To ask the Solicitor-General what conclusions she has reached concerning the three paratroopers alleged to have shot Fahri Bici and Avni Dudi. [1079]

Fahri Bici and Avni Dudi were killed in Pristina in Kosovo on 2 July 1999. Three British servicemen who were part of the KFOR peacekeeping operation fired the shots that killed them. Fahri Bici had been sitting on the roof of a moving car firing a Kalashnikov automatic rifle into the air. The servicemen said Fahri Bici pointed the rifle at them after being told to drop the weapon. They said they shot at him as they feared their lives were in danger. Avni Dudi was a passenger in the car and was killed by bullets aimed at Fahri Bici. Two other passengers in the car were severely injured.The Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police carried out an investigation. Following consultation with the former Attorney-General, Lord Williams, the Army Prosecuting Authority sought the advice of Treasury Counsel. Treasury Counsel advised the Army Prosecuting Authority that there was no realistic prospect of conviction of the three servicemen of any criminal offences. Lord Williams accepted the view of the Army Prosecuting Authority that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures he is taking to monitor and regulate companies recruiting and selling the services of mercenaries; and when he will publish a consultative paper on options for future regulation. [979]

The aim of the Green Paper, recommended by the Foreign Affairs Committee in its Report on Sierra Leone published in February 1999, is to set out options for the regulation of mercenaries and private military companies. Work on the Green Paper is continuing; the issues are complex. I am unable at present to give a specific date for publication of the paper.Meanwhile, guidance has been issued to British embassies requiring them to report any contact with companies which may be judged to fall within this sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit (a) Kuwait, (b) Libya, (c) the West Bank, (d) Jerusalem, (e) Albania, (f) Ukraine, (g) Denmark, (h) Chechnya, (i) Syria, (j) Egypt and (k) Jordan. [1122]

I am currently considering proposals for visits to a number of countries. The House will be informed when decisions have been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he next plans to visit (a) Bangladesh, (b) Nepal, (c) Hong Kong, (d) North Korea, (e) South Korea, (f) Malaysia, (g) the Moluccas Islands, (h) Rwanda, (i) the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (j) the Central African Republic, (k) Mozambique, (l) Nigeria, (m) Brazil, (n) Bolivia, (o) Mexico, (p) Guatamala and (q) Peru; [1819](2) when he next plans to visit

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 June 2001, Official Report, column 78W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on the settlement application under Islamabad reference 496527. [1646]

The application for a settlement visa was refused by the Entry Clearance Officer at Islamabad on 17 May. Notice of appeal against the refusal was received on 12 June. It is not possible to predict when the appeal will be heard by the Immigration and Appellate Authority, nor the eventual determination.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel took part in experiments at the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down in 2000. [1004]

During 2000 a total of 19 service volunteers participated in studies conducted at CBD Porton Down. A further 25 RAF service volunteers participated in a CBD study conducted at RAF Honington in 2000.Thirty five civilian volunteers also took part in the human volunteer programme at Porton Down during 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a list of the titles and dates of films held by the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, which record the establishment's trials with biological warfare simulants in public places since 1971. [997]

No. The Chemical and Biological Defence Sector at Porton Down has been unable to identify any films recording trials with biological warfare simulants in public places since 1971.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will instruct the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, to conduct research to determine the long-term effects of a single dose of the oripavine derivative TL 2636 on the health of humans. [989]

No. The current evidence suggests that following single, acute doses of the oripavine derivative TL 2636 there are no long-term effects on health. The conduct of a study is, therefore, not warranted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the comprehensive survey of the service volunteer programme at the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, announced on 1 May will examine allegations that service personnel were misled into taking part in experiments at Porton Down. [1003]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 1 May 2001, Official Report, columns 550–51W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department will transfer films from the archives of the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, to the Imperial War Museum. [998]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 9 May 2001, Official Report, column 196W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of technical reports compiled by the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, to record the results of trials carried out between 29 September 1975 and 21 October 1975 in which two simulants were disseminated from the Fleet Tender Cockchafer in Lyme and Weymouth bays. [996]

I am withholding copies of the technical reports under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the protocol drawn up by the chemical defence establishment, Porton Down, to carry out the experiment in 1989 in which service personnel were exposed to sarin nerve gas. [987]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many papers in the MRD report series of technical papers produced by the biological defence establishment at Porton Down are unclassified; when this series of papers (a) started and (b) finished; how many papers in this series were produced in total; and if he will place in the Library a list of the titles and dates of each of the papers in this series. [991]

