To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what proposals the Government plan to bring forward under the Regulatory Reform Bill. [140560]

The Government have a number of proposals under preparation that could be implemented under the Regulatory Reform Bill. These are aimed at:

simplifying the complicated fire safety rules;

replacing the rules surrounding weights and measures with one new piece of legislation;

allowing school governors to provide out-of-school child care for their own pupils and other children—this is something many schools have asked for;

removing the remaining constraints on the number of partners that professions such as GPs, chartered surveyors and investment trust managers may have;

removing from businesses the costs of having to adhere to two different sets of regulations surrounding unfair contract terms;

removing the outdated regulations surrounding trading stamps to make it easier for business;

making it easier for directory publishers to gain repeat business by simplifying the process for renewing directory entries;

promoting innovation in the building and construction industry by not penalising those who do things in a different way from what is laid down in guidance;

allowing longer for local authorities and others to transfer housing stock;

simplifying, speeding up and making fairer the procedures for renewing business leases;

placing local authority business tenants on the same footing with lease renewals as other business tenants;

easing the administrative and other burdens on charities;

making it easier to correct errors on birth and death certificates;

simplifying the arrangements for undertaking building work at voluntary-aided schools;

removing the requirement for some charities associated with the NHS to submit two sets of accounts;

ending the renewal of manufacturers' and wholesale dealers' licences for human and veterinary medicines and introducing continuous licensing;

putting cautions, reprimands and final warnings on the same footing as other criminal records, giving offenders a 'clean sheet' after a certain period;

changing the rules about access to victim material in sexual offence cases to protect the victim and remove restrictions from lawyers;

letting pubs open later on New Year's Eve from next year onwards;

allowing restaurants to open later without a requirement to provide live entertainment;

allowing a greater variety of gaming machines to be installed in bingo clubs;

allowing customers to use banknotes and smartcards when playing with gaming machines.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what has been the outcome to date of the commitment given in the first annual report of the e-Minister and the e-Envoy that meetings of the Cabinet will be held on e-Government every six months. [139707]

The first six-monthly Cabinet meeting is expected to take place early in 2001, following the publication of the next six-monthly report on electronic service delivery and the initial evaluation of Departments' e-business strategies.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she intends to launch the Code of Practice on Written Consultation; and if she will make a statement. [140563]

The Government have today published a Code of Practice on Written Consultation, and I have placed a copy in the Library. It will apply to consultation documents issued after 1 January 2001.The Code meets a recommendation of the Sixth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life. It also responds to views expressed by the Public Administration Select Committee of the House, by the Better Regulation Task Force, and by many organisations and members of the public in response to a consultation draft issued earlier this year.The code will generally be binding on Departments, though it is not a legal document. Any departures from it will have to be justified, on the face of the consultation document, by the Minister authorising it.The code reflects the importance of:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what effect the introduction of Best Value has had on the quantity of public tenders for local authority services; and if he will make a statement. [139424]

Information on local authority contracts is not held centrally. Best Value has introduced a competitive requirement into all local government services and contrasts with Compulsory Competitive Tendering which applied to a limited range of services only.Best Value has encouraged changes in the way in which services are procured. Authorities are increasingly looking to develop strategic partnerships with the private sector and others to deliver efficient high-quality services, and a number of such agreements have been announced recently. We would expect this trend to intensify, accompanied by some retrenchment in the number of contracts of the type which were characteristic of CCT.We have also asked Sir Ian Byatt to head a Task Force to consider the state of commissioning and procurement in local government, and he will report by the end of May next year on the practical steps that might be taken to help authorities develop the market for services and achieve best value from their procurement.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement in respect of the implementation of Best Value. [139712]

The Audit Commission reviewed local authorities' first year experience of Best Value Performance Plans and published their report on 20 October. The Commission reported promising beginnings. Authorities set targets which indicate a steady improvement in many frontline services, with the worst performing authorities aiming to improve more quickly. The Government agree with the Commission's recommendations for local authorities, and in particular the advice that they should take a more strategic approach in formulating their programmes of Best Value Reviews.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many chief executives of local authorities have (a) resigned, (b) been dismissed, (c) been suspended and (d) taken early retirement in the last two years. [139842]

This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the recent breach of airport security at Birmingham International Airport; and if he will make a statement; [139802](2) if it is the policy of the Government to prosecute persons

[holding answer 23 November 2000]: My Department has been conducting an investigation into the allegations made by the News of the World on 19 November. This investigation indicates that the security of the restricted zones of the airports named by the paper was not breached. Once all the circumstances have been fully assessed, we will consider what further action is required.My Department regulates the aviation industry in respect of compliance with the UK National Aviation Security Programme and a stepped approach to enforcement is taken. This stepped approach ranges from advice and assistance, through formal notification of deficiencies, to legally binding Enforcement Notices and ultimately prosecution. Targeted rectification action is pursued throughout.The measures taken by airports to control access to their restricted zones, including that the pass regime is being managed properly, are included in regular compliance monitoring.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 21 November 2000, Official Report, column 118W, if he will use the dividend from Railtrack to increase the Government's equity stake in the company; and if he will make a statement. [140522]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 22 November 2000, Official Report, column 304.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the shareholding in Railtrack held by the Government; what proportion of the total shareholding this represents; and if he is represented at the Annual Meeting of Railtrack. [139989]

The Secretary of State holds 1,031,243 shares which represents 0.2 per cent. of Railtrack's share capital. The Secretary of State is not represented at the Railtrack Annual Meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish a breakdown by service of Torbay's standard spending assessment for 2000–01. [140402]

The information requested is given in the table.

