To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the average percentage increase in salaries of non-industrial civil servants, excluding members of the Senior Civil Service, was in his Department for 2000–01. [152789]

[holding answer 14 March 2001]: The headline pay settlement was 2.5 per cent. on the pay bill and, together with the additional funds from staff turnover, staff in post received performance-related increases averaging 4.4 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce a requirement on manufacturers of television sets to include digital receivers in new sets. [153261]

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Mrs. Gilroy) on 14 February 2001, Official Report, column 137W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support he is giving to enterprise clubs following the establishment of the new Small Business Service, with particular reference to Greater London. [153782]

My Department is committed to supporting enterprise, including clubs and disadvantaged areas across the whole of London and other regions, through a number of initiatives. These include:

500 volunteer business mentors already appointed with a further 500 to be in place by April 2001;

The Phoenix Fund, which will help people from disadvantaged groups and in deprived areas who wish to start up or expand a business, of £30 million for this financial year; London's funding allocation is £4.1 million;

A £12 million Development Fund to support innovative enterprise;

The Small Firms Loans Guarantee Scheme to help small firms with a viable business proposal, but who are unable to obtain conventional bank finance because they lack security or a business track record;

Regional Venture Capital funds providing equity finance for start-up or early-stage businesses with growth potential, but remaining subject to approval by the European Commission that they do not infringe state aid rules;

A UK High Technology Fund for early-stage high technology businesses;

Support for the National Business Angels Network to increase the flow of informal investment finance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations he has received on the draft European standard for air conditioning equipment (EN 378); and if he will make a statement; [153619](2) on what date he proposes to withdraw the British Standard in respect of air conditioning equipment; and if he will make a statement on the regulation that will replace it; [153620](3) what representations he has received, and from which bodies, supporting the withdrawal of the British Standard for air conditioning equipment; [153621](4) what representations he has received on the continued use of hydrocarbons in air conditioning equipment; and if he will make a statement. [153623]

EN 378 is a technical specification for refrigerating systems and heat pumps (which can be used in some air conditioning equipment), dealing with the safety and environmental aspects. The standard allows for hydrocarbons, which are flammable, being used as a refrigerant in certain circumstances instead of the usual hydrofluorocarbons, which are inert.My Department received just one representation concerning the use of hydrocarbons as a refrigerant being included in this standard. However, responsibility for this standard, and resolving any technical issues concerned including safety ones, falls to the British Standards Institution (BSI), which is independent of Government.BSI is the United Kingdom member of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) which developed the European standard EN 378. It carries out, as part of its normal procedures, public consultations on draft ENs. Once a draft EN is adopted by CEN, the national standards bodies who are its members withdraw any conflicting national standards and publish the European one. In this instance, I understand that EN 378 was adopted by CEN last year and then published by BSI as BS EN 378.Any technical questions relating to, or issues of interpretation of, the standard should therefore be taken up with BSI.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide details of the import licences granted for the import of (a) tear gas, (b) plastic baton rounds and (c) other riot control munitions into Northern Ireland from the Irish Republic since 1997. [153515]

There have been no individual import licences issued in respect of tear gas sprays and canisters (including CS gas) for import into the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland) from the Irish Republic since 1997.Imports of plastic baton rounds do not require an individual import licence. The transfer of these items is subject to the issue of a transfer document by the designated authority in the Irish Republic.Seven licences have been issued for the importation into the United Kingdom from an EU member state for products that might fit the description "other riot control munitions". None of the licence holders is based in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide details of the export licences granted for export of military list, paramilitary list and dual use technologies to the Irish Republic in (a) 1999 and (b) 2000, where the end-use destination was for another country. [153514]

In 2000, one Standard Individual Export Licence was issued where the consignee was in the Irish Republic and the end-use destination was in another country. This covered goods controlled under the Export of Goods (Control) Order 1994 (the Military List) and rated ML6. ML6 covers ground vehicles and components thereof specifically designed or modified for military use. There were no such licences issued in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the British Government issued an export licence to Royal Ordinance for the refurbishment of 30 105mm Moroccan guns in Western Sahara; who approved the export licence application for the refurbishment of 105mm Moroccan guns in Western Sahara; if Royal Ordinance (BAE Systems) completed the refurbishment of 105mm Moroccan guns in Western Sahara; what export licences have been approved for weapons or spares in Western Sahara since 1997; what export licence applications have been refused to Morocco since 1997; on what grounds they were refused; on what occasions the United Nations has been consulted about approving export licence applications to Morocco since 1997; and if the terms of the UN Peace Plan take primacy over the EU Code of Conduct for approving export licence applications to Morocco. [150250]

