To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the meetings and conferences organised by his Department and agencies of his Department which have been (a) cancelled and (b) postponed owing to foot and mouth disease; and if he will make a statement. [155365]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: There have been a very small number 01 reported occasions of which I am aware where meetings or conferences organised by my Department have had to be either cancelled or postponed owing to foot and mouth disease.They are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what date he received the environmental impact assessment relating to the Ilisu Dam; what assessment he has made of the project; and if he will place a copy of the assessment in the Library. [156282]

My officials at ECGD received a copy of the original Environmental Impact Assessment Report in August 1998. This report was reviewed by Environmental Resources Management in July 1999, and copies of that review are in the Library of the House. We are currently awaiting the final version of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. We expect that a presentation on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be made to the export credit agencies shortly and that after this presentation the Environmental Impact Assessment Report will be made publicly available. As we are not the owners of the reports we cannot be more specific about timing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will refer the decision by Daimler Chrysler UK to serve termination notices to all Mercedes-Benz dealers in the UK to the Director General of Fair Trading. [156406]

Change to the sales structure for Mercedes-Benz vehicles is a commercial decision for Daimler Chrysler UK.The European Block Exemption on vehicle distribution outlines the procedures which suppliers must follow when terminating dealerships.Under UK competition legislation, it is for the Director General of Fair Trading to decide whether any matter merits investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evidence he has collated on the use of pressurised sales methods in relation to the sale of mobility products for elderly people. [155879]

[holding answer 28 March 2001]: My Department holds no recent evidence on this subject. The Government share concerns about the targeting of vulnerable consumers with particular sales and marketing techniques and officials in my Department have recently agreed to participate in research on the subject commissioned by Age Concern.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the role, powers and funding of Postwatch. [156275]

[holding answer 30 March 2001]: The Consumer Council for Postal Services (or "Postwatch" as it calls itself) has been established to promote the interests of users of postal services within the framework now created by the Postal Services Act 2000. It is intended that the Council should have a central role in the new regulatory framework, monitoring service standards and acting as a focus for consumer issues and complaints.The Act requires that the Council is consulted on key decisions including variations in the services for which licences are required, the granting and modification of licences, and the enforcement of licence conditions. The Act also requires the Council to represent (particularly to the Government, the Postal Services Commission, and licensed postal operators) the views of users, and to provide advice and information to consumers on postal matters. It is expected that the Council will seek to ensure licensed operators have effective complaints handling procedures and compensation and redress systems, and will investigate complaints which have not been satisfactorily handled by licensed postal operators. It will also monitor service quality against standards set by the Postal Services Commission and, with the Postal Services Commission ("Postcomm"), monitor and advise on the Post Office Counters network.In accordance with a direction given under section 39 of the Act, the costs of the Council are to be recovered from licensees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total expenditure by the Post Office Users' National Council was in the financial years (a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99 and (d) 1999–2000; what the total budgeted expenditure by the Post Office Users' National Council was in 2000–01; and what the total expenditure requested by Postwatch is for 2001–02. [156273]

[holding answer 30 March 2001]: The Annual Reports of the Post Office Users' National Council (excluding the Post Office Users' Councils for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) show total expenditure of:

Year	£
1996–97	386,133
1997–98	402,711
1998–99	652,907
1999–2000	785,353

The Post Office Users' National Council's Annual Report for financial year 2000–01 will be laid before Parliament in the usual way in the summer.I have agreed a budget of £6.9 million for Postwatch for financial year 2001–02. This includes provision for Postwatch's regional structure including its new regional committees in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in what ways the region by region allocation of his Department's funds for economic and physical regeneration initiatives is influenced by the availability of previously developed land and buildings.[156196]

[holding answer 30 March 2001]: In making the DTI's allocations from the Regional Innovation Fund to the Regional Development Agencies, full account was taken of their regional economic strategies. These followed the guidance issued by government on the use of brownfield land and sites. In particular, the Regional Innovation Fund took into account the wealth of each region, unemployment and relative levels of R&D expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the London Borough of Southwark, the effects on the London Borough of Southwark of his Department's policies and actions since May 2 1997. [155975]

The London Borough of Southwark has benefited from a range of initiatives since May 1997. Direct business advice and support to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) has been provided by the DTI through core programmes and the Business Links. While my Department does not collect detailed statistical information on a borough basis, over 2,900 requests for advice, information and support from SMEs in Southwark have been handled by the Business Links since May 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on the Luton, South constituency of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [156163]

The Department does not maintain statistical information at constituency level.My hon Friend's constituents, like many others throughout Bedfordshire, will have benefited from my Department's Employment Rights policies which include the National Minimum Wage, Working Time Directive, Part Time Working Regulations and improved Maternity Leave.In addition, the wards of Biscot, Crawley, Dallow, Farley, High Town. South and Stopsley are eligible for Regional Selective Assistance and the Enterprise Grant Scheme.In the East of England region, my Department's policies have contributed to growth in employment by 105,000 and a fall in unemployment by 44,908; reductions in youth employment (under 24) by 43.3 per cent. and long-term unemployment (over 26 weeks) by 65.4 per cent.In the constituency of Luton, South there has been a drop in unemployment by 2.1 per cent. (1,143 people), a reduction in youth unemployment (under 24) by 42 per cent. and a reduction in long term unemployment (over 26 weeks) by 59.3 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people have been employed in his Department and its agencies under the New Deal Scheme. [156888]

The number of New Dealers employed within my Department and its Executive Agencies since the programme began is 69.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that sub-postmasters have the right to have Paypoint terminals on their premises. [156516]

This is an operational matter for the Post Office Network. However, I understand from the Post Office that Paypoint, as a bill payment network provider, competes directly with the bill payment facilities offered by post offices.In order to protect the sustainability of the network, particularly in rural areas, it is Post Office Network commercial policy not to permit sub-postmasters to offer, through their private business, products or services that compete with the core business activities of their post office, such as the bill payment service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria he uses in determining the eligibility of exporters of defence equipment for ECGD cover for the sale of their manufactures overseas. [156477]

ECGD assesses the risks associated with underwriting defence business in the same way as for equivalent civil business. Where an export licence is required, it is a pre-condition of ECGD cover.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) for what reason the conclusions of the report by Hugh Aldous delivered to his office on 12 December 1999 were not communicated to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards; and if he will list the hon. Members who were informed of the conclusions of the report and the dates on which they were informed; [154853](2) if he will make a statement on his actions relating to the allegations contained in the

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he informed the hon. Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson) of the contents of the report on Hollis Industries; [155838](2) if he received and read the Section 447 report on Hollis Industries. [155840]

[holding answer 22 March 2001]: The following statement was issued by my Department on 23 March 2001:

"The following statement sets out the facts in relation to the conduct of the 1999 investigation into companies associated with Geoffrey Robinson (principally Hollis Industries plc) and the involvement of Stephen Byers.

In the light of allegations made about the activities of Geoffrey Robinson and companies associated with him, a decision was taken by officials of the Department of Trade and Industry on 12 January 1999 to conduct an investigation under section 447 of the Companies Act 1985.

The decision to conduct an investigation under section 447 of the Companies Act 1985 was taken in accordance with the Department's normal procedures when such allegations are made. Informal inquiries into these matters had been earlier undertaken by the Department itself, and it was now decided to go beyond this to the appointment of an independent investigator under section 447. A section 447 inquiry is essentially fact finding and carried out in confidence. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, further action could be taken for example to launch a more wide ranging investigation under section 432. The Department did not consider the appointment of inspectors under section 432 was justified at this stage: section 432 inspections are rare, and are undertaken in respect of alleged major frauds or irregularities.

