To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will publish a bill on the reform of the civil service. [8220]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) by the Prime Minister on 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 819W.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Government bodies, broken down by Departments, next steps agencies and non-departmental public bodies, have been established in each of the last five years. [7807]

Lists of central Government bodies are published regularly by the Cabinet Office. The "List of Ministerial Responsibilities" details Departments and next steps agencies and has been published at regular intervals since 1975. The specific statistics are not held in the form requested. "Public Bodies" lists non-departmental public bodies, NHS bodies, nationalised industries and certain public corporations and has been published annually since 1982. Copies of these publications are available from the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will estimate total annual staff costs for his Department and its agencies by nation and region of the UK; and if he will make a statement. [6781]

The estimated staff costs for the Cabinet Office by region and nation of the United Kingdom is set out in the table.

£000
Region/nation	Staff costs1
Scotland	69
Wales	242
Northern Ireland	0
North East	7,309
North West	10,179
Yorkshire and Humberside	8,138
West Midlands	7,171
East Midlands	6,134
Eastern Region	6,342
South East	16,867
South West	7,470
London	70,995
Total	140,916
1Estimates for 2001–02

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate total staff costs for his Department and its agencies by nation and region of the UK; and if he will make a statement. [6787]

The total amount spent on staff costs for the Northern Ireland Office and its agencies for the 2000–01 financial year was £226 million. Included in this figure is £102 million for prison officer redundancy costs. The bulk of this expenditure was in Northern Ireland, with a small amount spent on costs for London-based staff.Details of NIO expenditure on staff are not recorded strictly by location and so an exact split between Northern Ireland and London cannot be given. However an estimated breakdown is that Northern Ireland accounts for £223 million and London accounts for £3 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the number of staff employed by his Department by region and nation of the UK; and if he will make a statement. [6786]

As at January 2001, based on full-time equivalents there were 1,359 staff from the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) employed by the Department (including Civil Servants working in the Northern Ireland Prison Service) and 195 staff from the Home Civil Service (HCS). Of these 1,554 staff, 1,415 are based in Northern Ireland, 115 in London, and 24 on secondment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total amount of spending by his Department was in each nation and region of the UK, in the last year for which figures are available; what proportion of his Department's total spending this constitutes; and if he will make a statement. [6791]

The total expenditure by the Northern Ireland Office for the 2000–01 financial year was £1,149 million. The bulk of this expenditure was in Northern Ireland, with a small amount spent on costs for London-based offices.Details of NIO expenditure are not recorded strictly by location and so an exact split between Northern Ireland and London cannot be given. However an estimated breakdown is that Northern Ireland accounts for £1,145 million and London accounts for £4 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the total value of London weightings and London living allowances for his Department; and if he will make a statement. [6788]

The total value of London weightings and London living allowances for the Northern Ireland Office for the 2000–01 financial year was £242,500.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many and what proportion of each civil service grade in his Department is located in each region and nation of the UK; what the average salary is for each grade; and if he will make a statement. [6790]

The numbers and grades of staff and their average salary in the Northern Ireland Office as at January 2001, based on full-time equivalents, can be split as follows:

Grade	Northern Ireland	London	Secondment	Total	Average salary (£)
NICS
SCS	23	1	0	24	57,741
A	121	0	3	124	39,277
B1	125	1	1	127	29,197
B2	161	1	1	163	23,144
C	373	4	2	379	17,497
D1	318	0	2	320	13,038
D2	213	1	1	215	9,937
Industrials	7	0	0	7	10,104
Total				1,359
HCS
SCS	13	5	5	23	66,435
A	8	13	1	22	36,126
B1	3	7	2	12	26,816
B2	0	25	0	25	21,422
C	22	22	1	45	17,680
D1	9	22	5	36	13,284
D2	19	13	0	32	10,760
Total				195

To ask the Prime Minister (1) what internal reorganisation of staff has taken place in Downing street since June 2001; and if he will make a statement; [7162](2) if he will publish the staffing structures and lines of account at No. 10 Downing street consequent upon changes announced since June. [7308]

I announced a number of changes to my office in June designed to help achieve our commitment to the modernisation and reform in public services. These were outlined in a Downing street press notice dated 22 June 2001, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.Jonathan Powell remains my Chief of Staff. Alastair Campbell as Director of Communications and Strategy has responsibility for the press, strategic communications and research. Anji Hunter, head of Government Relations, is responsible for relations across Government, with the devolved Administrations, and some foreign Administrations.Within Downing street, Jeremy Heywood remains my Principal Private Secretary. He is responsible for the management and budget for all staff in No. 10 and leads the integrated Policy Directorate covering domestic policy which has been formed by the merger of the No. 10 Private Office and the Policy Unit. The European Adviser's Office is led by Sir Stephen Wall who is also head of the European Secretariat in the Cabinet Office, and the Foreign Policy Adviser's office is led by Sir David Manning who heads the Overseas and Defence Secretariat in the Cabinet Office.I have established a Delivery Unit based in the Cabinet Office which is headed by Michael Barber to help ensure that we achieve our priority objective across the four key areas of public service: health, education, crime and transport. He will report to me under the day to day supervision of the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Lord Macdonald. Wendy Thomson is heading the Office of Public Service Reform also based in the Cabinet Office which is looking at how the Government's commitment to radical reform of the civil service and public services can be taken forward. She will report to me through the Cabinet Secretary. Geoff Mulgan is leading the Forward Strategy Unit which will undertake strategy projects at my request, working very closely with the Performance and Innovation Unit in the Cabinet Office.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the names and job titles of his personal, political and policy staffs at Downing street. [7163]

My political office is staffed as follows:

Name	Position
Robert Hill	Political Secretary
Sally Dobson	Assistant Political Secretary
Razi Rahman	Assistant Political Secretary
Nita Clarke	Assistant Political Secretary

To ask the Prime Minister when he will reply to the letter of 10 October from the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead regarding Palestine; if he will make a statement; and if he will place copies of the correspondence in the Library. [8277]

I have received the letter from my hon. Friend and I shall reply shortly.

