To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 8 February 2001, Official Report, column 631W, on the Joint Service Defence Council, what factors led him to authorise the withdrawal of JS DC1 88/00. [152852]

I authorised the temporary withdrawal of Joint Service Defence Council instruction 88/00, pending a review, as a result of concerns that the Ministry of Defence's policy towards membership of societies such as the Freemasons might not be fully compliant with the European convention on human rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the special adviser working for him will relinquish his post on the dissolution of Parliament. [149320]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 13 February 2001, Official Report, column 130W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the private-public partnership within DERA. [152775]

[holding answer 8 March 2001]: I refer my hon. Friend to the announcement I made in the House on 24 July 2000, Official Report, columns 777–79 about our decision to implement the core competence model for the DERA public-private partnership. Under core competence, around three-quarters of the current DERA organisation will be turned into a company, referred to as NewDERA. For strategic reasons, the remainder will be retained within the Ministry of Defence to carry out functions that could not appropriately be transferred to the private sector.Work to implement the PPP has intensified over recent months and significant progress has been made on separating DERA into two new organisations. An amended trading fund order, entitled the draft Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Trading Fund Order 2001, was laid before Parliament on 17 January 2001. Operational separation of DERA is planned by 1 April 2001. Legal separation follows on 1 July after a period of shadow operation to test the organisations and their infrastructures. We will then carry out the remaining work necessary to prepare NewDERA for sale.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the extent to which DERA has met its targets in relation to payment of its sub-contractors; and what steps are being taken to improve the timeliness of payments. [152772]

[holding answer 8 March 2001]: During the year 1999–2000, as reported in the annual report for that year, DERA paid in excess of 97 per cent. of invoices within the agreed credit period on receipt of an undisputed invoice or date of confirmation of receipt of an acceptable service. The payment process is monitored and DERA is currently exploring the possibility of introducing a fast-track payment system for the large number of low value invoices that it processes and making payments more frequently. DERA currently makes payments twice a week, once by cheque and once by bank automated clearing system (BACS).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the verdict reached by the Croatian court on the killing of Private Simon Jeans in Split, Croatia, in September 1996; what representations he has made to his Croatian counterpart regarding the killing; and if he will make a statement. [153176]

Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Private Simon Jeans, it would, of course, be wholly inappropriate for this Government to attempt to intervene in the judicial process of another country. We have to recognise that the Croatian judiciary, like our own, is independent and not subject to external pressure or direction.We did, however, make it clear to the Croatian Government, at a senior level, that the case was important and that we were anxious it should be handled both properly and swiftly. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe and the then Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Charles Guthrie, all raised the subject, in addition to the regular dialogue conducted between the Embassy and Defence staff in Zagreb and Split and the Croatian authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Ministers in his Department who visited any of the constituencies which are in the Peterborough Unitary Authority area between 1 January 2000 and 14 February 2001, indicating in each case (a) the date of the visit, (b) the constituencies included in the visit and (c) if the local hon. Member met the Minister. [151022]

[holding answer 26 February 2001]: The Minister for the Armed Forces visited North-West Cambridgeshire on 31 March 2000 to meet the right hon. Member. No other Defence Ministers have visited constituencies which are in the Peterborough unitary authority between 1 January 2000 and 14 February 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions the medical records of a member of the armed services have been declared lost in each year since 1992. [151811]

The Ministry of Defence does not maintain a central list of lost records. Duplicates of some of the documents contained in Service personnel personal medical folders are held centrally and over the last four years 3,722 requests have been made for copies of these records. Of this total, 95 records could not be traced. In addition, hospital records are forwarded to a central repository, which over the last five years has been unable to trace 429 records from 7,227 requests made. Requests for duplicate copies of medical records do not necessarily indicate that the originals are lost: they may be held in another location or an additional copy may be needed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much depleted uranium is unaccounted for or missing as a result of the malfunction of the test rig which was placed on the sea bed at the Dundrennan range in 2000. [151845]

The depleted uranium samples attached to the test rig damaged by heavy seas in the Solway Firth, and which are now missing, amount to 20.76kg. This is the equivalent of four depleted uranium rounds. If not recovered in a diving exercise planned for the week beginning 5 March, this material will oxidise and disperse in exactly the same way as the existing penetrator rounds, causing a negligible increase above the level of uranium occurring naturally in sea water. Since 1982, when firing of DU rounds into the sea began, there has been no detectable increase in uranium levels in samples of sea water, sea-bed sediment and shellfish taken in the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many depleted uranium shells were fired into the Irish Sea in each of the last 10 years. [152629]

[holding answer 6 March 2001]: No depleted uranium (DU) shells have been fired into the Irish sea in the last 10 years. DU projectiles are fired from Kirkcudbright into the Solway Firth and the numbers fired over the last 10 years are as follows:

Year	Numbers fired
1991	666
1992	781
1993	682
1994	455
1995	280
1996	147
1997	740
1998	134
1999	111
2000	272
2001	114
Total	4,282
1 to date

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is the Government's policy that it remains premature to make any judgment on a proposal for National Missile Defence until such a proposal has been made. [151857]

[holding answer 7 March 2001]: We share the United States concerns about missile proliferation and we recognise the role that missile defence can play as one part of a strategy to deal with it. We have made it clear that we would want to respond helpfully should the US make a specific request, but until any such proposal has been made it does remain premature to make a specific judgment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been received from BAE Systems and other British companies regarding participation in US National Missile Defence. [152668]

[holding answer 8 March 2001]: None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 2001, Official Report, column 192W, on Defence Medical Services, if he will list each level of medical downgrading used in the medical downgrading categorisation system stating in each case (a) the nature of duty restriction, (b) the nature of geographical restriction and (c) the level of deployability; and if he will make a statement. [151807]

[holding answer 7 March 2001]: The various levels of medical downgrading used in the services medical downgrading categorisation systems are set out in detail in service publications. These are currently under review and a revised version is expected to be finalised shortly. As the level of detail involved would require an answer of considerable length, I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps are taken to ensure that small consultancy companies are given a fair chance to compete for contracts. [152773]

[holding answer 8 March 2001]: The use of competition to select contractors and sub-contractors in order to secure best value for money is the cornerstone of Ministry of Defence's acquisition policy. Suppliers, whether they are small and medium enterprises or large corporate groups, are encouraged to compete for requirements in excess of certain value thresholds (£93,000 for the Official Journal of the European Community, and £250,000 for the MOD Contracts Bulletin for consultancy requirements), which are widely advertised. For low value requirements, formal competition may not be considered cost-effective (in respect of bidding and resource costs), and in such cases a supplier may be selected on the basis of expertise or past performance for example. The principle of fairness throughout the acquisition process is not only MOD policy, but is enshrined in UK and European law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the imposition of a turnover threshold in relation to competition for consultancy assignments. [152774]

