To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received proposing local authority boundary changes in Merseyside; and if he will make a statement. [2105]

We are not aware of any such representations. Boundaries in Merseyside were last looked at in 1997 when the Local Government Boundary Commission for England was directed to carry out a review of Sefton. No changes to boundaries were recommended at that time. Under the current programme of periodic electoral reviews being carried out by the Local Government Commission, a change to local authority boundaries cannot be considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what factors underlay his Department's inspector's recent decision to allow an appeal to build eight houses at Harbourside, Tewkesbury. [1851]

[holding answer 3 July 2001]: The decision to grant planning permission was made by a Planning Inspector. I have therefore asked the Planning Inspectorate's Chief Executive, Mr. Chris Shepley, to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects the North Circular Road improvement programme to be completed; and if he will make a statement. [2722]

The North Circular Road is now the responsibility of the Mayor and Transport for London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the impact of the rules which apply to bus and coach operators over the payment of fuel duty and the eligibility for the fuel duty rebate system. [2516]

Under the current rules, fuel duty rebate may be claimed for bus services which are registered with the Traffic Commissioner as a local bus service and which are available to the general public.We shall be extending eligibility to claim rebate to the operators of a wide range of community transport services during this financial year.We shall be replying shortly to a recent recommendation from the Commission for Integrated Transport that the rebate should also be available for the operators of long-distance scheduled coach services in return for the provision of half-fare concessionary fares for elderly and disabled passengers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans his Department has to introduce new target rents for newly built or procured properties on first lettings; and if he will make a statement. [3068]

My Department's "Guide to Social Rent Reforms" which was issued last December stated that:

"Newly-provided housing funded through Social Housing Grant, and approved for funding from 2002–03 onwards, will normally have rents set immediately at the target levels given by the restructuring formula."

This remains the Government's policy. The Housing Corporation is currently reviewing the framework for calculating grant rates for newly provided social housing so that it properly reflects the new structure of rents at which properties will be let.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many staff from his Department and its predecessor were seconded to private sector companies in (a) May 1999 to April 2000 and (b) May 2000 to the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [3240]

Staff Rank		Duration
1 × Pay Band 6(G7)	To Capita RAS	February 2001 to November 2001
1 × Pay Band 6 (G7)	To Shell International	August 2000 to October 2002
1 × Pay Band 4 (HEO)	To Arthur Andersen	January 2001 to January 2002
1 × Pay Band 4 (HEO)	To Carillion Ltd.	March 2001 to June 2001
1 × SCS (Grade 5)	To Carbon Trust	April 2001 to October 2001
2 × Pay Band 6(G 7)	To Carbon Trust	April 2001 to October 2001
1 × Pay Band 5 (SEO)	To Carbon Trust	April 2001 to July 2001
1 × Pay Band 2 (AO)	To Carbon Trust	May 2001 to November 2001

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 4 July 2001, Official Report, columns 158–59W, what his definition is of "surplus to requirements" in the context of building on open space; and if he will make a statement. [3173]

The consultation draft of PPG17 (paragraph 15) lists the range of valuable functions that open space can perform within urban areas. If individual areas of open space no longer fulfil any of these functions, then they may be "surplus to requirements" and local authorities may consider whether they should be made available for development. Development may also be allowed on areas of open space where an exchange of land takes place to compensate for the lost open space. In particular, this may be appropriate where it will allow the release of a site for development needed to meet other economic and social objectives identified locally.We are currently considering the responses made to the consultation draft of PPG17. We hope to publish the final version by the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he plans to introduce a statutory 20 mph speed limit outside schools. [2585]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: The Government have given local authorities the power to introduce 20 mph zones. Our Road Safety Strategy encourages their use in the areas where the most vulnerable are present, like the areas around schools. Where 20 mph zones would not be appropriate, local authorities are encouraged to look for alternative measures to ensure child safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation to regulate the passenger seating capacity of commercial airlines. [2863]

The Civil Aviation Authority has had mandatory minimum standards for seat spacing on UK registered aircraft since 1989. These are contained in Airworthiness Notice No. 64 and were introduced to ensure the safe evacuation of an aircraft during an

(a) 1 May 1999 to April 2000: none; (b) 1 May 2000 to 31 May 2001:emergency. There is also a limit on the number of seats in each row, which determines the minimum width of the seats.In its response to the House of Lords Select Committee Inquiry into Air Travel and Health, the Government referred to some research which is being funded by the Civil Aviation Authority to look into the relationship between aircraft seat dimension and passenger size. This study, which is being carried out on behalf of the Joint Aviation Authorities, looks at the changing size of air passengers, but also includes a review of recent research into deep vein thrombosis, and indicates additional areas where further research may be necessary. The study (and any subsequent follow-on study) will provide the Government with the information necessary to review the current regulations on seat spacing. It is due to be presented to the Joint Aviation Authorities shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of the total cost of (a) design, (b) stationery, (c) new name plaques and (d) ether costs of the naming of his Department; and if he will make a statement. [3031]

My Department's costs have been very low as it makes extensive use of electronic templates, keeps low stocks of stationery and generally uses out-of-date stationery for purposes such as internal photocopying and notepads.Recent changes in departmental responsibilities aim to improve efficiency in delivering Government policy. The costs of the name change to my central Department so far amount to £25,250, and are broken down in the table.