The MRD series of reports started in 1950 and finished in 1956. Of a total of 20 papers produced during this period, five were originally unclassified. However, Defence Records are now in the process of re-reviewing all 20 reports to establish whether the original classifications still stand. If declassification is possible, reports will be transferred to the PRO. I will arrange for a list detailing these reports to be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requests he has received from Wiltshire police to assist the Operation Antler team to locate official notices which are alleged to state that volunteers were needed to take part in common cold research at the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down. [1734]

My officials were asked to undertake a full search of all service instructions and notices dealing with the Porton Down Service Volunteer Programme. In addition, we have provided research support to the Wiltshire police in examining service unit records, as well as initiating a full trawl by service units and establishments for any relevant records or historical papers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he will publish the accident report on the Lynx helicopter which crashed near Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire on 17 May 1999; [1082](2) if he will publish the preliminary findings of an investigation into the causes of the crash of a Lynx helicopter near Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire on 17 May 1999. [1083]

The Military Aircraft Accident Summary—a report that summarises the accident report and the findings of the subsequent investigation—will be published shortly and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House.The Board of Inquiry proceedings were issued to the families of those killed in the accident earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what responsibility his Department has for the maintenance of navigation marks, with special reference to moorings and lighthouses; and what plans he has to review those responsibilities. [1263]

The Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS), part of the Warship Support Agency (WSA), is responsible for the maintenance of some 224 navigational buoys, 148 moorings and 12 targets around the coast of the British Isles. The Chief Salvage and Mooring Officer (CSALMO), also part of the WSA, is the tri-Service manager and design authority for Ministry of Defence moorings and is responsible for the oversight of all maintenance work in the UK and of a further 54 moorings and navigational buoys overseas. Responsibility for lighthouses rests with the three General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) administered by the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR). The GLAs are ultimately responsible through legislation for all navigational marks including those owned by the MOD.The Government's Better Quality Services (BQS) policy encourages a robust review of services and the opportunity has therefore been taken to explore the obvious synergy between the GLAs and the RMAS.Exploratory meetings with the GLAs have led to Trinity House, acting on behalf of the three GLAs and with the authority of the DTLR, making an offer for the absorption and maintenance of all MOD navigational buoys in UK waters. The MOD is now assessing the GLAs' offer and an initial meeting took place on 27 June 2001. Further work is required and the MOD and the GLAs have agreed to jointly examine their operations without commitment.It is unlikely that any firm recommendations will be made before the end of 2001 and implementation will be subject to full consultation with staff and their representatives, as well as requiring ministerial approval in both Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of his Department's apprenticeships at Aberporth. [843]

[holding answer 26 June 2001]: The apprentice school at Aberporth is run by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), and is staffed by DERA personnel. On completion of their apprenticeship the great majority of apprentices are employed by DERA. As a result, the school forms part of the undertaking that is planned to become QinetiQ plc, as part of the DERA Public-Private Partnership. DERA receives a contribution from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for various aspects of the apprentice training at the school. The MOD will continue to contribute funding for the apprentices who are attending the school at the date of vesting of assets in QinetiQ plc. Discussions on the funding of future intakes of apprentices will take place during the summer between MOD, QinetiQ plc and trade union representatives, and Are scheduled to conclude in September 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many stun grenades have been issued to the Army in the last 12 months; how many have been used in Northern Ireland in the past 12 months; what level of authorisation is required for use of this weapon; and what (a) rules and (b) guidance applies to its use; [1232](2) who has authorised the use of stun grenades in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months. [1121]

The use of stun grenades must be reasonable, proportionate and no more than absolutely necessary in the circumstances. The service personnel concerned are fully trained in how to use them. I am withholding details of numbers, use, level of authorisation and rules of engagement under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the recent agreement between his Department and the Horizon consortium to market spare training capacity in the RAF/Training Group Defence Agency. [1594]

