To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to sell submarines in the last two years; with whom he negotiated; and if he will make a statement. [10138]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my noble Friend Lord Robertson, the then Secretary of State for Defence, gave on 6 April 1998, Official Report, column 56W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth (John Healey) and my answers to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 23 October 2000, Official Report, column 30W, and 19 December 2000, Official Report, column 89W, the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) on 31 October 2000, Official Report, column 341W, the right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr. Duncan Smith) on 20 December 2000, Official Report, column 184W, the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford (Mr. Davies) on 20 July 2001, Official Report, column 717W, and the hon. Member for Henley (Mr. Johnson) on 20 July 2001, Official Report, columns 717–18W.Canada has acquired the four ex-Royal Navy Upholder class submarines. The acquisition takes the form of an eight-year lease with the option of outright purchase.The first of the refurbished submarines was handed over to Canada on 6 October 2000, with the second submarine being handed over to Canada on 4 October 2001. It is planned that the two remaining submarines will follow over the next 14 months. Canada has exercised its option to purchase outright the first submarine, HMCS Victoria.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the armed forces have to update existing military equipment with particular reference to radio communications equipment, following the contribution of UK forces to the conflict in Afghanistan. [10498]

I have nothing to add to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave on 29 October 2001, Official Report, columns 513–14W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (John Mann).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent initiatives have been taken to increase the level of recruitment to the armed forces. [10571]

All three services undertake numerous and varied initiatives, both at national and local level, aimed at increasing the level of recruitment to the armed forces. Included among the many current initiatives are:

The use of multi-media advertising campaigns.

Services' Recruiting Teams' attendance at schools, careers fairs and Graduate Recruitment Seminars, road shows, exhibitions, youth clubs and organisations.

Work experience placements within service establishments.

Personal Development Courses and 'Look at Life' Courses for people who express an interest in the armed forces.

Taster Day visits to HM ships and service establishments.

A dedicated careers website for each of the services.

Introduction by the Army of an 'on-line' recruiting office, with plans for this to be replicated by the other services.

Specialist Ethnic Minority Recruiting and Diversity Action Teams aimed at promoting armed forces careers to ethnic minority communities.

A partnership with the Employment Service, making use of its local outlets 'Jobcentre Plus'.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the consultants' report on the relocation of the fixed wing aircraft repair business of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency from RAF St. Athan to Cardiff International airport. [10765]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 20 July 2001, Official Report, column 707W. The position has not changed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from business in the Vale of Glamorgan on the Defence Aviation Repair Agency's unsuccessful attempt to relocate its fixed wing aircraft repair business from RAF St. Athan to Cardiff International airport. [10766]

The only representation received to date by the Chief Executive of the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) was from Mr. Derek Gaynor, the landlord of the Highwayman Inn in Nurston.Mr. Gaynor has since been informed about the current position concerning Cardiff International airport by officials from the Welsh Development Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received regarding the (a) Defence Intelligence and Security Centre defence agency review of training of armed forces and (b) other intelligence agencies; and if he will make a statement. [11453]

[holding answer 30 October 2001]: The Defence Intelligence and Security Centre (DISC) is not conducting a review of training, but is undergoing a Quinquennial Review (QQR) of its agency status, part of which will involve an analysis of current and future training activity. This review was announced on 20 July 2001, Official Report, column 710W. Comments were requested by 15 September 2001 and to date we have received one representation. The review is due to be complete by February 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Defence Annual Road Safety report for 1999–2000 will be placed in the Library. [11499]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 October 2001, Official Report, columns 321–22W. I stated that the report would be placed in the Library of the House shortly, and I am pleased to confirm that this was done on 29 October 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what nature of refit is required by HMS Ocean; and if he will make a statement. [11497]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces to the Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock) on 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 12W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanical problems are being repaired on HMS Ocean; when repairs are expected to be completed; when HMS Ocean will be ready for re-deployment; and if he will make a statement. [11815]

1 refer the hon. Member to the answer which the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces gave him on 20 November 2000, Official Report, column 12W.Subject to operational considerations, HMS Ocean will be available for operational tasking by late spring 2002, following completion of the routine docking period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he expects Defence Logistics Organisation (a) current expenditure and (b) capital expenditure to be within their respective estimates provision in the current financial year; and if he will indicate the relevant figures. [11577]

The estimates provision at the start of the year for the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) was made up of £3,421 million for current and £612 million for capital expenditure. As I explained in my reply of 26 October 2001, Official Report, columns 405–06W, in the normal course of business there are adjustments to these limits as the year unfolds, which will be finalised in time for the spring supplementary estimates. We would expect DLO expenditure to be within estimates provision at the year end.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the Joint Strike Fighter programme. [11576]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 October 2001, Official Report, column 514W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Plymouth, Sutton (Linda Gilroy).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to review the decision taken in the Strategic Defence Review to reduce the role of the TA in nuclear biological chemical reconnaissance; and if he will make a statement. [R] [9671]

