To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which regulations cover schools which specialise in teaching English as a foreign language. [20834]

There are no specific regulations applying to private English language schools but such schools must comply with general regulations applying to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and, if appropriate, legislation relating to children.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of schools in England and Northern Ireland have internet access. [21268]

The information requested is shown in the table.

Schools connected to the internet: 2001
	England
	Percentage
Primary	96
Secondary1	more than 99
Special	97
All schools2	97
1 Results from a sample survey indicated that nearly all secondary schools were connected to the internet.
2 An estimate for all maintained primary, secondary and special schools. Other types of schools excluded.

These figures are based on a sample survey. Responses were received from 785 primary, 753 secondary and 330 special schools: response rates of 67 per cent., 64 per cent., and 66 per cent. respectively of the chosen sample.For information on schools connected to the internet in Northern ireland, I refer the hon. Member to the Northern Ireland Department of Education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administration costs of the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency were in 2000–01; and what she expects them to be in 2001–02. [21296]

In 2000–01 the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency's overall income from grant, project and contract funding was £19.8 million. Of this, core grant funding from this Department was £4,725,000 and administration costs were £1.2 million. In 2001–02 administration costs are expected to be of a similar level to the previous year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research her Department has commissioned into the underlying causes of school exclusions. [22294]

My Department is funding a study tracking 200 pupils from point of permanent exclusion from mainstream school in years 9–11 over a two year period. This will report in september 2002. My Department is funding jointly with the Home Office an evaluation examining the Crime Reduction in Secondary Schools Programme and Alternative Education Initiatives. This will report in May 2002.I refer my hon. Friend to two recently completed research projects: Outcomes in Secondary Education for Children Excluded from Primary School (DfES Research Report 271) and Reasons for Exclusions from School (DfES Research Report 244). Both can be accessed at http://www.dfee.gov.uk/research/pubs.cfm

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to increase awareness of information and communications technology in schools and further education colleges. [21811]

97 per cent. of all schools are now connected to the internet. The National Grid for Learning (NGfL) is the main vehicle for promoting and facilitating the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in schools. The Government's £1.8 billion investment in the NGfL programme has developed the ICT infrastructure, effective links to the internet and access to educationally valuable content for schools.The Prime Minister announced on 10 December £50 million to fund 'Curriculum Online'; which is the world's first partnership between the Government, leading public/private broadcasters and innovative software producers to provide ICT based materials for every curriculum subject to transform learning in schools.£230 million has been made available by the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) to fund a programme to give serving teachers in the maintained sector the opportunity to receive ICT training.The National Learning Network (NLN) is embedding ICT into further education. Investment of £158 million in the NLN is improving the ICT infrastructure, developing staff skills, providing learning materials and guiding effective learning, teaching and management within colleges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps her Department is taking to support the role of unions in developing skills. [21810]

Trade unions have a key role to play in promoting the development of learning and skills in the workplace. To help them do this our Department has provided financial support through the Union Learning Fund since 1998. The ULF budget is £7 million this year. This source of funding is helping trade unions use their influence with employers, employees and others to encourage greater take up of learning at work and boost their capacity as learning organisations. It has so far benefited over 25,000 people in the workplace through a wide variety of projects ranging from tackling basic skill needs to advanced professional development. It has also led to the development of a new breed of activist, the union learning representative, and helped to establish a network of over 3,000 learning representatives nationwide.Union learning representatives are ideally placed to help and encourage workers to improve their skills, particularly among low skilled workers and those with literacy and numeracy problems. That is why we have included a clause in the new Employment Bill that will give statutory backing to union learning representatives. This will reinforce the invaluable role that union learning representatives are currently playing in the workplace to promote work force development and open up new training opportunities for their colleagues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many regulations her Department has proposed to Parliament since June; what regulatory impact assessments have been made for those regulations her Department has implemented in 2001; and what plans her Department has to reduce the number of regulations affecting small businesses. [21974]