To ask the Prime Minister when he plans to publish the document "Defeating Terrorism: Campaign Objectives"; and if he will make a statement. [8197]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary placed a copy of this document in the Library of the House on Tuesday 16 October.

To ask the Prime Minister what role was played by the Cabinet Office Delivery Unit in the placing of Railtrack into administration. [8224]

None.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the roles in social policy of the (a) Social Exclusion Unit, (b) Policy Delivery Unit and (c) Downing Street Policy Unit. [7519]

The Social Exclusion Unit is a cross-departmental Unit of civil servants and staff from outside Government that delivers policy projects on specific social exclusion issues. It is currently working on four policy projects: on reducing re-offending among ex-prisoners; young runaways; raising the educational attainment of children in care; and, transport and social exclusion. The Unit reports to me through the Deputy Prime Minister.For details about the Delivery Unit and the Downing Street Policy Directorate, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) today at column 1361W.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will institute a review of civil defence preparations in the light of the events of 11 September; and if he will publish a summary of its conclusions. [7514]

[holding answer 18 October 2001]: I am responding as the Minister responsible.As the Prime Minister told the House on 8 October 2001,

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures will be put in place to manage national tracks and signals; when he expects to establish a new company to take over from Railtrack; and if he will make a statement. [7964]

I refer the hon. Member to the Statement made to the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on Monday 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 954.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what provision he has made in the Railway Administration Order in respect of Railtrack plc for the planned upgrades of the west coast main line. [8026]

The Government remain committed to providing a revitalised rail network in the UK, and the west coast main line upgrade is an integral part of that commitment. Work on the west coast main line project will continue and we will be discussing with the Railway Administrator the best way of ensuring that the project is taken forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the number, value and location of properties newly leased in each of the last five years by his Department, including and distinguishing between the Department itself, its next step agencies and its non-departmental public bodies, differentiating between purchases made as a result of the creation of new bodies and those purchases made by established bodies. [7821]

Since 1 April 1996, the Department and its Agencies have entered into leases on 225 properties. One hundred and eighty-nine of these added new properties to the DTLR portfolio and 36 were lease renewals. The total annual rental value of these leases is £12,151,310—new property accounts for £11,974,186 and renewed leases account for £177,124.All of these leases were taken by existing organisations, with the exception of the Rent Service. This became an Executive Agency on 1 October 1999 and all 59 of its existing properties transferred to DTLR in 1999, with newly assigned leases.We do not hold information on leases for DTLR non-departmental public bodies.I am placing a list of all leases acquired by DTLR in this period, together with breakdowns by agency and region, in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he intends to publish a transport safety Bill. [7452]

We shall publish in this parliamentary session our proposals to take forward those of Lord Cullen's recommendations which require primary legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans the Government have to review planning policy guidance issued to councils regarding the siting of proposed new incinerators. [8086]

None. Comprehensive planning policy guidance is provided in Planning Policy Guidance note 10, 'Planning and Waste Management', which was issued in September 1999. It already provides advice about how the land use planning system should contribute to achieving sustainable waste management, through the careful siting of new waste management facilities including, where appropriate, incinerators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what progress has been made in the stage 2 study into air travel and health. [8148]

Stage 2 of the Government's study into air travel and health was completed in June and a copy of the consultants' report has been placed on the Department's website. We are actively considering how to implement its main recommendations. In particular, urgent consideration is being given to possible collaboration with the World Health Organisation's recently announced global study of deep vein thrombosis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many staff are employed by the rough sleepers unit. [8323]

The rough sleepers unit is charged with delivering the Prime Minister's target to reduce the numbers of rough sleepers across England to as near zero as possible but by at least two thirds by 2002.The RSU is staffed by civil servants from across Whitehall, as well as outside experts from local government, the voluntary and private sector. There are currently 32 staff employed by the unit.The unit published its second progress report in the summer which shows the significant impact the "Coming in from the Cold" strategy has made. The number of people sleeping rough in England has fallen by 62 per cent. over the last three years. It is estimated that there are 703 people sleeping rough in England in 2001 compared with 1,850 in 1998.The unit is currently carrying out research and consulting organisations and individuals that impact on the strategy, with a view to developing a future strategy that will keep the number of rough sleepers as near to zero as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what targets his Department has for the reduction of homelessness. [8322]

My Department's Public Service Agreement target on rough sleeping is to reduce the number of people sleeping rough by two thirds by April 2002, compared with June 1998, and to keep the number at or below this level thereafter. The rough sleepers unit is responsible for meeting this target and had achieved a 62 per cent. reduction by June 2001.The recently established bed-and-breakfast unit's main objective is to reduce the use of bed-and-breakfast accommodation for homeless families with children. Once the unit has reviewed the current situation and is clear on base-lines, it will set clear and measurable targets.My Department has given a commitment to prepare a national homelessness strategy, which will set out action to tackle homelessness by central and local government as well as other key stakeholders in the housing and voluntary sectors. As part of consultation on this strategy, which ended on 19 October 2001, views were invited on possible homelessness targets in addition to those on rough sleeping and bed-and-breakfast accommodation. My Department is now evaluating the responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what funding his Department has made available for research into improving airport security in the last year; what criteria are used to assess bids for such funding; how much has been allocated for the 2001–02 financial year; and if he will make a statement. [8138]

