To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the occasions on which he stated in public that the Wild Mammals (Hunting with Dogs) Bill, introduced in Session 1997–98, had been blocked in the House of Lords. [146438]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave in the House to his hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Soames) on 17 January 2001, Official Report, columns 344–45.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list those Ministers that (a) have interests in the letting of property and (b) use the letting and relocation company Cendant (i) to let their properties and (ii) to purchase new ones; and if he will list those ministries that use Cendant for relocating and housing their civil servants. [146279]

Guidance to Ministers on handling financial interests is set out in the Ministerial Code. Detailed information in the form requested is not held centrally.

To ask the Prime Minister how he is planning to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day; and how the Cabinet will be commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day. [146375]

Together with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and other ministerial colleagues, I am planning to attend the national ceremony in central London on the evening of Saturday 27 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will reply to the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Lewes, dated 14 June. [144378]

[holding answer 9 January 2001]: As the letter refers to issues which are not relevant to my responsibilities as Secretary of State, it is being dealt with by my constituency office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the introduction of paid parental leave. [146122]

In developing the Green Paper "Work and Parents: Competitiveness and Choice", a large number of meetings were held with employers and their representatives, employees and their representatives and voluntary organisations. Paid parental leave was discussed at many of these meetings alongside many other matters. A list of many of those who contributed to the review was included in the Green Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the debt owed to the United Kingdom by heavily indebted poor countries is for defence-related business; and what the value of this debt is. [145933]

Records indicate that less than one per cent. (under £20 million) of debt owed to the ECGD by Heavily Indebted Poor Countries is for defence-related business.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 2000, Official Report, columns 218–19W, on manufacturing, what procedures are in place for interested outside bodies, including employers' organisations and trade unions, to make representations to the ministerial groups which discuss industrial issues including job losses. [146485]

Ministers receive frequent representations from outside bodies interested in industrial issues, including job losses. These are taken into account in discussions in the informal ministerial meetings and groups to which I referred.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list those sections of United Kingdom manufacturing industry in which his Department expects to see (a) earnings growth and (b) job growth. [146921]

My Department does not make forecasts of earnings growth and employment growth in manufacturing sectors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance he has issued to small employers regarding the Working Time Directive Regulations. [146507]

Guidance on the Working Time Regulations, aimed at employers and workers alike, has been available since the Working Time Regulations came into force on 1 October 1998. New 'user friendly' guidance was issued on 30 March 2000, following discussions with representatives from both sides of industry on the format. The document is easier to navigate, which assists smaller businesses with limited resources.A copy of the current guidance is held in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he plans to publish his proposals to amend employment tribunal procedure rules. [146054]

I refer my hon. Friend to my written answer on 27 November 2000, Official Report, columns 381–82W. I expect to lay the amendments to the regulations before Parliament in early March, subject to completion of statutory consultation with the Council on Tribunals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance he will issue to employment tribunals on differentiating between a weak case which has no real chance of success and a case with merit which may be unsuccessful. [146055]

The regulations will provide that an application or a defence may be struck out on the grounds that it discloses no reasonable grounds for bringing or defending the complaint. It will be clear that this provision applies to cases which have no real prospect of success rather than an arguable case.The employment tribunals are independent judicial bodies and the application of the regulations in an individual case is for them to determine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications were registered by the Employment Tribunal Service in 1999–2000; how many applications were successful; in how many cases costs were awarded; in how many cases costs were awarded against the respondent; and what the average costs were in each case. [146056]

The Employment Tribunals Service registered 103,935 applications in 1999–2000. During this period, a total of 83,409 cases were disposed of, of which 10,349 (12 per cent.) were successful at a hearing. Costs were awarded in 407 cases (0.48 per cent.), of which 291 were awarded against the respondent. The average cost award was £1,700.09.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the reasons for excluding energy from waste from the Renewables Obligations. [146381]

No final decision has yet been made on the renewables that will be included in the Obligation.The various sources of renewable energy are at different stages of development. In our October 2000 Consultation Document on the Renewables Obligation, we took the view that large-scale hydro (i.e. exceeding 10 MW installed capacity) and energy from waste (energy recovery from municipal solid waste and from mixed streams of industrial and commercial waste) could be seen as already commercially viable, well established in the market, and able to compete with electricity from fossil fuels. This view took into account the indirect support provided to energy from waste projects by the landfill tax. The Government invited views on the proposal that these two renewable energy sources, large-scale hydro and energy from waste, should be excluded from the Obligation, in order to enable resources to be concentrated on those renewables needing continued support.The response to the consultation has been considerable and diverse and is being carefully analysed before decisions are made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices have (a) reduced opening hours and (b) closed (i) permanently and (ii) on a temporary basis since May 1997 in each Scottish local authority area; and if he will make a statement. [145907]

[holding answer 16 January 2001]: The Post Office does not hold figures by local authority area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which Post Office assets have been written off as part of the £100 million exceptional charge in the first half 2000–01 accounts. [144145]

[holding answer 8 January 2001]: I have been informed by the Post Office that a small charge was included against restructuring costs for overseas acquisitions as certain operations were merged and redundant ones closed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with the Chairman of Corus plc in the last two months regarding the future of the steel industry. [146661]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has had a number of discussions with the Chairman of Corus in the last two months on a range of issues. It would not be appropriate to divulge the details of commercially confidential discussions between Ministers and companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received from the trade unions regarding the future of employment in the steel industry. [146662]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is in regular contact, on a number of issues, with trade unions representing employees in the steel industry. In addition, in November I hosted a meeting with trade unions, metals industry representatives and Government which focused on what all parties could contribute to ensure the future competitiveness of the metals industries, including steel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will place in the Library details of the time, place, duration, content and nature of the conversations that took place between A4E and the four unitary authorities of Humberside before the awarding of the Business Link services contract for Humberside to A4E; [145140]