Torbay standard spending assessment for 2000–01
Service sub-block	£million
Primary Education	20.310
Secondary Education	23.425
Post-16 Education	4.223
Under-5 Education	2.951
Other Education	1.498
Total Education	52.406
Children's PSS	4.923
Elderly Residential PSS	10.967
Elderly Domiciliary PSS	6.945
Other PSS	3.500
Total Personal Social Services	26.336
Fire	3.268
Highway Maintenance	5.349
EPCS—County Level	4.689
EPCS—District Level	13.344
Rent allowance payments	1.643
Housing benefit administration	0.279
National Parks	0.000
Flood Defence	0.606
Coast Protection	0.071
Total EPCS	20.633
Capital Financing	2.828
Total SSA	110.821

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the provisional local government finance settlement for 2001–02. [140620]

I will today be making a statement to the House announcing our proposals for the funding of local government revenue expenditure in 2001–02. Full details of our proposals are at the same time being made available to the local authority associations, local authorities and others with an interest.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each (a) shire county, (b) London borough, (c) Metropolitan district, and (d) unitary council, the (i) standard spending assessment and (ii) actual net expenditure, identifying the deviation as a percentage of (A) social services and (B) education for each year for which data are available since 1994–95. [138567]

The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies have been undertaken by his Department on the operation of the Rent Acts and the accessibility of private rental accommodation in London; and if he will make a statement. [139983]

My Department has not undertaken a study of the operation of the Rent Acts and the accessibility of private rental accommodation in London. We are well aware of the scarcity of decent affordable rented accommodation in London and will make a statement on housing policy and announce the outcome of our consultation exercise on the Housing Green Paper in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effects of the implementation of Home for a World City produced by the Mayor of London on the supply of low-cost rental accommodation by (a) registered social landlords, (b) local authorities and (c) private landlords. [139986]

My Department has made no such assessment. Officials are currently considering the report and its recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton) of 2 November 2000, Official Report, column 551W, if he will make a statement on progress in developing his Department's soil protection strategy. [138509]

As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Mrs. Brinton), we intend to publish for consultation a draft soil strategy soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is his most recent estimate of the annual value of the business rate foregone by the non-rating of agricultural premises. [140381]

Since agricultural premises and land have been exempt from rates since 1929 and are not valued for rating purposes, I have no reliable basis on which to make such an estimate.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what compulsory purchase orders he plans to issue in respect of land adjacent to Wembley Stadium so as to provide for a future Olympic bid based on Wembley. [139852]

The Secretary of State's compulsory purchase powers under section 228 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 would not be appropriate for this purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Mayor of London about the planning and transport issues associated with a future Olympic bid based (a) at Wembley Stadium and (b) other venues in London. [139827]

The Secretary of State has had no discussions with the Mayor of London about the planning and transport issues associated with a future Olympic bid based at Wembley Stadium or at other venues in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and (b) the Mayor of London about the planning, transport and infrastructure issues associated with the feasability studies into the suitability of Picketts Lock, Enfield, to host the World Athletics Championships in 2005. [139855]

The Secretary of State has had no discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport or the Mayor of London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his estimate is of the change in number of units of social housing for rent in each of the next five years in (a) Greater London and (b) England. [140113]

The Department does not produce forecasts of the number of social housing units.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what responsibilities are placed on rail operators to ensure disabled access to stations; and if he will make a statement. [140108]

Access to railway stations for disabled people is covered by Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Since October 1999, service providers have been required to take reasonable steps to change practices, policies or procedures which make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service. From 2004, service providers will have to take reasonable steps to remove, alter or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service.In addition, the Rail Regulator is currently revising his Code of Practice, "Meeting the needs of Disabled Passengers", which is aimed at helping protect the interests of disabled users of railway passenger services and station services.Railtrack are committed to ensuring that all stations are fully accessible to disabled people within 20 years to enable them to meet their DDA obligations. I understand they are currently developing and prioritising a detailed implementation programme in consultation with train operators, local disability organisations and local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Health and Safety Executive last visited Tilbury Town station; and when they next plan to visit it. [140107]

The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate (RI) last visited and inspected Tilbury Town station on 28 August 1997.There are no specific proposals to visit Tilbury Town station in the near future as it does not form part of the priority inspection programme. However, action would be taken, as necessary, if significant concerns arise.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what obligations are placed on rail operators to provide for the purchase of (a) tickets and (b) permits to travel by passengers at each station; and if he will make a statement. [140106]

All train operating companies (TOCs) are party to the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement, overseen by the Rail Regulator, which includes obligations covering the range of products that must be offered for sale and the hours during which ticket offices must be open.There is no requirement to provide a permit to travel machine at any given station. However, where a TOC operates a penalty fares scheme, the Rail Regulator requires the TOC to provide adequate ticket facilities at all stations included within the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many substandard houses there were in England in each year between 1980 and 2000. [140541]

The term substandard housing is a non-technical term which is open to a number of different interpretations. Therefore there is no national data source that collects data using the substandard definition.In England, the Fitness Standard (as amended by section 604 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989) operates, which deems whether a dwelling is fit for human habitation. The most rigorous national data source on whether dwellings in England meet the Fitness Standard is the English House Condition Survey (EHCS). The survey is currently carried out every five years; the most recent survey was carried out in 1996 and the next is scheduled for 2001. The survey shows that in 1996 around 1,522,000 dwellings (including occupied and unoccupied) were unfit, representing 7.5 per cent. of the stock. This compares to 1,498,000 dwellings (7.6 per cent.) of the stock in 1991. It is not appropriate to make simple comparisons with earlier surveys because of changes to the Fitness Standard through section 604.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlie his policy on the import of fur products sourced from farms and traps in other countries. [140203]