In the current financial year, £1.67 million has been allocated for research into methods for improving transport security. A similar sum will be made available for the next financial year. In view of the recent events, research priorities have been reassessed and we are also considering whether additional expenditure this year and next could produce significant benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to talk to the National Association of Local Councils about an enhanced role for parish and town councils in the planning process. [8528]

[holding answer 18 October 2001]: The Rural White Paper (paragraph 12.3.2) noted that town and village councils could set out plans for their areas which could be endorsed in supplementary planning guidance. We will shortly be consulting on fundamental changes to the planning system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many motor vehicle registration numbers remained unissued at 1 September in the series: (a) two letters, up to four digits, (b) three letters, up to three digits, (c) up to four digits, two letters, (d) up to three digits, three letters, (e) three letters, up to three digits, year suffix and (f) year prefix, up to three digits, three letters for (i) England, (ii) Scotland and (iii) Wales. [8512]

[holding answer 18 October 2001]: Approximate numbers of vehicle registration marks in categories (a) to (d) are as follows:

(a) 49,000

(b) 660,000

(c) 4.9 million

(d) 7.2 million.

Exact figures cannot be provided as some marks from unissued series have been allocated periodically over the years, for instance to imported vehicles or made available through the DVLA sale of marks scheme. Information on the number of suffix or prefix combinations left unissued or details of the marks currently unassigned in England, Wales and Scotland is not available. It is estimated that there are hundreds of millions of such marks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the role of scheme managers or wardens of sheltered housing schemes following the introduction of "supporting people"; [9133](2) if he will make a statement on his Department's strategy towards "supporting people", with particular reference to its impact on sheltered housing. [9131]

Draft guidance that my Department has developed through consultation with all the major stakeholders, including sheltered housing providers, is due to be issued on 31 October.The Government are committed to supporting the independence of older people, both in their own homes, and in sheltered accommodation, if this is their choice. Local authorities are responsible for assessing housing and support needs in their local areas. Best value reviews of services to older people, and service level reviews of sheltered housing which receive "supporting people" grant, will together help local authorities ensure that sheltered housing provides high quality accommodation and support where it is needed most.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Local Government Association, and (b) representatives of smaller, district housing authorities, on housing stock transfer. [9134]

Ministers in the Department have not met those parties recently to discuss housing stock transfer. However, the Department's officials are willing to meet any authority which is considering stock transfer as a housing strategy option, and they keep in constant touch with those authorities already on the housing transfer programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the bids he has received from bodies other than local authorities under the key worker housing grant scheme involving NHS staff; and for what amounts. [8689]

There was an excellent response to the invitation to submit bids for the £250 million Starter Home Initiative funding to help key workers in areas where high house prices are undermining recruitment and retention. More than 200 bids were received with a total value of £830 million. 175 of these bids, with a value of £580 million, were invited to proceed to the second stage of the bid process.The majority of bids were from registered social landlords, although a small number were from other organisations, including local authorities and private developers.My right hon. Friend announced on 6 September the allocation of £230 million of the funding for 95 schemes. The schemes will provide assistance to 8,000 key workers, including 4,000 NHS staff, to purchase their first homes.A further 2,000 key workers will be helped with interest free equity loans of £10,000 using the remaining £20 million of SHI funding. One thousand of these key workers are expected to be NHS staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to grant public service obligation orders for the Inverness-London air routes; and if he will make a statement. [8348]

The DTLR recently received a proposal from the Scottish Executive outlining the case for the imposition of a public service obligation on the Inverness to London route. This proposal is currently being analysed by the DTLR, while taking the criteria set out in European Regulation 2408/92 into account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures he is taking to secure the safety of passenger luggage on flights; and if he will make a statement. [9009]

All hold baggage on international flights from UK airports is searched or screened before being loaded for flight. All hand baggage is searched or screened before it is taken into the restricted zone of an airport, and may be subjected to secondary search at the departure gate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures are in place to prevent the abuse of the use of blue badges meant for disabled drivers; and if he will make a statement. [9014]

There is a wide variety of powers available to local authorities who administer the scheme for tackling the abuse of blue badges. I have placed in the Library a copy of our information sheet, which sets out the options. At present:

it is an offence under section 117 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the badge itself to be misused by a non-disabled person, the maximum fine on conviction being £1,000;

local authorities have powers to withdraw a badge if the holder constantly misuses it or allows it to be misused by others;

it is also an offence under section 47 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to park a vehicle which is not displaying a badge in a designated disabled persons' parking bay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if it will be his Department's policy to allow people living in sheltered accommodation to opt out of the care element in the service charge. [9128]

The "supporting people" programme, which starts in April 2003, will provide a new framework for planning and financing support services, including those provided in sheltered housing. Local authorities will administer the new programme, working in partnership with other agencies, service providers and those using or needing services. As part of this work, authorities will be expected to review existing services regularly and consider whether any changes should be made. Whether or not a particular sheltered housing scheme is provided on the basis that all the residents living there receive the same services will be entirely a matter for local decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which air squadrons are at less than 90 per cent. of full complement of (a) pilots and (b) navigators, indicating a percentage figure for each squadron. [9005]

The table sets out the overall snapshot position, by service, using wherever possible the early October data used in my answer of 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 942W. In some instances however, the information post-dates that information.The shortfall in aircrew is a well-recognised problem and the Ministry of Defence is taking a number of measures to tackle it.Indicating the level to which a squadron is manned in a snapshot in time using a percentage formula risks creating a misleading impression due to the small number of pilots that typically comprise a squadron. The loss or gain of a single pilot can alter the figure by up to 14 per cent.Furthermore, by providing separate figures for pilots and navigators, squadrons that did not register as being below 90 per cent. of a full complement in my previous response have sometimes done so in this one.