The Department has laid 89 regulations before Parliament since June; during the same period, no regulatory impact assessments have been made for those regulations, but a total of four regulatory impact assessments have been made for 2001 so far, and these were for the following regulations:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in which years the pupils researched for the recent OECD survey of educational achievement (a) began their education, (b) reached Key Stage 1 and (c) reached Key Stage 2. [22042]

The pupils in England who participated in the OECD survey were born during 1984 and, depending on the month in which they were born, (a) would have begun statutory education in 1988 or 1989, (b) reached the end of Key Stage 1 in 1990 or 1991 and (c) reached the end of Key Stage 2 in 1995 or 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made (1) of the need for an early introduction of a level playing field for the funding of work-based learning to help meet Level 2 targets; [21768](2) of the Learning and Skills Council's proposed timetable for an integrated funding system for post-16 learning. [21784]

We consulted extensively about funding arrangements for post-16 education and training. Planning and implementing these new systems to meet the Government's learning targets is the responsibility of the Learning and Skills Council which has published its corporate plan for the period to 2004 and its plans for developing post-16 funding systems for 2003–04 onwards. The Council plans to introduce a common funding approach for 2003–04 in line with our consultations in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Progress to date has been good with development of a consistent national funding system this year for Work Based Learning. Progress in 2002–03 will continue with the development of new funding arrangements for further education and the council's assumption of responsibility for school sixth form funding. We are committed to work with the council further to develop funding systems, to ensure that funding follows the learner and facilitating the development of a rational and coherent approach to funding different forms of post-16 provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures she is taking to promote family learning. [21809]

Family learning, which is one strand of our strategy for involving parents in children's education, can strengthen families, help children to achieve and give adults the confidence to go on learning. That is why we have commended it to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and, in 2002–03, are making £7.5 million available to local education authorities (LEAs), through the Adult Learning Plans they will agree with local LSCs. One specific type of provision—family literacy and numeracy—is part of 'Skills for Life', our national strategy for adult literacy, language and numeracy. In 2001–02, £17 million will be spent to help parents and children improve their literacy and numeracy skills together.Family learning is part of a wider drive to support families through our education and skills policies. We are providing a range of materials enabling parents to help their children learn, including "Learning Journey" guides to the curriculum, our free "Parents + Schools" magazine and our "Parent Centre" website. We are encouraging schools to offer a range of family and community services, which might include learning opportunities and child care. Study support initiatives can offer parents the change to get involved in school life. Our Sure Start programme works with parents and young children to combat disadvantage; and the Children's Fund is being used to develop family support services, including family learning, in a number of deprived areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she has been informed of the conclusions of the police investigations in Durham into alleged fraud in the operation of the Individual Learning Account Scheme; and if she will make a statement. [22157]

[holding answer 10 December 2001]: The Department has been in discussion with Durham Constabulary's Fraud Squad. The investigations into alleged fraud in the operation of the Individual Learning Accounts programme that Durham Constabulary were conducting are now being taken forward by Cheshire Constabulary's Computer Crime Unit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she expects to come forward with a new scheme to replace the Individual Learning Account Scheme; and if she will make a statement. [22155]

[holding answer 10 December 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 22 November 2001, Official Report, column 449W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) criminal charges and (b) arrests have been made in relation to allegations of fraud in the operation of the Individual Learning Account Scheme; at what (i) times and (ii) locations; and if she will make a statement. [22162]

[holding answer 10 December 2001]: One person has been charged out of the 39 arrested in relation to allegations of fraud in connection with the operation of the Individual Learning Account programme.Details of the arrests are a matter for the police.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of the number of students who would have taken advantage of the individual learning account scheme in 2002 but who will not now owing to its closure. [22154]

[holding answer 10 December 2001]: The take-up of learning has been affected by changes in the programme's rules and, we believe, by mis-selling and potential fraud. Therefore it is not possible to make reliable estimates of future take-up.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many local investigations in relation to alleged fraud in the operation of the individual learning account schemes are proceeding, and where; how many such investigations have been concluded, and where and when; and if she will make a statement on the outcomes of such investigations. [22156]