[holding answer 16 January 2001]: The award of contracts for local delivery of Business Link services is an operational matter for the Chief Executive of the Small Business Service. I have asked him to write to my hon. Friend with his response.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with ASW/Co Steel with respect to (a) climate change levy assistance, (b) rate reduction and (c) financial assistance. [146049]

[holding answer 18 January 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has received correspondence on the climate change levy and is fully aware of the company's concerns. My officials have also met with the company to discuss the levy and other issues of concern.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts he has had with UNITA in order to obtain information about Jason Pope. [144023]

[holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has raised the case of Jason Pope with UNITA officials many times since Jason's disappearance. This contact has been in accordance with UN sanctions against UNITA with the permission on humanitarian grounds from the UN Angola Sanctions committee.The last time officials made contact with UNITA representatives to raise Jason's case was in Washington on 9 December 2000. Jason's parents have been informed of this exchange.We will continue to explore all possible sources of information and assistance to try to establish Jason's whereabouts and the facts of what happened.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last reviewed his Department's travel advice in relation to (a) Israel and (b) Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement. [144368]

[holding answer 8 January 2001]: The Travel Advice Unit updates its information on each country regularly as circumstances warrant. Our diplomatic missions in each country—in this case, the British Embassy in Tel Aviv and the British Consulate General in Jerusalem—consider changing our advice to British travellers after every significant event involving that country.Our Travel Advice for Israel was last updated on 22 December 2000. The Travel Advice for Jerusalem was last updated on the same day. The latter advises against all non-essential travel to Jerusalem in the current circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions the UK delegation to a meeting of the European Council of Ministers has been led by someone other than a Member of Her Majesty's Government; and if he will list those involved. [145646]

On 8 June 2000 Nicol Stephen, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning in the Scottish Executive, led for the UK at the Education Council. This was the only occasion since May 1997 that the UK has not been represented in the Council of Ministers by a Member of the Westminster Parliament. This substitution was agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education, and was fully in line with the Government's agreement with the devolved Administrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what ways non-governmental organisations will be involved in the UK delegation to the UN Special Session on HIV/Aids in June. [146036]

There will be full consultation with non-governmental organisations in the run-up to the UN Special Session on HIV/AIDS this summer, and we hope that some NGO representation will join the UK delegation to the Special Session.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Government of Mauritius concerning future sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. [146142]

We have received regular representations from the Government of Mauritius about the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory. The most recent have been from the Mauritian Foreign Minister this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to publish studies on the economic viability of the Chagos Islands; and if he will make a statement. [146141]

The Report of the Preliminary Study on the feasibility of re-settlement on the outer islands of the British Indian Ocean Territory was placed in the Libraries of Parliament in July 2000, and made available to others directly affected, such as the lawyers for the Applicant in the recent court proceedings and the Governments of Mauritius and the United States. We expect that the Reports of the further stages of study will be made available similarly when the work to be done by independent experts is completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what external legal advice he has received on the legal status of the Chagos Islands and Diego Garcia in respect of rights of self-determination of its peoples. [146128]

We have not sought any external legal advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the budget for 2000–01 for the administration of the British Indian Ocean Territory is; and how many of the relevant officials are (a) United Kingdom based and (b) locally based. [146143]

The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Appropriation Ordinance 2000 provided an expenditure in the financial year 2000–01 of £2,301,000. Of this sum £132,000 was provided for administration, with the bulk, £1,800,000, being provided for fisheries protection and related issues. Subsequent in-year revision of the estimates suggest that the total will be in the region of £2,050,000.Revenue was originally estimated at £755,000. But revenue (from fisheries licences chiefly) has been better than predicted and it is now estimated that total revenue for the year will be nearer £1,500,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements have been made for Chagos Islanders to visit the islands since the recent court ruling or the right of return. [146140]

Following the court judgment a new BIOT Immigration Ordinance was enacted to allow the Ilois to return to certain islands in the territory, to visit or stay, without requiring a permit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the mandate is of the UN Security Council to endorse air-strikes over Iraq. [145230]

UK and US aircraft patrolling the no-fly zone over Iraq are not conducting a bombing campaign, as my hon. Friend implies. They only take action in self-defence, as is their right under international law. We have no wish for this confrontation to continue: it could end tomorrow if Iraq stopped shooting at our aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Turkey about the export of oil to Turkey from Iraq. [145231]

We have made the Turkish Government aware of our serious concerns about the trade in illegal oil through Turkey which we are keen to see stopped. The UN Sanctions Committee discusses Iraq's oil exports, both legal and illegal, on a regular basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss UN Resolution 1284 with the Governments of (a) France, (b) Russia, (c) China and (d) Malaysia. [145233]

We have held regular discussions with the Governments of France, Russia, China and Malaysia on Resolution 1284 in the context of wider discussions on Iraq in the Security Council, since the resolution was adopted. All Security Council members have made it clear that they are working for the resolution to be implemented in full.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on placing on hold humanitarian flights to Iraq. [145234]

