To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the accuracy of the information available from the Ordnance Survey on the mean high water springs tide-contour around Britain's coastline. [144942]

Ordnance Survey tide lines have been surveyed at the basic scale of survey in the region and may have been surveyed at 1:1250, 1:2500 or 1:10000 scale using photogrammetric or ground survey methods. Interpolation between tide gauges around the coast is used to obtain the tidal heights and/or tide times depending on survey method along intervening stretches of coastline.In England and Wales, mean high water is the high water mark of an ordinary or average tide. In Scotland, mean high water springs is used and is the high water mark of an average spring tide. Mean high water heights for example can vary along the coast from a minimum of 0.09 meters to a maximum of 5.62 meters above Newlyn Datum. Ordnance Survey uses the Admiralty Tide Tables as the source of tidal height.For an area with 5 meter contour intervals. The vertical accuracy of the tide line equates to ±1.25m. The horizontal accuracy of the tide line depends upon the slope of the coastline.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the policy of his Department is towards the establishment of lists of buildings of local historical interest by local authorities. [145751]

Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 "Planning and the Historic Environment"—which is published jointly by my Department and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport—advises that it is open to local planning authorities to draw up lists of locally important buildings. Although such lists do not have the status of the statutory ones, planning authorities can formulate appropriate development plan policies for the protection of buildings on them, through normal development control procedures.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when his Department will make available to parish councils further copies of the summary on the White Paper on rural England. [145408]

The Deputy Prime Minister wrote to the Clerks of parish councils in England in December 2000, enclosing a copy of the full text of the Rural White Paper. This letter also gave information on how to obtain further copies of the free White Paper summary.Copies of the White Paper summary are available from the DETR free literature centre in Wetherby.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will publish a response to the Stewart report on mobile telecommunications. [145367]

The Government published their response to the Stewart Report on 11 May 2000.A consultation exercise seeking views on possible changes to the planning laws relating to telecommunications masts and associated guidance ended on 31 October 2000. The Department is currently analysing the responses. We shall announce any changes as soon as practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when consultations on the energy efficiency section of the building regulations began; when the closing date for responses was set; and what the expected implementation date of the new or revised regulations will be in England and Wales. [145432]

Consultations on proposals for amendments to the energy efficiency provisions in the building regulations began when they were published on 15 June last year, and the closing date for responses was 29 September. The proposals are now being reconsidered by officials in my Department in conjunction with the Building Regulations Advisory Committee in the light of the excellent and extensive response. I expect to be able to make the first stage amendments in the summer, and to bring these into force some six months later.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has issued to local authorities on height restrictions on new developments adjacent to existing properties. [145531]

Where new development requires a planning application, it is for the local planning authority to decide it, having regard to the development plan for the area. The Department's Planning Policy Guidance Note 1 says that development plans should contain appropriate and straightforward policies on design, including the relationship of development to neighbouring properties. "By Design", published by the Department and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, emphasises the importance of consideration by local planning authorities of height and massing in relation to adjoining buildings.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many waste incinerator sites have been identified in the County of Essex; where they are located; and what steps he plans to take to amend his policy on waste to take account of Essex County Council's amendment to the draft Waste Local Plan. [145846]

The draft Essex and Southend Waste Local Plan identifies eight sites for major waste management facilities but does not prescribe what type of facility should be provided at each one. The sites are Rivenhall Airfield, Silver End; Land east of Warren Lane, Stanway; Whitehall Road, Colchester; North Weald Airfield, North Weald Bassett, Epping Forest; Courtauld Road, Basildon; Pitsea Landfill site, Basildon; Rayleigh sub-station, A129/A130, Rayleigh; and Sandon, Chelmsford.

	Number of households defined as fuel poor in England in 19961(Million)	Fuel poor households as a percentage of all households in England2
(a) Income including Housing Benefit and Income Support for mortgage interest	4.3	22
(b) Income excluding Housing Benefit and Income Support for mortgage interest	5.3	27
(c) Income excluding housing expenditure	6.8	35
1 Assumes fuel costs include those for non-heating purposes.
2 Total number of households in England in 1996 was 19.6 million.

As would be expected, when housing expenditure is excluded from household income, the overall household income decreases and hence the number of households defined as fuel poor rises.Fuel poverty is a devolved matter and it is the responsibility of the respective Parliament and Assemblies to comment on the situation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what he estimates to be the reduction in numbers of fuel-poor households since 1996 and the amount of reduction attributed to (a) improved energy efficiency, (b) reduced fuel prices and (c) increased household income. [145764]

Using data from the 1996 English House Condition Survey (EHCS), it was estimated that in 1996 there were either 4.3 million or 5.3 million households in fuel poverty using the definitions at (a) and (b) respectively.

(a) If, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10 per cent. of all income (including Housing Benefit and Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use.