Under the EC Leghold Trap Regulation (EC 3254/91), the European Community allows the import of certain furs only from those countries that have taken steps to end the use of leghold traps, or those that have reached bilateral agreements with it on trapping. Countries exporting furs to the Community also have to comply with any requirements under the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the Government's ports policy. [140763]

A ports policy paper, "Modern Ports", has been published today and a copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House. It is the first comprehensive statement of policy for many years on a wide range of issues relating to the UK ports industry. Ports are vital to our economy and international trade. They have an important role in integrated transport policy. The Government seek to build on the many sound and well-established working relationships they already have with the industry. The paper identifies a number of specific initiatives we hope to pursue. A lot of Departments make regulatory demands on the industry and we will ensure that different regulators co-ordinate their overall demands. We will promote agreed national standards and good practice for port management and port operations alike. We will also promote training and the recognition of skills for those who work in the ports industry at all levels. The paper sets out a balanced policy on development which aims to makes the best use of existing and former operational land, secures high environmental standards, but supports sustainable projects for which there is a clear need.Some of the matters covered by the paper are devolved. I am pleased to say that "Modern Ports" represents a UK policy, agreed with the devolved Administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

To ask the Prime Minister what account he takes in making ministerial appointments of membership by the persons concerned of organisations whose purposes are contrary to the policies of the relevant Department. [136253]

Section 9 of the Ministerial Code provides guidance to Ministers on handling their private interests, including membership or association with non-public organisations.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will indicate in respect of the planning of joint military action by member states, what person, other than the Prime Minister, or his representative sitting in the European Council, will be responsible for committing military forces of the United Kingdom to armed action. [139058]

The European Council at Helsinki decided that all member states would be entitled to participate fully, and on an equal footing, in all decisions and deliberations of the Council and Council bodies on EU-led crisis management operations. The Council also decided that commitment of national assets by member states to such operations will be a sovereign decision. In the United Kingdom, the Government will continue to be answerable to Parliament for the deployment of British troops.

To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received from (a) the NATO Secretary-General and (b) the Chief of Defence Staff in respect of the formation of (i) a common EU foreign policy, (ii) a common EU defence policy and (iii) a common EU armed force. [140134]

It is established practice under section II, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, not to disclose such information.

To ask the Prime Minister on what date since 1 January he has had discussions with the Secretary-General of NATO. [140133]

I have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals. As with previous Administrations, it is not my practice to provide details of all such meetings.

To ask the Prime Minister how many communications he has received this year about the proposed future of Harefield Hospital, Middlesex. [139822]

Approximately 550 items of correspondence and two petitions about Harefield Hospital have been received by my Office since 1 January this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 17 April 2000, Official Report, column 322W, if he will make a statement about the selection of a venue for the London Institute of Sport Network Centre. [134287]

[holding answer 25 October 2000]: No final decision has yet been taken on the venue for the site. Discussions on this are continuing with the relevant parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what support he is giving to British downhill skiers in preparation for the next Winter Olympics. [138662]

The Sports Councils are committed to supporting winter sport athletes who are genuine medal prospects for the Winter Olympics. UK Sport's support for British downhill skiers in preparation for Salt Lake City 2002 is currently provided within its exchequer grant to the British Ski and Snowboarding Federation (BSSF). In the year August 1999 to July 2000, the BSSF received a grant of £186,000 of which £90,000 was apportioned to support the alpine downhill programme. UK Sport has also put Lottery funding aside which will enable it to respond quickly to the sudden emergence of a medal prospect in a summer or winter Olympic sport. This would be in the form of an enhanced package of Lottery support to individual athletes. Therefore, if a British downhill skier emerges and has realistic prospects of doing well in Salt Lake City, UK Sport would be able to respond at short notice to that opportunity.Sportscotland provides funds for downhill skiers through its Talented Athlete Lottery programme. Over £112,000 was committed from this programme in 1999–2000 while a further £80,837 has been awarded to date in this financial year. In addition, Sport England has committed a World Class Adviser to the BSSF to support them in developing a World Class Potential Plan for Skiing and Snowboarding. The Potential programme is designed to assist governing bodies with the development of talented young performers with the potential to win medals in major international competitions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding was given from the National Lottery for downhill skiing in each year since its creation. [138661]

National Lottery support for sport is provided through UK Sport and the four home country Sports Councils. Sportscotland and Sport England have made the following awards to British Skiers through their Talented Athlete and World Class Lottery programmes:

Year	£
1995–96	180,700
1996–97	423,545
1997–98	283,008
1998–99	87,617
1999–2000	112,034

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many invitations to sports tourism events have been received from the British Tourism Authority by the Minister for Sport; how many she has accepted; and how many events she has attended. [139437]

[holding answer 21 November 2000]: I attended the joint Ministerial launch of the British Tourism Authority's sports tourism strategy on 11 January 2000 along with my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting. I have received no other written invitations to a sports tourism event.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what request he has received for compensation for the damage caused to the Cabinet War Rooms and their contents. [140137]

I have received no such request. I am advised that any conservation work, required to restore the limited damage to fabric and objects at the Cabinet War Rooms, will be at no cost to public finances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) of 30 October 2000, Official Report, column 330W, when he will announce conclusions concerning his review of the statutory requirements for the provision of subtitling, signing and audio description services on digital terrestrial television; and if he will make a statement. [140383]

