To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of recent research into the causes and treatment of dementia. [19666]

The National Service Framework for Older People, launched in March this year, drew on available evidence, and existing research on the causes and treatment of dementia was comprehensively assessed. A research strategy for older people is being drawn up as a result of the National Service Framework and mental health services for older people will be a high priority in shaping it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the state of the private care home sector. [19667]

On 9 October, we announced an extra £300 million investment over this year and next year for local councils to spend on community care services. This major cash investment will be used to reduce bed blocking and will help to stabilise the care home sector, giving them greater confidence in the future.We also launched a new agreement, 'Building Capacity and Partnership in Care', on 9 October. The agreement focuses on councils and the independent sector working together as partners throughout the commissioning process. This should promote a more strategic, inclusive and consistent approach to capacity planning at local level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the improvement of care for cancer patients. [19668]

Enormous progress is being made in improving cancer services thanks to the efforts of frontline staff. Details are given in the first annual progress report "The NHS Cancer Plan—Making Progress" which was launched on 3 December. Copies are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent progress has been made on speeding up diagnosis and treatment of cancer for patients. [19672]

Between July to September 2001 91.3 per cent. of all urgent general practitioner referrals for suspected cancer were seen within two weeks. A programme of investment and reform is in place to support the rollout of new cancer waiting times targets to 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress towards achieving the Government's target for the percentage of referred cancer patients seen within 14 days. [19674]

Between July to September this year 91.3 per cent. of all urgent general practitioner referrals for suspected cancer were seen within two weeks. Over the period January to September 2001 over 233,500 people urgently referred with suspected cancer were seen by a specialist within two weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase funding to children's hospices. [19669]

Children's hospices have access to national health service funding, the level of which may increase by agreement with health authorities and primary care trusts following assessment of local options available to support children with life threatening illnesses, and their families. The New Opportunities Fund will also be available from next year and has a budget of £48 million to support projects for children with life threatening illness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the timing of the (a) publication and (b) implementation of the National Service Framework for diabetes. [19670]

I announced on 15 October that the Diabetes National Service Framework standards would be published this year and the delivery strategy in summer 2002. This will enable the national health service to prepare to plan for the 10-year implementation programme which will start in April 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recommendations his Department makes to general practitioners regarding the amount of time that should be made available for consultation per patient; and if he will make a statement. [19673]

Patients' needs vary from one to another and it is best left to the clinical judgment of each general practitioner to decide how long to spend on a consultation. Accordingly, the Department has issued no guidance on this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent NHS spending has been (a) over and (b) under planned levels in the (i) financial year 2000–01 and (ii) first half of this financial year. [19675]

The resource underspend for the Department of Health (which includes national health service spending) in 2000–01 was £712 million. The Department plans to spend all resources in the current financial year. To ensure that best use is made of resources in year, end-year flexibility arrangements allow expenditure to be carried forward into the next financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of progress with respect to the (a) prevention of falls and (b) treatment of older people who suffer injury through falls. [19676]

The National Service Framework for Older People recognises the importance of preventing falls and providing effective treatment and rehabilitation to those who have fallen. It sets a standard and milestones for the introduction of integrated falls services. No formal assessment has yet been undertaken of progress towards the NSF falls milestones which are set annually from April 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made following the publication of hospital star ratings. [19677]

For national health service trusts who were awarded no stars, action plans are being drawn up and implemented. These will improve the areas of significant under-performance and bring them up to the standard the public and patients have the right to expect.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the WHO on the guarding of smallpox virus stocks. [19678]

The Department is represented on an ad hoc Committee set up by the World Health Organisation to review scientific and technical aspects relating to smallpox. A report of this work is due to be considered by the World Health Assembly in May 2002.These matters are kept under continuous review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the projected deficit of Barnsley area health authority for 2001–02. [19679]

For 2001–02, Barnsley health authority submitted a balanced financial plan, but with only limited contingency funding set aside to address in year pressures. As at the end of October 2001, against their allocation of £198 million, Barnsley HA is forecasting a deficit of £2 million (or 1 per cent.). This is attributable to higher than expected community prescribing costs. In response to the current position, the health community is collectively working on a recovery plan to ensure delivery of a balanced financial position in 2001–02 without adversely affecting the delivery of agreed service targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on how HIV prevention work will be commissioned after 1 April 2002. [19680]

From 1 April 2002, local HIV prevention will be commissioned by Primary Care Trusts. In addition, the Department of Health will continue to fund national HIV prevention work. Both national and local work will be undertaken in accordance with the priorities set out in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV. Implementation of the Strategy will be underpinned by robust performance management, for example using information collected under the AIDS (Control) Act 1987.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on how specialist commissioning for HIV prevention and treatment will be carried out after 1 April 2002. [19681]

Both HIV/AIDS treatment and care and local HIV prevention will be commissioned by Primary Care Trusts. For the year ahead, Primary Care Trusts must honour existing agreements—both financial and otherwise—negotiated by Regional Specialised Commissioning Groups and current specialised service commissioners.Both national and local work will be undertaken in accordance with the priorities set out in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV. Implementation of the Strategy will be underpinned by robust performance management, for example using information collected under the AIDS (Control) Act 1987.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to tackle delayed discharges from hospitals. [19682]

