation, is estimated at some £6 million, including legal fees.The Gaul sank in 1974 and a Formal Investigation was subsequently held. Following the location of the wreck of the vessel by a TV film crew the MAIB undertook an underwater survey of the vessel. The survey cost some £600,000 and the MAIB subsequently produced a report of their survey including model tests undertaken on their behalf. The Formal Investigation into the loss of the Gaul was re-opened and the MAIB are currently assisting the Attorney-General in his preparatory work which will include a re-survey of the wreck. It is too early to estimate the likely costs which will fall to the Department and will include the subsequent hearings before a Wreck Commissioner and legal fees.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the viability of creating specific ring-fenced slots at Heathrow for essential regional air services. [140092]

The Civil Aviation Authority has recently produced a paper for the Department on the economics of ring-fencing slots. No detailed study has been done of the practicalities involved. However, the Government are not generally attracted to ring-fencing slots for particular air services as this would introduce an element of undesirable rigidity into the slot allocation system. The current arrangement, where slots are not route-specific, allows changes in the routes operated by airlines in response to market developments. Without this flexibility there would be restrictions in the scope to develop new business and limitations on the development of competition on some routes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the operation and management of slot allocation at Heathrow Airport. [140168]

Slot allocation at airports like Heathrow, where demand for slots significantly exceeds supply, is governed by European Regulation EC95/93. An independent co-ordinator makes the allocations using a set of priority criteria that reflects the European Regulation, international guidelines and any local rules. The co-ordinator is charged with making allocations in a neutral, transparent and non-discriminatory manner. I am satisfied that the Heathrow co-ordinator, Airport Co-ordination Ltd., operates in this way.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will assess the benefits of providing a retail outlet selling basic provisions in the atrium of Portcullis House. [140270]

The original proposals for Portcullis House included a small shop off the courtyard selling a limited range of goods. Following soundings made by my Committee, it was subsequently decided that the needs of hon. Members and others working in the House could be served better by letting one of the shop units on Bridge Street for use as a small supermarket. Negotiations are now in their final stages and I am pleased to advise the hon. Member that it is expected that the minimart will open early in the new year. The terms of the lease require the tenant to keep the shop open late in the evening, broadly in line with the sittings of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on the Tornado GR4 Mid Life Update. [140561]

The integration of TIALD on to the Tornado GR4, as anticipated, achieved a Military Aircraft Release in July and is being used in training by our front-line crews.As experience has increased in using the new software, a number of reliability problems have been encountered with integration of the software supporting the TIALD pod with the Tornado GR4's computer. These problems are being urgently addressed by the contractor, who is working on a new release of software expected early next year. We are, therefore, delaying plans to deploy the GR4 operationally. The contractor, supported by MOD, has embarked upon an urgent investigation into the cause of the current problems and will report progress shortly. In the meantime, Tornado GR1, Jaguar and Harrier GR7 aircraft will continue to provide the operational capability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the future of RAF Brize Norton. [137725]

RAF Brize Norton is home to the RAF's VC10 and TriStar Air-to-Air Refuelling/Air Transport aircraft, which are due to be replaced from 2007 under the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme. We are currently investigating the potential for achieving a solution under the Private Finance Initiative which would involve a commercial consortium working in close partnership with the RAF to provide an Air-to-Air Refuelling service.Once an Invitation to Negotiate has been issued, we will evaluate the proposals for meeting the FSTA requirement. Final decisions on the programme are not anticipated before 2002.In seeking Private Finance Initiative bids for FSTA we do not plan to place commercial constraints on the competing consortia by specifying the UK location of the operating base. However, any proposal to move Air-to-Air Refuelling operations from RAF Brize Norton would need to provide us with best value for money and protect our operational capability. At the same time, and without prejudicing the FSTA programme, we are looking at some further commercialisation of RAF Brize Norton to utilise irreducible spare capacity.In addition, I announced on 7 June 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the electronic countermeasures system Type 675 is being removed from Royal Navy service. [138425]