[holding answer 13 February 2001]: On 12 July 1999 the DTI issued a standard individual export licence to Royal Ordnance to export equipment to Morocco for the refurbishment of guns. The licence was reported in the 1999 Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls.All licences to export arms and other goods whose export is controlled for strategic reasons are issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry acting through DTI's Export Control Organisation (ECO). All relevant individual licence applications are circulated by the DTI to other Government Departments with an interest as determined by those Departments in line with their policy responsibilities. These include the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the number of post offices in the north-west region in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d)2000 and (e) 2001. [153156]

I understand from the Post Office that the information is not held in the form requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the operation of the Chemical Weapons Act 1996. [154272]

In accordance with the Act, I have placed a report on its implementation during 2000 in the Library of each House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding he expect; to be required to maintain the satellite communication monitoring facility at Baldock. [154184]

The Radio Monitoring Station at Baldock in Hertfordshire which is operated by the Radiocommunications Agency has facilities in place in order to be able to monitor a wide range of frequencies over the range from 9 kilohertz through to 40 gigahertz, including those given over to satellite communications.The Agency's Corporate Plan for the next five years includes the objective of enhancing existing spectrum monitoring activities through the purchase of further unattended and fixed monitoring systems. Provision in excess of £2,000,000 has been made for these capital projects for each of the next four years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he taking to ensure that the United Kingdom will continue to be able to monitor those radio frequencies given over to satellite communications. [154183]

The Radiocommunications Agency has facilities, based at the Radio Monitoring Station at Baldock in Hertfordshire, which enable it to undertake calibrated measurements over the frequency range from 9 kilohertz to 40 gigahertz, including those given over to satellite communications.In addition, the Agency is working together with its European counterparts in order to provide common access to enhanced fixed facilities managed centrally by the European Radio Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his estimate is of the cost to industry of introducing half-hourly gas balancing. [152825]

The introduction of a new gas balancing system is a matter for Ofgem.Ofgem are currently consulting on proposals to change to hourly or half hourly balancing. Copies of the consultation document can be found on the Ofgem website at: www.ofgem.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many vacancies for staff Ofgem has; and if he will list the salary levels that are being offered for these posts. [152956]

Ofgem has 22 staff vacancies at the following salary levels:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Beckman case in the European Court of Justice will be heard; and if he will honour the original redundancy entitlements of the Department of Trade and Industry staff concerned. [153592]

[holding answer 13 March 2001]: I am expecting the case to be heard by the European Court of Justice later this year. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further while the case is still before the courts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many sub-post offices with Horizon equipment installed have ceased trading; [R] [153179](2) what the average cost is per sub-post office of the installation of Horizon equipment. [R] [153180]

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 8 January 2001, Official Report, column 361W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices closed in (a) January and (b) February; and how many of those that closed in the first three quarters of 2000–01 have reopened. [R] [153252]

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: In the light of the Performance and Innovation Unit report on modernising the post office network, the Post Office has revised its methods of collating and reporting information on the network to supply to the Postal Services Commission. The Post Office has agreed with the Commission a process and format for reporting such information quarterly. Monthly information is not therefore available. Information is not held on the numbers of post offices which closed in the first three quarters of the current financial year have subsequently reopened.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. concerning the manufacturing of machines smaller than 750cc; and if he will make a statement. [153780]

Neither Ministerial colleagues nor I have had discussions with Triumph Motorcycles Ltd. on the types or variety of machines they produce, although my officials have contact with the company on a number of issues. Any decision on whether the company adds to its existing range would be a commercial matter for them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent by his Department on departmental and agency logos and associated branding since 1 May 1997. [152651]

The Department has incurred no expenditure on its corporate logo since May 1997. Information on expenditure by directorates within the Department on individual logos is not centrally recorded and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Department's agencies have spent £122,320 on logos and associated branding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on progress in implementing the New Electricity Trading Arrangements. [154173]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has today agreed to the recommendation of the Chief Executive of the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets that the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA) should go live on 27 March 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with (a) the European Commissioner for Development and (b) her European Union counterparts on (i) recent amendments to the 'Everything but Arms' initiative and (ii) the implications of these proposals for (A) United Kingdom sugar producers and (B) African, Caribbean and Pacific sugar exporters; and if she will make a statement. [153555]