We are still considering the responses to the consultation paper issued as part of the review, and expect to announce our conclusions later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what conditions he has asked Sport England to attach to a new Lottery agreement with Wembley National Stadium Ltd.; [139885](2)if a new Lottery agreement between Sport England and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. will include provision for future major sporting events such as a Commonwealth or Olympic Games to be based in London. [139851]

The content of any revised or new lottery funding agreement between Sport England, the Football Association (FA) and Wembley National Stadium Ltd. (WNSL) is a matter for the parties and not the Government. However, in considering the terms of the application made by the FA and WNSL to vary the Wembley Lottery Funding Agreement, including the removal of the requirement to stage athletics, Sport England consulted interested parties including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. In replying, we have made clear our view that the new Wembley Stadium should be available on a cost-only basis for those Olympic events whose staging does not involve major infrastructure work to the stadium.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much subsidy has been paid to the wind power generating industry for electricity generated in each year since the introduction of the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation. [139924]

Payments from the Fossil Fuel Levy made to generators of electricity from renewable sources under contracts awarded under the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) represent the above-market cost of the electricity generated.Payments made to the wind power generating industry for each year since the introduction of the Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation (NFFO) are as follows:

Year	£million
1990–91	0.1
1991–92	0.4
1992–93	5.7
1993–94	24.4
1994–95	34.1
1995–96	28.5
1996–97	35.9
1997–98	36.8
1998–99	35.1
1999–2000	7.3

The amounts represent payments under NFFO arrangements for England and Wales and exclude payments under comparable arrangements in Scotland and Northern Ireland.The reason for the lower figure for 1999–2000 is that contracts under the 1990 and 1991 NFFO orders (NFFO1 and 2) terminated on 31 December 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 21 November 2000, Official Report, column 105W, what evidence there is concerning the relationship between fuel prices at the pumps and the recent fall in wholesale gasoline prices. [140357]

Fuel prices at the pumps are influenced, among other things, by wholesale gasoline prices. The relationship between the two depends on short and long-term competitive market forces in both the wholesale and retail markets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had recently with Ministers in other EU member states on the operation of support aid restrictions where companies are bidding for projects in less-developed countries. [140096]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had no recent discussions on these matters with Ministers in other EU member states.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many decisions by tribunals there have been in respect of breaches of the working time regulations (a) on holiday entitlements and (b) on maximum working hours. [140253]

(a) To date there have been 416 decisions at Employment Tribunals, in Great Britain, registering the Regulations as the primary grounds for complaint. ETS records do not distinguish between different entitlements under the Regulations, but it is believed that the majority relate to paid annual leave.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the value of goods from the United Kingdom exported to non-EU countries for onward export to third countries. [140010]

There are no estimates for the value of goods exported from the United Kingdom to non-EU countries for onward export to third countries.HM Customs and Excise are the Department responsible for collecting and recording statistics on the movement of goods with other countries. Trade with non-EU countries is recorded from customs declarations submitted at exportation. UK exports are produced on the basis of the declared final country of destination. Some trade in goods recorded as exports to non-EU destinations may subsequently be shipped to other destinations—for instance, as part of further commercial transactions. Information on such movements would not be available to the UK.The collection and provision of statistical information is kept under regular review.However, there are no immediate plans to collect information on goods exported from the United Kingdom to non-EU countries and subsequently re-exported to third countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the timelag of (a) increases and (b) decreases in prices following a change in crude oil barrel prices; and if he will make a statement. [140248]

There can be a delay of some four to six weeks before the impact of change of crude price is seen at the pumps. However, the length and magnitude of such an effect is dependent on competitive pressures within the supply chain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the relationship between oil company profits and changes in barrel prices; and if he will make a statement. [140249]

In general, oil companies which engage in the production and sale of crude oil will have greater net earnings as the price of oil rises. For each company, the impact of price changes will, however, depend on the profitability of their other businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that the reductions on fuel duty announced in the pre-Budget Statement will be passed on by oil companies to consumers; and if he will make a statement. [140250]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Bradley) on 21 November 2000, Official Report, column 105W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much Government funding was given for research and development in (a) nuclear energy, (b) wind power and (c) wave energy in each of the last 20 years. [140475]

The funding for nuclear research and development given by the Department of Trade and Industry (and by the Department of Energy prior to amalgamation) for each of the financial years since 1980–81 to 1999–2000 and the anticipated expenditure for 2000–01 is as follows:

£million cash outturn figures
1980–81	188
1981–82	206
1982–83	215
1983–84	204
1984–85	166
1985–86	169
1986–87	163
1987–88	148
1988–89	247
1989–90	163.8
1990–91	126.4
1991–92	93.6
1992–93	85.3
1993–94	76.9
1994–95	28.4
1995–96	21.7
1996–97	21.4
1997–98	17.6
1998–99	14.2
1999–2000	16.8
2000–01	16.5

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to provide export credit for the completion and upgrade of the Khmelnitsky Unit 2 and Rovno Unit 4 nuclear plants in the Ukraine. [140367]

The financing plan for this project envisages various sources of finance, including $348.3 million of export credits of which up to $28 million come from the UK. The Government are considering the provision of ECGD cover in support of possible UK exports to the project. A decision is likely to be announced by 7 December when the EBRD is expected to decide whether to provide finance for the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the UK companies that have sought export credit support for the completion and upgrade of the Khmelnitsky Unit 2 and Rovno Unit 4 nuclear plants in the Ukraine. [140365]