There are a number of factors which have resulted in the decision to remove Type 675 from Royal Navy service. Essentially the maritime emphasis has shifted away from large-scale open ocean naval operations towards the littoral. In addition the air threat in the littoral is more varied and complex and, at a time when Anti Ship Missile technology continues to grow and proliferate, the provision of an effective maritime Anti Air Warfare capability is essential to provide air superiority. To meet challenges of the new operating environment the Royal Navy has had to review all its countermeasure systems. The decision to withdraw the Type 675 jammer from service was taken as part of this review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many headquarters staff are employed by DARA at RAF St. Athan. [138887]

As at 1 October 2000, the Defence Aviation Repair Agency employed 79 staff in its head office at RAF St. Athan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when it was decided to designate the location of the DARA headquarters at RAF St. Athan as an interim measure. [139325]

The decision to locate the DARA Headquarters as an interim measure in vacant accommodation at RAF St. Athan was taken in July 1998, prior to the launch of the Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans DARA has to re-locate its headquarters from RAF St. Athan to the Bath-Bristol Area. [139326]

DARA Headquarters were established at RAF St. Athan as an interim measure prior to the launch of the Agency on 1 April 1999. Their location will be subject to review once the Agency achieves Trading Fund Status.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the current inventory is for each armed service of Lynx helicopters; and how many of these are operationally available.[139236]

As at 15 November, the total number of Lynx aircraft held by the army was 124, of which 84 were allocated to units. Of these, 32 were fully serviceable. The Royal Navy had a total of 74 Lynx aircraft, of which 48 constituted the Active Fleet. Of these, 34 were fully serviceable. The RAF does not have any Lynx helicopters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the flying hours logged for Lynx helicopters, of all types, for each of the past three years. [139237]

The flying hours logged for Lynx helicopters, of all types, for each of the past three financial years are shown in the table.

Lynx type	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
Mark 3	10,696	9,990	8,066
Mark 7	27,154	25,148	22,982
Mark 8	3,772	4,220	5,459
Mark 9	4,152	4,013	4,469
Total	45,774	43,371	40,976

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact of aircraft activity in the Falklands on the breeding patterns of penguins. [139413]

The Minister of Defence has not made any assessment and Falklands Conservation has not carried out specific research on the effects of aircraft overflying penguin colonies in the Falkland Islands. We are not aware that there has been any other related research with any scientific basis. Mount Pleasant Airfield Flying Orders specifically ban aircrews from overflying areas of the Falkland Islands which are known to be sensitive breeding sites of penguins. Those Orders are supported by a detailed map of the sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the absence in the Royal Navy of saturation-trained personnel and support with expertise in deep-water diving for long periods and the employment of foreign offshore civilian divers for missions involving national security and the recovery of sensitive materials. [139720]

The Ministry of Defence has effectively used civilian saturation-trained divers since the early 1990s. It is not cost-effective for the Royal Navy to retain saturation-trained personnel for isolated incidents. UK contractors involved in this area of work have the appropriate level of security clearance. In addition our Salvage and Mooring Organisation maintains the ability, with the use of commercial assets, to provide assistance to or recovery of a nuclear submarine or the recovery of objects from the seabed. This arrangement allows MOD to tailor the recovery to the specific tasks. Foreign offshore divers would however be used if they were best placed to prevent loss of life.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has contributed to NATO staffing costs in each of the past 10 years. [140019]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of NATO's estimate of the failure rate of cluster munitions deployed in Kosovo. [139765]

The use of cluster munitions during the Kosovo campaign was a matter for individual nations. The cluster munitions used by the UK have a manufacturer's estimated failure rate of approximately 5 per cent. The failure rate of other nations' cluster munitions (which have different specifications) may vary, but any assessment is a matter for these nations. We are not aware of any agreed NATO estimate of the failure rate of cluster munitions used by Allies in Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of (a) the Army, (b) the Navy and(c) the RAF tested positive for the use of controlled substances in the most recent testing programme, stating in each instance what percentage of trained strength tested positive for (a) cannabis, (b) cocaine, (c) heroin and (d) other controlled substances; and if he will make a statement. [137861]

[pursuant to his answer, 14 November 2000, c. 576W]: An amendment should be made to certain figures provided in respect of Army personnel. In the period 1 January to mid October 2000, 522 Army personnel, not the 580 given in my previous reply, tested positive. Of the trained strength, 0.26 per cent. tested positive for cannabis, 0.04 per cent. for cocaine, 0.10 per cent. for other controlled substances (Ecstasy, LSD, Amphetamines, Benzodiazepines and Performance Enhancing Drugs), and 0.001 per cent. tested positive for heroin.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will hold a public inquiry into financial and management issues at the Dome. [134610]