We are investing an additional £300 million over this year and the next as part of a radical 'cash for change' programme. This is aimed at reducing delayed discharges and targeted on the worst performing areas. This investment and reform will help to free up beds in hospitals, reduce waiting times for treatment and ensure patients, particularly older people, are cared for in the most appropriate place.Redbridge council has received £369,000 from the £100 million announced on 9 October to fund reductions in delayed discharges in 2001–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on reducing delayed discharges from hospital. [19690]

We are investing an additional £300 million over this year and the next as part of a radical 'cash for change' programme. This is aimed at reducing delayed discharges and targeted on the worst performing areas. This investment and reform will help to free up beds in hospitals, reduce waiting times for treatment and ensure patients, particularly older people, are cared for in the most appropriate place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the level of delayed discharges. [19848]

Figures for September 2001, the latest available, show some 6.6 per cent. of discharges involved a delay. We have allocated an extra £100 million this year to reduce the number of delayed discharges by at least 1,000 by the end of the financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors other than population are taken into account in calculating the payment made annually to each health authority. [19683]

A weighted capitation formula is used to inform revenue allocations to health authorities. The formula weights each health authority's population according to their relative need for health care and the unavoidable geographical differences in the cost of providing health care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received about waiting times for NHS treatment. [19684]

The Department regularly receives correspondence from patients and hon. Members about waiting times for both inpatients and outpatients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on bed blocking in East Sussex. [19685]

The Government are aware that delayed discharges remains a particular problem in East Sussex. A Performance Improvement Plan was developed by East Sussex, Brighton and Hove health authority and the East Sussex and Hove social services departments to address the issue. The number of delayed discharges has been falling steadily since September 2001.Delayed discharges is a problem common to many parts of the country. To address this the Secretary of State, on 9 October, announced an additional £300 million over this year and next to tackle delayed discharges. East Sussex county council was recognised as a local authority in need of extra help and was allocated £1,255,000 this year from that money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he issues to air travellers concerning the risk of deep vein thrombosis. [19686]

The Department's "Advice on Travel Related Deep Vein Thrombosis" was published on 30 November. It has been sent to airlines and will be made available to the public through the health services, the internet, the airlines and NHS Direct.The advice provides information about deep vein thrombosis and gives practical advice about how air passengers on long haul flights may reduce the risk of getting a blood clotting condition. In particular it describes simple in-seat exercises which should be recommended to all air passengers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy to collect and publish regular statistical information on the general state of health of the population. [19688]

The Department commissions a range of surveys designed to provide regular information on various aspects of the nation's health which cannot be obtained from other sources. It is our normal practice to publish the results of all such surveys. These will be available in the Library and on the departmental website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the prescribing of anti-impotence drugs on the NHS. [19689]

Earlier this year we held a public consultation about the arrangements governing eligibility for impotence treatments on the national health service. Expenditure on impotence treatments, at £25 million a year, is above what we expected and continues to increase. We concluded that the extra cost of allowing unrestricted prescribing might involve diversion of funds from other NHS priorities. Therefore we decided to maintain the restrictions introduced on 1 July 1999. To maintain a consistent approach the new drug treatment, Uprima, has been subject to the same restrictions since 1 November 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received regarding the chairman of Worcestershire acute hospital trust. [19691]

Two parliamentary questions regarding the chairman of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust were raised recently by the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire (Mr. Luff).The National Health Service Appointments Commission was established on 1 April 2001 to take over from Ministers the responsibility for appointing, training and appraising chairs and non-executives to the boards of national health service trusts, health authorities and primary care trusts. This includes responsibility for matters relating to resignation of individuals from board positions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many care home beds there were in (a) December 2000 and (b) December 2001. [19692]

The main statistical collections on care home beds relate to 31 March each year. There were 539,200 care home beds at 31 March 2000 and 528,000 at 31 March 2001. The Department is currently collecting information on the number of care beds at 30 November 2001. Data on care home beds are requested by local capacity planning groups (that is aggregated at health authority level) as part of work to plan winter capacity. Details including proformas, can be found on the internet at http://www.doh.cov.ukkapacityplanning/capplan.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria will be used to distribute the next 50 CT and MRI scanners. [19693]

Criteria for the distribution of the 50 CT and 50 MRI scanners announced in the NHS Cancer Plan have yet to be decided.However, databases of current equipment and regional provision as well as local information, such as the cancer networks facilities and equipment strategies, will be used to help formulate criteria for allocation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many York Health NHS Trust beds were occupied on average on each day of the last month for which figures are available by patients awaiting discharge to a nursing or residential care home. [19694]

Data are not collected in the format requested. The table shows the number of York Health National Health Service Trust beds occupied by patients awaiting discharge to a nursing home or residential care home at the end of each seven day period during November 2001.

Seven days ending	Awaiting public funding or residential/nursing home placement
4 November 2001	35
11 November 2001	33
18 November 2001	31
25 November 2001	28

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about progress on services at the new hospital at Edgware. [19687]

Clearing the site of the new hospital has been completed. Invitations to tender for the building of the new hospital have been invited by 21 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the National Health Service spent on hiring agency nursing staff in the last 12 months. [20735]

The expenditure on non-National Health Service nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff, in England, for the financial year 2000–01 was £447,248,470. The non-NHS staff figures include all nurses, midwives and health visiting staff not directly employed by the NHS. We are unable to disaggregate agency nurses. The 2000–01 figure is the latest available and is provisional.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent estimates he has made of the impact of staff shortages on NHS capacity. [20625]