There are no plans to review the decisions taken in the Strategic Defence Review with regard to the role of the Territorial Army in nuclear biological chemical reconnaissance. Since the SDR a regular Joint NBC Regiment comprising Army/RAF elements has been formed at RAF Honington, and became operational in December 1999. Its role is NBC reconnaissance, survey, detection/identification/monitoring and decontamination. Currently, two squadrons of the Royal Yeomanry form the reserve element of the Joint NBC Regiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to use Exercise Swift Sword to increase recruitment to the armed forces. [10580]

An Army recruiting initiative 'Operation London Soldier', from 10 to 23 September 2001, culminated in a competition on 30 September. The planned prize had been a period with Exercise Swift Sword. However, due to the events of 11 September, a replacement prize of one week of military/adventure training in Gibraltar was introduced instead.Exercise Swift Sword, as with all such large exercises, served to heighten awareness of the armed forces, with considerable daily coverage in the media. In addition, the live footage and photographs from the exercise will be used to enhance and update the services' recruiting libraries and will provide up to date and topical material for future recruiting literature.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will urge his American counterpart to stop US forces using cluster bombs over Afghanistan. [10788]

The cluster bombs used in Afghanistan do not contain anti-personnel landmines and are, therefore, legitimate weapons that have not been prohibited by any treaty or convention. They are used with discretion and proportionality and against legitimate and appropriate terrorist and military targets that are selected with great care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the (a) use of and (b) preparedness to use napalm in Afghanistan of coalition forces. [11448]

[holding answer 30 October 2001]: No napalm has been used by coalition forces operating in the Afghanistan region and there are no plans to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on a bombing pause to assist the more effective delivery of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [11647]

As the UN has made clear, the military campaign as such has not hampered the delivery of assistance in any significant way. We have no plans at present to suspend military activity in Afghanistan in order to facilitate the delivery of aid, not least because a pause in the bombing would simply encourage the Taliban to harass humanitarian supplies more than at present.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme; and when he expects studies to be complete. [10600]

[holding answer 26 October 2001]: The Technology Readiness and Risk Assessment Programme was completed in August 2001. An unclassified summary of the final report is in preparation for publication and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if disciplinary action over drug taking is exercised consistently between the three services. [10703]

All the services have similar disciplinary procedures for dealing with drugs offences which include trial by court martial and, on a verdict of guilty, usually results in dismissal from the service following a period of military detention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have been tested under the Compulsory Drug Testing programme in the last year in each of the three services; and how many have tested positive in each case. [10701]

The figures for all service personnel in the calendar year 2000 are as follows:

Service	Underwent Compulsory Drug Testing (CDT)	Tested positive
Royal Navy	13,951	50
Army	117,659	609
Royal Air Force	11,610	14

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary action was taken by each of the three services in the last year in respect of service personnel who tested positive under the Compulsory Drug Testing programme. [10702]

During the year 2000, no disciplinary action was taken against personnel from any of the three services for testing positive at a Compulsory Drugs Test (CDT). Failure of a CDT will normally lead to the Administrative Discharge of an individual on the basis that drugs are incompatible with service in the armed forces. A positive test by itself is not a criminal or disciplinary offence. Disciplinary action will only be invoked, in relation to CDT, if an individual commits the offence of failing to provide a urine sample for the purpose of testing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to alter regulations and penalties for possession of cannabis among servicemen and women, following the changes proposed in civilian life by the Secretary of State for the Home Department. [11090]

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's proposal concerned the reclassification of cannabis. However, misuse of drugs, of all classes, will remain incompatible with the requirements of life in the armed forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will invite the Porton Down Veterans Support Group to the next meeting of the Veterans Forum. [10902]

Yes. The next meeting of the Veterans Plenary Forum is scheduled to take place on 17 April 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tomahawk cruise missiles have been fired by British forces during the present action in Afghanistan. [11014]

[holding answer 29 October 2001]: Royal Navy submarines fired a small number of Tomahawk land attack missiles on 7 October and 13 October.I am withholding the precise information requested under Exemption la of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to national defence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future location and organisation of the regular commission boards. [R] [11270]

The Regular Commission Board (RCB), which is currently based at Westbury in Wiltshire, is part of the Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA). Its role is to select potential officers for entry to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), also part of ATRA.Historically, the RCB was part of the Directorate of Army Recruiting but in 1998 it was placed under the control of RMAS, as there is clearly a synergy between the selection and training of potential officers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future locations and organisation of the territorial commissioning board. [R] [11271]