[holding answer 10 December 2001]: The Department has referred a total of 27 cases involving alleged fraud in the operation of the Individual Learning Accounts programme to six different police forces: the city of London, Dorset, Leicester, the Metropolitan police force, the National Crime Squad and West Midlands. The Department's Special Investigations Unit is continuing to work with the police on these 27 cases. These cases arise from investigations that had started before 23 November 2001. None of the 27 cases have been concluded. To avoid the risk of compromising police investigations the Department is unable to give any further details at this stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how she will inform learning providers of her decision to shut down the ILA programme early. [19550]

We issued a press statement on 23 November and provided notification of the shut-down on both the Department and Capita websites, which we updated as new information became available. On 29 and 30 November I sent a letter and e-mail to ILA registered learning providers about the shut-down of the ILA programme on 23 November. We have also been able to resume operation, on a limited basis, of the provider helpline from 29 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to the answers of 27 November 2001, Official Report, column 773W, and 4 December 2001, Official Report, column 257W, on schools, for what reason her Department (a) holds information on the number of schools which have been allocated money for repairs and (b) does not hold information on the number of new schools which have been built. [22363]

[holding answer 11 December 2001]: We hold information on the numbers of schools benefiting from the new deal for schools programme funded from the windfall tax, since it was a specific programme for repairs where funding was allocated in response to bids. It was aimed at addressing the worst of the condition backlog in schools in 1997. It has now been replaced by programmes that are allocated to local education authorities and schools by needs-related formulae, so that decisions on which repairs to undertake are made locally. One such formulaic programme is new deal for schools devolved formula capital grant, which is made available principally to fund capital repairs to school buildings. Since this is allocated to all schools, we can be assured that, for the first time, every school has a budget to support high priority repair work.It is for local education authorities to determine the need for additional schools places in the maintained sector and, where necessary, build new schools. The Department maintains a record of all currently open schools. For the Department, in addition, to collect and hold detailed information on capital investment at individual school level would be overly bureaucratic for the Department, local authorities and for schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what basic credit approvals her Department granted between 1997 and 2001 for Hampshire. [22215]

[holding answer 11 December 2001]: The figures show basic credit approvals for Hampshire local education authority from 1997–98 to 2001–02.

	£ million
1997–98	10.1
1998–99	8.9
1999–2000	11.2
2000–01	10.8
2001–02	10.6
Total	51.6

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list the educational purposes for which a financial means test is required. [22795]

We apply a variety of means tests when providing funding for students in order to target funds sensibly while increasing participation and achievement in education. Examples where means tests are used include higher education loans and grants, educational maintenance allowances, and financial support for students in further education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils there are with SEN statements at each of the secondary schools in Cheshire. [18442]

The information requested is shown in the following table.

Maintained secondary schools: Pupils with a statement of special educational needs (SEN)—Cheshire local education authority
School name	Number of pupils with statements
Kingsway High School	28
Blacon High School	37
Queen's Park High School	45
Neston High School	69
Frodsham School (a Science and Technology College)	18
Tytherington High School	20
Ryles Park High School	91
Alsager School	5
Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College	9
Rudheath High School	78
Middlewich High School	19
Woodford Lodge High School	41
The Verdin High School	23
Coppenhall High School	76
Weaverham High School	17
The County High School Leftwich	16
Tarporley Community High School	13
The Ruskin School	7
Victoria Community Technology School	28
Malbank School and Sixth Form Centre	9
Shavington High School	27
Christleton High School	13
Upton-by-Chester High School	13
Stanney High School	87
Bishop Heber High School	39
Sutton High School	24
Knutsford High School	59
Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School	13
The Whitby High School	21
Poynton High School	26
Brine Leas High School	16
Helsby High School	11
Hartford High School	23
Kings Grove School	8
Wilmslow High School	24
Congleton High School	7
Eaton Bank School	11
The Catholic High School, Chester	31
St. Nicholas Catholic High School	16
Ellesmere Port Catholic High School	11
St. Thomas More Catholic High School	3
The Bishop's Blue Coat Church of England High School	22
All Hallows Catholic High School	16
Fallibroome High School	19
Henbury High School	26