The Government have had ongoing discussions with EU member states and the European Commission on the 'Everything but Arms' initiative (EBA), culminating in the adoption of the Presidency compromise to the proposal on 26 February. Central to these discussions w is consideration of the implications of these proposals for both UK sugar producers and ACP sugar exporters.In these discussions, I made clear my belief that least developed countries are not in the position to export large amounts of sugar in the short term. Details of the final agreement are such that imports of sugar from LDCs will be limited by quotas until 2006. It is now up to the European Commission to bring forward amendments to its sugar reform proposals to achieve coherence with EBA. But since the main impact of the agreement will be deferred until 2006–09, the short-term implications for UK sugar producers are likely to be modest. The proposals will have a more immediate effect on non-LDC ACP countries who will face increasing displacement of some of their exports. The UK will work with the EU, multilateral and ether donors to ensure that their adjustment needs are fully taken into account in assistance programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the mandate is of SFOR troops with respect to the arrest and detention of war criminals in Bosnia. [153542]

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1088 of 1996, the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR) is mandated to detain persons indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY ) if its forces come into contact with them in the performance of normal activities and the tactical situation permits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the establishment strength is of (a) Warrior variants, (b) Challenger 1, (c) Challenger 2, (d) Saxon variant, (e) AVF 430 variants. (f) Sabre, (g) Striker, (h) Scimitar, (i) Spartan, (j) Sultan, (k) Samaritan and (I) Samson; what percentage of establishment strength in each category are serviceable for immediate m availability; and if he will make a statement. [152461]

[holding answer 7 March 2001]: I will write to the right lion. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary or State for Defence from what sources his Department acquired depleted uranium (a) materials, (b) components and (c) ammunition after 1992. [153197]

[holding answer 14 March 2001]: The Ministry of Defence has made several acquisitions of equipment containing depleted uranium (DU) since 1992.Two types of DU-based ammunition are in service with British Forces: the UK manufactured 120 mm anti-armour round and the US manufactured 20 mm RN Phalanx round.Phalanx ammunition is sold to the UK via the US Department of Defense (DOD). All of DOD's DU comes from three US Department of Energy (DOE) gaseous diffusion plants: Paducah. Kentucky; Oak Ridge, Tennessee; and Portsmouth, Ohio.Royal Ordnance, who manufacture the 120 mm anti-armour round, buy their DU from Starmet Corporation who in turn buy it from DOE. They have no practical way of determining exactly where the input material came from. They believe, however, that it was mostly from Paducah, Kentucky. but it was all produced at their plants at Concord and Barnwell in the US.In 1998, Royal Hospital Haslar purchased equipment from ADAC Laboratories in which DU is used as a radiation shield. Hercules C-130J aircraft, which use DU as counter-balance weights in their Flight Control System, have been purchased from Lockheed Martin since 1992. In December 1993, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) acquired 2.5 tonnes of DU plate from AEA Technology, Harwell.In April 1999, the Defence Radiology Protection Service, part of DERA, acquired 62 kg of DU from Royal Ordnance Speciality Materials, Wolverhampton for corrosion research. Most recently, in January 2001. three 30 mm A-10 rounds were brought back from Kosovo for research purposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if test firing of DU shells at the Dundrennan range is exempt from regulation under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. [151848]

While the Ministry of Defence is formally exempt from Radioactive Substances Act 1993, we follow the principles and spirit of the regulations. Periodic visits to the Dundrennan range are carried out by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at which of his Department's test locations in the United Kingdom the firing of depleted uranium projectiles has taken place; how many test firings have been made at each location; what arrangements are in place for the protection and monitoring of people and the environment; and if he will make a statement. [144771]

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

[pursuant to the replies, 15 January 2001, c. 42–43W, and 9 March 2001, c. 357–8W]: It is our policy that, where UK statutory regulations are not applicable to MOD establishments, we undertake by agreement with the Government Departments concerned that the principles and spirit of the regulations are to be followed and arrangements introduced which will be, so far as is reasonably practicable, at least as good as those required by legislation. However, the Radioactive Substances Act itself does not apply to the Ministry of Defence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the RAF Wittering care and maintenance of TCHDs will cease. [153729]

