To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, when the Commission's media adviser first met the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. [33364]

On Tuesday 22 January, at her request.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, when the Chairman of the House of Commons Commission received complaints from (a) members of the public and (b) hon. Members about the work of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. [33360]

I understand that Mr. Speaker has received a number of letters from members of the public and from hon. Members, both in the previous Parliament and the present Parliament, about matters relating to the system of self-regulation and standards. However, so far as formal complaints to the House of Commons Commission are concerned, the position remains as set out in my reply to the hon. Member for Hull, North (Mr. McNamara), of 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 331W.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission receives a press cuttings service. [33366]

No. Officials bring relevant items to the attention of the Commission as necessary.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Media Adviser's term of appointment is for a specific period and for a known number of days. [33365]

The appointment is for an initial period of three months, subject to review. The number of days worked varies.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many candidates were on the short list before Mr. John Stonborough was chosen as media adviser. [33362]

The House of Commons Commission considered two possible candidates before selecting Mr. Stonborough on a short-term contract to work with the House's communications adviser.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, which persons participated in the selection process for the Commission's media adviser. [33363]

The selection was made by the House of Commons Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what were the total amounts paid to (a) executive directors and (b) non-executive directors in (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c)1999–2000 and (d) 2000–01. [20423]

The information is in the table.

£000
Financial year	Executive directors	Non-executive directors
1997–98	855	25
1998–99	819	41
1999–2000	913	59
2000–01	11,192	121
1 In 1999–2000 the Department decided to designate some existing senior civil service posts as Executive Directors. The costs for 2000–01 reflect these changes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many new deal candidates have participated in the customised job preparation programme in preparation for jobs in the Civil Service; if he will list the Government Departments for which such programmes (a) exist and (b) do not exist; and how many requests are outstanding from Government Departments and agencies for such programmes. [25977]

A new deal gateway specifically designed to prepare new deal candidates for work in the Civil Service was piloted last year in Edgware, London. 16 participants completed the pilot, which led to job opportunities with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department for Trade and Industry. In addition, a customised new deal gateway pilot was also developed for the Benefits Agency in east London. This resulted in job offers in the agency for all 21 participants. These job preparation programmes were designed to be pilot schemes that responded directly to localised employer-led demand.There are no outstanding requests from Government Departments and agencies for customised gateways at present. However, given the success of the first programmes, further gateways are being considered for the Benefits Agency in London and the north-west. The Employment Service is continuing to promote the Civil Service new deal gateway and the employment of new deal clients within Departments and their agencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of participants in the new deal for young people from non-white ethnic minorities found (a) jobs and (b) sustained jobs in each year since 1997; and if he will give a breakdown by different ethnic minorities. [25984]

The available information is in the table.

Proportion of young people from ethnic minorities starting on the new deal for young people who had gained a job1,2
	1998	1999	2000
Black-Caribbean
All jobs	46	47	50
Sustained	32	34	36
Black-African
All jobs	38	40	42
Sustained	26	28	30
Black-Other
All jobs	46	48	50
Sustained	32	34	36
Indian
All jobs	52	51	53
Sustained	41	41	43
Pakistani
All jobs	45	46	47
Sustained	35	35	38
Bangladeshi
All jobs	47	48	47
Sustained	38	40	39
Chinese
All jobs	43	45	45
Sustained	36	38	38
Other
All jobs	45	44	44
Sustained	35	35	35
Total
All jobs	45	46	48
Sustained	34	35	37
1Ethnicity details are not available for all participants in the new deal for young people.				2Many participants leaving the new deal for young people are recorded as leaving for unknown destinations. Research has shown that over 50 per cent. of these people are actually leaving to take up employment.				3Figures for 2001 are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the incident that took place at the Jobcentre Plus office at Harlesden on 18 January. [32613]

[holding answer 1 February 2002]: A jobseeker's allowance customer attending Harlesden Jobcentre Plus office on Friday 18 January was refused an immediate payment. Later that day he returned to the office and damaged computer equipment. Prompt action by security guards meant that the man was arrested within minutes and subsequently charged by the police.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for what reason her Department's total aid programme for Angola has been halved over the last five years; and what resources her Department will commit to achieving the aims of the Peace Building and Civil Society in Angola report published by her Department. [33946]

Angola has been in a state of renewed conflict since the breakdown of the Lusaka Peace Protocol in 1998. It is for this reason that it has not been possible to establish a long-term partnership for the development of the country. We continue however to provide humanitarian assistance.Angola needs peace and the Government continue to support the United Nations sanctions against UNITA while calling for both sides to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict. My Department sees a role in encouraging the Angolan Government to use their substantial resources to alleviate the dire poverty in the country. DFID are currently funding a series of seminars on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) process which have brought together representatives of the Government, Parliament and civil society. We welcome the recent report and are considering how best to build on our existing work on peace building with civil society.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the total cost to her Department was for accountancy services in each of the last four years. [34175]

Most of the accountancy work in DFID is carried out by our own in-house staff. We paid £100,815 for external accountancy advice in 2000–01 as part of the preparation for the CDC public-private partnership, and we have paid £17,102 to date in 2001–02 for external accountancy advice in relation to resource accounting and budgeting. These are the only costs for additional accountancy services which we can readily identify in the past four years.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the appointments made by her Department since 1 May 1997 of chairmen of (a) non-departmental public bodies, (b) commissions, (c) inquiries, (d) agencies and (e) task forces; and if she will list their (i) term of office, (ii) salary and (iii) known political affiliation (A) past and (B) present. [33885]

