To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money has been allocated to (a) charities by the National Lottery and (b) sports clubs by Sport England, by constituency, since 1998. [141949]

I have placed copies of a table showing National Lottery awards to registered charities and by Sport England since 1 January 1998 to each UK parliamentary constituency in the Libraries of both Houses. These tables are taken from my Department's National Lottery Awards Database, which uses information supplied by the Lottery distributing bodies. It is not possible to separately identify awards to sports clubs from other awards made by Sport England. Awards by Sport England to charities appear in both columns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to whom copies of the Communications White Paper were supplied before 15.30 on 12 December other than the Vote Office of the House of Commons. [143403]

[holding an rover 20 December 2000]: In accordance with paragraph 92 of the Ministerial Code copies of the Communications White Paper were made available outside Government before 15.30 on 12 December, but embargoed until that time, as follows.A number of journalists were invited to read the White Paper on 12 December in a Government conference room, which was locked until the Secretary of State made his Statement to the House.I understand that one copy was also made available to each of those who had been most closely involved in the development of the White Paper: the Office of Telecommunications; the Office of Fair Trading; the Independent Television Commission; the Radio Authority; the Broadcasting Standards Commission; the Governors of the BBC; the National Consumer Council; and the group of eight expert advisers.Copies were also made available to: the spokesmen of the main political parties in both Houses; the First Minister of Scotland; the First Minister of the National Assembly for Wales; the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly; the Chairmen of the Culture, Media and Sport and Trade and Industry Select Committees; and through the usual channels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list, for each year since 1995, the numbers of flights including helicopter flights taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143868]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what arrangements he is making to extend free television licences for people aged over 75 to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. [144032]

The cost of providing free television licences in the United Kingdom will be met from public funds. Whether or not to fund such a concession in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man is a matter for the island authorities. Free television licences for the over-75s have already been introduced in the Isle of Man and the Guernsey authorities have announced their intention in principle to introduce this concession.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the projects undertaken for his Department by (a) outside consultants, (b) academic researchers and (c) university departments since 1 May 1997, giving the total expenditure incurred in each category. [144071]

We are tabulating the information requested, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as it is available, placing copies of my letter in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans the Deregulation Unit has to consider the costs of regulatory compliance borne by not-for-profit organisations, with special reference to the Bolton and District Hospital Saturday. [143680]

In 1998, the Prime Minister announced that no regulatory proposal with an impact on business, charities or the voluntary sector should be considered by Ministers without a thorough assessment of the costs, benefits and risks. This process of regulatory impact assessment was strengthened in August 2000 with the publication of rigorous new guidance which separates policy and compliance costs and helps ensure that regulations are fair, meaningful and simple to understand.In addition the Public Sector Team, within the Regulatory Impact Unit, has carried out extensive work in conjunction with other Departments to reduce the burden of red tape and bureaucracy on front-line public sector workers. This includes a current study on GPs' paperwork.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps have been taken by the office of the e-envoy to encourage the effective use of the internet by charities and not-for-profit organisations. [143689]

The UK online report, produced by the office of the e-envoy, contains 25 recommendations for action by Government to encourage people and organisations in all sectors of the UK economy to make effective use of the internet. The report, and updates on progress, can be found at www.e-envoy.gov.uk.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what research has been commissioned by the office of the e-envoy into the use of the internet by charities and not-for-profit organisations. [143690]

The "Virtual Society?" programme funded by the Economic and Social Research Council includes a research project on re-shaping the voluntary and community sectors in the information age. Further details are available on the "Virtual Society?" website at www.virtualsociety.sbs.ox.ac.uk.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within her Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143867]

Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W.Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how much for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated, her Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the 'Modernising Government' White Paper. [143695]

Amounts used by Departments for the implementation of the White Paper on Modernising Government are integral and not separately identifiable within the resources allocated in the Comprehensive Spending Review and the Spending Review 2000. These and departmental plans are set out in the respective White Papers, "Modern Public Services for Britain", Cm 4011, "Public Services for the Future", Cm 4181, and "Spending Review 2000", Cm 4807 and Cm 4808. Details of individual departmental outturns are available in the Public Expenditure Outturn White Paper for 1999–2000 Cm 4812.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to support and encourage the export of British carpets. [143167]

My Department, through Trade Partners UK, the joint Department of Trade and Industry/Foreign and Commonwealth Office organisation responsible for export promotion, provides a full range of export promotion services which are fully available to the carpet sector. In particular, TPUK is providing assistance through Support for Exhibitions and Seminars Abroad (SESA) to 15 UK carpet companies exhibiting at DOMOTEX in Hanover on 13–16 January 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many calls were made to the minimum wage hotline in each month since its inception. [143423]

The following table gives the number of calls made to the national minimum wage telephone helpline for each month since the national minimum wage was introduced on 1 April 1999.

	1999	2000
January	—	4,308
February	—	5,154
March	—	6,461
April	40,715	6,480
May	11,919	6,879
June	10,473	8,779
July	8,409	6,069
August	5,906	5,145
September	6,405	8,566
October	5,204	9,159
November	5,138	4,577
December	2,878	—

In addition, a private sector helpline took some 50,000 calls between January and March 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals Ofgem has to change Transco's investment criterion of being able to cope with a one in 20 years summer as well as a one in 20 years winter. [143451]

Transco's investment criterion is a matter for Ofgem.Ofgem published a consultation paper on Transco's investment policy in May and has recently published their response to this consultation. Both publications can be found on Ofgem's website at www.ofgem.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes Ofgem proposes to Transco's licence conditions to encourage new capacity at gas terminals. [143450]

Proposals for licence amendments are a matter for Ofgem.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he will take a decision on whether NETA can go-live on 27 March 2001. [143452]

A review of the preparation for the implementation on New Electricity Trading Arrangements will take place in January. Assuming a positive outcome to this review, 27 March will be confirmed as the intended go-live date. However, a final decision to go-live on a particular date cannot be taken until nearer the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many payments of employment tribunal awards in respect of insolvent employers have been made from the National Insurance Fund in each of the last five years; and what criteria were applied to these awards. [142851]