The NHS Plan, published in July 2000, acknowledges that the shortage of human resources is the biggest constraint faced by the national health service today. The plan sets targets for recruiting 20,000 more nurses, 7,500 more consultants, 6,500 more therapists and other health professionals and 2,000 more general practitioners by 2004 over the 1999 baseline. The Government's manifesto carried these commitments forward.The NHS Plan also contains targets for increasing the number of students in training. There will be: 5,500 more nurses and midwives entering training each year by 2004 than there were in 1999, 4,450 more therapists and other key professional staff being trained by 2004, 1,000 more specialist registrars and 450 (since raised to 550) more doctors training for general practice by 2004.Taken together, these targets will address current shortages and provide for growth required to improve services in line with National Service Frameworks, the Cancer Plan and waiting time commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the progress and effectiveness of adult stem cell research in treating health disorders. [19671]

Adult sources of stem cells along with those from cord blood, foetal and now embryonic sources are being studied by researchers around the world. However, with the exception of the well established use of bone marrow derived cells in transplantation and some very early clinical trials using foetal cells in Huntington's and Parkinson's disease, this research has not yet reached the stage of treatment for any health disorders where assessments of this kind can be made.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his policy on (a) sanctions against and (b) bombing of Iraq. [22199]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 28 November 2001, Official Report, columns 965–66.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on his discussions with the civil service commissioners about the terms of appointment of the next head of the civil service; [19948](2) what proposals he has to look outside the civil service for the appointment of the next Cabinet Secretary; what plans he has to fuse the Cabinet Office with the office in 10 Downing street; and what new conditions an applicant will be required to agree to before appointment as

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 26 November 2001, Official Report, column 626W.

To ask the Prime Minister what and action he instituted on and before 9 December into reports of a campaign by persons in Government to undermine the reputation of the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. [22726]

I refer the hon. Member to the oral answers I gave the right hon. Member for Chingford 2001, Official Report, columns 323–24.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are employed by the Department under the new deal for young people; and at what cost to public funds. [21311]

Information follows on the number of people employed by my Department and its agencies under the new deal for young people. New deal recruits take up existing vacancies so extra costs are limited to the subsidy, where appropriate, and any additional training and development which may be needed. The cost of the latter cannot be readily identified.On 30 September 2001, the latest date for which information is available, 19 people between the ages of 18 and 24 were employed by the Ministry of Defence and its agencies under the new deal for young people. It is not, however, possible without disproportionate cost to identify the number serving who are now over age 24 but originally appointed through the young people's scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Manchester Airport submitted an expression of interest in acquiring the RAF Finningley site for development as a civil passenger airport; what meetings with his Department were held; and if he will publish the documents relating to the expression of interest. [21436]

Expressions of interest from potential bidders for the former RAF Finningley were invited on 28 July 1996 in the Estates Gazette, as part of the first attempt to sell the site.Manchester Airport (consortium) was interviewed on 10 October 1996 along with a number of other parties.When the site was re-marketed in 1997, Manchester Airport did not apply.The release of documents relating to the expression of interest is a matter for Manchester Airport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people in Glasgow are employed in defence work. [21620]

The number of directly employed Ministry of Defence jobs in the city of Glasgow local authority area as at 1 July 2000 is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Type 45 destroyers will be constructed in Scotland. [21619]

Under the shipbuilding procurement strategy for the Royal Navy announced in the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 10 July 2001, Official Report, columns 675–85, the first Type 45 destroyer will be assembled and launched at Scotstoun on Clydeside. It is planned that the remainder of the class, of up to 12 ships, will be assembled and launched at Barrow in Furness. However, significant sections of each ship will be manufactured by Vosper Thornycroft at Portsmouth and BAE Systems Marine at Barrow and on the Clyde.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many training exercises have been carried out by the armed forces (a) in and (b) from Gibraltar during the last three years; and how many of these were (i) Royal Navy (ii) RAF (iii) Army and (iv) all services. [22125]

About 300 training exercises have been carried out by the UK armed forces in and from Gibraltar during the last three years. Of these, five exercises each year are conducted off Rock by Gibraltar-based forces. Around 30 each year were maritime based including maritime/air and amphibious exercises, 50 predominantly Army and the remainder joint exercises.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy ships have docked in Gibraltar in the last three years. [22126]

149 Royal Navy ships have docked in Gibraltar since April 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are based in Gibraltar. [22127]

The Army presence on Gibraltar comprises 400 regular and reservist members of the Gibraltar Regiment plus around 60 UK-based Army personnel in a range of other posts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the effect in military activity in and around Gibraltar as a result of the Brussels process. [22128]

Military activity on and around Gibraltar has not been affected by the recent Brussels process discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what respects the terms of service of (a) regular servicemen and (b) reservists, including members of the Territorial Army, on full-time service differ. [22109]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many regulations his Department has proposed to Parliament since June; what regulatory impact assessments have been made for those regulations his Department has implemented in 2001; and what plans his Department has to reduce the number of regulations affecting small businesses. [21973]

As a non-regulatory Department, the Ministry of Defence has not proposed any regulations to Parliament since June and no regulatory impact assessments have been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his Department's policy to draw up a specific memorandum of understanding governing the presence of the USVF at RAF Menwith Hill. [22149]

The presence of the United States Visiting Forces at all bases made available to them in the UK is governed by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement of 1951 and additional confidential arrangements. A separate memorandum of understanding governing the presence of the USVF at RAF Menwith Hill is not required.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) executive and (b) administrative officers in his Department may be promoted at the age of 58 years or over. [22335]