The following chairmen were appointed by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to secure the abolition of education charges by 2005. [33517]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) on 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 604W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps are being taken to launch a global initiative to achieve free basic education for all; and if she will make a statement. [33518]

At the Education for All (EFA) High-Level Group meeting in Paris in October, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development made clear that the international response to the Dakar Framework for Action has been slow and has lacked effective co-ordination. She called for international action to be stepped so that we can accelerate current progress and ensure that we meet the target of quality primary education for all children by 2015. DFID's "Children out of school" paper sets out these proposals and urges much greater international energy and co-operation in taking them forward.Achieving universal primary education (UPE) can happen only through reform and action at country level. A key indicator of commitment is the rapid abolition of user fees and other direct cost barriers to education. Other indicators are the development of sound national education policies, closely linked to the country's poverty reduction strategies; the resources allocated to education, and specifically to primary education; and evidence of efforts to promote gender equality.Where countries are making these commitments, the international community must deliver the additional resources they require. We believe this is best achieved through analysis and action at the country level. The Dakar resource pledge should be incorporated into all country level negotiations on poverty reduction strategies. It will also require a change in the level of international financing to support and sustain UPE, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Development agencies and the multilateral development banks, including the World bank, must increase the resources committed to helping reforming Governments deliver UPE.The Government are involved in three major international initiatives focusing on implementing the commitments made at Dakar. They are: the UNESCO and the EFA High-Level Group; the World bank (which is preparing a paper for its spring meeting); and the G8 (whose education task force will report to this year's summit in Canada).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action her Department has taken in relation to the forced relocation of the Bushmen of the Kalahari of Botswana to New Xhade. [34766]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Ms Atherton) on 16 January 2002, Official Report, column 311W. Further to this, our high commissioner to Botswana met the Minister for Local Government on 22 January. He advised that the severance of essential supplies, such as water, cuts across previous assurances and will provoke criticism from the international community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the treatment of UK citizens who have been captured in Afghanistan and held by US forces, with special reference to (a) when consular officials will have access to them, (b) when the International Committee of the Red Cross will have access to them, (c) whether they will have legal representation, (d) whether they are prisoners of war under the Geneva conventions and who made the determination as to their status and (e) whether the UK citizens will be treated in accordance with the Geneva conventions. [28334]

A team of British officials visited Guantanamo Bay between 17 and 20 January and saw three British detainees. We continue to investigate reports of a small number of individuals detained in Afghanistan who might be British. We are aware of two British nationals who are detained in Kandahar by the US authorities.The International Committee of the Red Cross have established a presence at Guantanamo Bay and their officials have access to the detainees at any time. They also have access to detainees held by the US authorities in Afghanistan.We have asked the US to clarify what access the detainees will have to legal representation.Whether any individual is a prisoner of war depends on the facts of each individual case. It is for the US as the Detaining Power in the first instance to take a view. The US authorities have said that the detainees are being treated humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva conventions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he (a) last met and (b) intends to meet the Israeli Foreign Secretary. [31684]

I met the Israeli Foreign Secretary in Israel on 25 September 2001 and in Brussels on 10 December 2001. We are due to meet again on 13 February when I visit Israel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what targets the Government have set for resurfacing the strategic road network with noise-reducing surfaces; what funding has been earmarked for this work; and what percentage of this financial year's earmarked funding has been spent to date. [27024]

[holding answer 14 January 2002]: The Government's 10-year plan for transport tasked the Highways Agency with installing quieter surfaces on more than 60 per cent. of the motorway and trunk road network including all concrete stretches. Funding will be allocated over the period as part of the agency's roads renewals budget. This financial year, the agency plans to spend around £250 million. To date, they have spent nearly 74 per cent. (£184 million) and they expect to spend to budget.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent discussions the Minister of Transport and his officials have had with their Austrian counterparts regarding Austrian road tax charges at point of entry. [27717]

My Department takes a close interest in developments in lorry road-user charging throughout Europe, including the scheme operated by the Austrian Government and regular discussions are held with national Administrations, including Austria.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 11 December 2001, Official Report, columns 783–84W, on the company limited by guarantee as a model for Railtrack, if he will list (a) the failures of the existing regime from which lessons have been learned and (b) the tried and tested cases of companies limited by guarantee to which he refers. [31596]

Railtrack failed in a number of key areas. These include lack of knowledge of the company's assets, failure to manage projects and contracted-out work effectively, an inadequate skills base and a lack of customer focus.A company limited by guarantee is a suitable vehicle for a wide range of activities. For example, many national charities are set up as companies limited by guarantee. Companies limited by guarantee are also frequently used for the not-for-profit promotion of education, sport or commerce. Examples of companies limited by guarantee in commerce include the British Phonographic Industry Ltd., City Disputes Panel Ltd., the National Readership Surveys Ltd., British Venture Capital Association, BioIndustry Association, Lloyd's Register of Shipping Trust Corporation Ltd. and Glas Cymru Cyfyngedig.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the dedicated unit within Railtrack which is aimed at identifying and more speedily addressing problems and faults with the railway infrastructure was set up; how many people are employed within the unit; and what its remit is. [33044]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: Railtrack advise that there is currently no dedicated unit as described. However, the company has identified as a priority the need to improve the management and operation of the railway infrastructure and this is currently being taken forward.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of (a) public money and (b) the private finance set out in the 10-year plan for the railways is for Railtrack in administration and its successor company. [33995]