[holding answer 19 December 2000]: I have arranged for some figures to be specially compiled and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as this has been done and place the information in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the consultation document on the review of implementation of the Acquired Rights Directive 1998 will be published; if arrangements are in place for the Directive's incorporation into UK law by July 2001; and if he will make a statement. [143438]

[holding answer 20 December 2000]: I am currently considering the changes to UK law needed to implement the revised Acquired Rights Directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he received export licence application No. 16047 from Aylesbury Automation; when he expects to reach a decision on the application; and if he will make a statement. [143707]

Licences to export arms and other goods whose export is controlled for strategic reasons are issued by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry acting through the DTI's Export Control Organisation (ECO). Licence Application 16047 was received by the ECO on 9 August 2000. Individual licence applications are circulated by the DTI to other Government Departments with an interest as determined by those Departments in line with their policy responsibilities.A decision has not yet been reached on this application, but will be taken as quickly as possible consistent with the need to give full consideration to the issues involved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what powers he has to regulate the employment of armed UKAEA officers on board ships. [142855]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has powers under section 3(2) of the Atomic Energy Act 1954 to issue directions to the UKAEA, under which matters relating to the employment of officers of the UKAEA Constabulary on board ships may be addressed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received the OFT report on the legal profession; when he intends to make the report public; and if he will make a statement. [143796]

I should receive the OFT report on restrictions in the professions by the end of January next. I understand that the Director General of Fair Trading will wish to publish this report in due course. I expect publication to follow consideration by Ministers of the report's findings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions (a) he and (b) officials of his Department have had with executives of BAE Systems regarding a non-competitive procurement strategy for the Type 45 destroyer; [142764](2) what plans his Department has to procure up to 12 Type 45 destroyers by means of an incremental capability strategy; how prices for any changes in specification over the life of the programme will be negotiated; what mechanisms there will be to control costs; and if he will make a statement. [142765]

[holding answer 14 December 2000]: The contract for the Demonstration and First-of-Class Manufacture (DFM) was placed with BAE Systems Electronics, the nominated Prime Contractor for the Type 45 programme, on 20 December. As I announced on 11 July 2000, Official Report, column 701, the design will be capable of evolutionary improvement through an incremental acquisition plan. This will enable the required capability to be inserted during the class build and provide growth paths to enable future capability insertion over the life of the class.Prices for changes to specification will be negotiated in the usual way and be subject to affordability criteria. The contractual maximum price represents the limit of our cost exposure and the contract contains strong incentives for the contractor to deliver at a lower price. The hon. Member will be pleased to note that the SMART approach adopted by the MOD provides the best opportunity to deliver additional capability into the programme without increasing the price.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how the Design for Manufacture contract with BAE Systems for the Type 45 programme specifies equitable competition between BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft for batches of later ships of the class; and if he will make a statement; [142754](2) what the in-service date is for the Type 45 destroyer First of Class; and if he will make a statement; [142752](3) if he will approve the Defence Procurement Agency's Design for Manufacture contract with BAE Systems for the Type 45 destroyer programme in advance of agreement between BAE Systems and Vosper Thornycroft on the construction of ship platforms. [142755]

[holding answer 14 December 2000]: The contract for the Demonstration and First-of-Class Manufacture (DFM) was placed with the BAE Systems Prime Contract Office, on 20 December. The in-service date is 2007 for the first-of-class ship. The absence of 'back to back' sub-contracts with the shipyards will not delay this programme.The DFM contract covers the construction of the first three ships of the class only. Sub-contractors must now reach satisfactory agreements with the Prime Contractor to secure the opportunities offered to them under the contract; the MOD will—through its involvement with the Integrated Project Team—ensure that these negotiations are conducted fairly. MOD agreement to all significant sub-contracts will be required.Plans are to seek bids for the next batch of three ships around 2004. BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft have expressed an interest in bidding for this work. Bids for work on the follow-on ships should be made to the Prime Contractor at the appropriate time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cost to benefit analysis his Department has undertaken of moving from a competitive to a non-competitive procurement strategy for the Type 45 programme. [142750]

[holding answer 14 December 2000]: There has been no move to a non-competitive procurement strategy for the Type 45 programme and thus no change to the strategy I announced on 11 July 2000, Official Report, columns 701–712. We would not move to a non-competitive procurement strategy unless there were compelling reasons to do so.The BAE Systems Type 45 Prime Contractor and MOD have received an unsolicited proposal from BAE Systems Marine concerning the procurement approach to the Type 45 programme. The proposal will be evaluated and the MOD will consult with other interested Departments before coming to a conclusion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place the Design for Manufacture contract for the Type 45 Destroyer programme with BAE Systems; how many companies capable of bidding for the follow-on ships of the class have made representations to his Department on the subject; and what steps he has taken to ensure that this contract will contain adequate safeguards to ensure an equitable basis for competition for the follow-on ships. [143035]