The UK has consistently approved humanitarian flights to Baghdad. We place flights on hold, and then usually only on a temporary basis, where cargo or passenger details are insufficient to ensure that UN sanctions are not being breached. These holds are lifted as soon as we are satisfied with the additional information provided. We encourage organisations to provide additional humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people—and called on them to do so in SCR 1284. We assist those who wish to do this by air with their applications for Sanctions Committee approval. However the resumption of scheduled commercial flights involving financial transactions with Iraq would be a clear contravention of the sanctions resolutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with UNICEF about the deaths of Iraqi children. [145235]

We share UNICEF's concern that the children of Iraq have suffered greatly at the hands of a dictator who cares nothing for their welfare. We, however, do care about them. Under SCR 1284, a UK initiative, the humanitarian programme in Iraq has grown eightfold since it began in 1997. With up to $16 billion available this year, there is no reason why Iraqi children should go short of food, medicine or other humanitarian supplies unless Saddam decides to deny them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an assessment of the capacity of the Iraqi oil industry to export oil. [145237]

We welcome recent statements by the Iraqi Oil Minister that Iraq is increasing oil production again to return to the pre-Gulf War levels reached last year. Iraq's decision to halt oil production in December 2000 denied the Iraqi people over $650 million of humanitarian relief in December alone. We remain sceptical of Iraqi claims that they are unable to maintain production because of a shortage of oil spare parts when Iraq spent only 2 per cent. of the $600 million allocated to Iraq by the UN for oil spare parts during the last six months of 2000. Oil spare parts are also included in the UN's "fast-track" system which has already processed more than $3 billion worth of goods.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contracts have been blocked by the UK Government, which are clearly designed for humanitarian purposes. [145238]

Under the terms of United Nations Security Council resolution 1284, contracts clearly designed for humanitarian purposes for the supply of foodstuffs, medical, agricultural, educational, water and sanitation supplies and oil spare parts no longer require Sanctions Committee approval but only need to be notified to the UN Secretariat. Under Security Council resolution 1330 these lists of "fast-track" goods are being extended to include goods in the electricity and housing sectors also. This year alone, more than $3 billion worth of humanitarian goods have been "fast tracked" in this way to Iraq.The UK holds less than 2 per cent. of all other contracts, which are circulated to the UN Iraq Sanctions Committee, and only does so when there are serious concerns that the goods could be used in Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction programmes. Holds are generally placed temporarily until assurances have been received about the end-use or in-country monitoring of these goods. It is the Iraqi Government who place blocking holds on UN humanitarian supplies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of UN stock reports on the distribution picture for food and medicines verified by UN observers. [145239]

We have seen no recent UN reports specifically on the distribution of food and medicine in Iraq. However, we note that in his most recent report the UN Secretary-General called on Iraq to improve its contracting, ordering and distribution of the food basket and called for more effort to ensure the timely distribution of supplies to address the nutritional needs of the Iraqi people. We also note the Secretary-General's comment that the lack of a cash component—which the Iraqi regime refuses to discuss with the UN—is hampering the transportation of supplies for the targeted nutrition programme in central and southern Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the operation of the "Oil for Food" programme in relation to Iraq. [145240]

The "Oil for Food" programme has grown eightfold since 1997. Providing billions of dollars of humanitarian relief to the Iraqi people again this year, "Oil for Food" remains the largest UN aid programme ever. "Fast-track" procedures introduced by the UN last year mean that more goods, including foodstuffs, medical, agricultural, educational, water and sanitation supplies and oil spare parts no longer require Sanctions Committee approval, thus reaching the Iraqi people more quickly. So far this year, more than $3 billion worth of goods have been processed in this way. However, despite the programme's success, we remain concerned that a lack of co-operation from the Iraqi regime continues to hamper the delivery of this aid to the Iraqi people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received from the Chief Prosecutor of the Hague Tribunal on the use of ammunition with depleted uranium in war operations in the Balkans being put on the agenda of the Hague Tribunal. [146440]

The Secretary of State has received no such representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what invitation has been received from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to send experts to investigate the soil and the export of food and wine in relation to the problem of depleted uranium. [146434]

HMG have not received any invitation from the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the compatibility of section 7(1) of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 with the UK's obligation under the European Convention on Human Rights in so far as it relates to the conduct of the United Kingdom's security service within the territories of countries that are signatories to the convention; and if he will make a statement; [146147](2) what assessment he has made of the compatibility of section 5(3) of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 with the UK's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, in respect of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [146145]

The provisions of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 are fully compatible with the United Kingdom's obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates his Department gave approval to the United States Government to carry out research programmes in Diego Garcia in the last five years; what the titles were of each of the research programmes; to which United States Department or agency approval was given in each case; and on what dates the results of each of the research programmes were given to the Foreign Office. [146645]

In May 1998 approval was given to the United States' State Department for "Cable Survivability Tests" in Diego Garcia, and again in April 2000 for further tests on cable survivability. Final results will be available to us on request once this research is complete.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the number of job losses over the period (a) October 1998 to September 1999 and (b) October 1999 to September 2000 in (i) the cereals sector, (ii) the pig farming sector, (iii) the dairy sector and (iv) the hill-farming sector; and what forecasts he has made for employment in those sectors for the year October 2000 to September 2001. [143840]

In addition to correspondence with individuals and interested organisations, Ministers and officials hold regular meetings to discuss many economic aspects of agriculture, including employment.Figures on the agricultural labour force are collected in the Agricultural and Horticultural Census. The Census is conducted annually each June, and the figures show the total labour force in June for each sector.The available figures are presented in the table. A breakdown by farm type is not yet available for June 2000.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will monitor the use of the Red Tractor scheme to ensure that it is not used on imported food products. [144759]

The "red tractor" logo was developed by the National Farmers Union and is administered by an independent body, Assured Food Standards. It is not an indication of origin, but signifies food that has been produced in accordance with certain industry-run assurance schemes and therefore meets designated standards.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the cost of the proposed egg labelling scheme is. [144760]

The costs to industry associated with this measure, which will come into force on 1 January 2004, are:

Labelling of packs —costs should be negligible as this already takes place for the majority of eggs on the UK market. In addition, the long lead-in period provides time for any redesigning of packs that may be necessary.