It is planned that the care and maintenance of Truck Cargo Heavy Duty (TCHD) Mark II vehicles at RAF Wittering will cease by 31 March 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who is in overall control of TCHD Mark II transports; and which department is in command of TCHD operations. [153728]

On 1 April 1999 the Chief of Defence Logistics assumed overall responsibility for nuclear convoy operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 1 March 2001, Official Report, columns 736–37W, on Israel, if he will list the responses received by the European Union from the Government of Israel to the demarches, statements and representations listed. [152608]

In reply to UK and EU representations the Israeli authorities have sought to justify their policies and actions. They have asserted that the continued closures and the practice of extra judicial killing are necessary for the protection of Israeli lives. We understand the importance of combating terrorism, but these sustained collective punishments radicalise the Palestinian population and fuel violence in the Occupied Territories. They cannot, therefore, achieve their stated purpose. We will press the new Israeli Government to end these practices and, as a specific first step, to resume the payment of revenues withheld from the Palestine Authority. We will also press the Palestinian leadership to restore security co-operation and make every effort in good faith to calm the violence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the agenda of his recent discussion with the Commonwealth Secretary-General. [152892]

[holding answer 9 March 2001]: The Foreign Secretary spoke to the Commonwealth Secretary-General on 21 February. They discussed the latest political and economic situation in Zimbabwe. They also discussed the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting on 19–20 March and agreed that the situation in Zimbabwe should be addressed by Ministers. They agreed on the importance of sending a Commonwealth team to Zimbabwe and it reporting back to CMAG.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration he gave to the EU code of conduct on arms exports in deciding to issue a licence for the refurbishment of Moroccan heavy artillery in occupied Western Sahara. [153672]

The export licence application for artillery spare parts to Morocco and the subsequent appeal were judged against the EU code of conduct, as are all export licence applications considered by my Department. The Department of Trade and Industry is the Department responsible for co-ordinating the export licence application process and granting licences. As a part of this process the Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides advice to the DTI on individual export licence applications, and any subsequent appeals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the supply of components for the repair and maintenance of military DROPS trailers used by the Irish contingent in KFOR. [154447]

We are happy to approve an export licence for the supply of goods needed for the repair and maintenance of military DROPS trailers used by the Irish contingent of KFOR. The goods will assist KFOR in the valuable work they are doing reconstructing a peaceful Kosovo.The goods appear on the UK's Military List. UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1160 (1998) prohibits the sale or supply of arms and related material to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. However, UNSCR 1244 (1999) provides that the prohibition imposed by UNSCR 1160 shall not apply to arms and related material for the use of the international civil and security presences in Kosovo.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes there have been in United Nations sanctions in relation to Liberia. [153352]

[pursuant to his reply, 8 March 2001, c. 281–82W]: I would like to correct two textual errors in my answer of 8 March to my hon. Friend.The UN Security Council resolution adopted on 7 March imposing mandatory UN sanctions in relation to Liberia was in fact UN Security Council resolution 1343.The travel ban imposed by that resolution, which enters into force on 7 May, is on senior members of the Liberian Government and military and their spouses and any other individuals providing financial and military support to armed rebel groups in countries neighbouring Liberia, as designated by the UN Sanctions Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the Hull, North constituency, the effects on Hull, North of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [150615]

[holding answer 5 March 2001]: The principal kinds of funding that this Department has provided to Kingston upon Hull local authority in the years 1997–98 to 2001–02 are shown in the table. These include grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.It is not possible to determine how much of this money has been spent on Hull, North constituency. In most cases it is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of rural district council areas he estimates do not have a bus service. [153130]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on Houghton and Washington, East of his Department's actions since 2 May 1997. [152992]

The principal kinds of funding that this Department has provided to the City of Sunderland in 1997 to 2002 are shown in the table. These include grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.It is not possible to determine how much of this money has been spent on Houghton and Washington, East. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.