	£
(a) Design	264.37
(b) Stationery	8,782.31
(c) Name plaques	6,235
(d) Other costs:
Templates and display panels	2,984.50
Changes to the website (c.50,000 pages)	4,398
Costs incurred by our storage and distribution company	2,585

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many applications to challenge landlords' choice of insurers under paragraph 8 of the schedule to the Landlord and Tenants Act 1985 have been received by leasehold valuation tribunals. [3178]

The leasehold valuation tribunals were first given jurisdiction for nominated insurer cases in September 1997. Since that time, there have been approximately 60 applications made under paragraph 8 of the schedule to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if pensioners will be able to use the long distance travel concessions announced on 4 July on cross-Solent ferries. [3260]

A local authority must offer at least the statutory minimum concessionary travel requirement (half-fares for elderly and disabled people, with no charge for the pass) on local buses within its boundaries. Each authority may also offer concessionary travel beyond its area and by other means of transport—for example train and ferry services—if it considers it right to do so, using its discretionary powers in the Transport Act 1985.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to extend the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to place a duty on transport operators to allow disabled people to use all their vehicles. [3258]

The Government have already taken significant steps towards delivering accessible transport under the DDA. Regulations setting standards of access for trains, buses and coaches are already in force. Taxi drivers are also now under a duty to carry guide, hearing and other assistance dogs and we will be consulting in due course on access standards for licensed taxis.My officials are involved in constructive discussions with both the transport industries and disability organisations regarding the further extension of the Disability Discrimination Act to transport operators, and the other recommendations relating to transport made by the Disability Rights Task Force in its report "From Exclusion to Inclusion."Our aim is to find ways in which we can take forward the recommendations to deliver further improvements in access and mobility to disabled people without compromising the viability of industry. I hope to be in a position to publish a consultation paper on the options by the turn of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will list the airports which have facilities to process assistance animals travelling on passports for pets with their owners; [1723](2) if he will list the airline carriers which will allow assistance animals to travel on board with their owners under the passport for pets scheme. [1724]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the recent division of regional responsibilities between different Government Departments. [1286]

I am replying to this question as it relates to ministerial responsibilities.I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 9 July 2001,

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many residential care and nursing (a) homes and (b) places he estimates there will be in (i) 2002, (ii) 2003 and (iii) 2004. [921]

No estimates have been made centrally of the number of residential or nursing care homes in 2002, 2003 and 2004, nor of the places within those homes. On behalf of the Department, the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) has made longer term projections of future levels of demand for long-term residential and non-residential care services for older people on a range of assumptions. The PSSRU projected that, keeping pace with demographic pressures, the number of older people in residential and nursing care homes will respectively rise by 12 per cent. and 13 per cent. over the period 1996 to 2010. This is equivalent, for both types of care, to almost 1 per cent. a year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how the cumulative additional investment on mental health care over three years from 1999 has been allocated (a) for each year, (b) between health and social services and (c) between different Government initiatives and programmes; [1464](2) when he will make allocations to health authorities under the mental health framework for 2001–02; and what is the total amount to be allocated. [1462]

The additional central investment on mental health care over the three years from 1999 is shown in the table, (a) for each year and (b) between health and social services (in £ millions).It is not possible to give accurate information on the split between different Government initiatives and programmes because the funding was allocated with health authority baselines to tackle local needs.The total additional amount to be allocated in 2001–02 is £12.35 million revenue and £58 million capital. The allocation process has already begun and should be completed by the autumn. Most of this additional funding in 2001–02 will be used to provide significant improvements to high secure services.

Mental health investment: national service framework/NHS Plan implementation
£ million
Revenue investment	NHS CAMHS (child)	NHS adults	PSS (personal social services)
1999–2000	10.0	58.5	146.0
2000–01	10.0	56.0	13.0
2001–02	2—	12.35	3,420.0
Committed so far	20	126.85	77.0

Capital investment
	£ million
1999–2000	4.5
2000–01	9.0
2001–02	558.0
1 Eight for CAMHS
2 The planned £10 million increase to the central funding for CAMHS was issued as part of the growth health authorities received in 2001–02—it was not separately identified. Targets are however being monitored. The £20 million central funding for 1999–2000 and 2000–01 has been added recurrently to HAs' baselines
3 Of the £20 million, £1 million went to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for the homeless mentally ill initiative and a further £1 million is to be used for central initiatives
4 Five for CAMHS
5 Includes £5 million for acute psychiatric ward refurbishment, and £9 million for Fallon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list, by name of report and health authority, the independent inquiries into mental health services established under HSG (94) 27 which have been published since February 1994. [2009]

[holding answer 4 July 2001]: The information requested has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by name of subject and health authority the independent inquiries into mental health services established under HSG (94) 27 which are currently under way but which have not yet published reports. [2001]

[holding answer 4 July 2001]: The information requested is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will set out the principal duties of the London NHS housing co-ordinator; and what targets have been set and what resources have been allocated to the post holder. [2688]

The National Health Service housing co-ordinator was appointed by the NHS Estates Agency on 1 April 2000, and is now one year into a three-year programme. He is supported by three full-time staff and has access to professional and other support staff at the London regional office, and within the NHS Estates Agency. The principal duties, and targets, have changed during this period, and now include: to improve the quality and quantity of affordable homes for NHS staff in support of the NHS's recruitment and retention requirements; to deliver the NHS Plan's target to secure 2,000 additional residential units in London; to estimate the need outside London, securing additional residential units as required, starting in the south east; establish a London wide NHS accommodation bureau; pilot a scheme to provide affordable hotel type rooms in London; consider ways of providing affordable home ownership for NHS staff; and issue guidance, advice, and best practice exemplars for providing staff accommodation. Following the initial success of the programme, the team are now rolling out the initiative to cover areas in the rest of England where high property prices impact on staff recruitment and retention.The post holder has delivered, or is on target to deliver, these objectives. Initial milestones for the project involve securing new accommodation at Lever Street, EC1, which in addition provides 26 hotel-type rooms, Pentland House, SE13, and most recently in Kilburn at Acorn Estates. The NHS accommodation bureau has been established with access to more than 12,000 residential units in London.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Woodspring, (Dr. Fox) of 25 June 2001, Official Report, column 26W, on overseas nurses, what the nature of these representations were; to what countries his Department intends to extend the initiative offered to Spain; what countries have turned down the opportunity to enter into a similar agreement; what reasons they gave for turning down such an opportunity; and if he will make a statement. [2701]