[holding answer 26 October 2000]: Full and rigorous scrutiny of the project is under way. The National Audit Office (NAO) report into the Millennium Dome was published on 9 November, an Opposition day motion on the Dome was debated on 13 November, and the Committee of Public Accounts took oral evidence from Accounting Officers on 15 November. The Government have no plans to carry out a public inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will take steps to ensure that the Dome will not be demolished. [138922]

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions gave the hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth) on 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 25W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much lottery money so far received by the NMEC is (a) a loan and (b) a grant; and what terms and conditions apply to repayments. [139017]

[holding answer 22 November 2000]: The Millennium Commission does not have the statutory powers to make loans and has never offered loans to the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC). Grant made to NMEC is repayable under the terms of the Grant Memorandum from any operational surplus or asset disposal achieved after the organisation has met its other contractual liabilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement about the proposed plans for the disposal of the Millennium Dome and the dispersal and division of the resultant proceeds. [139018]

[holding answer 22 November 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions gave the hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth) on 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 25W. Ministers are currently considering how the proceeds will be dealt with and will reach a decision in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the date by which the Millennium Dome will be available for occupation by a purchaser. [140150]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government and the Regions gave the hon. Member for East Surrey (Mr. Ainsworth) on 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 25W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made in the work of the audio-visual industry skills taskforce. [140182]

The Audio Visual Industries Training Group (AVITG) was established jointly by my Department and Skillset, the National Training Organisation for the sector, in 1999 as a new cross-industry group to investigate and report on the current and future skills required in broadcasting and the electronic media and to recommend the training and education needed to develop these skills, so that the UK can compete effectively in the world media market place.The Group has been particularly active in scoping and defining the sector. As one of its main activities it has undertaken the first ever census of the UK media industries. The Census has been published today and I am arranging for copies to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. It will be followed by a survey of freelances working across the industry in order to identify their current and predicted future training and skills needs.The AVITG has received a large number of submissions to date and will continue to receive evidence and submissions until December. It is on target to produce its final report and recommendations next spring.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the trustees of the British Museum concerning legal action taken by the museum in relation to the provision of French stone for building work on the South Portico. [140179]

Any decision on whether to take legal action in relation to the provision of French stone is a matter for the British Museum. I have not discussed this with the trustees but I have been advised by the British Museum that they have taken legal advice. I am informed that as a result they have held back payments to the contractor. They will consider the grounds for legal action in the light of the conclusions of the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers due in December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures are being taken by the British Museum to recover moneys owed by Easton Masonry Company (Portland) Ltd. [140180]

I am advised by the British Museum that they have withheld payments under the contract amounting to £300,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to introduce a right of appeal to individuals whose houses are classed as Ancient Monuments by English Heritage; and if he will make a statement. [140026]

My right hon. Friend is responsible for compiling the schedule of ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. He is advised in this task by English Heritage. My right hon. Friend is precluded from scheduling any structure occupied as a dwelling house (unless it is occupied by the caretaker of the property or his family). The 1979 Act does not provide a statutory right of appeal against decisions to schedule monuments, but relevant representations from owners will always be considered.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the cost to private business of the UK entering the euro in the first year of its operation; what studies he has made of the cost to private businesses in those countries which have joined; and if he will make a statement. [140024]

The business cost of changeover would depend on the overall approach and individual decisions that businesses took.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what commitments he has received from major oil companies relating to the introduction of ultra low-sulphur petrol in UK garages. [138507]

[holding answer 16 November 2000]: The Government intend to cut the duty on ultra-low sulphur petrol and widen its differential with unleaded petrol by a further 2p per litre in Budget 2001, conditional on the oil companies guaranteeing nationwide access to its environmental benefits.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if judges benefit from an extra statutory concession for the benefit in kind of the use of judges' lodgings for (a) accommodation and associated expenditure, (b) private entertaining and (c) use of chauffeur and car for travel to and from work at court; and if he will make a statement. [139438]

