To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to facilitate the reporting by the public of invalid road vehicle excise duty discs.[154445]

Members of the public may report apparently unlicensed vehicles seen on the public road by providing details of the vehicle concerned, together with the location and details of the keeper, if known, to the nearest Local Office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This information is used as a starting point for further investigation.Alternatively, members of the public may complete specially designed witness statements which are available from the Agency's network of Local Offices. The statement form may also be downloaded from the DVLA website. If prosecution action follows, a copy of the statement containing the witness's name is made available to the alleged offender.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much revenue was raised from motorcycle and moped vehicle excise duty in the last 12 month period for which figures are available, indicating the amount raised for each vehicle excise duty band; if he will estimate the rate of evasion, indicating the estimated number of untaxed motorcycles and mopeds used on public highways for each category; and if he will make a statement. [154721]

[holding answer 20 March 2001]:£40.3 million was raised in vehicle excise duty (VED) from motorcycles and mopeds in 1999–2000 in Great Britain.

A	B	C	F	G	H	I
			Design capacity		Actual number of people
			Hour	Quarter-hour	Hour	Quarter-hour
Line	Busiest section	Time	capacity	capacity	capacity	capacity
Bakerloo	Charing Cross to Piccadilly Circus	08.45–09.00	27,954	6,989	21,676	5,419
Central	Bethnal Green to Liverpool Street	08.45–09.00	45,582	11,395	37,876	9,469
Victoria	Victoria to Green Park	08.45–09.00	42,363	10,591	33,098	8,274
Waterloo and City	Waterloo to Bank	07.45–08.00	14,818	3,704	11,854	2,964
Jubilee	St. John's Wood to Baker Street	08.45–09.00	19,375	4,844	19,949	4,987
Northern	Clapham North to Stockwell	08.45–09.00	28,258	6,564	29,286	7,321
Piccadilly	Earl's Court to Gloucester Road	08.30–08.45	33,216	8,304	25,144	6,286
Circle	Sloane Square to Victoria	17.30–17.45	8,958	2,240	8,493	2,123

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 2001,Official Report, column 315W, on London Underground, what proportion of the maximum capacity of London Underground train carriages was reached at peak periods during January and February on a line by line basis.[154397]

This is an operational matter for London Underground Ltd. (LUL) who inform me that they regularly monitor train crowding which enables them to assess the level of crowding on the busiest sections of each line. The complexity of this survey means that it is not cost-effective for it to be carried out on a monthly basis. It is therefore not possible to provide the information specifically requested in the question for January and February this year as to do so would incur disproportionate costs.The table shows the most recent information as measured by London Underground at various times during 1999–2000. For each line it provides a snapshot of the busiest quarter-hour period on the busiest section The table shows in columns F and G the theoretical design capacity of trains as set out in the earlier answer on 2 February 2001,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 2 February 2001, Official Report, column 315W, on London Underground, what evidence his Department has obtained to show that the figures for the maximum capacity of London Underground train carriages are compatible with the health and safety of passengers.[154399]

The health and safety of passengers is the responsibility of London Underground and it is the Underground's top priority. I understand that the capacity of London Underground carriages is not itself considered to be a health and safety issue. However, London Underground recognises the possible safety implications of overcrowding. Access to platforms, and therefore trains, is restricted whenever necessary on safety grounds.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money has been provided by the Government since May 1997 to London Underground; and if he will make a statement.[154450]

We have provided £1.9 billion of funding to London Underground since May 1997. Government funding has supported total investment in the Underground between 1997–98 and 2000–01 of some £3.4 billion.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will announce a conclusion to his negotiations with Transport for London concerning the PPP for the London Underground. [154990]

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. Mr. Kiley has said in discussions with the Government that he seeks the unified management control of key underground operations, mainly through keeping the maintenance of track and signalling within London Underground. The 55–point plan that he is now discussing with us provides for that control within the overall structure of the PPP.There are inevitably some technical issues still to be worked out but I believe that there is now a real basis for an agreement to allow the PPP competitions to proceed to a satisfactory conclusion. Discussions are being taken forward as quickly as possible so that we can get on with the PPP competitions and the massive investment which the Underground so urgently needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what guidance he has given the Highways Agency (a) generally and (b) specifically relating to Devon Way, Stafford, for consultation with residents before trees that screen trunk roads are removed; [154259] 2) how many trees the Highways Agency removed from the land between the M6 motorway and Devon Way at Stafford on 8 March and for what reasons.[154258]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made to build the Nesscliffe A5 road bypass and on the anticipated completion date.[154466]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Tim Matthews, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what the reason was for the time taken by (a) the Environment Agency to respond to the accident and spill on the A329M on 12 March and (b) the police to clear the road; and for what reason the police closed the road for most of that day;[154278](2) if he will make a statement on