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will review the process by which universities appoint their vice-chancellors and make a statement on best practice. [19457]

Vice-chancellors are appointed by the governing body of their individual university and my right hon. Friend has no plans to alter current arrangements. We do, however, keep such matters under review and support the efforts of Universities UK, the Standing Conference of Principals (SCOP) and the Higher Education Funding Council for England to enhance strategic leadership and management in higher education institutions and look to them to disseminate best practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid Britain is providing to the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and what assessment she has made of the obstacles to delivering aid to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with particular reference to British support for Ugandan and Ethiopian forces. [22311]

The UK gave over £3.3 in humanitarian assistance to the DRC last financial year. We expect this figure to be more than doubled in the current year. In addition, the UK has contributed more than £4.3 million in 2001 through the EU. There have been few recent ceasefire violations and humanitarian access has improved considerably, though difficulties remain in certain areas of the country. The UK provides no military support for either the Ugandan or Ethiopian forces and Ethiopia has no forces in the DRC. Assistance is being provided on security sector reform in Uganda.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what were the (a) terms of reference, (b) scope and (c) conclusions of the British geological survey technical report WD/92/43R prepared for the ODA and dated 1992, the short-term BGS pilot project to assess the hydrochemical character of the main aquifer units of central and north-eastern Bangladesh and the possible toxicity of groundwater to fish and humans; and if she will make a statement. [21430]

The report referred to in this question is the subject of a potential legal case on behalf of sufferers from arsenicosis in Bangladesh by a UK legal firm against British Geological Survey.My Department has responded in writing to requests for relevant information from the parties to this case in accordance with legal advice.While legal action is pending, I regret I am unable to provide a statement for fear of prejudicing the outcome of the legal action as according to section 4 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what has been the daily average of food aid being transported into Afghanistan in each of the last six weeks; and what is her estimate of the rate of transport needed to ensure sufficient food stocks for the winter. [21685]

The table shows the daily average of food aid that has been transported into Afghanistan by week for the past six weeks. Graphs recording daily and weekly delivery of food into Afghanistan since 19 September are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many tonnes of humanitarian aid have been deployed in Afghanistan since 11 September; what impact the military advances in Afghanistan have had on humanitarian missions; if the military campaign has opened up supply routes into Afghanistan; what steps she is taking to ensure that the public is informed of humanitarian advances in Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement. [22355]

Over 115,000 metric tonnes of food aid were dispatched to Afghanistan from 11 September to 9 December (the latest date for which information is currently available from the World Food Programme (WFP), the lead UN agency for food aid).Initial hopes of improved humanitarian access following the change in the political balance have been tempered by concerns over security. Although much of the internal delivery and distribution system is holding up, continued uncertainty over security in the north, around Mazar-e-Sharif, and the south-eastern province of Kandahar means that agencies are unable to reach many of the most vulnerable people.Improved security is key to enhancing the ability of humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to those in need. We, and the rest of the international community, will continue to urge the authorities in Afghanistan to assist with the relief effort, and to help stabilise the environment in which the humanitarian community are trying to operate.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the value of all bilateral debts owed to the UK by developing countries; and if she will make a statement. [17949]

The total figure for ECGD-covered debt owed by developing countries is £8.0 billion. Of this, £1.9 billion is owed by countries eligible for relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.Bilateral aid debts are limited to those countries which have not qualified for relief under the Commonwealth Debt Initiative. Excluding debts, which are being written off as they fall due, the outstanding balances at the end of March 2001 were £170 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the need for additional warm weather clothing and footwear of soldiers on standby for deployment in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [18224]