Information is not collected in the form that would enable a reliable estimate to be made.However, the National Travel Survey for 1997–99 showed that in Great Britain as a whole 42 per cent. of households in rural areas were within 13 minutes walk of a bus stop with a service of at least once an hour.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the average cost of establishing a home zone. [153577]

The cost of establishing a home zone will vary greatly with the size of the zone and the extent of works involved. Information from the pilot projects now being monitored suggests that, in very preliminary estimates, it would be reasonable to use an indicative range of £500-£2,000 per household. But the costs of individual schemes could be slightly less or substantially more than these figures. These are early days, and we shall keep the estimates under review in the light of increasing experience.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2001, Official Report, column 630W, on the A27, what the aggregated expenditure was on the two schemes between 1 January 1989 and 31 March 1994. [153443]

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Tim Matthews, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what policy he has to implement the proposals in respect of hydrofluorocarbons in "Climate Change: The UK Programme". [153617]

Industry was given a clear signal on the continued use of hydrofluorocarbons in the UK Climate Change Programme. Policies and measures taken to implement the proposals outlined in the programme include the development of a new voluntary agreement with the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, the introduction of a mandatory scheme to train and certify refrigerant handlers, and encouragement of the use, where appropriate, of alternative substances.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what proposals he has to discourage the use of hydrofluorocarbons in air conditioning equipment; and if he will make a statement. [153616]

Industry was given a clear signal on the continued use of hydrofluorocarbons in the UK Climate Change Programme. Policies and measures taken to implement the proposals outlined in the programme include the development of a new voluntary agreement with the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, the introduction of a mandatory scheme to train and certify refrigerant handlers, and encouragement of the use, where appropriate, of alternative substances.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the estimated cost is of administering the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme in England in 2000–01; and what the average cost is of administration fore ach grant paid. [153531]

The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme is managed by Eastern HEES Ltd. in the East of England, and by the Eaga Partnership in the rest of England. The two scheme managers are responsible for marketing the scheme to eligible households; carrying out independent surveys of properties; advising and agreeing with householders the most appropriate measures for their home; recruiting heating and insulation contractors through open competition; and managing payments to contractors for work completed.The fees paid to the scheme managers consist of a fixed monthly element and a variable amount paid for each household where work has been completed and invoiced. In addition the Department paid start up costs of £2,485,000 in the period between award of contract in March 2000 and the start of the new scheme on 1 June 2000.Excluding these one-off costs, the total scheme management costs between 1 June 2000 and 31 March 2001 are estimated to be £18,906,000 (excluding VAT). This is based on the 134,555 households for whom work orders have been placed with installers during the year. This equates to an average cost per household of £141.This estimate does not allow for profit clawback clause included within the contract with the Eaga Partnership, and the not-for-profit basis of Eastern HEES. These two factors will reduce the actual fees paid by the Department this year.The average cost per household figure reflects the relatively slow start to the scheme during the period June-August 2000. The coming financial year will represent the first full year of operation for the new scheme. The total number of homes improved is expected to increase substantially, thereby reducing the average cost per household.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made on (a) obtaining the return of the £4.4 million grant made to the Walton Group plc in respect of Exchange Flags Liverpool and (b) matters referred to Merseyside Police in respect of this grant. [153546]

Police investigations are still in progress, and therefore I am unable to make any further statement at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have to abolish the payment for driving licence renewals for pensioners aged over 70 years; and if he will make a statement. [153538]

There are no plans to abolish the three yearly driving licence renewal fee for the over-70s. Fees are required to cover the costs of issuing licences. Abolishing the fee for renewing licences from age 70 would result in an unacceptable level of cross-subsidisation, which would have to be borne by other drivers through the fees they pay.The fee was reduced from £8.50 to £ 6.00 in November last year, returning it to its 1992 level. A consultation document issued in February this year proposes a freeze in the over-70s licence renewal fee.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what mechanism the Government plan to put in place to require publicly funded institutions to introduce formal environmental management policies. [153518]

The Government have already put mechanisms in place for requiring Government Departments to establish formal environmental management policies. Details are given in the second annual report of the Green Ministers' Committee, which I chair, with chapter 5 covering the progress that has been made in establishing environmental management systems on the Government estate. A copy is on my Department's website. The Government have not so far put mechanisms in place for requiring local authorities to establish environmental management systems, though we have provided encouragement and are pleased that a number of local authorities have established environmental management systems certified to ISO 14001 and EMAS.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to conclude negotiations on the PPIP for the London Underground. [153947]