The countries outlined in response to the hon. Member for Woodspring (Dr. Fox) on 25 June have made written or verbal representations to the Department about the availability of health care professionals from their country to work in the National Health Service.The Department will work with these and other countries making a similar approach to agree the most appropriate means to support international co-operation in the recruitment, secondment, exchange or development of health care professionals with the NHS, which is of mutual benefit.To date, no country has declined to work with us and no country has yet agreed a similar arrangement to the one we have with Spain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many expressions of interest his Department has received about introducing NHS walk-in centres. [2523]

We received 100 applications following the issue of Health Service Circular 1999–116 in May 1999.39 of the 40 National Health Service walk-in centres that were approved in 1999 are open. A further three National Health Service walk-in centres were approved in 2000. By the end of 2001 all 43 will be open.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the costs of providing additional security measures at Ashworth special hospital which arose out of the Fallon inquiry and the Tilt report. [2806]

£4.5 million capital was invested in 1999–2000 to improve security and safety at Ashworth hospital in response to the findings of the Fallon inquiry report. A review was also undertaken at that time of the likely need for future investment on security and modernisation. As a result, an additional £3 million capital per year was allocated for this purpose to the Department's north-west regional office. £16 million of capital funding is being made available to Ashworth hospital authority, over the period 2000 to 2004, to meet the additional security measures recommended for the hospital in the Tilt report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much it cost to erect a new security fence at Ashworth special hospital; and if he will make a statement. [2805]

The report of the review of security at the high security hospitals (the Tilt report), published in May 2000, recommended that the perimeter security of the three high security psychiatric hospitals, Ashworth, Broadmoor and Rampton, should be upgraded. The recommendation was accepted by the Government. Current estimates are that the planned additional external perimeter barrier at Ashworth hospital will cost £1.7 million capital. Schemes linked to the external perimeter barrier, including external and internal perimeter roads, will cost a further £1.5 million capital, making a total cost of £3.2 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources have been allocated for additional security measures at Ashworth special hospital arising out of the Tilt report; and if he will make a statement. [2807]

£16 million of capital funding is being made available to Ashworth hospital authority, over the period 2000–04, to meet the additional security measures recommended for the hospital in the Tilt report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many lives were lost in NHS hospitals as a result of MRSA in each of the last 12 years. [2378]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: There are no centrally held statistics on deaths caused by hospital acquired infections, including Methicillin resistant "Staphylococcus aureus" (MRSA).MRSA infection can take the form of many different diseases from trivial skin infection to pneumonia or septicaemia. It is difficult to tell what contribution MRSA infection makes to death. MRSA does not have a distinct code within the revision of the international classification of diseases used for coding diagnostic data in the National Health Service and death registration data at the Office for National Statistics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances hospitals with individual trusts but combined clinical services may apply for teaching services. [2925]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: The arrangements for establishing training placements for National Health Service staff will vary according to the staff group involved and the stage of training they have reached. The most important aspects local education providers will consider are the quality of training on offer and the range and depth of experience required from the placement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce proposals to reform the clinical negligence system. [3618]

I have announced today my intention to publish a White Paper early in 2002 on reforming the way clinical negligence claims are handled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will respond to the Health Committee's report, "Head Injury: Rehabilitation" (HC307 Session 2000–2001). [2395]

We expect to publish our response to the report before Parliament rises on 20 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what is the cost, per month, for each of the last six months, of the Millennium Dome to (a) the Millennium Commission, (b) Government Departments and (c) private funds. [76]

[holding answer 25 June 2001]: The New Millennium Experience company (NMEC) has advised that the monthly cost of the Dome and the site on which it stands for the last six months is as follows:

	£000
January 2001	2,615
February 2001	1,635
March 2001	1,459
April 2001	719
May 2001	687
June 2001	1486
1 Budgeted costs

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the opening date of the Millennium Bridge. [80]

[holding answer 25 June 2001]: This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I will write to the hon. Member in my capacity as Chairman of the Commission, and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on compensation for self-employed tour guides affected by foot and mouth restrictions. [2149]

It is the long-standing policy of successive Governments not to offer compensation for consequential losses associated with animal disease outbreaks. However, despite the restrictions needed to control foot and mouth, more and more of the countryside is open for business and there is still plenty to do and see. Visitor attractions are continuing to open and rights of way throughout England are now 68 per cent. open. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs wrote to local authority chief executives on 22 June proposing revocation of blanket closures of public rights of way. I am confident that these measures will benefit self-employed tour guides.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she last met representatives of the British Hospitality Association to discuss the impact of foot and mouth on tourism. [132]

[holding answer 25 June 2001]: Representatives of the BHA were present when I addressed the CBI's tourism Conference, "Tourism UK—Restoration or Regeneration", on June 26, as well as the Tourism Foot and Mouth Summit which I chaired on 3 July.On both occasions I stressed the importance I attach to my Department's sponsorship of the tourism industry, and I look forward to meeting the BHA on many occasions in the future.My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State is arranging a series of meetings, which will include discussions with the representatives of the British Hospitality Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of the foot and mouth crisis on the hotel and tourism industry on the Isle of Wight. [2695]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: Our best estimate to date is that the loss of revenue in 2001–02 by the English tourist industry is likely to be around £120 million per week averaged over the eight month tourism season. We have not attempted to apportion this overall estimate to individual Regional Tourist Boards or individual tourism destinations, such as the Isle of Wight, since the available data do not enable this to be done with a sufficient degree of reliability. We are currently revising the model on which this estimate is based in the light of the latest available data.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on standards of service in public libraries. [117]

[holding answer 25 June 2001]: The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 makes it a duty of library authorities to

provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.