No UK companies have approached ECGD for export credit support for this project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the provision of UK export credit to the Ukraine. [140368]

Following the withdrawal of cover in 1998 because of a deterioration in Ukraine's risk outlook, ECGD backed export credits are not generally available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many complaints of interference to domestic apparatus caused by amateur radio stations there were in (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [140516]

The answer is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to help small firms prepare for new legislation proposals. [140783]

The Small Business Service has today issued guidance to all departments on implementation periods for new legislation. This sets out a general requirement, with some necessary exceptions, that guidance on new legislation likely to impact on business should be issued at least 12 weeks before the new legislation comes into force. This implements a recommendation by the Better Regulation Task Force and will give businesses, particularly small firms, time to prepare for the implementation of new legislation. The new procedures take effect from 1 January 2001. Copies of the guidance have been placed in the House Libraries and on the Small Business Service's website at www.businessadviceonline.org/content/ pdf/implementationguidlines.pdf.I believe the guidance, together with the Code of Practice on Written Consultations being published today by the Cabinet Office, is a real advance in giving business more time to feed in views and prepare for new legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's priorities are for assisting the development of political leadership in developing countries. [140112]

The selection of political leaders in developing countries belongs to the peoples of those countries. We provide support for the development of democratic institutions, including elections, parliaments, civil society and the media, in order to help develop systems which reflect the will of the people. We are playing a part in the development of democratic institutions in countries such as Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan and the Republics of the former Yugoslavia.

To ask the Solicitor-General 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. [137793]

The Law Officers' Departments, that is the Treasury Solicitor's Department, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office, are all committed to the policy that all eligible persons shall have equal opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their ability and qualifications, free from discrimination of all kinds, including that attaching to HIV carriers. Each Department has taken action to promote this message as part of their programmes to promote diversity and equal opportunity. The Crown Prosecution Service also gives specific guidance in its Personnel Manual for dealing with those carrying the HIV virus.

To ask the Solicitor-General for what reasons the trial of Mr. Mikhail Karacostas and his associates was not proceeded with. [138759]

At a pre-trial hearing in May 1999, new evidence emerged which showed that some of the evidence upon which the prosecution relied was suspect. In particular, it emerged for the first time that an informant had had a closer association with one of Mr. Karocostas's fellow defendants than had been previously realised. Further, it soon became apparent that this informant, together with a journalist, may have incited this defendant to take part in the alleged crimes with a view to entrapping him. In the light of these revelations, prosecuting Counsel advised the Crown Prosecution Service that it would be difficult for the prosecution to succeed as the credibility of the prosecution case had been severely damaged. The Crown Prosecution Service accepted this advice and the prosecution was discontinued.

To ask the Solicitor-General how long Mr. Mikhail Karacostas and his associates were held in detention in (a) Germany and (b) the United Kingdom before trial and consequent upon the United Kingdom's extradition request; and if he will make a statement. [138754]

Mikhail Karacostas and his associates, Christos Ieronymides, Pierre Daskas and Fotios Platanides, were held by the German authorities from 22 March 1998 until they were surrendered to the United Kingdom authorities on 28 August 1998. They were then remanded in custody awaiting trial. They were released on 27 May 1999 at the end of the trial.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the factors which led the United Kingdom to request the German authorities to extradite Mr. Mikhail Karacostas and his associates to the United Kingdom. [138758]

Mr. Karacostas and associates (Christos leronymides, Fotios Platanides and Pierre Daskas) were accused of being involved in serious criminal activities in the UK. If the Crown Prosecution Service is satisfied that there is a realistic prospect of conviction (acting in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors), and the accused is in a foreign state, extradition proceedings will be commenced in accordance with that foreign state. In the case of Germany, Mr. Karacostas's extradition was sought under the provisions of the European Convention on Extradition.At the time the request was submitted to the German authorities, the Crown Prosecution Service was satisfied that there was a realistic prospect of conviction against Mr. Karacostas and his associates, and accordingly a request for extradition was submitted through the appropriate channels in accordance with the Convention.

To ask the Solicitor-General (1) what criteria govern applications by the Metropolitan police for applications to the High Court for a voluntary bill of indictment; who authorises such applications; and if he will make a statement; [140117]

In the vast majority of cases, bills of indictment charging indictable offences are preferred following committal for trial, notice of transfers or where the person charged has been sent for trial under the new provisions in relation to indictable only offences. Exceptionally, bills are preferred by the direction of the Court of Criminal Appeal or by the practice directions or with the consent of a judge of the High Court. The latter are frequently referred to as voluntary bills.The procedure for obtaining a voluntary bill is set out in rules 7 to 11 of the Indictments (Procedure) Rules 1971. The Rules are exacting, in that the prosecuting authority applying for a voluntary bill must not only supply to the judge or the High Court the evidence which is to be relied on, but also the reasons why the application is being made.The Rules have been subject to various practice directions, the latest of which took effect on 2 August 1999. These directions state that the preferment of a voluntary bill is an exceptional procedure. Consent should only be granted where good reason to depart from the normal procedures is clearly shown and only where the interests of justice, rather than consideration of administrative convenience, require it.Until 1999, there was no express requirement for a prosecuting authority applying for consent to the preferment of a voluntary bill to give notice of the application to the prospective defendant or to give him copies of the relevant documents; nor was it expressly required that the prospective defendant have any opportunity to make a submission to the judge.On 29 July 1999, the Attorney-General issued guidance to prosecuting authorities to change existing practices in light of Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (which guarantees a fair hearing in the determination of any criminal charge). The guidance was issued with the approval of the Lord Chief Justice, and was incorporated into the new practice direction. It was agreed that the prosecution will give notice to the prospective defendant that an application for a grant of a voluntary bill will be made on a specific date. At the same time a copy of all the material that will form part of the application will be served on the prospective defendant. The notice will invite the prospective defendant to send any written submissions or an application for oral submissions to the prosecution within nine working days of notice being given by the prosecution. The prosecution may apply to the judge ex parte to dispense with the notice procedure where there are sufficient grounds for doing so.