[holding answer 15 December 2000]: The contract for the Demonstration and First-of-Class Manufacture (DFM) was placed with BAE Systems Electronics, the nominated Prime Contractor for the Type 45 programme, on 20 December. As I announced on 11 July 2000, Official Report, column 701, the design will be capable of evolutionary improvement through an incremental acquisition plan. This will enable the required capability to be inserted during the class build and provide growth paths to enable future capability insertion over the life of the class.Prices for changes to specification will be negotiated in the usual way and be subject to affordability criteria. The contractual Maximum price represents the limit of our cost exposure and the contract contains strong incentives for the contractor to deliver at a lower price. The hon. Member will be pleased to note that the SMART approach adopted by the MOD provides the best opportunity to deliver additional capability into the programme without increasing the price.The DFM contract covers the construction of the first three ships of the class only. Sub-contractors must now reach satisfactory agreements with the Prime Contractor to secure the opportunities offered to them under the contract; the MOD will—through its involvement in the Integrated Project Team—ensure that these negotiations are conducted fairly. MOD agreement to all significant sub-contracts will be required.The BAE Systems Type 45 Prime Contractor and MOD have received an unsolicited proposal from BAE Systems Marine concerning the procurement approach to the Type 45 programme. The proposal will be evaluated and the MOD will consult with other interested Departments before coming to a conclusion.Plans are to seek bids for the next batch of three ships around 2004. BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft have expressed an interest in bidding for this work. Bids for work on the follow-on ships should be made to the Prime Contractor at the appropriate time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what action he is taking to ensure that the procurement strategy for the production and assembly of follow-on Type 45 destroyers is on a competitive basis; [142963](2) what conditions are necessary for the procurement of the first batch of Type 45 destroyers to ensure that yards capable of competing for downstream batches have the opportunity to compete equitably; [142961](3) when he expects contracts to be placed with BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft for work on

[holding answer 15 December 2000]: BAE Systems Electronics (the nominated Prime Contractor for the Type 45 programme) has the intention of letting the ship manufacturing sub-contracts with shipbuilders either when a satisfactory risk sharing arrangement emerges (which could happen next year) or when the ship design is sufficiently mature that the shipyards can take on the remaining risk at an affordable price (which is likely to be the case in 2002).The prime contract, placed on 20 December, covers the construction of the first three ships of the class only. Sub-contractors must now reach satisfactory agreements with the Prime Contractor to secure the opportunities offered to them under the contract; the MOD will—through its involvement in the Integrated Project Team—ensure that these negotiations are conducted fairly. MOD agreement to all significant sub-contracts will be required.Plans are to seek bids for the next batch of three ships around 2004. BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft have expressed an interest in bidding for this work. Bids for work on the follow-on ships should be made to the Prime Contractor at the appropriate time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects (a) HMS Portland and (b) HMS St. Albans to be completed. [143032]

[holding answer 15 December 2000]: HMS Portland was handed over on 15 December 2000.The contract for HMS St. Albans requires delivery by 30 November 2001, and this is expected to be achieved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tornado GR1s he expects to be upgraded to GR4 standard. [143029]

[holding answer 15 December 2000]: It is planned that 142 Tornado GR1s will be upgraded to GR4 standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consult the Royal Army Veterinary Corps' Cyprus Defence Animal Support Unit about the repatriation of pets belonging to service families; and if he will make a statement. [143123]

Responsibility for regulations governing the importation of animals into the United Kingdom rests with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF). Service personnel are individually responsible for ensuring they comply with the regulations and for making travel arrangements for their pets.My Department is advised by MAFF that Cyprus is expected to be included within the PET Travel Scheme (PETS) early next year although a precise date has yet to be fixed. The Ministry of Defence liaises with the Commander British Forces Cyprus to ensure that any associated issues are properly addressed. The Cyprus Defence Animal Support Unit (CDASU) of the RAVC forms part of the Command and is currently advising service personnel about the veterinary aspects of the scheme prior to its introduction, including Rabies Vaccination/Blood Testing, Micro Chipping and Vaccination records.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he proposes to procure for the RAF combat aircraft an integrated fully encrypted real time air-to-air and air-to-ground voice and data communication system; and if he will make a statement. [143351]

Yes. A number of RAF combat aircraft are already fitted with Multi Function Information Distribution System (MIDS) (formerly Joint Tactical Information Distribution System—JTIDS) Link 16 terminals which give this capability, including Tornado F3 and Sentry E3D aircraft. A similar capability is planned to be fitted to the majority of future combat aircraft types, including Eurofighter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for the rationalisation of Royal Navy training facilities; and if he will make a statement; [143042](2) what plans he has for the amalgamation of Royal Navy shore establishments; and if he will make a statement. [143043]

[holding answer 15 December 2000]: The Royal Navy's Special Communications Unit (SCU) at Leydene will close in 2001 and its activities will transfer to HMS Collingwood.A number of other reviews are in hand which may result in the amalgamation of RN shore establishments, but no decisions have yet been taken.The Royal Navy has completed a comprehensive study of its training estate to identify the estate necessary for training beyond 2010. The study will be considered along with the findings of the Defence Training Review and no decisions have yet been taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Territorial Army personnel will be (a) allocated to the European Rapid Reaction Force, (b) able to be deployed with the European Rapid Reaction Force at any given time and (c) removed from availability for home defence as a result of such allocation and deployment; and if he will make a statement. [143691]

There is no such entity as a standing European Rapid Reaction Force. The UK has identified a pool of forces and capabilities which would enable it to make a powerful contribution to such operations in support of the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy, where NATO as a whole is not engaged. UK participation in any particular operation, and the nature of our contribution (including any potential use of the Territorial Army), would be matters for decision by the UK Government in the light of circumstances at the time.Our aim in restructuring the TA was to make it more integrated with regular forces and defence plans, with a shift in emphasis away from the TA's traditional home defence roles to other such as signallers, artillery, air defence, logisticians and particularly medical services. Maximum numbers deployed with regulars would depend on the nature and scale of the operation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the dates since 1974 on which soldiers of the Ulster Defence Regiment and Royal Irish Regiment have died during training exercises indicating (a) where the death took place, (b) at which barracks those officers were stationed in Northern Ireland, (c) whether the soldiers had, during their military career, been seconded for special duties or on assignment to other regiments and (d) who was responsible for the investigation of the cause of death and what were their findings. [142334]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 July 2000, Official Report, column 14W. Since my reply of 17 July, the Training Accident Investigation Team based in Netheravon has completed its investigation into the incident and have forwarded their evidence to the Forensic Science Service for further analysis. Their findings will be passed to the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police, who will issue the final report into the incident.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143858]

Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W.Detailed information in the format requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has discussed with the United States Government the possibility of the United Kingdom procuring the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missile. [143344]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the recent loss of a Merlin production helicopter. [143331]

On the morning of 27 October, a Royal Naval Merlin helicopter was forced to ditch in the sea off the cost of Scotland. None of the crew sustained any serious injuries. A formal accident investigation is under way and a Royal Navy Board of Inquiry has been convened to look at the broader implications of the accident. Sufficient evidence exists to confirm that the cause of the accident was limited to the crashed aircraft. Preparatory work to enable a phased return to flying is in progress and Royal Naval Merlin helicopters may be expected to resume limited flying this week.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he will take a decision on whether the Royal Navy's two new carriers will be built to carry (a) short take-off and vertical landing or (b) catapult take off and assisted landing aircraft. [143353]

Assessment work to investigate design options for the Royal Navy's future aircraft carriers is on-going. A decision on whether the vessels will be built to carry short take-off and vertical landing or catapult take-off and landing aircraft will depend largely on the selection of the future carrier-borne aircraft. A decision on the demonstration and manufacture of the carriers is expected in December 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the status is of the charter agreements for RFAs Sea Crusader and Sea Centurion; and if he expects to renew these agreements. [143033]

[holding answer 15 December 2000]: The current contracts for Sea Crusader and Sea Centurion run out in January and April 2001 respectively.However, in order to provide a continuing joint rapid reaction force (JRRF) deployment capability, the Ministry of Defence is seeking to charter three roll on/roll off vessels which come into service from September 2002 onwards. The MOD has received a number of tenders for the provisional service and a decision will be made in the new year on which three vessels will be taken up, once full technical and commercial evaluations have been completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much, for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated, his Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the Modernising Government White Paper. [143694]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given earlier today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, Official Report, columns 245–46W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many legal proceedings he is pursuing against newspapers, in addition to that concerning the Sunday People newspaper, in order to prevent publication of information about the force research unit. [143187]

In addition to the action against the Sunday People, legal proceedings are extant against one other newspaper, The Sunday Times, although no action has been taken since I obtained an order in December 1999 preventing the publication of certain information about the force research unit which would put lives at risk or damage national security.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Treasury Solicitor hours were spent in respect of each of the five recent court hearings involving his Department and Mirror Group newspapers and at what cost; on how many occasions a solicitor of the Treasury Solicitor's Department was employed to deliver material by hand to the editor of the Sunday People and at what cost; and how many staff hours employees of his Department have spent in these actions and at what cost. [143188]

Staff in the Treasury Solicitor's Department have spent a total of some 200 hours on work relating to all five recent court hearings involving the Ministry of Defence and Mirror Group Newspapers, at a total cost of approximately £16,700. Information as to the amount of time spent on each court hearing is not currently available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. A solicitor of the Treasury Solicitor's Department delivered court orders to the editor of the Sunday People personally on two occasions, at a total cost of £318.Records of staff hours spent by MOD employees, including internal legal advisers, and their costs, or individual cases, are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many flights including helicopter flights were taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits in each year since 1995; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143860]

Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spending by all ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W.Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in identifying the source of military intelligence documents found in August in Clough, County Down; and how many people have been charged and convicted as a result of this raid. [142323]

The documents in question were photocopies in very poor condition of what are believed to have been montages produced by the military in the mid-1970s. Relevant records are not available for this period and therefore the origins cannot be definitely ascertained. One person was arrested and two persons interviewed in relation to this discovery. However, insufficient evidence was available upon which to sustain charges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many police personnel were questioned in the investigation of complaints made by Mr. Bernard Griffin; if he will list the issues of fact established in the criminal court; and how many disciplinary cases are pending; [142325](2) if he will make a statement on the conviction of Darren James Neill and Michael Magowan; [142326](3) if he will investigate the breakdown of discipline at Oldpark RUC barracks in February 1998; [142328](4) if he will list those criminal convictions in which statements by or evidence of RUC officers Darren James Neill and Michael Magowan was given or taken into account; how many individuals are currently serving a custodial sentence as a result of such convictions; how he plans to ensure that those individuals who may be eligible to have their convictions reviewed are informed of their rights; and how many individuals are so affected. [142330]

There is to be a judicial review associated with this case and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he received (a) in mitigation of the offences of and (b) seeking early release for Darren James Neill, Michael Magowan, Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher. [142327]

I have received no representations in mitigation of the offences of these four individuals or seeking the early release of Darren James Neill and Michael Magowan. Andrew Timothy Lea and Matthew Shane Butcher did not receive a custodial sentence for their offence but were each fined £1,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on cross-border fuel smuggling. [141743]

The problem of cross-border fuel smuggling is being tackled in a strategic and co-ordinated way on both sides of the border. I am determined that criminal elements do not profit from such illegal activity and have the full support of the Irish Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what assessment he has made of the financial situation of Royal Ulster Constabulary widows and their families; and if he will make a statement; [143249](2) if he will make an equal tax-free lump sum payment to RUC widows' families based on the difference between the gratuities payable before and after November 1982, as measured by the RPI and if the sum had been invested from 1982 to date; [143251](3) if it is his policy to means-test the financial provision made to RUC widows' families; [143250](4) what measures he will take to ensure the financial security of RUC widows and their families; and if he will make a statement. [143252]

In July, John Steele CB OBE TD DL was asked to review the Patten Commission proposal for a substantial fund to be set up to help injured police officers and their families, and police widows. He reported at the end of October and a copy of the report is available in the Library.On 7 November my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland announced that he welcomed Mr. Steele's comprehensive and thorough report, which covers the points made by the hon. Member, and that the Government were undertaking a detailed assessment of each of the specific proposals. That assessment, including the arrangements for setting up a Trust Fund, is continuing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to monitor sentencing of individuals according to (a) perceived community origin, (b) ethnic origin, (c) gender, (d) sexual orientation and (e) disability. [142277]

The Government are considering the development of a strategy for equity monitoring the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland as it affects different categories of people, while ensuring that such monitoring does not compromise judicial independence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he has taken to correct incorrect benefit payments; and how much was (a) recovered and (b) paid in compensation for each major benefit in (i) 1979–80, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) the most recent figures available. [143103]

The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the Benefits Agency Winter Fuel Payments Helpline. [143112]

The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the purpose and operation of the independent living funds. [144281]

It is Government policy to review periodically the need for and operation of Government agencies, non-departmental public bodies and other sponsored bodies. In keeping with this policy we will shortly be commencing a review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs). This review will have the following terms of reference:

To consider how the ILFs fit into overall Government provision in support of independent living for severely disabled people; to consider whether within the broad envelope of available funding the rules and conditions operated by the Funds make reasonable and equitable provision for severely disabled people to live independently; to consider the administration of the Funds; and to make recommendations.