[holding answer 8 March 2001]: The Ministry of Defence needs to be assured that potential bidders can fulfil its requirements, and therefore seeks only to invite tenderers with whom it is prepared to place a contract. This not only helps to reduce the cost of bidding to industry, but it provides reassurance that value-for-money defence capability is being delivered. Financial status is just one of the factors taken into account when considering potential bidders eligibility. Turnover size may be employed as part of the calculation to determine whether a supplier has adequate resources to undertake a particular contract, whether for consultancy or other goods or services. This process accords with the central unit on procurement's guidance on good professional practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what tests are carried out on members of HM armed forces for (a) sexually transmitted diseases and (b) HIV/AIDs; and if he will make a statement. [153169]

There is no compulsory testing for sexually transmitted diseases or HIV. Standard laboratory tests, specific to the particular type of disease, for sexually transmitted diseases are carried out on service personnel where clinically indicated. Tests for HIV are carried out where this is a requirement prior to service in certain countries, or at the request of individuals who are concerned that they may have contracted HIV. Service personnel can, of course, make use of civilian genitourinary clinics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment has served tours of duty in Northern Ireland since 1971. [153098]

The dates on which the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment has served tours of duty in Northern Ireland since 1971 are listed.

• 22 April 1971 to 26 August 1971
• 15 February 1972 to 15 June 1972
• 29 July 1972 to 28 September 1972
• 27 March 1973 to 17 July 1973
• 29 May 1975 to 29 September 1975
• 2 December 1976 to 16 March 1977
• 19 September 1977 to 14 January 1978
• 27 July 1979 to 6 March 1981
• 12 November 1984 to 26 March 1985
• 3 March 1990 to 12 June 1990
• 4 June 1993 to 3 June 1995
• 1 October 1994 to 1 April 1995
• 3 August 1996 to 4 March 1997
• 15 December 1998 to 15 June 1999
• 2 December 2000 to current date¹

¹ Only one company of the 2nd Battalion has been deployed to Northern Ireland during this present tour. This company has been used mainly to protect those military personnel and contractors who are involved in the dismantling of the three remaining Fermanagh Patrol Bases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he has taken to ensure that persons of Muslim belief are able to serve in HM forces without discrimination and are facilitated in their religious observance. [153061]

The armed forces are fully committed to the avoidance of all forms of discrimination and make every effort to respect and accommodate the religious requirements of personnel. Muslim personnel are normally allowed to celebrate religious festivals and holidays and to fast and pray. The armed forces also aim to cater for religious dietary requirements: Halal, Kosher and vegetarian meals are provided by service messes and are available in operational ration packs for operations and exercises. However, there may be some circumstances when, in the interests of health and safety or operational effectiveness, some flexibility may be required on the part of the individual.Service chaplains are currently working to establish a network of local religious advisers from the Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu and Sikh faiths to ensure that the spiritual and moral needs of all service personnel are provided for to the greatest extent possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance has been provided for the enforcement of measures to prevent the further spread of foot and mouth disease in Northern Ireland; what instructions have been given to Army units that have patrolled rural areas concerning risk of spreading infection; and what correspondence has he received from Northern Ireland political parties, representatives of farmers organisations and others concerning these matters. [152865]

The military have not been asked to help in the enforcement of measures to prevent the further spread of foot and mouth disease in Northern Ireland, either by other Government Departments (OGDs) or by Irish Ministers or farmers organisations.The prevailing threat from dissident Republican terrorists prevents the security forces from ceasing their operational activity. While full details cannot be given for reasons of operational security, modified patrol activity is being conducted to counter the threat. All operational activity remains in support of the police, and is aimed at thwarting and deterring terrorist activity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many courtesy calls and visits have been made by vessels of the Royal Navy to UK towns, cities and ports in each year since January 1997; what the duration was of each visit; and if he will list the port and vessel involved in each case. [153029]

The total number of courtesy calls and visits by vessels of the Royal Navy to UK towns, cities and ports since January 1997, including operational stand-offs, affiliation, fishery protection and informal visits, is as follows:

	Number of visits
1997	377
1998	434
1999	381
2000	478
2001 (to date)	51

I am placing in the Library of the House a detailed list of the visits, showing the duration of the visit and the port and vessel involved in each case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF air traffic controllers have (a) been recruited and (b) left the service in each of the past five years; how many air traffic controllers there are in the RAF; how many RAF air traffic controllers have joined National Air Traffic Services in the past year; and what plans he has for retention schemes for RAF air traffic controllers. [153172]

The following table shows the intake and outflow of air traffic controllers (ATC) in the RAF over the past five years:

	Intake	Outflow
1996	11	108
1997	43	55
1998	53	48
1999	64	41
2000	49	53

The current trained strength of ATC as at 1 February 2001 is 822.The RAF does not maintain records to show how many ATC have joined National Air Traffic Services. There are currently no plans for retention schemes specifically related to RAF ATC.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what licences have been granted for the export of arms and military equipment to Sri Lanka in each year since 1997. [152481]

I have been asked to replyDetails of all export licensing decisions taken between 2 May 1997 and 31 December 1999 were set out in the Government's 1997, 1998 and 1999 Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls, published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office; copies are in the Library of the House. These reports list by country of destination the export licences issued and refused in each entry in the relevant legislation under which the export of goods is controlled, which is known as their rating.