I understand that due to the spillage of diesel fuel and a subsequent six-vehicle accident the Thames Valley police closed the A329M at 23.54 pm on 11 March and re-opened it approximately three hours later. During the intervening period. the Thames Valley police, assisted by the Environment Agency, were involved in mopping up the diesel fuel and removing the six vehicles involved in the accident, which was made more difficult at the time by severe weather conditions. At the scene of such an accident the police have a duty to ensure that the safety of the public the preservation of life, the rescue of the injured and the gathering of evidence to support the prosecution of serious traffic offences take precedence over any problems caused by traffic delay or congestion. The police are of course conscious of delays that can ensue from such accidents and they work with the Highways Agency and local radio stations to minimise disruption to traffic. Once the Thames Valley police were satisfied that it was safe to re-open the road, they did so at approximately 3.00 am on12 March.Following an initial telephone call from the Thames Valley police, Environmental Protection Officers from the Environment Agency arrived at the scene approximately 50 minutes from first notification of the incident, to find that diesel fuel was flowing from the road into the roadside drains. The Agency's officers isolated the surface drains using sawdust and soil from the verges and made a request to the local authority for gulley suckers to empty the roadside drains as soon as possible. The Agency's officers checked ditches on both sides of the M4, identifying areas where these drained to the Emm Brook. After a thorough examination, the Agency officers could find no evidence to suggest that any diesel fuel had entered either the ditches or the Emm Brook.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy on flags printed on car number plates.[154312]

[holding answer 19 March 2001]: In March 2000 the Government announced that legislation would be introduced to allow motorists to display the GB national identifier and the European circle of stars on car number plates on a voluntary non-mandatory basis. This would enable citizens to dispense with the requirement to display a separate GB sticker when travelling in Europe. The option of a separate GB sticker remains. There are no plans to permit the display of any other symbols or flags on number plates.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the policy of the Government are concerning the enforcement of the provisions of Part V of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which requires driving instructors teaching for money to hold an approved driving instructors' certificate; and under what circumstances exceptions are made to this policy. [154735]

[holding answer 20 March 2001]: The universal practice is for the Driving Standards Agency to use the Vehicle Inspectorate to investigate alleged cases of illegal driving instruction on its behalf. The inspectorate, in liaison with the agency, is responsible for pursuing prosecutions.

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 (a) Stourbridge and (b) the metropolitan borough of Dudley the effects on the area of his Department's (i) local government and (ii) transport policies and actions since 2 May 1997.[154731]

[holding answer 20 March 2001]: The principal funding that this Department have provided to Dudley metropolitan borough in which Stourbridge falls since 2 May 1997 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 Stourbridge. It is for the local authority to decide where within its boundary these resources are applied.The £55 million Dudley southern bypass was completed in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will complete his review of transport safety and report to the House; and if he will make a statement.[155069]

In my answer of 9 June 2000, Official Report, columns 424–25W, to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Mrs. Campbell), I explained our conclusion that it would be wrong to take a view on potentially fundamental changes to the organisation of transport safety until the outcome of Lord Cullen's inquiry into the Ladbroke Grove rail crash was known. I understand that the relevant part of the inquiry is expected to report later this year A report of the consultation and analysis undertaken by the transport safety review group was placed in the Libraries of the House last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the provision contained in the Ten-year Transport Plan for (a) a London east-west rail link, (b) the London Cross Rail scheme, (c) the Chelsea-Hackney Line, (d) the East London Line and (e) the West London Line; and if he will indicate the priority he gives to each of these projects.[155068]

The Ten-year Plan provides for a significant increase in transport infrastructure investment, including in enhanced rail capacity in London. Specific London rail schemes, priorities, and the resources to be allocated to them, will be decided after discussion between Government, the Strategic Rail Authority and the Mayor of London. To this end, we have set up a high-level group to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the development and taking forward of rail schemes in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the performance of the West Midlands Regional Development Agency.[153631]

All the RDA's, including Advantage West Midlands, have made good progress. Advantage West Midlands (AWM) has engaged with all sectors of the local economy to produce a strategy for the region and has agreed with key partners the 60 main actions required to take it forward.AWM has achieved significant successes. So far this financial year (to February), some 28 companies from abroad have invested in the west midlands, creating 2,100 jobs and safeguarding a further 745. Marconi is moving to a site at Ansty near Coventry and jobs are beginning to emerge at BMW at Hams Hall near Birmingham. AWM has introduced a Regional Venture Capital Fund, the first RDA to do so. It is progressing innovation issues with a very good team of regional partners. It has very clearly defined the region's priority business sectors and is increasingly dovetailing all its activities to support them: the food and drink sector is an excellent example.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what consultations have taken place since 1 January between his Department and (a) regional development agencies and (b) regional assemblies about the Central Railway project;[154847](2) what meetings have taken place since 1 January between Ministers in his Department and representatives of Central Railway.[154848]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce the pilot projects to test choice-based lettings approaches; and if he will make a statement.[155394]