The RAF has identified some unavoidable surplus training capacity, particularly in the area of engineering training. Although the RAF has had some success in selling this capacity, it was recognised that it does not have the necessary skills to market, promote and sell opportunities presented by the spare capacity. To maximise both the potential use of the capacity and income generation, the RAF has sought a commercial partner to provide the expertise required.The Agreement for the Marketing Partnering Arrangement between the RAF and the Horizon consortium, consisting of BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Westland Augusta, PERA and Bournemouth and Poole College, was signed on 30 May 2001. The agreement is for seven years.In addition to increasing the income received from selling training capacity, the partnership will help to meet the increasing aerospace industry demand for technician training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British forces are operating in and around the East Timor theatre; and what their role is within the United Nations contingent. [1181]

Four British observers are currently deployed in support of the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). Their roles typically include observation, monitoring and reporting; registration and negotiation between belligerent factions and other agencies. In addition, an Army legal officer has recently been seconded to the Office for Defence Force Development (ODFD) to assist with the development of the new East Timorese Defence Force (ETDF).Two British servicemen currently serving on exchange programmes with the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces are also deployed to East Timor with their host units.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Coventry are in the New Deal programme; and how many had been placed in employment up to June. [1178]

The information is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners with preserved rights who are ineligible for local authority support. [1320]

Estimates of the numbers of pensioners with preserved rights who are ineligible for local authority support are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the way in which the Pension Credit will operate for claimants whose entitlement to the basic state pension is below 100 per cent. [1461]

The Pension Credit forms a key part of the Government's overall strategy for tackling pensioner poverty.We are completing the design of the Credit and will publish details of our proposals when the Bill is introduced.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library (a) a summary and (b) full copies of the replies he has received to his consultation paper on the Pension Credit. [1266]

We will be announcing our response to the Pension Credit consultation in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he plans to publish the Pension Credit Bill. [920]

As indicated in the Gracious Speech, we intend to introduce legislation in this Session of Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people eligible for Pension Credit. [929]

I refer the hon. Member to "The Pension Credit: A consultation paper" (November 2000. Cm 4900).

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the results of and submissions to the Pension Credit consultation process will be placed in the Library. [366]

We will be announcing our response to the Pension Credit consultation in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to extend the provision to permit benefit claimants to undertake therapeutic work. [20]

As the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security, my hon. Friend the Member for City of York (Mr. Bayley), said on 22 March 2001, Official Report, column 346W, from April 2002 we propose to introduce new rules for people who receive Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support based on incapacity who want to undertake some form of paid work which may ease their way back into full-time employment. We are aware of concerns that the current therapeutic work rules may be of limited use where it is difficult to demonstrate that a particular job would be beneficial to a person's medical condition. The current rules also do not help someone who wants to work on a limited basis in order to have social contact if they do not satisfy the therapeutic requirement. This is why we have reviewed the current position and are introducing some improvements.Under the proposed changes, the therapeutic work rules will cease to exist. Instead we intend to introduce rules which will allow any person receiving incapacity benefits to:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which House of Commons Minister in his Department will have responsibility for matters relating to (a) the Child Support Agency, (b) the integrated child credit, (c) child care, (d) maternity/paternity pay and (e) the Appeals Service. [1465]

Departmental ministerial responsibility for these areas in the House of Commons is divided as follows: I am responsible for the Child Support Agency and the Integrated Child Credit; the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Garston (Maria Eagle), is responsible for Maternity/Paternity pay and the Appeals Service. The Department for Employment and Skills has policy responsibility for child care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to increase take-up of the Minimum Income Guarantee. [377]

Our recent national take-up campaign on the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) was a success resulting in 110,286 successful claims to MIG. The average additional income awarded is £20 per week.We have also increased the lower and upper capital limits to £6,000 and £12,000 respectively. These increases will result in more people becoming newly entitled to MIG and will increase the number of people who will become entitled to the full amount of the MIG.Additionally, we will continue to work in partnership with the voluntary sector and local authorities to find ways of identifying and encouraging those who are likely to benefit from MIG to claim.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the total amount of compensation (1) that he expects to be paid as a result of the problems with the NIRS2 computer system; [360](2) that has so far been paid as a result of the problems with the NIRS2 computer system. [359]

I have been asked to reply.The delay in the implementation of NIRS2 caused arrears of work in both the Inland Revenue and the then DSS. These arrears are being managed through a recovery plan that has been developed by both Departments and continue to be cleared as quickly as possible. Compensation is being paid as a result of the delays.Compensation payments to 31 March 2001 total £65.1 million. The estimated compensation costs for 2001ȓ02 cannot yet be quantified.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will provide a breakdown of the companies and others to whom the claimed qualifying expenditure of £23,705,511 made by Walton Commercial Group Ltd. now Walton Group plc, was made, indicating the reasons for payment and the amount paid to each. [400]