Stamping of eggs —all eggs sold under the Lion Code, which present over 75 per cent. of domestic production, are already stamped. Those egg packers who do not already have egg stamping facilities could incur capital costs of at least £5,000 plus running costs of up to 1p/dozen, depending on throughput, and labour costs of around £10,000 per annum.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many UK fishing vessels there were in (a) May 1992, (b) in May 1997 and (c) at the latest date for which figures are available. [145579]

Information is not available for the dates requested. However the table sets out the numbers of vessels in the UK fleet as at 1 January 1992, 1997 and 2000, the latest year for which figures are available.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pigs have been slaughtered under measures to contain the recent outbreak of classical swine fever. [145602]

74,793 pigs have been slaughtered on infected premises and as dangerous contacts to contain the recent outbreak of classical swine fever.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the reasons were behind the delay in early payments to farmers of the suckler cow premium. [145919]

Producers who submit Suckler Cow Premium Scheme (SCPS) claims early in the application period normally receive advance payments from November onwards. Advances in respect of 2000 Scheme year claims began in December.The reason why payments began later than in previous years stems from the introduction of a rule allowing producers to claim premium on heifers, up to a limit of 20 per cent. of the total number of animals on the claim. The rule was introduced as part of the Agenda 2000 package of CAP reforms. Although it is relatively straightforward in itself, it necessitated a number of detailed changes to be made, including to the computer system used for making SCPS payments. These changes have taken longer to make than the usual year on year changes which are normally made to the system. As a result, the facilities were not available to RSCs to enable the advances to be paid in November.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the 10 highest grants paid are to farmers in England for each environmental aid scheme. [145780]

[holding answer 16 January 2001]: The main agri-environment schemes in England are Environmentally Sensitive Areas, the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Organic Farming Scheme. The 10 highest payments made under each scheme in the year 2000 were:

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the change in the prevalence of bovine TB is in areas where badger culling schemes (a) have and (b) have not taken place; and if he will make a statement. [145782]

[holding answer 16 January 2001]: The Government's cattle TB strategy includes a badger culling trial which is designed to establish whether culling badgers reduces the incidence of TB in cattle. The Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG), which is overseeing the trial, has advised the Government that disclosing the number and location of cattle breakdowns in trial areas could compromise the scientific integrity of the trial before it is completed. The Government have accepted this advice. When robust results are available from the trial, they will be made publicly available.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the level of TB among badgers in (a) Wales and (b) other parts of the United Kingdom. [145779]

[holding answer 16 January 2001]: There is no reliable means of testing for bovine TB in live badgers but broad estimates of disease levels can be made from post-mortem examination of badgers killed on roads. The most recent information available from this source is as follows:

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those countries that have confirmed cases of BSE. [146076]

[holding answer 18 January 2001]: The information requested is as listed and also on the MAFF departmental website at: http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/ bse/index.html

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reasons underlay the decision to introduce a flat rate modulation scheme; and if he will make a statement. [146151]

The decision to implement modulation at a low flat rate was made after full consultation. Given the particular challenges facing all sectors of the farming industry, we concluded that it would be inequitable for modulation to be applied to certain sectors and not others.This approach offers a simple and transparent system, allowing farmers to understand readily the impact of modulation on their businesses, and one which is relatively simple to implement. It takes into account the need to avoid giving incentives to farmers to alter their businesses artificially in response to modulation, or to defer the implementation of business restructuring which would otherwise make economic sense, and it strikes a balance between the benefits of expanding rural development measures and the importance of avoiding distortion of competition with farmers in other member states which are not applying modulation.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his estimate is of the number of (a) male and (b) female tenant farmers between the ages of 55 and 65 years. [146150]

The information relates to the number of holders aged 55 to 64 in England. This is the latest available information and is included in the table.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme—Ongoers—will open for applications; and if he will make a statement. [146750]

I am pleased to be able to announce that the Ongoers element of the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme is today being opened for applications and will remain open for six months. This announcement completes the delivery of a further component of the Government's Action Plan for Farming. It is particularly pleasing to announce the opening of phase two of a scheme that will make a significant amount of money available to the UK pig industry, a sector that has suffered over the past two years. While market conditions have improved recently, the scale of the debt incurred over those difficult times continues to be a major restraint on the industry's ability to prepare itself for the future. The Government's restructuring scheme will go some way towards remedying that situation.The aim of Ongoers is to help pig producers reduce costs, overcome any competitive disadvantage and restore long term viability to their businesses. It will achieve this by providing an interest rate rebate on loans linked to an agreed business plan.Phase one of the scheme—Ongoers—was opened on 4 December 2000 and since then over 1,500 application forms have been sent out in response to telephone and e-mail requests.

To ask the Solicitor-General for what reasons his Department did not reply to the questions tabled by the hon. Member for Thurrock on 19 October 1999 [refs. 94621 and 94622]; and if he will make a statement. [146299]

I have written to my hon. Friend and have answered the questions today.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the reasons for, and circumstances relating to, the decision of the CPS not to offer evidence at the trial of Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams on 8 June 1999. [146125]

The Crown Prosecution Service decided to offer no evidence in the case against Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams only after very careful and detailed consultation between the Crown Prosecutor, Queen's and Junior counsel for the Crown and the Crown's forensic science expert. The decision that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction was made following the late receipt of evidence from a forensic science expert for the defence about the trajectory of the fatal shots. The Crown's own forensic expert was unable to offer any evidence by way of rebuttal.