(b) If, in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime, it would be required to spend more than 10 per cent. of its income (excluding Housing Benefit and Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many households are defined as fuel-poor on the basis of (a) income including housing benefit and mortgage interest support, (b) income excluding housing benefit and mortgage interest support and (c) income excluding housing expenditure. [145766]

The common definition of a fuel poor household is one that needs to spend in excess of 10 per cent. of household income in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime. Using data from the latest English House Condition Survey, the table shows the effect of different options for calculating household income on the number of households defined as fuel poor in 1996.Since the last EHCS there have been a number of significant Government policy developments that have moved households away from fuel poverty. These include:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has issued to local planning authorities on sustainable development; and if he will make a statement. [145999]

Sustainable development is the heart of the planning system. Relevant guidance is given to local planning authorities in a number of planning policy guidance notes including PPG1: "General Policy and Principles" (paras 4–7), PPG3: "Housing" (see paragraph 1) and PPG12: "Development Plans" (Chapter 4). Practical advice on how to incorporate sustainable development principles into development plan preparation was given in "Planning for Sustainable Development: towards better practice" (ISBN 0-11-753406-4). Regional Planning Guidance is subject to sustainability appraisal and guidance was issued in October 2000 on good practice in the preparation of such appraisals (ISBN 0-11-753568-0). We shall shortly be re-consulting on a revision to the consultation draft of PPG25: "Development and Flood Risk which emphasises sustainable solutions to managing risk from flooding".

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on air quality within the Yeovil constituency. [144609]

The Yeovil constituency is covered by South Somerset District Council, which is reviewing and assessing the current, and likely future, air quality in its area, as required under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995.South Somerset District Council, Mendip District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset District Council, submitted a preliminary air quality review and assessment report to my Department in February 1999. South Somerset produced its own further report in June 2000 and the Council is currently working on its final review and assessment report, but has regrettably missed the deadline of end December 2000. My officials will be meeting with representatives from South Somerset later this month to discuss their progress so far and to agree a formal timetable for submitting the final stages of the Council's review and assessment work.South Somerset does not currently anticipate any exceedences of the national air quality objectives in respect of benzene; 1,3-butadiene; carbon monoxide; lead; sulphur dioxide; and particles (PM

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many planning applications he has called in each of the last five years on which a tribunal has sat. [146080]

The number of planning applications called in each year for the last five years are:

Year	Number
1995–96	144
1996–97	139
1997–98	147
1997–98	138
1999–2000	136

All called in planning applications are considered by a Planning Inspector who, since the Franks Report, has traditionally been regarded as a one-person tribunal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce his decision regarding the authorisation of the mixed-oxide fuel plant at Sellafield. [146043]

A decision regarding the authorisation of the plant will only be announced when the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Health have considered all the relevant information, including the revised economic case received in my Department on 5 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many helicopters have been ditched in waters surrounding the United Kingdom in the last three years; where the ditchings occurred; how many (a) lives were lost and (b) helicopters were recovered; and if he will make a statement. [144503]

The Civil Aviation Authority's records show that only one civil helicopter has ditched into the waters surrounding the United Kingdom in the last three years. This incident occurred near Lyme Regis in foggy conditions. The helicopter was destroyed but both occupants were rescued.During the same period the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) has records of two military helicopters ditching in UK waters, one in the North Sea off the Norfolk Coast and the other in the area of the Kyle of Lochalsh. There were no fatalities in either case. It is believed that both helicopters were at least in part recovered, although DARA do not hold records of the recovery operations themselves.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what legislative and regulatory proposals have resulted from the work of the Park Homes Working Party; and if he will make a statement. [146263]

The recommendations of the Park Homes Working Party covered a broad range of issues and included proposals for changes to the legislation applying to park homes. We have consulted on, and are considering, the Working Party's recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what health impact assessment (a) has been carried out and (b) will be carried out for those living by Heathrow Airport. [145948]

The proposed fifth terminal at Heathrow was the subject of a Public Inquiry which closed in March 1999 with the report of the independent Inquiry Inspector, Roy Vandermeer QC, being delivered on 20 December 2000. During the Inquiry the Inspector heard and received evidence on a wide range of issues including the potential impact on health.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress he has made in reviewing the current heritage notification arrangements in London. [146447]

Following a consultation exercise last year, we are publishing today a joint circular with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport setting out new arrangements to simplify the handling of listed building consent applications in London. The new arrangements will reduce significantly the number of applications which will need to be notified to English Heritage and to the Government Office for London, to reflect the growing experience of the London boroughs in these matters. This will enable decisions to be issued more quickly.The circular also gives guidance on an Order transferring to English Heritage certain responsibilities from the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what external advice he is taking in respect of his plans to extend the level of woodland cover in England. [145439]

I have been asked to reply.The Forestry Strategy for England sets out our priorities for creating new woodlands. Our key target areas are the creation of larger woodlands, where they can bring greater benefits; the creation of woodlands in the urban fringe; the restoration of former industrial land; and reversing the fragmentation of ancient woodland. I chair the England Forestry Forum which I set up to help implement the strategy. The forum is made up of a wide range of bodies who have a significant interest in forestry in England and advise me on how best to deliver the aims of the strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if depleted uranium has been a component of munitions used on (a) Salisbury Plain training area, (b) Porton Down, (c) Lulworth ranges and (b) Shoeburyness. [145945]