To ask the Solicitor-General if a decision has been reached concerning the future of Customs and Excise as a prosecuting authority. [153572]

The report by His Honour John Gower QC and Sir Anthony Hammond KCB QC was delivered to the Attorney-General on 5 December 2000. I have today placed a copy of the report in the Libraries and copies of the report are available on request to the solicitor for HM Customs and Excise.The report concludes that the Customs and Excise solicitor's office should retain its prosecution function, but that in exercising this function, including the giving of advice to investigating officers, it must be truly independent and be seen to be so. To that end, the report has also concluded that in relation to the prosecution function the solicitor should be accountable to the Attorney-General rather than to the commissioners and that the solicitor/client relationship between the commissioners and the solicitor should cease in relation to this function. Where cases are referred to the solicitor's office with a view to prosecution, the decision on whether to do so will rest with the appropriate lawyer after consultation with, where necessary, an administrator on matters of policy and public interest. These recommendations ate supported by a number of associated recommendations on detailed structural and financial aspects.The Government have carefully considered all these recommendations. They accept all the recommendations in principle, but, given the significant resource implications associated with some recommendations, have opted for a phased approach to implementation.The Government have had particular regard to the need to ensure that adequate resources arc made available to the solicitor's office to enable it properly to conduct the large and complex drugs and other prosecutions which were the main focus of the report, and which are conducted by the special casework division of that office (SCD). They have therefore decided to afford this area of work the greatest priority.Accordingly, it has been decided that, with effect from 1 April 2001, Customs and Excise will invest sufficient extra resources in the solicitor's office to enable it to implement the recommendations in the report which bear directly on the cases conducted by the SCD. This will mean that, taken with additional resources already provided to the solicitor's office in relation to the Butler report, the number of staff working on those cases in the SCD will almost double.These additional resources will enable recommendation 10 of the report (the attendance at conferences with counsel, and attendance at hearings in the Crown court) to be implemented quickly in relation to all SCD cases, and in over 60 per cent. of the cases conducted by the solicitor's office in total. The implementation of the remainder of that recommendation will be subject to local trials to evaluate the benefits and costs.Recommendation 15 (the conduct of magistrates courts proceedings) will not be implemented immediately and will also be subject to such local trials.The report concludes that Customs and Excise lawyers are dedicated professionals with valuable skills and expertise, and the Government believe that making the changes in accountability, responsibility and resourcing referred to above will ensure public confidence in the solicitor's office as a prosecuting authority.To enable detailed consideration to be given to the implementation of the remaining recommendations in the report, particularly where these have structural and budgetary implications, the change in accountability will have effect on 1 April 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the criteria his Department uses in assessing whether NHS dentistry is available to those who need it; and how many extra dentists will be required to ensure full availability, on these criteria, by 2001. [143259]

We are committed to making National Health Service Dentistry available to all who need it by September 2001. The key test for this target will be whether callers (to the health authority or to NHS Direct) can be offered dentistry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the membership of the task force formed to study Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy; and if he will make a statement. [146327]

We have not formed a task force to study Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy.However, the Griffith's review (Review of the Research Framework in the North Staffordshire National Health Service Trust) recommended that the Department convene an expert and inter-disciplinary panel to review methods of identification of children who have either had illnesses induced or fabricated by their carer. In response to this recommendation, which the Government accepted, a steering group has been formed to develop draft guidance for public consultation. This guidance is being developed within the framework of our interagency guidance on child protection "Working Together to Safeguard Children" (1999).The group is chaired by Mr. Bruce Clark, a senior official of the Department, and in addition to the external members listed, comprises administrative officials, together with medical, nursing and health advisers, from the Department of Health, the Department for Education and Employment, the Home Office and the National Assembly for Wales.The external members include:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what safeguards apply to ensure that people applying for insurance policies are not asked to reveal the results of tests for genetic conditions which have not had approval from the Genetics and Insurance Committee. [148856]

The use of genetic test results by insurers is governed by a genetic testing code of practice issued by the Association of British Insurers. For an insurance company to ask for the results of a genetic test for a condition which is not approved by the Genetics and Insurance Committee (or is not one of the specified tests for conditions currently being considered by the Committee) would be in breach of an undertaking given by the ABI and in breach of their code of practice. Individuals who feel they have been unfairly treated under the code of practice can refer their case to an independent Adjudication Tribunal set up under the code. If the tribunal upholds a complaint, it is required to consider what further remedy or penalty is appropriate.A requirement to report to Ministers on the compliance by the industry with the recommendations of GAIC is also included in the terms of reference of GAIC.We have asked the Human Genetics Commission to examine the issues and the use of genetic information including in insurance and employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he expects to publish a discussion document on the reorganisation of cardiothoracic transplant services; [149672](2) what arrangements he is making for public consultation on the reorganisation of cardiothoracic transplant services. [149671]

We will issue a document soon setting out proposals for the future of the National Cardiothoracic Transplant service. The document will invite views on the proposals from patients, the public and appropriate organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the waiting times in the Gastroenterology Department of Weston General Hospital were in 2000; and what the national average waiting time was in that year. [152428]

The national average waiting times for the gastroenterology speciality at 31 December 2000 were two months for inpatient treatment; and 8.1 weeks for an outpatient appointment. Waiting times for the gastroenterology service at Weston Area Health National Health Service Trust are not reported separately to the Department because at the trust this service is provided within the general medicine speciality. The hon. Gentleman may wish to contact Ms Martha Perriam, chairman of the trust, for further information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many appointments were cancelled by Weston General Hospital in 2000; and what the national average was in that year. [152429]

The information requested is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list (a) the amount and (b) the purpose of each specific grant allocation made to (i) Northwick Park Hospital and (ii) Mount Vernon Hospital since 1997. [152490]

The information is not available in the format requested. The Department does not give grants to trusts direct. The Department allocates directly to health authorities using a national weighted capitation formula.Northwick Park Hospital comes under the health economy area of Brent and Harrow health authority. The 2001–02 unified allocation for Brent and Harrow health authority is £371 million, which represents a cash increase of £31 million (8.99 per cent.). Mount Vernon Hospital comes under the health economy area of Hillingdon health authority. The 2001–02 unified allocation for Hillingdon health authority is £184 million, which represents a cash increase of £16 mill ion (9.35 per cent.).

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much certified timber has been purchased by his Department over the past six months; and what proportion of total timber purchases this represents. [152114]

At present Departments do not yet have systems in place to provide data on the proportion of certified timber purchased over the last six months. The interdepartmental timber working group is working to develop a common reporting template which will form the basis for future reporting on timber procurement. An annual report will be provided in line with the answer given on 28 July 2000, Official Report, columns 947–48W, by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department's annual report on timber procurement to the Committee of Green Ministers will be published. [152113]

Departments will be reporting their progress on all aspects of greening government and the report from Green Ministers is due to be published in November. It will make specific reference to timber procurement. Further information may be published separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the consultation document on a national strategy for alcohol abuse will be published. [152665]

We remain committed to the publication of a cross-Government strategy to tackle alcohol misuse, and we are working with key stakeholders across Government, the alcohol field and the alcohol industry to ensure that this commitment is delivered.The NHS Plan, Published in July 2000, said that the Department would be implementing the strategy by 2004. The Department expects to publish a consultation paper in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes were made to the draft leaflet "Mobile Phones and Health" in the section relating to the use of mobile phones by children and young people under 16 following receipt of comments from the Department of Trade and Industry; and if he will make a statement. [153256]