This decision was taken by officials in accordance with the Department's normal procedures, and because on 8 January 1999 Stephen Byers had been advised by Sir Michael Scholar that neither he nor any of his Ministerial colleagues should be involved in the inquiries into companies associated with Geoffrey

Robinson, or in any decisions that needed to be taken, but that this matter should be delegated to officials. Stephen Byers accepted this advice.

On 9 December 1999, officials informed Stephen Byers that the inquiries into companies associated with Geoffrey Robinson had been completed; that no further action was to be taken; and that Geoffrey Robinson, through his solicitors, had already been informed of this outcome.

Because Stephen Byers had taken the advice of his Permanent Secretary and decided that he should not be involved in the inquiries, at no time did he see any papers or other documents obtained by the Department during the course of the inquiries.

On 21 December 1999, Parliament was informed of the outcome when Stephen Byers replied to a Parliamentary Question from Ian Pearson MP about the progress of the Department's inquiries into Hollis Industries with the answer

'There have been thorough inquiries in line with the Department's normal procedures in these matters. These inquiries have now been completed and the solicitors acting for my hon. Friend the Member for Coventry, North-West (Mr. Robinson) have been informed that the Department does not propose to take any further action.'

In line with the practice under successive administrations, no papers or documents arising from the inquiry were published because information obtained under section 447 of the Companies Act is confidential and may not be published or disclosed except in strictly defined circumstances under section 449 of the Companies Act 1985.

The way in which the inquiry was conducted was in accordance with the usual procedures for investigations under section 447 of the Companies Act 1985. Over 200 such inquiries are carried out every year in this way. The Department throughout has acted wholly in accordance with its normal procedures, notwithstanding the fact that the business affairs of a former Minister were being investigated."

I also wrote to the right hon. Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) on the same day in the following terms:

"Thank you for your letter of 21 March 2001.

I attach a copy of a statement made by my Department, setting out the facts in relation to my involvement in the conduct of the 1999 investigation into companies associated with Geoffrey Robinson (principally Hollis Industries plc).

I hope this answers the points raised in your letter. But the key facts which concern my role are as follows.

Acting on the advice of Sir Michael Scholar, I ruled myself out of involvement in the inquiries into companies associated with Geoffrey Robinson and any decisions that needed to be taken; the matter was delegated to officials.

Had I not taken this advice, and insisted on playing a personal role in the investigation then I am sure you would have been amongst the first to question such a decision—and rightly so.

Officials decided to appoint an independent investigator under section 447 of the Companies Act 1985. I saw no papers or documents arising from the inquiry. I am not nor ever have been in possession of or seen a report into the affairs of Hollis Industries plc. I had no role in the decision to take no further action as a result of the inquiry.

My role was limited to that of responding to Parliamentary Questions and dealing with correspondence from Parliamentary colleagues, in accordance with my duties as a Minister".

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he plans to designate under section 449 1(c) of the Companies Act 1985, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards as a public authority to whom the report on Hollis Industries plc can be disclosed. [155841]

[holding answer 27 March 2001]: I am advised that as the law and facts stand, there is no gateway under the Companies Act 1985 which would allow information obtained under the section 447 investigation in relation to Hollis Industries plc to be disclosed by my Department to the Parliamentary Commissioner.I am presently considering the general issue of access to information obtained under section 447 of the Companies Act 1985 being made available to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and the legal procedures which would be necessary to enable this to happen. I would hope to be able to make a statement on this shortly.On the specific issue of the disclosure of documents or information obtained under section 447 in relation to Hollis Industries plc, my Permanent Secretary has written to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards suggesting how other people, bodies or institutions who are not constrained in the same way as my Department by section 449 of the Companies Action 1985 may be able to provide documents or information which will assist the Commissioner in her investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to establish how information in the report on Hollis Industries was published in the Daily Mail. [155842]

[holding answer 27 March 2001]: The Daily Mail's sources are a matter for the newspaper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the legal action being taken by him concerning allegations made in the Daily Mail on 19 March; and what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds of this action. [154953]

[holding answer 22 March 2001]: I have engaged the solicitors Goodman Derrick to act on my behalf in response to the Daily Mail allegations made on 19 March. These allegations relate entirely to my conduct as Secretary of State of Trade and Industry. In line with Treasury advice published in response to a Public Accounts Committee Report in 1993 which states that

"it is appropriate to use public resources to deal with matters arising in the course of, or as a direct result of, the officials duties of Ministers and civil servants", the reasonable costs of my present action will be funded publicly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many employees have worked at the Byker incinerator in each year since 1979. [155381]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: The Health and Safety Executive do not hold the requested information and do not have the power to obtain the information for this purpose. It is therefore unavailable. The hon. Member would be best advised to approach Byker directly to gain the figures he asks for.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will seek to amend the law to permit local authorities to retain fines levied on people (a) dropping litter and (b) responsible for graffiti. [155439]

[holding answer 26 March 2001]: Under the local Public Service Agreement pilot, the DETR has agreed that two local authorities, Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees, can be paid grants equal to the Fixed Penalty Notice (FN) income they collect for litter offences to offset their costs of providing enforcement services. If the pilot trial demonstrates improvements in the levels of cleanliness in these authorities, consideration will be given to extending this provision to other local authorities.There are no plans at present to make fines income from graffiti cases payable to local authorities: local authorities have the opportunity to apply to the courts for compensation for damage in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans the Government have for enhancements to the railway network. [156325]

Following decades of under-investment, our 10-year plan stresses the need to enhance the rail network to accommodate passenger and freight growth with less passenger overcrowding and better punctuality and reliability.At the same time, it is necessary to improve the day-to-day maintenance and renewal of the core network.I have reached agreement in principle with Railtrack on the rephasing of some £1.5 billion of grants. This brings forward money already allocated under the Rail Regulator's review of access charges. In addition to delivering long-term savings to the taxpayer, this agreement provides the basis for a new relationship between the company and Government, including a commitment from Railtrack to proceed to appoint a non-executive director to its main Board with a remit to provide a powerful public and consumer voice. The agreement has been enshrined in an agreed general Statement of Principles published today, copies of which are being placed in the Library of the House.Railtrack has agreed that the immediate financial implications of last October's tragic accident at Hatfield should fall on its shareholders. It has also agreed that one of the lessons from Hatfield is that it needs to give more attention to the management of the core rail network.To progress the enhancements, this means bringing in third party finance and project delivery skills to supplement Railtrack, through public-private partnerships. The Strategic Rail Authority has today committed a new joint venture project finance and delivery vehicle for the East Coast Main Line upgrade, which will provide valuable new passenger and freight capacity on this key route.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what specialist advice the Highways Agency used in reaching its decision to cut down trees between the M6 motorway and Devon Way at Stafford on 8 March; [156327](2) if he will instruct the Highways Agency to consult with local residents over its plans for planting trees and shrubs at Devon Way, Stafford. [156328]

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 what proposals he has received from the European Commission for motorists to retake driving tests at the age of 50 years. [156370]

The European Commission is known to be considering making proposals for a Third Council Directive on driving licences. The proposals are yet to be published and we are unclear about what they contain.

To ask the Secretary a State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many (a) male and (b) female members there are on each of the regional chambers and assemblies. [156254]

Following is a table showing the gender balance of each regional chamber or assembly, as of 28 March 2001.