No munitions containing Depleted Uranium (DU) have ever been fired on Salisbury Plain Training Area, Porton Down or Lulworth Ranges. In respect to Foulness, which is now part of the DERA Shoeburyness site, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 15 January 2001, Official Report, columns 42–43W, to my right hon. Friend the Member for Copeland (Dr. Cunningham).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the porpose was of the testing of depleted uranium shells at Dundrennan, Kirkudbrightshire, in 1999–2000. [145927]

The only ammunition with depleted uranium tested at Dundrennan, Kirkudbrightshire, in 1999–2000 was the 120mm anti-armour round Challenger Armament 3 (CHARM 3) for Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. The test-firing was part of the proofing regime for production rounds which will be complete by September 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many depleted uranium shells were fired at his Department's base at Dundrennan, Kirkcudbrightshire in 1999–2000; and how many have so far been fired in the current year. [145928]

During the calendar years 1999 and 2000, a total of 411 depleted uranium shells were fired at the Army's Dundrennan range. No rounds have been fired, so far, during the current year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the risk assessments undertaken by his Department affecting the environment and human life arising from the use of depleted uranium, including dates of such assessments in the last 10 years. [145922]

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 Defence if ordnance containing depleted uranium has been fired on the Otterburn Ranges; and if he will make a statement. [145934]

No ordnance containing depleted uranium has ever been fired on the Otterburn Ranges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total operating costs for all British overseas military bases less personnel costs were for the last year for which figures are available. [146090]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the system of prior scrutiny of arms sales in the United States and Swedish legislatures. [143693]

[holding answer 21 December 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on 21 December 2000, Official Report, column 338W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development 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. [143698]

[holding answer 21 December 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minster of State for the Cabinet Office on 21 December 2000, Official Report, column 245W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proposals she has to lift further the burden of debt from developing countries. [145917]

In 2000, 22 countries qualified for exceptional debt relief under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, exceeding the international target of 20 countries. This has resulted in over $50 billion in debt relief being agreed for these countries, which will reduce their debts by almost two thirds on average. We are continuing to work closely with the international community to secure the full implementation of the enhanced initiative, and hope that a number of other countries will qualify for relief this year. However, conflict is a major barrier to making substantial further progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many flights including helicopter flights were taken by Ministers within her 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. [143866]

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.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what categories of submissions from civil servants to Ministers, other than those relating to (a) intelligence and (b) personnel matters, are not circulated to special advisers; [143800](2) what categories of submissions from civil servants are submitted to special advisers before being seen by Ministers. [143801]

Special advisers in this Department have access to material produced by permanent civil servants in accordance with paragraph 14e of the model contract for special advisers.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what date he expects the Government to have redeemed all its special shares in non-defence-related, former nationalised companies. [145733]

The Government do not have a prescribed timetable for redeeming special shares in non-defence-related former nationalised companies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the criteria his Department uses to determine the speed, and order in which the Government redeems its special shares in former nationalised companies. [145734]

There are no set criteria to determine the speed and order in which the Government redeem their special shares. Each case is treated on its merits.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received concerning redemption of Government special shares in (a) BAA pic, (b) BAE Systems, (c) Belfast International Airport, (d) BG pic, (e) British Energy pic, (f) Cable & Wireless plc, (g) CDC pic, (h) Eurostar (UK) Ltd., (i) Inter-Capital and Regional Rail Ltd., (j) London and Continental Railways Ltd., (k) National Grid Group pic, (l) Pheonix Natural Gas Ltd., (m) PUK pic, (n) Rolls-Royce pic, (o) Scottish Power pic, (p) Scottish and Southern Energy pic, (q) Scena Line Ltd., (r) UK Nirex Ltd., (s) Viridian Group pic and (t) VSEL Ltd., respectively. [145732]

The Government consider all representations received concerning the redemption of Government special shares. Each representation is considered on its own merits. However, initial discussions between the Government and the respective organisations in these matters are commercially sensitive and could not be disclosed publicly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make available to hon. Members his report to the EU Commission on his assessment of the United Kingdom's ability to meet the Maastricht criteria. [145619]

There is no such report. However, a recent UK report made to the EU entitled "Delivering Economic Stability" was deposited in the Libraries of both Houses on 22 December 2000. This report is not an assessment of Britain's ability to meet the Maastricht criteria.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made with his commitment to increase funds available for vaccine research into HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB for developing countries announced as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review. [145923]

The Government—in consultation with the pharmaceutical industry and other stakeholders—are undertaking an urgent study into what can be done to promote research into vaccines for those diseases that particularly affect developing countries such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and TB. As announced in the pre-Budget report, the Treasury is looking at a range of tax options, focusing on creating the right incentives, as part of a wider review of the response to this global issue co-ordinated by the Performance and Innovation Unit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of workers on adult rates of pay in part-time employment have hourly earnings (a) including and (b) excluding overtime pay that are less than (i) £4.94, (ii) £6.58, (iii) £7.18 and (iv) £3.60 in (A) Scotland, (B) each of the unitary local authority areas in Scotland and (C) the UK, broken down by (1) male manual, (2) male non-manual, (3) all male workers, (4) female workers, (5) female non-manual, (6) all female workers, (7) all manual, (8) all non-manual and (9) all workers. [145666]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of workers on adult rates of pay in part-time employment have hourly earnings, including and excluding overtime pay, less than (i) £5.11, (ii) £6.82, (iii) £7.39 and (iv) £3.70 in (a) Scotland, (b) each of the unitary local authority areas in Scotland and (c) Great Britain, broken down by (1) male manual, (2) male non-manual, (3) all male workers, (4) female manual, (5) female non-manual, (6) all female workers, (7) all manual, (8) all non-manual and (9) for all workers. [145073]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to announce the details of the scheme for assisting rural post offices; what discussions have been held on this, and with whom; and when he expects to report to the House on his conclusions. [145916]