To ask the Solicitor-General for what reasons the senior CID officer overseeing the murder investigation relating to Richard Watson was not consulted prior to the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to present evidence in the trial of Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams on 8 June 1999; and if he will make a statement. [146124]

The Crown Prosecution Service decided to offer no evidence in the case against Linda Watson and Amanda London-Williams only after very careful and detailed consultation between the Crown Prosecutor, the Queen's counsel and Junior counsel for the Crown and the Crown's forensic science expert. The decision that there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction was made following the late receipt of evidence from a forensic science expert for the defence about the trajectory of the fatal shots. The Detective Inspector dealing with the police inquiry was kept fully informed as decisions were made.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what was the cost of each of the last three years, of (a) the police officers and (b) the civilian court staff employed in the Parliamentary Estate; and if he will make a statement. [145725]

Parliament has an agreement with the Metropolitan Police Services to provide security on the Parliamentary Estate.Expenditure by the House of Commons for police officers and civilian staff including associated costs in the last three financial years, from 1997–98 to 1999–2000 are as follows: for 1997–98 £4.8 million for police officers and £5.8 million for civilian staff; for 1998–99 £5 million for police officers and £5.9 million for civilian staff; and for 1999–2000 £5.3 million for police officers and £5.8 million for civilian staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had recently with the pharmaceutical industry concerning the supply of anti-HIV drugs to countries in Africa. [146067]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with pharmaceutical companies about making AIDS drugs available to developing countries at more affordable prices; and if she will make a statement. [146098]

The Department for International Development is in dialogue with the pharmaceutical industry, developing countries and the international community to try to reduce the cost of anti-retroviral therapies to treat HIV/AIDS in developing countries. The initiative by a group of pharmaceutical companies to reduce the cost of anti-retroviral therapies for developing countries was a positive step, but even at greatly reduced prices they remain unaffordable for many people in developing countries.We are also working with developing countries to put in place basic primary health care systems in order to deliver basic drugs and other care to all in need. The drugs are complex to administer and require constant monitoring of the treatment regime. Many developing countries do not have primary health care systems and thus, whatever the price of drugs, have no means of delivering care to the poor.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she plans to take to ensure that the importation of goods to the United Kingdom from less developed countries will not adversely affect the poor through unjust working conditions, low wages and the lack of recognition of workers' rights. [145944]

The UK strongly endorses the efforts of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to extend the enforcement of core labour standards in all countries. For example, the UK ratified the ILO Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour in March 2000 and is working with the ILO to achieve the widest possible ratification and implementation worldwide. My Department is preparing a new Framework Agreement between DFID and the ILO.There is no evidence that increased exports from poor countries lower labour standards. On the contrary: increased exports help support economic growth which is essential to the reduction of poverty.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development in what ways her Department is seeking change in World Trade Organisation policies to benefit the poorest countries and to achieve the international development targets and a more equitable trading system. [145942]

My Department is pushing for a new trade Round that will help developing countries reduce poverty. This includes substantial cuts in high tariffs and in trade-distorting subsidies. The Government will also support an approach that recognises more explicitly that WTO members are at different stages of development. We

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the latest figures are for mortality rates among (a) Gulf veterans and (b) the comparison group. [146850]

Peer reviewed scientific data comparing the mortality of UK Gulf veterans to an era group of service personnel who did not deploy to the Gulf were published for the first time in The Lancet on 1 July 2000. An update to these figures was provided by the Ministry of Defence to the House on 20 July 2000. The Ministry of Defence has undertaken to continue to monitor the mortality of both Gulf veterans and the era group and will publish updated figures on a regular basis. The figures as at 31 December 2000 are shown in the table.Overall, in the period 1 April 1999 to 31 December 2000 the mortality of UK Gulf veterans was only slightly greater than that of the Control group. The number of Gulf veterans dying from disease related causes is rather less than for the control group, whereas the number of Gulf veterans dying of external causes is rather higher than for the control group. The Ministry of Defence will conduct a more detailed analysis of road traffic accidents, to establish whether there are any underlying trends that might help explain this excess.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by what date he proposes to make a decision on United Kingdom participation in the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the Joint Strike Fighter project. [143328]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 January 2001, Official Report, columns 226–28W to my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Mr. Stinchcombe).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to monitor the findings of NATO allies about depleted uranium monitoring in the Balkans. [144670]

[holding answer 15 January 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on 15 January 2001, Official Report, columns 41–42W. The UK will take an active part in the further steps announced by the Secretary General of NATO on 10 January 2001. Participation in this further work will give the UK full visibility of the findings of NATO allies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Lord Robertson's speech given in Stockholm relating to the effect on peace-keepers serving in international missions in the Balkans of depleted uranium. [146435]

The NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, issued a statement on depleted uranium on January 2001, for further details of this statement I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, North (Mr. Chaytor) on 15 January 2001, Official Report, columns 1–42W. The Ministry of Defence has welcomed the NATO measures which were outlined in this statement. I understand that Lord Robertson reiterated NATO's view on depleted uranium during a press conference in Stockholm on 11 January 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action his Department is taking to review its policy towards depleted uranium in Iraq. [145236]