Detailed discussions took place between the Department of Health, the Department of Trade and Industry, other Government Departments and United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers throughout the process of developing the leaflet. A number of drafts were discussed as is customary in situations where it is necessary to identify the best way to put complex scientific issues into plain English. The CMOs' intention to provide clear advice to parents over children using mobile phones was paramount throughout. The final version was signed off by all four CMOs after agreement between them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the use of (a) Prozac and (b) other psychiatric drugs on children. [153260]

Prozac is not licensed for use in children in the United Kingdom. Doctors may prescribe Prozac, outside the normal licensed indication, if they consider that this is in the patient's best interests.Other psychotropic drugs are less commonly used in children than adults as the prevalence of severe mental illness is considerably lower. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and other similar stimulants are, however, licensed and used for the treatment of the more severe forms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence issued guidance last November on the use of Methylphenidate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the most recent figures for the numbers of people (a) waiting for hospital treatment and (b) waiting to see a consultant in the Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust area. [153374]

The information requested is as follows:Total number of patients waiting for hospital treatment at Mid Essex Hospital Services National Health Service Trust in January 2001:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of people who have been abused as children in the care system since 1971. [153392]

We do not know how many children in care have been abused since 1971, and do not have a sound basis on which to form an estimate. It is a tragedy for any child to be abused, and a particular betrayal when such abuse happens in care. As we made clear in "Learning the Lessons", our response to the report of the Waterhouse Inquiry, too many children in the past were failed by the very services that should have been helping them. We are concentrating our efforts on ensuring that such failures in the care system are not allowed to happen again, as evidenced by our programme of new protective legislation for children in care and our £885 million Quality Protects Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what specific services are available for people who were abused while in care. [153394]

A variety of health and social care provision is available for people who were abused while in care. Counsellors, clinical psychologists and others are available within mental health services provided in primary care, and/or specialised services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people who were abused in care needed mental health services in each of the past three financial years; and what was the cost of these services; [153395](2) if he will develop a strategy to support those adults who were abused as children in care. [153396]

We are aware that people who have been abused in care may continue to experience mental health problems. However, central records are not kept of the number who disclose this history. We have set out clear national standards in the National Service Framework for Mental Health. It describes how people should be able to get quicker access to more effective treatments in and through primary care, with support from specialised services where necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the Children's Manifesto produced by Barnardos, the Child Poverty Action Group and the NSPCC; and what plans he has to evaluate and monitor services to unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. [153397]

The Children's Manifesto is an interesting and thought-provoking document that we are considering carefully. We share the aim expressed in the manifesto of enabling today's young people to grow into secure, confident and resourceful citizens. Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are children in need under the Children Act 1989. Services for them are, therefore, monitored and evaluated in the same way as other children's personal social services. From time to time, as necessary, we look specifically at services for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. For example, we asked local authorities to describe services for this group in their Year 3 Quality Protects Management Action Plans, submitted in January 2001. These plans are currently being evaluated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that children who sexually abuse other children have access to appropriate treatment services. [153398]

Children who sexually abuse other children are likely to have considerable, often complex, needs. Local authorities are expected to work closely with their partner agencies to ensure that such children receive support and treatment based on their assessed needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money has been spent annually by his Department since 1997 on (a) research into the prevention of intentional injuries, (b) research into the epidemiology, care and rehabilitation of victims of injury and (c) research into the biological mechanisms underlying the injury process and injury treatment. [153178]

The Department's research is conducted into a wide range of areas including head injury, fractures and self-harm. However, information in the form requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much (a) bilateral and (b) European Union aid has been given to Zimbabwe in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [152208]

UK bilateral development assistance to Zimbabwe was as follows:

	£ million
1995–96	15.0
1996–97	11.1
1997–98	12.2
1998–99	16.6
1999–2000	14.0

We expect to spend £11.2 million in 2000–01.EC development assistance to Zimbabwe in the last five years for which data are available was:

	£ million
1994	63.2
1995	38.2
1996	38.6
1997	10.6
1998	13.2

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much has been spent by her Department on departmental and agency logos and associated branding since 1 May 1997. [152649]

Since its establishment in 1997 (as the successor to the Overseas Development Administration) this Department has spent the following on revised logo/identity:

	£
Logo change	6,000
Licensing typeface	5,000
Guidelines for contractors: on logo/identity issues	5,600

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has received from Mozambique about the impact of recent floods; what response has been made; and if she will make a statement. [152266]

Following the immediate relief operation in response to last year's catastrophic floods in Mozambique, my Department has remained engaged in rehabilitation as well as in developing new measures, via the United Nations system, to strengthen both UN and Government of Mozambique contingency arrangements for future disasters. Over the past few months DFID, FCO, MOD, the RNLI and the UK Fire Service have been working together to prepare contingency plans for different emergency scenarios. In addition, we have continued to work closely with the Government of Mozambique's National Directorate of Water to set up early warning flood systems with the UK Met Office.Following the onset of the current floods, we have switched gear to immediate response operations which are deliberately aimed at preventative rescue and relief, i.e. extricating people before the worst hits them and there is substantial loss of life and suffering. In addition to contributing £250.000 to the Red Cross appeal for Mozambique. we are currently:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what factors he considered before he gave his advice that it would be beneficial for the Cabinet Secretary to accept a lunch invitation from the Hindujas. [153433]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office considered that accepting such an invitation would be beneficial to British commercial interests in India. The Hinduja group has extensive commercial interests in India.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Belgian Government regarding their reception of President Mugabe. [152960]

The Foreign Secretary raised his deep concern at recent events in Zimbabwe, and his views on the current situation, with the Belgian Foreign Minister before the latter's meeting with President Mugabe on 5 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 March 2001, Official Report, column 173W, if he will list those present representing (a) the UK and (b) India at each of the meetings of the UK/India Round Table; and if he will list the recommendations arising from these two meetings. [153435]

The following people participated in the two meetings of the UK/India Round Table held so far:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Echelon surveillance system. [153269]

The hon. Member will be aware that it is long-standing Government policy not to comment on alleged surveillance systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which date he last met representatives of the retail petrol industry in Northern Ireland to discuss the smuggling of motor fuel products into Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [153427]