I am pleased to announce that 27 local authority-led pilot projects have today been selected to test different lettings approaches.The pilots are designed to give new and existing social tenants in England greater choice over their housing and to give local authorities and Registered Social Landlords the opportunity to test new ways of doing that, while continuing to meet housing need.This is the best way to meet the long-term housing requirements of those who need social housing. The challenge for pilot authorities is to find better ways of responding to need while offering choice, in different housing markets, and across different authorities. We will draw on the pilots to develop a body of good practice for all social landlords.I am delighted that we received over 90 bids for pilot status. I was particularly encouraged by the readiness of local authorities and RSLs to work together to deliver a choice-based approach. Many bids involved a partnership approach, bringing together some or all of the RSLs operating in the area, and in some cases private landlords as well, to offer as wide a choice as possible to new and existing tenants.I have been very impressed by the quality of the bids submitted. I have therefore decided to make available a further £2 million, in addition to the £11 million announced at the time of the Spending Review to fund the pilot scheme, in order to support as many good quality projects as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to make an announcement about regional planning guidance for the south-east.[155395]

On 18 December last year we published draft revised Regional Planning Guidance for the south-east. This put the urban renaissance and protection of the countryside at the heart of the revised regional strategy. It put forward a housing strategy that took no more land than assumed by the regional planning body. We re-consulted on the proposed housing distribution and after careful consideration of all the representations we are today issuing Regional Planning Guidance for the South East (RPG9).In the light of the divergent views expressed on the individual county figures and in the absence of any consistent regional rationale to justify a new distribution, the proposed distribution has not been changed. We acknowledge the concerns expressed during the public consultation but would emphasise that in line with our

:To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made in establishing the Standards Board for England under the Local Government Act 2000; and if he will make a statement.[155447]

Last month, I appointed Tony Holland as the first chair of the Standards Board for England. I have today appointed Patricia Hughes as Deputy Chair, and John Bowers, Alan Doig, Margaret Pratt, Paul Sabapathy and Roger Taylor as members of the Board. I am in the process of making two further appointments from representatives of local authority elected members and hope to be able to announce these in the near future.The appointments will provide the Standards Board with a range of expertise and skills from around the country, which will be crucial to the success of its future work. The members will bring wide experience of local government and the public and private sectors to the work of the Board. They will equip the Standards Board with the lay, legal, academic and audit expertise it will need as it faces up to the challenge of the new ethical framework and ensuring the highest standards of conduct in local government.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has for providing development assistance to Ethiopia; and if she will make a statement.[155072]

Since the signature by Ethiopia and Eritrea of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in June 2000, we have been reviewing our development relationship with Ethiopia. As part of this process, we held a seminar to discuss papers commissioned from academia and civil society to help update our understanding of current politics, governance and civil society; the economy; poverty; and food security.Last November I visited Addis Ababa and discussed these issues with I prime Minister Meles Zenawi. We informed him that we intended to focus as a first priority on food security, and undertook to consider whether we could contribute to the development of the private sector in Ethiopia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) establishment strength, (b) actual strength and (c) level of undermanning in percentage terms of establishment against actual strength was for the(i) Highlanders, (ii) Black Watch, (iii) Royal Scots, (iv) Royal Highland Fusiliers, (v) King's Own Scottish Borderers. (vi) Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, (vii) Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and (viii) Scots Guards on 1 March in each year from 1995 to 2001; what initiatives are under way in Scotland to address issues of recruitment and retention; and if he will make a statement.[154086]

[holding answer 20 March 2001]: The information requested is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures have been taken against those(a) responsible for racial harassment of Ian Bannister and(b) responsible for setting up a photoshoot with soldiers dressed in Klu Klux Klan regalia and the officers commanding these soldiers.[154067]

The Army has no record of any claim of racial harassment from Ian Bannister. The Royal Military Police are, however, currently undertaking an investigation to examine the circumstances behind the incident with the photograph.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions have been issued to the 2nd Parachute Regiment concerning members posing for photographs with Nazi regalia.[154066]

The Army is committed, through the Chief of the General Staff's Equal Opportunities Directive, to eradicating all forms of discrimination by developing policies, practices, and procedures within the framework of the law which do not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. This policy is reiterated in Commanding Officer's Equal Opportunities Policy Statements and Action Plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the review of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme will be published; what the cause of the delay has been; if the review will consider the use of retrospective legislation as a remedy for the perceived injustices; and if he will make a statement.1154047]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eastwood (Mr. Murphy) on 16 March 2001, Official Report, column 756W. The review has taken longer than expected

:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 17 February 2000, Official Report, column 648W, if he will list the private companies identified as purchasers of 10 rifles required by the Saville inquiry; and what efforts have been made to secure the co-operation of these companies with the inquiry.[154132]

The police investigation announced in my answer of 17 February 2000, Official Report, column 648W, has established that, of the rifles required by the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, 19 were sold to private companies. These companies were Alvis Logistics, A. F. Budge and Co. Ltd. and R. E. Trem and Co. Ltd. Every effort has been made to secure the companies' co-operation in consultation with the Bloody Sunday Inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 17 February 2000,Official Report, column 648W, what the conclusion was of the MOD police inquiry regarding destruction of evidence pertinent to the Saville inquiry; and what actions have been taken against those responsible. [154131]

