To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will reconsider his decision not to allow representatives of the 1 Battalion of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment to take part in the 50_th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Imjin, planned to take place next April in Korea. [142077]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs as classroom assistants have been created to date under the new deal in Wales. [141691]

Information on the destination of new deal participants is not collected at this level of detail.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what documentation has been prepared by his Department for the TRIPS Council to demonstrate compliance of the United Kingdom intellectual property law with the TRIPS Agreement; what response his Department has received from the TRIPS Council and other bodies to which such documentation was addressed; and if he will place copies of such documentation and responses in the Library. [1420831

As required by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, the United Kingdom notified its main dedicated intellectual property laws and regulations to the WTO. These were published by the WTO during 1996 in documents with the references IP/N/1GBR/1, IP/N/l/GBR/C/1, IP/N/1/GBR/C/2, IP/N/1/GBR/T/1, IP/N/1/GBR/T/2, IP/N/l/GBR/G/1, IP/N/l/GBR/G/2, IP/N/l/GBR/D/1, IP/N/1/GBR/D/2, IP/N/1/GBR/P/1, IP/N/ 1 /GBR/P/2, IP/N/1 /GBR/P/3, IP/N/l/GBR/L/1, IP/N/l/GBR/U/1, IP/N/2/GBR/1 and IP/N/6/GBR/1.The United Kingdom participated in reviews of developed country WTO Members' TRIPS implementing legislation carried out by the TRIPS Council throughout 1996 and 1997. Records of introductory statement made by the United Kingdom delegation, questions put to the United Kingdom delegation and the responses given were published by the WTO in four documents with references IP/Q/GBR/1, IP/Q2/GBR/1, IP/Q3/GBR/1 and IP/Q4/GBR/1.All of these documents are available to the public on the WTO website, www.wto.org.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish the Employment Agency regulations. [141693]

I intend to publish final proposals shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total electricity bill of his Department for each of the last four years. [141386]

The total electricity bills for this Department for the last four years are given as follows:

Year	£
1996–97	1,902,288
1997–98	1,958,842
1998–99	1,591,965
1999–2000	1,828,952

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government will submit evidence on the national minimum wage to the Low Pay Commission; and if the evidence will be published. [142492]

The Government have submitted their evidence to the Low Pay Commission today. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. It is also available on the DTI website www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list each new publication issued by her Department since 1997; and what the total cost was to the Department of each publication. [141461]

The majority of the Department for International Development's publications are listed in the Department's Publications Catalogue, which is updated on a six-monthly basis and is available in the Library of the House. It would be disproportionately expensive to list the total cost to the Department of each individual publication produced since 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's spending on official publications was for (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01; and what the planned expenditure is for 2001–02. [141451]

Expenditure on official publications in the relevant financial years was as follows:

	£000
1996–97	375
1997–98	382
1998–99	537
1999–2000	658
2000–01	501

Figures for 2000–01 include expenditure up to the beginning of December. Planned expenditure levels for future years have not yet been finalised.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she plans to publish the Government's new White Paper on Globalisation and Development; and if she will make a statement. [142476]

The White Paper has been published today. It is entitled "Eliminating World Poverty: Making Globalisation work for the Poor".This White Paper stands alongside our first White Paper published in 1997. It reaffirms our commitment to the elimination of poverty and the achievement of the International Development Targets.We are living at a time of profound historical change. One in five of the world's population—two thirds of them women—live in abject poverty, at a time of growing material plenty. If the poorest countries can be drawn into the global economy, and get increasing access to modern knowledge and technology, we could move forward to a period of massive progress and the removal of abject poverty from the human condition. But if this is not done, we will see growing poverty, marginalisation, conflict and environmental degradation.We need to work collectively to tackle the problems of conflict and corruption, boost investment in education and health, spread the benefits of technology and research, strengthen the international financial system, reduce barriers to trade, tackle environmental problems and make development assistance more effective.This White Paper sets out the Government's policies in these areas. It reflects our commitment to work across all parts of Government in order to work with other governments and international institutions to significantly reduce poverty. It provides an agenda for managing globalisation in a way that will help to ensure that the new wealth, technology and knowledge being generated brings benefits to the world's poor.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each of the last five years the target month for completing the flu vaccination programme and the target take-up rates to be achieved by that time together with the rates actually achieved. [141539]

No target month is set for the completion of influenza immunisations and therefore no target take-up rates were set. This year, for the first time, we have set a target of 60 per cent. uptake in those aged 65 years and over.The most current data on influenza immunisation uptake rates can be found in "Health Trends" volume 30, number 2, 1998, copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will provide further guidance on the new Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service; and if he will make a statement. [141528]

Details surrounding the arrangements for proposals to introduce a patient advocacy and liaison service are outlined in chapter 10 of the National Health Service Plan. We held a series of national stakeholder seminars to develop the detail of the policy based on the best practice from community health councils and others. We will disseminate the results at a national event early in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many organs, by type, have been retained by hospitals in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [141526]

The Chief Medical Officer has conducted an investigation into organ retention in the National Health Service which includes a census of all organs in England. An analysis is being carried out and the results will be available in due course. Health services in Wales are the responsibility of the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will provide further guidance on local authority scrutiny of the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [141527]