[holding answer 26 November 2001]: We continue carefully to monitor the weather in Afghanistan and will make appropriate judgments on the equipment required by any UK service personnel deploying to the region. Until a decision to deploy troops is taken, and the precise timelines have been agreed, we cannot judge in detail what winter clothing will be required.However, we will as always do everything possible to ensure the safety and welfare of our personnel while deployed on operations, and plans are already in place to ensure that in the event of a further deployment to the region over the winter period, they will be properly equipped for the conditions they are likely to face.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British forces participated in the military action at Qala-I-Jhangi in Afghanistan on 25 to 27 November; and if he will make a statement. [20026]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what advice his Department has given to Northern Alliance military personnel regarding adherence to the Geneva Convention; [20242](2) how many prisoners at Qala-I-Jhangi attempted to surrender during the prison revolt; [20240](3) what advice was given by British military personnel to Northern Alliance military personnel during the prison revolt at Qala-I-Jhangi; [20236](4) how many British military personnel were involved in the prison revolt in Qala-I-Jhangi; what regiments they belonged to; and what role they played. [20237]

The Northern Alliance have been informed that we expect them to respect the rights of prisoners in accordance with applicable international standards. I understand that a number of Taliban fighters at Qala-I-Jhangi are reported to have surrendered on Saturday 1 December. Prior to this, I am not aware that any of the Taliban fighters who took up arms after their purported surrender to the Northern Alliance sought to give themselves up.British troops are operating in Afghanistan, and their tasks include liaison with the Northern Alliance. They are also supporting US troops in these activities. After Taliban fighters held at Qala-I-Jhangi fort overpowered their captors and seized the armoury, British troops went to the aid of their US colleagues and attempted to recover, under heavy fire, two US personnel apparently captured by the Taliban fighters.I am withholding further details under Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many days were lost due to sickness absence in the Department in each of the last four years. [21298]

The Ministry of Defence sick absence rates for civilian non-industrial staff in the last four years for which data are available, measured in working days absence per staff year, are as follows:

Year	Days
1996	7.9
1997	7.9
1998	8.0
1999	8.8

The MOD is committed to improving the health of its staff and managing sick absence more effectively. A programme of measures is being implemented to help meet the target in MOD's Service Delivery Agreement to reduce sickness absence from the 1998 level of 8 days per staff year to 6.6 days by the end of 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he has taken to agree (a) common military testing programmes and (b) common use of testing sites with other European nations. [20904]

[holding answer 5 December 2001]: The UK is a signatory to the four nations Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (with the United States, France and German) relating to the Mutual Acceptance of Test and Evaluation for the Reciprocal Procurement of Defence Equipment under which we jointly agree testing standards known as ITOPs (International Test Operating Procedures). These permit us to test defence equipment to a fixed standard. The results of testing equipment using these standards are accepted by the signatories to the MOU thus saving the costs of multiple tests. A number of ITOPs have been used as the basis for NATO standards.The UK is one of the leading members of the Western European Armaments Group Sub Group on Test Facilities (SGTF). To assist the common use of testing sites, this group has developed a detailed database describing all the Government-owned defence test and evaluation facilities covering 15 European nations. Further additions to this database are expected in the coming year from new member nations. In addition, SGTF has developed an umbrella MOU to facilitate, on a payment basis, the use of other nations' facilities.Separately, the group is tasked by Defence Ministers, through the national armaments directors of the nations, to produce a European strategy for meeting future test requirements. This strategy may also include the possibilities for the rationalisation of test facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will choose the contractor who will deliver the Skynet 5 project; and when he expects it to be operational. [21932]

We currently plan to announce the preferred bidder for the Skynet 5 in the early part of 2002. Initial services are expected to commence in 2005 with full capability being delivered some three years later.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to move the Commandant General's headquarters for the Royal Marines from HMS Excellence on Whale Island; what the time scale for this move is; how much the move will cost; and if he will make a statement. [22197]