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State met with representatives of the petroleum industry on Monday 5 March 2001. The purpose of the meeting was to hear the industry's concerns in relation to fuel smuggling into Northern Ireland. This criminal activity is being pursued with the utmost vigour. During the period April to September 2000, fuel to the value of £1.3 million was seized. Also, during the course of last year, 13 laundering plants with an estimated annual production in excess of 40 million litres of fuel were dismantled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the dates in 2001 on which he or his officials have held discussions with his counterparts in the Irish Republic on the smuggling of motor fuel products into Northern Ireland. [153424]

My officials were due to meet with their Republic of Ireland counterparts on Friday 2 March 2001 to discuss fuel smuggling. The foot and mouth crisis prohibited that meeting from taking place and a new date has been set for the end of March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what date the RUC was first informed of allegations against Mr. Vincent McKenna; what steps were taken to protect children coming into contact with him; and what advice was made available to senior police officers and officials coming into contact with the campaign with which Mr. McKenna was identified. [150837]

On 2 July 1998, under joint protocol arrangements, the Department of Health and Social Services informed the Royal Ulster Constabulary that Monaghan social services had made them aware of allegations against Mr. McKenna. As a result, RUC officers from the child abuse and rape enquiry (CARE) unit in Mr. Mckenna's area and local social services convened a number of case conferences and liaison was established with An Garda Siochana. It would be inappropriate to provide specific details of the action taken.There was no disclosure of the allegations against Mr. McKenna until such time as details were in the public arena.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what dates information was received from the Garda Siochana concerning the allegations and prosecution of Mr. Vincent McKenna. [150581]

On 2 July 1998, under joint protocol arrangements, the Department of Health and Social Services informed the Royal Ulster Constabulary that Monaghan social services had made them aware of allegations against Mr. McKenna. Liaison was established with An Garda Siochana on or shortly after this date and was maintained until the criminal proceedings against Mr. McKenna concluded.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been taken to share information with the Garda Siochana concerning Mr. Vincent McKenna; how many persons have been interviewed since the conviction of Mr. Vincent McKenna; and what steps have been taken to investigate further allegations. [150582]

Liaison with An Garda Siochana was established by the Royal Ulster Constabulary once they were made aware of allegations against Mr. McKenna and this was maintained until the criminal proceedings concluded.No complaints have been made alleging any offences in Northern Ireland; consequently no investigation has been conducted by the RUC.

To ask the President of the Council how many persons are to be recommended to the Prime Minister for a people's peerage. [151863]

The Prime Minister has asked the Appointments Commission to submit 15 names of people to be recommended for non-political peerages. In the past, each honours list was accompanied by the publication of four or five names of new peers. The last such honours list was at the new year 2000.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made by the high-level consultative group on better regulation set up by the Strasbourg meeting of European Ministers of Public Administration last November. [153703]

Following the decision by the Ministers of Public Administration, the first meeting of the Group took place on 21 December in Paris. Chaired by Dieudonné Mandelkern, the French representative, the Group agreed its work plan for the first four months in accordance with its mandate from the Ministers. It decided to look at five themes—codification of existing legislation, simplification, improving consultation, impact assessment (including alternatives to regulation) and the administrative structures needed to support this. I have placed a copy of this work plan and a copy of the Ministers' resolution establishing the Group in the Library of the House.The second and third meetings of the Group looked at each of the five themes identified, resulting in agreement on the Group's initial report at its meeting in Paris on 26–27 February. On the suggestion of the Swedish representative, the Group also decided it should be known as the "Mandelkern Group' in future, after its chairman. I have placed a copy of the initial report in the Library of the House.The Group's initial report is an excellent document covering the main issues of better regulation. Alongside espousing some general principles of better regulation, it makes specific and practical recommendations on each of the five key themes. It is being discussed by the Internal Market Council today and will then be one of the contributions to the Stockholm European Council on 23–24 March. This document is a very positive development, representing as it does the first time that representatives of all 15 European member states have endorsed such a specific text on better regulation.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when she last met other Ministers to discuss co-ordination of the Government's rural policy; and if she will make a statement. [153403]

It is established practice under exemption two of Part 11 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when the post of director of policy studies was established; which of the director's reports are in the public domain; how many departmental or non-departmental special advisers participate in its work; how many regular (a) non-departmental and (b) departmental staff participate in its work; and how many of these work for him on a full-time basis. [150365]

The Policy Studies Directorate (PSD) is part of the Centre for Management and Policy Studies and the Director of Policy Studies was appointed in March 2000. PSD supports policy makers by evaluating new approaches to policy making and promoting best practice, by encouraging and enabling an evidence-based approach and by working to ensure high standards in Government research and evaluation. It is the intention that research reports on new approaches to policy making will be published as they are completed. Special Advisers to Ministers may contribute to the work of the unit in the same way as they would to the other work of a Department, in line with their role and duties as set out in the "Model Contract for Special Advisers". The Director currently has a staff of 22; six are Cabinet Office permanent staff; 11 are on loan from other Departments;

Table—total and planned expenditure
£
	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–011
Public Opinion Research	2—	656,604	897,622	270,096	532,076
Advertising (television, radio and newspaper)	337,465	238,270	246,438	678,601	662,277
Direct Mail	548,204	660,427	521,950	428,304	553,060
Total	885,669	1,555,301	1,666,010	1,377,001	1,747,413
1 Planned
2 Not available

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what facilities are immediately available to Departments principally involved in the collection or one is on secondment from a university; and two are temporary clerical staff. All work full-time for her. Two research fellows—one permanent Cabinet Office staff and one secondee—work part-time for her.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what terms and conditions apply in the case of public sector employees seeking early retirement when those same workers are part of the disabled quota. [152841]

Early retirement terms are the same for all civil servants, including those with a disability. The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 removed the system of quotas and allowed individuals to declare themselves disabled without the need for formal verification from medical records or a doctor.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what conditions must be satisfied before a civil service worker can take early retirement. [152842]

The minimum age at which most civil servants can retire with full superannuation benefits is 60. The Civil Service Management Code enables staff to retire or be retired early by Departments and agencies on several grounds. A copy of the code is available in the Library.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the total expenditure and the breakdown of expenditure was in her Department for the financial years (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000, and what the planned expenditure and breakdown of expenditure for 2000–01 is on (i) public opinion research, (ii) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (iii) direct mail. [149269]

The total expenditure during (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000, and the planned expenditure during 2000–01 on (i) public opinion research, (ii) television, radio and newspaper advertising and (iii) direct mail, is shown in the table. All figures are inclusive of VAT where applicable.distribution of funds in the event of existing computer systems failing; [152633](2) what instructions have been given to Government Departments to ensure effective back-up systems exist in the event of existing computer systems failing; and if annual reviews of these instructions take place; [152634](3) when the last assessment of departmental computer back-up systems took place; and what improvements were made subsequently; [152635](4) if he will list those commercial companies he has been in contact with in the last 24 months regarding disaster contingency programmes; [152636](5) which Minister has specific responsibility for computer disaster contingency programmes. [152637]