Percentage
Squadron	Pilots	Navigators
Navy
800	63	1—
814	64	100
824	53	65
847	75	100
899	82	1—

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a text of the Master Information Exchange Memorandum on Non-Lethal Weapons Systems agreement and the annexe reference UK-RN-N-97–57951 signed on 2 February 1998. [7116]

The Master Information Exchange Memorandum (MIEM) on Non-Lethal Weapons Systems is an agreement jointly owned with the US Department of Defence. The Ministry of Defence does not make such agreements between nations publicly available. I am therefore withholding disclosure of this information under exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to recruit more Gurkhas. [8426]

There is a requirement to recruit 230 Gurkhas per year to maintain present force levels. There are no plans to increase this force level in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Tornado GR1, (b) Tornado GR4 and (c) Tornado F3 in Oman for Saif Sareea II are (i) fully serviceable, (ii) undergoing first line maintenance, (iii) undergoing second line maintenance and (iv) undergoing third and fourth line maintenance; and if he will make a statement. [8478]

[holding answer 18 October 2001]: The operational serviceability of frontline aircraft will vary from hour to hour. Overall, the Tornado fleet deployed on exercise Saif Sareea has performed fully in line with expectations, despite the testing environmental conditions.As of 17 October, nine of the 12 Tornado GR4s and 11 of the 12 Tornado F3s were fully serviceable. One Tornado GR4a is awaiting return to the UK. The balance of the Tornado force is undergoing first line maintenance and is expected to return to full serviceability shortly.There are no Tornado GR1 aircraft deployed on exercise Saif Sareea.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Tornado GR1, (b) Tornado GR4 and (c) Tornado F3 are in Oman for Saif Sareea II; and if he will make a statement. [8477]

[holding answer 18 October 2001]: There are 13 Tornado GR4 and 12 Tornado F3 aircraft in Oman for Exercise Saif Sareea 11. These aircraft are making an important contribution to the exercise. No Tornado GR1 aircraft are deployed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many missions have been flown by (a) Tornado GR1s, (b) Tornado GR4s and (c) Tornado F3s as part of Saif Sareea II to date; how many missions which have involved (i) Tornado GR1s, (ii) Tornado GR4s and (iii) Tornado F3s as part of Saif Sareea II have been (1) cancelled and (2) reduced due to (A) serviceability shortfalls and (B) technical malfunctions in the aircraft; and if he will make a statement. [8479]

[holding answer 18 October 2001]: There are no Tornado GR1 aircraft deployed on Exercise Saif Sareea II. The Tornado GR4, GR4a and F3 aircraft deployed have, despite the very demanding environmental conditions, performed fully in line with expectations and have made a full and effective contribution to the exercise.Details correct up to 16 October are set out in the table.

Missions	Tornado GR4/4a	Tornado F3
Planned	271	208
Flown	209	191
Cancelled for serviceability	28	11
Cancelled for technical reasons	30	6
Reduced for serviceability	10	20
Reduced for technical reasons	4	19

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to introduce attachment of earnings orders from the Child Support Agency to serving and other personnel employed by his Department. [8913]

Under child support legislation, the Child Support Agency is able to request that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) implement deductions from the pay of both service and civilian personnel to meet child support maintenance payments. In the case of service personnel these are known as Deductions of Earnings Requests. These are effectively the same as Attachment of Earnings Orders which the Child Support Agency uses to obtain payment from 'non-resident parents' within the population at large, including MOD civil servants.From the introduction of the legislation in 1993 it has been the MOD's policy to comply with all such requests, other than in exceptional circumstances. The MOD maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with the Child Support Agency which details the administrative procedures to be followed by both Departments when contacting service personnel. A copy is held in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many service personnel from Moray are involved in the Afghanistan conflict; and how many of these are based outwith the UK; [8597](2) how many Scottish service men and women are serving in the UK defence forces in the Afghanistan conflict. [8598]

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the use of cluster bombs. [9142]

Cluster bombs are a legitimate weapon that provide a capability against certain targets which cannot be effectively achieved in other ways. We reserve the right to use the most suitable lawful weapon available in the proportionate manner required by international law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many proposals for additional life cover under the PAX+ Scheme have been completed but are not now on risk as a consequence of AIG's decision to discontinue new cover as of 21 September. [8784]

The PAX Scheme (formerly known as PAX+) is facilitated by MOD and provides both personal accident and life cover for armed forces personnel. Life cover is available only to those who first take out PAX personal accident cover. PAX's underwriters—AIG Europe (UK)—closed PAX to new applicants from 21 September. However, details of the number of proposals for new or increased PAX life cover which were completed on or after this date, and, as a consequence, could not be taken on risk are not currently available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional measures she proposes to promote the construction of (a) wave, (b) solar, (c) hydro electric, (d) wind and (e) other renewable energy sources. [6756]