The report of the investigation by West Mercia and Ministry of Defence Police into the unauthorised destruction of rifles will be sent to Ministers shortly. When the report has been considered its conclusions and any proposed follow-up action will be made public where it is appropriate to do so. The Bloody Sunday Inquiry has been kept fully informed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names, dates and locations of nuclear weapons convoy exercises in 2001.[153727]

The following nuclear weapon accident response exercises are scheduled to be held during 2001:

Month	Name	Location
May	NW Convoy Group Standardisation	Lincolnshire
June	Exercise Bowline	Coulport
July	RAF Station NAR team Standardisation1	Wiltshire
September	MOD Police Nuclear Weapon Convoy	Standardisation	To be confirmed
October	RAF Station NAR team Standardisation1	Suffolk
November	RAF Station NAR team Standardisation1	Oxfordshire
November	Exercise Senator	Bedfordshire
1RAF Station Nuclear Accident Response (NAR) teams provide immediate response forces for the air transportation of nuclear weapons

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made on the likely effects of siting wind turbines in tactical training areas.[155605]

In principle the Ministry of Defence has no objection to wind farms. The UK has three specially designated Tactical Training Areas (TTA) that are available for authorised military Operational Low Flying (OLF) training. The three TTAs are located in central Wales (LFA7T), north Scotland (LFA14T) and the border region of northern England/southern Scotland (LFA20T). Within these areas military fast jet and Hercules aircraft may operate at heights between 250 ft and 100 ft. In addition, Units make use of these specifically surveyed areas to conduct specialised night training.Flying down to 100 ft is also authorised over the Electronic Warfare Tactics Range (EWTR), LFA13. The EWTR is a RAF facility made available to other NATO countries on a repayment basis, or under other special arrangements. It is located in the north of England, at Spadeadam, and partially overlays LFA20T, the northern England/southern Scotland TTA. In addition to tactical radar avoidance training, the airspace associated with use of the EWTR is made available for test and evaluation flying, specialised night training and some operational low flying training. Low flying within LFA13 is associated almost entirely with operation of the EWTR.Conclusions of a study conducted by the RAF Signals Engineering Establishment into the Effects of Wind Generators on Radar Performance were that wind turbines cause interference to primary surveillance radar and harm the ability to detect and track aircraft flying over wind farms. Moreover, the presence of a u

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the television, newspaper and radio advertising and other promotional campaigns conducted by (a) his Department, (b) its agencies and (c) its departmental public bodies, in each of the past five years, showing for each the expenditure incurred by his Department; and if he will make statement [153408]

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Iam therefore unable to provide a substantive answer in accordance with Exemption 9 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.However, a breakdown of the Ministry of Defence's public relations' expenditure is published in the annual Departmental Performance Report. broken down into

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what negotiations are taking place between his Department and the Treasury over compensation payments for service personnel killed and disabled during service with the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.[154046]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 21 March 2001, Official Report, column 209W. The proposals contained in the Joint Compensation Review Consultation Document have been fully discussed with Her Majesty's Treasury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the statutory basis of the Ministry of Defence Police (Discipline) Regulations 1985 is; and if they mirror those of the Home Department forces.[154409]

[holding answer 19 March 2001]:. The Ministry of Defence Police (Discipline) Regulations 1985, came into operation on 20 February 1986 following an agreement between the Defence Council and the Police Complaints Authority of the same date. Following the coming into force of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987 a further agreement between the Secretary of State for Defence and the Police Complaints Authority was signed on 23 June 1988, which resulted in the Ministry of Defence Police (Discipline) (Amendment) Regulations 1988. These agreements, made in accordance with section 96(1) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, introduced force discipline regulations corresponding to those established by Part IX of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 for Home Department police forces. They also build on the provisions of section 1(4) and section 4 of the MOD Police Act 1987, and the Ministry of Defence Police (Representation at Disciplinary Proceedings) Regulations 1988 (SI 1099/1988) made under it.The MDP discipline regulations mirrored those of the Home Departments forces until the Home Department forces regulations changed in April 1999. The proposals in clause 32 of the present Armed Forces Bill are designed to enable parity to be restored.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department's police officers subject to (a) complaints and (b) disciplinary procedures are investigated under (i) procedures made by statute and (ii) with punishments and appeals procedures set out in legislation.[154407]

[holding answer 19 March 2001]: The Ministry of Defence Police complaints and discipline regulations were introduced following an agreement between the Defence Council and the Police Complaints Authority on 20 February 1986. Following the introduction of the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987, a further agreement between the Secretary of State for Defence and the Police Complaints Authority was signed on 23 June 1988. These agreements, made in accordance with section 96(1) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what grounds the Armed Forces Bill Committee was told on 7 March that a complaint against a Ministry of Defence police officer would be processed by the Police Complaints Authority through exactly the same complaints procedure as with the Metropolitan police and that the arrangements would be absolutely identical.[154406]