The Ministry of Defence does not have information about the current levels of depleted uranium (DU) in Iraq. Although we are well aware of suggestions that the use of DU-based ammunition during the Gulf conflict has caused an increase in ill-health, including deformities, cancers and birth defects, in Iraq, especially around Basra, Al Zubayr and Um Qasr, we have not so far seen any peer-reviewed epidemiological research, or any other properly validated research, to support these claims. Furthermore, there is no evidence that illnesses of the type reported are uniquely associated with or indeed consistent with exposure to DU. Of course, the Government would consider carefully any reliable medical or scientific data that may emerge concerning the incidence of ill health in Iraq.UK tanks, which were equipped with DU-based rounds during the 1990–91 Gulf conflict, did not operate in those areas of southern Iraq in which it has been suggested that there is an increased level of ill health compared to other areas of the country.We understand the World Health Organisation (WHO) is in discussion with the Government of Iraq about three proposals to improve health in Iraq. The proposals, which are still in the outline stage, focus on the improvement of health planning, the building of training links between Iraqi health personnel and outside health institutions, and improvement of research and treatment of emerging diseases, such as cancers. We understand that the Government of Iraq have agreed the proposals. The WHO will now presumably approach donors for funding. The Department for International Development has already indicated that it will consider funding for projects aimed at improving epidemiological data on, and health care planning, in Iraq—provided that these meet their project criteria. If implemented, these projects should provide valuable information on the health needs of the Iraqi population.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops and medical auxiliaries have been subject to exposure to depleted uranium from NATO and allied forces in (a) Iraq, (b) Kuwait, (c) Bosnia, (d) Kosovo and (e) other parts of the Balkans, arising from military conflicts in those areas in the last five years. [145292]

There is no evidence of which the Ministry of Defence is aware to suggest that any allied or NATO troops or civilians have suffered any exposure to depleted uranium that might be harmful. No specific data exist on individuals' possible exposure to depleted uranium, either in the Gulf or the Balkans. However, in recognition of the fact that recent press coverage will have caused some concerns among our people, I announced an initiative to identify an additional appropriate voluntary screening programme for our Service personnel and civilians who have served in the Balkans—9 January 2001, Official Report, columns 877–90. We will do this on the basis of the best available science. We will consult appropriate national bodies including the UK National Screening Committee of the UK Departments of Health and the Royal Society. It is our intention that this screening programme should be equally applicable to Gulf veterans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the reason for the year-by-year variation in the testing of depleted uranium shells since 1995. [145297]

I will assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale (Mr. Morgan) on 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 27W.The 120 mm anti-armour round Challenger Armament 3 (CHARM 3) for Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank was in development at the beginning of this period and was the only ammunition with DU content being fired at Kirkcudbright ranges. Firing peaked in 1997 with a Biases Trial to establish weapon system accuracy. Most of the subsequent firing was part of the proofing regime for production rounds that will be complete by September 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communication he has received from the Royal Society in respect of its current inquiry into the effects of the military use of depleted uranium on human health and the environment. [145288]

At the Royal Society's request, two sessions of Ministry of Defence evidence were held as part of its ongoing inquiry. My Department has also received two letters from the Royal Society and of course will be in consultation with them and others about the screening programme I announced on 9 January 2001, Official Report, columns 877–90. I understand that the Royal Society plan to publish their report in the summer of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what response he has made to the representations made to him by the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association over exposure to military personnel of depleted uranium in Operation Granby in 1991. [145291]

On 8 September 1999, following a meeting with veterans, I announced that the Ministry of Defence was offering to re-test those veterans who had been tested in Canada for depleted uranium. In November 1999 a draft protocol under which this testing might be carried out was put before veterans associations, including the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association (NGV&FA), for discussion. Regrettably, the NGV&FA has not appeared willing to discuss this proposal for testing with us. It is our intention that the screening initiative I announced in the House on 9 January 2001, Official Report, columns 877–90 should be equally applicable to Gulf veterans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if his Department is monitoring the health checks being conducted by Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Norway, France and Belgium, on peacekeeper troops who may have come into contact with depleted uranium whilst deployed in the Balkans; [145289]

In my statement to the House on 9 January 2001, Official Report, columns 877–90, I stressed the importance of co-ordinating our approach with allies. The Ministry of Defence, both independently and through NATO, is therefore monitoring very closely the health checks being proposed or conducted by our allies on troops who believe they may have been exposed to depleted uranium (DU). The North Atlantic Council met on 10 January 2001 to consider the possible health effects associated with the use of DU munitions. After that meeting, the Secretary General affirmed that NATO allies are committed to ensuring the health and safety of their Service personnel and to avoiding any ill-effects for the civilian population and personnel of the non-governmental organisations as a result of NATO military operations. Allies agreed that NATO should continue to co-operate fully with investigations by nations or multinational organisations on the possible effects of exposure; to produce information on the use of DU munitions during operation Deny Flight and Deliberate Force in 1994 and 1995; and to consult fully with all present and past NATO SFOR and KFOR contributing countries.On 15 January 2001, the NATO Chiefs of Medical Military Services Committee (COMEDS), the senior medical advisory committee of NATO, held a meeting to discuss the health concerns of Balkan peacekeepers. At this meeting, a common NATO medical approach was agreed. This was that each nation should analyse the mortality rates of its Service personnel; analyse the rate of illness among its Balkans veterans; compare them with control groups and national matched statistics, and correlate the collection of morbidity data with known health hazards in theatre.A NATO meeting was also held on 16 January 2001 to establish a working group to act as a clearing house for the exchange of information, between the allies and more widely, on any health risks associated with the use of DU munitions.While this activity has arisen in the context of concerns about use of depleted uranium in the Balkans, the discussions are also relevant to the suggested health effects of DU in the Gulf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidelines his Department follows when deciding at which sites depleted uranium munitions may be (a) fired, (b) stored and (c) transported. [144989]