We introduced standards of service for library authorities from 1 April 2001 to help them and users understand what is required under the Act. Since 1998, we have also encouraged better planning and accountability in public library services through the introduction of annual library plans and these will now act as the vehicle for monitoring and assessing library authorities' performance against the standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many representatives of the Film Council attended the latest Cannes Film Festival; at what costs to public funds; and how many new British films were screened at the festival. [115]

[holding answer 25 June 2001]: 28 Film Council and British Film Commission (BFC) staff attended the Cannes "Marché"—the commercial film market—which runs parallel with the main Film Festival, at a cost of £66,500. 100 British films were shown or promoted at the Marché.The BFC ran a series of seminars and workshops for international/European producers and other industry professionals explaining film finance opportunities in the UK; the range of the production section in the UK; and financial and fiscal mechanisms that can benefit films that shoot in the UK. In addition the BFC organised three showcases exploring different areas of production expertise and co-hosted a reception with the British Screen Advisory Council for European producers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many diary appointments for the Secretary of State were cancelled on her taking office. [1269]

I have not cancelled any of my diary engagements since becoming Secretary of State. Invitations accepted by my predecessor, my right hon. Friend the Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith) for engagements after June 8 were accepted on the understanding that they would need to be reconsidered should a new Secretary of State be appointed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the future of digital terrestrial television. [2091]

The Government have set out in their White Paper—A New Future for Communications—their proposals for the sector, including working with industry and viewer groups to develop a clear and effective strategy for achieving the switchover to digital broadcasting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the subsidy to S4C was (a) in total and (b) per viewer in the last year. [1754]

The level of S4C's grant in aid is determined by a formula introduced by the Broadcasting Act 1996. For the calendar year 2000, S4C's grant in aid was £78.218 million. The BBC also produce 10 hours per week of Welsh language programmes for broadcasting on S4C, costed at £16 million for the financial year 2000–01. This represents a cost of approximately £65 per viewer, based on S4C's estimated weekly reach of 1.441 million viewers for the year. In addition, outside peak hours S4C broadcasts the best of Channel 4's English language output.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will undertake a review into the quality and content of religious broadcasting on (a) terrestrial and (b) satellite television. [1660]

[holding answer 3 July 2001]: No. Requirements with regard to religious broadcasting are set out in the BBC's Agreement with the Secretary of State, and in the case of other broadcasters, in their licences. It is the responsibility of the BBC Governors and the Independent Television Commission to ensure that those requirements are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make it her policy to provide free television licences to all old age pensioners. [2478]

The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over, because older pensioners are more likely to be reliant on television as their window on the world. Older pensioners are also more likely to be on low incomes. We have no plans to extend free television licences to pensioners below the age of 75.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the timetable is for the introduction of new proposals on concessionary television licences; and if she will make a statement. [2838]

We hope to set a timetable shortly for the introduction of measures to preserve the rights of beneficiaries of the Accommodation for Residential Care concessionary television licence scheme who remain in accommodation provided or managed by a local authority, a housing association or a development corporation, when the social mix or the level of warden cover change. We are currently consulting with the BBC on the implementation of the proposals to ensure that they will work smoothly. Regulations will then be introduced.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her answer of 2 July 2001, Official Report, columns 73–77W, what measures she has taken to monitor the effectiveness of the school sport co-ordinator programme. [2814]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: In addition to Sport England's standard monitoring of Lottery projects, the Government's Plan for Sport commits DCMS and DfES to commissioning an impact study to look at the effectiveness of the school sport co-ordinator programme in raising school standards, raising sporting standards and increasing participation for all young people, with an emphasis on under-represented groups. We are in discussion with Sport England, the New Opportunities Fund and the Youth Sport Trust about the nature of that impact study, which we expect to have under way in September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what recent discussions she has had with the International Amateur Athletic Federation regarding London's ability to host the 2005 World Athletics Championships; [3197]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: I spoke on the telephone to Istvan Gyulai, General Secretary of the IAAF, on 2 July to reiterate the Government's support for the World Athletics Championships being staged in London in 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to expand indoor tennis coaching facilities throughout the country. [2329]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: Sport England are currently working with the Lawn Tennis Association to develop a facilities planning model to quantify the need for additional indoor tennis facilities and to identify the areas of greatest deficiency. This will be used to inform a new strategy to expand the provision of indoor facilities building on previous investments made by the Lawn Tennis Association, Sport England and the All England Club.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what public funds are allocated for the Space for Sport and Art Programme; how much has been spent on this programme to date; and on which projects. [3255]

£130 million has been allocated to the Space for Sport and Art Programme—£75 million from the Capital Modernisation Fund and £55 million from three lottery distributors, the New Opportunities Fund, Sport England and the Arts Council of England. As announced in March 2001, around 300 schools have been invited to develop detailed applications, which are due by the end of October. To date some £150,000 has been spent on: producing technical guidance; assessing initial bids; running regional workshops; and developing training packages for the 65 local education authorities involved in the programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if her Department has completed the audit of UK sports facilities; and if she will make a statement. [3179]

Local authorities are best placed to assess the level of provision in their area as part of their development plans. Therefore, the Government's Plan for Sport encourages local authorities in England to carry out research of Sport England, and recommends that each local authority should develop a strategy for community sports provision over the next five years which, through consultation with the relevant agencies, ensures that new and enhanced indoor and outdoor facilities provide equal opportunity for participation.Local planning authorities will be encouraged by Sport England, through its regional offices, to consider both public and commercial provision when drawing up development plan policies for sport and recreation and also the role of planning obligations in providing and maintaining more socially inclusive community sports facilities.A new consultative body—the Community Sport Alliance—will encourage good practice in the development of community facilities and also identify best practice in ensuring the inclusion of community and social provision in alternative facility management models.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with representatives from the Commonwealth Development Corporation regarding the adoption of OECD guidelines for multinational companies; and if she will make a statement. [2283]