Executive and administrative officers aged 58 years or over in the Ministry of Defence may apply and be selected for promotion opportunities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the compulsory retirement age is for (a) executives and (b) administrative officers in his Department, if the MOD's policy on retirement of (i) executive officers and (ii) administrative officers, complies with (A) the Government's Code of Practice on Age Diversity in employment and (B) the EU Employment Directive on Equality; if his policy is the same as other Government Departments; and if he will make a statement. [22336]

The normal retirement age in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is 60 for executives and 65 for administrative support staff. Like other Government Departments, the MOD has delegated authority to frame its retirement polity to meet its business needs, compliant with the Code of Practice, and there are differences between Departments.The MOD is reviewing its retirement policy in light of the Code, and the Performance and Innovation Unit's report on "Winning the Generation Game". This review will also take into account the implementation in the UK of the EU Equal Treatment Directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department is taking to encourage staff to work from home; and how many staff do so on a regular basis. [21833]

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the work/life balance of its civilian staff. A range of flexible working patterns, including part-time working, flexible working hours, job sharing and homeworking, is available to staff by agreement with their managers. The MOD publicises its policy on flexible working and encourages managers to respond positively to requests as part of its commitment to diversity.97 staff are formally registered as homeworkers and many others have the opportunity to work at home occasionally. Funding is available to provide equipment to enable staff to work from home on a full or part-time basis. A pilot scheme has been established to explore more formally the practical issues of working from home, and the lessons learned will be used to publicise and promote homeworking.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are employed in the Basil Hill and Copenacre sites in Corsham by (a) the Defence Communication Services Agency and (b) other units; how he expects the totals to change in the next five years; and if he will make a statement. [21933]

The number of Ministry of Defence (MOD) directly employed military and civilian staff employed at the Basil Hill and Copenacre sites is:

(a) Defence Communication Services Agency (DCSA): 527

(b)Other MOD Units: 219.

In addition, the Rudloe site, which forms an integral part of the Corsham estate, is home to the Joint Support Unit (JSU) Corsham with a strength of 240. The JSU is a sub unit of the DCSA.There are also 130 staff of business partners working with the DCSA employed in these locations.The total number of MOD staff on the Corsham estate is therefore 1,116.As a result of work carried out for the Corsham Development Project, it is expected that the present on-site numbers will change in the next five years as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cruise missiles have been used in the conflict in Afghanistan by (a) Britain and (b) the United States. [21652]

UK submarines have launched a small number of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. I am withholding details of the precise number launched in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The number of cruise missiles fired by the United States is a matter for them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the definition of "British" as it applies to civilian former prisoners of the Japanese was clarified; when the need for clarification was identified; and when and how the new criteria were first made public. [22308]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reinstate the use of barrack trousers as part of the Army Cadet Force standard uniform; and if he will make a statement. [20980]

There are no plans to issue barrack dress trousers to members of the Army Cadet Force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures there are to increase cadet participation in Regular and Territorial Army exercises. [20979]

Generally, cadets do not participate in Regular and Territorial Army exercises. If, however, there is activity that is deemed appropriate by the County Commandant—such as acting as casualties during first aid training—the cadets may participate. My hon. Friend may like to note that any such participation must be properly supervised and carried out in accordance with the rules laid down for cadet activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cadets in the Army Cadet Force there have been in each year since 1997; and how many Army Cadet Force units have been (a) opened and (b) closed since 1997. [20981]

The numbers of cadets in the Army Cadet Force in each year since 1997 are shown in the table. These figures represent average numbers across each year.

Year	Strength
1997	40,047
1998	40,707
1999	42,550
2000	42,491
2001	40,573

Between 1 January 1997 and 1 November this year a total of 45 ACF detachments have closed and 66 have opened.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the procedure that is to be taken when promoting an army cadet within the Army Cadet Force; and what qualifications a cadet must have to achieve a higher rank in the organisation. [20982]

Promotions in the cadets are granted in accordance with regulations contained in the Army Cadet Force manual; they depend entirely on merit and are achieved usually when cadets have qualified for the appropriate stars. The achievement of stars is linked to the successful completion of certain skills tests at various levels (such as fieldcraft, drill and skill at arms).To achieve promotion to Cadet Lance Corporal the cadet must have passed 1 star, for Cadet Corporal he or she must have passed 2 star, for Cadet Sergeant he or she must have passed 3 star and for Cadet Warrant Officer he or she must have passed 4 star.Cadets with exceptional or outstanding service may also be appointed as a Master Cadet or a Lord Lieutenant Cadet. Both appointments are made on the recommendation of the County Commandant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers from ethnic minorities there are in each of the Guards regiments; how many soldiers from ethnic minorities there are in the British Army not including the Gurkhas; and if he will make a statement. [20983]

The number of soldiers from ethnic minorities, not including Gurkhas, in each of the Guard regiments and in the British Army as a whole is set out in the tables:

Strength of Army soldiers in Guards regiments by ethnicity as at 1 November 2001
	White1	Non-white1	Unspecified	Total
Grenadier Guards	713	22	5	740
Coldstream Guards	816	7	5	828
Scots Guards	719	10	7	736
Irish Guards	614	22	10	646
Welsh Guards	660	9	3	672

Strength of all Army soldiers by ethnicity as at 1 November 2001
	Number
White1	88,974
Non-white1	2,309
Unspecified	4,546
Total	95,829
1Provisional