The land firing of Depleted Uranium (DU) munitions has been concentrated at two MOD ranges in the UK; at Kirkcudbright in Dumfries and Galloway, and Eskmeals in Cumbria. The Statutory Regulations which govern the use of DU on all ranges in the UK are the Radioactive Substance Act 1993, which controls radioactive waste discharges to the environment and the Ionising Radiation Regulations published in December 1999 which came into effect on 1 January 2000. These are part of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 and enforced by the Health and Safety Executive. The firings are conducted with the full knowledge of the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. In addition, the MOD Explosive, Storage and Transport Committee lays down the policy and standards for the storage and transportation of all conventional military explosives held by the UK MOD and this includes DU munitions. These standards are then enshrined as necessary in Single Service regulations and working practices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations have been received from the campaign against depleted uranium. [145295]

My Department received a letter from the Campaign Against Depleted Uranium (CADU) dated 9 January 2001 and is in the process of replying.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research is being conducted by (a) his Department and (b) DERA into alternatives to the use of depleted uranium munitions. [145298]

The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency has been investigating, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, a range of materials as possible alternatives for depleted uranium (DU) which is used in ammunition for the Challenger II battle tank. I he research over the past few years has focused on studying the physical characteristics of DU alloys that make them especially effective in battlefield engagement. Based on this knowledge, the suitability of alternative materials is being assessed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the toxic effects on the liver of the ingestion of particles of depleted uranium. [145276]

None. The level of chemical toxicity of depleted uranium (DU) is similar to that of other heavy metals such as lead. Much research has been done into heavy metal poisoning and its effects are well understood. If soluble particles of DU were to be ingested, this could indeed give rise to health problems. However, this is very unlikely, as the DU residues found on the battlefield are generally in the form of solid fragments or relatively insoluble oxides. Should any of these oxides be ingested, most would pass straight through the body and so the risk of any health effects arising from such exposure is negligible. Kidney damage is the chief indication of heavy metal poisoning. The incidence of kidney disease among the 3,000 or so patients who have been to the Gulf Veterans Medical Assessment Programme is no higher than would be expected in the general population.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department has reviewed the evidence presented to inquiries held by the United States Congress into the potential hazards of the use of depleted uranium munitions. [145296]

My Department works closely with our US counterparts and follows developments there attentively, including inquiries held by Congress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out where the signal message on depleted uranium hazards dated 25 February 1991 from his Department, to which he referred in his answer to the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) of 30 November 2000, Official Report, columns 727–28W, was found. [145294]

The signal referred to was found in the private papers of the Commander Medical who served in the Gulf with 1 Armoured Division. Copies were not found in any official records held by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if depleted uranium shells have been transported by (a) air, (b) road and (c) rail to (i) Aberporth, (ii) Llanbedr and (iii) Sennybridge; [144985](2) if depleted uranium shells have been

Depleted uranium shells have not been transported by air, road or rail to Aberporth, Llanbedr or Sennybridge. Neither have depleted uranium shells been stored or fired at these locations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to substitute depleted uranium rounds with other equally penetrative rounds. [146296]

There is currently no plan to replace the depleted uranium penetrator in the CHARM 3 round used in the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. At present this penetrator outperforms all known alternatives. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) is continuing to conduct research into the potential of alternative materials.In 1990 we commenced the replacement of depleted uranium rounds for the Phalanx naval close-in weapon with tungsten rounds. In this system tungsten provides an equally effective capability at lower cost. It was possible to use tungsten in this case because the system does not rely specifically on the penetrative capabilities afforded by depleted uranium. This is not the case for the CHARM 3 round.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department sponsors (a) research into and (b) the development of thermobaric weapons; and if he will make a statement on his policy on thermobaric weapons. [146071]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 16 January 2001, Official Report, column 144W, to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the oral answer given by the Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for New Forest, East, on 15 January 2001, Official Report, column 17, on smart procurement, if he will list the problems which would be caused to the Eurofighter Typhoon by its being fitted with a cannon. [146379]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 27 November 2000, Official Report, column 420W, to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total expenditure is on (a) research and development and (b) procurement for each of the armed services; and what proportion of each budget for each service is spent in Scotland in the current financial year. [146178]

The forecast total expenditure on research and development for 2000–01 is £438.5 million. Separate figures for equipment procurement for each of the armed services are not held centrally, however, the forecast total for 2000–01 is £5,256 million. Concerning Scotland, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve) on the same subject on 16 January 2001, Official Report, column 147W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how his Department calculates the number of people employed in defence and defence-related industries in the regions of the UK; what multiplier is used; and how many people are so employed in (a) each region of England and Wales and (b) Scotland. [146177]

Defence Analytical Services Agency (DASA) publish "UK Defence Statistics 2000", which contain estimates of UK regional employment directly resultant from the Ministry of Defence equipment expenditure. The method used to provide national and regional employment estimates requires the combination of two elements. First, a breakdown of MOD equipment expenditure with UK industry (using the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)) and second, a multiplier which measures sales per employee for each of the industries receiving defence spending (derived from the ONS Business Enquiry and the Labour Market Survey). Dividing the first by the second gives an estimate of those employed directly on defence contracts. The methodology does not therefore include indirect employment.The provisional figures for the number of people employed by defence industries in 1998–99 are listed in the DASA publication, "UK Defence Statistics 2000", a copy of which is held in the House of Commons Library.Statistics of this type are updated on a regular basis and posted on the DASA website: http://www.dasa.mod.uk/products/ukds/2000/index.html.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the open-days at Porton Down were ended; and what plans he has to resume them. [145352]