The functions of the Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM), currently based on Whale Island, will be absorbed into the new, fully integrated fleet headquarters which will be formed in the Portsmouth area in April 2002. £27 million has been allocated to the overall fleet reorganisation programme of which the CGRM restructuring element is a part. The fleet headquarters reorganisation is expected to realise cost savings of approximately £160 million over 25 years. It is planned to occupy purpose-built accommodation on Whale Island from the end of 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2001, Official Report, column 114W, on RAF Menwith Hill, when the additional confidential arrangements were signed; how many there are; who the parties to these arrangements are; who has been informed of them; and when Parliament was first informed about the existence of these arrangements. [22148]

The confidential arrangements relating to the presence of US forces in the UK are of long-standing, dating from 1950. The arrangements were concluded as part of normal bilateral business with the US Government, which is not routinely reported to Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to speed up the United Kingdom's future aircraft carrier programme; and if he will make a statement. [22442]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 1 November 2001, Official Report, column 763W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sites around Portsmouth have applied for outline planning consent for MoD housing; which sites are being considered for the PFI building contract for 160 houses; what the cost will be of building these houses; and if he will make a statement. [22358]

The Ministry of Defence is short of accommodation for officers and certain other ranks in the Portsmouth area. The Defence Housing Executive is considering a PFI solution to this problem.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the (a) locations and (b) inventories of chemical and munition dumps in the coastal waters of the United Kingdom. [21855]

The list of dumpsites of chemical and other munitions located in the coastal waters of the United Kingdom has been placed in the Library of the House. Primarily, the list contains information compiled by the Hydrographic Office from that published in Admiralty Charts for known dumpsites in UK waters.In addition, the list contains the locations of the deepwater sites in the Atlantic used for the disposal of chemical weapons after World War Two and details of some, although not all, of the service range danger areas in the coastal water of the United Kingdom. The D307 range danger area, which is near to my hon. Friend's constituency, is not shown as a designed sea dumpsite on the list of dumpsites, as explosive ordnance was buried on the site rather than being dumped at sea.Detailed information of the inventories of chemical weapons and other munitions disposed of to those dumpsites is no longer available, as may records were destroyed after the disposal as a matter of routine custom and practice. As a signatory to the Oslo-Paris (OSPAR) Convention, the United Kingdom ceased all dumping of munitions at sea in 1992 and continues to honour that commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 17 July 2001, Official Report, column 145W, on locally engaged staff, what reference is made in setting pay levels of locally engaged civilian staff to the local poverty datum line; whether the pay levels can fall below local poverty datum lines; and if he will make a statement. [22775]

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The pay and terms of service of locally engaged staff are determined by processes which involve surveys of local employers. The employers used in such surveys are reputable and are chosen as representative of responsible local employment practice. Such employers include, for example, the Brunei Government for pay surveys in Brunei and the US embassy for pay surveys in Nepal. In Germany, where the largest proportion of locally engaged civilians are employed, pay and terms of service are negotiated centrally by the Germany Federal Ministry of Finance and the national Trade Unions in accordance with the Collective Tariff Agreement applicable to the NATO Sending States. Terms and conditions of service also reflect the requirements of local employment law.There is no reason to believe, therefore, that locally engaged civilians employed by the Ministry of Defence are disadvantaged in any way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Review of Warship Maintenance and Support; what discussions are being held on privatisation; and what assessment has been made of potential job losses. [22076]

[holding answer 12 December 2001]: The Warship Support Modernisation initiative is looking at ways to modernise support arrangements across all UK Naval Bases and Dockyards, and, by reducing national spare capacity, to achieve savings for the defence budget. We have received proposals from the Dockyard Companies for the provision of certain Naval Base outputs in partnering arrangements with the Naval Base Commanders. These are now being assessed alongside alternative proposals received from our joint Trade Unions. All options are being evaluated fully and without prejudice. Decisions on the way ahead are expected early next year.Privatisation is not being considered—if partnering with private companies is decided on as the way ahead, the Naval Bases would continue to be run by the Naval Base Commander, with the commercial partner helping to provide part of the service.Assessments are being undertaken of the potential, should partnering go ahead, for a number of civil staff employed at the Naval Bases to be transferred to the companies. It is too early to say what impact each of the options would have on employment at the Naval Bases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and locations of the shipyards that provide maintenance and support to RN warships and auxiliaries; and how many people are employed at them. [22082]