When CDC was transformed from a statutory corporation into a public limited company on 8 December 1999 a set of Business Principles was put in place concerning the areas of business integrity, the environment, social issues and health and safety. These confirmed CDC's commitment to best business practice. They were placed in the Library of the House during the passage of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Act 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the least developed countries that have been targeted for investment by the CDC in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement. [2286]

In the last three years CDC has invested funds in the following countries classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs).1998

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made in providing sporting facilities in Montserrat. [1305]

We have provisionally allocated a maximum of £72 million for Montserrat over the next five years, subject to our normal processes of resource allocation and review, in order to continue our work to restore the economic and social fabric of the island. This will bring our total assistance to Montserrat to some £207 million since the onset of the crisis. We have an on-going dialogue with the Government of Montserrat about their priorities for the use of these funds. This includes help for recreational facilities.

To ask the Prime Minister what is the membership of each Cabinet Committee. [3617]

To ask the Prime Minister (1) what role he plans for the Joint Cabinet Consultative Committee; and if he has discussed this with the Leader of the Liberal Democrats; [351](2) if he will list the policy areas on which he plans to

I have placed a copy of the current list of Cabinet Committees, their membership and terms of reference in the Library of the House. Details will also be updated on the Cabinet Office website.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the responsibilities of each Department of State in relation to the Dome. [3254]

The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions is responsible for all issues relating to the future use of the Millennium Dome. This includes the sponsorship of English Partnerships, the Government's urban regeneration agency, which, as landowner and owner of the Dome Structure, is responsible for management and maintenance of the Dome and the Dome site.The Department for Culture, Media and Sport provides advice and support to the Shareholder of the New Millennium Experience Company (NMEC), currently Lord Falconer of Thoroton.

To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Lewes of 4 July 2001, Official Report, column 256, on what evidence he bases his statement that incineration is a cheaper option than recycling in terms of waste dispersal. [3133]

The Government's overall strategy for waste is first and foremost to cut waste and, secondly, to recycle, and only then to consider incineration and other opinions lower down the waste hierarchy. We are purchasing a range of measures intended to support recycling. These include the £40 million Waste and Resources Action Programme to overcome market barrier to re-use and recycling, increase in the Landfill Tax, and increased financial support for recycling through Spending Review 2000 and the next round of the New Opportunities Fund.Relative costs of incineration and recycling are given in the Government's Waste Strategy 2000, Part 2 (appendix C), copies of which have been placed in the Library. This details the independent research which shows incineration is less expensive than recycling under a wide range of conditions.

To ask the Prime Minister which teacher trade union representatives were invited to participate in recent discussions on the future of public services held at No. 10 Downing street. [3160]

I did not meet representatives from the teachers' trade unions on this occasion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish the report of the Chief Electoral Officer for 2000–01. [3532]

I am pleased to announce that the annual report of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland for the year 2000–01 has been laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will publish the evidence submitted by her Department to the SSRB on returner bonus payments for teachers. [3020]

On 26 June the Government published the school teachers' review body's report on welcome back bonuses for returners to teaching. I am today placing in the Library copies of the supplementary evidence that officials from my Department submitted to the review body.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she will publish details of the basis of calculation for value-added league tables for the academic year 2001–02. [3023]

Our proposals in respect of value-added measures were set out in detail in the "Publication of School and College Performance Tables in 2001" consultation document issued on 30 March this year, copies of which have been placed in the Library. We are now working with some 200 volunteer schools on a pilot programme for the calculation of measures of progress made from key stage 2 to key stage 3 and from key stage 3 to GCSE/GNVQ. The results of the pilot will be published in the autumn, with a full explanation of the methodology used. The evaluation of this year's pilot, along with further consultation early next year, will inform final decisions on the publication of these two measures for all secondary schools in the 2002 performance tables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the local education authorities where private sector consultants have been appointed to investigate the management and organisation of future service delivery following adverse Ofsted reports; if she will name the private sector contractor appointed in each case; and if she will publish the value of each of the contracts. [1786]

[holding answer 3 July 2001]: The names of the local education authorities where private sector consultants have been appointed following adverse Ofsted reports are as follows:

• Bradford—PWC
• Bristol—Birmingham LEA/APS Keele
• Derby—Capita
• Dudley—OPM
• Hackney—KPMG and OPM
• Haringey—Capital and PWC
• Islington—PWC
• Leeds—PWC and CGEY
• Leicester City—OPM
• Liverpool—KPMG
• Redbridge—DBi
• Rochdale—KPMG
• Rotherham—OPM
• Sandwell—KPMG
• Sheffield—OPM
• Southwark—KPMG
• Walsall—PWC
• Waltham Forest—PWC.