My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister announced last month that he had agreed to work together with the Commissioner of Transport for London, Bob Kiley, and with London Underground, on developing mutually acceptable modifications to the Public Private Partnership. Discussions on these modifications are continuing and have made some real progress. If we can reach agreement then the PPP bidden will be asked to submit revised proposals.The Government have not, and will not, set an artificial timetable for completion of the PPP. as this would weaken our ability to ensure that it delivers the best deal for London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to acquire (a) a stake in and (b) additional powers over Railtrack plc. [153943]

The Transport Act 2000 has strengthened the regulation and accountability of Railtrack. The Rail Regulator rigorously enforces Railtrack's network licence obligations and has proposed new licence conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 March 2001, Official Report, column 276W, if he will assess the role and experience of the Ports of Canada police as a model for the future policing of United Kingdom ports; and if he will make a statement. [153610]

Yes. As I told my hon. Friend in my letter of 4 January, I am happy to consider any information that he considers relevant to our review of ports police forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans to improve the A417 near Nettleton Bottom and Crickley Hill, Gloucestershire. [153748]

The South West Regional Assembly has endorsed proposals by the Highways Agency to improve the A417 trunk road from Cowley to the Air Balloon roundabout. My Department is considering the proposal along with those from other regions. An announcement will be made in due course as to what schemes will be added to the national trunk road programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many private hire vehicles operate in the Greater London area; and how many have registered with the Public Carriage Office to date. [153717]

The number of vehicles in Greater London currently available to the public for private hirings is estimated at some 40,000 to 60,000; their regulation is a matter for Transport for London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when operator licensing of private hire vehicles in London will come into effect. [153718]

I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Eltham (Mr. Efford) on 28 November 2000. Official Report, column 554W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to make regulations on alternative arrangements for local authorities under section 32 of the Local Government Act 2000. [154264]

I have today laid before Parliament a draft of the Local Authorities (Alternative Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2001.It is now for the House to consider this draft. To assist the House, I have placed in the Library and the Vote Office copies of a draft of the guidance on alternative arrangements which we propose to issue to English local authorities if the draft Regulations are approved by the House and the Other Place.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce the home improvement agency grant allocations for 2001–02; and what steps he is taking to extend the benefits of agency services into areas where they are not currently available. [154273]

As announced in Spending Review 2000, an extra £1.8 million is being provided in grant for home improvement agencies from 2001–02, bringing the total grant to £8.5 million a year. Local authorities are being notified of their allocations today.This money will be provided in each of the next three years, and in 2003–04 it will be ring-fenced within the new Supporting People budget.As well as providing additional support for authorities with existing agencies, I am pleased to be able to offer grant to 52 authorities for the first time. This will increase the number of agencies supported by my Department from 183 to 235 and will allow substantially more elderly, disabled and vulnerable people across the country to benefit from the services agencies can provide.The authorities being offered grant for the first time are as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral statement of 7 March 2001, Official Report, columns 295–308, if he will estimate the revenue from a 1p increase in the basic rate of income tax (a) in the first year and (b) in the three subsequent years. [153716]

I refer the hon. Member to the Tax Ready Reckoner and Tax Reliefs which was published in November 2000, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue yield of abolishing taper relief for the five financial years from 2001–02 and reintroducing indexation and retirement relief. [153714]

Consistent with the assumptions of the March 2001 Budget forecast, the net revenue yield from reintroducing indexation and abolishing taper is estimated to be £450 million for the first year, or £400 million if retirement relief were reinstated also, most of which would be received in the following year. Further information in the form requested on the yield for subsequent years can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue yield in (a) the first year and (b) the subsequent three years from a tax of 50 per cent. on (i) gross and (ii) net incomes exceeding £100,000 a year. [153712]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave o the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 13 February 2001, Official Report, column 104W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue yield of abolishing taper relief and reintroducing indexation and retirement relief. [154021]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 14 March 2001, Official Report, column 653W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints have been investigated by the Financial Ombudsman Service concerning (a) independent financial advisers and (b) tied agents in each of the last three years; and what average level of compensation I was awarded in each case. [153736]

The Financial Ombudsman Service are carrying out a detailed analysis of their records in order to provide this information. It will be placed in the Library of the House shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many recipients there have been of Working Families Tax Credit in Islington (a) since its introduction and (b) in the 2000–01 financial year; and what the average amount paid to each recipient was. [153694]