Guidance on the scrutiny of the National Health Service by local authority overview and scrutiny committees will be issued following the passage of forthcoming legislation.The legislation in this context is an amendment to the Local Government Act 2000; accordingly guidance will be issued to local authorities by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Concurrently, the Department will issue guidance to the NHS on its roles and responsibilities in relation to the new scrutiny arrangements.The NHS will have a duty to provide information to local authority overview and scrutiny committees which will make reports and recommendations to health bodies based on the review of that information.Chief executives will be required to attend scrutiny committee meetings to answer questions on the operation of the health services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department will provide further details on the proposed citizens' councils; and if he will make a statement. [141530]

The Citizens Council for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence was announced in the NHS Plan. We will be evaluating different models with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence in spring 2001, and will make an announcement later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will allow access to confidential hepatitis C testing in the NHS without the necessity for those wishing to be tested having to volunteer to be a blood donor. [142246]

Hepatitis C testing is available in the National Health Service other than through blood donation. Those who have been at risk of exposure to hepatitis C and who seek testing in the National Health Service should be offered well-informed advice and made aware of the implications of a positive test. Those who test positive will be referred to a specialist for confirmatory testing, further assessment and treatment, if appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were awaiting discharge from acute hospitals in Worcestershire at the end of (a) October, (b) September, (c) August, (d) July and (e) June. [141405]

The information is not available in the format requested.A one-day census undertaken by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust found that of the 808 patients in trust hospitals on 14 June, 88 patients were awaiting discharge. On 5 November the figure was 80.

To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission what representations he has received on the adequacy of resources available to the NAO for investigating not-for-profit companies which have been set up at arms length from Central or Local Government to deliver services to the public and which depend in part or in whole on public finance. [141907]

The Public Accounts Commission last met on 18 July to consider and approve the National Audit Office's Corporate Plan for 2001–02 and beyond. This covered a bid for resources for the Office to undertake its financial audit and value for money duties. These resources include a small provision for the investigation of not-for-profit companies where the C&AG has secured access to—but not the audit of—records on a case by case basis. However, under existing companies legislation the C&AG is not permitted to undertake the financial audit of limited companies, nor does he have statutory access rights to limited companies. The Commission have advocated in their submission to the Sharman Review of Central Government audit that the C&AG should have full rights of audit and access to such companies.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what measures are being taken by the Church of England to tackle shortages in recruitment of clergy. [141908]

I understand from the Archbishops' Council, whose responsibility these matters are, that although the total number of stipendiary clergy in the Church of England is projected to decline on present trends, the number of new people coming forward for ordination training has risen over the last five years. It is equally encouraging that the number of non-stipendiary priests and Readers continues to grow.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what recent representations he has received on reducing the rate of VAT on church repairs; and if he will make a statement. [141909]

I was very encouraged, as indeed was the Church of England in general, by the announcement on 8 November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of Exchequer that the Government wish to seek a reduction in the rate of VAT levied on repairs to listed buildings that are places of worship. I understand that a letter has already been sent to the European Commission on the scope for such a reduction. Any reductions in VAT realised in this area would directly benefit thousands of parishes who currently bear a very heavy and ongoing VAT burden in respect of the necessary repair of their churches.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations he has received regarding the ethical investment policy of the Church of England. [141910]

The Church Commissioners are advised by the Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory Group, who constantly monitor representations on these areas and who review, co-ordinate and communicate policy on ethical investment issues on behalf of the three main investment bodies of the Church.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the value of the assets of the Church Commissioners in the financial years (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [141911]

The Commissioners' financial year ends on 31 December and their end year asset value is stated in their annual report, a copy of which will have been sent to the hon. Member. The total market value of their assets at the end of each year from 1997 to 1999 was:

	£ billion
1997	3.5
1998	3.7
1999	4.4

For the three year period 1997 to 1999, the total return on the Commissioners' assets averaged 19.7 per cent. p.a. against the WM All Funds average of 17.3 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the findings of current scientific evidence on the contributions to global warming of (a) the greenhouse effect, (b) sun spots and (c) other cyclical influences on climate. [141521]

Recent scientific results from the Hadley Centre have shown that the observed temperature rise over the last 50 years is most likely to have been caused by greenhouse gasses emitted through human activities. There is some evidence of solar effects causing warming in the early part of the century but these are now secondary to the effects of greenhouse gasses. Cyclical influences due to the earth's orbit are important on time scales of thousands of years but currently have a negligible influence on global warming.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the total electricity bill of his Department was for each of the last four years. [141384]

Total electricity costs were as follows:

	£
1996–97	3,191,532
1997–98	3,137,493
1998–99	3,284,279
1999–2000	2,851,554

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to publish a concordat with the Department of Regional Development in Northern Ireland. [142394]

I am pleased to say that we have now reached agreement with Gregory Campbell MLA, the Northern Ireland Minister for Regional Development, on the terms of a concordat between us. This is being published today and copies will be placed in the House Library. The concordat is also being made available on the Department's website.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to announce final details of the Starter Homes Initiative. [141402]

We set out for consultation our proposals for the Starter Home Initiative for consultation in our Housing Green Paper, published in April. In July we announced that we would provide £250 million of extra funding for the initiative. Further details, including invitations to organisations to bid for funding, will be announced soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress there has been on the Small Area Health Statistic Unit study, on health effects around landfill sites. [142395]

On the advice of the Director of the Small Area Health Statistic Unit (SAHSU), in the light of problems with the scale and interpretation of data, a revised protocol (study design) has been agreed. A summary of the revised protocol will shortly be available on the DOH website www.doh.gov.uk/envchemh.htm. As a result of this we are now expecting the report from SAHSU by summer 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he is taking to ensure that greater priority is given in the repair of track to the restoration of full normal line speeds for the services operated by Connex South Eastern. [141340]