Each Government Department is responsible for ensuring it has robust business continuity plans in place to ensure that they can respond effectively to a wide range of problems, including computer failure. Departments are expected to test these plans regularly and to respond to any weaknesses identified. From January 2001 all new high risk projects involving procurement in the Civil Departments of central Government, along with their executive agencies and NDPBs require a business continuity plan that addresses potential problems during implementation and roll out of the project.Guidance to Departments is principally made available via the Office of Government Commerce, which also chairs an Interdepartmental Business Continuity Planning Forum. This forum has involved a range of commercial companies, including the Guardian IT Group and SGRS.Departments are also required to ensure that their computer systems are adequately protected, and to review regularly security measures. An IT Health Check Service is available from companies accredited by GCHQ's Communications-Electronics Security Group, which will identify vulnerabilities and recommend effective security counter measures.To enhance further security across Government, especially in relation to computer systems, all Departments have now prepared plans to achieve compliance with the International Standard on Information Security Management (ISO 17799). The standard requires organisations to develop and test effective business continuity plans, and Departments will be asked to gain objective assurance that key systems are adequately protected.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what was the cost of running the Strategic Communications Unit for each financial year since 1 May 1997. [153265]

I am replying to this question as it relates to matters for which I am responsible.The cost of running the Strategic Communications Unit (SCU) in 1999–2000 was £838,421. In the current financial year, the cost up to the end of December 2000 was £732,364. For information on previous years' expenditure, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 10 April 2000,

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what targets and indicators his Department has set to monitor progress towards delivering increased employer awareness of the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. [150819]

[holding answer 26 February 2001]: We have not set specific targets for employer awareness of the employment provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Employer awareness is, however, one of the indicators used by my Department and we test the level through research. A survey carried out in 1998 showed that 75 per cent. of respondents were aware of the DDA, including all respondents from large firms. While 80 per cent. of large firms also stated that they were very or fairly aware of the employment provisions in the Act, awareness was much lower among small businesses at 36 per cent. My Department has recently commissioned a survey of workplaces, involving interviews with line managers as well as personnel staff and head office staff. This survey will examine a range of issues regarding the employment and retention of disabled people, including awareness of the employment provisions of the DDA.As part of our efforts to raise awareness, a wide range of information about the DDA has been included in free leaflets and by April 2000, over 2 million had been distributed by the DDA Helpline, which was set up to give information and advice to businesses and disabled people. The "See the Person" campaign was launched in June 1999 to raise awareness about disability and to give information and advice to employers and service providers about the requirements of the DDA. The campaign included TV and radio advertisements, posters, press articles, and publicity organised through employers' organisations. The campaign was used to promote new publications such as a good practice guide for employing disabled people which has also been helpfully promoted through organisations such as the Federation of Small Businesses, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and the CBI. The Government's current publicity campaign—"What have you got to offer"—is aimed at service providers and their responsibilities to provide access to disabled customers under Part III of the DDA. The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) took over responsibility for the Helpline, when it was set up in April 2000, and continues to provide support, advice and free publications about the Act. The DRC Helpline is on 08457 622 633.On Monday 5 March we announced our intention to end the exemption of small employers from the DDA employment provisions in 2004. Through our document—"Towards Inclusion"—we are consulting on what help small employers might need as a result and we said that the DRC, the Small Business Service and the DfEE's telephone advice line, Equality Direct, would all work together to ensure that effective advice and information are available at the right time. Our intention is to continue working with these and other organisations and services and increase awareness through a range of initiatives including publicity campaigns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the occasions since 1971 when compensation was paid to individuals who lost their jobs as a result of a change in the law. [152278]

Job gains and losses occur for a variety of reasons. Currently, job gains exceed job losses with employment in the UK up 225,000 over the last year (ending October to December 2000) Where job losses occur it is, in general, contrary to EU state aid rules for the Government to compensate companies, partnerships and/or individuals whatever their cause. In these cases, individuals have employment rights including statutory entitlement to redundancy payments from their employer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much money was made available for teacher training and in-service teacher training for teaching about child protection in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000; and how much will be available in 2001. [152280]

The Department made a further £1.5 million available from the Grants for Education Support and Training (GEST) programme for 1997–98. The purpose of this funding was to enable senior teachers with designated responsibility for child protection to receive appropriate and practical in-service training. From 2001–02, schools will be free to use most of their devolved Standards Fund grant to meet their individual priorities, including, where appropriate, in-service teacher training in child protection. The Standards Fund will increase to around £2.2 billion (excluding capital expenditure) in 2001–02, most of which will be devolved to schools.Circular 4/98, "Teaching: High Status, High Standards", sets out the requirements for all courses of initial teacher training. It makes specific references to child protection standards, which all trainees must demonstrate that they meet in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status. It is for individual providers to decide how best to deliver appropriate training from within their overall funding.We are currently reviewing our child protection guidance to the education service and will make a decision later about whether to support any new guidance with further funding for training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will develop a statutory framework for school councils in both primary and secondary schools. [152281]

The Citizenship programme of study, which will become statutory for secondary schools in September 2002, encourages active participation of young people in the democratic life of their school and the wider community. School councils and class councils provide excellent opportunities to fulfil this aim, although within the flexible Citizenship programme, it will be open to schools to decide whether to have a school council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding has been made available to the London borough of Wandsworth in each year since 1997 for improving school buildings. [152680]

The following table shows the total central Government support for capital investment made in Wandsworth local education authority from 1996–98 to 2000–01. This includes £4.651 million investment through the New Deal for Schools programme.In January this year, we announced that the New Deal for Schools would be extended over the next three years to 2003–04. Allocations benefiting schools in Wandsworth local education authority announced in January under the New Deal for Schools total £2.827 million over three years. This amount will be increased by the extra funding announced in the Chancellor's Budget Statement on 7 March, and later this year when allocations to local authorities of the new £555 million New Deal for Schools Modernisation programme are announced.It will be for Wandsworth and its schools, working within guidelines provided by the Department, to allocate this new funding to individual projects.Nationally, capital investment in school buildings has tripled from £683 million a year in 1996–97 to over £2 billion in 2000–01. It will be £3.5 billion in 2003–04, including grant, credit approvals and Private Finance Initiative credits. There will be central Government investment of £8.5 billion in school buildings in total from 2001–02 to 2003–04.