I have been asked to reply.In accordance with the recommendations of the performance and innovation unit's report on the future of the post office network, the Postal Services Commission will be advising the Government on the best way to channel financial assistance to rural post offices and issued a discussion document in December. The Commission has been asked to report by the autumn following consultations and discussions with the Consumer Council for Postal Services, the National Federation of Sub-postmasters and other key post office network stakeholders. A report to the House will be made thereafter.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact on the Scottish economy of the trading performance of the euro. [145661]

The latest data show that by the end of September 2000 the value of goods exported to the EU from Scotland had grown by 15 per cent. since the euro was launched.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the currencies which will be paid to the Bank of England for euro notes; and which currencies will be involved in the payment of interest. [145629]

[holding answer 15 January 2001]: Investors in euro notes will pay the Bank of England in euro. The Bank of England will pay interest on the notes in euro. These arrangements are identical to those in place for euro notes issued by the Government.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide businesses and wealthy individuals with greater fiscal incentives to make charitable donations. [146016]

The "Getting Britain Giving" package introduced last year provides significant incentives for businesses and wealthy individuals to make charitable donations. The £1,200 annual limit on donations under the payroll giving scheme has been removed to make it more attractive for higher earners, boosted by the Government's three year 10 per cent. supplement on all donations made in this way. The new relief for gifts of certain shares and securities provides a tax effective way for wealthy individuals with extensive shareholdings to give shares to charity and reduce their income tax bill by the full value of the gift. Higher rate taxpayers have always been able to claim tax relief on donations under gift aid. Companies can now give to charity by simply making a gross payment and claiming a deduction for the amount in their accounts.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if current funding for nature conservation projects will be safeguarded during the review of the landfill tax. [145613]

The Chancellor announced in the pre-Budget report 2000 that the Government would further explore how resources going through the landfill tax environmental bodies credit scheme can be better used to increase recycling rates, particularly of household waste. No decisions have been taken yet on reforming the scheme.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received about the sale of ineffective insurance policies to people aged under 18 years to cover the loss of mobile phones; and if he will make a statement. [145702]

The Government have not received any representations about insurance policies which provide cover for the loss of mobile phones.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 8 January 2001, Official Report, column 458W, if he has received the Inland Revenue Commissioner's report; and if it has been presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. [145750]

I have seen and approved for publication the Inland Revenue Annual Report for 1999–2000. It is planned to submit the report to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury and Parliament by the end of the month.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the National Debt was per head of population in the UK for each of the last 30 years, in real terms using 1999–2000 prices. [144589]

Figures for public sector net debt, the GDP deflator and UK population are available form the Office for National Statistics. Figures for public sector net debt (ONS series RUTN) are published in Table 1.1A of Financial Statistics; the GDP deflator (ONS series YBGB) is published in Table 2.1 of Economic Trends; and population figures are published in Tables 1.1 and 1.2 of Population Trends (number 102, Winter 2000).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total UK public expenditure was accounted for by expenditure on (a) defence, (b) police, (c) health, (d) education, (e) pensions, (f) unemployment benefits, (g) overseas aid, (h) agriculture, fisheries and food and (i) road building and maintenance in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [144590]

Public expenditure by function is presented in Chapter 4 of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2000–01 (CM 4601).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the proportion of UK marketable wealth owned by the least wealthy 50 per cent. of the UK population in each year from 1979–80 to 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [144610]

The latest available information on the distribution of UK marketable wealth relates to 1998. Data for 1984 to 1998 are given in the Table 13.5 of Inland Revenue Statistics 2000, and for the earlier years in the 1996 edition. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total of public sector net borrowing as a percentage of gross domestic product, added to taxes and social security contributions as a percentage of gross domestic product was for each of the years 1989–90 to 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [144591]

Figures for public sector net borrowing and taxes and social security contributions as a per cent. of GDP from 1989–90 to 1999–2000 were published in Table B26 of the pre-Budget report. Projects to 2005–06 were published in Tables B6 and B10 respectively.The Government have cut borrowing by £44 billion since 1996–97. As a result of lower borrowing, the Government are able to spend £4 billion a year more on key public services rather than on servicing the national debt.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent measures he has taken to encourage social inclusion in the regions of England. [145214]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to foster the growth of credit unions. [146022]

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 7 December 1999, Official Report, columns 521–22W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will review the statutory basis for the role of the appointed actuary in insurance enterprises; [143942](2) what action the Financial Services Authority takes to monitor the distribution of orphan assets; [143941](3) if it is his policy that appointed actuaries in insurance enterprises can serve as chief executives. [143943]