The total value of the contracts given is £6.1 million, including VAT on consultancy related to intervention.The cost of individual consultancy contracts for intervention work is commercial in confidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills of those students successfully completing a (a) BEd. and (b) teacher training course, how many found employment in (i) schools and (ii) the further education sector in (A) September 2000, (B) September 1999 and (C) September 1993. [2405]

Successful completers of ITT courses in England¹ in 1993 who entered service up to 31 March 1994 and successful completers of ITT courses in England¹ in 1998 who entered service up to 31 March 1999 (the latest date at which information is available) are as follows:

Calendar year completed course	Maintained schools	Further Education2
BEd
19933	5,510	30
19984	6,440	30
PGCE
19933	9,910	220
19984	10,820	130
Total
19933	15,410	240
19984	17,260	160
As a percentage of all QTS completers
19933	71	1
19984	70	1
1 Includes those trained through the Open University
2 In addition there are part-time teachers in Further Education whose service is not recorded, as they are not members of the Teachers Pension Scheme
3 Includes 163 teachers who trained in England and entered service in maintained schools or FE in Wales
4 Includes 148 teachers who trained in England and entered service in maintained schools or FE in Wales

Other teachers successfully completing a course of ITT will have found employment in the independent schools sector, the HE sector, or in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the problems of recruitment and retention of lecturers in the further education sector; and what action she proposes to take. [2598]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: We have supported financially a project commissioned by the Association of Colleges, "National Review of Staffing and Pay in Further Education", which was undertaken in conjunction with the nationally recognised trade unions for further education (excluding sixth form colleges). We acknowledge that colleges need help to ensure that they have the right arrangements to recruit, reward and retain excellent teachers. Starting this year, significant extra resources amounting to an additional £300 million over the next three years have been made available to the further education sector to reward high calibre staff through our Teaching Pay Initiative, £44 million of which will be shared by sixth form colleges. The total figure is over and above the annual pay round. In addition, we plan to implement arrangements for FE teachers of shortage subjects to benefit from golden hellos comparable to those already in schools and from arrangements we are piloting to help new entrants to the profession to pay off their student loans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how the Government's commitment to increase the level of funding for the lowest-funded school sixth forms will be applied by the Learning and Skills Council to schools in the Mid-Dorset and North Poole constituency. [2851]

There is significant variation at present between the levels of funding given to school sixth forms by local authorities. The Government have given an unprecedented guarantee to school sixth forms that, when the LSC takes over the responsibility for funding them in April 2002, their funding will be maintained, in real terms, at 2000–01 levels, provided their pupil numbers do not fall. This means that convergence can only be upwards. The speed at which convergence can be achieved will depend on the overall availability of resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will take steps to increase the level of funding for post-16 school education in the (a) Poole and (b) Dorset local education authorities. [2852]

From 2002–03 the funding of post-16 school education in these and other education authorities will be the responsibility of the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Funds will be passed to schools by their education authorities. The overall total from which the LSC will calculate allocations for each school has yet to be determined, but will be announced shortly. School sixth forms will be protected by a real terms guarantee whereby their funding will not fall provided they maintain their numbers on roll.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers from (a) Hampshire, (b) Southampton, (c) Portsmouth and (d) the Isle of Wight local education authorities received training on teachers' pay thresholds at (i) Winchester, (ii) Brighton and (iii) Portsmouth; and how many teachers in total received that training at each location. [2929]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: Head teachers from (a) Hampshire, (b) Southampton, (c) Portsmouth and (d) the Isle of Wight local education authorities attended threshold training at Brighton and Winchester. 148 attended training at Brighton; 237 attended training at Winchester. The total number of head teachers trained at Winchester was 675, and the total number trained at Brighton was 655.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what range of payments is available to returning teachers as returner bonus payments; [3021](2) what criteria are to be used for assessing the eligibility of returning teachers for returner bonus payments. [3022]

On 26 June 2001 the Government published the school teachers' review body's report on welcome back bonuses for returners to teaching and our response to this report. This response contains our proposals on eligibility for the bonuses and their value. I have placed copies of both the STRB's report and the Government's response in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many advisers have been employed for the Connexions Service; and how many vacancies remain. [3019]

The 12 partnerships that went live on 1 April 2001 are in a transition stage, building up their personal adviser staff from partner organisations, including the Careers Service and Youth Service, and by recruitment of new staff. Preliminary figures reported by partnerships at the end of May 2001 indicate that 991 full-time equivalent personal advisers were in post.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance her Department has given to local authorities on the role of external members of education committees in authorities with a leader and combined structure. [3025]

Guidance on the role of parent governor and diocesan representatives on local authority committees dealing with education is given through "Replacement Chapter 3 (Overview and scrutiny under executive arrangements) of the Local Government Act 2000: Guidance to English district councils and London borough councils". This guidance was issued on 15 March 2001 by the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions in conjunction with the Department for Education and Skills.In addition, parent governor and diocesan representatives have access to the joint member training programme of the Department for Education and Skills and the Local Government Association. The programme includes a CD-ROM on school standards with guidance on council constitutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance her Department gave to the QCA on the new Art A-level and AS-level syllabuses. [3026]

The Department does not offer advice on the content of individual specifications. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is responsible for the development of A/AS-level criteria and the accreditation of A/AS specifications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list those who were consulted prior to the determination of the new Art A-level and AS-level syllabuses. [3027]

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority consulted representatives from the awarding bodies, schools, colleges, Higher Education, subject association, examiners, Welsh and Northern Ireland regulatory authorities, local education authorities and a small number of employers in developing the A/AS Art and Design criteria and accrediting the specifications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make public the remit letter of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority inquiry into AS-level examinations. [3120]

[holding answer 9 July 2001]: A copy of the remit letter will be placed in the Library together with the report of the QCA's review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many A-level exam scripts were returned to schools for checking following publication of the results for the academic year 1999–2000; and how many results were challenged. [3162]

A total sum of 51,572 A-level examination scripts were returned to schools. 29,628 results were challenged, which represented 3.8 per cent. of the A-level examination entries. Out of that, 4,644 resulted in a grade change, representing 0.6 per cent. of all entries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what changes have been made to the Graduate Teacher Programme since 18 January. [3028]

On 12 March my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State announced new funding to take the total number of Graduate Teacher Programme places available from 1,680 to 2,250 a year. Altogether, since 18 January 1,729 places on the programme have been allocated, 1,534 of those to schools outside London. In addition, my Department and the Teacher Training Agency have been working together on proposals to simplify the administration of the programme. The regulations needed to bring this about will be laid before Parliament in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will publish the evidence submitted by her Department to Ofsted for its review of the inspection regime. [3029]