Chamber	Male	Female	Vacancies
South East Regional Assembly	96	15	—
North East Regional Assembly	51	11	1
North West Regional Assembly	64	15	1
Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Chamber	25	9	1
East Midlands Regional Assembly	88	23	—
West Midlands Regional Chamber	54	11	—
South West Regional Assembly	68	17	—
East of England Regional Assembly	30	11	—
Total	476	112	3

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the (a) budgeted running costs, (b) staff numbers and (c) expenditure were in 2000–01 for the regional offices of the Highways Agency. [156228]

The question relates to operational matters within the Highways Agency. I have accordingly asked the Chief Executive, Mr. Tim Matthews, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations his Department has received concerning the European Union COWAM project on the decision-making process for radioactive waste repository siting. [156373]

The National Radiological Protection Board has contacted my officials to discuss the timetable for the COWAM research project in relation to my Department's forthcoming consultation exercise on radioactive waste management.COWAM is an EU project on public participation in nuclear siting decisions, which will suggest methods of improvement to the decision-making process for siting radioactive waste management facilities. While the Government are content to liaise with the NRPB and its project partners, it is not promoting the use of repositories as the UK waste management option.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation to ban the use of hand-held mobile phones by drivers while their vehicles are moving. [156187]

At present the Government share the view of the Association of Chief Police Officers that current road traffic legislation provides sufficient powers to enable the police to prosecute irresponsible drivers. However, as promised in its Road Safety Strategy "Tomorrow's roads—safer for everyone", the Government will keep the need for specific legislation under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring his Department carries out of the level of public inquiries received by local authorities about the indicators and targets in local best value plans. [156443]

This information is not collected centrally. It is for local authorities themselves to promote and monitor the level of public interest in their performance. The Department has commissioned general research to assess the effectiveness of the new best value regime, which will include the way in which local authorities engage with their communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the application by BNFL to open a MOX plutonium fuel production plant at Sellafield. [156399]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for further consultation on the economic viability of the Sellafield MOX plant; and if he will make a statement. [156666]

I refer my hon. Friends to my answer of 28 March 2001, Official Report, columns 629–30W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will reach a decision on the future of the Sellafield MOX plant. [156643]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 28 March 2001, Official Report, columns 629–30W.The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and the Secretary of State for Health will reach a decision as soon as possible after all relevant information has been considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the cost to public funds was of (a) the railway system in the last year of public ownership and (b) the subsidy paid each year since privatisation (i) in total and (ii) to Virgin Trains Ltd. [156725]

In 1953–94, the last full year before the British Railways Board was restructured in preparation for privatisation, we Board's total external finance requirement was £1,461 million. The railway industry was progressively privatised over the following three years, during which period total Government support was:

Cash prices £ million
	Central Government grants	Other elements of Government support	Total Government support excluding PTE grants
1994–95	1,815	-464	1,497
1995–96	1,712	-643	231
1996–97	1,809	-1,044	775

Virgin Trains Ltd. commenced operation of its CrossCountry franchise on 5 January 1997 and its West Coast Trains franchise on 9 March 1997. Since 1997–98 (the first full year of franchised operations), Support for Passenger Rail Services (SPRS) paid by the Franchising Director has been:

Cash prices £ million
	SPRS paid to all train operating companies	Including: SPRS paid to Virgin Trains Ltd.
1997–98	1,425	193
1998–99	1,196	172
1999–2000	1,033	146

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions in the forthcoming review of the EU Groundwater Directive, if he will apply for derogations for (a) the burying of fallen stock in the event of the present foot and mouth crisis and (b) general disposal of fallen stock; and if he will make a statement. [156439]

The review of the Groundwater Directive under the Water Framework Directive is not yet under way, and therefore is unlikely to be negotiated on a timescale relevant to the foot and mouth outbreak. However, the existing Groundwater Directive is intended to protect groundwater sources. The current foot and mouth outbreak does not reduce this need but does require speedy investigation and authorisation of burial sites. The Environment Agency is operating such a procedure and is cooperating closely with MAFF.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many homes have benefited from the home energy efficiency scheme in Shrewsbury and Atcham; and if he will make a statement. [156511]

The number of households in Shrewsbury and Atcham benefiting from the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) since its introduction in 1991 is 5,219. Of this figure, 168 households have received measures since the introduction of new HEES.The new HEES for England was launched on 1 June 2000. It replaced the more basic scheme, which had operated since 1991, providing low income and disabled households with a single insulation improvement such as window and door draught-proofing.New HEES provides packages of insulation and heating measures, linked to the condition of the property and the type of householder. To provide thee packages the grant maximum has been raised from the previous £315 to up to £2,000 in the case of low-income households aged 60 years or more. The latter may also receive a package of basic security measures, funded through the Home Office 'Locks For Pensioners' initiative, if they live in an area experiencing above the national average burglary rate for England.Two regional scheme managers manage the scheme. They are responsible for marketing the scheme and surveying homes to identify the improvements required. Once these are agreed with the householder, a works order is placed with local contractors.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the ways in which the Strategic Rail Authority proposes to improve the (a) frequency and (b) quality of train services between Shrewsbury and London. [156567]

The Strategic Rail Authority is in active discussion with local stakeholders about through services from Shrewsbury to London. A number of options which are emerging from franchise replacement are being considered. These will be assessed on a value for money basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many people lived in fuel poverty in Shrewsbury aid Atcham (a) in May 1997 and (b) on the most recent (late for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [156509]

The common definition of a fuel poor household is one that needs to spend in excess of 10 per cent. of household income in order to maintain a satisfactory heating regime.Data on the number of households living in fuel poverty are derived from the English House Condition Survey, which is carried out every five years. The Survey allows estimates to be made of the number of fuel poor households at a regional level, but not at local authority level.Using data from the latest English House Condition Survey (1996), the table shows the effect of different options for calculating household income on the number of households defined as fuel poor in the West Midlands Government Office region in 1996

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress is being made to combat fuel poverty among pensioners. [156574]

On 23 February 2001, the Government published its Fuel Poverty Strategy for consultation. The Strategy sets out our commitment to end the blight of fuel poverty for vulnerable households—which includes pensioners on low incomes—by 2010.The Government have already taken action to tackle the main causes of fuel poverty—low income and poor energy efficiency—to help those suffering from fuel poverty.The Winter Fuel Payment, which has been increased to £200 for this winter, will help many older households in, or at risk from, fuel poverty. For the poorest pensioners we have introduced the Minimum Income Guarantee, which is already helping 1.6 million pensioner households.We have also reduced the level of VAT on fuel and on the installation of energy saving materials, so that people can more easily afford to keep warm. Further reductions in energy bills have resulted from the reform of the energy market.But the permanent solution is to provide better insulation and heating. We have made available substantial additional capital funds for housing investment by local authorities. We have also launched our radical new Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES). The scheme now provides grants for packages of heating and insulation improvement measures, including high efficiency central heating systems for low—income households aged 60 years or more. With a budget of over £600 million, HEES is expected to have reached some 800,000 vulnerable households by 2004, 480,000 being over-60s.In addition, the Energy Efficiency Standards of Performance schemes (EESOPs) run by the energy suppliers have been doubled to some £50 million a year. Around two-thirds of this help is going to pensioner and low-income families. From 2002, the Government are proposing to increase the scale of the scheme to around £150 million a year, continuing its focus on disadvantaged consumers.As this is a devolved matter, it is the responsibility of the respective Parliament and Assemblies to comment on the situation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much European Union regional funding aid has been made available to London since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [156700]

The table gives details of European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and European Social Funding (ESF) made available in the London region from 1997:

£ million
	ERDF	ESF
Objective 2	48.980	15.709
Konver II	7.198	1.068
Retex	0.460	0.105
Urban Heart of the East End	4.340	0.928
Urban Park Royal	4.135	0.974
SME Community Initiative	1.318	0.254
Objective 3	0	165.000
Objective 4	0	16.000
Total	66.431	200.038

A further £560 million of ERDF and ESF is being made available in the London region for the new round of Objective 2 and 3 programmes (2000–06).