In addition to seeking the views of the Funds' Trustees, staff and clients we will also be conducting a public consultation exercise. We will shortly be writing to relevant groups and individuals to invite their comments. Details of the review will also be available on the internet at www.dss.gov.uk. Comments should be received by the Department by 16 March 2001 and should be sent to ILF Review, DSS, 6th Floor, The Adelphi, 1–11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT. Comments can also be sent by e-mail to ilf.review@ms41.dss.gsi.gov.uk. It is expected that the result of the review will be announced in summer 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make arrangements to protect the position of pensioners reaching pension age after 28 February 2001 who have periods of residence in Australia. [144171]

As I have indicated in response to letters from right hon. and hon. Members who have raised the issue on behalf of constituents, we have been considering how to make transitional arrangements. I am pleased to announce we are putting arrangements in place to protect the position of those people who have periods of residence in Australia, on their return to live permanently in the UK. We are protecting such periods of residence up to and including 5 April 2001 for the purpose of basic retirement pension and bereavement benefits.We shall, in advance of Primary Legislation, top up the pensions of people with residence in Australia prior to 6 April 2001 with an extra statutory payment if they have less than the full rate of basic pension. We will do this when they claim their pension.There will be no extra cost to public funds as we would have made such payments if the Agreement with Australia had continued. I am arranging to write to all Members of both Houses who have raised the issue specifically with me.We are protecting the basic pension position of people with residence in Australia before 6 April 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what advice about the availability of (a) the Home Energy Efficiency plus Scheme and (b) other means-tested benefits is given to inquirers about Income Support. [142484]

Income Support Information Sheet INF2(IS), issued with Income Support award notices, advises of other help people may be entitled to and includes a freephone number for advice on the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) and HEES plus for those over 60.Also available from Benefits Agency offices is Leaflet MG1 "A guide to Benefits" which gives various helpline numbers for information about benefits and other available help.Another source of information is the Benefits Enquiry Line which offers advice on other means-tested benefits and when appropriate will advise customers to contact the Home Energy Efficiency freephone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to promote equality between (a) older people, (b) disabled people, (c) ethnic minorities, (d) religious minorities, (e) women and (f) gay and lesbian people, and the rest of the population, with respect to the (i) benefits, (ii) services and (iii) employment for which his Department has responsibility. [141488]

[holding answer 12 December 2000]: The Social Security system in this country aims to provide financial support through benefits to individuals according to various sets of circumstances and needs, as defined through legislation and approved by Parliament. Some of the provision through benefits is targeted to very broad groupings by age, such as Child Benefit or Retirement Pension. Other benefits are defined and targeted more specifically to recognise particular personal circumstances. For instance, disability benefits help disabled people according to their needs. Depending on the extent of their disabilities, many disabled people face extra costs over and above the normal cost of living, and disability benefits provide help towards these extra costs, with the level of help reflecting a person's needs for either personal care or mobility. Other benefits reflect the provision of financial support to those on low or no income, such as Income Support. The benefit system aims to treat people fairly in a way that recognises diversity of circumstance and needs, and seeks to balance that with a focus on its key client groups (children, those of working age and pensioners).The services that the Department provides are linked to the benefit provision and include locally based offices, centralised offices, telephone-based provision and internet opportunities. The Department uses many methods of communication including television, helplines, face-to-face contact and written information available in a range of languages and type sizes, from various outlets. Access to information is designed to be open to all irrespective of individual circumstances. In respect of the services that this Department provides, we also aim to ensure that all our policies, programmes and services are taken forward in line with the joint-departmental guidelines "Policy Appraisal for Equal Treatment" issued in 1998.This Department as part of the Home Civil Service aims to be an employer which makes the most of what people can bring to their work, and values diversity. The Department is an Investor in People. It is committed to fairness and equality of opportunity for all in employment and advancement on the basis of suitability. The Department's equal opportunities statement requires that no eligible external or internal job applicant should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or religious affiliation or because they work part-time. The Department offers, for example, family friendly employment policies, an open promotion system based on merit, specific schemes to encourage ethnic minority staff to develop their skills and careers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the effect of (a) the minimum income guarantee and (b) the pensioners' credit on the likely uptake of stakeholder pensions. [143845]

We are consulting on proposals to introduce the Pension Credit from 2003. The Pension Credit will reward savings and therefore have a positive impact on the take up of second pensions, including Stakeholder pension.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list, for each year since 1995, the numbers of flights including helicopter flights taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143865]

Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W.Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to raise the capital limits for people in residential care and nursing homes in line with the changes to the Department of Health's charging rules announced in the NHS Plan. [143771]

We have no plans to raise the capital limits for people in residential care and nursing homes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list, for each year since 1995, the number of flights, including helicopter flights, taken by Ministers within his Department for UK and overseas visits; on how many occasions (a) charter flights were used and (b) first and club class tickets obtained; and who accompanied the Ministers on each trip. [143861]

Ministers are under a duty to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements. This Government have given a commitment to publish an annual list of visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing more than £500 as well as an annual figure on spend by all Ministers on overseas visits. The list for 1999–2000 was published on 28 July 2000, Official Report, column 969W.Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made on Belize's application for relief under the Commonwealth Debt Initiative; and if she will make a statement. [144117]