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: No. The same rules governing the tax treatment of benefits and expenses apply to judges as to employees and office-holders generally.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list to two decimal places the percentage increase in the upper earnings limit on national insurance in each of the past 10 years. [139838]

[holding answer 23 November 2000]: The levels of the upper earnings limit are given in the Tax Benefit Reference Manual available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legal costs have been incurred by Her Majesty's Government in defending the action for judicial review of IR35 brought by the Professional Contractors Group. [139908]

The extent to which the costs of the legal action will fall to the Government will depend on the outcome of the case.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list each form of financial support available to families with dependent children through the tax and benefit system, indicating in each case whether it will be replaced by the proposed integrated child credit; and for those which are not to be included in the integrated child credit, if he will set out the reasons for their exclusion. [139060]

The 2000 pre-Budget report reaffirmed the Government's intention to introduce a better integrated system of support for children from 2003. The Government are carefully considering the detailed design parameters of this new integrated credit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Children's Tax Credit forms have been sent out; how many completed forms have been returned; and how many forms have been returned by people who are ineligible for the credit. [134542]

The Inland Revenue does not generally hold information to enable it to identify which taxpayers have children so to maximise the number of eligible people applying it made a point of sending the claim form out widely. Some 7.8 million forms have been sent out to PAYE taxpayers and, by 20 October 2000, 2.6 million forms have been returned. Self-employed taxpayers can claim in the normal way when they receive their tax return for the year beginning April 2001. There are no figures available on the number of people who have returned the form and are ineligible for the credit.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimates he has made of the caseload that the proposed pilot of the criminal defence service in England and Wales will undertake in the four years of the proposed start-up phase. [140175]

No caseload estimate has yet been made. Individual estimates, for each salaried defence service office, will be settled once final decisions have been made on the location of the offices and the timing of their opening.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what business plan has been prepared for the proposed pilot of the criminal defence service in England and Wales. [140170]

Each salaried defence service office will operate to its own business plan, as the issues facing each office will be unique to it. These will be developed once the office locations have been settled.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the estimated start up costs of the proposed pilot of the criminal defence service in England and Wales; and how they are made up. [140172]

We expect the Legal Services Commission will spend up to £3 million in the financial year 2001–02 on salaried defenders.Precise start-up costs will depend on the exact location and size of each office.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the estimated annual costs are of the proposed pilot of the criminal defence service in England and Wales, including the cost of support services from the Legal Service Commission central services; and how they are made up. [140173]

No final decisions have been made about the total costs of the pilots. Initial estimates are that costs will be up to £3 million in the first year.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many offices it intends to open under the proposed pilot of the criminal defence service in England and Wales; and where those offices will be located. [140171]

It is planned initially to open six salaried defence service offices, at least three of which will open for business on 2 April 2001. A shortlist of nine locations is being considered, namely Carlisle, Dover, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Swansea, Middlesbrough, Oxford and Gloucester. Final decisions will be made on the locations of all six offices by the end of this year.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the estimated numbers of (a) legally qualified and (b) non-legally qualified staff who will be employed in the proposed pilot of the criminal defence service in England and Wales. [140174]

The number of legally qualified and non-legally qualified staff employed in the salaried defence offices will depend on the locations of the offices and the success of the offices in attracting and retaining clients through the quality of the services they provide. Sufficient staff will be employed at each location to provide the comprehensive, 24 hour a day, seven day a week service necessary. Initial numbers will be agreed in conjunction with each office head.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the Public Defence Solicitors Officer pilot scheme in Edinburgh. [140176]

An on-going assessment by a team of researchers is being made of the PDSO pilot scheme in Edinburgh for the Scottish Executive. Account will continue to be taken of the results of the research programme into this office as they emerge. Although, the detailed scope and nature of the Edinburgh pilot is different to the proposals made for England and Wales, both my officials and I have visited Edinburgh to ensure that we are able to learn from their experience.I have visited the Scottish pilot Public Defence Solicitors Office in Edinburgh and was impressed by their professionalism, commitment and effectiveness, views which were endorsed by my discussions with the local judiciary.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will take account of (a) candidates' home addresses proximity to Crown courts on circuits and (b) the need for High Court judges on that circuit when making appointments to the position of High Court judge; and if he will make a statement. [139729]