The Department is taking a wide range of measures to promote the construction and development of renewable energy sources. The new Renewables Obligation and associated Renewables Obligation Scotland will oblige all licensed electricity suppliers in Great Britain to supply a specified and growing proportion of their electricity from renewable sources. The obligation will create a long-term market for renewables which will be worth over £1 billion per year by 2010.The obligation will be the main mechanism through which we meet our renewables targets, and will be underpinned by direct Government funding worth over £260 million between 2001 and 2004. This will support a number of measures including my Department's £55.5 million R&D programme, and an extensive capital grants programme. An announcement will be made shortly on the detailed allocation of the £100 million for renewables announced by the Prime Minister in March this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the pricing structure for broadband used by BT and the cable companies. [8103]

British Telecom and the cable companies set broadband prices on a commercial basis. As I have already made clear, they need to be driving these prices down, and demand up, so that more consumers have the opportunity to benefit from fast, always-on, access to the internet. Equally, prices must be set at fair levels. The Director General of Telecommunications has powers under the Competition Act 1998 to act where any company has entered into an anti-competitive agreement or is abusing a dominant position. He also has powers to take action if any licensed operator is not acting in accordance with the terms of its licence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with BT about introducing broadband; and if she will make a statement. [8100]

Ministers and officials meet BT regularly to discuss BT's role in introducing broadband services across the UK. 60 per cent. of UK households are now connected to a BT ADSL enabled exchange. This represents a significant investment by BT in broadband Britain. I have recently challenged BT to do more to exploit this investment more aggressively so that the benefits of broadband are spread to as wide a market as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what comparable figures for broadband connection she has collated for the United Kingdom's G9 partners. [8102]

As set out in 'UK Online: the broadband future', published in February 2001, international comparisons on broadband are patchy; however, in this strategy document the Office of the E-Envoy committed to undertaking a rolling programme of research.In addition, the Office of Telecommunications (Oftel) published in January 2001 its report on international benchmarking of DSL and cable modem services. This compared the market for these technologies in the UK with that of France, Germany and the US. The study highlights that reliable and consistent data for all the G8 countries are difficult to obtain. However, Oftel will continue this programme of international benchmarking of broadband prices and roll-out.I am aware that a forthcoming OECD study of the development of broadband access will compare, among other things, the levels of connection in OECD members, which include the G7 countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the United Kingdom has access to broadband; and what forecasts she has made for its future introduction [8101]

Availability of broadband services via cable, ADSL or wireless technology stands at around 66 per cent. of consumers and small businesses. The Government, in partnership with industry, are taking a number of measures in order to make the broadband market more extensive and competitive, building on the recent progress in advancing access across the country. However, the broadband market is at an early stage, and any forecasts are liable to be speculative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) post offices and (b) sub-post offices closed in each of the last 10 years in (i) total and (ii) Greater London. [6765]

[holding answer 16 October 2001]: The information requested on total net closures is set out in the table. I understand from the Post Office that historic data on the post office network before the year ending March 2001 are not held on regional basis. For the year ending March 2001, there were 10 net closures in the London region.

As at 31 March	Crown offices	Sub-post offices	Total	Closures in year
1990	1,339	19,532	20,871	159
1991	1,167	19,471	20,638	233
1992	1,019	19,141	20,160	478
1993	917	19,041	19,958	202
1994	800	18,982	19,782	176
1995	699	18,908	19,607	175
1996	653	18,761	19,414	193
1997	606	18,645	19,251	163
1998	601	18,407	19,008	243
1999	600	18,175	18,775	233
2000	598	17,795	18,393	382
2001	597	17,249	17,846	547

I am informed by the Post Office that of the closures of the year ending March 2001, the Post Office designate only four as permanent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices have closed down in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000 and (e) 2001. [7700]

[holding answer 15 October 2001]: Net closures of post offices in the years 1997 to 2001 were as follows:

Year ending March	Number
1997	163
1998	243
1999	233
2000	382
2001	547

I am informed by the Post Office that of the closures of the year ending March 2001, the Post Office designate only four as permanent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and industry what assessment she has made of the research commissioned by the Patent Office and conducted by Mori into public attitudes towards intellectual property rights; and what action her Department will take to safeguard those rights based upon the results of this research. [8279]

The Mori research showed that long-term and sustainable action to improve public perceptions is needed and messages are more likely to be understood by the public if they can see the direct impact on them. The work the Department had already commenced, based on these approaches, is therefore continuing. Introducing school children to intellectual property concepts, improving the information available to creators and users of intellectual property and campaigning to highlight the consumer as well as business detriment where counterfeiting and piracy occurs are all key areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many local business partnerships are operating in the United Kingdom. [8282]

There are 101 local business partnerships. They help local authorities and small businesses work together to achieve effective local regulation and reduce administrative burdens on small businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has had from UK industry with regard to the abolition of the imperial pint measurement for sparkling wines; and if she will make a statement. [8264]

[holding answer 18 October 2001]: I have received no representations asking for the pint to be permitted for sparkling wines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she has reached a decision on how to improve accountability on boardroom pay. [9588]

The Government believe that it is important that directors are seen to be accountable to shareholders. Dialogue between directors and shareholders on remuneration issues is more likely to be effective if underpinned by a framework that ensures that shareholders can vote on directors' remuneration. Equally, it is clear that despite the actions of many well intentioned institutional investors, many quoted companies have failed to respond adequately to the best practice recommendations on accountability to shareholders and performance linkage. The Government will therefore introduce secondary legislation to require quoted companies to put forward a resolution to shareholders on the directors' remuneration report every year. This will complement the Government's earlier announcement that it will legislate to strengthen the disclosure requirements in this area, particularly with regard to the linkage between pay and performance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to grant free access to digital hearing aids to people hard of hearing; and if he will make a statement. [9021]