[holding answer 8 January 2001]: All these matters relate to the prudential regulation of insurance companies, for which the Financial Services Authority is the regulator. The Insurance Companies Act 1982 presently governs the prudential regulation of insurance companies. That Act will be repealed and replaced by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 when it comes into effect. Both statutory regimes require insurance companies to be soundly and prudently managed, and to take proper account of the interests of policy holders. The function and role of the appointed actuary are currently determined by the 1982 Act. It is for the FSA to assess whether those appointed to senior positions in authorised firms are fit and proper for their roles.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will abolish the rule that an application for up to six months funding of working families tax credits can be applied for only if the employer submits such application for funding at least nine working days before such employer is due to pay tax credits. [145841]

Employers can apply for funding at any time after they have been notified to start paying tax credit to one or more of their employees. The Inland Revenue aims to get funding to employers at least three days before the employer is first due to pay tax credits. To ensure the funding arrives in time employers are advised to apply at least nine working days in advance to allow time for funds to be cleared through the employers bank or building society account.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the (a) number and (b) percentage of higher rate taxpayers in each local authority area in Scotland. [145672]

Inland Revenue statistics (IRS) tables 3.14 provides information on the numbers of taxpayers, median income and median income by local authority. This is just a subset of those figures. Estimates for the number and percentage of higher rate taxpayers in each local authority in Scotland for 1996–97 (the latest year for which reliable figures are available) are provided in the table.

	Number of higher rate taxpayers:
1996–97	In each unitary authority	As a percentage of all taxpayers
Aberdeen City UA	12,000	10.1
Aberdeenshire UA	14,600	12.8
Angus UA	4,900	10.0
Argyll and Bute UA	3,300	10.3
Clackmannanshire UA	1—	1—
Dumfries and Galloway UA	2,100	3.4
Dundee City UA	3,900	6.5
East Ayrshire UA	1—	1—
East Dumbartonshire UA	5,300	7.2
East Lothian UA	3,300	7.2
East Renfrewshire UA	6,900	15.0
Edinburgh, City of UA	24,900	11.3
Eilean Siar UA	1—	1—
Falkirk UA	4,000	4.6
Fife UA	12,400	6.6
Glasgow City UA	8,000	3.4
Highland UA	6,300	6.2
Inverclyde UA	1—	1—
Midlothian UA	1—	1—
Moray UA	2,700	6.4
North Ayrshire UA	4,500	6.6
North Lanarkshire UA	7,200	4.7
Orkney Islands UA	1—	1—
Perthshire and Kinross UA	5,600	8.2
Renfrewshire UA	4,500	6.1
Scottish Borders UA	4,200	7.8
Shetland Islands US	1—	1—
South Ayrshire UA	4,800	8.7
South Lanarkshire UA	9,800	6.9
Stirling UA	5,400	12.6
West Dumbartonshire UA	1—	1—
West Lothian UA	2,900	3.8
1 Sample size is not sufficient for a reliable estimate to be made

This information is based on the survey of personal incomes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recommendation of the Third report of the Committee on Welsh Affairs, on social exclusion in Wales, concerning regional variations in tax to encourage investment in less developed areas. [146023]

The Government will be responding to the Committee in the usual way in due course. The Government set out a range of policies to promote fairness and to improve the economic performance of all parts of the UK in the pre-Budget report. Wales also benefited from substantial increases in provision in the 2000 Spending Review, including in relation to Objective 1 funding, which is intended to stimulate economic development in less developed areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with his right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food regarding the impact of trade liberalisation on British agriculture. [144538]

DTI and MAFF Ministers have regular discussions on trade issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the state of the automotive manufacturing and components industry. [144539]

The sector employs over 220,000 people and has an annual turnover of more than £40 billion. Since 1997, over £3 billion of new investment has been announced with over 10,000 new jobs in car manufacturing alone, and since 1997 we have seen record levels of production, sales and exports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his policy regarding the UK car industry. [144551]

The Government's policy on the UK car industry is the same as that for any other manufacturing sector—to assist industry to improve it's competitiveness in today's challenging global market.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the prospects for future employment in the textiles industry in the north-west. [144540]

The industry-led textile and clothing strategy group report highlighted opportunities for the industry in the north-west in technical textiles, the application of new technology in traditional areas and a diversification into wider activities such as technical tapes and healthcare.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with non-governmental organisations regarding the content of a draft bill on strategic arms exports. [144542]

My right hon. Friend met representatives of non-governmental organisations last November to discuss issues relating to the proposed Export Control Bill, including the Government's proposals for new controls on arms trafficking and brokering. Ministers and officials have also held other meetings with NGOs to discuss these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to assess the operation of the Insolvency Act 2000; and if he will make a statement. [144543]

At the moment only Section 14 of the Act is in force and that is an order-making power. Before we can assess the operation of the Act we will need to bring the rest of its provisions into force. As was stated in the regulatory impact assessment, we will monitor its operation and assess it after three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters to discuss the future of the network. [144545]

I last met representatives of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters to discuss the future of the post office network on 24 November when I attended a meeting of the executive council.I understand I was the first Secretary of State to attend a meeting of federation's executive council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements he has made for benefit payments to be made by way of Post Office accounts. [144549]