[holding answer 19 March 2001]: The Ministry of Defence Police complaints regulations are comparable to those of the Home Department police forces. A complaint against an MOD police officer in England and Wales for instance would be dealt with in exactly the same way as a complaint against a member of the Metropolitan Police Service or any other Home Office police force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what grounds he stated to the Armed Forces Bill Committee on 7 March that in the case of a complaint against his Department's police an MDP officer (a) would be subject to the responsibility of the chief constable of the area in question with whom he had made an agreement and (b) that police officer would be subject and accountable in precisely the same way as a police officer in the Metropolitan area.[1544101

[holding answer 19 March 2001]: Under the proposed modest extensions to the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) jurisdiction contained within the Armed Forces Bill, MDP officers seconded to or providing mutual aid to Home Department police forces would be subject to the control and direction of the chief officer of the receiving force. Complaints against MDP officers on secondment or providing mutual aid to Home Department police forces would be dealt with in exactly the same way as a complaint against a member of the Metropolitan Police Service or any other Home Department police force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 March 2001, Official Report, columns 19–20W, on Porton Down, if staff from his Department have held other meetings with the Medical Research Council regarding advice on an independent epidemiological study for Porton Down volunteers since 14 November 2000; and on what dates each of these meetings took place.[154785]

No other meetings have taken place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many studies have been undertaken since 1971 by the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down to establish the annual totals of service

No such formal studies have been undertaken. However, since 1995 the annual reports of the Independent Chemical and Biological Defence Ethics Committee have included the numbers of volunteers who have participated in the Service Programme during the report year. These reports are usually produced in the following April-May

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 March 2001, Official Report, column 19–20W, on Porton Down, what plans his Department has to take on more staff in the Gulf veterans illnesses unit to deal with issues relating to Porton Down volunteers.[154786]

We plan to take on a further member of staff, probably a Higher Executive Officer (Grade C2), to deal with Porton Down Volunteers issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has requested the Medical Research Council to consult the Operation Antler team of Wiltshire police regarding its advice on an independent epidemiological study for service personnel who took part in experiments at the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down.[154768]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will send a team of his staff to the United States to evaluate the system under which the US Government provide compensation to former military personnel who have developed illnesses as a result of taking part in chemical warfare experiments.[154793]

I have no plans to do so. The Ministry of Defence has a Liaison Officer in Washington D.C. who can gather information on US arrangements for paying compensation to veterans who participated in trials in the US, should there be a need to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the damage done to the depleted uranium monitoring rig located offshore at the testing range at Dundrennan.[154199]

The test rig housing the depleted uranium samples was damaged during winter storms. The most likely cause of this damage were the chains securing the buoys marking the rig which impacted repeatedly with the main body of the rig during unexpectedly high sea states. In all some 20.76kg of depleted uranium, the equivalent of four projectiles, were lost and, if not recovered, it is expected that the material will oxidise and disperse in exactly the same way as rounds fired into the Solway Firth from the Kirkcudbright range. The ongoing comprehensive environmental monitoring programme continues to confirm no uranium above naturally occurring background levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the rates of pay are for Royal Logistics Corps (a) drivers, (b) supply specialists, (c) ammunition technicians and (d) chefs; and what plans he has to increase the rates of pay for those employed on explosive ordnance disposal. [154582]

Rank	Pay range	Driver	Pay range	Supply specialist	Pay range	Ammunition technician	Pay range	Chefs
Pte	Lower	£12,070.55–£16,800.95	Lower	£12,070.55–£16,800.95	n/a	—	Lower	£12,070.55–£16,800.95
L Cpl	Lower	£15,461.40–£18,206.20	Lower	£15,461.40–£18,206.20	Lower	£15,461.40–£18,206.20	Higher	£18,388.70–£22,100.75
Cpl	Lower	£19,812.20–£22,637.30	Lower	£19,812.20–£22,637.30	Higher	£20,575.05–£25,341.95	Higher	£20,575.05–£25,341.95
Sgt	Lower	£22,925.65–£25,889.45	Lower	£22,925.65–£25,889.45	Higher	£25,017.10–£28,199.90	Higher	£25,017.10–£28,199.90
S Sgt	Lower	£25,298.15–£28,904.35	Lower	£25,298.15–£28,904.35	Higher	£28,218.15–£32,109.05	Lower	£25,298.15–£28,904.35
WO2	Higher	£30.966.60–£33.028.85	Higher	£30,966.60–£33,028.85	Higher	£30,966.60–£33,028.85	Higher	£30,966.60–£33,028.85

The trade of Ammunition Technician in the Royal Logistic Corps, whose duties include explosive ordnance disposal, has been subject to the job evaluation process. All ranks in this trade at corporal and above have been assigned to the higher pay range. Those employed on explosive ordnance disposal will, in common with other trades, be eligible under Pay 2000 for the award of annual incremental pay increases subject to satisfactory performance. In addition they will receive annual pay awards as recommended by the independent Armed Forces Pay Review Body.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the (a) RAF, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Army are suffering from HIV/AIDS; and if he will make a statement. [153171]

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: Twelve members of the armed forces are currently known to be suffering from HIV/AIDS. As one of the services has only one member known to be suffering from HIV/AIDS, a breakdown by service cannot be provided for reasons of confidentiality. No information is held on members of the armed forces who may be receiving treatment outside the Defence Medical Services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Gulf War veterans have been deemed eligible for war pensions due to the effects of the Gulf War; and if he will make a statement. [154048]

I have been asked to reply.At 31 January 2001, 965 awards of war disablement pension had been made to Gulf War veterans for Gulf War-related illnesses.