Twenty national health service trusts in England have been fitting digital hearing aids for NHS patients since October 2000, as part of the Department's "modernising NHS hearing aid services" project. The project also includes increased investment in information technology, equipment and modernised patient processes. The Institute of Hearing Research is evaluating the project and its findings will help determine how changes in hearing aid services might be extended to all NHS audiology departments.In the meantime all NHS trusts with the staff, training, equipment and experience necessary to fit digital hearing aids, are able to apply for access to the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (PASA) contract for digital hearing aids. Twenty five trusts have been given access to the contract allowing them to fit digital aids for patients outside the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will publish the terms of reference given to Towers Perrin in relation to the development of the draft Communications Bill. [3850]

[holding answer 13 July 2001]: A Steering Group, drawn from the five existing regulators and officials from my Department and the Department of Trade and Industry, is advising the Government on the practical steps required to create Ofcom. Towers Perrin is assisting in this work to:

provide a clear overall view of the functions, processes, structures and resources in each of the existing regulators;

assess the options for Ofcom under each of these four headings;

propose criteria for evaluating these options; and

set out a clear timetable for the stages of work that will need to be carried out in order to get from where we are now to a fully functioning Ofcom in 2003.

The report was published on 12 October 2001 and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she will take to ensure that the consumers panel envisaged in the Communications White Paper will be representative of consumer opinion. [3853]

[holding answer 13 July 2001]: Detailed provisions for the Consumer Panel will be included in the draft Communications Bill we shall be publishing later in the current Session. The White Paper makes it clear that the panel will have a remit to research consumer views and concerns, and will be able to decide its own research objectives. The panel will also have an explicit obligation to take due account of the views of consumers with special needs, including those on low incomes or with disabilities. These will be important elements in ensuring that the Panel's advice to Ofcom takes full account of all shades of consumer experience and opinion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what actions the Government have taken to maintain the United Kingdom's bid for the 2005 World Athletics Championships. [7694]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member fir South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 815W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what reasons underlay the rejection of the Crystal Palace athletics complex as the officially recommended venue for the world athletics championship to be based in London. [8866]

Patrick Carter's review of the Picketts Lock project commissioned by Sport England looked at a number of alternative venues for staging the world athletics championships in 2005, including Crystal Palace. Mr. Carter concluded that Crystal Palace was not a viable alternative venue for the 2005 championships due to the range of significant risks in delivering the necessary improvements to the stadium, athletes' accommodation and transport infrastructure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the use of the Commonwealth Stadium in Manchester for the world athletics championships. [8737]

Patrick Carter's review of the Picketts Lock project commissioned by Sport England looked at a number of alternative venues for staging the world athletics championships in 2005. Following receipt of Patrick Carter's report, DCMS and Sport England officials initiated discussions with representatives of Manchester city council and Sheffield city council. The other alternative venues considered by Patrick Carter either offered no certainty of being delivered on time or no significantly lesser risk or cost than Picketts Lock.The Government are grateful to Manchester and Sheffield city councils for their assistance in this process. It was clear that both cities would be suitable for staging the championships. However the costs of delaying the reconfiguration of the City of Manchester Stadium into football mode and the costs of compensation to Manchester city council and Manchester City football club would have exceeded the costs of improving the existing Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she made of the on-going revenue cost of Picketts Lock; and if she will make a statement. [9083]

Patrick Carter's review of the Picketts Lock project commissioned by Sport England included an assessment that the Picketts Lock centre would run at an annual deficit of between £1 million and £1.5 million. Patrick Carter's report is available from the Sport England website on www.sportengland.org.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions were held with the International Association of Athletics Federations at Edmonton about the Picketts Lock athletics project; [9081](2) if she will list the meetings held by her Department with the International Association of Athletics Federation officials in Edmonton during the World Athletics Championships. [9080]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr. Yeo) on 15 October, Official Report, column 815W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the number, value and location of properties newly leased in each of the last five years by her Department, broken down by those leased by the Department itself, its next step agencies and its non-departmental public bodies, differentiating between purchases made as a result of the creation of new bodies and those purchases made by established bodies. [7810]

During the period 1996 to 2001 the Department has taken new leases in respect of only two properties namely:

179a Tottenham Court road, London, to re-house the Government Art Collection, leased from 1 May 1999 for a period of 15 years at an annual rent of £408, 063 subject to five-yearly rent reviews.

1 Cockspur Street, London, to re-house Departmental staff and accommodate expansion. Leased from 17 January 2000 for a period of 13 years at an annual rent of £465, 451 subject to five-yearly rent reviews.

The Department has over 50 non-departmental public bodies and, in common with many other central Government Departments does not hold centrally the details of the estates of those bodies with independent land holding powers. Collection of this information from NDPBs would incur a disproportionate cost. However, a database of these properties is being compiled, entitled E-PIMS (Electronic Property Information and Management System).