The Commonwealth Debt Initiative announced in 1997 offers relief on old aid debts to poorer Commonwealth countries, provided they are committed to the international development targets, are actively pursuing sound economic policies that benefit the poor, are promoting responsive and accountable government which encourages transparency, and are bearing down on corruption.In assessing Belize's eligibility for debt relief, the UK and Belize Governments have jointly commissioned a study from KPMG to review the regulation of off-shore financial services and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes.The two Governments have written to KPMG to confirm that the study should cover the issue of Public Investment Companies. When the study has been completed, and discussed with the Government of Belize, a decision will be made on Belize's eligibility for debt relief.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her aid for social welfare for Kosovo. [143277]

We are working closely with UNMIK and the World bank to prepare a social protection strategy for Kosovo. We are also investigating possible support to Centres for Social Welfare.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that contracts funded by her Department are not given to companies which use child labour; and what monitoring is undertaken of this issue. [143545]

The Department for International Development works, within the framework of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, for the reduction of child labour and elimination of its worst forms in a way which ensures children's survival and meets their development needs, particularly in health and education.DFID contracts include provision to terminate if a supplier breaks the laws of the country in which it is working including those relating to child labour. Construction work funded through DFID grants must be implemented using internationally accepted forms of contract. DFID is working on revised guidelines to improve labour standards for workers on DFID funded construction projects, which we hope will also be adopted more widely by our partners in developing countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the impact of the General Agreement on Trade in Services on developing countries. [142511]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade and Industry gave on 18 December 2000, Official Report, column 33W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what medical opinion her Department has (a) sought and (b) received on the safety and use of manual vacuum aspirators in refugee camps where sterilisation equipment is not available. [143356]

The Department for International Development follows guidance produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the provision and use of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). MVA provides a safe option for the treatment of incomplete abortion, either natural or induced. In settings where sterilisation is not possible, single use disposable equipment is used to minimise risk of infection. MVA increases women's access to post abortion care and reduces the risk of complications during treatment. Failure to properly treat incomplete abortion can have fatal consequences. WHO considers MVA an essential element of care at the first referral level of all health care services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the process is by which costs borne by the Employment Service relating to the provision of services under the New Deal are repaid from the New Deal budget; and if he will list the sums transferred in each of the last three years. [142489]

[holding answer 13 December 2000]: The Employment Service has agreed the arrangements for identifying New Deal expenditure with the National Audit Office. Most expenditure on activities supporting the New Deal is accounted for by the Employment Service through discrete account codes. The exception to this is paybill expenditure, where in a separate exercise staff costs are apportioned on the basis of the time staff spend on New Deal activities. The costs are then charged to the appropriate New Deal budget, so money does not need to be transferred.Expenditure on the New Deal has been published in the Departmental Report, which is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what steps is he taking to ensure that British Sign Language is adequately taught to deaf children in schools; [42537](2) what plans he has to improve

In addition to being a qualified teacher, all teachers working with classes of pupils who are hearing impaired must undertake a specialist mandatory qualification. In June, following a review of mandatory qualifications undertaken at the request of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, the Teacher Training Agency issued a new course specification for providers intending to mount courses from September 2001. The criteria laid down for mandatory qualifications in teaching hearing impaired children require a minimum competence in signing equivalent to the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP) Stage 1 qualification.The Department is improving access to courses by contracting with both RNID and CACDP to recruit and train interpreters of British Sign Language. The question of recognition will be explored further with interested parties once the Government have ratified the Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many permanent specialist science teaching vacancies there were in North Somerset local education authority schools for each year since 1979. [142863]

The number of full-time science teaching vacancies in maintained secondary schools in North Somerset local authority, on the third Thursday in January each year since the authority was created, is as follows:

Year	Number
1997	0
1998	1
1999	2
2000	0

The number of regular teachers in maintained schools increased by 6,900 between January 1998 and January 2000.A DfEE survey of maintained secondary schools in England in the first week of September 2000 indicated that there were about 1,000 secondary teacher vacancies.There was a growth of 2,000 in the number of people training to be teachers between 1999–2000 and 2000–01, the first such increase since 1992–93.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the need for a Sure Start scheme in the Gedling constituency; and if he will make a statement. [142941]

As a result of the Spending Review, investment in Sure Start has more than doubled, and by 2003–04 Sure Start will reach one third of all children under four living in poverty. The main criteria used in selecting districts for Sure Start are levels of disadvantage and poverty, though we also ensure a good mix of rural, urban, semi-urban and coastal areas and a good spread across the country. On the measures of deprivation we have used, Gedling has lower levels of poverty and disadvantage than the areas so far invited to develop a Sure Start programme. As the programme develops, we shall examine ways in which Sure Start can reach disadvantaged young children living in areas with small pockets of deprivation, and in rural areas. We shall be evaluating Sure Start carefully, and disseminating the lessons we learn widely, so that Sure Start will benefit all young children.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the next phase of Sure Start will be announced; and what plans he has to include in it small pockets of deprivation outside city council areas. [142834]

[pursuant to her reply, 15 December 2000, c. 280W]: Sure Start is an innovative cross-departmental and pioneering programme, which fulfils the Government's undertaking to improve support for families and children before and from birth. Sure Start aims to transform the life chances of younger children through better access to family support, advice on child development, child care, health services and early education. It is focused on areas of disadvantage and open to all families in Sure Start local programme catchment areas. The fourth wave of Sure Start will be announced early in 2001, and will bring the total number of Sure Start programmes to 250 or more, meeting the target set in the first Sure Start Public Service Agreement. The 250 programmes will be spread across the country and contain a mix of rural, urban, semi-urban, and coastal areas.Following the Spending Review, investment in Sure Start has been more than doubled, and Sure Start will aim to reach one third of all children under four living in poverty by 2003–04. Although Sure Start must remain focused on areas of disadvantage, we shall also be exploring how Sure Start can meet the needs of disadvantaged young children living in small pockets of deprivation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what his policy is in respect of including the income from tuition fees paid by parents in his estimates of total spending on higher education. [143154]

Publicly planned funding to higher education institutions has always included both block grant from the funding council and projected income from tuition fees. Having a proportion of tuition fees contributed by students and their families makes no difference, especially since we have continually said that it would be invested in higher education. Between 1998–99 and 2003–04, this has allowed the Government to provide a real terms increase of around 18 per cent.Now, for the first time in over a decade, there will be a real-terms increase in publicly planned funding per full-time equivalent student in England in 2001–02, which will be sustained in the following years. Of the almost £1 billion extra funding by 2003–04, only some 10 per cent. comes from tuition fees paid by students and their families. Additionally, we have increased student loans to ensure that students and their families do not have to contribute more overall to the costs of higher education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what aspects of the Connexions schemes in Cornwall, Devon and Lincolnshire focus on rural issues. [143261]

Both Cornwall and Devon, and Lincolnshire are involved in the piloting of the Connexions Service and are developing their business plans to be in the first phase of delivery of the new service from April 2001.As part of the piloting of the service in Cornwall and Devon the Local Management Partnerships in both Cornwall and Devon are piloting aspects of a rural outreach service. The aim of this work will be a better understanding of the needs of young people in rural areas and a better targeting of resource towards those young

Schools in the top 15 per cent. of 'most improved' schools in England, 1997 to 2000 (Performance Tables definition), with 50 per cent. or more of pupils 'known to be eligible for free school meals'
School name	Government office region
Primary schools
Elms Primary and Nursery School	East Midlands
Huntingdon Primary and Nursery School	East Midlands
Bosworth Primary and Nursery School	East Midlands
Southwold Primary and Nursery School	East Midlands
Newry Junior School	East Midlands
Kelvin Grove Primary School	London
Lawdale Junior School	London
Effra Primary School	London
Blue Gate Fields Junior School	London
Park Primary School	London
St. Alfege with St. Peter's Church of England Primary School	London
Queen's Park Primary School	London
Michael Faraday School	London
Woodberry Down Junior School	London
Brackenbury Primary School	London
Seven Mills Primary School	London
Arnhem Wharf Primary School	London
Brettenham Primary School	London
John Perryn Primary School	London
Mulgrave Primary School	London
Loughborough Junior School	London
Rhyl Primary School	London
Church Mead Junior School	London
Bangabandhu Primary School	London
St. James's and St. Michael's CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School	London
Tower Bridge Primary School	London
St. Anne Roman Catholic Primary School	London
The Beaumont School	London
Cardwell Primary School	London

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which of the top 15 per cent. of most improved (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in England in 1997 to 2000 by region have 50 per cent. or more of pupils in receipt of free school meals; and if he will make a statement on the provision of bonuses for teachers and staff in those schools. [143436]

[holding answer 19 December 2000]: The names of the schools are listed in the table.School Achievement Awards will fund staff bonuses at rapidly improving and high performing schools. The first round of awards will be announced before Easter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the (a) vacancy levels and (b) turnover rate among (i) parent, (ii) LEA and (iii) co-opted school governors; and what principles underlay his proposals for streamlining governing bodies. [143598]

[holding answer 20 December 2000]: The Department does not routinely collect information on vacancy levels and turnover rates among school governors.Our proposals for streamlining governing bodies are designed to ensure that they focus on a less "hands on", more strategic approach to their responsibility for raising standards in schools, leaving head teachers to manage the day-to-day business. The Consultation on School Governing Bodies, launched on 18 November, also aims to lighten the executive burdens carried by governing bodies through transferring some—particularly staff-related responsibilities to heads. If those changes are agreed, we believe that it would be possible to have smaller governing bodies on which all the existing stakeholders would continue to be represented.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will publish the findings of the second stage of the Quinquennial Review of Remploy Ltd. [144126]

The Department has completed the Financial Management Survey stage of the Quinquennial Review of Remploy. Copies of the report have been placed in the Library and will be sent to key stakeholders and contributors to the consultation exercise. The report will also be available on the DfEE website, www.dfee.gov.uk/remploy, early in the new year.This part of the Review considered the relationship between the Government and the Company to ensure that it operates to the highest standards in line with the commitment set out in the Modernising Government White Paper.As we set out in the Prior Options report we shall undertake a further look at Remploy when we have evaluated the delivery of their new Corporate Plan. We shall aim to begin this review in April 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many staff vacancies there were in (a) each directorate of his Department, (b) his Department's Legal Adviser's office and (c) Government offices for the regions on business relating to his Department on 1 July. [143590]

The numbers of staff vacancies for each of the Department's Directorates, Legal Adviser's Office and Government Offices for the Regions as at 1 July 2000 are given as follows.

Staff vacancies	Number
Corporate Services and Development Directorate	6
Employment Equality and International Relations Directorate	6
Finance and Analytical Services Directorate	5
Lifelong Learning Directorate	14
Schools Directorate	11
Strategy and Communications Directorate	10
Private Office	2
Legal Adviser's Office	0
Government Offices for the Regions (DfEE business)	37

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the response was to the April 2000 policy statement 'Making Changes: the Future of the Public Trust Office; and what action her Department is taking to put into effect its proposals. [144308]

Following publication of the "Making Changes" policy statement on 11 April 2000, much work has been done to take forward its proposals. I have today placed in the Libraries of the House a summary and analysis of the responses received to "Making Changes". As proposed in "Making Changes", and informed by the response to consultation, the Lord Chancellor will create a new body which is to be called the Public Guardianship Office. It will discharge the Court of Protection's decisions on behalf of mentally incapacitated people, a role at present undertaken by the Public Trust Office. The new body is being explored as a candidate for agency status. It will be set demanding targets to provide a high quality service to its clients.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if she will make a statement concerning the performance of Central London County Court in processing work. [143595]