Railtrack in administration and its successor company will continue to receive income from grant and other sources as set out in the regulator's October 2000 periodic review and in the 2 April agreement between Government and Railtrack.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects to publish a revision of the Good Practice Guide on Managing Unauthorised Camping by gypsy and travellers; and if he will make a statement. [32466]

Work is in hand to produce a revised version of the Good Practice Guide on Managing Unauthorised Camping.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 18 December 2001, Official Report, column 225W, on the rail industry, if he will list (a) each of the health and safety issues contained in railway safety cases and (b) for each train operator the address of the premises at which railway safety cases are available for public inspection. [32693]

The health and safety issues contained in railway safety cases are included in the schedules of the Railway (Safety Cases) Regulations 2000. They are: risk assessments, health and safety management systems, developing and maintaining staff competence, specifications and procedures, infrastructure, train operation, train integrity assurance and maintenance, station operation, control of contractors, incident investigation, compliance with safety cases, emergency response arrangements, safety case change control, additional criteria for infrastructure controllers.The address where the safety case is available for inspection can be obtained from train operators. Contact details for passenger train operators are given on the Strategic Rail Authority website at www.sra.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the members of the Strategic Rail Authority's cross-industry working group; when this group (a) first met and (b) subsequently met; what are the terms of reference of this group; and what outcomes have emerged to date as a result of the work of the group. [32610]

The Rail Industry Group (RIG) was formed in early 2001 building on the successful collaborative arrangements developed following the Hatfield crash. RIG is chaired by the SRA and its membership includes senior representatives from ATOC, Raitrack, EWS, infrastructure maintenance contractors and the Rail Passengers Council. Observers from the DTLR, Office of the Rail Regulator, Health and Safety Executive and Rail Industry Association attend meetings. The group meets on an ad hoc basis depending on circumstances.The purpose of the RIG is to bring the SRA and industry leaders together to discuss, agree and then implement changes to Britain's railway. The work of the RIG has been wide ranging, including co-ordinating changes to the possessions regime and setting up groups to address skills shortages.The new chairman of the SRA, Richard Bowker, has been asked by the Secretary of State to review existing arrangements to determine if changes are needed to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received on the proposed public-private partnership for London Underground; and if he will make a statement. [33037]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport to the hon. Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) on 29 January 2002, Official Report, columns 176–77W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if (a) he and (b) other Ministers have met the Rail Regulator in the last month. [33367]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 11 December 2001, Official Report, column 789W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if financial responsibility for the upkeep of the millennium dome will be transferred to Meridian Delta upon completion of the contract. [32804]

Yes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the Government will consider the likely net revenues of the Mayor of London's proposed congestion charging scheme against the opportunity cost of the scheme when assessing whether the spending plan represents value for money. [33741]

It is the Mayor of London's responsibility to consider the costs and benefits of the proposed congestion charging scheme before deciding whether or not to confirm the scheme order.My right hon. Friend will have regard to the relevant statutory requirements in deciding whether to approve the spending plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what criteria he will use when assessing whether the Mayor of London's plan for spending congestion charging revenues represents value for money. [33742]

My right hon. Friend will consider the final version of the spending plan when he receives it in the light of the statutory requirements. Paragraph 16(1) of Schedule 23 to the Greater London Authority Act 1999 provides that the net proceeds of a charging scheme shall be available for "relevant transport purposes". These purposes are defined by paragraph 1 as any purpose which directly or indirectly facilitates the implementation of any policies or proposals set out in the Mayor's transport strategy. And paragraph 16(5) provides that the net proceeds of charging schemes may only be applied for purposes which provide value for money. My right hon. Friend will wish to satisfy himself that the spending plan is consistent with the Mayor's transport strategy which he has considered at an earlier stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations the Strategic Rail Authority has made on the achievability of the 50 per cent. target for passenger growth in the 10-year plan. [32936]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: The SRA has made no representations on this issue to the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of the public funding for investment in the railways in the 10-year plan is uncommitted. [32944]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: Currently around £8.1 billion remains contractually uncommitted out of a total budget of £18.6 billion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the period of time elapsed is for the oldest outstanding request for information under the Data Protection Act 1998, since receipt of the (a) original request and (b) administration fee. [33447]

In respect of (a) 97 days, and in respect of (b) 46 days. The 40-day deadline for this case is not technically due to expire for a further two weeks since the further information required by the Department to respond to it was not supplied by the applicant for some time following receipt of the original request and administration fee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many (a) county, (b) district and (c) unitary councillors there are in England; and what the average amount they draw in allowances and expenses was in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [34040]

The total number of members of the following types of council in England as of May 2001 was:

(a)County: 2,140

(b)District: 10,715

(c)Unitary: 2,413

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will ask the Strategic Rail Authority to commission a study on the (a) feasibility and (b) benefits of re-opening the Colne to Skipton railway line. [34280]

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has no current plans to consider the possibility of re-opening this line. The relevant local authority could take forward such a study if they saw benefit in doing so. If funding for such a study were required it might be available through the SRA's Rail Passenger Partnership scheme, which has been extended to include the possibility of funding feasibility work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) how many meetings have taken place in the last year between (a) Ministers and (b) civil servants and representatives from the aviation industry; [34135](2) how many meetings have taken place in the last year between