The Ministry of Defence is examining various options to determine the best way to operate the Territorial Commissioning Board and I expect a decision to be made by the end of the year. I will write to the hon. Member when I know the outcome and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the paper being prepared by the Defence Procurement Agency on the future of the defence industry to be published; and if he will make a statement. [11455]

[holding answer 30 October 2001]: It is not intended to publish this paper as it is for the purposes of internal discussion and advice only. I am therefore withholding it under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many active servicemen successfully completed advanced driving safety courses in the last 12 months. [11450]

[holding answer 30 October 2001]: The Ministry of Defence does not run specific courses teaching advanced driving safety, although service personnel do attend courses provided by organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA). This training is arranged locally. The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.MOD does, however, provide training for all categories of driving licences. This includes basic training plus familiarisation training on the relevant type of vehicle, refresher training, and any specialist courses required. All these courses stress the importance of driving safely. More specifically, MOD has recently introduced a defensive driving training programme—some 4,000 personnel were given this training over the year April 2000 to March 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if security at nuclear installations has been upgraded in respect of terrorist threat; and what plans he has to take further measures. [11777]

The standing level of security at Ministry of Defence nuclear installations is maintained at a high level and is specifically designed to counter an attack by armed terrorists. This high baseline level of security is maintained at MOD nuclear installations irrespective of fluctuations in the terrorist alert states that may apply to other Government establishments or MOD installations. Security measures at defence nuclear establishments include armed guarding and strict control of access. As my hon. Friend would expect, these security arrangements are kept under constant review.My hon. Friend would not expect me to go into detail regarding any additional security measures that may be adopted in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many MOD 680 export control applications (a) are awaiting decision and (b) have been waiting for (i) one month or more, (ii) two months or more, (iii) three months or more. (iv) six months or more and (v) one year or more. [9470]

The F680 is an informal process under which companies can obtain advice on the prospects for approval of exports at the marketing stage. The F680 also gives formal clearance for release of classified information, where required, for marketing purposes. The information sought is not currently held in the form requested. However, the Ministry of Defence is carrying out an audit of extant F680 applications as part of a programme to improve this service to industry. I will write to the hon. Member when this work is completed and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with pharmaceutical companies about facilities used for the creation of biological organisms and toxins with potential for warfare. [8620]

I have been asked to reply.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has had no such discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what vaccines the Government have in place to treat biological agents, organisms and toxins affecting the population. [8619]

I have been asked to reply.We have existing stocks across the whole range of potential bioterrorist threats. Our contingency planning is responsible and proportionate. For security reasons, we cannot reveal levels or locations of either vaccine or antibiotic stocks.

To ask the Prime Minister when he plans to publish the next annual report of the Interception of Communications Commissioner; and if it will be available electronically. [10773]

I have today laid before the House the annual reports for 2000 of the Interception of Communications Commissioner, the right hon. Sir Swinton Thomas, and the Intelligence Services Commissioner, the right hon. Lord Justice Simon Brown. The confidential annexes have been excluded in accordance with section 58(7) and 60(5) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. The annual reports will be available on the Cabinet Office website. I am grateful to the Commissioners for their work.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will clarify departmental and agency responsibilities for occupational health and vocational rehabilitation. [11312]

The Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Salford (Ms Blears), is responsible for occupational health services provided by the NHS. The Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, North (Malcolm Wicks), is responsible for vocational rehabilitation.

To ask the Prime Minister what British planes taking off from the base in Diego Garcia have dropped cluster bombs during the military action in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the use of cluster bombs in Afghanistan, with particular reference to British involvement. [11574]

No UK aircraft have directly taken part in the bombing campaign.The cluster bombs used in Afghanistan are legitimate weapons, which have not been prohibited by any treaty or convention. They are used only with discretion and proportionality, as international law requires, and against legitimate and appropriate terrorist and military targets.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with President Bush on the armaments used during the military action in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [11579]

We are in close contact with the US on all aspects of the response to the attacks of 11 September, including at the military planning level.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, in what ways the Commission plans to assist access for children of staff, hon. Members and hon. Members' staff to daycare facilities. [10287]

The Commission already provides child care vouchers for staff of the House with small children. The vouchers are very flexible, and can be exchanged for various forms of daycare, including nursery places and care by nannies, childminders or certain relatives.For school aged children the House also ran a subsidised holiday playscheme for children of hon. Members and hon. Members' staff and staff of the House for six weeks in the summer. The Board of Management will be considering whether to extend the scheme for the future. Staff of the House are also eligible to use Westminster Playscheme run by the civil service.There is no specific responsibility on the Commission to provide facilities for children of Members and their staff, but Members can use their allowances to purchase vouchers or daycare facilities for their staff. The Department of Finance and Administration publishes information about finding child care facilities in the Westminster area on the intranet.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of number of farm occupations taking place in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [10576]

The Committee of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers visited Zimbabwe on 25–26 October. They found a divergence in the views and facts relating to farm occupations. The Commercial Farmers Union (CFU) have reported that occupations continue unabated, and that since the Abuja meeting on 6 September, 688 farms had new people join the occupations. The CFU estimate 200–300 new occupations since 6 September. The Government of Zimbabwe dispute these figures. The Farm Community Trust of Zimbabwe have cited several new occupations since Abuja in Mashonaland West. At Abuja, the Government of Zimbabwe gave an assurance that there would be no further occupation of farm lands. We continue to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to abide by this commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policy initiatives he plans to promote democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [10578]

We remain concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. At Abuja, the Government of Zimbabwe agreed to abide by the democratic and human rights principles contained in the Harare Declaration. My noble Friend Baroness Amos accompanied Commonwealth partners on a visit to Zimbabwe on 25–26 October, to assess implementation of the Abuja Agreement and to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to abide by their commitments. The EU opened Article 96 consultations on 29 October, to press for closer engagement with the Government of Zimbabwe on human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. We continue to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to admit international election observers and to create a climate conducive to free and fair elections.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the level of political violence in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [10579]

We remain concerned about political violence in Zimbabwe. In the Abuja Agreement, the Government of Zimbabwe agreed to take firm action against violence and intimidation. But the Chikomba by-election on 22–23 September was marred by violence. We continue to press the Government of Zimbabwe to permit the entry of international election observers, and to create a climate conducive to free and fair elections. My noble Friend Baroness Amos accompanied Commonwealth partners to Zimbabwe on 25–26 October, to assess implementation of the Abuja Agreement and to urge the Government of Zimbabwe to abide by their commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to open the proposed visa centres in Jallandhar, Ahmedabad and Sylhet. [11430]

We have recently received formal approval from the Indian Government to open visa liaison offices in Jallandhar and Ahmedabad. We are identifying suitable premises and aim to open both offices by mid-2002. Work is almost complete on the Visa Liaison Office in Sylhet, which should open on schedule in November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if permission has been given to DRS railway transport company to increase the operating speed on trains moving spent nuclear fuel to Sellafield. [9103]

No such permission has been given by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, local Government and the Regions when he informed the Rail Regulator of his Department's discussions with (a) passenger rail franchisees and (b) train operating companies for taking over responsibility for operating and maintaining railway infrastructure in the areas where they run train services. [9832]

Officials have had meetings on such matters with train operators' representatives or their advisers at their request. These have not resulted in any change in policy about which the Rail Regulator needed to be informed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much public money was invested in Railtrack in each of the years since privatisation. [10470]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) 18 October 2001, Official Report, column 1315W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much public money he estimates will be required to meet the 10-year plan's objectives for higher safety; and how this estimate has changed since the plan was published. [10440]

Transport safety is a major priority for this Government and our L180 billion 10-year-plan will contribute towards delivering a safer transport system. It is not possible to give a precise figure about how much of that money will be required to meet the plan's safety objectives, because much of this expenditure will simultaneously deliver a range of benefits, including safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how the requirement for public sector investment in rail during the period of the 10-year plan will change as a result of the transfer of Railtrack assets to the proposed successor body. [10401]

No change is expected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many times he has met the Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority since June; and what the date of their last meeting was. [10443]

The Secretary of State and I have met the Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority on several occasions—specifically to discuss the Authority's work, as part of wider industry meetings and at the High Level Group for London Rail Projects, which last met on 4 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if Railtrack is able to meet the requirements of the Late Payments of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1999 in paying its contractors and suppliers. [10448]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2001, Official Report, columns 195–97W, to the hon. Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick), on the successor to Railtrack, what the credit rating of Railtrack was on 4 October. [10445]

The Standard & Poor's credit rating for Railtrack plc on 4 October 2001, based upon their research dated 2 May 2001, was single A-1 (short term).The Moody's credit rating for Railtrack plc on 4 October 2001, last updated in June 2001, was A2 (long term) and P-1 (short term).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the relationship between the future track access charge regime and the non-profit making status of the successor to Railtrack. [10475]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on Tuesday 23 October 2001, Official Report, columns 195–97W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for placing responsibility for safety on stakeholder directors of Railtrack. [10285]

I have no such plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what arrangements he will make for the financing of the successor body to Railtrack so that it can meet its (a) network maintenance and (b) other obligations. [10532]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) on 23 October 2001, Official Report, columns 195–97W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure train operating companies maintain the wheels of rolling stock and locomotives to minimise damage to the track. [10393]

The Health and Safety Executive advise that there are Railway Group Standards governing the maintenance of the wheel profiles of rolling stock and locomotives. The train operating companies have systems in place regularly to monitor wheel profiles. Proper maintenance of the track is also an important issue, and the industry has set up a joint systems authority to develop solutions to the difficulties at the wheel/rail interface.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on the rail manufacturing and renovation industry of the decision to extend existing franchises by two years. [10813]

The Government's policy is not to treat all franchises alike but to replace them early, or when they expire, or to extend their current term, whichever is most likely to deliver benefits to passengers. The Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan will set out plans for applying this policy franchise by franchise and will thus provide a firmer basis for business planning by the rail manufacturing industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what issues he will consider when exercising his powers under schedule 7 to the Railways Act 1993 in approving the transfer of Railtrack plc out of railway administration. [12144]

Schedule 7 to the Railways Act 1993 makes provision for a transfer scheme mechanism to be used for the transfer of the undertaking of a protected railway company which is the subject of a railway administration order.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what advice he has received on the strength of balance sheet needed by the new Railtrack company to obtain a BBB credit rating. [11091]

As I have stated in an answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) on 23 October 2001, Official Report, columns 195–97W, it is my firm intention to ensure that our proposal to the administrator would, if accepted, result in the transfer of the business of the company and its finance creditor's indebtedness to a new, financially sound, vehicle and that the debt transferred will have a long-term credit rating of at least BBB/Baa2 and a short-term credit rating of at least A-2/P-2.In relation to the proposal that we will be putting to the administrator for a company limited by guarantee, we will be targeting a long-term credit rating of A/A2 or higher, to reflect the financing capacity requirements of the rail infrastructure business. I am advised that this would secure a robust balance sheet for the company.I can also reaffirm my firm intention that our proposal will, taken in the round, preserve the economic rights of the current finance creditors in all material respects. Such proposals must, however, retain the flexibility to translate some of the detailed terms and conditions of the debt into a form that reflects the different structure and credit rating of a company limited by guarantee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how his Department will provide further financial assistance for Railtrack plc in administration. [12222]

Full details of the funding arrangements agreed with the administrators are in the loan agreement. Parliamentary approval for this new expenditure in the form of a voted loan (to be repaid when Railtrack plc moves out of administration) will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for DTLR. Pending that approval, and further to my answer of 17 October 2001 to my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough and Whitby (Lawrie Quinn), Official Report, column 1230W, up to an additional £800 million of expenditure has been approved to be met by repayable cash advances from the Contingencies Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the Strategic Rail Authority will announce (a) the rail franchises for the north-west region of England and (b) its decision on whether Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive will let the Merseyside rail franchise alone or jointly with the Strategic Rail Authority. [10812]

The Strategic Rail Authority has reviewed its franchise replacement programme in light of the statement made by the Secretary of State on 16 July and will announce its plans for further replacement or extension of franchises when these are agreed with Ministers in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what conditions are attached to the licences for underground storage tanks to prevent and detect leakages; and how the proposed removal of licences will change this. [10524]

Licences for underground petrol tanks have conditions attached which are intended to prevent and detect leaks. The conditions are based on guidance issued by HSE and the Local Authorities Co-ordinating body on Food and Trading Standards (LACOTS).HSC are to consult early next year on a proposal to remove licensing at all workplaces except retail petrol filling stations. All workplaces storing petrol, whether licensed or not, will be subject to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) which will come into force in the summer of next year.DSEAR places comprehensive duties on employers to eliminate or reduce fire and explosion risks from dangerous substances including petrol. DSEAR will require measures to reduce risk of releases and the escape of petrol.Because of the close involvement of the public at retail petrol filling stations it is proposed to develop additional controls to supplement DSEAR, as a replacement for the current licensing regime. Until these are developed and consultation has taken place with stakeholders, licensing will remain in force at retail petrol filling stations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proposals he is implementing to encourage petrol retailers to report leakages. [10564]

Repair of leakages is already one of the standard licence conditions imposed by Petroleum Licensing Authorities. Control of leakages will also be subject to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) which will come into force in the summer of next year. HSE will be publicising the new regulations and associated guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many breaches of licensing conditions of underground storage tanks have (a) been reported and (b) resulted in prosecution in each of the past five years. [10568]

HSE does not collect statistics on breaches of licence conditions and prosecutions by Petroleum Licensing Authorities (PL As). The information would be disproportionately expensive to obtain retrospectively.New reporting arrangements are being developed in conjunction with PLAs so that this information can be obtained in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if his Department will carry out a full condition audit of all underground storage tanks in the United Kingdom. [10569]

Neither HSE nor the Environment Agency has any plans to commission a full condition audit of all underground storage tanks. Safety and environmental legislation provide adequate safeguards to prevent and control leaks from underground storage tanks. The powers are available to conduct investigations where necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he plans to incorporate the recommendations of the Institute of Petroleum and the Association for Petrol and Explosive Administrators into its new Code of Practice relating to petrol retailers. [10567]

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs has recently completed a public consultation on a groundwater protection code of practice for petrol stations and underground storage tanks for hydrocarbons. All responses to the consultation will be taken into account when finalising the code.HSE are carrying out a major review of petrol legislation with a view to modernising it. The review is being carried out in three phases which will look at:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the report into modernising petrol legislation will be published. [10522]

Although the licensing system under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 (PCA) has worked well for many years, it is now outdated and does not easily sit alongside the modern risk-based approach to health and safety. HSE are therefore carrying out a major review of the legislation with a view to modernising it. The review is being carried out in three phases which will look at:

Phase 1: workplace storage of petrol except for retail petrol filling stations.

Phase 2: retail petrol filling stations.

Phase 3: non-workplace storage of petrol (mainly domestic premises).

The HSC will publish consultative documents detailing its proposals for each of the three phases of the review of petroleum legislation. The consultative document for phase 1 will be published early next year but it is too early yet to give an indication of when the remaining two will be published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will make a statement on firefighter numbers in South Yorkshire; [10386](2) what the average number of firefighters is per 10,000 population in

Based on annual returns to HM Fire Service Inspectorate, actual firefighter numbers for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services as at 31 March 2001 were as follows:

	Number
Whole time	920
Retained1	38.83
1 Expressed as 24-hour units of cover

Statutory responsibility for the provision of an efficient fire service, including maintenance of a firefighter establishment sufficient to meet national standards of fire cover, rests locally with the fire authority, in this case the South Yorkshire Fire and Civil Defence Authority.According to the latest available information the number of firefighters, including retained firefighters in terms of units of 24 hour cover, per 10,000 population at 31 March 2001 was:

	Number
South Yorkshire	7.4
Metropolitan fire authorities	8.1
England	8.4

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how local authorities are compensated for properties exempted from council tax on the grounds that they consist of student households; and what his estimate is of (a) the numbers of such properties and (b) the council tax revenue lost in 2000–01 for each local authority in England. [10940]

Local authorities receive an additional amount of revenue support grant to compensate them for properties exempted from the council tax because they consist of student households. Such properties are exempt from council tax because, unlike other people on low incomes, full-time students are not normally entitled to council tax benefit.We do not have information for 2000–01 on the number of such properties for each local authority in England. We are, however, collecting it for the current year. We estimate that around 120.000 properties in England qualify for the exemption in 2001–02, and that the council tax income forgone as a result is about £90 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many line closures there were of more than one day on each of the lines of the London Underground network since 1 January. [10945]

None.London Underground have not closed any whole line on the underground network for a day or more in the period since 1 January 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what changes in expenditure by the South East England Regional Assembly on (a) regional intelligence, (b) communications and (c) publications there have been for the 2001–02 financial year. [10777]

These are matters for the South East England Regional Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to control expenditure by the South East England Regional Assembly. [10775]

The South East England Regional Assembly has been established voluntarily by bodies representing the interests of the south-east region. Their expenditure is a matter for the chamber and its members. The Government have, however, allocated £500,000 this year to SEERA to help the Assembly to establish a stronger strategic and scrutiny role within the region. The Government Office for the South East will be monitoring that part of SEERA's expenditure which relates to the £500,000 grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of GCHQ's New Accommodation Project on traffic in Cheltenham; and if he will make a statement. [10984]

Cheltenham borough council granted planning permission to GCHQ and Group 4/Tarmac on 10 August 1999 for the construction of new buildings and associated engineering operations to provide for the consolidation of GCHQ operations. The application was accompanied by a Traffic Assessment. This, together with the proposal that the development should be related to a Green Travel Plan, was taken into account by the then Secretary of State when the application came before him in August 1998 as a departure from the development plan. The Secretary of State was content to leave jurisdiction for the application with Cheltenham borough council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy towards rerouting traffic away from the A40 through Cheltenham; and if he will make statement. [10983]

In the Roads Review published in 1998 the Government announced their intention to detrunk the A40 through Cheltenham and Gloucester. When the A40 is detrunked it will be for Gloucestershire county council as the local transport authority to decide how it wishes to manage the traffic on the A40 through Cheltenham.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Strategic Rail Authority about the replacement of rail services with bus services by Arriva; and if she will make a statement. [11084]

[holding answer 30 October 2001]: The Strategic Rail Authority and the Passenger Transport Executives have agreed to the implementation of a mitigation plan. The Secretary of State has been kept informed and I understand that an amended timetable came into effect on 29 October and will run until 24 February 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many (a) car occupants and (b) pedestrians were killed in car crashes since 1971, broken down into five-yearly intervals. [11135]

[holding answer 30 October 2001]: Figures for fatalities in Great Britain are as shown below:

	Car occupants1	Pedestrians hit by cars
1971–75	14,291	—
1976–80	12,237	—
1981–85	10,989	6.353
1986–90	10,633	6,163
1991–95	6,288	4,508
1996–2000	5,927	3,350
1 Figures for 1971–79 inclusive include data for car and taxi occupants only. For 1980 to 1998 they include occupants of minibuses, three wheelers, invalid tricycles and motor caravans. The latter two categories are excluded from figures in 1999 and 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will publish the Transport Research Laboratory's estimate of the comparative effects of the full mandatory pedestrian protection standards for cars and the voluntary approach; [11138](2) which EC directorate proposed the voluntary proposals for pedestrian protection standards for vehicles; and if he will publish the scientific basis and assessment of the consequences of the differences from the mandatory Working Group 19 proposals. [11134]

[holding answer 30 October 2001]: The proposals originated from DG Enterprise, who have been engaged in discussions with the vehicle manufacturers' representatives on this issue over the past year.The work by TRL assessing the benefits of the first phase of the negotiated agreement relative to the benefits of the full EEVC WG17 proposals (which would be delivered in the second phase) has been within a tight timescale, so any figures provided have been on an informal basis. Figures may evolve or be refined before they can be incorporated into an intermediate or final publishable report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on abandoned cars. [11720]

Today we have published in a consultation document the Government's proposals to deal with the growing problem of abandoned cars. Copies of the document will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses of Parliament.Abandoned cars are an increasing eyesore on our streets and a real danger to children who are attracted to them as playgrounds. Too often they are also a target for local arsonists and also can be useful to criminals as a pool of cars that cannot be traced back to them. Our proposals published today aim to get abandoned cars off the streets, quickly and efficiently.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will publish his review of the blue badge scheme for disabled drivers. [11317]

The review of the blue badge scheme is under way. A discussion paper is being prepared. We will announce the outcome of the full review, including any proposals for change, in due course. We will keep the House in touch with progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on his plans for cadet training within the Merchant Navy. [11307]

Cadet training is a matter for the shipping industry itself. But the Government provide financial support for training under the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme. A company entering the UK tonnage tax has to meet a training commitment equivalent to one officer trainee per year for every 15 officer posts in its fleet. We believe these measures will increase cadet training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what stocks of (a) antiques, (b) paintings and (c) fine wines are held by his Department; if he will list such assets sold over the last three years together with the sale proceeds from such transactions; what plans he has to sell further such assets over the period of the current comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a statement. [10844]

There are no stocks of antiques, paintings or fine wines recorded in the relevant departmental chapter of the National Asset Register published in 2001 or in the 1997 version of the National Asset Register. Since there are none recorded, there are no plans to sell any such assets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when regional planning guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber will be published. [12006]

My right Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions is today publishing Regional Planning Guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber (RPG12).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will publish guidance on amendments to Part L of the Building Regulations, which deals with energy efficiency, to Part H of the Building Regulations, which deals with drainage and solid waste, and to Part J of the Building Regulations, which deals with combustion appliances; and if he will make a statement. [12012]

The 2002 editions of the Approved Documents which give guidance on ways of meeting the new requirements of Part L1, Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings, Part L2, Conservation of fuel and power in buildings other than dwellings, Part H, Drainage and waste disposal, and Part J, Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems, as introduced by the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2001, SI 2001/3335, were published today by The Stationery Office.The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2001, SI 2001/3335 and the Building (Approved Inspectors etc) (Amendment) Regulations 2001, SI 2001/3336 were laid before the House on 11 October 2001. The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2001 made changes to the technical requirements with regard to Part L, Conservation of fuel and power, Part H, Drainage and waste disposal, and Part J, Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems in the Building Regulations 2000, SI 2000/2531. Both sets of Regulations also made some consequential administrative changes to both the Building Regulations 2000, SI 2000/2531 and to the Building (Approved Inspectors etc) Regulations 2000, SI 2000/2532. Both sets of Regulations will come into force on 1 April 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2001, Official Report, column 192W, what practical changes will be required in the UK rail network as a result of Directive 2001/16/EC. [10950]

The Directive requires that all projects relating to the construction, upgrading, renewal and operation of the trans-European conventional rail system conform to European Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs). This system includes all the main rail lines in the UK. These TSIs will set out the detailed technical requirements that must be met, at both component and overall system levels.They do not yet exist and the drafting process has only recently begun, so it is not possible at this stage to state what practical changes will be necessary to the UK rail network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what guidance he has given to car manufacturers on the future for LPG cars; [9939](2) what recent assessment he has made of the potential for LPG cars to improve air quality; [9940](3) what plans the Government have to encourage manufacturers to make LPG cars. [9944]

The changes I announced recently to my Department's PowerShift programme, following consultation with vehicle manufacturers, fuel suppliers and others, indicate the Government's strong continuing commitment to supporting the wider introduction of vehicles running on LPG, natural gas and electricity, reflecting their contribution to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Availability of production-line LPG vehicles will help consumers to take up the gas option, and the Government have introduced an additional 20 per cent. grant for production-line LPG vehicles. I am pleased that several manufacturers are already introducing such vehicles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to issue revised guidance on factors affecting the imposition of speed restrictions on roads. [10000]

The Road Safety Strategy committed us to an assessment framework for determining the appropriates speeds for roads and a simplified method of making speed limit orders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason teachers in further education are not eligible for the Starter Home Initiative. [10231]

The Starter Home Initiative assistance available for teachers is being targeted on the compulsory education sector where the most severe recruitment and retention problems for teachers, which the Initiative aims to help alleviate, are being experienced.We recognise that other key workers, including teachers in further education, need to be able to find affordable homes within a reasonable distance of their workplace. Our wider housing policies to increase the supply of affordable homes, particularly in areas where demand is high, will benefit other groups of key workers. By 2003–04 capital investment in housing will have risen to more than £4 billion compared with planned spending of £1.5 billion in 1997–98. We plan to provide 100,000 new or improved homes for low cost renting or home ownership over the next three years.We are also looking afresh at planning guidance as a means of providing more opportunities for key worker housing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the financial position of National Air Traffic Services; and if it is seeking new public finance. [10439]

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he has received an application for additional funding from the National Air Traffic Services; and what effect additional funding would have on the proposed National Air Traffic Control Centre at Prestwick. [10246]

National Air Traffic Services (NATS) is in the process of reviewing its financial position, following the downturn in the demand for air travel arising from the events of 11 September.The Government have received no request for financial assistance for NATS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what application he has received from the Pont of London Authority under section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964 concerning (a) changes to the Act and (b) proposals for a statutory instrument; and if he will make a statement. [10455]

The Port of London Authority (PLA) applied in February this year for a Harbour Revision Order under section 14 of the Harbours Act 1964. The order contains a number of provisions for amending existing legislation, mainly relating to the licensing and registration scheme for craft and boats for hire. Following advertisement of the order the PLA are currently engaged in discussions with relevant parties in an attempt to resolve objections that have been made to the order.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will estimate the number of trucks of food which have been transported into Afghanistan (a) in the last week, (b) on average on a daily basis since 7 October and (c) since 11 September. [9076]

In the week ending 28 October, which is the latest information received from WFP in the field, a total of 8,048 tonnes of food were dispatched to Afghanistan. The table shows the daily breakdown.On information received to date the daily average food despatch between 7 and 28 October has been 771 tonnes.

Table of food aid dispatched to Afghanistan
Week ending 28 October 2001	Tonnes despatched
22 October 2001	104
23 October 2001	1,857
24 October 2001	2,729
25 October 2001	946
26 October 2001	1,469
27 October 2001	0
28 October 2001	943
Total	8,048

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid projects in Papua New Guinea are supported by her Department (a) bilaterally, (b) from EU sources and (c) multilaterally; what is their value for each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement. [11446]

We do not provide direct bilateral assistance to Papua New Guinea, but it benefits from our contributions to multilateral agencies, including the European Union, Asian Development bank and World bank, all of which have substantial programmes in PNG totalling some £8 million per year. PNG also benefits from the UK's support to Pacific regional organisations and a small gifts scheme of some £70,000 per year. The details we have available are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department gave to the Independent Electoral Commission in The Gambia (a) prior to and (b) during the presidential election held on 18 October. [10979]

Since 1999 we have provided support to the Independent Electoral Commission to develop and upgrade its electoral records database. In the run up to the presidential elections we provided consultancy support and various items of equipment in support of the voter re-registration exercise.During the elections themselves we contributed to the costs of international observers to monitor the election process.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance she will give to the Independent Electoral Commission in The Gambia prior to its 2002 parliamentary elections. [10980]