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent revisions he has made to the account of the sinking of HMS Glorious. [22103]

There has been no revision to the account of the tragic sinking of HMS Glorious placed in the Library of the House in February 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made

Annex 1: Examples of DFID-supported bilateral projects, and research and studies, that have a strong focus on wildlife/bushmeat species
Name of project	Country	Period of support	£000
Mbomipa Community Wildlife Project	Tanzania	1997–2001	1,973
Wildlife Intensification for Livelihood Development (WILD)	Namibia	1999–2002	1,040
Madikwe Community Wildlife Management	South Africa	1997–1999	622
Amboro Rural Development	Bolivia	1996–2000	3,200
Mount Cameroon Project	Cameroon	1995–2002	10,602
Community Forest Development Project	Cameroon	1999–2002	1,049
Indonesian Multi-Stakeholder	Indonesia	1998–2005	25,150
Cross River State Community Forestry Project	Nigeria	1996–2001	2,000
Forest Sector Development Project Phase II	Ghana	2000–04	11,963
Joint funding scheme with WWF
Gashaka-Gumpti/Kupe	Nigeria/Cameroon	1991–2001	6,289
Coastal forests/Bogoria/Udzungwa	Kenya/Tanzania	1990–2001
Kunene/Caprivi	Namibia	1990–2001
Mamiraua/Varzea	Brazil	1991–2000
Studies and research:
Livestock-wildlife interactions	Africa	1997–2001	1997–2001
Illegal hunting in Serengeti NP	Tanzania	1997–2000
Bushmeat in rural livelihoods of west Africa	Ghana/Cameroon	2000–01

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what investigation she has made into the funding provided by (a) the United Nations Population Fund and (b) the International Planned Parenthood Federation to China's population control authorities: and if she will make a statement. [22102]

The United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) programme in China is one of the most scrutinised of their global portfolio. UNFPA Executive Board members including the United Kingdom, United States, European Union and developing countries, have reviewed the programme with the UNFPA representatives in Beijing and visited programme counties on five occasions since December 1997. My Department, including the DFID Health Adviser in Beijing, closely monitors the development of the programme.My Department also receives periodic reports from the International Planned Parenthood Federation on its work to promote awareness and implementation of international standards in reproductive health and greater respect for of the impact the trade in bushmeat has on the environment in West and Central Africa. [20562]

We have not made any specific assessments of the impact the bushmeat trade per se has had on the environment in West and Central Africa. However, we are conscious that the unsustainable escalation in the commercial bushmeat trade is a growing problem that is in large part a result of poverty and is facilitated by the expansion of the forestry and mining industries into natural forest areas.We are aware of the dangers posed to eco-systems by the unregulated expansion of these industries in west and central africa and are concerned to ensure that the long-term interests of poor people in sustainable natural resource management are addressed. DFID is currently working closely with DEFRA and other international, National and Civil Society bodies to address this issue. To this end we are involved in various initiatives that contribute to the conservation of wild animals and their habitats (see Annex 1).reproductive rights through its affiliate the China Family Planning Association (CFPA). The work of the CFPA was the subject of an independent review in 1996 led by Professor John Hobcraft of the London School of Economics who concluded that the IPPF was playing an effective and valuable role in influencing the work of the CFPA.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many British Council scholarships have been awarded to students from Southern Sudan in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001. [21521]

There were no British Council scholarships awarded to Sudanese students during this period.However, there were

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how she expects her Department's development policy to be affected by the war against terrorism. [21872]

Tackling the poverty and ignorance which feed extremism and violence is vital to ending global terrorism. It has never been more evident that ending world poverty is in all of our self-interests. The 1997 and 2000 White Papers on international development set our policies for eliminating poverty and making globalisation work for the world's poor. The need to tackle terrorism provides additional impetus to my Department's efforts to implement these policies.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the work of her Department in Sierra Leone. [21871]

In Sierra Leone, my Department is engaged primarily in promoting security and good governance. We are providing long-term support to the police, strengthening the Ministry of Defence to ensure the armed forces are more democratically accountable, and helping reintegrate ex-combatants wishing to return to civilian life. We are supporting the Anti-Corruption Commission, helping to reform the judiciary, training the media, assisting the Government to prepare for elections next year, and providing budgetary support to help meet the running costs of government. We also provide substantial support to meet the ongoing humanitarian needs of those displaced by the conflict.