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy on public open space in

£
Nature of funding	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–021
Revenue Support Grant2	176,612,000	181,475,000	192,015,000	193,464,000	205,566,000
Income from national Non-Domestic Rates2	50,648,000	52,327,000	56,862,000	64,389,000	63,936,000
Housing Investment Programme	20,129,000	27,752,000	29,229,000	45,946.000	52,921,000
Housing Revenue Account Subsidy	130,861,916	122,044,327	115,504,573	3117,290,559	n/k
Capital Receipts Initiative	3,224,337	11,386,000	12,088,000	n/a	n/a
Cash Incentive Scheme	3,253,000	2,029,000	n/a	n/a	n/a
SRB Funding	15,979,290	16,105,921	11,868,091	10,017,991	46,865,558
New Deal for Communities Funding	n/a	13,050	545,024	367,218	1,509,623
Neighbourhood Renewal Funding	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	1,978,000
Transport Supplementary Grant	325,000	279,000	230,000	0	—
Transport Annual Capital Guideline	325,000	279,000	230,000	0	—
Transport Block Supplementary Credit Approval	2,141,000	2,536,000	3,409,000	51,996,000	n/k
Capital Challenge (Supplementary Credit and Basic Credit Approvals)	1,983,000	4,182,000	4,195,000	n/a	n/a
1 Where known
2The figures for all Settlements prior to 2001–02 are unadjusted for transfers of services. Authorities are responsible for a slightly different mix of services this year compared to previous years. Consequently a comparison based on last year's actual grant figure would not form the basis of an accurate comparison.
3Provisional figures
4Projected
5As at 28 March 2001

The Government believe that everyone should have access to good quality open space close to where they live, and attach high importance to their retention in urban areas. Our Urban White Paper: "Our Towns and Cities: The Future" sets out a range of measures for improving the quality of urban parks and green spaces, including the setting up of the Urban Green Spaces Taskforce. On 21 March we issued, for consultation, "Revised Planning Policy Guidance note 17: Sports, Open Space and Recreation." The guidance provides a clearer framework for improving provision of open spaces and ensuring such spaces are better protected from development.No decision has been taken in relation to the application to extend the bus depot in Stalyford, Newcastle.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what recent assessment he has made of the health and safety implications connected with the use of asbestos in the brake systems of London Underground trains; [156559](2) what recent assessment he has made of the quantity of asbestos utilised in the brake systems of London Underground trains. [156560]

This is an operational matter for London Underground who inform me that there is no asbestos in the brakes used on London Underground trains.

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 London borough of Southwark, the effects on the London borough of Southwark of his Department's policies and actions since May 2 1997. [155979]

The principal funding that this Department has provided to the London borough of Southwark is shown in the table. This includes grants and borrowing approvals for revenue and capital expenditure.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment has made of variations in the level of members allowances in local authorities with a population of over 100,000; and if he will publish this information. [156687]

This information is not held centrally, and no assessment has been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many inspections have been made of the releases of GM crops involved in the farm-scale evaluations; and how many breaches of the consent conditions have been detected. [156462]

Forty four inspections have been undertaken of farm-scale evaluations sites in England. No breaches of consent have been detected.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to issue alterations to the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity; and if he will make a statement. [156819]

We have today issued, to all county councils, district councils and London borough councils in England, alterations to the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity, a draft of which was laid before the House on 15 February 2001. These alterations reflect the new council constitutions and the introduction of referendums and petitions under the Local Government Act 2000.As announced by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State on 15 February 2001,

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the external financing limit for the British Waterways Board. [156854]

The 2000–01 External Financing Limit for the British Waterways Board will be increased by £3,680,000 from £61,240,000 to £64,920,000. £3,130,000 has been made available to help the Board meet increased costs associated with recent flooding. £550,000 will enable them to carry out additional major repairs to the canal network. These costs will be funded by an increase in grant-in-aid to the Board arising from savings on Class III, Vote 3 and from transfers from the non-voted element of DETR's main DEL.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will activate powers under section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 to allow highway authorities to charge utilities whose works overrun. [156855]

Regulations activating the powers under section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 to allow highway authorities to charge utilities whose works overrun came into force on 1 April. We will be monitoring very closely the effect which the new powers have on the level of disruption to road users caused by street works. We have made clear that if it becomes apparent that these have not led to a sufficient reduction in disruption, then the Government are prepared to introduce further measures to address this problem.We are also issuing today two related publications. The first of these—"Best Practice in Street Works and Highway Works"—is designed to encourage utilities and highway authorities carrying out works in the street to make sure that these are completed speedily and to a high standard. Copies are being sent to every utility and highway authority. The other—a revision of the existing "Code of Practice for the Co-ordination of Street Works and Works for Road Purposes and Related Matters" is intended, among other things, to ensure that works carried out by different bodies are co-ordinated effectively, so as to minimise disruption.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to provide compensation for (a) zoos which are forced to close as a foot and mouth disease precaution and (b) supplies of goods and services to zoos. [156582]

I recognise that some Zoos, in common with other enterprises relying on visitor income, have been badly affected by the impact of foot and mouth disease and our first priority is to encourage visitors to return, where it is safe to do so. Zoos, together with other affected businesses can benefit from the package of short term measures which I announced on 20 March 2001, Official Report, columns 191–210, including the deferral and rearrangement of payments to Customs, Inland Revenue and of business rates. The Rural Task Force is continuing to look at the scope for additional measures to help rural businesses severely affected by the economic impacts of foot and mouth disease.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the chemical content is of (a) ultra-low sulphur fuels and (b) other types of fuels used in UK garages. [156351]

I have been asked to reply.Four main types of fuel are sold at UK garages. These are 95 octane unleaded petrol, 97 octane unleaded petrol (superunleaded), lead replacement petrol (LRP) and diesel (DERV).The technical requirements for these fuels, including chemical composition, are covered by the European Fuels Directive 98/70/EC, as transposed into UK law by the Motor Fuels (Composition and Content) Regulations 1999. The fuels al so meet the requirements of the following British Standards: for 95 octane unleaded, BS EN228:2000, for 97 octane unleaded BS 7800:2000, and for DERV BS EN 590:2000.Ultra-low sulphur fuels are required to meet the following additional requirements: for petrol of any type listed above a maximum sulphur content of 50ppm as opposed to 150ppm allowed in 98/70/EC, and a maximum aromatics content of 35 per cent. vol. as opposed to 42 per cent. in 98/70/EC, for diesel fuel a maximum sulphur content of 5Oppm as opposed to 350ppm allowed in 98/70/EC, and a maximum density of 835 kg/m3 as opposed to 845 kg/m3. The requirements for autogas (LPG), which is now available at nearly 700 sites around the UK, are covered by 13S EN 589:2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Minister for the Environment will answer the letter of 14 March from the hon. Member for North Essex, concerning discretionary powers for highway authorities to close roads to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease. [156276]

I will reply to the hon. Member's letter very shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the 'Snoopy' Hercules W Mark II aircraft at Boscombe Down. [156004]