The claimed qualifying expenditure was paid to Todd and Benn (Contractors) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Walton Group plc, against invoices for work claimed to be done on the Exchange Flags building, Liverpool.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has conducted into changes in pollution following the implementation of congestion taxes. [810]

My Department will be working with local authorities when they develop and implement schemes, to carry out before and after studies to assess schemes' impacts, including changes in levels of air pollution. Modelling work for the Government's 10-Year Plan for Transport published in July 2000 forecasts significant reductions in particulate and oxide of nitrogen emissions by 2010 from a range of measures in the plan, including the introduction of urban congestion charging in a number of towns and cities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if Railtrack has applied to the Rail Regulator for an interim review of its access charges. [1009]

Railtrack has not made any application to the Rail Regulator for an interim review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of delays to train services during the most recent month for which figures are available are attributable to temporary speed restrictions associated with gauge corner cracking. [1011]

Railtrack's Network Performance Report for the four-week period to 26 May 2001 shows that 6 per cent. of delays were attributable to gauge corner cracking. This includes both passenger and freight services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many temporary speed restrictions remain in place on the national railway network in connection with gauge corner cracking. [1010]

Railtrack reports that, as of 25 June, 118 temporary speed restrictions were in place on the national rail network in connection with gauge corner cracking.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made in the appointment of a public interest director to the board of Railtrack. [1020]

As part of the Statement of Principles agreed between the Government and Railtrack, the company announced on 2 April the decision to appoint, in consultation with Government, a non-executive director to its main board with the background and credentials to provide a powerful public and consumer interest voice around the boardroom table. The appointment of such a director is currently under review by the nominations committee of the Railtrack Board.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much money has been granted to Railtrack from public funds over the past year; and what contractual safeguards exist to ensure that the money is used for its intended purposes. [1023]

In 2000–01, train operating companies (TOCs) were paid £847 million in Support for Passenger Services (SPRS) by the Franchising Director and the Strategic Rail Authority and £185 million in grants by Passenger Transport Executives (PTEs). Since some 85 per cent. of Railtrack's income is paid to the company by TOCs in access charges, Railtrack's revenue is contingent on that indirect subsidy.In future, Railtrack will also receive considerable sums in direct grants for track renewals. As part of the Statement of Principles agreed on 2 April between the Government and Railtrack, the Government agreed to bring forward the timing of £1.5 billion of payments due to the company under the Periodic Review. In doing so, the Government have attached strict conditions of increased public accountability and Railtrack has undertaken to spend the Government revenues strictly on improving the railway. A copy of the Statement of Principles has been placed in the Library. None of this new funding has yet been paid.The main safeguard in respect of all subsidy to Railtrack is the Network Licence and the conditions attached to it by the Rail Regulator. The Regulator's reformed regulatory structure is nearing completion. It comprises the Periodic Review; a strengthened network licence; and new model clauses for clearer and simplified track access agreements with Railtrack's customers, the passenger and freight train operators. The Transport Act 2000 has also strengthened the regulation and accountability of Railtrack. The Regulator now has the powers and resources to ensure that Railtrack delivers on its public service commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the financial position of Railtrack. [1019]

Railtrack is a public limited company. Its latest financial position is set out in its 2000–01 Annual Report and Accounts published on 20 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the future role of the Commission for Integrated Transport. [1032]

The Commission for Integrated Transport (CfIT) was established in July 1999 to provide independent advice on the implementation of integrated transport policy. Its remit was set out in the Integrated Transport White Paper.CfIT has been asked to monitor progress on the implementation of the 10-Year Plan for Transport, and to identify any further policy measures that might be needed to achieve 10-Year Plan objectives.At the CfIT Plenary on 22 March 2001 it was decided that the three priority areas for CfIT were to be:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps are being taken by his Department to promote the greater use of the railways for freight. [1028]

Our policy is to help establish an integrated, sustainable freight distribution system to support economic growth and to bring social and environmental benefits. We set out our long-term strategy in the 10-Year Transport Plan in July last year. We have established the Strategic Rail Authority with a duty to promote rail freight. The SRA set out its Strategic Agenda, including its plans for freight, earlier this year and is now consulting the industry on its detailed Freight Strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made in the contract negotiations for the National Air Traffic Services public-private partnership. [1035]