My Department will not be submitting evidence to Ofsted. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have discussed with HM Chief Inspector the need for the inspection regime to continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of teachers, governors, parents and other stakeholders. We welcome the consultation exercise which HM Chief Inspector will launch later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which Ministers and officials attended her Department's Awayday meeting; where the meeting was held; and what the cost of the meeting was. [3161]

The Department's Awayday was held at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, Berkshire. Ministerial colleagues, senior civil servants and I undertook a review of current policies and strategic priorities. My ministerial colleagues at the Department for Education and Skills and I attended the Awayday along with the Department's board. The event was also attended by the Department's Whips and parliamentary private secretaries. The head of policy from No. 10 attended for part of the Awayday and the head of the No. 10 delivery unit was a guest speaker. Officials from the Department serviced the event and provided the secretariat.The provisional cost of the event is £4,000. Should the final total differ significantly from our estimate I will write to the hon. Member with the new information and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the average classroom size of state schools is within the Greater London area. [3210]

The size of the average maintained primary and maintained secondary class in Greater London in January 2001 was 27.0 and 22.1 respectively. Comparable figures for England are 26.7 and 22.0. The latest class data were recently published in a Statistical First Release "Class Sizes in Maintained Schools in England 2001" on 6 April, copies of which are available from the Library, or alternatively can be accessed from the Department for Education and Skills' statistical website www.dfes.gsi.gov.uk/statistics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent consultations she has had with the Turkish Government about the building of the Ilisu Dam. [1549]

Neither I nor my predecessor have had any discussions with the Turkish Government about the building of the Ilisu Dam. Officials at ECGD are in contact with the Turkish authorities regarding the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government have to ensure that customers of banks and building societies which are not participating members of the Universal Bank are able to withdraw cash from post offices free of charge. [2361]

[holding answer 5 July 2001]: We are continuing discussions with banks and building societies not party to the Memorandum of Understanding on universal banking services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total of (a) premiums received and (b) claims paid by the Export Credits Guarantee Department was in each business area in each of the last 10 financial years. [2732]

For the last 10 years the figures for premium received, claims paid and recoveries are as follows:

Financial Year	Premium	Claims	Recoveries	Net Position
1990–91	158.5	967.50	477.70	-331.30
1991–92	159.0	954.10	472.90	-322.20
1992–93	140.0	734.30	484.00	-110.30
1993–94	112.0	512.00	416.00	16.00
1994–95	113.0	422.00	341.10	32.10
1995–96	106.0	295.00	473.00	284.00
1996–97	130.0	231.00	558.00	457.00
1997–98	127.0	165.70	517.00	478.30
1998–99	81.0	145.00	425.00	361.00
1999–2000	102.0	296.00	343.00	149.00

ECGD does not maintain its records on a basis, which would enable it to provide a breakdown across business area as requested without disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the overall value of exports was from the Yorkshire and Humber region in each of the last five years to (a) Europe and (b) the USA; and if she will indicate separately the figures for steel and related products. [2964]

The available information is given in the table:

Exports of goods from Yorkshire and the Humber
£ million
	EU	USA
1999	4,946	754
2000	5,508	928

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she proposes to review the need for statutory action in respect of age discrimination in employment. [3093]

The Government intend, in line with the European Employment Directive (2000/78/EC), to introduce legislation to outlaw age discrimination in employment and training and will start public consultations later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what operational targets she has set for the Small Business Service for 2001–02. [3665]

The Small Business Service was established on 3 April 2000 as an Executive Agency. It has had a successful first year and the first annual report has today been placed in the Library of the House.The vision of the SBS is for the UK to be the best place in the world to start and grow a business. Its purpose is to build an enterprise society in which small businesses thrive and achieve their potential.The objectives of the SBS are: to be a strong voice for small business at the heart of Government, ensuring that Government is aware of, and responsive to, the needs of all small businesses; to strive for a regulatory framework which minimises the burdens on business; to develop and maintain a world-class business support service to enhance businesses' competitiveness and profitability; and to champion the importance of entrepreneurship across society, particularly in under-represented and disadvantaged groups.The SBS will review its plans regularly in response to the needs of small business. In line with the requirement for Executive Agencies to be given operational targets, I have set the following targets for the 2001–02 year:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will decide which Regional Development Agency chairs and board members are being reappointed. [3666]

I am pleased to announce that I intend to re-appoint the Chairs of the eight Regional Development Agencies in England (outside London) for varying terms. The new appointments, of periods of up to three years, will take effect from 14 December 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what support her Department is giving to EMDA's involvement in regeneration in Warsop and Warsop Vale. [2222]

[holding answer 5 July 2001]: The Department is working with the East Midland Development Agency on a range of initiatives to support the regeneration of Warsop and Warsop Vale including the Meden Valley Partnership Special Purpose Vehicle and the Malcolm Sargisson Community Resource Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the Post Office on maintenance of rural deliveries in areas of foot and mouth disease. [2740]

I have been advised by Consignia (the new name for the Post Office) that Royal Mail and Parcelforce Worldwide are following advice from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs about delivering letters and parcels during the current outbreak of foot and mouth disease. Guidelines have been issued to all staff about deliveries in affected areas, with advice on appropriate precautions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many premises in Cumbria are not receiving a postal service to the door because of foot and mouth disease. [2741]

I have been advised by Consignia that 3,733 premises in Cumbria are not receiving a postal service to the door as a result of the foot and mouth outbreak.Consignia is in constant contact with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The company is offering alternative arrangements to customers, and aims for the full service to be restored when the current outbreak has been eradicated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what notice her Department has received of alleged breaches of (a) UK sovereignty and (b) international law in areas covered by her Department in the last six months; and if she will make a statement. [1952]