Central Government support for capital investment in Wandsworth local education authority 1997–98 to 2000–01
£000
Year	Wandsworth
1997–98	861
1998–99	1,897
1999–2000	3,476
2000–01	6,980
Total	13,214

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on trends in numeracy and literacy among children in junior schools in the borough of South Tyneside since 1996. [152765]

In the 2000 Key Stage 2 tests, 72 per cent. of South Tyneside's 11-year-olds achieved the expected standard for their age in English, an increase of 16 percentage points since 1996. In mathematics, 74 per cent. of pupils achieved the expected standard, a 21 percentage point increase since 1996. These results are clear evidence of the success of the national literacy and numeracy strategies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the annual increase has been in the Standards Fund since 1996; and how much of the Standards Fund has been spent in (a) South Shields constituency and (b) the borough of South Tyneside in each year since then. [152766]

The following table shows the annual cash increase in the Standards Fund since 1996–97:

£ million
Year	Total allocations	Increase on previous year	DfEE contribution	Increase on previous year
1996–97	265	14	163	12
1997–98	320	55	211	48
1998–99	620	300	395	184
1999–2000	1,260	640	862	467
2000–01	2,490	1,230	1,913	1,051

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much direct grant was received by each school in the South Shields constituency for the 2000–01 financial year; and what his estimate is for each school in 2001–02. [152781]

The following table shows the School Standards Grant payable to each school in 2000–01. No estimate by individual school is yet available for 2001–02. However a typical primary school will receive £24,000 in 2001–02 compared with £9,000 in 2000–01; and a typical secondary school, £70,000 compared with £40,000 in 2000–01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the funding allocations, by scheme, to South Tyneside Local Education Authority in each year since 1996; and what his estimates are for the 2001–02 financial year. [152780]

I refer my right hon. Friend to the letter sent to him by the Secretary of State on 16 February. The total funding for South Tyneside local education authority since 1996–97 is set out:

£ 000
School name	Amount of grant
Elizabeth Diamond Nursery School	3
Wharfedale Drive Nursery School	3
Cleadon Park Nursery School	3
Chuter Edge Behavioural Support Unit	3
Hadrian Primary School	9
Ridgeway Primary School	9
Downhill Infants' and Nursery School	6
Harton Infants' School	9
Laygate School	9
Mortimer Primary School	9
Mowbray Junior Mixed School	9
Marine Park Junior Mixed Infant and Nursery School	6
Stanhope Junior Mixed and Infants School	9
Westoe Infants' School	9
Biddick Hall Junior School	9
Temple Park Junior School	9
Highfield Infants' School	6

£ 000
School name	Amount of grant
Temple Park Infants' School	6
Biddick Hall Infants' School	9
Monkton Junior School	9
Monkton Infants' School	6
Ashley Primary School	9
Harton Junior School	9
Cheviot Junior School	9
Lord Blyton Primary School	9
Albert Elliott Primary School	9
All Saints' CofE Junior School	6
All Saints CofE Infants' School	3
St. Mary's CofE Voluntary Aided Primary School	9
St. Bede's RC Voluntary Aided Primary School, South Shields	9
St. Gregory's RC Voluntary Aided Primary School	9
SS Peter and Paul RC Voluntary Aided Primary School	9
St. Oswald's RC Voluntary Aided Primary School	9
Harton School	50
Mortimer Comprehensive School	40
Brinkburn School	40
King George V School	40
St. Wilfrid's RC Voluntary Aided Comprehensive School	40

New Deal for Schools—allocations for schools in the South Shields constituency
Year/School	Project	Total allocations (£)
1997–98
Included within an LEA wide package:	Roof repairs	1 536,000
Biddick Hall Infants
Highfields Infants
Brinkburn Comprehensive
Harton Junior
Harton Junior	IT development
Mortimer Comprehensive
1998–99
All Saints CE Junior	Replacement of electrical wiring	42,500
Biddick Hall Infants	Replacement of electrical wiring	53,100
Margaret Sutton Special	Replacement of electrical wiring	53,100
Harton Comprehensive	Replacement of electrical wiring	84,600
Monkton County Infants	Replacement of electrical wiring	63,400
Monkton Junior	Replacement of electrical wiring	42,500
St. Mary's CE Junior	Replacement of electrical wiring	51,685
St. Peter and Paul RC Primary	Replacement of electrical wiring	63,300
Temple Park Infants	Replacement of electrical wiring	38,000
Mortimer Comprehensive	Improvement of ventilation	25,500
Cheviot Junior	Renewal of obsolete firm alarm	75,000
Cleadon Park Nursery	Renewal of obsolete firm alarm	5,250
Downhill Infants	Renewal of obsolete firm alarm	5,250
Harton Comprehensive	Renewal of obsolete firm alarm	85,600
Laygate School	Renewal of obsolete firm alarm	41,200
Ridgeway Junior	Renewal of obsolete firm alarm	31,650
Temple Park Infants	Renewal of obsolete firm alarm	13,700
Brinkburn Comprehensive	Installation of safer emergency lighting	32,300
Harton Comprehensive	Installation of safer emergency lighting	42,500
King George V School	Installation of safer emergency lighting	34,000
Laygate School	Installation of safer emergency lighting	24,650
Mortimer Comprehensive	Installation of safer emergency lighting	47,600
St. Wilfred's RC Comprehensive	Installation of safer emergency lighting	26,800
Bamburgh Special	Fire precautions	17,000
1999–2000
Included within a 16 school package:
Bamburgh School	Boiler/Heating distribution replacement	2718,309
Cheviot Junior
Downhill Infants and Nursery
Harton Infants
Harton Junior
Stanhope Primary

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the amount of capital funding made available to schools in the South Shields constituency through the New Deal for Schools since May 1997. [152782]

The following table shows those schools, in the South Shields constituency, which have benefited from investment through the New Deal for Schools programme, which commenced in 1997–98. These allocations formed part of the £5.5 million investment made in schools in the South Tyneside local education authority under the New Deal for Schools programme between 1997–98 and 2000–01. In total, in those four years, some £13 million of funding for capital investment has been allocated for schools in South Tyneside local education authority.