The industry is working hard to achieve a steady improvement in rail services across all parts of the country. Rai1track expect that nationally train services will be largely back to normal by the end of January. The Rail Recovery Action Group, chaired by the Minister for Transport, has been formed to help to get services back to normal as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what additional guidance he will offer to local authorities to ensure that the concerns of local residents over planning applications for mobile telephone masts can be more fully represented;[141712](2) following the recommendation that the precautionary principle should be exercised with regard to the siting of mobile telecommunication masts, what additional protection the Government plan to offer local authorities and their communities to avert the need for court action. [141713]

The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (chaired by Sir William Stewart) published its report on mobile phones and health on 11 May 2000. The Group recommended a precautionary approach, comprising a series of specific measures, to the use of mobile phone technologies until we have more detailed and scientifically robust information on any health effects. In their response, the Government accept the recommended precautionary approach advised by the Stewart report. Our acceptance of a precautionary approach is limited to the specific recommendations in the Group's report and the Government's response to them.My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning wrote to all hon. Members for constituencies in England on 29 June 2000, to set out what we were doing to take forward the land-use planning recommendations in the Stewart report, and to reiterate how local planning authorities should treat applications for mobile phone development in the meantime. A similar letter was sent to all Council Leaders in England, copied to all Chief Planning Officers.On 31 July 2000, we issued a consultation paper to seek views on possible changes to the planning arrangements for telecommunications development. In particular, the consultation paper sought views on how to improve public consultation in the planning process. The consultation paper included a draft revised planning policy guidance note (PPG8—Telecommunications). The consultation period ended on 31 October. The Department is currently analysing the responses. We shall announce our conclusions as soon as practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish his air transport consultation document. [142396]

Tomorrow my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Transport will be launching a national consultation document on air transport, entitled "The Future of Aviation". This is the first major step towards a new White Paper on air transport. The consultation document invites views on a wide range of aviation and airports issues that underpin air transport policy. In particular, it will examine consumer issues; the best use of airspace and airport capacity; environmental questions; and planning for airport development. The closing date for responses is 12 April 2001. Copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House. Two supporting studies will also be issued alongside the consultation document: part 1 of a UK Air Freight Study and a study into the Potential Impact of Changes in Technology on the Development of Air Transport in the UK. Copies of these studies will also be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many owners of houses in multiple occupation have been prosecuted for permitting use of substandard accommodation in each of the last 20 years. [141686]

Information is not collected from local authorities, in either England or Wales, on the number of owners of houses in multiple occupation who have been prosecuted for permitting use of substandard accommodation and this, therefore, is not centrally available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of and how many houses in multiple occupation did not have adequate fire escapes in (a) England in 1980 to 2000 and (b) Wales in 1980 to 1998. [141683]

This information is not available centrally in England. However, in 1996, it was estimated that 27,500 traditional HMOs (bedsits) and purpose-built HMOs in England were unfit under section 352 of the Housing Act 1985 due to inadequate "means of escape". This was approximately 30 per cent. of the total number of these dwellings. There is no centrally available information for Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people lived in houses in multiple occupation in each of the last 20 years. [141685]

This information is not available in the form requested. Estimates of the number of people living in HMOs in 1991 and 1996 in England are provided in the table. There are no reliable sources of information for intervening years or prior to 1991. Comparable figures for residents living in hostels and bed and breakfast accommodation are not available.

	Number of people1
19962	1,592,000
19913	2,159,000
1 Figures include people living in converted flats, purpose-built HMO and traditional HMO (bedsits)
2 Figures from the English House Condition Survey 1996
3 Figures from the English House Condition Survey 1991

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of and how many houses in multiple occupation were judged to be substandard in each of the last 20 years. [141684]

This information is not available in the form requested. Comparable information on the standard of some houses in multiple occupation in England is available for 1991 and 1996 in the English House Condition Survey. However, this covers only standards relating to use as a dwelling generally rather than standards for multiple occupancy. There are no reliable sources of information for intervening years or prior to 1991. Information on the condition of hostels and bed and breakfast type accommodation is not centrally available.

	Substandard under section 604 only
1996
Number	148,000
Percentage	16
1991
Number	182,000
Percentage	14

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the revisions to the Motor Vehicle (Driving Licence) Regulations 1999 will be implemented. [141392]

The revised Regulations were laid on 7 December 2000 and will come into force on 1 January 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list meetings he has had with the Mayor and Greater London Assembly about the introduction of congestion charging in Greater London. [141483]

Neither my right hon. Friend nor I have had any meetings with the Mayor or the Assembly specifically about the introduction of congestion charging in Greater London. I have regular meetings with the Mayor at which we cover topics of mutual interest. We have touched on congestion charging in this context.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what meetings he has recently had with Transport for London concerning the London Underground. [141484]

I and other Ministers have frequent meetings with representatives of Transport for London on a variety of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he has completed a preliminary assessment of the economic appraisal of the proposed extensions to the Midland Metro. [142494]

In accordance with the policy set out in my Department's Guidance on Local Transport Plans, West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority sought a provisional view on the economic appraisal for two proposed extensions to the Midland Metro, prior to seeking the necessary powers under the Transport and Works Act (TWA). The extensions are between Wednesbury and Brierley Hill and to Birmingham city centre. We have now completed a provisional assessment of the appraisal. I am satisfied that on the basis of the available information the current proposals pass our economic appraisal tests for deciding eligibility for funding.This provisional view is given solely in respect of the economic appraisal, and does not in any way indicate any view that I may take on any subsequent TWA application. Any such application would be determined entirely on its merits in the light of all the relevant considerations, and only after all interested persons had been given a full opportunity to state their views.Should TWA powers be obtained, final approval of the project for funding would depend both on whether an updated economic appraisal, reflecting any changes to the scheme as a result of the TWA process or any other developments, demonstrates that the project still represents good value for money and on conclusion of a satisfactory agreement on funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what circumstances QMV applies to the Common Foreign and Security Policy, specifying the treaty base; from which treaty the power was derived; on what decisions it has been used; and in respect of which matters. [141431]

Article 23 of the Treaty on European Union states that

the Council shall act by qualified majority—when adopting joint actions, common positions or taking any other decision on the basis of a common strategy;—when adopting any decision implementing a joint action or a common position.