Ministers and civil servants meet many people as part of the process of policy development and analysis. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists. Some of these discussions take place on a confidential basis, and in order to preserve confidentiality, it is not the normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings with private individuals or companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether he plans to exclude national park authorities from the proposed parliamentary procedures for major infrastructure projects. [34827]

We are still consulting on the proposals contained in our document "Major Infrastructure Projects: Delivering a Fundamental Change". The closing date for comments is 22 March 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to retain the Silkin test for major developments in national parks. [34825]

The `Silkin test' for major developments in national parks forms part of the national guidance to local planning authorities set out in paragraph 4.5 of Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) note 7 on the Countryside. We have no plans to change this policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the arrangements for pre-planning application discussions operated by the national park authorities. [34824]

The Department has not carried out an assessment of these discussions, which are not a part of the statutory planning process. We encourage pre-application discussions between planning applicants and local planning authorities. These can help to guide applicants through the planning process, clarify what is required and help them to formulate their proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the level of (a) on-balance sheet and (b) off-balance sheet debt for each local authority in each year since 1997. [34822]

Local authority off-balance sheet information is not collected by DTLR. Figures for local authority outstanding debt at 31 March 1997 and 31 March 2000 have been placed today in the Libraries of the House. Outstanding debt is equivalent to on-balance sheet debt. Figures for 1998 and 1999 are not available centrally. Outstanding debt for individual authorities as at 31 March 2001 will be published shortly on the DTLR website www.dtlr.gov.uk/finance/stats.It should be noted that authorities with high levels of debt are generally those which have undertaken capital investment and that long-term borrowing to finance capital expenditure is regulated by Government through the issue of credit approvals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Highways Agency regarding the de-trunking of the A40 into Cheltenham; and if he will make a statement. [34637]

The Secretary of State has asked the Highways Agency to discuss the proposed de-trunking of the A40 through Cheltenham with the relevant local authorities. These discussions are continuing.An announcement will be made when draft orders for the de-trunking are published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer (ref. 33646), Official Report, column 838W, if he will estimate the cost to local authorities of implementing the Travel Concessions Bill. [34672]

The additional cost to local authorities of implementing the Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Bill in England is estimated at £50 million per year.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will announce the membership of the United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. [35530]

I have appointed 13 representatives from the Parliament of the United Kingdom to act as the United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The next meeting of the Assembly will take place in Vienna on 21–22 February 2002. The delegation will consist of eight members of the Labour party, three members of the Conservative party and two members of the Liberal Democrat party. I have also appointed a number of substitute delegates.The appointment of Conservative and Liberal Democrat party representatives and substitutes have been made on the basis of nominations by the parties concerned.Representatives from the Government benches will be: the hon. Member for City of York (Hugh Bayley), the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Mr. Davis), the right hon. Member for Walsall, South (Mr. George) who will act as Leader, the Baroness Hilton of Eggardon, the hon. Member for Thurrock (Andrew Mackinlay), the hon. Member for Hyndburn (Mr. Pope), the hon. Member for Dundee, West (Mr. Ross) and the hon. Member for Dunfermline, West (Rachel Squire).Representatives from the Conservative party will be: the hon. Member for Mid-Sussex (Mr. Soames), the hon. Member for Esher and Walton (Mr. Taylor) and the Earl of Northesk.Representatives from the Liberal Democrat party will be: the right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell) and the hon. Member for Somerton and Frome (Mr. Heath).The following substitutes have been appointed to act as necessary on behalf of the delegates:From the Government benches the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Janet Anderson), the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) and the Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede.From the Opposition benches the hon. Member for Richmond Park (Dr. Tonge).

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on what InvestoSave bids are relevant to the rate of use of sub-post offices for electronic communication and transfer; and what progress is being made in this field. [25689]

The Post Office is involved with three projects under the joint HM Treasury/Cabinet Office initiative, InvestoSave, namely the national geospatial data framework, the change of address project and extension of websites of Norfolk local authorities. It is too early to say to what extent work on these projects will impact on business of the sub-post office network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the organisations from which she has received complaints regarding short measures in the sale of beer and cider in each year since 1997, including those made in response to consultations. [27605]

Since 1997 the following organisations have submitted complaints to the Department alleging short measures in the sale of draught beer:

• Crosby Constituency Labour party
• Hartlepool borough council
• Walsall metropolitan borough council
• City of York Environment and Development Services
• Redcar and Cleveland borough council
• CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale)—north Sussex branch
• Devon county council
• Newport borough council
• West Yorkshire Trading Standards
• Campaign for Real Ale
• Campaign for Real Ale—north Hertfordshire branch
• Metropolitan borough of Wirral
• Glasgow city council
• East Renfrewshire council
• South Ayrshire council
• Shropshire county council
• Wolverhampton Trading Standards
• Conwy county borough council
• Stoke-on-Trent council
• LACOTS (Local Authorities Co-ordinating Body on Trading Standards)
• Durham county council
• West Yorkshire Trading Standards
• Pontypridd council
• JR Hardings—Drinks, Dispense and Cooling Consultants
• Birmingham city council
• Lewisham council
• North Lincolnshire council.