New Deal for schools—allocations for schools in the South Shields constituency
Year/School	Project	Total allocation (£)
Included within a 16 school package:
All Saints CE Junior	Flat roof finishing	2438,990
Bamburgh School
Brinkburn Comprehensive
Cheviot Junior
Cleadon Park Nursery
Lord Blyton Primary
Margaret Sutton Special
Marine Park Junior, Infant and Nursery
Ridgeway Primary
Wharfedale Drive Nursery
Brinkburn Comprehensive	Food technology room refurbishment	97,325
2000–01
Ridgeway Primary	Ridgeway family support centre	753,431
St. Gregory's RC Primary	Replacement extension	211,119
Hadrian Primary	Electrical rewire and flat roof renewal project	22,019
Marine Park Primary	Emergency lighting and flat roof renewal	20,249
Included in a 4 school package:
King George V School	Boiler and heating distribution replacement	2560,387
Stanhope Primary
Included in a 4 school package:
Margaret Sutton Special	Re-roofing	2178,664
Wharfedale Drive Nursery
1 Local education authorities were not required to specify individual project costs for phase 1 of the NDS programme, so the amount shown is the total allocation in that year to the LEA. South Tyeside LEA holds project level information.
2 Allocations made to package projects covering more than one school. South Tyneside local education authority will be able to advise the value of projects at schools which benefited from these allocations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of its local schools' budget South Tyneside Council has delegated to schools in each year since 1996. [152784]

The information requested is set out in the table. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has set a target for all local education authorities to delegate 85 per cent. of their local schools budget in 2001–02.

Financial year	Percentage of schools" budget delegated
1996–97	78.8
1997–98	78.1
1998–99	78.6
1999–2000	80.5
2000–01	83.3

Table A: Central Government capital investment in schools in South Tyneside local education authority
£000
Funding Stream	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01
Basic Credit Approvals	618	571	148	314	424
Supplementary Credit Approvals	556	253	34	786	350
Grant to Voluntary Aided Schools	34	94	94	136	326
Schools Renewal Challenge Fund	307	—	—	—	—
New Deal for Schools	—	536	1,675	1,270	2,058
School Security Grant	—	45	56	56	56
Energy Efficiency Initiative	—	—	67	—	—
Key Stage 1 Class Size Initiative	—	—	—	—	74
National Grid for Learning Grant	—	—	364	488	543
Assistance with Asset Management Plans	—	—	—	22	—
Seed Challenge Funding	—	—	—	—	129

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what the capital investment in schools in South Tyneside local education authority was from 1996 to 1999 (a) in total and (b) by funding stream; and what his forecast is for the next three years. [152786]

Table A shows the capital allocations made to South Tyneside local education authority, by funding stream, from 1996–97 to 2000–01. Table B shows the forecast investment for the South Tyneside local education authority over the next three years.Nationally, capital investment in school buildings has tripled from £683 million a year in 1996–97 to over £2 billion in 2000–01. It will be £3.5 billion in 2003–04, including grant, credit approvals and Private Finance Initiative credits. There will be central Government investment of £8.5 billion in school buildings in total from 2001–02 to 2003–04.

Table A: Central capital investment in schools in South Tyneside local education authority
£000
Funding Stream	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01
Devolved Formula Capital for Schools	—	—	—	—	1,174
Renewal of School Laboratories	—	—	—	—	126
Schools Access Initiative Grant	5	—	18	—	—
Nursery Provision	—	—	—	—	59
Early Excellence Centre Grant	—	—	—	319	321
Total	1,520	1,499	2,456	3,391	5,640

Table B: Forecast investment in South Tyneside local education authority
£000
Funding Stream	2001–02	2002–03	2003–04
Basic Credit Approvals	185	1—	1—
Grant to Voluntary Aided Schools	167	1—	1—
Private Finance Initiative Credits	—	1—	1—
New Deal for Schools Devolved Formula	649	873	1,680
New Deal for Schools Condition Funding	477	1,367	1,733
Seed Challenge Funding	142	226	226
Renewal of School Laboratories	126	1—	1—
School Access Initiative	232	1—	1—
Total	1,978	2,466	3,639
1 Future years' allocations shown in the above table are those already announced as being attributable to South Tyneside local education authority.

In addition to the amounts shown above, schools in the Authority will also benefit from a share of other programmes where allocations have not yet been made. These include over £1 billion of credit approvals, mainly to provide new pupil places; £440 million of grant to governors of Voluntary Aided schools; £555 million funding through the NDS Modernisation programme; £170 million worth of funding under the Schools Access Initiative and additional New Deal for Schools Devolved Formula announced in the Budget on 7 March of £300 million in total over the next three years.This funding will be augmented by capital receipts and other contributions from local education authority sources, and the contribution which governors of Voluntary Aided schools make to their building work. In addition, around £1.6 billion is available nationally through Private Finance Initiative Credits for projects which will sign in 2002–03 and 2003–04.Funding specifically ring fenced for the renewal of school laboratories and secondary learning support units is ending in 2001–02. Local authorities will be able to prioritise their other increased funding for this purpose, if they wish.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 18 to 24-year-olds in Wansbeck have entered (a) voluntary work, (b) work experience, (c) education and training and (d) unsubsidised employment through the New Deal in the last year. [153137]

Figures for the period January 2000 to the end of December 2000 for the constituency of Wansbeck show the following numbers of young people participated in New Deal:

	Number
Starts to New Deal	457
Starts to Options	129
of which:
Employment	28
Full Time Education and Training	42
Voluntary Sector	35
Environment Task Force	24
Unsubsidised Employment	295

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to publish the evaluation of the code of practice for age diversity in employment. [153251]

A summary of key findings from the code of practice on age diversity in employment and three other research projects on age will be published at the end of this month.The full report on the evaluation will be published summer 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will reply to letters from the hon. Member for West Derbyshire dated 8 November and 21 September 2000 concerning the exclusion from holiday play schemes of children with medical conditions. [153253]

I replied to the hon. Member on Friday 9 March 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many responses were received to the consultation on national standards for the regulation of day care and childminding in England; how many of the responses were included in the sample considered reaching the decision that the Government would not ban childminders from smoking in front of the children in their care; what method was used to select the sample of responses considered in reaching this decision; and how many of the responses considered (a) opposed the proposal that parents should be allowed to decide whether childminders should be allowed to smoke, (b) supported the proposal and (c) neither supported nor opposed the proposal. [153380]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 February 2001, Official Report, columns 365–66W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils in each local education authority in England were educated in maintained schools in that local education authority and normally resident in other local education authorities in (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [153295]

Information on children educated in a local education authority area other than the one where they normally reside is collected only for those pupils with special educational needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many Polish students attended summer schools in the United Kingdom in each of the last three years. [151176]

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