The PPP remains subject to certain conditions. We are working with the Airline Group to ensure that those conditions are satisfied at the earliest opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to implement the recommendations of the Uff-Cullen inquiry into technical solutions to the problem of railway signals passed at danger. [1017]

The Government welcomed the publication on 29 March of the Joint Inquiry Report by Lord Cullen and Professor Uff into train protection systems and reaffirmed the Deputy Prime Minister's undertaking to Parliament on 20 July 2000, Official Report, columns 549–52, that the measures arising from the report will be brought within the 10-Year Plan for Transport.The report endorsed the Government's existing policy to install the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) across the network by the end of 2003, and set out a programme for the new European Train Control System (ETCS) on high-speed and other main lines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the state of industrial relations in the railway industry. [1022]

Industrial disputes are properly matters for the employers and the trade unions to resolve.Successful negotiation between the train operators and the trade unions avoided strike action in all but one of the 25 train operating companies on 25 June. We would greatly regret any possible further industrial action on the railway which would cause yet more inconvenience to passengers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects the Strategic Rail Authority to (a) begin the next stage of the competition for the new Wales and Borders franchise and (b) recommence the competition for the Central Trains franchise. [1027]

Further announcements will be made by the Strategic Rail Authority in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many additional employees have been recruited by the Strategic Rail Authority during the past year. [1014]

On 1 June 2000, 261 people were working at the shadow Strategic Rail Authority (sSRA), which comprised the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and British Railways Board staff.The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) was set up on 1 February 2001 under the provisions of the Transport Act 2000, with 330 staff. This included 259 from the sSRA and, to cover additional functions transferred on that date, 70 from the Office of the Rail Regulator (including those working for Rail Passengers Committees) and one from the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. The SRA also took responsibility for the 2,297 British Transport Police.On 1 June 2001, 362 people were working at the SRA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made on the feasibility study for a second channel Tunnel. [1031]

At the end of 1999 Eurotunnel sent to the Governments of France and the UK, through the Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission, a package relating to two tunnel projects, one road the other rail. Eurotunnel submitted that package in order to discharge an undertaking in the Concession Agreement to submit, before 2000, a proposal for a drive through link.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress of the multi-modal studies. [1033]

The Multi-Modal Studies are looking for solutions to some of the most severe and urgent problems on our transport network. They exemplify our integrated approach to transport and will be central to the delivery of the 10-Year-Plan.We are moving the studies forward as quickly as possible, bearing in mind their complex nature and the need for full and proper consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will ensure that the conclusions of the multi-modal study into the transport corridor between the midlands and Manchester are published in time to be taken into account in the formulation of the new regional planning guidance for the west midlands. [1330]

The final study report and the Steering Group recommendations will be formally submitted to the West Midlands Regional Planning Body and the North West Regional Assembly in autumn 2001. Interim outputs from the study will be available this August to inform the development of the draft West Midlands Regional Planning Guidance due for publication in autumn 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will respond to the recommendations of Lord Cullen's inquiry into the Ladbroke Grove rail disaster. [1016]

My right hon. Friend responded to Part One of Lord Cullen's report in a statement issued on 19 June, the day of its publication. The statement reads:

"I am grateful to Lord Cullen for today's report into the causes of the Ladbroke Grove rail crash. On such a day our thoughts turn to the survivors and bereaved of that tragic accident. We cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering felt by these people and it is important that we bear their experiences in mind as we act to improve rail safety in this country.

Safety is paramount and at the very heart of our policies on revitalising the railways. Our railways are safe, but we must never be complacent. Safety is a matter of continual improvement and I have asked the HSC to ensure that the recommendations are acted upon, and to report to me within six months.

I now await the final part of Lord Cullen's report into the culture, management and regulation of safety on the railways. This will be a particularly valuable document which will enable us to take the further necessary measures to enhance rail safety."