Date	Minister	Event	Event type
12 June 2001	Secretary of State	"Boris Gudunov" at the Riverside Studios	Theatre
13 June 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Opening of Hideo Furuta's Sculpture in the Park Exhibition	Art Gallery
18 June 2001	Secretary of State and Minister of State for the Arts	Vermeer Exhibition at the National Gallery	Art Gallery
19 June 2001	Minister of State for Sport	Pakistan v Australia One Day Cricket International	Sporting Event
19 June 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	BP Portrait awards at National Portrait Gallery	Art Gallery
21 June 2001	Secretary of State	"My Fair Lady" at the Royal National Theatre	Theatre
25 June 2001	Secretary of State	Tour of Brooklands Museum	Museum
25 June 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Tate Britain—tour of the new galleries (work in progress)	Art Gallery
26 June 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Opening of Ingres to Matisse: Masterpieces of French Painting Exhibition at Royal Academy	Art Gallery
30 June 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Lawn Tennis Championships, Wimbledon	Sporting Event
5 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Rachel Whiteread Exhibition at Serpentine Gallery	Art Gallery
5 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	"Lady Macbeth" at English National Opera	Theatre
7 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Lawn Tennis Championships, Wimbledon	Sporting Event
8 July 2001	Minister of State for Sport	Lawn Tennis Championships, Wimbledon	Sporting Event
10 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Reception to celebrate the completion of the Everyman Millennium Commission Library at British Museum
11 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Royal Ballet School Performance at the Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House	Theatre
12 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Launch of the Theatre 2001 conference report at Prince of Wales Theatre	Theatre
12 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	"Un Giomo di Regno" at Buxton Festival Opening Night	Theatre
12 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	Tour of Somerset House	Art Gallery
15 July 2001	Minister of State for Sport	Formula One Grand Prix	Sporting Event
17 July 2001	Secretary of State	Predators Exhibition at Natural History Museum	Museum
17 July 2001	Minister of State for the Arts	"Wabi-Sabi" Exhibition of Japanese jewellery, metal and textiles at Contemporary Applied Arts	Art Gallery
17 July 2001	Minister of State for Sport	European Cadet Boxing Championships Sporting Event
22 July 2001	Minister of State for Sport	130 Open Golf Championships	Sporting Event

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the oral answer from the Minister for Sport on 3 December 2001, Official Report, column 14, who (a) attends and (b) chairs the ministerial meetings on sports issues. [21598]

The meetings are attended by ministerial representatives from: the Department for Education and Skills; the Department of Health; the Home Office; the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. In addition senior representatives from Sport England, and the New Opportunities Fund attend. Sue Campbell, the joint adviser for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills, and Ben Chapman MP also attend. As Minister for Sport I chair the monthly meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which (a) museums, (b) theatres, (c) art galleries and (d) sporting events (i) she and (ii) other Ministers in her Department have visited in an official capacity since 8 June; and what was the (1) purpose and (2) date of each visit. [21377]

[holding answer 6 December 2001]: The information requested is shown in the following table. Visits to such events allow Ministers to see developments in their sector at first hand and demonstrate our support for such projects and initiatives. These are, of course, in addition to visits made in a private capacity or for party reasons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will place in the Library a copy of the Football Licensing Authority report of 5 March relating to safe standing areas at football stadia. [22361]

The Football Licensing Authority's report of 5 March, entitled Report on the "Kombi" seating, Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, 23 and 24 February 2001 concerned the technical merits of one of a number of convertible seating systems which are in use at certain football stadia in Germany. I am arranging for copies of the report to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact on the UK tourism industry of Britain not being part of the Eurozone in January 2002. [20127]

I have been asked to reply.In his October 1997 statement to the House, the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out five economic tests which will define whether a clear and unambiguous case for UK membership of the single currency can be made. An assessment of the five economic tests will be produced within two years of the start of this Parliament. The assessment will be comprehensive and rigorous; all relevant economic issues will be dealt with as part of the assessment.

To ask the Solicitor-General (1) when the Crown Prosecution Service received the file from the Metropolitan police investigating Superintendent Ali Dizaei; [21608](2) what action she has taken to ensure that the Crown Prosecution Service has maintained its independence from the police and acted fairly and with impartiality when considering the case against Superintendent Ali Dizaei; [21610]

A full file of evidence was submitted on 12 October 2001 and additional information is still being submitted.Since 31 May 2000, the police have been submitting information and requests for advice to the Crown Prosecution Service. The CPS has been advising the police on an ongoing basis. This advice has covered matters of admissibility and the sufficiency of evidence upon a number of discrete criminal allegations.The Crown Prosecution Service has not delayed and has dealt with this case expeditiously. This police investigation has encompassed a number of separate criminal allegations and has resulted in the submission of a large volume of evidence. In the light of the complexity and sensitivity of the issues raised advice has been obtained from Senior Treasury Counsel. The review of the large volume of evidence and proper consideration of all the issues involved has necessarily required adequate time to complete.The Crown Prosecution Service works very closely with the police but makes decisions about cases through careful, independent and impartial consideration of all the evidence and application of the Code for Crown Prosecutors, which states that a prosecution will only be brought if there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and a prosecution is required in the public interest. The decision to start a prosecution is taken independently of the police and in this particular case will have the benefit of advice of independent Counsel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what process suspected terrorists who are wanted for alleged crimes are having prosecutions against them stopped; and if he will list their names, giving in each case the details of the charges that are being dropped and the known paramilitary affiliations. [12932]