[holding answer 12 December 2001]: Currently, maintenance and support of the Royal Navy Fleet is principally provided by the three Naval Bases and by the privately owned dockyard companies at Rosyth and Devonport and the commercial managers of the Fleet Maintenance and Repair Organisation at Portsmouth. The number of people employed at the Naval Bases and by the commercial companies (derived from our negotiations on overhead rates) are as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers, sailors and airmen participated in the London celebrations of the Silver Jubilee in 1977. [22670]

From the records accessible within the timescale available, it has been determined that approximately 3,050 soldiers, sailors and airmen participated in the London celebrations of the Silver Jubilee in 1977 on street lining duties, stair lining at St. Paul's Cathedral and two Guards of Honour. In addition, about 340 armed forces personnel were in the procession and there were 10 military bands which consisted of about 450 people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that the numbers of armed service personnel participating in the London celebrations of the Golden Jubilee match those for celebrations relating to the Silver Jubilee in 1977. [22672]

The armed forces personnel participating in the London celebrations of the Golden Jubilee will be in sufficient numbers to meet the requirements for the Golden Jubilee celebrations in accordance with the wishes of Her Majesty the Queen. The size and scope of any previous Jubilee celebrations have no bearing on the Golden Jubilee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military bands participated in the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977; and how many will be available and eligible to participate in the London celebrations of the Golden Jubilee. [22671]

Ten military bands participated in the London celebrations for the Silver Jubilee. Detailed planning for the Golden Jubilee is still on-going. However, I can confirm that a number of military bands will participate in the celebrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 536W, how many soldiers, sailors and airmen will be available to participate in the London celebrations of the Golden Jubilee. [22673]

I have nothing further to add at this stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual running cost of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is; and if he will make a statement. [22269]

The cost of running the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in financial year 2000–01 was approximately £1.6 million. The flight performs a valuable role in promoting a positive image of the RAF and in reminding current generations of the sacrifices and achievements of those who fought in the Second World War.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on reducing the number of (1) fixed wing fighter and ground attack aircraft in operational use by the Royal Air Force; and if he will make a statement; [22388](2) tanks and armoured fighting vehicles in service with the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [22318]

We keep the numbers and types of platforms in use with all three Services under regular review, to ensure that we have the correct mix of capabilities for the range of tasks we are likely to be called upon to undertake.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) tanks, (b) armoured personnel carriers and (c) armoured fighting vehicles have been owned by the Army in each year from 1985 to 2000; and if he will make a statement. [22271]

Army Equipment Holdings are published within the scope of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) Treaty. Since 1997 these have been set out in an annex to the annual Ministry of Defence Performance Report. For the period 1991 to 1996 this information was published in the Statement of the Defence Estimates (SDE) for each year. Prior to 1991, this information was provided in the SDE but in a different format, based on the force structures at that time. These documents are held in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the (a)number and (b) purpose of the Challenger 2 main battle tanks based in Germany. [22273]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 5 December 2001, Official Report, columns 356–57W. Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks provide the backbone of the armoured capability of the Army. Their purpose is the destruction of enemy armour in the contact battle, but they also have a wider utility across the spectrum of conflict, as has been demonstrated in the Balkans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his estimate is of the annual running cost of the Royal Navy's non-Trident submarines; and if he will make a statement. [22270]

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 (a) UK military personnel and (b) UK defence industry employees have been (i) confirmed as suffering from and (ii) suspected of suffering from depleted uranium poisoning, in each year from 1980 to 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [22317]