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps his Department is taking to encourage bus companies in the south-east of England to offer commuter services to London; and if he will make a statement. [1068]

The 10-Year Transport Plan recognises that coach services have a valuable role in expanding transport options including for commuting journeys into major cities. Coach services will benefit from increased investment in the strategic road network, including measures to tackle bottlenecks and improve network management.The public consultation draft of the Mayor of London's Transport Strategy said that additional commuter and scheduled express coach services on particular routes could fulfil a valuable role in supplementing rail capacity. It said that Transport for London would work with coach operators to review opportunities for extending the role of commuter coaches, taking account of traffic and parking issues. I understand that the Mayor will publish his final Transport Strategy shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his definition is of decent in the context of housing standards. [1128]

A decent home must be above the current statutory minimum standard for housing (the fitness standard); be in a reasonable state of repair; have modern facilities and services; and provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.Guidance has been issued providing more detail for social landlords on how the elements of the definition should be interpreted. A copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the target outputs for SRB-funded housing units between 1997 and 2001. [1741]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 26 June 2001, Official Report, column 56W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to encourage housing associations to improve the energy efficiency of their (a) existing properties and (b) new build schemes; what plans he has to support district heating schemes; and what plans he has to encourage housing associations to use solar energy in new build social housing. [1112]

My Department, together with the Housing Corporation, is taking a number of measures to improve the energy efficiency of registered social landlords' (RSLs) properties.For existing properties, the Housing Corporation's Performance Standards require RSLs to assess the energy efficiency of their housing stock and, through planned improvement work, to help local authorities to meet their obligations under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what further changes he is intending to make to regional planning guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber about the distribution of housebuilding in west Yorkshire. [2073]

Over 800 comments have been received in response to the proposed changes to draft Regional Planning Guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber which were published in March 2001. Many of the consultation responses welcome the proposed changes as they improve RPG and provide a clear strategy for sustainable development in the region. An issue has been raised about the distribution of housing in west Yorkshire which we consider needs to be resolved by publishing further changes to RPG for public consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he plans to publish PPG8 on mobile phone masts. [1239]

On 16 March 2001, my right hon. Friend the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Construction announced a series of important improvements to the planning arrangements for telecommunications development. We shall introduce the rules and publish the revised Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG8) on Telecommunications Development to implement the changes at the earliest opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received calling for health risks to be considered as part of the planning consideration for mobile phone masts. [1238]

The Department has received centrally in the last year 363 letters from Members of Parliament and 541 letters from members of the public and local planning authorities about the amenity or health aspects related to mobile phone masts. These are in addition to responses to last year's consultation exercise seeking views on possible changes to the planning laws relating to telecommunications masts and associated guidance (365 in total).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation requiring persons selling a house to provide a pack of information to prospective purchasers. [1317]

We remain committed to seller's packs, as set out in our manifesto. Legislation will be introduced when parliamentary time allows. In the meantime, we are pressing ahead, in consultation with consumer representatives and the professional bodies, with developing the detailed contents of the seller's pack to prepare the ground for a smooth introduction across England and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for how many years the Railway Development Fund will run. [1440]

The 10-Year Plan for Transport provides for spending on the Rail Modernisation Fund over the years of the plan, that is to 2010–11.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he plans to equalise the age of qualification for the national concessionary bus fares scheme. [1419]

We are making good progress with this issue and have already introduced the Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Bill [H.L.] which will equalise at 60 the age at which both men and women become eligible for travel concessions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he intends to commission a strategic study on the environmental impacts of aviation in the UK to match the strategic study of the economic impacts of aviation included in the Developing Aviation White Paper process. [1587]

In December last year we published a consultation document, "The Future of Aviation". This examined the main issues underpinning air transport policy, including the need to tackle the environmental effects of aviation. We are giving careful consideration to the responses to the consultation document and propose to publish a summary of them later this summer. Alongside the consultation document, we published a paper, "Valuing the External Costs of Aviation", which reviews some of the literature about the valuation of noise, air quality and climate change impacts and considers the implications of aviation meeting its estimated external costs.The study of regional airports and regional air services announced in the 1998 Transport White Paper, covering the north of England, the midlands, the south-west of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland was completed last year. The findings are currently being reviewed as part of a UK-wide Regional Co-ordination study. A key component of this process has been the commissioning of studies on the impact of air transport (including associated surface transport) on local air qualify and noise at 23 regional airports. This work will provide an important input to a comprehensive appraisal of options for development of capacity at regional airports under a range of potential national policy scenarios.We are also studying issues in the south-east and east of England. The South East and East of England Regional Air Service Study (SERAS) is examining all options for future development of airports in the south-east and east of England. The appraisal process includes an examination of environmental impacts, including noise and local air quality, climate change, urbanisation, land-take, biodiversity, landscape, heritage and designated areas. We propose to issue individual regional consultation documents for all these regions around the turn of the year.All of these strands of work will feed into the new air transport White Paper, which we hope to publish next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the information leaflets available to report ice falls from aeroplanes; and what plans he has to make them more widely available. [1301]