Estimates of the number of families in Islington in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) at May 2000 and August 2000 are shown in the WFTC Quarterly Enquiries for those months, copies of which are in the Library. These estimates are based on 5 per cent. samples of awards, and are s abject to sampling error. The publications explain that care should be taken when making comparisons over time at this level of detail.The average value of WFTC awards paid to families with such awards in London at August 2000 was £80 per week. There are too few cases in the per cent. sample to yield a reliable separate estimate for Islington.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were in employment in (a) England

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate (a) the percentage, (b) the average amount of capital gains tax paid by people and (c) the level of income in each earned income decile. [146172]

[holding answer 22 January 2001]: Following is the information requested for 1997–98, the latest available year:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual yield to the Treasury of increasing the top rate of income tax to (a) 95p and (b) 50p for those earning over (i) £60,000, (ii) £75,000 and (iii) £100,000 per annum in (A) the UK and (B) Scotland, indicating the number of people who will be affected in each case. [152779]

[holding answer 9 March 2001]: The full-year effects in 2001–02 of making the changes are set out in the table.and

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many working days were lost in the United Kingdom during the last 12 months as a result of industrial disputes. [153756]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on credit unions. [153609]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas) by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 25 January 2001, Official Report, column 1068.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to amend the law dealing with resolution of disputes regarding ownership of securities held cross-border. [154421]

We have today laid the Financial Markets and Insolvency (Settlement Finality) (Amendment) Regulations 2001. These Regulations specify that the law which governs the proprietary rights of a person to securities is to be the law of the state where the relevant register, account or centralised deposit system is located. This change will facilitate resolution of disputes concerning ownership of such securities.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to simplify the administration of the tax rules applying to occupational pension schemes; and if he will make a statement. [154423]

An Inland Revenue sponsored team will be reviewing the tax approval arrangements applying to defined benefit pension schemes with the aim of developing a package of practical options for administrative simplification. The team will not be considering options for changing the underlying tax or benefit structures. The team will consist of Inland Revenue officials and secondees from the pensions industry. The review is due to be completed by February 2003.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, including statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effect on the Walthamstow constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [154178]

Walthamstow, along with the rest of the United Kingdom, is benefiting from the long-term action we have taken to build economic stability and secure high and stable levels of growth and employment. Since the General Election, claimant unemployment in the constituency has fallen by 1,864, or 41 per cent., youth unemployment is down by 83 per cent. and long-term unemployment has fallen by 70 per cent.Macroeconomic stability is being complemented at the microeconomic level by the Government's policies to ease the transition from welfare into work and to make work pay. To the end of December 2000, the New Deal for 18–24 year olds had helped 1,475 young people in Walthamstow constituency gain valuable skills and experience 585 (40 per cent.) of whom had moved into employment. The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), introduced in October 1999, is helping to make work pay for low and middle-income families. In August 2000, 1,300 families in Walthamstow constituency were benefiting from WFTC.The Government are also committed to policies which enable pensioners to share in the country's rising prosperity. All pensioners, including 11,000 in Walthamstow constituency, will receive an above-inflation increase in the basic state pension from April 2001. Single pensioners will receive an extra £5 a week, and couples will receive an extra £8 a week. All pensioners aged 75 or over have also been entitled to a free TV licence since November 2000—including around 7,400 in Walthamstow constituency.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made by region of the likely take-up of the accelerated payable tax credit for clearing up contaminated land. [154206]

No regional estimates are available for the take-up of this tax credit.

To ask the chancellor of the Exchequer what steps the Treasury has taken in relation to making regulations setting out the recognition requirements which are to apply to investment exchanges and clearing houses and to making an Order prescribing the markets and qualifying investments to which the new market abuse regime will apply under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. [154422]

The regulations relating to recognition requirements for investment exchanges and clearing houses and the order relating to prescribed markets and qualifying investments were made by the Treasury and laid before Parliament today.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what reason motorcycle vehicles over 250cc do not qualify for reduced vehicle excise duty; and if he will make a statement. [153781]

Motorcycles over 250cc pay 40 per cent. of the standard rate of vehicle excise duty levied on vehicles in the private and light goods vehicle class. Budget 2001 froze the rate at £65 per annum.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what offer of employment he has made to Mrs. Sari Conway. [151784]

I cannot comment on an individual case.?