The following organisations indicated to the Department their concern about alleged short measures in the sale of draught beer and cider in response to the Department's consultation paper "Fair Measure" (issued in June 1999):

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list each of the overseas trips made by herself and other members of her Ministerial team in each of the last four years, specifying the purpose and cost of each trip. [30172]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 707W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to introduce consumer protection legislation in the next 12 months. [30747]

We announced our intention, in the Queen's Speech, to introduce the Enterprise Bill during the current session, subject to available parliamentary time. The Bill would benefit consumers by

Power project supported by ECGD since 1997
Project name	Goods/service provided	Country	UK company	Fuel Type	Guarantee issue date	Final draw-down date
Shandong	Boilers	China	Mitsui Babcock Energy Ltd.	Coal	1/5/1998	1/10/2004
Bulawayo	Refurbishment	Zimbabwe	Mitsui Babcock Energy Ltd.	Coal	13/1/1998	31/12/1999
Manjung	Engineering and construction	Malaysia	Alstom Power Ltd.	Coal	9/8/1999	30/8/2003
Afsin-Elbistan	Steel structures	Turkey	Corus UK Ltd.	Coal	26/4/2000	31/3/2005
AK Enerji	10 gas turbines	Turkey	Alstom Power Ltd.	Gas	20/7/2000	31/5/2001
Bilkent	Steam turbine	Turkey	Allen Steam Turbines	Gas	6/10/1998	30/9/1999
Manzanillo	Spares and services	Mexico	Howden Power Ltd.	Gas/Coal	7/6/2000	30/9/2000
St. Kitts Power	Generating sets	St. Kitts and Nevis	Mirrlees Blackstone Ltd.	Oil	21/8/1998	7/2/2000
Elege Alimentos	Diesel generators	Brazil	F. W. Wilson Ltd.	Oil	11/5/1998	28/2/1999

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the minister responsible for the Insolvency Service will meet with the hon. Member for Leicester, East to discuss the insolvency of BCCI. [31859]

A letter dated 22 November offered a meeting. The hon. Member's office contacted the Department recently and a meeting has been arranged for 7 March 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the role played by (a) Enron Europe, (b) the Enron Corporation and (c) executives of those firms in the PIU Energy Review. [31936]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 689W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the fossil fuel energy projects that the ECGD is supporting including the (a) project name, (b) country the project is situated in, (c) the UK companies in receipt of support, (d) the type of plant and (e) start and completion dates of the projects. [31834]

The table lists the project name, country, UK exporter, fuel type and the ECGD guarantee issue and final loan draw-down dates of the fossil fuel energy projects for which ECGD has provided guarantees since 1997.In addition, ECGD has provided Overseas Investment Insurance and other insurance for 11 fossil fuel power projects with a total generating capacity of around 8,700MW. Details of these projects are commercially confidential.ECGD does not normally hold information on project start and completion dates, but the guarantee issue date should correspond approximately to the start of project construction and the final loan draw-down date (where applicable) should correspond to the start of operations.For most of the projects listed, the UK exporter is one of several contractors and ECGD is guaranteeing only part of the total project financing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the average annual leave entitlement of staff in her Department in each of the last four years. [31751]

In the years ending 31 July average annual leave entitlement has been:

Year	Days
1998	26.9
1999	27.2
2000	27.6
2001	28.4

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices closed between May 1997 and the latest available date in Greater London. [33015]

I am informed by Post Office Ltd. that for the year ending March 2001 in the London region, there were 10 net closures; to the end of December 2001, there were nine net closures. I understand from Post Office Ltd. that historic data on the post office network before the year ending March 2001 are not held on a regional basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub-post offices have closed in the London borough of Hillingdon in each of the last four years. [34096]

I am informed by Post Office Ltd. that post office closure figures are not collated in the form requested.For the year ending March 2001, there were 10 net closures in the London region. Before the year ending March 2001, historic data on the post office network are not held on a regional basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps have been taken to ensure new medical schools receive research support money. [33430]

Under the £1 billion Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF), a partnership between Government and the Wellcome Trust, £675 million has already been allocated to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to fund improvements in infrastructure, such as new or refurbished buildings and new equipment. Some HEIs have deployed SRIF to support their new medical schools.Researchers at all medical schools and faculties of medicine are eligible to apply to the Medical Research Council for research funds. Proposals are accepted in the same way as those from any other eligible institution. The MRC welcomes high quality applications for support into any aspect of human health and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.I understand that the impact on NHS research support budgets of the new medical schools has been assessed. NHS R&D funding will be made available to NHS care organisations to defray the NHS costs that they incur in supporting eligible research generated by the schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the publicity given to the Broadband Fund by the South-West Regional Development Agency between 8 October 2001 and 20 December 2001 in raising awareness within the private sector; [33726](2)how much funding has been provided to broadband projects in the south-west by the Broadband Fund since its announcement; [33754](3)if she will make a statement on

The Government made a well-publicised announcement on the fund on 9 October 2001, and referred inquiries to the relevant body. The UK Broadband Fund was established to support the RDAs and devolved Administrations in taking forward innovative schemes to meet local requirements for extending broadband networks. There was no 'application process', since the fund was not established to assist individual businesses.£3.78 million has been allocated to the South-West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA). Use of funds, along with publicity within the south-west, is a matter for SWRDA, who carry out the projects in accordance with the action plan agreed with Government and the guidance laid down in October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what part mapping of existing broadband service availability in the UK forms of her strategy for broadband deployment; to what extent mapping has been completed; and to what extent the mapping data is available in the public domain; [33750](2) if she will make a statement on deployment of broadband on a region by region basis in the UK. [33752]