These provisions formed part of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The Maastricht Treaty had stated (Article J.3(2))

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Lord Levy's visit to Latin America was made on behalf of the Prime Minister as his personal envoy. [142076]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list (a) the visits made by Lord Levy as a member of Panel 2000 and (b) the objectives and outcomes of these visits since 1 April 1998; and if he will make a statement. [142071]

Lord Levy's work for Panel 2000 has not included any visits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the value is of the expenses that Lord Levy has claimed from Panel 2000 since 1 April 1998. [142070]

Membership of Panel 2000 is unpaid. Lord Levy has claimed no expenses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many appeals against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the UK have (a) been lodged at posts abroad and (b) been received by the Immigration Appellate Authority since (i) 2 October, (ii) 1 November and (iii) 1 December. [142087]

Our latest information from the 100 largest entry clearance posts, which submit monthly statistical data, is that 18 family visit appeals had been lodged by the end of October. The Immigration Appellate Authority, which covers all 164 entry clearance posts, has received appeals as follows:

	Number
2 October to 31 October	1
1 November to 30 November	57
1 December to 8 December	23

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many refusals of a family visit visa application have been overturned by entry clearance managers after submission of an appeal since 2 October. [142089]

According to the statistics received so far, two refusals (Islamabad and Lagos) have been overturned by entry clearance managers after submission of an appeal since 2 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he has received from his Yugoslav counterpart that the new administration in Belgrade will co-operate with the International War Crimes Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. [141396]

The Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are in no doubt about their international obligation to co-operate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Contacts between ICTY and the Government in Belgrade are ongoing. In particular, the FRY Government have now agreed to the re-opening of the ICTY Liaison office in Belgrade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the security situation in Presevo Valley. [141399]

The activities of armed ethnic Albanian extremists in the Presevo Valley area of southern Serbia continue to be a matter of concern to the international community, as well as to the Serbian and Yugoslav authorities. We welcome the constructive dialogue between the Yugoslav authorities and KFOR/NATO on this issue, and are pleased that this has helped to lower tensions. A lasting resolution to the current situation can only be found through dialogue involving the local communities, not through confrontation or violence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the results of the Bosnia-Herzegovina general elections. [141398]

Bosnia and Herzegovina held general elections under OSCE supervision on 11 November. Voters chose between 44 political parties and 6,000 candidates for six levels of Government. The OSCE released final verified results on 27 November. In the State-level Parliamentary Assembly and the Federation House of Representatives, moderate parties won a slim majority of seats. In Republika Srpska, candidates for the nationalist Serbian Democratic Party (SDS) won the Presidency and the Vice-presidency and emerged as the largest single party in the Republika Srpska National Assembly, with 31 of the 82 seats.Although it will take several months for coalition Governments to emerge in the Federation, Republika Srpska or in the State-level Parliamentary Assembly, both the war-time nationalist and moderate parties are claiming victory. Nationalists point to the increased SDS vote and the relative success of the HDZ and the SDA. In fact, the results confirmed the progressive trend (seen in every election since Dayton) way from the nationalist parties. Thus for the first time since Dayton, the nationalist parties failed to secure a majority at either Entity or State level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to his Yugoslav counterpart on securing the release of the Kosovo Albanian prisoners detained in Serbia. [141397]

We have repeatedly made clear the importance we attach to the rapid resolution of this issue. In a statement on 1 November, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary welcomed the release of Dr. Flora Brovina, who had been illegally detained by the Milosevic regime, and urged President Kostunica to release the other Kosovo Albanian prisoners detained in similar circumstances. We have re-emphasised this point in discussions through our Embassy in Belgrade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the Yugoslav Government's demands that the Kumanavo agreement be renegotiated; and if he will make a statement. [141400]

President Kostunica confirmed publicly on 3 December that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia will respect both the Kumanavo Military Technical Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1244. We welcome the ongoing dialogue between KFOR/NATO and Yugoslav authorities on developments in the Presevo valley. A lasting solution in this area can be found only through dialogue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the WEU and the EU have agreed on how they are to co-operate during the transitional period until the EU's crisis-management structures become fully operational. [141336]

Under the authority of WEU Secretary-General/CFSP High Representative, Javier Solana, there is close co-ordination between the WEU and the EU on the transfer of certain functions from the WEU to the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements the EU has made for non-EU NATO members to contribute to EU decisions on defence crisis management. [141332]

The Nice European Council agreed extensive arrangements to involve non-EU European members of NATO in EU military crisis management. Those countries have the right to take part in any EU-led operation involving NATO assets and capabilities. Nice also made initial proposals regarding the involvement of Canada in ESDP.In any operation in which not-member states take part they will have the same rights and obligations in the day-to-day conduct of that operation as participating member states.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the rights of non-EU European NATO members and other accession candidates (a) within the new ESDP structures and (b) their status in WEU as associate members and associate partners. [141338]