Prior to 1980, there were two Ministry of Defence establishments at Porton Down—The Microbiological Research Establishment which held a week of open days during 1968 and the Chemical Defence Experimental Establishment which undertook a similar exercise the following year. The formal openings of these establishments were only ever intended as one-off events and there are no plans for a repeat. However, the successor to these two establishments, the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, hosts numerous visitors throughout the year from the local, research and media communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to develop an e-bomb to disable computers; what research he is sponsoring into such a weapon; and if he will make a statement. [146072]

It is our policy to keep abreast of technology in this and many other areas. I am withholding further information under exemption 1a of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's policy is towards the policing and protection of maritime war graves within (a) British and (b) international waters. [146081]

[holding answer 18 January 2001]: The Ministry of Defence police will investigate allegations of misappropriation of wreck material from naval wrecks whenever notified that an offence has been committed, either in British or international waters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the West Indies Guard ship is currently situated. [146050]

[holding answer 18 January 2001]: The Atlantic Patrol Task (North) duty ship HMS Sheffield (formerly known as West Indies Guard ship), is scheduled to deploy for the Caribbean in early February. She is currently alongside in Portsmouth on 14 days' notice for operations within the Caribbean area of responsibility.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Turkey about the use of the Incirlik airbase in South-eastern Anatolia for allied sorties into Iraq. [145232]

We remain in regular contact with the Turkish Government on a range of issues including our use of the Incirlik airbase. We greatly value the continued Turkish co-operation and support for the coalition's humanitarian patrols of the Iraqi no-fly zones.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value of DERA's assets is; and what proportion of them is held in Scotland. [146176]

The value of DERA's fixed assets for the financial year 1999–2000 is £580.1 million. Some four per cent. of these assets are held in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list properties owned by his Department which are awaiting disposal. [146174]

This information is not held centrally. I will write to the hon. Member as soon as the details have been collated and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2001, Official Report, column 568W, on the Children's Tax Credit, if he will provide corresponding estimates on the basis that the rate of the credit in April is £10 per week. [146319]

On the basis of the Children's Tax Credit (CTC) at £10 per week, the estimated full year yield from reducing the annual threshold at which CTC begins to be tapered away for 2001–02 is given in the following table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated loss was to the Treasury of the smuggling of tobacco products for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement. [146106]

HMCE published estimates for revenue (excise duty and VAT) lost to the Exchequer through tobacco smuggling for the period 1996–99 in the "Tackling Tobacco Smuggling" document published on 22 March 2000. There are no estimates prior to 1996. The tobacco assessment for 2000 is in the process of being prepared and will be published in due course.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what further measures he proposes to combat tobacco smuggling from countries (a) within and (b) outside the EU; and if he will make a statement. [146105]

On 22 March 2000 I announced the `Tackling Tobacco Smuggling' strategy and a £209 million investment to implement it. The strategy is designed to reverse the growth in tobacco smuggling into the UK within three years and reduce it below current levels in the longer term.A copy of the strategy document can be found in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of (a) cigarettes and (b) other tobacco products sold in the United Kingdom he estimates are smuggled into the United Kingdom from countries (i) within and (ii) outside the EU; and if he will make a statement. [146104]

The Government's "Tackling Tobacco Smuggling" strategy, published on 22 March 2000, provides a breakdown of revenue loss by the methods by which cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco are smuggled into the United Kingdom.The Government's strategy aims to put cigarette smuggling, regardless of where it is sourced, into decline.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people from Lancaster and Wyre are claiming Working Families Tax Credit. [145616]

Copies of the latest quarterly inquiries giving statistics for the Working Families Tax Credit and the Disabled Person's Tax Credit are in the Library. They contain estimates of the number of recipients in each parliamentary constituency, and in each local authority.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of families with children where at least one parent works are receiving Working Families Tax Credit. [146102]

[holding answer 18 January 2001]: It is estimated that 1,129 thousand families with dependent children were in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) awards at the end of August 2000.No estimates are available for August of the total number of families with dependent children where at least one parent was working for at least 16 hours per week.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how long it has taken on average for a business to be reimbursed by the Inland Revenue those moneys paid to employees as working family tax credits; [145460](2) what representations he has received from Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry about delays in reimbursement to businesses of moneys owed by the Inland Revenue relating to payment of the working families tax credit; and if he will make a statement on the Inland Revenue's reimbursement policy. [145534]

[holding answer 17 January 2001]: The scheme for paying tax credits through the payroll is designed to ensure that employers have the money they need to pay the tax credit at the right time.Employers who receive notification to pay tax credits can apply for advance funding from the Inland Revenue if they think that they will have to pay out more in tax credits than the PAYE tax, NICs and student loan deductions which they have to pay to the Inland Revenue for the same period. As long as the application for funding is made at least nine working days before the first tax credit payment is due the Inland Revenue should be able to get funding to employers at least three days in advance of the first day on which they will pay tax credits.I have seen a copy of representations made by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry to David Irwin of the Small Business Service who will be replying directly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to limit the proposed VAT reduction on conversion of dwellings into a different number of dwellings to conversions that follow explicit planning consent and to prevent houses in multiple occupation without the benefit of explicit planning consent from benefiting from any reduction. [146395]