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has produced a comprehensive leaflet entitled "Icefalls", which provides detailed information on how icefalls occur, how incidents can be reported and how these reports are investigated.Members of the public wishing to seek more information on the subject or to report an icefall incident most commonly contact either the CAA directly or the local police or council. Copies of the leaflet have therefore been supplied to the Police Service and the Local Government Association as well as to the British Airports Authority. The information in the leaflet is also available on the CAA's website for those with internet access. There are currently no further plans to make the leaflet more widely available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what statistics he collates about the safety of different forms of transportation and the costs in each case of undertaking further measures to improve safety. [1472]

The DTLR collects and publishes statistics on accidents in all main forms of transport. These can be found in a variety of publications and in the compendium volume "Transport Statistics Great Britain 2000 edition". There is also a comparative table (Table 51) in "Road Accidents Great Britain: 1999" which shows casualty rates by mode of transport since 1990 and also provides a 1990–99 average casualty rate for each mode. Both of these publications are available in the Libraries of the House. Costs depend on the measures adopted and on local circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the operating results of Ordnance Survey were in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [1325]

As disclosed in Ordnance Survey's annual published accounts, the operating surplus/deficit for each year since 1997 is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the Government plan to publish (1) a draft regional planning guidance for (a) the Nort-West and Merseyside, (b) the North-East and (c) the East Midlands; [1277](2) a definitive version of regional planning guidance for

We plan to issue final regional planning guidance (RPG) for the South-West later this summer and final RPG for Yorkshire and the Humber in the autumn. The Proposed Changes to draft PRG for the East Midlands were published in April and we plan to issue the final version in the autumn. The Proposed Changes to draft PRG for the North-East were published in april and we plan to issue the final version by the end of the year. We intend to publish the Proposed Changes to draft (RPG) for the North-West in spring 2002, assuming that the Panel report is received shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the use and conduct of postal voting during the general and local elections in June. [1282]

The Electoral Commission, which was established by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, will publish a report on various aspects of the administration of the general election, in accordance with section 5 of the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what reasons underlay the decision to publish the Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Further Provisions) (England) Order 2001 on 18 June, revoke it on 19 June and publish the Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Other Provisions) (England) Order 2001 on 19 June. [1477]

The Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Further Provisions) (England) Order 2001 was laid before Parliament on 19 June 2001 and expressed to come into force on 20 June 2001, thus breaking the convention that negative resolution statutory instruments come into force at least 21 days after being laid before Parliament.Unfortunately, it had not been the Government's intention to break the convention. Accordingly, the Order was revoked and replaced with an Order in similar terms—the Local Authorities (Executive and Alternative Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Other Provisions) (England) Order 2001—with a date of coming into force of 11 July, which is 21 days after it was laid. This means that all the necessary legislation is now in place to allow councils to implement the leader and cabinet form of executive arrangement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the areas of responsibility that have (a) been transferred from his Department to other Departments and (b) been transferred to his Department from other Departments since 8 June. [1439]

The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) came into existence on 9 June 2001. It will carry out all the functions for which its predecessor Department, the Department of the Environment. Transport and the Regions (DETR) was responsible except:

Sustainable development, environmental protection and the protection and enhancement of the landscape, countryside and wildlife, together with related sponsorship responsibilities, transferred to the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

The Regional Co-ordination Unit and Government Offices for the Regions, bodies with cross-departmental responsibilities for which DETR had management responsibility, transferred to the Cabinet Office.

Sponsorship of the construction industry transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Sponsorship of the Regional Development Agencies transferred to the Department of Trade and Industry.

Electoral law and local byelaws, including sponsorship responsibilities, transferred to DTLR from the Home Office.