The Nice European Council took decisions on arrangements for the involvement in ESDP of non-EU European members of NATO and other accession candidates. These provide for the fullest possible association of such countries in EU-led military operations in times of crisis. These countries' status as WEU associate members and associate partners is unaffected by developments in the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what progress has been made in settling means of parliamentary scrutiny over the CESDP; and if he will make a statement;[141334](2) what assessment he has made of the proposals by the European Parliament to offer representatives of national Parliaments a limited opportunity for involvement in parliamentary scrutiny over CESDP. [141335]

Decisions on the deployment of United Kingdom forces on EU-led military crisis management operations are decisions for the Government of the United Kingdom. They will be taken by the Prime Minister, in the same way that decisions to deploy United Kingdom forces on the operations of any international organisation, including NATO or the United Nations, are taken. The Government will be accountable to Parliament for those decisions.European Union documents relating to common European security and defence policy will come within the scope of procedures for parliamentary scrutiny of all EU common foreign and security policy decisions.The European Parliament will continue to exercise scrutiny over all aspects of common foreign and security policy in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the basis and structure of consultation between the EU and non-EU NATO countries will be established. [141337]

The Nice European Council agreed arrangements for consultation with non-EU European NATO countries and made initial proposals regarding consultation with Canada.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress made in developing permanent consultation bodies for co-operation between the EU and NATO. [141333]

The Nice European Council made proposals for permanent arrangements to provide for co-operation, consultation and transparency between the EU and NATO. This followed detailed discussion in EU/NATO working groups over the last few months. We want to see EU/NATO permanent arrangements finalised as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the impact of the ESDP on NATO's primary rights to first resort for (a) collective defence and (b) crisis management. [141331]

NATO remains the foundation of the collective defence of its members and retains an important role in crisis management. The EU will act in military crisis management only where NATO as a whole is not engaged. This was agreed by EU Heads of State and Government at the European Council in Helsinki in December 1999. Nothing in the evolution of ESDP has changed that position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on how NATO members are to be consulted on when and where the EU may act in an emergency crisis. [141339]

The Nice European Council endorsed proposals to provide full consultation, co-operation and transparency between the EU and NATO. These EU proposals are now for negotiation with NATO.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial contribution his Department makes to the landmine clearance programme in Croatia. [141348]

I have been asked to reply.My Department has contributed £250,000 this year, through the United Nations Mine Action Service, for the landmine clearance programme in Croatia.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to High Court judges on circuit, (a) what are the duties of the marshal, (b) who appoints the marshal, (c) who pays the wages and fees of the marshal, (d) what was the total cost of the marshal service to public funds for each of the last three years, (e) what uniform, dress code or badge of office distinguishes the marshal, (f) how many marshals there are and (g) what are the qualifications and experience required to be a marshal; and if he will make a statement. [141351]

(a) A marshal is expected to take an active interest in the trial, make notes and be prepared to enter into discussion with the judge on legal matters; (b) the marshal is invited by the High Court judge to accompany him/her to small official functions; (c) the marshal is not paid any wages or fees, other than an allowance of £2.10 per day which is paid by the Court Service and any travel or laundry costs are borne by the marshal; (d) since April 2000, there have been nine marshals used, for a total of 86 days at a total cost of £180.60; (e) working dress is decided between the marshal and the judge; (f) the number of marshals on any circuit does not usually exceed two; and (g) marshals are normally law students or newly qualified lawyers, who accept the position as useful work experience.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in relation to High Court judges' marshals, when on circuit, (a) what is the selection or appointment procedure followed in choosing a marshal, (b) what training is given to ensure the marshal is appointed in accordance with equal opportunities legislation and (c) for each of the last two years, how many marshals (i) were men, (ii) were women and (iii) were from ethnic minority backgrounds; and if he will make a statement. [141352]

There are no appointment procedures. Marshals are invited by the High Court judge concerned to accompany him/her while on circuit to gain work experience. The statistics requested are not kept centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the value of judges' lodgings and associated expenditure as a benefit in kind for income tax purposes. [141350]

None. On the Department's present understanding, tax liability is not considered to arise from the existing arrangements for the provision of such accommodation to High Court judges and associated expenditure.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in respect of the Crown courts situated at (a) St. Albans, (b) Reading,(c) Chelmsford, (d) Colchester and (e) Maidstone, (i) how many sitting days were held at each court in each of the last five years, (ii) for how many nights the judges' lodgings were occupied in each of the last five years, (iii) for how many High Court judges sitting at each of the courts (A) regularly made use of the lodgings and (B) habitually commuted from their own residence to court and (iv) what was the annual cost of each of the lodgings for each of the last five years. [141349]

For ease of reference I will answer each element of the question using the same numbering as the hon. Member. I should also point out that there is neither a Crown court centre nor judges' lodgings at Colchester.Prior to 1997, lodgings were administered locally and it would incur a disproportionate cost to collect comparable cost information for 1995–96 and 1996–97. While sitting figures exist for the Crown court for these years, there are no readily available lodgings data against which to make a useful comparison and they have therefore been omitted from my answer.(i) In the context of this question, I have interpreted the request for sitting day information as relating to High Court business only. On that basis, High Court judge sitting days in the Crown court are as follows:

Crown court	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
St. Albans	91	79	144
Reading	98	78	76
Chelmsford	61	84	111
Maidstone	124	149	82

(ii) The number of judge nights each lodging was occupied during the same periods are as follows:

Lodging	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
St. Albans	105	120	165
Reading	115	99	110
Chelmsford	68	98	113
Maidstone	140	165	120

The difference between sitting day figures and the days the lodgings were occupied can be attributed to a number of factors. For example, cases which settled or adjourned on short notice would not have been recorded as sitting days but would have resulted in the judge being at the lodgings doing paperwork. Similarly, time taken by the judge in writing judgments and decisions during and at the end of cases and on occasions when other High Court judges stayed at lodgings while on other official business would count as judicial occupation but not sitting days.(iii) No information is held on how many of the High Court judges who sat at these courts resided at their homes rather than the lodgings.(iv) The annual cost of each of the lodgings is set out below on three bases:

Total cost of lodgings
£
Lodging	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
St. Albans	157,962.00	203,369.00	216,451.00
Reading	157,152.00	127,811.00	112,420.00
Chelmsford	107,606.00	84,690.00	105,494.00
Maidstone	157,553.49	259,227.43	185,689.18

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average cost, including accommodation costs and other overheads, to the Immigration Appellate Authority of processing and determining an immigration appeal. [142096]

In the time available I regret that it has not proved possible to provide the average direct cost, including accommodation and overhead costs, to the Immigration Appellate Authority of processing and determining an immigration appeal. This information will shortly be calculated and will be laid in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many appeals against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the UK have been determined by the Immigration Appeals Authority (a) at an oral hearing and (b) on the papers alone since 2 October; and with what outcome. [142094]

The Immigration Appellate Authority received the first family visit visa appeal on 27 October. From 27 October to 7 December (inclusive) a total of 81 family visit visa appeals were received, of these 67 were for determination on paper alone and 14 were for oral hearing. Of this number 33 appeals have been determined, 31 paper and two oral. The outcomes were as follows:

Paper appeals—20 dismissed, 11 allowed,

Oral appeals—two allowed.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the total cost to the Immigration Appellate Authority of administering family visitor appeals since 2 October. [142095]

The total fee income of administering family visitor appeals between 2 October 2000 and 7 December 2000 was £17,000. It is too early to assess the costs of administering these appeals. A review is under way.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many applications for funding in respect of representation in an oral appeal against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the United Kingdom have been made to the Legal Services Commission since 2 October; and with what outcome. [142093]

The Legal Services Commission does not currently record case data in a form that would enable an answer to be given to the hon. Member's question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how the Football Foundation will help expand the activity of qualified football coaches in primary and secondary schools. [141892]

The Football Foundation will devote 75 per cent. of its income to improving grassroots football facilities and coaching across England. This will be in the region of £18 million in the current year and double from April 2001 onwards. Grant criteria are a matter for the Foundation, but I would expect primary and secondary schools to be eligible provided facilities and/or coaching was for both the school and the wider community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations he has received about the funding of regional theatres; and if he will make a statement. [141893]

I have received some representations from the sector, however this remains a matter for the Arts Council of England, as the main funding body for the arts in England, and the regional arts boards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the promotion of Wales as a tourism venue overseas by the British Tourist Authority. [141894]

The British Tourist Authority (BTA) works with the Wales Tourist Board (WTB) as equal, strategic partners in promoting Wales abroad. The BTA has an overseas marketing agreement with the WTB, which sets out their respective roles, responsibilities and working relationships in the overseas promotion of Britain and Wales. In addition, the Chairman of the WTB is an ex officio member of the BTA Board, representing Welsh interests and advising on strategic and policy matters whenever key decisions are taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will ensure that those primary schools with poor sports facilities will be made a priority for investment under the space for sport and arts scheme. [141895]

One of the key objectives for the space for sport and arts scheme is to create new, and modernise existing, sports and arts facilities for primary schools where existing facilities are poor, inadequate or simply do not exist. The prospectus sent to 65 local education authorities in early October highlighted this objective, and this key message was further re-enforced during a series of regional workshops held with the LEAs in October and November. Sport England received outline proposals from the LEAs last week and these are currently being assessed against a number of criteria, including the condition of existing facilities. We will announce in January details of projects which have been given, in principle, support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has made to Sport England to amend the 40 hour rule governing the grant of lottery funds to primary schools for sports development involving local communities. [141896]

Sport England has already reviewed the way in which it assesses Lottery applications under its School Community Sports Initiative. As a result Sport England no longer has a specific requirement that school facilities must be available for 40 hours of community use per week. Rather it assesses the overall sporting benefit to the community together with any particular factors affecting the level of community use in deciding whether to award a grant. Facilities provided by primary schools under the space for sport and the arts scheme will be available to the community, but there will be no requirement for 40 hours of such use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to support the regeneration of seaside resorts. [141897]

My Department is doing a great deal to support the regeneration of seaside resorts which was one of 15 key action plans set out in the national strategy, "Tomorrow's Tourism". Many resorts are in a position to benefit from funding opportunities in the new European structural funds and UK assisted areas maps or from this summer' s single regeneration budget announcement.I announced a four-point support plan for resorts at the start of a tour I made this summer to learn at first hand about the problems and best practice in seaside resorts. In line with our funding agreement with the English Tourism Council, its resorts task force is due to produce its report early next year, which will recommend a programme of actions for resort regeneration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage families to visit major national museums. [141899]

Our policy is to encourage all museums to offer the widest possible access to their collections. We have enabled those national museums funded by my Department which already offer free admission to continue to offer it, and we have scrapped entry charges for children and the over-60s at those that charge. We have also funded them to enable their trustees to introduce a standard admission charge of £1 for adults from September 2001, and to allow free admission to all people who are in receipt of the major benefits, including people with disabilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to ensure that funding from the lottery is targeted on the communities with greatest social and economic need. [141900]