To ask the secretary of State for Trade and Industry what further proposals he has to introduce legislation in relation to trade union rights. [153644]

[holding answer 20 March 2001]: The rates of pay effective from 1 April 2001 for Royal Logistics Corps drivers, supply specialists, ammunition technicians and chefs are shown in the table. The rates shown are the highest and lowest points of pay scales, which are incremental.

The Government have introduced greater rights to trade union membership and representation through the Employment Relations Act 1999 and other initiatives. This legislation needs time to bed down. We therefore have no plans to introduce further trade union legislation during this Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action he is taking with regard to energy prices. [153646]

The Government are taking a number of actions, both nationally and internationally, to promote competitive gas and electricity prices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what forecast he has made of the balance of trade in 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [153648]

The Treasury forecast for the balance of trade shows a £26.75 billion deficit in 2001, rising to £33.75 billion in 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will come to a decision on ECGD support for the Ilisu dam. [153650]

We will not make our decision on ECGD support for the Ilisu project until both the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) have been received and fully assessed.We have received assurances from the commercial parties that the EIAR, which is their document, will be made publicly available before a decision is taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to keep Britain at the forefront of scientific advances. [153651]

The Government place great importance on the quality of British science. A strong science base is essential to the knowledge economy. We will increase the

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on metrication. [153652]

In compliance with metrication legislation made in 1994, four out of five trade weighing machines are now operating in metric units. We fully expect the remaining weighing machines to convert to metric.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on prospects for the chemical industry. [153653]

The chemicals industry has consistently outpaced the growth in the economy overall. Forecasts suggest that this pattern will continue for the foreseeable future. The industry does, however, face significant pressures on restructuring, performance and innovation to meet rapidly changing global challenges. The Government will continue to do what they can to help the industry meet those challenges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the future of the sub-post office network. [153654]

By accepting all 24 recommendations of the Performance and Innovation Unit's (PIU) report on the future of the post office network, the Government have demonstrated their continuing commitment to maintenance of a nationwide network. We are working closely with the Post Office, the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters and other stakeholders to implement the PIU recommendations. These measures are designed to modernise and improve Post Office services and to strengthen confidence in the future of the network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of how the increased national minimum wage will benefit people in Scotland. [153655]

We estimate that the increase in the national minimum wage to £4.10 from 1 October 2001 will be of direct benefit to around 120,000 workers in Scotland-6.1 per cent. of all workers in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received on the implementation of the national minimum wage. [154289]

Earlier this month the independent Low Pay Commission produced volume 1 of their third report evaluating the impact of the national minimum wage. The Commission undertook an extensive consultation exercise as part of their work. They received 150 written submissions and took oral evidence from the CBI, the TUC and a number of other organisations to supplement their written evidence. Volume 2 of the third report, which will cover issues of implementation and enforcement, is due in May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on his measures to support the development of industrial clusters. [153656]

The Government recognise the importance of clusters and networks and are working closely with the RDAs to identify and remove barriers to their growth and development. In the White Paper "Opportunity for All in a World of Change", published on 13 February, the Government set out their proposals to promote the growth of successful clusters by asking the RDAs to develop strategies for success for their regions, building on their existing strengths. They will do so with the assistance of a report, "Business Clusters in the UK: A First Assessment", which was also published on 13 February.Key aspects of clusters policy were discussed at a conference in Nottingham involving Government, RDAs and other stakeholders on 8 and 9 March.Government funding for cluster development will continue to be provided to RDAs via the Regional Innovation Fund. Continued work on clusters will be undertaken by Lord Sainsbury's Clusters Policy Steering Group.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the prospects for the production of engineering steel. [153657]

The UK companies that produce engineering steels have had to adapt to difficult trading conditions in recent years and have undertaken restructuring in order to remain competitive. This has been a painful process for those involved but it leaves them well placed to continue to supply the home market and maintain exports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the cost to small business of regulations introduced since May 1997. [153658]

Since August 1998, all legislation likely to have an impact on business has been subject to a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). A series of Command Papers lists RIAs for each six month period, the most recent being No. 4918. RlAs are published and are available from the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the progress being made on miners' compensation claims. [153659]

Substantial progress has been made but we still need to do more.In the last few weeks, we have agreed with miners' solicitors how compensation for loss of pension will be handled. This element of compensation amounts to around £400 million. This is the last piece in the jigsaw. This now means that, over the next few months, we will see many full and final offers of compensation made.And as I said in my earlier reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Michie), in the last eight weeks alone we have announced a package of measures which will see £million's of additional compensation being brought forward and offered quickly to a whole raft of claimants.Many of these will not previously have been made an offer. We are also clearing a large backlog of medical reports, which will enable 1,000 claims a week to go forward to have compensation assessed over the next three months. I am also pleased to see the number of respiratory consultants employed on this scheme steadily increasing. We now have 228 in place an increase of almost 25 per cent. from a few months ago. The number of medical assessments carried out per week is now well over 600—an increase of 50 per cent.All of this is progress on top of the £360 million already paid on miners compensation . We are paying out over £1 million a day on coal compensation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations he has received about the work-life balance. [153660]

The Green Paper "Work and Parents: Competitiveness and Choice" sought views on a number of practical options to help working parents. The Green Paper recognises that parents daily juggle work and family life and, recognises that businesses, particularly small employers, need to minimise extra costs.During the consultation period for the Green Paper, which ended on 7 March, Ministers and officials met almost 300 people and received over 450 written responses to options contained with it. The Government are now considering these responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the responses he has received to his Green Paper "Work and Parents". [153663]

The consultation period for the Green Paper "Work and Parents: Competitiveness and Choice" ended on 7 March. During the consultation period officials and Ministers met almost 300 employees, employers and other interested groups and representatives. Additionally more than 450 written responses were received.The Government announced how they intend to proceed on those issues covered in the Green Paper with financial implications for the state in the Budget on 7 March. These are an increase in the flat rate of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Maternity Allowance; an extension to the period of flat rate maternity pay to 26 weeks; the right to two weeks paid paternity leave for all working fathers and paid adoption leave, paid for the same period and at the same flat rate as SMP. Additionally the Government have doubled the threshold for Small Employer Relief.All of the options announced in the Budget had strong support throughout the consultation from employees, employers and other interested groups. The responses received during the consultation period will help inform decisions on the remaining options just as they helped inform the initial decisions on maternity and paternity leave.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the impact of the Green Paper, "Work and Parents: Competitiveness and Choice" on the people in the northern region. [153633]

Following the consultation on the Work and Parents Green Paper. the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Budget increases to maternity pay and leave and the introduction of paid paternity and adoption leave. Based on current figures, we estimate that around 160,000 working men and women in the north-west, north-east and Yorkshire and Humberside will have the opportunity to benefit from these changes alone. Other options put forward in the Green Paper are still under consideration and decision on these will be announced in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the law relating to intellectual property rights. [153661]

UK law relating to intellectual property rights is continually being updated in response to new developments at international, European and domestic levels. Where relevant European legislation provides specifically for a review, we intend to play a full part in that process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to reduce the amount of regulation of small and medium-sized businesses. [153662]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry takes the issue of burdens on business very seriously and is working to ensure that red tape is kept to a minimum, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.The Department of Trade and Industry announced new proposals to strengthen and improve the employment tribunal system in November 2000. The new measures will help to ease the burden on business caused by weak and ill-founded claims. We are also considering the responses to a consultation on a proposal to exempt small and medium-sized businesses from the requirement to pay merger fees.The Small Business Service has been set up to work with small firms and Departments to ensure that regulations do not impose unnecessary burdens. The Government have revised guidance on Regulatory Impact Assessments, emphasising the need to think small first in drawing up regulations and to consult with the Small Business Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent assessment he has made of the costs of burying overhead power lines; and if he will make a statement. [153664]

Developing technology is unlikely to provide any immediate help in offsetting the cost penalty that goes with burying overhead power lines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how he plans to encourage co-operation between universities, colleges and the business community. [153665]

We have introduced a number of measures to encourage collaboration between higher education and business. We have established the £140 million Higher Education Innovation Fund to support higher education and business interaction—particularly with SMEs—and are supporting university innovation centres, which are regionally based partnerships between large businesses, groups of small businesses and academia. We are also running one further round of University Challenge and Science Enterprise Challenge to further assist the commercialisation of research and help bring business skills into the science curriculum, and will be supporting 20 Business Fellows to lead their academic colleagues in working with business. Collectively, this represents a significant public investment in knowledge transfer. We plan to maintain this investment through a permanent "third" stream of funding to reward and incentivise excellence in knowledge transfer alongside funding for research and teaching.We are also working towards the target of 1,000 TCS Programmes running at any one time, enabling firms of all sizes to develop their competitiveness by using a graduate to embed new ideas or technology, and we have doubled the number of new starts of Faraday Partnerships so that the national network of at least 24 Partnerships will be in place by 2002. We will also continue to support LINK programmes which encourage businesses to work with the research base in universities and elsewhere.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to introduce controls on the end-use of arms exported from the United Kingdom in the forthcoming draft legislation on arms export controls; and if he will make a statement. [153647]

The Government rigorously assess all export licence applications to determine the risk of any proposed export being misused in contravention of the consolidated EU and national export licensing criteria. Under these criteria we will not issue an export licence where there is a clearly identifiable risk that the equipment could be used for internal repression or external aggression. Applications are also refused if we assess that an unacceptable risk of diversion exists.We have taken a number of steps to strengthen the process of risk assessment at the export licensing stage. Such improvements have not required a change in the law and there no plans to include specific measures on end-use monitoring in the draft Export Control Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets he has set the Department' s executive agency, the Patent Office, for 2001–02. [155546]

I have set the Patent Office the following targets for 2001–02:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the second stage of the quinquennial review of the Patent Office will be completed; and if he will make a statement. [155542]

The second stage of the five-yearly review of the Patent Office has now been completed. The Patent Office has a key role to play as a driver in the knowledge economy.I am pleased to say that the review found the Patent Office has achieved a remarkable transformation over the last decade and is now extremely customer focused and responsive. The Office's patent granting and other registration functions are well regarded and compare favourably with those of other IPR Offices. Indeed on trade marks, the review found that the Office was thought to be one of the best in the world.The Patent Office's role has to be seen in an international context, which is evolving. Trade is becoming increasingly international and intellectual property protection has to reflect this . The Patent Office is in the forefront in initiating and promoting development of the international systems. The European Community and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) have both embarked on substantial programmes to achieve harmonisation and there is significant work in progress in the EU in areas such as the proposed Community Patent. The review concludes that the Offices should work to make the international routes for patent granting—which SMEs as well as larger companies need—cheaper, faster and more accessible and to reduce duplication of work. There is also a growing need to ensure that copyright can be protected and enforced on an international basis.The Patent Office has an important part to play in fostering innovation and encouraging technological transfer. The review finds that more could be done to help ensure that inventions achieve successful commercial exploitation. It suggests that the Patent Office should work with the Small Business Service to help small businesses in this respect, such as by helping to match inventors with business partners. This would complement the wider activities of my Department in support of innovation and the knowledge economy.IT has great strategic and financial importance for the Office. The Office has made good progress in introducing electronic services and a significant farther programme is in train.The Office needs objectives and targets appropriate to this agenda of internationalisation and effective help for small business, allowing delivery through e-communication channels wherever possible.The demand for patents is outstripping the ability of Patent Offices to deliver, both internationally and in the UK. Reducing duplication of work between offices is thus all the more important. The Patent Office has a wide programme to try to ensure that scarce examiner resource is used to best effect. The report makes recommendations about recruitment strategies for patent examiners, flexible working schemes, training and use of examiners as well as pay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes are planned to the service which the Radiocommunications Agency provides to investigate interference to domestic television and radio reception. [155544]

Further to my reply of 9 November 2000, Official Report, columns 327 –28W, I have now reviewed the way that the Agency handles the investigation of domestic television and radio reception problems. With effect from 1 April the Agency will accept complaints about TV and radio reception (subject to certain basic conditions, such as the installation of a satisfactory aerial) and a charge will only be payable if, following an investigation by the Agency, the problem is found to be within the complainant's own installation. That charge will be £50 including VAT. This procedure will allow domestic consumers to report possible interference arising from new broadband telecommunications systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will issue social and environmental guidance to the Postal Services Commission; and if he will make a statement. [155543]

I have today, in accordance with section 43(2) of the Postal Services Act 2000, issued guidance to the Postal Services Commission about the making by the Commission of a contribution towards the attainment of the social and environmental policies referred to in the guidance. A draft of the guidance had been laid, in the terms in which it is now being issued, before each House of Parliament on 8 February 2001, in accordance with section 43(4) of the Act. Copies of the guidance have been laid in the Libraries of each House and the guidance is also being made available on the DTI's website www.dti.gov.uk.The process of giving statutory social and environmental guidance has been developed to provide a means of ensuring that regulators take due account of the Government's social and environmental policies in carrying out their statutory functions. Regulators have a statutory duty to have regard to the guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the personnel involved in the debt taskforce, its work programme and the preliminary conclusions it has reached. [154813]

The debt taskforce I set up to explore the cause and effect of overindebtedness and develop practical solutions for achieving more responsible lending and borrowing is made up of representatives from:

• British Bankers Association
• Consumer Credit Association
• Experian
• Finance and Leasing Association
• Financial Services Authority
• National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
• Office of Fair Trading
• Personal Finance and Research Centre.

I have asked the taskforce to look at three key issues:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many households in (a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales, are not receiving direct postal deliveries because of precautionary and mandatory access restrictions connected with the foot and

I have been advised by the Post Office that all households in the affected areas have access to its postal services. Arrangements have been made at a local level for the collection and distribution of mail in areas affected by foot and mouth disease or where farmers or landowners have requested that postal staff do not go on their land. These arrangements include:

• Handover of mail at the farmer or land owners gate;
• Collection by the addressee from the delivery office
• Delivery to an alternative address.

A central record of these local arrangements is not available.Arrangements for the delivery and collection of postal votes would be the same as for ordinary mail.