[holding answer 29 March 2001]: The 'Snoopy' aircraft, although owned by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), has been used exclusively for research trials by the Met Office using RAF crews. The current contract with the Met Office expired on 31 March 2001, after which DERA has a short term contract with the Met Office for the controlled removal of their equipment. In parallel DERA is actively seeking alternative customers for the aircraft. The situation will be reviewed in March 2002.From July 2002 the Met Office will carry out the meteorological research role, currently performed by the DERA Hercules, In partnership with the Natural Environmental Research Council and University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, using a British Aerospace 146–300 region jet operated by British Aerospace Systems from Woodford, Manchester.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency. [156889]

When my predecessor announced the creation of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) as a Defence Agency, with effect from 1 April 1999, he stated the intention to move the organisation to Trading Fund status as soon as practicable. Following the approval by this House and the enactment of the requisite Statutory Instrument, DARA will now become a Trading Fund from 1 April 2001.In allowing DARA to move to Trading Fund status, we untie it from the Vote funding system. DARA will now be able to earn revenue directly from its customers and reinvest its trading surplus in new plant or machinery to meet its customers' requirements.Customers will now have a clear and transparent pricing structure that will allow them to choose the services that offer the best value for money while helping to maintain robust and healthy competition in the aviation repair industry.The current Chief Executive will continue to fill that position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of service personnel were suffering from (a) HIV/AIDS and (b) sexually transmitted diseases in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement. [153170]

[holding answer 12 March 2001]: The proportion of Service personnel known by the Ministry of Defence to be suffering from HIV/AIDS in each of the past five years is shown in Table 1. Table 2 shows the proportion of Service personnel referred to military Genito-Urinary clinics in each of the last five years. It is not possible to identify separately referrals relating to sexually transmitted diseases but they represent the majority of the referrals. No information is held on members of the armed forces who may have received advice or treatment outside the Defence Medical Services.

Table 1
Year	HIV/AIDS(percentage)
1996	0.003
1997	0.005
1998	0.004
1999	0.005
2000	0.006

Table 2
Year	Sexually transmitted diseases(percentage)
1995–96	2.1
1996–97	2.9
1997–98	2.7
1998–99	3.2
1999–2000	3.3

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on reports of recent incursions into the northern no-fly zone in Iraq by military aircraft from the Turkish air force. [156407]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave him on 26 March 2001, Official Report, columns 447W and 526W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the sources were of the uranium used in the manufacture of depleted uranium-based ammunition used by UK forces. [156209]

[holding answer 30 March 2001]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Valerie Davey), on 27 February 2001, Official Report, columns 608–09W, and also to the answer he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central (Mr. Cousins), on 15 March 2001, Official Report, column 675W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 March 2001, Official Report, column 14, when his Department sought approval from Colchester borough council for temporary residential accommodation for the Parachute Regiment; when approval was given; when construction will commence; when the accommodation will be ready for occupation; and if he will make a statement. [156526]

The application for the erection of temporary accommodation was submitted to Colchester borough council on 24 November last year. The local authority gave approval on 26 February 2001, subject to the temporary accommodation being removed as soon as permanent accommodation is available or before 28 February 2005, whichever is sooner. Construction is due to commence by the end of April and as stated to the hon. Member in my answer of 19 March 2001, Official Report, column 14, the accommodation should be available for occupation by the Parachute Regiment by mid-August this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which UK companies have the capacity to design and build destroyers and frigates for the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement. [154045]

Currently BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. are the only UK shipbuilders with the capability to undertake both the detailed design and build of such vessels, though other companies could acquire the capability.However, the most challenging aspect of modern warship procurement lies in the ability to integrate highly complex weapon systems, which is why we seek to place prime contracts on companies with this broader systems capability. Such companies may or may not be shipbuilders themselves.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ministerial meetings with hon. Members have been cancelled by Ministers since 1 January. [155233]

The Ministry of Defence Ministers' diaries are all maintained electronically and information on cancelled diary appointments is not retained by the system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department's police officers who transfer to the Ministry of Defence Police lose their entitlement to housing allowances; and if he will make a statement. [155119]

[holding answer 23 March 2001]: In answering this question I have assumed that the reference is to Home Department police officers who join the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP). In the event of an officer from a Home Department police force joining the MDP, the Chief Constable may, at his discretion, recognise any entitlement to housing allowance earned through service with the Home Department force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the total costs of setting up HQ Royal Marines at Whale Island, Portsmouth; and if he will make a statement. [155799]

[holding answer 27 March 2001]: HQ Royal Marines was the result of an amalgamation and rationalisation of three former Royal Marines Headquarters organisations: the Department of Commandant General Royal Marines from London, the Headquarters Commando Forces from Plymouth and the Headquarters Training and Reserve Forces from Poole. The total cost of setting up the HQ, including the interim relocation to HMS Vernon, is not readily identifiable and could be produced only at disproportionate cost. However, the capital cost of the build at Whale island, including VAT and fees, was some £4.5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the training of crews for armoured vehicles takes place; which locations will close as a result of training being put out to contract; and if he will make a statement. [155803]

[holding answer 27 March 2001]: Individual training for crew members of armoured vehicles takes place within armoured unit locations in the UK and Germany and at the Armour Centre, Bovington. The proposal to introduce a partnering arrangement for the delivery of such training will not result in the closure of any existing locations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people will be made redundant as a result of training for crews of armoured vehicles being put out to contract; and if he will make a statement. [155804]

[holding answer 27 March 2001]: The proposals from the three consortiums bidding for the partnering arrangement to deliver individual training for crew members of armoured vehicles will not be received until the end of May but are not expected to result in significant redundancies. Trades Unions have been consulted over the PFI and civil servants involved will have the option to transfer to the selected Partner under TUPE—Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1998—arrangements or will be redeployed within the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bases which are (a) operational, (b) closed and (c) leased to the United States in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) British overseas territories are contaminated with pollutants; and what action has been taken to remediate and restore contaminated areas. [156401]

The information requested is not held centrally. However, it is Ministry of Defence policy to undertake decontamination of contaminated land where there is a significant risk to health and safety or to the environment, or where land is earmarked for disposal. On sites earmarked for disposal, remediation is generally confined to the removal of ordnance and other defence-specific contaminants where a civilian contractor might not have the relevant experience. Where appropriate, provision is made within the sale agreement for the purchaser of surplus defence land to remediate it to a standard fit for the proposed new use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the FADEC-related nuisance faults experienced on the Chinook Mk2 helicopter fleet in the six months up to and including 2 June 1994, indicating in each case their safety significance and whether this was understood by the crows. [156367]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the basis for calculating contributions in lieu of council tax for (a) single serviceman's accommodation and (b) service family accommodation, (i) at home and (ii) overseas; and if he will make a statement. [156393]

All service accommodation in England, Scotland and Wales is formally exempt from the council tax regime. Instead, the Ministry of Defence pays contributions in lieu of council tax (CILOCT) to local authorities, broadly equivalent to the amount of tax that would otherwise be due. The average contribution, determined by the type of property occupied, is then recovered from service occupants with their accommodation charge. The system allows a uniform payment wherever personnel are posted, including overseas. In Northern Ireland CILOCT is not paid as domestic rates are still in force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, for each local authority in (a) England and Wales, (b) Scotland and (c) Northern Ireland, he will list the contribution paid in lieu of council tax in the latest year for which figures are available; and the total sum paid in each country. [156394]

The Ministry of Defence pays approximately £40 million in respect of contributions in lieu of council tax (CILOCT) to some 240 local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. CILOCT does not apply in Northern Ireland where domestic rates are still in force. I will write to the hon. Member with details for each local authority and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average sum recovered in contributions in lieu of council tax from (a) married and (b) single armed forces personnel, by rank, (i) at hone and (ii) overseas, in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement. [156395]