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the establishment level of (a) uniformed officers and (b) civilian staff was in Islington police division in (i) each year since 1996 and (ii) 2001 to date; and how many were actually in post in each category in each year. [153699]

[holding answer 14 March 2001]: The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis has provided the information in the table It is not possible for the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to provide information on the budgeted workforce targets (establishment) for the earlier years because the current Islington division was only created in 1999 out of the former Islington and Holloway divisions. The MPS have been able to provide strength figures for the former Islington and Holloway divisions for the years before 1999.The Budgeted Workforce Target, or establishment, for the financial year 2001–02 has yet to be set.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many community beat officers there are in the London Borough of Wandsworth. [152818]

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that there are 31 constables in Wandsworth who are predominately engaged in community beat duties.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to meet members of the UK Youth Parliament to discuss the proposals in the Parliament's manifesto in which his Department has a policy interest. [152967]

I was pleased to attend the first sitting of the United Kingdom Youth Parliament last month. I will be making an initial response to the United Kingdom Youth Parliament's manifesto on behalf of the Government in my capacity as Minister for Young People. Both my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I would be happy to meet a delegation from the United Kingdom Youth Parliament once the manifesto is published.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation to reduce the administrative burden on the bingo industry. [153765]

The Government published a consultation document on 6 November 2000 with proposals for deregulating the bingo industry. The document suggested the abolition of the existing requirement for licensed bingo clubs to notify the licensing authority of changes in their charges to players 14 days in advance. It also suggested allowing licensed bingo clubs to have both jackpot and amusements with prizes gaming machines instead of either one or the other, and increasing the possible number of prizes available in games of multiple bingo.The consultation period ended on 16 February 2001 and we have been considering the responses that we received. We now intend to lay an Order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 that would give effect to the changes outlined in the consultation document.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons Hosni Farhat (584006), a prisoner at Albany Prison, has not been deported. [153779]

My officials will arrange for Mr. Farhat's deportation as soon as practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average annual cost of escorting an asylum applicant in secure conditions to and from hearings in connection with his application and any subsequent appeal was in each of the last three years. [153830]

The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost and, as it would have to be based on a range of variables, it would be prone to significant inaccuracy.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on talks with the Chinese Government on the difficulties of returning failed asylum seekers. [153833]

Home Office officials have regular contact with the Chinese Government in order to obtain travel documents so that those Chinese nationals who have no lawful basis for remaining here and who are without valid national passports can be documented for return to China.As part of this contact, officials meet the Chinese authorities to explore ways of securing improvements to the travel document issuing process and to co-operate more generally in combating illegal immigration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers were resident in Wales and were waiting for their applications to be processed in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001. [153216]

Information on the location of asylum seekers was not available centrally before 2000.On 3 April 2000, the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) began supporting destitute asylum seekers entering the United Kingdom on or after that date. Information recorded by NASS shows that as at the end of February 2001, 30

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are awaiting deportation; and how many were deported in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001. [153215]

The requested information on deported asylum seekers is shown in the table. It is not possible to say how many asylum seekers voluntarily left the United Kingdom without the knowledge of the Home Office. Therefore, it is not possible to say how many are awaiting deportation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has made of the time it takes an asylum applicant to secure conditions to receive (a) an initial decision on an asylum application and (b) to complete all appeals if the initial application is refused; [153826](2) how many asylum applicants are held in secure conditions. [153825]

Current information on persons detained who have claimed asylum and the time taken for an applicant in detention to receive an initial decision or complete all appeals is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.The most recent information relates to the number of persons detained under the Immigration Act 1971 as at 31 January 2001. At that date a total of 1,334 persons, including those who had claimed asylum, were recorded as detained.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the existing immigration detention estate; and by how many places. [153827]

The Home Secretary announced in May 2000 a policy to deliver new detention places to enable the Immigration Service to achieve its removals targets.Our plans to increase the Immigration Detention estate from its current capacity are as follows

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sites his officials considered as potential places to build immigration detention centres in the last three years. [153828]

Over the past three years my officials have considered about 120 sites throughout the country as potential candidates to build new immigration detention centres.The majority of sites did not meet our requirements for a variety of reasons, including location, nature of the site, availability for a quick development and cost.