The Government have given a commitment that both before and after the migration of benefit payments to automated credit transfer, those benefit and pension recipients who wish to collect their benefits in cash in full across a post office counter will continue to be able to do so. The development of universal banking services will ensure that arrangements for this are put in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress towards protecting the sub-post office network. [144554]

By accepting all 24 recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit's (PIU) report on the future of the post office network, the Government have demonstrated their continuing commitment to maintenance of a nationwide network. We are working closely with the Post Office, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and other stakeholders to implement the PIU recommendations and have placed a formal requirement on the Post Office to maintain the rural network and prevent avoidable closures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress with establishment of the universal bank. [144555]

Good progress is being made with the development of universal banking services. Agreement in principle was reached on 20 December 2000 with six banks, Barclays, Lloyds TSB Ltd, RBS/Nat West, HSBC, Abbey National and the Halifax, to contribute towards universal banking services at the Post Office. Discussions continue with other banks and building societies to examine what contributions they can make.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices there are in each parliamentary constituency; how many receive 40 per cent. or more of their annual income from pensions and benefits business; and if he will make a statement. [144593]

The most recent data available are as set out in the reply given to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett) on 29 November 1999, Official Report, column 22W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) post offices and (b) sub-post offices there were in (i) Yeovil constituency and (ii) south Somerset in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [144592]

I understand from the Post Office that the historic data requested are not available and that the most recent data available for Yeovil constituency are as set out in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Erdington on 29 November 1999, Official Report, column 22W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to publicise the range of services available at the Post Office. [144537]

Publicity and advertising of the range of services available are operational matters for the Post Office. I understand that, in addition to in-store advertising of Post Office products and services often supported by local press and radio campaigns and promotional incentives, a new website carrying a comprehensive guide to all products and services available from the Post Office is to be launched later this month. This website will be advertised as part of the credits for the television travel programme "Wish You Were Here", which the Post Office is sponsoring for six months with the particular objective of advertising and promoting the travel insurance, foreign currency and travellers cheques services available either on demand or by order through all post offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many companies have benefited from the Small Business Service's smart initiative since its inception. [144546]

From 1986 to the end of December 2000, my Department supported 3,103 individuals and small businesses through Smart and the former SPUR scheme, which it now incorporates.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the performance of manufacturing industry in the London region; and if he will make a statement. [144547]

The Office for National Statistics figures for 1997, which are the latest figures available, show that the performance of manufacturing industry in London, on a gross value added per employee basis, is 112.4 per cent. of the UK average. Labour productivity is the second highest of the English regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry. [144557]

Manufacturing industry makes a vital contribution to the economy. We are helping manufacturing companies to be competitive by creating the right economic climate of stability, low inflation, and sound public finances and through policies which help firms to innovate, develop the skills of their work-force and grow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment he has made of performance in the manufacturing industry in the west midlands region. [144558]

The Office for National Statistics figures for 1997, the latest that are available, show the performance of manufacturing industry in the west midlands, on a gross value added per employee basis, is 91.5 per cent. of the UK average.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress he has made in implementing proposals in the White Paper "Modern Markets: Confident Consumers." [144548]

We have already implemented the majority of our proposals from the consumer White Paper, and are currently taking forward others, including stop now orders and legislation for the full pint of beer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress being made on payments under the coal industry health compensation settlement. [144550]

The Department continues to pay out around £1 million per day in compensation, and has paid out over £310 million to former miners and their families with claims for respiratory and vibration-related diseases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many compensation claims he has paid to miners and widows at the latest date for which figures are available. [144559]

As at the end of December the Department had made final settlements to over 6,500 claimants for respiratory diseases—5,860 from former miners and 640 from widows and estates. In addition, the Department had made final settlements to over 19,240 claimants for vibration-related diseases—18,400 from former miners and 840 from widows and estates. Additionally, the Department had made interim payments to a further 15,800 former miners, and 8,600 to their families for claims in respect of respiratory diseases, and a further 21,300 interim payments to claimants for vibration-related diseases.The Department continues to pay out around £1 million per day in compensation, and has paid out over £310 million as at the end of December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide additional resources to assist with the processing of health compensation claims from former miners in the Leicestershire and South Derbyshire coalfields. [144566]

The Government will not allow the issues of resources to delay settlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what future role he plans for small generators in the electricity market. [144552]

Small generators form an integral part of the Government's energy policy and are set to make an increasingly important contribution to the provision of secure, diverse, competitive and sustainable energy supplies.The Government are committed to a target of at least 10,000 MWe of installed CHP capacity by 2010 and have established a range of measures to support this target. Renewable sources of energy are an essential part of the Government's climate change programme. They are expected to provide 5 per cent. of our electricity supplies by 2003 and, subject to the cost to consumers being acceptable, 10 per cent. by 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on manufacturing industry of the recent rise in the price of gas. [144553]

The Government are keenly aware of the significance of gas prices for industry and are working to establish a fully liberalised and competitive European gas market.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has had regarding the new Employment Agency regulations; and when he expects them to come into force. [R] [144556]