The Court Service uses two key performance indicators to measure the performance of the county courts. The first indicator measures the general quality of service provided, including time taken replying to correspondence, answering telephone calls, the key facilities available, the rate of success of recovering money on county court warrants and the proportion of Courts' Charter Standards met. The national target for this standard is 83 per cent. For the year 1999–2000, the Central London County Court achieved 74.5 per cent. For the period April to November 2000, the court has achieved 70.1 per cent.The second key performance indicator measures the percentage of administrative process dealt with within five working days, for example, issuing a county court claim. The national target for this standard is 92 per cent. For the year 1999–2000, the court achieved 83.9 per cent. For the period April to November 2000, the court is achieving 70.3 per cent.The Court has experienced difficulties in meeting its targets as the result both of a loss of experienced staff and a growth in workload. These issues are being addressed as a matter of urgency and there is already some sign of improvement.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in respect of how many dismissed immigration appeals the adjudicator made a recommendation that the Home Office grant the appellant (a) leave to remain in and (b) leave to enter the UK in the last 12 months. [143608]

The information requested is not held by the Lord Chancellor's Department.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much for each financial year from 1998–99 until the latest date for which sums have been allocated his Department has spent and expects to spend on the implementation of the modernising government White Paper. [143700]

I refer the hon. Member to the written answer given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office, Official Report, columns 245–46W.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 11 December 2000, Official Report, column 358, what role is envisaged for the Rapid Reaction Force in peacekeeping activity on the (a) Kosovo-Serbia border, (b) Kosovo-Macedonia border and (c) Kosovo-Albania border. [143276]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding was given by his Department to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund in each of the last three financial years for which figures are available; if he has any proposals to increase the amount; and if he will make a statement. [141377]

The Department does not directly fund the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) but it does provide indirect support for ICRF research in several ways. For example, the Department funds the National Health Service costs of ICRF-funded research that takes place in the NHS, and many ICRF-funded researchers hold departmental/NHS research grants. In addition, the Department and ICRF, plus others, jointly fund substantial research projects such as the United Kingdom Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening.The Department will be investing an additional £20 million a year by 2003 in the NHS Cancer Research Network, the Co-ordinating Centre for which involves ICRF. There are two groups one of which is led by Professor Peter Selby, Head of ICRF Cancer Medicine Research Unit at the University of Leeds. The second includes Professor Adrian Harris, Head of the ICRF Medical Oncology Unit at the University of Oxford.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to ensure that no unnecessary hysterectomies are performed; and if he will make a statement. [141366]

We are concerned that hysterectomies are not performed unnecessarily. As with all major interventions, the decision to undergo hysterectomy must be for the woman concerned in the light of the best available medical advice.We work closely with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which issued guidance in 1999 to all its Fellows and Members on the management of menorrhagia, the presenting problem for about half of all women who undergo hysterectomies. Earlier this year, the RCOG reminded its Fellows and Members of the need for informed consent for surgery. We expect the RCOG's guidelines to be followed by all health authorities and National Health Service trusts. These guidelines are increasingly being used in clinical audit and clinical governance programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what compensation payments will be made to (a) the families of those who have died from CJD and (b) those suffering from this condition. [141370]

On publication of the BSE Inquiry Report the Government announced their intention to establish a compensation scheme for victims of variant CJD and their families. Negotiations with the families and their legal representatives have started and are still under way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the publication "Diagnosis and Incidence of Prion (Creutzfeldt-Jakob) Disease: A Retrospective Archival Survey with Implications for Future Research", published in Neurodegeneration, Vol 4, pp 357–368 (1995). [142267]

This article, published in 1995, concluded that human prion disease might be more common than previously supposed, and that a further review of the epidemiology of the disease was required. Since then a number of research projects have been put in place to ascertain the extent to which cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) or variant CJD (vCJD) might have been missed. These include:

A comprehensive examination of the Corsellis brain collection to identify any possible unidentified cases of prion disease (Dr. S. M. Gentleman, London);

Neuropathological spectrum of human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies: relationship with atypical dementias: a national retrospective review (national study in various centres, co-ordinated by Professor J. W. Ironside, Edinburgh);

Development of model for neuropathological surveillance of the elderly population (Professor J. Lowe, Nottingham);

Multisource surveillance for all cases of Progressive Intellectual and Neuropathological Deterioration (PIND) occurring in children in the UK (Dr. C. Verity, Cambridge;

Survey of Oxford autopsy brain tissue for evidence of CJD;

Possible under-ascertainment of vCJD: a systematic retrospective study.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make the draft approval code of practice on the protection of employees from passive smoking mandatory; and if he will make a statement. [142525]

On 5 September, the Health and Safety Commission announced that it favoured the introduction of an Approved Code of Practice to safeguard the welfare of employees as far as environmental tobacco smoke in the workplace is concerned. We are considering our response.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what responses he has received to his consultation document, Modernising Orthodontic Services; and when he will announce his response to the consultation exercise. [142979]

We have consulted three patient representative groups on the reform proposals for orthodontics: Patients Association; National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux; and Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales.The responses were generally supportive of the reform of orthodontic provision in the General Dental Service. Discussions with the representatives of the profession are at an early stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to introduce human papilloma virus testing as part of the National Cervical Screening Programme; [142867](2) for what reason the plan to pilot human papilloma virus testing for women has been delayed until March 2001; [142874](3) what representations he has received concerning the need for human papilloma virus testing as part of improvements to the National Cervical Screening Programme. [142873]

The National Health Service cancer plan sets out our commitment to introducing new developments to the cervical screening programme. Plans to pilot the new techniques in liquid based cytology (LBC) and human papilloma virus (HPV) testing are highlighted in the plan as the means for informing service improvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what extra funding is being made available to ensure the full availability of NHS dentistry by 2001. [143263]