All members of the armed forces pay the same amount of contributions in lieu of council tax (CILOCT), in relation to the type 01 property occupied, wherever they are serving. The only exception is for those serving in Northern Ireland where domestic rates are still in force. For those living in a Service Family Accommodation, the current CILOCT charge is between £526 and £1,161 per annum depending on the type of quarter. Personnel occupying single accommodation pay a lower annual CILOCT charge of between £22 for other ranks and £69 per annum for officers, because of the lower valuation of this type of accommodation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel, in addition to their contribution in lieu of council tax, pay council tax on an unoccupied private residence; and if he will make a statement. [156392]

We do not keep records of how many Service personnel own private properties. All Service personnel living in Service accommodation who also own a private property remain liable to pay council tax on their own property to the local authority concerned. It is for local authorities to interpret the relevant regulations regarding "sole or main" residence criteria. There have been a handful of cases in which they have refused to allow Service home owners a reduction on their private property when they also have a Service family quarter and pay a full council tax contribution for that quarter via the Contributions in Lieu of Council Tae scheme. Although the Ministry of Defence is not in a position to determine the actions of local authorities, my officials have raised individual cases with the relevant local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the results of recent studies into the feasibility of providing an effective alternative to plastic baton rounds for use in crowd control situations in Northern Ireland; and what have been the costs of these studies in the last 10 years. [144690]

[pursuant to his reply, 8 February 2001, c. 679W]: Phase one of the research programme aimed at finding an acceptable, effective and less potentially lethal alternative to the plastic baton round has now been completed. I have today placed a copy of the Report, and a letter my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has issued to Northern Ireland party leaders, in the Library of the House.

To ask the Prime Minister on what date he received a report from Dr. Keith Scupton on the foot and mouth outbreak; and if he will make a statement on Government policy on its contents. [156534]

I have read the report which is in the public domain.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as directly as possible to the London borough of Southwark, the effects on the London borough of Southwark of his Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997. [155982]

The Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) deals with all adult cases emanating in the London borough of Southwark. The Youth and City branch of the Crown Prosecution Service deals with most youth cases emanating in the London borough of Southwark.In November 1999, in line with national policy, the Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch and the Youth and City branch, introduced procedures to implement the Narey proposals. They did this in liaison with a number of other criminal justice agencies (including courts, police and defendants representatives). All defendants charged with a criminal offence, where a guilty plea is anticipated, now make their first appearance before the Magistrates or Youth court within five working days.Both the Camberwell and Tower Bridge and the Youth and City branches have fast track procedures in place to deal with Persistent Youth Offender cases. They are working towards the Government's 71-day target for disposing of those cases.In November 2000, the Crown Prosecution Service at Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch began changing its structure in line with implementation of the Glidewell review. As a first step towards a Trial Unit, it established a Crown Court Committal section. This enables the Crown Prosecution Service to place greater emphasis on serious crime cases, which are heard at both the Inner London Crown court and the Central Criminal court.The Camberwell and Tower Bridge branch are involved in the Direct Communication with Victims initiative. This provides a written explanation when the Crown Prosecution Service either discontinues or substantially alters a charge. In some circumstances the Crown Prosecution Service will meet with victims to explain why a particular decision was taken.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will list the criteria he uses in deciding whether a Diplock court hearing has been prejudiced by (a) public comment and (b) other matters outside the court. [156537]

It is not for the Attorney-General, or Solicitor-General, to consider whether a trial has been prejudiced by any matter. If, following a conviction, there is any question as to the fairness of a trial, it is exclusively for the Court of Appeal to consider by way of appeal or referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make it his policy to prosecute those who produce literature including the phrase "Kill the Jews". [156391]

Each case which the police send to the Crown Prosecution Service—whether involving an allegation of anti-Semitic literature or any other offence—is reviewed by a Crown Prosecutor. All cases are carefully considered to make sure that they meet the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which is issued under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.There are two stages in the decision to prosecute. The first stage is the evidential test. The Crown Prosecutor must be satisfied that there is enough evidence to provide a 'realistic prospect of conviction'. He must consider objectively whether the evidence can be used and is reliable. The Crown Prosecutor must also consider what the defence case may be and how it is likely to affect the prosecution case. A 'realistic prospect of conviction' means that a jury or bench of magistrates, properly directed in accordance with the law, is more likely than not to convict the defendant of the charge alleged.If the case does not pass the evidential test, it must not go ahead, no matter how important or serious it may be. If the case does pass the evidential test, the Crown Prosecutor must then consider the second stage test to decide if a prosecution is needed in the public interest. In cases of any seriousness, a prosecution will usually take place, unless there are public interest factors tending against prosecution which clearly outweigh those tending in favour. The Crown Prosecution Service will only start or continue a prosecution when the case has passed both tests.Offences under part III of the Public Order Act 1986, which include offences of producing and distributing racially inflammatory material, require Law Officer's consent. Where the evidential and public interest tests are met consent to prosecute will be granted.Since the heightened tensions in the Middle East there have been a number of reported incidents of the publication/distribution of racially inflammatory material targeting the Jewish Community in London.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement about the arrangements for instructing advocates to prosecute cases on behalf of the Government. [156818]

Last year the Attorney-General set up a working group, chaired by David Nissen, CB, the Solicitor to the Department of Trade and Industry, to conduct a review of the arrangements for instructing advocates to prosecute cases on behalf of the Government. Following that review and consultation within Government and the legal profession, new arrangements come into force today that will govern the instruction of advocates (whether barristers or solicitor-advocates) in private practice in prosecution cases for the following Government Departments and non-departmental public bodies:

HM Customs and Excise; Departments of Social Security/Health; Inland Revenue; Department of Trade and Industry; Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Intervention Board; Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.

A single panel will be set up of advocates for prosecution cases divided into three lists: A, B and C according to the level of experience of the advocate. Appointments will be for three years with the possibility of further renewals. I hope to announce the first recruitment exercise for the new single panel in the autumn. Further details about the application and selection process will be given closer to that time. There will be annual recruitment exercises and advertisements for applications to the new panel will be published. There will be equal opportunities monitoring of the application and selection process and particular care will be taken to encourage applications from women and member of the ethnic minorities. Appointment to the panels will be open to solicitor-advocates.From today, as a transitional arrangement until the new single panel is set up, my current Lists of advocates for the Departments named will be operated as a single List with instructing solicitors in those Departments free to instruct advocates oil the other lists. Those currently on a list will be expected to apply to join the new panel in due course.Also from today, the role of my clerk in nominating advocates from the lists for instructions/briefs, the reallocation of returns and off-list nominations of counsel will cease. This was a considerable burden placed upon the chambers of each Attorney-General, which in these times can no longer be justified. From now on, Departments will be responsible for dealing directly with clerks concerning the delivery of instructions and the reallocation of returns. Departments will be responsible for monitoring the fair spread of instructions across the lists and the quality of performance of advocates. There will be an Administrative Unit, based at HMCE, responsible for central monitoring that will report to me.

To ask the Solicitor-General for what reason the Treasury Solicitor has not provided the substantive reply promised on 6 January 2000 in the case of Chesswood Harris v. Ministry of Defence; when the Treasury Solicitor will provide the reply; and if he will make a statement. [156066]

I regret that the Treasury Solicitor has not provided the substantive reply referred to in the letter of 6 January 2000. I have today written to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will increase her Department's funding for NGOs working in southern Sudan. [156155]

We increase funding to NGOs for humanitarian purposes in any part of Sudan when circumstances dictate this is necessary, and where we believe NGOs will provide the most effective channel to relieve urgent needs. We are also willing to consider support for grass-roots peace-building initiatives.