I have directed Lottery distributors to take into account the need to ensure that all areas have access to funding and the scope for reducing economic and social deprivation. Distributors must show how they will achieve this in their strategic plans and my Department is monitoring progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with commercial companies about the future of the dome at Greenwich. [141901]

I have had no discussions with commercial companies about the future of the Dome at Greenwich.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received about the process by which community groups will apply for national lottery funding. [141902]

I have received a number of representations from community groups and others on the need for application processes to be as accessible as possible. The reports I commissioned from the independent Quality, Efficiency and Standards Team and Sheffield Hallam University contained recommendations for simplifying and improving application processes to make it easier for community groups to apply for funding.Lottery distributors have welcomed the reports and are working together, with the Department, to take forward the recommendations. These include: the setting up of a joint national helpline to provide initial advice and guidance for potential applicants; reducing information requirements on applications for smaller grants; and ensuring that all guidance notes are of a high standard.In addition, the highly successful awards for all scheme, which uses a simpler application form and provides Lottery grants of between £500 and £5,000 to small community based groups, is to continue in England until at least March 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received in relation to the eligibility for Lottery support of organisations involved with bridge and chess. [141877]

My Department has received a number of representations in the past from chess and bridge organisations regarding eligibility for support from the Lottery.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to improve accessibility to public libraries. [141881]

Last year I published a policy document, "Libraries for All", which identified what public libraries can do to help combat social exclusion and improve their accessibility to everyone in the community. I intend to publish a revised policy statement together with an action plan very soon and I shall also be introducing public library standards next year which will deal with all aspects of library services including access.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proposals he has for increasing the number of qualified sports coaches working with schools. [142059]

Many of our proposals are directed towards increasing the number of qualified coaches working with schools.The school sports co-ordinator scheme will provide 1,000 co-ordinators in secondary schools by 2004. Most of the co-ordinators will be based in secondary schools and linked to specialist sports colleges, of which there are now 83 designated across 58 different local eduction authorities. The sports colleges draw on the coaching expertise of local sports clubs and are developing excellent facilities across a range of sports, and, through their partnerships with local primary schools and community groups, are giving many children the opportunity to gain a head start in sport.Alongside the co-ordinators scheme, we recognise the need to invest in volunteer training to increase the links between schools and elite sports. That is why we have set aside £4 million from our spending review settlement to invest in two levels of volunteer training and support from 2002. We will underpin the training and support for young people aged 14 to 19 to develop leadership skills in sport and in their local communities where they can act as role models for younger children and perhaps prepare themselves for careers in sport. We will be working closely with NGBs to develop volunteer strategies to encourage and support more adults to get involved as leaders, coaches, officials and administrators.The Sport Strategy Implementation Group has been looking at ways to increase the number of qualified sports coaches working with schools, and once the recommendations have been presented to Ministers on 13 December, the implementation process will proceed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the value in each of the last three years to (a) sports bodies and (b) cultural organisations of advertising and sponsorship by the tobacco industry. [141416]

As part of the 1995 Voluntary Agreement on Sponsorship of Sport by Tobacco Companies, the Tobacco Manufacturers Association is required to make a return detailing the expenditure incurred in that year by tobacco companies on sports sponsorship in the United Kingdom.The returns for the three most recent years available are:

	£
1996–97	8,053,000
1997–98	7,516,000
1998–99	8,139,000

Detailed figures for sponsorship of cultural organisations by the tobacco industry are not available, but we do not believe that significant sums are involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding for sport has been secured by the Tobacco task force since it was established. [141415]

Assistance with the replacement of existing contracts can most effectively be targeted in the 12 to 18 months before they lapse, which is the normal lead-in time for negotiating new sponsorship agreements. My hon. Friend the Minister for Sport is in close touch with the seven sports affected and task force members are also offering ongoing advice and assistance to help the sports prepare to move away from existing tobacco sponsors. None of these sports have asked for the task force to reconvene at the present time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on which dates since December 1997 the Tobacco Task Force has met; and who was in attendance on each occasion. [141414]

The information requested is as listed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures he proposes to promote a UK-wide accommodation rating scheme. [141425]

Responsibility for tourism policy, including on accommodation grading, in the other countries of the United Kingdom now rests with the devolved administrations. Ministers have previously looked at the possibility of moving towards a UK-wide accommodation grading scheme but there was no straightforward solution. Both the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting and I would, however, be happy to discuss this again with our counterparts in Scotland and Wales should they so wish.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to extend the statutory protection of historic wrecks. [141535]

The Government are seeking the earliest suitable legislative opportunity to give English Heritage powers with regard to underwater archaeology, including historic wreck sites designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, in the territorial waters of the UK adjacent to England. This will put underwater archaeology in England on the same footing as land archaeology, allowing underwater projects and sites access to English Heritage expertise and grant funds which are currently not available to them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what methodology is used by his Department to calculate average spending by visitors to (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [141410]

My officials consult the findings of well-established surveys of (a) UK households and (b) overseas visitors to the UK, from which information is collected concerning total tourism spending in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The total figures are then divided by the estimated number of tourists, as also identified by the surveys.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what his policy is towards proposals to extend EU competence in the field of tourism. [141418]

Her Majesty's Government would not support any proposals to extend EU competence in the field of tourism.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on trends in incoming tourism to the United Kingdom. [141426]