The Government have a rolling programme of research into the broadband market, including assessment of availability of broadband services across the UK. A map showing geographical availability of technologies is contained in the second annual UK Online report (http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/ukonline/progress/anrep2001/default.htm) and has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total running costs budget is for (a) her Department in 2001–02 and (b) the public bodies reporting to her Department. [33990]

The Department of Trade and Industry's Expenditure Plans Report (Cm 5112) shows, in Table B9, the total planned administration cost expenditure for the Central Department for 2001–02 is £483 million. This includes the expenditure of: ACAS, Employment Tribunal Service, Insolvency Service, British Trade International, National Weights and Measurement laboratory and Radiocommunications Executive Agency.Table B9 also shows the total planned administration cost expenditure for Regulators, while Table C5 shows the planned administration cost expenditure for NDPBs and together these amount to £560.6 million, excluding the ACAS total which has already been included in the central Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list those items valued at less than £50 each which have been stolen or lost from her Department in each of the last four years. [34209]

The Department of Trade and Industry's log of missing items is a mix of lost, stolen or misplaced items belonging to the Department or its work force. In the majority of cases the value of items is not recorded and it is not possible to answer this question in detail without incurring disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the United Kingdom Spectrum Management report submitted by Professor Martin Cave. [33309]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: My right hon. Friends the Chancellor of the Exchequer and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry have just received the report. We will make a further announcement shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in how many cases an employment tribunal awarded costs to (a) the employer and (b) the employee in each of the past five years. [34370]

The information requested is displayed in the table.

Costs awarded
	To applicant (employee)	To respondent (employer)
2000–01	80	167
1999–2000	61	125
1998–99	85	136
1997–98	136	140
1996–97	1—	1—
1Due to changes to the database system of the ETS in1996,statistics for 1996–97 are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from employees or directors of Ispat International between May 1997 and December 2001; and if she will list them by date and subject. [33111]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry received no representations from employees or directors of Ispat International between May 1997 and December 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many compensation claims by former miners living in (a) St. Helens, South and (b) St. Helens metropolitan authority (i) have yet to be settled and (ii) have been paid their final sum. [28698]

[pursuant to the reply 22 January 2002, Official Report, c. 742W]: The information I gave regarding the number of settled claims for respiratory disease in St. Helens, South was unfortunately incorrect.The correct figure should be 69.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many specialist health food (a) retailers and (b) manufacturers there are in England and Wales; what figures she has collated on turnover of these sectors in the last year for which figures are available; what assessment she has made of the impact upon the profitability of these businesses of the forthcoming EU food supplements directive; and if she will make a statement. [21689]

I have been asked to reply.I am advised that there are no separate figures for retailers or manufacturers of specialist health food products as these estimates, although collected by the Office for National Statistics as part of the annual business inquiry, are combined with other specialist retailers and manufacturers.The Food Standards Agency, which is responsible for negotiating this directive on the Government's behalf, has consulted widely on its likely impact. There would be labelling costs falling on manufacturers of all food supplements, but these would be substantially offset by a two year transitional period. For the specialist food supplement sector and consumers of these products any additional impact would depend on future developments on lists of permitted nutrients and maximum limits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what resources are being put towards teaching school children about environmental conservation; and if she will make a statement. [31614]

I have been asked to reply.Pupils' statutory entitlement to sustainable development education is supported, as are other areas of the National Curriculum, through the Government's local funding for schools. Overall, the Education Standard Spending Assessments for 2002–03 have been increased by £1.3 billion for 2002–03; the standards fund grant has been increased by almost £160 million; and the direct grant for schools by 2.75 per cent.The revised National Curriculum, which we introduced in September 2000, provides the framework for sustainable development education in schools. Sustainable development is specifically included in Geography and Science, together with Citizenship, which will be introduced in September this year. Pupils learn about the connections between environmental, social and economic issues and about the consequences of the choices they make for the environment and other people. We have also sponsored the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to provide online resources for teachers (available at http://www.nc.uk.net/esd/). The Environmental Action Fund (£4.2 million) is this year funding 21 projects out of 115 to advance education for sustainable development for young people, while next year education will be one of only two priorities for the fund. The Growing Schools initiative (£0.5 million), which launched in September, will promote farming and growing as an education resource.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many press officers there were in her Department in each of the last four years; and what was the annual cost of their remuneration over that period. [27470]

Numbers of press officers over the past four years in my Department (at 1 April in each year), and their remuneration are as follows:

Date	Number	Remuneration (£)
1998	19	207,619
1999	8	236,150
2000	9	245,039
2001	8	265,631
1Includes two staff working part-time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list her Department's total expenditure by month in each financial year since 1997–98. [32786]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 692W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many Queen's Golden Jubilee Medals will be struck; to whom they will be distributed; what the total cost of this exercise will be; and if she will make a statement. [34050]

The estimated requirement is for 370,000 medals. Around 185,000 will he issued to serving members of the armed forces and Royal Fleet Auxiliary with a minimum of five years' reckonable service on 6 February 2002. Around 185,000 will be issued under the same criteria to members of the emergency services accessed by dialling 999.The total cost to Government are estimated at £7.8 million (including the cost of the ribbon, delivery and an element for administration).