I have received representations both for and against the proposals issued in May 1999 and March 2000. Final proposals will be published shortly. Subject to parliamentary approval, I expect the revised regulations to come into force this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on trends in case numbers in employment tribunals. [144560]

Over the last decade, caseload rose sharply in 1991–92 to nearly 60,000 applications and continued to rise, reaching a peak of 110,000 in 1995–96. In 1999–2000 just below 104,000 applications were made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking to make setting up a business more realistic for people from all social backgrounds. [144561]

The Department has a wide range of measures designed to help prospective entrepreneurs regardless of their social background, details of which can be found on the Small Business Service website (www.businessadviceonline.org). However, some social groups are under-represented, and we have taken additional steps to encourage these, which include: Giving the Small Business Service a clear remit to tackle social exclusion. In particular the SBS has established a Social Inclusion Unit and is taking forward those recommendations relating to its work made by the Social Exclusion Unit's Policy Action Team on enterprise in its report of November 1999.Ensuring that Business Links' plans take account of the needs of their local communities, including those that face some form of disadvantage.Utilising the Phoenix Fund which the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced in November 1999. The Fund, the initial budget for which of £30 million over three years was trebled in Budget 2000, is designed to encourage the provision of high quality business support for entrepreneurs from disadvantaged or other under represented groups. Activities currently supported include community finance initiatives, business mentors and other innovative forms of business support.In conjunction with HM Treasury and the Inland Revenue, responding to the recommendations of the Social Investment Taskforce on ways of introducing new sources of private and institutional investment into disadvantaged communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the assistance given to small businesses. [144562]

The Government have an ambitious goal that, by 2005, the UK can become the best place in the world to start and grow a business. We will continue to ensure that the United Kingdom's small firms can compete effectively and meet the challenges of the global economy. We recently published a document entitled "Think Small First" which sets out the Government's priorities for promoting an entrepreneurial society in which every small business and individual can achieve their full potential. The document proposes a number of objectives and specific measures to enable SMEs to meet the potential challenges of the next five years. It also proposes a framework for all Government Department's interactions with small businesses. Copies of the document have been placed in the House Libraries.In addition, the Government have created the Small Business Service (SBS) to bring together all its support for small businesses under one umbrella. The SBS is working with the regional development agencies to ensure a clear understanding of economic priorities and is committed to developing the Business Link network as the natural choice of smaller businesses seeking advice and support. The network will be strongly customer focused and will have an enlarged remit to cover pre-starts, start-up and micro businesses together with established and growth potential businesses.Equivalent services in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are equally committed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with other Government Departments to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses. [144544]

I meet Ministers from other Government Departments on a regular basis to discuss ways to minimise the regulatory burden on small businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new spin-out companies have emerged from British biotechnology in the last year. [144563]

It is estimated that at least 90 new biotechnology businesses were formed in the UK during 2000. This number includes both companies developing products (e.g. new drugs, diagnostics) and service companies (e.g. bioinformatics).Of these new companies over 40 per cent. received help from DTI support schemes specifically designed for the biotechnology sector.There is no national database containing information on biotechnology business formation and the above information was obtained from the regional biotechnology networks and Government support programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress towards the establishment of a universal bank. [144564]

Good progress is being made with the development of universal banking services. Agreement in principle was reached on 20 December 2000 with six banks, Barclays, Lloyds TSB Ltd, RBS/Nat West, HSBC, Abbey National and the Halifax, to contribute towards universal banking Services at the Post Office. Discussions continue with other banks and building societies to examine what contributions they can make.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his Department's involvement with the Ilisu dam project in Turkey. [144565]

In 1998 the Export Credits Guarantee Department received an application from Balfour Beatty for export credit support in respect of their proposed participation in the Ilisu dam project.In December 1999, when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry published two reports which we commissioned on environmental and social aspects of the project, he made it clear that before

a decision is made on the availability of ECGD support, we will need to be satisfied on a number of conditions, in particular:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to support the development and use of bioaviation fuels. [145724]

Together with the airline industry and others the DTI is reviewing a modest proposal to investigate the use of a fuel derived from biomass as a substitute for aviation kerosene.Such a fuel would need to meet the quality criteria for aviation kerosene.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the nature was of the representations he received about his Department redeeming its special shares in Powergen and National Power; and what criteria were applied in the process that led to his Department redeeming the shares. [145731]

The companies each wrote to my Department seeking redemption of their respective special shares. It is the Government's policy to consider any such request on its merits.In assessing whether to redeem the special shares my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry took into account whether the special shares were still valid and necessary in the context of a competitive market and a strengthened regulatory and competition framework.In line with NAO/PAC guidance, once my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry had taken a decision to redeem each special share he then also sought additional consumer benefits from the companies concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what will happen to the returned Takahama Mox fuel when it is imported from Japan into the United Kingdom. [146046]

This is a matter for BNFL. I understand that the options for managing the fuel once in the UK are still being considered. The chosen option will have to meet all of the relevant regulatory requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on which date he first received advice from the British Embassy in Japan that discussions should begin with the Japanese Government and electricity industry on the issue of returning the Takahama Mox fuel to the United Kingdom, following the discovery of the data falsification at Sellafield. [146044]