Decisions on ending prosecutions are a matter for the independent prosecuting authorities based on a strict application of evidential and public interest tests. Separately, in relation to terrorist prisoners on the run, the Government announced in September 2000 that they were dropping extraditions against those who would have had little or no time left to serve if they returned to Northern Ireland. This has no bearing on cases where there remains an outstanding need to prosecute but relates specifically to cases where the individual concerned has escaped from custody before the completion of their sentence. The Government have dealt with these individuals in a way that is consistent with the Sentences Act 1998, which provides for the accelerated release of prisoners. For the most part this has meant allowing the individuals back into the jurisdiction in order to allow them to make an application for early release to the Sentence Review Commissioners. In a handful of cases, individuals had served the same or longer periods in custody than those already released under the Sentences Act but fell outside the strict application of that legislation, either because time in custody had been served outside Northern Ireland or because their offences had not been scheduled at the time they were committed. In these cases the Secretary of State uses his powers under the Northern Ireland Prison Act 1953 to release life sentence prisoners on licence or to recommend use of the Royal Prerogative of Mercy to remit outstanding portions of determinate sentences.To date these arrangements have been made in 19 cases. This arrangements does not represent an amnesty. The actions taken by the Government involve decisions on whether these individuals should be allowed to return to Northern Ireland without serving further time in custody because they have met the principles of the early release scheme. The early release scheme is an integral part of the Good Friday Agreement.Following the proposal made at the Weston Park talks, the Government have agreed to such steps as are necessary as soon as possible, and in any event by March 2002, to resolve the issue about supporters of organisations now on cease-fire against whom there are outstanding prosecutions, and in some cases extradition proceedings, for offences committed before 10 April 1998, who would, if convicted, stand to benefit from the early release scheme. We are currently considering the options for delivering this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what communications she has received from the European Commission concerning the draft Wireless Telegraphy (Control of Interference from Material Substances Forming Part of the Telecommunications System) Regulations 2001; and if she will make a statement. [18472]

The Government received a detailed opinion from the Commission on 29 November and I will be responding, after receiving comments from the Radiocommunications Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations she has received on the financial and other costs of fraudulent homeworking schemes on (a) the legitimate homeworking industry and (b) victims of such schemes; [21254](2) what assessment she has made of the provisions of the Outworking Bill introduced in the last Parliament by the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield; and if she will incorporate similar provisions in the forthcoming Enterprise Bill; [21252](3) what assessment she has made of the impact of fraudulent homeworking schemes on people with low incomes. [21256](4) what plans she has to introduce legislation to safeguard consumers from fraudulent homeworking schemes; [21251](5) what estimates she has made of the number of fraudulent homeworking schemes in operation. [21255]

Since January 2001:

(a) No representations have been received from the legitimate homeworking industry.

(b) Eight representations have been received from, or on behalf of, victims of fraudulent homeworking schemes.

In the Regulatory Impact Assessment published with the Outworking Bill we assessed there could be up to one million victims of all the 300 schemes that are estimated to exist at any one time. The initial outlay by the victim is typically between £10 and £60, with some schemes eliciting supplementary payments. These schemes tend to attract vulnerable and low paid people.Due to the difficulty of monitoring the scam operatives' activities it is difficult accurately to gauge the size of the problem in financial terms.When the Outworking Bill was introduced we supported it as a way of further clamping down on homeworking scams although we recognised there was some scope to tackle these under existing legislation such as the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 and the Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations 1988 (CMARS). Since then we have strengthened the powers of Trading Standards officers by introducing Stop Now Orders. These enable trading standards authorities and the Office of Fair Trading to seek an injunction against anyone who is in breach of consumer protection legislation in a number of relevant areas, in particular misleading advertising. We plan to strengthen consumer protection by extending the injunctive regime through the Enterprise Bill. The Stop Now regime will cover all consumer protection legislation, and include Trading Standards as well as the OFT as enforcement bodies. This will further strengthen the ability of Trading Standards to shut down scams including homeworking scams.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 5 December 2001, Official Report, column 306W, on small businesses, if she will identify the title of the Government response and the date it was issued; and if she will place a copy in the Library. [22364]

The "Government Response to the Better Regulation Task Force Shopkeepers Report" was issued on 17 October. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House. It is available on the Cabinet Office website at the following address: http:// www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/regulation/TaskForce/2001/ response localshops.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what structures exist to facilitate communication between her Department and small businesses. [21807]

The Small Business Service provides a focal point within Government for small business issues. SBS has a wide variety of contacts with small firms themselves, their representative bodies, and the various other organisations, such as regional development agencies, with an interest in helping small firms. The Small Business Service also has a programme of research to identify the needs and concerns of small businesses.The Small Business Council, made up primarily of small business owners, was appointed to advise the chief executive of the Small Business Service and report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on issues affecting small businesses.The council organised 12 town hall meetings in spring 2001, meeting small businesses owners across the country to hear their views on issues affecting small businesses. These findings were incorporated in the council's first annual report 2001 outlining 22 recommendations to Government to help SMEs operate more successfully.The Ethnic Minority Business Forum (EMPF) was set up to strengthen the dialogue between Government and the ethnic minority business communities to ensure that the Government are addressing the needs of all businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the (a) Ministers, (b) Government officers, (c) Members of Parliament and (d) delegates attending the Manufacturing Summit in Birmingham on 5 December; what criteria were used to select them; and what the terms of reference were for the event. [20542]

[holding answer 5 December 2001]: The full list of delegates is as follows:

Patricia Hewitt—Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

Nick Brown—Minister for Work

Andrew Smith—Chief Secretary, HM Treasury

Sir Ken Jackson—General Secretary, AEEU

Chris Liddell—General Secretary, Transport and General Workers

Eddie Lynch—General Secretary, Iron and Steel Trade Conference

Paul Gates—General Secretary, KFAT

Roger Lyons—General Secretary, MSF

John Monks—General Secretary, TUC

Estelle Morris—Secretary of State for Education and Skills

Alan Johnson—Minister for Employment Relations and the Regions

Tony Burke—Deputy General Secretary. Graphic Paper and Media Union

Martin Temple—Director General, Engineering Employers Federation

John Weston—Chief Executive, BAE Systems

Paul Barron—President, Alstom UK

Sir Ian Gibson—Innovation and Growth Team

Ken Poulter—Small Business Service

James McAdam—Chairman, Textile and Clothing Strategy Group

John Edmonds—General Secretary, GMB

Christine Wood—Regional Secretary, TUC Midlands Region

Ray Griffiths—AEEU

Kevin Curran—GMB

Bill Holmes—MSF

Bob Dover—Chief Executive, LandRover

Graham Speechley—Managing Director, Benteler Automotive UK Ltd.

David Warren—Director Business Group, British Trade International

Graham Garbutt—Regional Director, Government Office for the West Midlands

Mike Warnock—Director, Strategic Planning, Northern Ireland Industrial Development Board

Greg McConnell—Deputy Secretary DETI, Northern Ireland

Charlie Woods—Senior Director Knowledge Management, Scottish Enterprise

John Wilson—Director General, British Apparel and Textile Confederation

Sue Battle—British Chamber of Commerce

Mike Baunton—Perkins Engines

Michael Stark—Learning and Skills Council

Digby Jones—Director General, Confederation of British Industry

Dr. Julie Madigan—Chief Executive, The Manufacturing Institute

Professor Kumar Bhattacharrya—Chief Executive, Warwick Manufacturing

John Cushnaghan—Managing Director, Nissan UK

George Barlow—Chairman, London Development Agency

Graham Hall—Chairman, Yorkshire Forward

Alex Stephenson—Chairman, Advantage West Midlands

Lord Thomas of Macclesfield—Chairman, North West Development Agency

Derek Mapp—Chairman, East Midlands Development Agency

Chris Farrow—Welsh Development Agency

Rita Donaghy—Chair, ACAS

Adrian Hill—HEFCE

Vincent Watts—Chairman, East of England Development Agency

Sir Michael Lickiss—Chairman, South West Regional Development Agency

John Bridge—Chairman, One North East.

In addition, there were 31 observers from Government Departments and from the other organisations represented at the summit.Delegates were selected on the basis that there should be a good, representative spread of manufacturing interests around the table, which would lead to a manageable and informed discussion.There were no specific terms of reference for the event. Its purpose was to provide an opportunity for government and its partners to come together and share views on what the key issues are, and to focus on the practical steps for dealing with them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to encourage the wholesale market for broadband capacity in areas with no current broadband infrastructure. [20648]

On 3 December I set out a range of actions in the Government response to the broadband stakeholder group to further intensify competition, drive up demand, stimulate the production of new broadband content and facilitate broadband rollout in rural areas. We have also provided £30 million for regional projects to extend broadband networks, while challenging the industry to market and price broadband services effectively. Oftel has additionally required the provision by BT of wholesale ADSL on non-discriminatory terms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with Consignia about proposed changes to the delivery of the mail. [20355]

The Department has regular discussions with Consignia about a range of strategic issues facing the company. Consignia's proposals in relation to the delivery of mail are operational issues for the company provided that it remains within the terms of the licence issued to it by the Postal Services Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the financial position of Consignia for the current financial year; what resulting action she has asked the chairman to take; and what action she plans to take in respect of the chairman. [18921]

[holding answer 29 November 2001]: As shareholder we are obviously disappointed at the losses made by Consignia for the current financial year. It is clear that the company urgently needs to improve its performance. The company has been given the greater commercial freedom that the management and the unions had long wanted and its challenge is now to improve its performance.The Government as owner of Consignia are actively taking steps to strengthen the company's management. Earlier this year a new Finance Director (Marisa Cassoni) joined the Board; this was followed by the appointment of Allan Leighton to the non-executive team to take a special interest in the post office network; a Chief Executive of the new Post Office Ltd. (Consignia's network subsidiary) is currently being recruited. The appointee will be on the main Consignia Board.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decisions she has made about the future membership of the boards of the eight regional development agencies outside London; and if she will make a statement. [22727]

I am pleased to announce 39 new appointments to the Regional Development Agency boards; their names are as listed. These appointments begin on 14 December 2001 and are for three years, expiring on 13 December 2004. 50 per cent. of board members now have current or recent business experience. 35 per cent. of the new appointments are women and 18 per cent. are from ethnic minorities. I have placed further details of the new appointees in the Libraries of the Houses.Decisions on appointments have been made following fair and open competition and following consultation with key national and regional players.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had regarding the collapse of Atlantic Telecom; and if she will make a statement. [18279]

I met with my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeen, Central (Mr. Doran) on 19 November and with my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, North and Leith on 21 November. From these meetings, and those which the Scottish Executive Minister held at the same time, we were clear about the difficulties facing Atlantic's business customers in particular.I then had discussions with the Director General of Telecommunications on 20 November expressing my resolve that everything possible should be done to smooth the transfer of customers from Atlantic to other operators. I then met the Chief Executive of BT, Sir Peter Bonfield, and the Group Commercial Director, Colin Green, on 22 November where I sought BT's assistance to ensure that they would expedite the connection of ex-Atlantic customers. BT assured me it would do all it could to help facilitate a quick transfer of customers.As a result of further intensive discussions, we therefore announced on 24 November, along with the Scottish Executive Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, a £0.5 million joint rescue package, extending the operation of fixed wireless telephone services to allow customers to switch to an alternative telecoms supplier. The extended operation will end on 2 January 2002 at the latest.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the pension rights of miners dismissed during the 1984–85 strikes. [22728]

Following the consultation process last year, I am persuaded that a number of miners dismissed in connection with the 1984–85 strike, and not subsequently re-employed by British Coal, were harshly treated.