My right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor will recommend for appointment to each High Court vacancy the candidate who appears to him to be best qualified, with reference to the published criteria alone.The home address of the candidate is not a relevant factor. Likewise, the needs of a circuit are not a relevant factor in considering an individual's suitability for appointment. High Court judges are not appointed to individual circuits; they go on circuit to meet the business needs of the courts as they arise. However, the needs of the justice system as a whole are taken into account when assessing the number and type of vacancies on the High Court Bench.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance is issued to High Court judges on (a) commuting from home and (b) staying in judges' lodgings when sitting on circuit. [139736]

No such guidance has been issued to High Court judges by the Department.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what guidance is issued to circuit judges on (a) commuting from home and (b) claiming overnight hotel accommodation expenses when sitting on circuit away from their home court. [139735]

No precise limit of distance or travelling time within which it would be considered reasonable for a judge to take hotel accommodation rather than return home has been fixed; cases are considered in the light of the individual circumstances, taking account of such matters as the method of travel, the time of year and road conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has made to members of the Council of Europe to increase the budget of the European Court of Human Rights; how many cases are before the court; how many such cases were registered (a) before and (b) after the establishment of the full-time court; what his estimate is of the average time taken for the court to reach a decision; and what proposals he has to improve the procedures of the court. [139082]

It is for the President of the European Court of Human Rights to propose any increases he considers necessary in the Court's budget, and for the Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE) to propose how these should be accommodated in the CoE Ordinary Budget. On 1 September 2000, there were 15,107 registered applications pending before the Court. About 3,400 of these were registered before the new Court came into operation in November 1998. At present, the Court's objective is that, from the time of application, cases should be decided within three years. The Court has a longer term objective of reducing this to two years. The Court President has made a number of proposals to improve the efficiency and output of the Court, for example with new IT equipment and additional staff. Member states will shortly be asked to consider these proposals and their budgetary implications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those people who were issued a copy of the document produced by Adrian Thorpe on Derry in June 1972; what was his Department's response to Adrian Thorpe's document; if he will place a copy of the document in the Library; and what positions Adrian Thorpe has held in his Department. [140304]

Mr. Thorpe was a desk officer in Republic of Ireland Department in 1972. His manuscript note summarised the contents of a large document which looked at several options for containing the violence in Londonderry. It went only to his Head of Department, whose response was that the issues it addressed had been overtaken by events. The document was submitted to the Saville Inquiry by the FCO, and has been passed to the interested parties by the Inquiry. It would be wrong for us to publish, piecemeal and out of context, individual documents submitted to the Inquiry while it is still sitting. Mr. Thorpe joined the FCO in 1965 and has had postings in Beirut, Tokyo, Bonn, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. He is currently Ambassador to Mexico.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advantages Her Majesty's Government are seeking to gain through agreeing to qualified majority voting in certain areas of the Treaty of Nice. [140280]

QMV has delivered a range of measures which the UK has backed but would not have secured if others had had a veto, for example in the single market.Where more QMV is in the UK's interests, we will back it. But where it is not, we will retain unanimity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government will set out its detailed response to the most recent draft of the proposed Treaty of Nice. [140278]

The Presidency published a Progress Report on the Intergovernmental Conference on 3 November. It is a draft composite text setting out drafting changes for most IGC issues (though not the rewieighting of votes, size and structure of the Commission or the allocation of seats in the European Parliament). The Government's position on all IGC issues is set out in the White Paper laid before the House on 15 February, and updated on numerous occasions since then, most recently in its response to the Foreign Affairs Committee's Report on the IGC (which was published as a Command Paper on 27 October). I refer the right hon. Member to these.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the creation of the ESDP requires EU treaty revisions. [140088]

The Government are satisfied that the existing provisions of the Treaty on European Union provide a sufficient legal basis for implementing the arrangements for strengthening the common European security and defence policy as set out in the Presidency reports endorsed by the Helsinki and Feira European Councils, including those currently being developed under the French Presidency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Minister has lead responsibility for the euro grid; and what is its annual budget. [140282]

As Minister for Europe, I am responsible for the European News Grid. There are no specific costs associated with work on the European News Grid, which is compiled as part of normal working practices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Minister has lead responsibility for co-ordinating the Government's statements and publicity on European matters. [140277]