The numbers of North American and other long-haul visitors to the UK have increased by 3 per cent. and 1 per cent. respectively in the first 10 months of this year, compared with the corresponding period of 1999, although visits from Europe are down by 4 per cent. and overall visits by 2 per cent.Overall spend by overseas visitors is up by 1 per cent. to £10.8 billion in the first 10 months of this year, compared with the equivalent period of 1999, and remains on course to be one of the highest levels on record.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to restore a marketing remit to the English Tourism Council. [141424]

The English Tourism Council was set up with a specifically strategic role. It does of course consider marketing needs in this context and it carries out market research and identifies and disseminates best practice, working closely with Regional Tourist Boards and others. In recent months it has produced guidance for the use of regional and local bodies and the industry, to help to promote the England brand.The British Tourist Authority does an excellent job marketing England abroad and this is complemented by the work of the Regional Tourist Boards, local authorities and other destination organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the English Tourism Council regarding the funding of IT programmes. [141417]

I and my officials are in regular contact with the English Tourism Council (ETC) about the development of e-tourism in this country. The importance of this was highlighted in the Government's national tourism strategy and we have set up an e-tourism group, chaired by the Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, and including private sector expertise, in order to assess the best way forward, including funding. We have increased the ETC' s budget by 20 per cent. from 2002–03, rising by a further 5 per cent. the year after.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the per capita public funding of tourism in (a) England, (b) Scotland,(c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland in the current financial year. [141411]

In 2000–01, the National Tourist Boards are due to receive grant in aid as follows:

Board	Grant in aid £ million)	Population (Million)	Grant in aid per capita (£)
British Tourist Authority	37.0	57.6	0.64
English Tourism Council	11.0	49.6	0.22
Scottish Tourist Board	24.5	5.1	4.80
Wales Tourist Board	15.4	2.9	5.31
Northern Ireland Tourist Board	13.9	1.7	8.18

However, Government support for tourism is not confined to grant for tourist boards. DCMS is also spending some £1 billion in 2000–01, for example, on the arts, royal parks and palaces, museums and galleries, much of which directly benefits tourism. Moreover, English local authorities are estimated to have spent over £90 million last year on tourism, or £1.81 per head; comparable figures for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he last (a) attended and (b) was represented at, the EU Internal Market Council for Consumer Affairs and Tourism. [141419]

The first meeting of the newly reorganised Internal Market, Consumer and Tourism Council was on 30 November in Brussels and was attended by my hon. Friend the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans he has to reform cross media ownership rules; and if he will make a statement;[141533](2) what plans he has to reform the regulation of independent television; and if he will make a statement;[141534](3) what plans he has to reform the role of the Broadcasting Standards Commission; and if he will make a statement. [141532]

The Government's plans for the future framework for and regulation of broadcasting and telecommunications will be considered in a Communications White Paper, which I expect to be published tomorrow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the future funding of the British Sports Trust. [141413]

The British Sports Trust has made an application for funding to Sport England which is currently under consideration. I understand that discussions between officials of Sport England and the Trust will be taking place soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the Government's support for a bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games, indicating where the opening and closing ceremonies would be held. [141421]

The Government are committed to supporting a viable bid for the Olympic Games, but the British Olympic Association has primary responsibility for UK bids and has not yet taken a decision on whether to bid for 2012. The BOA has decided that a London-based bid would have the best chance of success and are due to report their conclusions of extensive studies on the viability of a bid to my Department by the end of the year. The location of opening and closing ceremonies will be a matter for the organising committee of any bid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the award of the next licence to run the National Lottery. [141412]

The award of the next National Lottery operating licence is a matter for the National Lottery Commission. The commission will make its decision on the criteria set out in section 4 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 (as amended): ensuring that the National Lottery, and every lottery that forms part of it, is operated with all due propriety; ensuring that the interests of every participant in a lottery that forms part of the National Lottery are protected; and, subject to satisfying those two criteria, maximising the net proceeds of the Lottery for good causes.I understand that the Commission hopes to announce the outcome of the bidding process for the next licence later this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to enable English Heritage to undertake projects on behalf of overseas clients. [141537]

The Government are seeking the earliest suitable legislative opportunity to give English Heritage powers to enable them to undertake projects on behalf of overseas clients. This will enable EH to generate additional income and may well create export opportunities for other suppliers and contractors in the heritage field.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on England's bid to host the 2005 World Athletics Championships.(141422]

In April this year, the International Amateur Athletics Association (IAAF) announced that the London bid for the 2005 World Athletics Championships had been successful. UK Athletics and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority are working closely with Sport England and the London Borough of Enfield to develop the new National Athletics Stadium in Edmonton, North London, which will be the venue for the 2005 World Championships.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list his Department's spending on official publications for (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000 and (e) 2000–01 and the planned expenditure for 2001–02. [141443]

The Department's spending on official publications for the period 1996–97 to 2000–01 is as set out. This excludes the cost of publications produced only for internal use. Where the Department makes use of a private sector publisher the publishing and printing costs are generally met by the publisher as part of their acceptance of the risks of publication. Estimates for 2001–02 are not yet available.

Year	£
1996–97	501,366
1997–98	338,761
1998–99	288,100
1999–2000	448,238
2000–01	1345,000
1 Forecast outturn

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list each new publication issued by his Department since 1997 and the total cost to the Department of each publication. [141466]

The new publications issued by my Department since 1997 are as listed. Information on the cost of each document could be supplied only at disproportionate cost. I have however provided the hon. Member with overall yearly figures in answer to another question he has tabled. These figures show that we have achieved substantial savings over the sums spent in the last year of the previous Government.