To ask the Secretary of Slate for International Development if she will place copies in the Library of (a) European Union and (b) United Kingdom assessments of the effectiveness of aid given to the Palestinian Authority since 1995. [156069]

I have arranged for copies of the following reports to be placed in the House of Commons Library:

Evaluation of the European Community's programme of development assistance to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 1999.

European Court of Auditors Special Report 19/2000 on the management by the Commission of the programme of assistance to Palestinian society.

My Department has included as assessment of UK aid effectiveness in its draft Country Strategy Paper on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. We are reviewing our programme of bilateral co-operation with the Palestinians in the light of the current troubles and the terrible deterioration in economic and social conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. When the Strategy Paper is published a copy will also be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on compensation for consequential losses being suffered by (a) the tourist industry and (b) rural business in general as a result of foot and mouth disease; and if he will made a statement. [154180]

I maintain close contact with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on a variety of issues including foot and mouth disease.My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales is a member of the UK Government Rural Taskforce set up to examine the effect of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease across the rural economy as a whole. Following the initial meetings of this taskforce, my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment announced on 20 March a package of UK-wide measures to help businesses cope with the impact of foot and mouth. These included a new information campaign to get the public back to areas of the countryside which they can safely visit and an immediate package of short-term practical help for rural businesses, involving the Small Business Service and the banks.In addition, the National Assembly for Wales has already issued a Tourism Charter and announced a £1.5 million marketing package through the Wales Tourist Board aimed at reassuring visitors to Wales. They have also made available £12 million to local authorities to enable them to grant rate relief to businesses affected by foot and mouth disease, £1 million additional funding to help the agri-food sector in Wales recover from the effects of foot and mouth disease, and £0.5 million to match pound for pound voluntary donations from the public to help relieve rural distress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the prospect of job losses at the Aiwa factory in Newbridge in Wales. [156577]

None and I understand that the company has issued a statement rebutting the reports of possible job losses at Newbridge.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the London borough of Southwark, the effects on the London borough of Southwark of his Department's policies and actions since May 2 1997. [155980]

The details have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list the total allocation of direct payments to (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Bury local education authority for 2000–01 and 2001–02. [156668]

The tables show the amount of School Standards Grant and devolved formula capital grant payable in 2000–01, and the estimated amounts payable in 2001–02, by sector.

School standards grant
£
	2000–01	2001–02
Nursery	3,000	7,000
Primary	552,000	1,482,000
Secondary	544,000	956,000
Pupil Referral Units	6,000	14,000
Special	45,000	68,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will indicate the (a) areas, (b) total sums allocated in each area, (c) number of modern apprenticeships to be created and (d) number of additional computer training places in each of the five information technology pilot areas. [156472]

The Ambition:IT initiative will run in five pilot areas which will be selected from a current shortlist of 10: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, South Yorkshire, Liverpool, Tyneside, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Edinburgh and the Forth area. We will announce the five pilot areas later in the Spring.Allocations have not therefore been made to individual areas. Details of overall funding and opportunities for each of the three prongs of Ambition:IT are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many ministerial meetings with hon. Members have been cancelled by Ministers since 1 January. [155236]

None, although various meetings have been rescheduled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he will publish the results of his most recent consultation on school governing bodies. [155946]

[holding answer 28 March 2001]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment announced on 17 March 2001 that he has asked me to set up and chair a high level group, which will include governor, head teacher, local authority and church representatives, to consider the responses to the consultation. The Group will look particularly at the proposals for changing governor responsibilities and governing body constitutions.In accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultation, we are proposing to publish a summary of the rest tits of the Consultation in due course. As we received over 6,500 responses a full analysis will not be ready for publication until early June. We are planning to send out interim feedback summarising headline data to chairs of governors and head teachers in the April mailing to schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people in the constituency of Crewe and Nantwich have benefited from (a) disabled students' allowances, (b) the New Deal for lone parents, (c) the New Deal for partners of unemployed people, (d) the New Deal for people aged 25 plus, (e) the New Deal for young people, (f) Jobseeker's Allowance and (g) jobfinder's grant since May 1997. [156227]

(a) In the academic year 1997–98, 81 disabled students' allowances worth £110,488 were paid to students from Cheshire. Figures are not available for subsequent years.

(b) During the period October 1998 to December 2000, 272 people in Crewe and Nantwich have joined New Deal for lone parents. This has resulted in 119 people moving into employment during the same period.

(c) Constituency level figures for New Deal for partners are not yet available.

(d) In Crewe and Nantwich, from July 1998 to January 2001, 355 people joined New Deal for people aged 25 plus. 70 people left the programme for jobs.

(e) 826 young people in Crewe and Nantwich have entered New Deal for young people during the period April 1998 to January 2001. 423 of these have found employment.

(f) The only available constituency level Jobseekers Allowance statistics are based on a 5 per cent. sample of the population. As a broad indication, 2,800 people in the Crewe and Nantwich constituency have claimed Jobseeker's Allowance since May 1997. This does not include people who receive nil benefit who sign on for National Insurance credits only.

(g) Constituency figures for jobfinder's grant are not available. However in the North West Employment Service Region, from April 1997 to February 2001, 27,262 people have received assistance from the jobfinder's grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what the average length of time is for processing an application under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 at the Disability Rights Commission; [156353](2) what the backlog of applications under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is at the Disability Rights Commission; and if he will make a statement. [156354]

These are operational matters for the Disability Rights Commission. I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member and to place a copy of his letter in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to grant official recognition to British Sign Language. [156649]

I have received many representations on this issue and have met disability organisations to discuss the best way forward. The UK ratified the Council of Europe's Charter for Regional or Minority Languages on 27 March and will be appointing the UK representative to the Charter's Committee of Experts. The Committee of Experts will be able to consider whether indigenous sign languages should come within the terms of the Charter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in setting up the new agency for working age people. [156803]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security and I are establishing the new agency for working age people later this year. We announced on 14 March the locations of around 50 pathfinder offices bringing together labour market and benefit services for people of working, age. These offices will be the first stage in the launch of this new Agency.We can further announce today that the new Agency and its local offices will be called "Jobcentre Plus". We shall be introducing the name "Jobcontre Plus" in local offices as they roll out the integrated benefit and employment service, starting with the first pathfinder offices in October. But, more widely, the new Agency will be referred to as "Jobcentre Plus" from today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to develop the delivery of education in schools through digital formats. [156805]

I am today publishing a consultation paper "Curriculum Online", which sets out our proposals for the next steps in the use of technology to raise standards of education, including consulting on the future of the National Grid for Learning. Copies of the paper have been placed in the House of Commons Library. We are seeking views on the best way to achieve our vision of a consistent and coherent set of electronic resources available across the curriculum. All teachers will have access to the best available resources to support their lesson planning and all pupils will be able to use the same materials at home as they do in the classroom, to support their homework and revision, for example.As a first step towards achieving our vision, I am also announcing today the outcome of our competition for the provision of digital course materials for GCSEs in English, mathematics, science, history, geography and French. We will be investing £42 million over three years in these materials, to be delivered over digital television and other channels. The proposals were assessed against criteria including their educational merits and their value for money and the BBC and Granada Media were judged to have submitted the best proposals. Subject to the necessary DCMS approvals, they will be working together to deliver the six GCSEs, split equally between them.In addition, I can announce that we will be developing a "Cybrarian"—a virtual librarian service for learners of all ages—using £17.5 million from the Capital Modernisation Fund and a further £5 million of DfEE funding. It will offer much more effective ways of connecting learners with the rich electronic content that they need and will be a powerful tool in efforts to bridge the digital divide, particularly for those traditionally poorly served by electronic resources.Together these announcements represent another important step forward in our plans to use the potential of technology to reinforce and support our commitment to the best of traditional teaching methods.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the establishment of local health services. [153485]