As the Minister for Europe, I have lead responsibility for co-ordinating the Government's statements and publicity on European matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Assistance to Support Stability with In-Service Training programme; and what changes to the programme are planned. [137177]

[pursuant to his reply, 6 November 2000, c. 51 W]: An administrative error led to an omission in my answer of 6 November to my hon. Friend. The correct answer should read as follows:The ASSIST programme was established on 1 April 1998 to replace the UK Military Training Assistance Scheme (UKMTAS), with the main purpose of re-focusing support to the Government's priority of promoting respect for human rights and good governance.The ASSIST expenditure for 1999–2000 was £8.95 million which was spent in accordance with FCO priorities for engagement with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in a broad range of countries. All expenditure was compatible with the ASSIST criteria.Examples of projects funded from ASSIST include:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what communications he has received from the European Commission concerning staffing levels on EC energy and environment programmes; what percentage of manpower reductions proposed by the EC in its communication entitled "Matching the European Commission activities with its human resources" will affect energy environment programmes; what assessment he has made of the impact of these reductions on the SAVE energy efficiency programme and the ALTENER renewable energy programmes with particular reference to energy advice agencies; and when he expects these manpower reductions to come into effect. [139709]

I have not been consulted on the question of Commission staffing for the SAVE and ALTENER programmes which do not expire until 2002. Questions concerning the redeployment of staff are a matter for the Commission. In due course I expect the Commission to come forward with new proposals for these programmes for the period post 2002 and would need to be assured that the Commission has the resources to manage any new programmes it proposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what impact a minimum wage of £5.10 would have on closing the gender pay gap. [140216]

There are insufficient data and too many variables to enable such a calculation to be carried out. The independent Low Pay Commission is monitoring the impact of the national minimum wage on the labour market and the economy and is currently gathering evidence. They will be making recommendations in their next report on any increase to the minimum wage rate, and the gender gap is an issue that they will examine in coming to their conclusions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the enforcement procedures for the (a) minimum wage and (b) Working Time Directive indicating the number of prosecutions secured to date. [140091]

(a) The National Minimum Wage Act 1998 provides both civil and criminal powers of enforcement. Inland Revenue officers enforce the national minimum wage issuing notices against employers as appropriate and representing workers at employment tribunals where necessary. There have been no criminal prosecutions for underpayment of the national minimum wage. Officers have issued 308 enforcement notices, 41 penalty notices and taken 24 cases to tribunals since April 1999. They have also recovered almost £3 million in back pay for workers. In addition, under the provisions of the 1998 Act, workers are able to take their own cases of underpayment to an employment tribunal or to a civil court.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation restricting the sale of all fireworks (a) to persons over the age of 16 years and (b) during a limited period of time around 5 November; and if he will make a statement. [140084]

The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 prohibit the supply of most fireworks to persons under the age of 18 years. The exceptions to this prohibition are low hazard fireworks, ie caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns, which, under the Explosives Act 1875, can be sold only to persons over the age of 16 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the compensation scheme for former Icelandic waters trawlermen will take into account periods of absence caused by (a) service in the Royal Naval Reserves and (b) studying for mates' and skippers' qualifications. [139817]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what response he has made to claims for Bereavement Allowance by widowers whose wives died before 2 October; and if he will make a statement. [140022]

Men are not entitled to a benefit payable as a result of bereavement under current legislation. We are replacing the existing Widows Benefits scheme with Bereavement Benefits which will be available equally to men and women from 9 April 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what preparations had been made for the delivery of Winter Fuel Payments on the assumption that the rate of payment would be £150; and what administrative costs arose from the timing of the decision that the rate of payment would be £200. [140305]

The system for delivering Winter Fuel Payments is sufficiently flexible to enable changes to the level of the benefit to be readily accommodated. The first of the increased payments went out during week commencing 13 November, the week after my right hon. Friend the Chancellor's announcement. Work is on-going to assess the administration costs of the change.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the maximum compensation limit which the Child Support Agency is allowed to pay to clients; and if he will make a statement. [140286]