The Fire Service, including its sponsorship responsibilities, transferred to DTLR from the Home Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's current responsibilities in respect of funding for fire authorities. [630]

My Department has the same responsibilities as were formerly held by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for the revenue support grant system and as the Home Office for the issue of fire service credit approvals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent advice he has taken from other European countries which allow positive discrimination in the selection of candidates for elected office. [644]

Government officials recently attended a seminar aiming to examine what can be learned from legal frameworks in other European countries in regard to changing the law to improve women's representation in politics.The Government will be preparing legislation to allow political parties to make positive moves to increase the representation of women in public life.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to allow residents to elect to pay their council tax by 12 payments rather than 10. [2167]

The statutory instalment scheme gives council tax payers the right to pay their council in 10 monthly instalments. However, local authorities can agree to a different payment regime, such as 12 monthly payments or 52 weekly payments. I believe it is right that local authorities should be able to make such decisions in response to individual or local circumstances because they are ultimately answerable to local people for the service they provide.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the (a) longest and (b) shortest waiting times were for (i) heart operations, (ii) hip replacements and (iii) cancer treatment (A) in North Yorkshire and (B) nationally in (1) 1997, (2) 1998, (3) 1999, (4) 2000 and (5) 2001. [6]

The tables show waiting times for waiting list and booked admissions to National Health Service hospitals in England and the Northern and Yorkshire region for the years 1997–98 to 1999–2000 for hip replacements, heart operations, and cancer treatment. Data have been given on the distribution of waiting times to give a more informative picture than the two most extreme results. Data for 2000–01 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action the Government are taking to recruit more (a) nurses, (b) physiotherapists, (c) occupational therapists and (d) GPs in London; and if he will make a statement; [412](2) what action the Government are taking to recruit

We are implementing a range of measures to improve recruitment and retention in the National Health Service for all staff, including London. Examples include investing in fair pay, encouraging the NHS to become a better employer, increasing training commissions for all professional groups, attracting former staff back to the NHS, encouraging flexible retirement, and supporting more effective, collaborative international recruitment where appropriate. We are also funding a recruitment campaign to raise the profile of social work and improve recruitment rates into social work.In places where recruitment is most difficult, we are also looking at accommodation issues. For example, a NHS housing co-ordinator has been appointed in London to improve the recruitment and retention of key workers. The NHS Plan aims to provide 2000 residential units in London by 2004.From March 2000 until May 2001, 661 nurses and midwives returned to practice in London.By 2004 we will increase the number of general practitioners, nationally, by at least 2000 and increase the number of GP training places by 550. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State also announced a package of measures aimed at improving recruitment and retention of GPs on 13 March 2001. Other measures such as personal medical service pilots will attract GPs into deprived areas. In London we already have 265 GP registrars in training and are looking to increase training capacity to increase local supply. We are also seeing if we can increase the number of feeder senior house officer posts to increase the flow into the GP registrar grade. Increasing numbers of newly qualified pre-registration house officers are now getting exposure to general practice as part of their year's training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about additional funding being given to London health authorities in recognition of the additional costs incurred by the health service in London; and if he will make a statement. [417]

We have received one representation in the last three months about additional funding being given to London health authorities in recognition of the additional costs incurred by the health services in London.Following the planning round an additional £155 million for 2001–02 has been made available to the National Health Service, partly in recognition of additional financial pressures. London received £25.4 million of this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how primary care trusts will be accountable for their use of public resources. [1129]

The chief executive of the primary care trust (PCT), as accountable officer, is responsible for ensuring that the PCT carries out its functions in such a way as to ensure proper stewardship of public resources.PCTs will continue to be accountable to their health authority by means of an annual accountability agreement which sets out agreed aims and targets for improving health, health services and value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications there were to train as a (a) general practitioner, (b) social worker, (c) physiotherapist and (d) special therapist in (i) London and (ii) England and Wales in each year since 1996. [1113]

Consistent data for the number of applicants to train as a general practitioner in England have been collected only this year.In 2001 the number of applications from GP registrars to begin training in August was 2,239. There were 539 applications to the North and South Thames deaneries which cover London.Data for the number of social workers are not collected centrally.Data for the number of physiotherapists are collected by the University and Colleges Admissions Service for the whole of the United Kingdom. Data for London are not available separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) hospital medical staff, (b) consultants and (c) nursing and midwifery staff were employed at Northwick Park hospital in each year since 1996. [1110]

The information is not collected in the format requested. Information by National Health Service trust is provided in the table.