My Department is responsible for a wide range of areas of international law. I would ask the hon. Member to write to me indicating his particular areas of concern.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations her Department has received in the last 12 months concerning reform of planning laws affecting business. [1429]

The Department has had a number of representations from the business community about the planning system. We have been consulting widely over the last year with all key stakeholders interfacing with the planning system to explore its impact on business and competitiveness.The Government have recently announced a reform of planning and we are working closely on this with the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his Department's plans to redesign police helmets; and what criteria he proposes to use to decide on the future design. [1246]

There are no specific plans to introduce a new design for police helmets. Standards and specifications are constantly monitored to ensure that all headgear is fit for purpose and affords the appropriate level of protection, including complying with Health and Safety legislation, which has applied to the police since June 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the coroner's inquest into those who died in the Lynx helicopter crash near Tilton on the Hill, Leicestershire on 17 May 1999 will be allowed to proceed. [1081]

The inquest was adjourned pending receipt of a copy of the Ministry of Defence Board of Inquiry report. Although this has now become available, completion of the coroner's inquiries and the absence abroad of a prospective key witness delayed finalising arrangements for the next hearing. Having regard to the witness's availability and the need to make progress in the interests of the families, I understand that the coroner expects to hold the inquest by late September or early October.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what remarks were made concerning Oldham in the UK periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination. [2278]

The United Kingdom's 15th periodic report to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) was published in July 1999. The report details the legislative, judicial and administrative measures undertaken in the United Kingdom to address racism. The report provided an overview of the situation in the United Kingdom and did not therefore detail the situation in local areas or towns such a Oldham.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further measures he plans to take to promote improved community relations in Oldham. [2279]

Shortly after the disturbance my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary met representatives from Oldham metropolitan borough council and Greater Manchester police, as well as hon. Members representing Oldham, to discuss the situation in the town. As a result, an action plan for recovery, to be prepared in Oldham following a review which will encompass the contribution of all sectors of the local community, is to be prepared within the next four months. The Home Secretary made it clear that the Government, across all Departments, stand ready to offer whatever support and independent advice is needed to help towns such as Oldham (and Burnley, which has of course since suffered similar disorder) begin to heal their divisions and build a better future.I visited Oldham on 25 June to meet local people about the town's problems at first hand. However, the primary job of tackling the root causes of the complex social and specific problems that give rise to divisions and disturbances of this kind must be done at local level. We do of course welcome any local initiatives that help to address these issues in a constructive manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of progress in eliminating racial discrimination in Oldham. [2277]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I have sought the views of our race advisers and the Commission for Racial Equality on the issue of racial discrimination in Oldham and the extent to which it can be seen as a factor behind the recent disturbances there. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has also met representatives of Oldham council, local police, young people and local hon. Members to discuss this and other aspects of the situation. The Home Secretary has also asked the Government Office for the North-West for its views as to how matters can be improved in this area. I hope that, with our support, those who want to tackle racial discrimination in Oldham and its associated problems will identify what needs to be done over the weeks and months ahead. At the Home Secretary's meeting with local representatives it was agreed that within four months a local action programme would be prepared. This will no doubt contain, among other things, proposals for combating racial discrimination in Oldham.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much time was spent unlocked in (a) male local prisons, (b) male closed training prisons, (c) male young offender institutions, (d) female prisons and (e) female young offender institutions in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [2473]

The average time out of cell per weekday in male local prisons, male closed training prisons, male young offender institutions, female prisons and female young offender institutions for the years 1999–2000 and 2000–01 are listed in the table. Comparable data for 1996–97 are not available. Establishments are categorised by their main role only. Female young offender institutions are included in the relevant part of the female estate.

	1999–20001	2000–011
Category B	10.7	10.6
Category C	11.3	10.8
Dispersal	9.5	9.5
Female closed	11.2	11.3
Female local	10.8	9.1
Female open	18.5	19.0
Male closed young offender	9.3	8.4
Male juvenile	10.8	10.8
Male local	8.8	8.8
Male open young offender	12.7	12.9
Male remand centre	8.1	6.9
1 Average time out of cell (weekdays)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were (a) employed in industrial workshops and (b) employed in agriculture and horticulture, in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01; how many prisoners were employed as a percentage of the prison population in each of these periods; and if he will make a statement. [2470]

The tables set out the number of prisoners employed in industrial workshops and in agriculture and horticulture, expressed as a percentage of the average prison population for the year from 1996 to the most recently available data.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the total number of hours of educational study was in (a) male local prisons, (b) male open prisons, (c) male closed training prisons, (d) male young offender institutions, (e) female prisons and (f) female young offender institutions in (i) 1996–97, (ii) 1999–2000 and (iii) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [2469]

The total number of hours of educational study for male local prisons, male open prisons, male closed training prisons, male young offender institutions and female prisons in 1996–97, 1999–2000 and 2000–01 is listed in the table.Establishments are categorised by their main role only. Female young offender institutions are included in the relevant part of the female estate.

Function name	1996–97	1999–2000	2000–01
Category B	1,282,248	1,536,783	1,637,976
Category C	6,038,900	6,452,503	6,681,851
Dispersal	805,420	778,398	799,868
Female closed	294,648	382,229	422,478
Female local	490,052	472,973	531,418
Female open	347,032	300,732	201,368
Male closed YOI	2,846,087	3,147,571	3,446,699
Male juvenile	94,480	136,274	125,254
Male local	4,171,057	6,511,304	6,600,486
Male open	1,620,819	1,179,529	1,196,511
Male open YOI	368,838	358,905	325,660
Male remand centre	67,699	104,159	117,943