In accordance with this Department's policy on compensation and in line with other Departments', the Child Support Agency makes payments to cover financial loss in cases where maladministration has occurred. Each case is considered on its individual merits. In addition to payments for financial loss, consolatory payments may be considered in exceptional circumstances where an official error has adversely affected the life of the client.The Child Support Agency has delegated powers to authorise compensation payments up to certain limits. But higher awards, which are not subject to any maximum, can be paid by the Agency with the authority of the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 5 June 2000, Official Report, column 97W, on Special Advisers, if he will list the destination and the total cost, including travel, accommodation and subsistence allowance, on each of the occasions when departmental or non-departmental special advisers travelled abroad in an official capacity. [135253]

During the period 31 March 1999 to 31 March 2000, Special Advisers in this Department travelled on official business to the United States of America and Brussels at a total cost of £2,444.64. The cost of these visits was accounted for in expenditure on Ministers' travel overseas published by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W, which for 1999–2000 was £4.6 million compared to £7.9 million for the last year of the previous Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects the detailed arrangements for claiming the Far East prisoners of war compensation to be published. [139527]

The administration of the ex-gratia payment scheme for British groups who were held prisoner by the Japanese during the Second World War is a matter for the Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency, Gordon Hextall. He will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are applied to requests for extradition of British nationals to India in cases where the request concerns an Indian-born British national. [140309]

The Extradition Act 1989 contains certain general restrictions on a person's return. But the United Kingdom does not operate a barrier to the extradition of its own nationals.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what (a) discussions (i) he and (ii) officials from his Department had with and (b) information was received from (A) the Indian police force and (B) other sources concerning investigations being undertaken by the Indian Police into allegations concerning Srichand Hinduja (1) before he decided to grant him citizenship and (2) subsequent to his decision. [140308]

No discussions were held with the Indian authorities or other sources before Mr. Hinduja's application was determined. Inquiries were made as to whether any charges had been brought concerning the allegations which had been made against him nearly 10 years earlier. No charges had been brought against Mr. Hinduja at the time of the decision, nor are we aware of any being made subsequently.Once citizenship has been granted to an applicant we do not normally make inquiries regarding the individual unless he or she has been convicted of a criminal offence within five years of the grant of citizenship, or if it is alleged that false information was supplied, or relevant information withheld, concerning the application.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans (a) to create a register of volunteers and (b) to require charities to check the register of volunteers before accepting volunteers. [140178]

The Government have provided funding for TimeBank, an initiative which, in partnership with the voluntary sector and the BBC, is designed to promote voluntary activity and inspire people to give time. Volunteers are able to give time by registering with TimeBank by internet, by telephone or by post. TimeBank then uses the database to match people's time to volunteering opportunities in local communities. The Government do not require charities or those seeking to use volunteers to check with the TimeBank database before accepting volunteers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what response he has made to recent criticism made by the Chief Inspector of Prisons of young offenders institutions; [140275](2) when he was first informed of the conditions at the young offenders institutions criticised by the Chief Inspector of Prisons. [140272]

As set out in a protocol between Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons and the Director General of the Prison Service, the Home Secretary receives draft inspection reports in advance of publication. At regular bilateral meetings with Sir David Ramsbotham, both the Home Secretary and myself are kept informed of emerging findings from inspections of individual establishments, including young offenders institutions.As far as under-18s in young offenders institutions are concerned, we have transformed the system as it applies to them. This Government recognised that reforms had to be made to the youth justice system, not least to the level and standard of care within the secure estate. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 established the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales as a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office. The Board's purpose is to monitor the operation of the youth justice system and to ensure the delivery of the appropriate standard of care.The Prison Service's key response to past criticisms of how it has dealt with young people placed within its custody has been to create a new, distinct estate for 15 to 17-year-old boys, comprising juvenile units in young offenders institutions

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask the Chief Inspector of Prisons to prepare a further report in six months' time on the young offenders institutions which have been criticised by him. [140276]

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) is entitled to inspect any prison establishment in England and Wales at any time. He does this by means of announced and unannounced inspections. Although it is usually the case that he promptly revisits those establishments of which he has been very critical, I consider it appropriate to leave follow-up timescales to HMCIP. It is quite possible that HMCIP would consider a follow-up inspection to be appropriate to a longer or shorter timescale.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to end the bullying by some inmates against others at young offenders institutions recently named by the Chief Inspector of Prisons. [140274]