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans she has to meet representatives of the British Olympic Association to discuss the 2012 Olympic games; [8752](2) what assessment she has made of the prospects for success of a UK bid to host the 2012 Olympic games. [8753]

The British Olympic Association has yet to decide whether or not to bid for the Olympics in 2012, 2016 or later. The Government remain committed to supporting a viable Olympic bid. My officials are discussing the terms of a research consultancy with the BOA, Greater London Authority and the London Development Agency which will aim to obtain the evidence required to enable the Government to make a proper assessment whether such a hid, if made, is viable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to meet representatives of the Lawn Tennis Association to discuss the future governance of the sport. [8758]

I met John Crowther and representatives of the Lawn Tennis Association on 5 September. We had a useful discussion about club structure and the LTA's programmes and initiatives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if, as part of her review of licensing laws in England, she has made an assessment of the comparative licensing regulations in (a) Westminster, (b) Edinburgh, (c) Cardiff and (d) Belfast. [9146]

The review of the alcohol and public entertainment licensing laws in England and Wales was conducted by the Home Office between 1997 and 1999. Although no formal comparative analysis was conducted, the review included consideration of the licensing regimes operating in Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as those operating in many other countries. At the conclusion of the review, the Government decided that new and entirely unique licensing arrangements were required to meet the demands of the 21st Century in England and Wales. On 10 April 2000, the White Paper "Time for Reform: Proposals for the Modernisation of Our Licensing Laws (CM 4696)", was published and copies are available in the Library of the House. It sets out our proposals for reform and we intend to bring forward legislation to implement them as soon as parliamentary time permits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will place in the Library a copy of the report of the Task Force on the National Stadium. [9067]

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what plans she has to make a statement on the future of Wembley stadium; [8755](2) what plans she has to meet representatives of the Football Association to discuss the Wembley project. [8754]

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) if she will make a statement on the Wembley project; [8433](2) if she will make a statement on the proposals for a new National Stadium for football and rugby league. [8432]

Patrick Carter is currently continuing discussions with the Football Association on the future of the National Stadium project arising from the conclusions of his review of that project. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make an announcement on the extent of any future Government role in that project once those discussions have concluded and she has discussed the issue further with both Sport England and the Football Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions she has had with the Rugby Football Union to facilitate the Australian RFU's tour during the autumn. [9082]

Neither I nor my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State have had any direct contact with the RFU on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to prevent the use of jackpot machines in private members' clubs; and if she will make a statement. [8915]

The report of the Gambling Review Body (CM 5206) included a recommendation that the law should be changed so that members' clubs which were not casinos or bingo clubs would no longer be allowed to install jackpot gaming machines. We are undertaking public consultations on all the proposals in the report, and will not reach decisions until we have considered all the points made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Jordanian Government about human rights abuses relating to women. [8071]

The UK has an active dialogue at official level with the Jordanian Government and with Jordanian NGOs about human rights matters.The UK also plays a leading role in multilateral fora to promote the human rights of women, and supports initiatives to eliminate violence against women. At the UN Commission on Human Rights in April 2001, together with EU partners, we stated that social, cultural or religious factors cannot be used as a justification for violating the human rights of women and girls.At the UN General Assembly in 2000, the UK co-sponsored and played a strong role in negotiating the passage of the first ever resolution on so called "honour crimes". The resolution was a significant step forward in raising awareness of this violent crime. It was adopted by a vote of 120 votes to zero, though 25 countries, including Jordan, abstained.The UK's main development programme supports a number of reforms in social policy and social protection in Jordan, including the rights of women.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason Her Majesty's Government did not recognise the Taliban regime in Afghanistan between May 1997 and August 2001. [8515]

HMG recognise states not governments or particular regimes. HMG recognise the State of Afghanistan. Like almost all other states in the world, the Government do not have normal government-to-government dealings with the Taliban.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions between May 1997 and August 2001 he took advice on recognising the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. [8516]

HMG has a policy of recognising states not governments. The Government recognises the State of Afghanistan. The nature of our relationship with the Taliban regime, with which we do not have government-to-government dealings, has been kept under regular review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates he has of the quantities of heroin exported worldwide from areas controlled by (a) the Taliban Government of Afghanistan and (b) the Northern Alliance of Afghanistan in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement. [8684]

The size of Taliban and the Northern Alliance controlled areas has fluctuated in the last four years, making direct comparisons from year to year difficult. United Nations International Drug Control Programme (UNDCP) surveys indicate that Taliban controlled areas of Afghanistan produced 2,592 tonnes of opium in 1998, 4,510 tonnes in 1993, 3,139 tonnes in 2000 and 21 tonnes in 2001. Northern Alliance controlled areas produced 108 tonnes of opium in 1998, 140 tonnes in 1999, 131 tonnes in 2000 and 164 tonnes in 2001. Some of this was exported as opium, some as processed morphine and heroin. The proportion exported as heroin appears to have risen over the last four years but the data available, based largely on seizures in Afghanistan's immediate neighbouring countries, is insufficient to provide a detailed breakdown.An international inspection in April/May confirmed that opium poppy cultivation was effectively eliminated in Taliban controlled areas. Nevertheless, drug trafficking from those areas continued at a high level from stockpiles: the product of surplus product in previous years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of China about the fur trade in that country; and if he will make a statement. [9010]

It is for the Chinese Government to introduce and enforce domestic legislation to regulate the fur trade in China. We have raised concerns about animal welfare with the Chinese Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is towards the recognition of (a) de jure and (b) de facto regimes; and to what extent that policy has changed since May 1997. [8514]

Since 1980, it has been HMG's policy to recognise states, not governments. As set out in Lord Carrington's statement of 23 May 1980 where a new regime comes to power, whether it qualifies to be treated as a government will be left to be inferred from the nature of the dealings, if any, which we may have with it and, in particular, on whether we are dealing with it on a normal government-to-government basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the (a) number and (b) proportion of stakeholder pensions taken up by the target group of employees on modest earnings. [8048]