To ask the Solicitor-General what action he plans to take on the British Medical Association's guidelines for the withholding and withdrawal of treatment. [134464]

I have been asked to reply.Ministers have not met representatives of the British Medical Association to discuss their guidelines on withholding and withdrawing life-prolonging medical treatment nor are there plans to do so. The aims of the document are to identify the range of clinical, ethical and legal factors which need to be considered in making decisions on withdrawing and withholding medical treatment and on potential procedures, including consulting the healthcare team and seeking a second opinion where appropriate.We have no plans to take any action on these guidelines nor urge the British Medical Association to amend them. A revised second edition was published in October 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was paid in overtime to members of the (a) RUC and (b) RUCR in each month of 2000 to the latest date for which figures are available. [138439]

The table shows the amount of overtime paid to Royal Ulster Constabulary and Royal Ulster Constabulary Full-Time Reserve Officers during this year to date. It refers to overtime actually worked from December 1999 to September 2000.

£000
Month	RUC	RUC FTR
January	3,624	1,468
February	2,762	955
March	2,152	541
April	2,509	751
May	1,922	518
June	2,819	942
July	2,482	745
August	6,740	2,308
September	3,300	975
October	2,626	742

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. [137188]

Due to insufficient demand, the Northern Ireland Office does not hold contracts with relocation companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 5 June 2000, Official Report, column 2W, on Special Advisers, if he will list the destination and the total cost, including travel, accommodation and subsistence allowance, on each occasion when departmental or non-departmental Special Advisers travelled abroad in an official capacity. [135251]

During the period 31 March 1999 to the end of March 2000, a Special Adviser in this Department travelled on official business on one occasion to New York, Washington and Boston over a period of two days and two nights. This took place prior to my appointment on 11 October 1999. The total cost of the trip including travel, accommodation and subsistence amounted to £3,251.22. The cost of this visit was accounted for in expenditure on Ministers' travel overseas published by the Prime Minister on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W, which for 1999–2000 was 00A3;4.6 million compared to £7.9 million for the last year of the previous Administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the unemployment rates were for (a) Roman Catholics and (b) Protestants in each of the last 20 years. [140471]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000, Official Report, columns 231–33W, how many persons from (a) Republican terrorist organisations and (b) Loyalist terrorist organisations have been charged as a consequence of RUC investigations into the (i) shootings, (ii) assaults and (iii) deaths listed. [136421]

The table shows the number of persons charged in relation to terrorist and serious public order offences during the period 1 January to 27 October 2000.

Security Situation Statistics persons charged for period 1 January 2000 to 27 October 2000
	Number of Loyalists charged	Number of Republicans charged
Murder	7	1
Attempted murder	9	1
Firearms	29	19
Explosives	3	8
Armed robbery	8	8
Other	131	47

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the total cost to date of support for the Chagos islanders in Mauritius since their transfer from their homes. [139979]

HMG has made available £4.65 million for the benefit of the Chagos islanders in Mauritius via the Government of Mauritius, £650,000 in 1973 and £4 million in 1982. In addition, various small welfare payments in kind, eg books, sports clothes, sewing machines, have been given regularly.We have no information about the support given by the Government of Mauritius.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost to date of defending legal action brought by the Chagos islanders will be; and what the total costs awarded against the Crown by the High Court are. [139970]

The total costs incurred to date by the Government in the recent judicial review proceedings amount to £143,800 plus VAT. The extent of the applicant's costs is so far unknown since these have yet to be assessed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [137782]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's equal opportunities policy states that no staff should have to face unfair discrimination on the ground of disability. Any members of staff who are HIV positive will be managed on a case-by-case basis according to their particular needs, taking the views of the FCO's medical and welfare advisers into account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the appointment by his Department of a Gender Diversity Officer. [139490]

The Department is delighted that Melanie Allison, former National Campaign Manager at Opportunity Now, has joined the Department on secondment from the Ministry of Defence as the Department's Gender Diversity Adviser. Using her expertise the Department is determined to ensure that all of its staff, male and female, are able to fulfil their potential and maximise their contribution to advancing British interests overseas. Ms Allison's appointment is one of many steps taken by the Department aimed at ensuring that it represents the best of modern Britain's diverse society.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the candidates for the US presidency since 7 November. [139493]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arms trade between Britain and Indonesia. [139402]

The expiry of the EU arms embargo last January has not opened the way to unrestricted arms sales to Indonesia. We continue to judge all cases against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. We will for example refuse any applications for defence equipment where we judge there to be a clear risk that the proposed export might be used for internal repression. For this reason we have refused a number of applications for Indonesia and we have consistently refused to license small arms and small arms ammunition for the security forces. We also refuse arms where there is a risk they may be diverted to undesirable end-users such as extremists in Maluku.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's efforts to improve human rights in Burma. [139426]