A Prison Service Order to governors on anti-bullying was issued in 1999. The Order set out the Prison Service's commitment to ensure all establishments have an effective strategy to tackle the bullying of prisoners by other prisoners.Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons has recently inspected both Brinsford and Chelmsford and the reports will be published shortly. The recommendations within them will be addressed. Action plans in respect of Stoke Heath and Portland have ensured that any anti-bullying strategy is in place and these have been published within the establishment. Additionally at Portland, courses for bullies and victims have been set up.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy for Ministers in his Department to visit on a quarterly basis the young offenders institutions criticised by the Chief Inspector of Prisons. [140273]

It is the role of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons regularly to inspect and to report to the Home Secretary on Prison Service establishments, and, in particular, on conditions in those establishments, the treatment and condition of prisoners and other inmates and the facilities available to them, and on any other matters as the Home Secretary may direct.It is the policy of Ministers to visit young offenders and other prison establishments whenever they can to see conditions for themselves, and to meet prisoners, staff and voluntary and other agencies which work in prison establishments. Since 1 May 1997, my ministerial colleagues and I have visited 180 establishments, 68 of which were young offenders institutions or held young offenders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mandate has been given to those negotiating on behalf of the European Union on the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control; and if he will list the ways in which the objectives differ from those of Her Majesty's Government. [133883]

The United Kingdom Government have agreed with their European Union partners and with the European Commission which are the areas of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control where the Commission has competence to negotiate on behalf of the European Union and which are the responsibility of national Governments. The Commission's negotiating mandate is based on Articles 95 (internal market) and 152 (public health); however, this will be kept under review as the work develops. Where the Commission has competence, we will work with it and with our partners with a view to reaching consensus on a negotiating position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the adult population smoked tobacco in each of the last five years. [138824]

The latest available data are shown in the table:

Prevalence of cigarette smoking among adults aged 16 years and over, by gender—England 1994–98
Percentage
	Persons	Men	Women
1994	26	28	25
1996	28	28	27
1998	27	28	26

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what strategic measures he is taking to allow for changes in the demand for health services induced by climate change. [137178]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment on 13 November 2000, Official Report, columns 469–70W. In addition, the Chief Medical Officer for England commissioned a programme of research into the Health Effects of Climate Change in the United Kingdom, which will help to inform health policy development for the future. A draft report is expected to be published for consultation around the end of this year. I will place a copy in the Library at that time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent advice he has taken and from whom on the point at which pregnancy can be said to begin. [138891]

The accepted legal and medical view is that a pregnancy begins at implantation. This has been the policy of successive Governments and is based on advice given to the Department by the Attorney-General in 1983, about the legal position under the Abortion Act 1967.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence his Department has collated on the impact of the morning after pill on the abortion rate; and if he will make a statement. [138892]

A study of self-administration of emergency contraception following advance prescribing has been performed by Glasier et al in Edinburgh¹. This concluded

making emergency contraception more easily available … may reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancies.

However, the number of women studied was small and at the present time there are insufficient data to know how availability of emergency contraception might affect outcome measures such as therapeutic abortion rates.It should be noted that fluctuations in the abortion rate may be subject to a number of different factors and it is therefore difficult to attribute any changes to one intervention or event.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost per child of the MMR vaccine is; and if he will estimate the cost per child if separate vaccinations were given to children for measles, mumps and rubella. [138898]

The United Kingdom is supplied by two manufacturers of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and by one supplier of rubella vaccine. The cost to the Department of purchasing MMR and rubella vaccines is commercially confidential. However, the price of a single dose of MMR vaccine as listed in the British National Formulary is £6.23 for that manufactured by SmithKline Beecham and £10.17 for that manufactured by Aventis Pasteur. The list price for rubella vaccine, manufactured by SmithKline Beecham, is £2.53 per vial.Children are recommended to receive two doses of MMR vaccine. Rubella vaccine is recommended for non-immune women. Single antigen measles and mumps vaccines are not licensed in the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the meningitis C vaccine recently introduced in the NHS is the same as the vaccine is authorised for use in the USA. [138837]

The United Kingdom was the first country in the world to introduce and use the new meningococcal Group C conjugate vaccine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the present MMR vaccine used by the NHS is the same as authorised for use in the USA. [138836]