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are key agents for securing services that better meet the needs of their population. They are able to play a leading role in improving the health of their community and delivering more integrated local services. PCTs are starting to make this happen. 124 new PCTs have become established this year, bringing the total now to 164. Further PCTs will be established next year.In addition, £100 million will be provided to Primary Care Groups (PCGs) and PCTs to develop primary care service, an average of £10,000 per general practitioner practice, that are aimed to promote new ideas or ways of working that deliver improved patient services. This might include funding, extra clinics, extended opening hours, training GP specialists or developing other primary care clinicians to deliver, for instance, better heart and cancer services.We recognise that GPs and other primary care health practitioners are dealing with illness and disease now, which in the recent past could only be dealt with in hospitals. This trend will continue and investment is being made now to make sure that GPs have the time and the expertise to deliver top class care in our communities. Therefore, in addition to existing funding and the new resources available to all PCGs and trusts, from April 2001 each PCG and PCT will receive £5,000 to support the lead GP or nurse engaged within the local cancer clinical network.New Personal Medical Services (PMS) pilots are also providing an opportunity to test different ideas for delivering existing primary care focusing on local services problems and bringing about improvements. PMS has proved to be very successful in reaching deprived areas where help is often most needed, making service provision more responsive and equitable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make available summaries of information submitted to NICE on a commercial-in-confidence basis; and if he will make a statement. [154779]

Details of the appraisal process and the publication of evidence are matters for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE has recently consulted on changes to its appraisal process. I understand that it is proposing that, where information submitted to the institute is designated by a consultee as being 'commercial in confidence', the institute will undertake not to release this information to a third party. However, the institute may ask the consultee to forego such restrictions on release where either there appears to be no obvious commercial reason for the restrictions; or such restrictions would make it difficult or impossible for the institute to show the evidential basis for its guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what local pilot schemes he funds in relation to (a) congestive heart failure and (b) asthma in London; and when he will receive reports on their progress. [156102]

[holding answer 29 March 2001]: The National Service Framework for coronary heart disease sets out standards and models of care for heart failure treatment which health authorities together with local stakeholders will be developing as part of the local implementation of the National Service Framework. All health authorities have addressed the issue of heart failure through their three year local delivery plans.As part of this roll-out-local pilot schemes are being developed in London. One pilot project that will be specifically dealing with both congestive heart failure and asthma is the health networks initiative. This pilot project will look at new models of care for treating chronic illness in the Waltham Forest area of London. The project is jointly managed by the Redbridge and Waltham Forest health authority, Forest Healthcare National Health Service Trust and the Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone Primary Care Group. Congestive heart failure and asthma were chosen as the most suitable to consider for new ways of care management. The funding for this project is being provided by regional primary care money. It is hoped that the first pilot scheme will commence in June of this year. It is not clear when a report will be available.In addition heart failure clinic pilots have been developed at the Whittington Hospital, St. George's Hospital and Barnet and Chase Farm NHS Trust.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning "Child Maltreatment in the UK: A Study of the Prevalence of Child Abuse and Neglect", published by the NSPCC; and if he will make a statement. [156146]

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children has made, and continues to make, a significant contribution in raising public awareness and understanding of the problem of child abuse.We acknowledge the value of "Child Maltreatment in the United Kingdom". This is the first report of this most authoritative and contemporary prevalence study of child abuse and neglect. We have studied the findings of the report very carefully, and my officials have benefited from learning about the early findings of the study over the past two years. I ant aware that there will be a major national conference on the implications of the report in April. We look forward to further findings that may be drawn from this study.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice has been issued to (a) health authorities and (b) NHS trusts regulating requirements for disaster recovery strategies in the event of massive computer failure; and if he will make a statement. [156142]

The National Health Service information authority has published comprehensive guidance on information security management methods, including business continuity management, to NHS health authorities and trusts within the generic United Kingdom standard BS7799 part 1 and related NHS documentation. These are available from the authority and also online from the authority's website to all NHS staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the disposal by Hyder of its PFI contracts with George Eliot and South Warwickshire hospitals to IBA; and if he will make a statement; [156216](2) what PFI contracts have been awarded to IBA by South Manchester and Kettering hospitals; and if he will make a statement; [156263](3) if his Department has taken steps to ensure the accuracy of information published by IBA on its website regarding the awarding of NHS PFI contracts. [156264]

[holding answer 30 March 2001]: IBA has been appointed preferred bidder under the Private Finance Initiative procurement process for the provision of Information Technology (IT) services at South Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Trust and Kettering General Hospitals NHS Trust. Contracts will be signed if the trusts are satisfied that the final proposals are affordable and provide value for money solutions for the NHS.George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire NHS Trust are currently taking legal and financial advice on IBA's proposal to take over the prime IT contracts which they currently hold with Hyder plc.The accuracy of information produced by private sector companies is a matter for the companies themselves. Government bodies expect to be fully consulted about the use of information supplied by them to other parties in good faith during the course of a procurement process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what numbers of acute and intermediate beds he has agreed for the Newcastle Hospitals Trust PFI; what target date he has set for the replacement of the Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment; and when he plans to put the PFI into open advertisement for bids. [156469]

No target numbers of beds have yet been agreed for the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Trust's Private Finance Initiative (PFI) scheme, as this is an aspect of the refinement of the outline business cases that is now being undertaken by the trust.The scheme's business cases advocate the new Northern centre for cancer treatment being procured as one part of the overall PFI developments proposed at both the Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary. Subject to satisfactory progress being made in progressing the scheme, the new facilities at Freeman Hospital should be operational in 2005.The date for placement of the advertisement will be dependent on the completion of the refinement of the outline business case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the number of prescriptions per head of population was; and what the value of such GP prescribed prescriptions per head for (a) anti-depressants and (b) tranquillisers was in each of the last three years for each health authority in England. [156470]

The information requested for 1998 and 1999 will be placed in the Library. Information for 2000 will not be available until June 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many mental health patients detained in hospital received ECT (a) having given informal consent in advance, (b) not having given consent but having had the matter put to a second opinion appointed doctor and (c) having given no consent and not having the matter referred to a second opinion appointed doctor between November 2000 and February 2001; and how this data compare to that for the period November 1999 to February 2000. [156671]

The information is not available in the form requested. A survey covering the period from January 1999 to March 1999 was undertaken to provide an up to date and accurate snapshot picture of the use of electro-convulsive treatment (ECT) in England. During that period 2,800 patients received ECT treatment, 75 per cent. of ECT patients were not formally detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 and of those patients formally detained while receiving ECT treatment, 29 per cent. consented to ECT, 12 per cent. were treated as an emergency and 59 per cent. did not consent to treatment but were treated after a second opinion was obtained. The latter figure represented those patients who were unable to consent because of the serious nature of their illness. As a proportion of all ECT patients, those not consenting represented about 15 per cent.The results of the survey are contained in the Department of Health Statistical bulletin "Electro Convulsive Therapy: Survey covering the period from January 1999 to March 1999, England", a copy of which is in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions have taken place with the staff social club at Broadmoor Hospital to resolve the difficulties raised over the future provision of services at the hospital. [156672]