We are deeply concerned about, and take every opportunity to condemn, the Burmese regime's violations of human rights. In April this year we successfully persuaded EU partners to strengthen the EU Common Position on Burma by publishing the list of regime members subject to an EU travel ban, imposing a freeze on their funds held in the EU, and banning the supply of equipment that might be used for internal repression or terrorism. This constitutes the most important intensification of EU pressure on Burma since the Common Position's adoption in 1996 (it already contained a full arms embargo, bans on defence links, and non-humanitarian aid, and visa restrictions). Along with a wider range of countries than ever before, we are co-sponsoring this year's General Assembly resolution, which strongly condemns a whole catalogue of violations. We have also been active in the International Labour Organisation, which last week agreed to activate exceptional measures against the regime because of their failure to stop forced labour. We will continue to keep the pressure up on the regime until they change their policies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the references in official documents of the European Union relating to future conditions for official registration of political parties and their representation in, or candidatures for the European Parliament, including eligibility for funds or assistance in kind; and when proposals will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in the United Kingdom. [139946]

The Progress Report on the IGC (CONFER 4790/00 published on 3 November 2000) contains a proposed amendment to Article 191 of the EC Treaty for a legal base to allow the establishment of a statute to regulate European political parties, which were first recognised by the Maastricht Treaty.We support the principle of a statute to ensure the transparency of the funding of European political parties, and we hope that a suitable enabling clause can be agreed at the IGC. The IGC Progress Report is available in the Library. A draft statute would be deposited in Parliament for scrutiny in the normal way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for UK sanctions against Iraq of recent French commercial dealings with the Iraqi regime. [140144]

Sanctions against Iraq, imposed by the UN in response to its illegal invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990. will remain in place until Iraq fulfils its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions. Under the UN "oil for food" programme, $16 billion will be available this year for food, medicine and infrastructure contracts. European (including French and UK) companies are participating in this legal trade, which benefits the Iraqi people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made to bring those responsible for the death of Brigadier Saunders in Greece to justice. [139993]

A team of Metropolitan police officers is working closely with the Hellenic national police in Athens on the investigation into the murder of Brigadier Saunders. The Metropolitan police team are sharing UK technology and best practice with the Greek police, as well as their expertise in combating terrorism.We remain committed to bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with officers of the British Council concerning plans to close its provincial offices in Germany. [140007]

All the proposals contained in the British Council's new strategy were fully discussed with FCO officials and endorsed by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. The proposals for Germany were agreed on the basis that Germany would continue to have the largest grant-in-aid budget in Europe, that core programmes would be retained and that funds released through reducing infrastructure costs would be channelled into new programmes, for example to develop IT services to provide widespread access, especially for young professional people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government on the issue of reinforced co-operation in its application to defence. [138591]

The proposals for European defence contained in the reports to the Helsinki and Feira European Councils on strengthening the common European security and defence policy envisage that the Council should be able to decide to launch an operation by consensus, but that no member state should be obliged to participate in that operation. It is therefore possible that a decision to launch an operation would be implemented by less than all member states. This would represent a sui generis form of enhanced co-operation.The Government are satisfied that such proposals can be implemented without the need for amendment to the Treaty on European Union.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to implement commitments made at the Nonproliferation Review Conference; and if he will make a statement. [138880]

HMG are committed to translating the agreements reached at the NPT Review Conference in New York into concrete international progress. We continue to discuss these matters with the nuclear weapons states and others. The priority must be to get negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty under way in the Conference on Disarmament; for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to enter into force; and for the US and the Russian Federation to negotiate further deep cuts in their nuclear arsenals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Governments of India and Pakistan concerning their signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. [139988]

We continue to urge India and Pakistan to sign and ratify the CTBT in both bilateral contacts with the two countries and in multilateral fora such as UNGA.Officials from our High Commission on Islamabad recently discussed Pakistani signature with their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign Secretary raised the question of Indian signature of the Treaty with his Indian counterpart, Jaswant Singh, on 15 November. I also discussed the issue during my recent visit to India, primarily on 20 November with Brajesh Mishra (National Security Adviser and Private Secretary to the Prime Minister).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with the Government of Israel concerning its becoming a signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. [139978]

Israel signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) on 25 September 1996. We continue to raise the issue of Israel's ratification of its signature in both bilateral contacts with Israel, most recently on 6 September in discussions between officials, and in multilateral fora.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what income has been received for each year since 1970 from the United States for their use of Diego Garcia as a military base. [139981]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) on 28 July 2000, Official Report, columns 1076–77W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received on United Kingdom participation in Plan Colombia; and if he will make a statement. [139974]

We have received many representations from members of the public, Members of Parliament and others about Plan Colombia. The UK is playing a leading role through regular contact with the Colombian Government, our EU partners, the US and others, including NGO representatives, in support of the Colombian peace process.On 19 June we hosted an international meeting in London to help prepare the ground for a successful conference on Colombia in Madrid on 7 July. NGO representatives participated in both meetings. NGO and civil society organisations also made a valuable contribution to subsequent meetings in Costa Rica, on 17 October, and in Bogota on 24 October. The European Commission has announced support for the peace process worth 105 million euro over the period 2000–06, with the emphasis on support for human rights and the development of alternative crop strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what briefing his Department has provided since 1997 to newspaper editors on matters relating to (a) police corruption, (b) terrorist activities, (c) arms trafficking and (d) Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [138790]

Press officers for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office give oral briefings to journalists every day in response to inquiries on all matters relating to foreign affairs. In addition, they provide collective oral briefings for journalists on a regular basis on issues of topical interest.No central record is kept of briefings for journalists.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning camps in Eritrea in which Ethiopian nationals are held. [140376]