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of (1) recent legislation and regulations on the organising of street parties and other celebrations for the Queens' Golden Jubilee; [34153](2) the Human Rights Act 1998 on the organising of street parties and other celebrations for the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [34152]

[holding answer 7 February 2002]: I can see no reason for the Human Rights Act 1998 to obstruct the organisation of street parties and other celebrations. Apart from the proposed regulatory reform order to extend licensing hours on the night of 3 June, no legislation is being enacted specifically to apply to the Golden Jubilee celebrations. I would expect those organising parties and other Jubilee events, including local authorities where street parties are being held, to consider the impact of all relevant legislation which will apply during the Jubilee celebrations as at any other time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how the Government plans to mark the occasion of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. [34049]

I refer the hon. Member to the announcements made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 23 November 2000 and 22 June 2001. Also relevant is the joint Home Office and Ministry of Defence press notice of 15 February 2001, in which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced the Golden Jubilee commemorative medal.After taking on responsibility for the Golden Jubilee celebrations, I announced on 3 August 2001 details of the extended bank holiday 'Jubilee Weekend' over the period 1 to 4 June 2002. On 4 December 2001, I announced that the distribution of the Golden Jubilee medal had been widened beyond the armed forces and Royal Fleet Auxiliary to include the emergency services. Copies of both press notices are in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the NATO Secretary General regarding NATO member contributions to the 2002 NATO budgets for (a) civil, (b) military and (c) security and investments; and if he will make a statement. [33191]

I talk regularly to the NATO Secretary General on a range of issues, including the NATO budgets. I have received no specific representations from the NATO Secretary General regarding national contributions to the two NATO budgets that are a matter for the Ministry of Defence, namely the Military Budget and NATO's Security Investment Programme. Issues concerning NATO's Civil Budget are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost was of RAF aircraft maintenance and spares on a fleet-wide basis in the last year for which figures are available. [32444]

[holding answer 1 February 2002]: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircrew in the United Kingdom forces were born in Scotland; how many are pilots of (a) combat aircraft, (b) transport aircraft and (c) helicopters by arm of the service; and how many are other aircrew, by (i) arm of service and (ii) function. [32440]

[holding answer 1 February 2002]: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department has commissioned into the incidence and causes of homelessness among ex-service personnel; and what recent changes he has made to policy and practice to assist ex-service personnel. [32666]

[holding answer 6 February 2002]: The Ministry of Defence does not itself monitor homelessness among ex-service personnel. The Social Exclusion Unit report, published in 1998, identified that between one quarter and one fifth of rough sleepers had been in the armed forces at some stage, predominantly as national servicemen. The MOD has, therefore, been working in partnership with the Rough Sleeper's Unit (RSU) and the charitable sector to reduce some of the most acute cases of homelessness, those sleeping rough on the streets. In particular, preventative mechanisms have been put in place at pre-discharge, point of discharge and post-discharge to help the more vulnerable make a smoother transition to civilian life. Measures taken by RSU and its partners to date have reduced levels of rough sleeping by at least two-thirds in line with the Prime Minister's target and DTLR have confirmed that interim analysis of rough sleeping data collected in November 2001 shows that the percentage of rough sleepers with an armed forces background has decreased markedly since the 1998 SEU report. We welcome this as evidence of what is being achieved through closer co-operation within Government and with the voluntary sector.We recognise that there is further work to be done in this area and, in particular, as part of the Veterans' Initiative, are looking at how we can improve resettlement arrangements for the most vulnerable service leavers. This would include addressing the risk of homelessness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what duties have been extended to women members of each service since 1997; and what has been the cost of implementing those extensions. [34831]

From April 1998, all posts in the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers were opened to women. From July that year, some 1,300 specialist posts attached to the Royal Marines were also opened to women. No costs associated with these extensions are identifiable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on joint-design work between the Royal Navy and the US Navy on the torpedo tube-launched Tomahawk cruise missile; and if he will make a statement. [32891]

The Block IIIC Tomahawk missiles currently in service with the Royal Navy are launched from submarine torpedo tubes. The next generation, Tactical Tomahawk Block IV, missile is currently designed for vertical launch only. Jointly funded UK-US studies to assess the feasibility of launching the Block IV missile from submarine torpedo tubes have been successfully completed, and further development work is planned to start later this year, subject to completion of contractual negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in upgrading the Royal Navy's Spearfish torpedo; and if he will make a statement. [32890]

Spearfish is currently in the process of replacing Tigerfish as the Royal Navy's Heavy Weight Torpedo. Contracts for Concept work for a Mid Life Update of the Spearfish torpedo have been placed with QinetiQ and BAE Systems Electronics Ltd. Underwater Weapons Division, Waterlooville. The contracts have been let progressively from November 1998 and work is on-going.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the manpower of each service was in each year since 1997; and how many vacancies were reported. [34834]

UK full-time personnel: UK Regulars, FTRS1 and Gurkhas
	1 April 1997		1 April 1998		1 April 1999
Service	Trained strength	Surplus/(deficit)	Trained strength	Surplus/(deficit)	Trained strength	Surplus/(deficit)
All services	197,390	-8,325	193,914	-8,025	190,506	-8,732
Naval Service
Total	41,680	-1,231	40,356	-1,581	39,071	-1,872
UK Regulars	—	—	—	—	—	—
FTRS	—	—	—	—	—	—
Army
Total	101,514	-4,845	100,881	-4,594	99,674	-5,597
UK Regulars	97,756	-5,597	97,452	-5,080	96,300	-6,089
FTRS	—	—	—	—	—	—
Gurkhas	3,758	752	3,429	586	3,374	492
Royal Air Force
Total	54,196	-2,249	52,677	-1,850	51,761	-1,263
UK Regulars	—	—	—	—	—	—
FTRS	—	—	—	—	—	—