We are undertaking a programme of dedicated research and analyses of administrative and statistical information as part of a wide-ranging evaluation of the impact of stakeholder pensions. Sufficient information on which to base a reasoned assessment is not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will list all official overseas visits undertaken by Ministers in his Department in each year since May 1997, indicating (a) the cost in (i) cash and (ii) real terms, (b) the number and grade of (i) civil servants and (ii) special advisers accompanying Ministers and (c) the number of official engagements or meetings undertaken on each visit; and if he will make a statement; [6919](2) on how many occasions in each year since 1992 non-commercial flights were used by Ministers in his Department for official overseas visits; what the

I refer the hon. Member to the answer which the Prime Minister gave on 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 823W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many local authorities have adopted the verification framework for checking claimants' identities. [7473]

Two hundred and sixty-three local authorities have applied for, or have received, extra funding to implement the verification framework. To date 236 of these authorities have achieved full compliance with the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much money he estimates was lost through (a) administrative error and (b) benefit fraud in (i) the UK and (ii) Scotland in (A) each of the last five financial years and (B) the 2001–02 financial year to date. [9007]

Information is not available in the format requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment has been made of the impact of removing the care element of the service charge for eligibility for housing benefit. [9132]

Housing Benefit is available to help people on low incomes meet the reasonable cost of their accommodation. It was never intended to help with service charges in respect of personal care. However, at present people who are liable to pay service charges for accommodation-related support may claim help through housing benefit. From April 2003, help with these charges will be funded through the "supporting people" programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to change the therapeutic earnings rule for people receiving Incapacity Benefit; and if he will make a statement. [9022]

From 8 April 2002 we are introducing new permitted work rules for people who want to try some paid work while they are getting Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance or Income Support because of illness or disability. The new arrangements will allow any person claiming benefit, based on incapacity, to try some paid work without the need for prior approval from a doctor.Any person will be able to work:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will ensure that future discussions on the proposal to create a new sixth form college in Hackney will have due regard to (a) the interests of students and staff at the existing Hackney Community College and (b) the future funding of that college; and if she will make a statement. [6735]

[holding answer 15 October 2001]: Hackney Community College has taken an active role in developing plans for the new college and there have been consultations with a wide range of interested groups, including its staff and students. The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is working closely with Hackney Community College to develop its plans for the future and I know the LSC has written to inform my hon. Friend that it has agreed funding to support Hackney Community College's plans for 2001–02.We are committed to developing two strong further education colleges in Hackney to create greater choice and opportunity for learners in the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make it her policy to allocate per capita support to pupils on the basis of pupils' postcodes. [8906]

We are currently developing proposals for a new LEA and school funding system, which is to be introduced in 2003–04. As part of that work we will be considering ways in which data on pupils' postcodes might be used in the new formula, subject to accurate data being available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of pupils achieved five A* to C grades at GSCE in each type of specialist school in 2001. [8885]

Information for mainstream, maintained specialist schools is shown in the following table.

Percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more Grades A*-C GCSE/GNVQ in 2001
Specialism	Percentage
Arts	49
Language	62
Sport	47
Technology	54
All Specialist Schools	54

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of (a) teachers in special schools and (b) special needs teachers in mainstream schools do not have special educational needs qualifications. [8894]

This information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the future recruitment of teachers in Gloucestershire; and if she will make a statement. [9008]

Local education authorities themselves are best placed to assess the future demand for teachers in their areas. Like other authorities, Gloucestershire will continue to benefit from the measures to promote teacher recruitment and retention that the Government have put in place. Between January 1997 and January 2001, the number of full-time equivalent regular teachers working in maintained schools in Gloucestershire rose by 270, from 4,410 to 4,680. During the same period, the number of full-time teacher vacancies in the county remained unchanged at 14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many special schools closed in (a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, (d) 1998, (e) 1999, (f) 2000 and (g) 2001 to date [8891]

The number of special schools that have closed each year mice 1995 are:

Year	Number of special schools closed
1995	23
1996	28
1997	32
1998	35
1999	35
2000	33
2001	22
Total	208

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many special schools have closed in each local education authority since 1997. [8892]

The number of special schools that have closed in each local education authority since 1997 are:

Local education authority
Barking and Dagenham	3
Barnet	1
Barnsley	3
Bath and North East Somerset	0
Bedfordshire	1
Bexley	0
Birmingham	5
Blackburn with Darwen	2
Blackpool	0
Bolton	2
Bournemouth	1
Bracknell Forest	0
Bradford	1
Brent	0
Brighton and Hove	0
Bristol City of	1
Bromley	0
Buckinghamshire	2
Bury	1
Calderdale	0
Cambridgeshire	1
Camden	0
Cheshire	2
City of London	0
Cornwall	0
Coventry	0
Croydon	0
Cumbria	0
Darlington	0
Derby	0
Derbyshire	3
Devon	0
Doncaster	0
Dorset	0
Dudley	0
Durham	1
Ealing	0
East Riding of Yorkshire	0
East Sussex	1
Enfield	0
Essex	7
Gateshead	4
Gloucestershire	5
Greenwich	5
Hackney	1
Halton	0
Hammersmith and Fulham	0
Hampshire	3
Haringey	0
Harrow	1
Hartlepool	1
Havering	0
Herefordshire	0
Hertfordshire	2
Hillingdon	0
Hounslow	0
Isle of Wight	0
Isles Of Scilly	0
Islington	1
Kensington and Chelsea	0
Kent	5
Kingston upon Hull City of	1
Kingston upon Thames	0