According to information we have received, ICRC have regular access to around 1,500 to 1,700 Ethiopian POWs in Eritrea. In addition, they have visited around 4,000 Ethiopian civilian internees being held in two camps in Eritrea, and are trying to identify how many more Ethiopians are being detained.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which occasions (a) Mr. Peter Penfold and (b) other Foreign Office officials met Mr. Mikhail Karacostas during Mr. Penfold's period as UK High Commissioner: Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [138755]

We are not aware of any meetings between either Mr. Penfold or other FCO officials and Mr. Karacostas during this period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Sir Thomas Legg was informed of the investigations into Mr. Mikhail Karacostas' involvement in West Africa when he conducted his inquiry into the Sandline affair; and if he will make a statement. [138753]

Mr. Karacostas was the subject of a police investigation, involving a number of individuals and countries. He was arrested in March 1998 as a consequence of this investigation. The case came to court in the UK in May 1999. These matters did not form part of Sir Thomas Legg's investigation, which reported on 24 July 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what duties Mr. Peter Penfold was assigned after leaving his post as UK High Commissioner, Sierra Leone; when he was assigned the new duties; and if he will make a statement. [138789]

Peter Penfold completed his posting as High Commissioner in Freetown earlier this year and will shortly begin a secondment to the Department for International Development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates discussions on West Africa were held with the Greek Government following the overthrow of President Kabbah of Sierra Leone, indicating the discussions which related to equipping ECOMOG; and if he will make a statement. [138757]

Many discussions on the general issue of Sierra Leone took place in EU and UN fora. These involved the Greek Government, among others. The question of practical support for ECOMOG's efforts in Sierra Leone was one of the issues which arose.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the right hon. Member for North-West Cambridgeshire will receive a reply to his letter of 16 August on behalf of his constituent Mrs. Sturman. [135785]

I have been asked to reply.A reply to the right hon. Member's letter was sent on 30 October.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to publish his response to the committee set up to examine the costs of meat inspections in abattoirs. [135046]

The Government have given careful consideration to the recommendations of the Maclean Report and have noted the widespread support given to them by industry interests. The Government's broad intentions in respect of the recommendations will be announced shortly in the Rural White Paper.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the inspection regime for salmon farms. [136563]

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: As at 2 November there were 17 registered salmon farms in England; 16 freshwater sites and one marine site. When operating, they all produce salmon smolts for on-growing in sea cages in Scotland. Each farm is inspected at least annually by the Fish Health Inspectorate and their discharges are, as with all other fish farms, regulated by the Environment Agency.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representation he has received regarding compensation for farmers for time spent testing animals for TB for the purposes of protecting human health; and if he will make a statement. [137560]

The Government are aware of the burden that regular testing of cattle herds for TB imposes on farmers. Under the 2000 Spending Review, extra money has been allocated for increased TB testing and compensation payments to farmers for the market value of cattle slaughtered as TB reactors or contacts. There are no plans to extend compensation to other losses at this stage.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of current levels of testing for TB in respect of (a) badgers and (b) bovines. [137562]

There is no reliable test for bovine TB in live badgers. Badger carcases collected in the badger culling trial and from the survey announced on 6 November 2000, Official Report, column 48W are being tested for bovine TB at post mortem.Cattle herds are tested for bovine TB at one, two, three or four yearly intervals as required by EU legislation, and additionally at the discretion of Divisional Veterinary Managers of the State Veterinary Service. The Government keep TB testing levels under constant review.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect upon livestock feeding stuff costs of the proposed new EU sugar regime. [137591]

As they stand, the current proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime will not have a significant effect on livestock feeding stuff costs.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the impact on the UK sugar beet industry of European Commission proposals for the new sugar regime; and if he will make a statement; [138906](2) what assessment he has made of the impact on the UK sugar beet industry of the European Commission proposals for

[holding answer 17 November 2000]: The proposals for reform of the EU regime, which would come into effect on 1 July 2001, will impact on the UK sugar beet industry by permanently reducing the UK quota, by removing the aid for storing sugar and the levy on industry which finances it, by removing the requirement to keep minimum stocks, and by requiring the Government to adopt measures to promote environmentally friendly fanning.The proposal for duty free access for goods from Least Developed Countries (the Everything but Arms initiative) could lead to significant imports of sugar from these countries once the EU tariff has been significantly reduced. This could precipitate further quota cuts or the opening of intervention, which could affect all member states including the UK.The Government are concerned that the Commission's proposals on reform do not take account of the impact which the LDC access proposal might have on the sugar regime. We are pressing for the implications to be fully considered before a decision is taken on reform.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to increase the subsidy provided to supply milk to schools; and if he will make a statement. [137622]

I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stafford (Mr. Kidney) on 16 November 2000, Official Report, column 1056.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish his response to proposals put forward by the agriculture industry as an alternative to a pesticides tax. [137578]

The agriculture industry has made a valuable contribution to the development of a voluntary package of measures to reduce the environmental impact of pesticides use. My right hon. Friend the Minister and I welcome this initiative and look forward to working with the industry and other stakeholders in developing constructive measures which meet our environmental objectives.Taxation is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who set out the current position in relation to a pesticides tax in the pre-Budget report on 8 November 2000.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much his Department spent on drainage of agricultural land in each year from 1970 to the most recent year for which figures are available. [138091]

[holding answer 13 November 2000]: Grants for drainage works on undrained land were discontinued in the late 1980's. Grants for replacement or renewal of existing field underdrainage systems were available until the end of 1994. The precise information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.