UK full-time personnel: UK Regulars, FTRS1 and Gurkhas
	1 April 2000		1 April 2001		1 January 2002
Service	Trained strength	Surplus/(deficit)	Trained strength	Surplus/(deficit)	Trained strength	Surplus/(deficit)
All services	190,419	-8,000	189,026	-9,438	187,789	-9,397
Naval Service
Total	38,877	-986	38,539	-1,358	37,578	-2,189
UK Regulars	38,535	-1,328	38,023	-1,874	36,930	-2,837
FTRS	342	342	516	516	648	648
Army
Total	100,334	-6,062	100,381	-6,592	100,914	-6,059
UK Regulars	96,475	-6,611	96,285	-7,641	96,373	-7,553
FTRS	486	486	646	646	919	919
Gurkhas	3,373	63	3,450	403	3,622	575
Royal Air Force
Total	51,208	-952	50,106	-1,488	49,297	-1,149
UK Regulars	50,993	-903	49,847	-1,517	48,995	-1,186
FTRS	215	-49	259	29	302	37
1FTRS: Full Time Reserve Service, ie for Naval Service and Army FIRS individuals serve in vacant regular posts and there is therefore no separate requirement for these. RAF FIRS strength figures comprise Full Commitment (FC), Limited Commitment (LC) and Home Commitment (HC). FC individuals in the RAF serve in vacant regular posts, whereas LC and HC establishments are shown as a separate requirement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Taliban and al-Qaeda prisoners taken by allied Afghan forces subsequently escaped from Afghanistan to Pakistan; by what means; and if he will make a statement. [33261]

I have been asked to reply.No firm information is available as the situation on the ground is very difficult. HMG take seriously the need to prevent escaped fighters from pursuing terrorist activities.

The manpower strength of each of the services since 1 April 1997 and the surplus/deficit against the trained requirement are as follows.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact which the abolition of advance corporation tax relief has had on the annual savings gap of £27 billion between what people need to save and what they actually save for their retirement outlined in FSA Consultation Paper 121, paragraph 3.54. [33957]

The Government recognise the importance to individuals of saving, including as a way of providing comfort in retirement. The Government's strategy for encouraging more people to save is set out in "Helping People to Save", published in November 2000. The Government monitor closely developments in the savings market.Consumers should benefit from increased choice under the FSA proposals.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to limit the amount of product provided through an intermediary by a shareholder in that intermediary as part of the implementation of the proposal for abolishing limits on product-provider investment in FSA Consultation Paper 121. [33958]

This is an issue which is addressed in FSA Consultation Paper 121, in particular paragraphs 4.41 to 4.46.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact he forecasts the abolition of polarisation will have on long-term trends in the savings ratio. [33960]

The polarisation proposals are designed to ensure increased choice and competition for consumers in the tied market for packaged investment products.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what measures he will consider using to ensure that abolishing polarisation does not lead to a strengthening of the position in the marketplace of larger tied distributors of financial products such that there are adverse consequences for competition; [33952](2) what measures he will consider using to ensure that the abolition of polarisation does not result in major tied distributors operating commission bias in the provision of packaged products. [33959]

This is an issue which is addressed in FSA Consultation Paper 121, in particular paragraphs 4.22 to 4.28, and in the proposals for enhanced disclosure in Part 5.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from consumers' representatives regarding FSA Consultation Paper 121 on the impact on the interests of consumers arising from a consolidation in the position of larger tied financial distributors as a result of the abolition of polarisation. [33955]

None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many IFAs are registered as operating in the UK; and what he estimates will be the number in operation five years after abolishing polarisation. [33954]

6,018 IFA firms were individually "grandfathered" into the FSA at 1 December 2001, of which 4,692 had previously been regulated by the Personal Investment Authority and 1,416 were regulated by recognised professional bodies. In addition, there are about 6,500 appointed representative IFA businesses that are mainly members of the larger IFA networks. At the same time (in the run up to N2) 32,181 registered individuals worked for firms that were registered with the PIA.The FSA Consultation Paper 121 analyses the likely impact of these proposals on the IFA sector at paragraphs 4.19 to 4.21.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what role the Universal bank will play in meeting the goals set out in FSA Consultation Paper 121. [33956]

Under the proposals for universal banking services, the Post Office Card Account will provide an electronic payment service for paying benefits and tax credits. Investments will not be part of universal banking services, so the polarisation proposals are not relevant.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those sports in which community amateur sports clubs would have difficulty in qualifying for charitable status because they are (a) not considered healthy, (b) considered dangerous and (c) considered too costly. [34339]

Eligibility for charitable status is a matter for the Charity Commission to decide. Sports' representative bodies are working closely with the Charity Commission in the development of guidelines for charitable status.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated cost is of the tax exemptions for the Inland Revenue proposals contained in Promoting Sport in the Community. [34335]

Cost will depend on any finalised tax package and subsequent take-up.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those sports recognised by the Sports Council which are eligible for the Inland Revenue CASC tax concessions. [34340]

The list of sports eligible for any separate Inland Revenue administered tax package would be finalised in due course, when decisions are made as part of the normal Budget process.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated cost is of the tax exemptions for the Charity Commission proposals contained in the consultative paper Promoting Sport in the Community. [34336]