Although a number of people may suspect that they are suffering from ill health as a result of exposure to depleted uranium, including personnel in the Gulf and Balkans campaign, I am unaware of any individual who has been confirmed as suffering from ill health arising from exposure to DU over the period 1980 to 2001–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the health risks associated with material containing depleted uranium in the last 10 years; if he will publish the results; and if he will make a statement. [22315]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 25 January 2001, Official Report, column 653W, by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, to my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker), in which the Ministry of Defence published a paper that explained the MOD's position on the risks posed by depleted uranium (DU). This paper included reference to the MOD's earlier paper published on 19 March 1999, entitled "Testing for the Presence of Depleted Uranium in UK Veterans of the Gulf Conflict the Current Position". Copies of both papers are available in the Library of the House and on the MOD's website at www.gulfwar.mod.uk.I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 24 March (reference: D/US of S/LM 0291L/01/1) to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew), which includes the review paper "Depleted Uranium—Safety Guidance to UK Armed Forces and MOD Civilians"; and my letter of 17 April (reference: D/US of S/LM PQ 0346L/01/M), to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley), which discusses and lists risk assessments associated with DU. I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 7 June 2001 (reference: D/US of S/LM PQ 0679L/01/Y) to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Llew Smith), which lists reports on depleted uranium commissioned by the MOD from DERA and contains some additional relevant material. All three letters are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations his Department has made in the last 10 years into whether (a) UK military personnel and (b) employees within the defence industries of the United Kingdom, have suffered from (i) depleted uranium poisoning and (ii) other medical conditions caused by exposure to depleted uranium; and if he will make a statement. [22316]

The Ministry of Defence is funding a programme designed to establish whether a scientifically rigorous test can be developed to determine historical exposures to depleted uranium (DU). Given such a test is developed, epidemiological studies will be undertaken to establish whether there is any correlation between ill-health and exposure to DU. As part of the MOD's Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme, which has so far seen over 3,000 service personnel and a small number of defence industry employees who served in the Gulf, a very small number of tests for total uranium have been carried out in cases where physicians believed that such tests would assist in treatment of their patients. All these tests showed that the signs and symptoms displayed by these patients were not due to any form of uranium exposure. In the early 1990s, a small number of UK troops concerned they had inhaled DU dust while conducting work in the Gulf conflict had their lungs monitored—no detectable DU contamination was found.There are established systems within the United Kingdom for monitoring the health and safety of those who are exposed to depleted uranium as part of their work activities. These systems are, and always have been, employed throughout the MOD and involve monitoring of personnel and the working environment. Some individuals also receive annual health reviews. These measures ensure that exposures to depleted uranium are as low as reasonably practicable and do not exceed statutory limits. Therefore there is no reason for investigations of the type mentioned for these employees.Other than those mentioned above, the health of those employed within defence industries is a matter for the employers concerned and for the Health and Safety Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the compensation scheme is for civilians who are (a) killed, (b) injured and (c) maimed by unexploded munitions on military training grounds. [23132]

When compensation claims are submitted, they are considered on the basis of whether or not the Ministry of Defence has a legal liability to pay compensation. Where there is a legal liability to pay compensation we do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the appointment to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body of a replacement for Ms Kay Coleman. [23345]

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Dr. Anne Wright CBE to a three-year term. This appointment has been conducted in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointment's guidance on appointments to public bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he will lay before the House the report by Mr. Rabinder Singh, the independent monitor of entry clearance refusals. [23347]

Mr. Singh's report on entry clearance refusals was laid before the House today. I very much welcome the report which acknowledges the high standards of our entry clearance operation overseas and the Government's commitment to ensuring that it continues to operate fairly and professionally. Mr. Singh's comments and suggestions will receive careful consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contact there has been between his Department and (a) Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum and (b) the Dubai authorities in relation to the allegation made by Sheikha Shamsa. [22606]

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's London office have raised this matter with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We have informed them that this is a matter for the police.