The chronology on these issues is contained in my letter to the hon. Gentleman on 21 November 2000, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what specific measures his Department has introduced to raise the awareness of the national minimum wage and the national minimum wage confidential helpline among ethnic minorities. [146087]

In the autumn of 1999, the Government ran a national minimum wage publicity campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the national minimum wage among ethnic minority communities. This was the first DTI campaign specifically to target ethnic minorities—especially Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Afro-Caribbean communities—in known low pay areas. The campaign also aimed to reassure people in these communities that complaints about underpayment of the minimum wage would be treated confidentially, and that enforcement is fair and effective. The confidential helpline number (0845 6000 678) was featured strongly.To complement the publicity campaign in September-October 2000 to raise awareness of the increase in the main rate to £3.70, in September 2000 my Department wrote to around 750 ethnic minority intermediaries such as community advice centres, career groups, religious bodies and business representatives telling them about the increase and to remind people that complaints about underpayment to the helpline will be treated in the strictest confidence. The letter also explained that guidance on the minimum wage is freely available in a number of languages, including the main Asian ones, by contacting the minimum wage helpline; and for those people who cannot speak English or would prefer to converse in their native tongue, the helpline has access to translation services in over 30 different languages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his policy is concerning the export to Israel of goods whose export is controlled for strategic reasons; what changes were made to his policy during 2000; arid if he will make a statement. [145332]

[holding answer 15 January 2001]: I have been asked to reply.Applications for licences to export to Israel arms or other goods controlled for strategic reasons are considered on a case-by-case basis against the consolidated EU and national criteria that I announced on 26 October 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the NHS CO, standard of heat insulation, specified in PFI tenders for new hospital buildings, is implemented in existing and future contracts. [143163]

The National Health Service has a good track record in achieving environmental targets, and there are a number of initiatives under way to support the NHS in achieving greater energy efficiency. This is an important matter, and we do not propose to stand still. We are therefore taking the following programme of action:We will write to all NHS trusts setting new mandatory targets for overall energy use and will be providing guidance to the NHS on how to improve its environmental performance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of repetitive strain injury were diagnosed and treated in each year since 1995; and what estimate he has made of the total cost of treating the condition. [145004]

The information requested is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) hip and (b) knee replacement episodes were carried out for residents of each health authority in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1997–98, (iii) 1998–99 and (iv) 1999–2000; and what proportion this represents of each resident population. [145861]

[holding answer 16 January 2001]: The information requested has been placed in the Library.The tables show figures for elective hip and knee replacement operations for the years 1996–97 to 1999–2000, for patients resident in England and treated in National Health Service hospitals in England, by health authority of residence. The total numbers have increased from 37,410 hip replacements and 26,725 knee replacements in 1996–97, to corresponding figures of 41,561 and 33,414 in 1999–2000, an increase of 11 per cent. and 25 per cent. respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the most recent figures for the total number of people waiting for hospital treatment in Mid Essex. [145949]

In November 2000, there were 9,050 patients waiting for inpatient treatment at Mid Essex Hospital Services National Health Service Trust.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the £10,000 ex-gratia payments made to former Japanese prisoners of war count towards capital for the purposes of charging for nursing and social care. [146078]

The Department has laid regulations and is in the process of issuing guidance to councils to ensure the ex-gratia payments are completely disregarded in the assessment of people's ability to pay for nursing home and residential care.With regard to home care and other non-residential services, the Department has recently issued similar draft guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he has taken to address issues arising from the undignified and disrespectful placing of bodies in the Chapel of Rest of the mortuary at Bedford Hospital. [146013]

The report of a full investigation by the Eastern Region of the National Health Service Executive will be published and placed in the Library. The Health and Safety Executive is due to visit Bedford Hospital on 18 January 2001 and the Commission for Health Improvement will include the mortuary facilities as part of its wider inspection of the hospital which will begin on 29 January 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will answer the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Cardiff, Central for answer on 18 December 2000 on the use of gelatine in the manufacture of drug capsules. [146024]

I shall let my hon. Friend have a reply to his questions tabled for answer on 18 December as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the number of NHS dentists who are overseas qualified dentists; and if he will make a statement. [144602]

On 30 September 2000, there were 2,656 dentists providing General Dental Services in England who had qualified outside the United Kingdom. That is 15 per cent. of the total number of dentists providing General Dental Services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the (a) proportion and (b) number of (i) adults and (ii) children who were registered with an NHS dentist in each (1) health authority and (2) county in England and Wales for each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [144601]

The information for England has been placed in the Library.The number of patients registered with a dentist for National Health Service treatment has declined since 1993 although in the past 12 months the numbers have started to increase. The decline was mainly due to dentists choosing to increase their private practice, to more dentists working part-time, the reduction in the registration period since 1996 and the elimination of duplicate registrations.Comparable data for 1991 are not available because registration was only introduced in October 1990 and the number of patients registered was still growing until 1992.Information about Wales is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Wales.Data are not available by county.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the (a) start up costs and (b) annual running costs of the personal dentist service pilots in (i) Taunton and (ii) Yeovil; and what his estimate is of the number of people each year who will receive treatment at such centres. [144603]

The information requested is as follows: