To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Eurofighter. [31907]

The Eurofighter is a highly capable, multi-role aircraft, that will replace our Tornado F3s and Jaguars. We expect the RAF to take delivery of its first Eurofighter later this year. This four nation collaborative project is an excellent example of what can be achieved by European nations working together with a common purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the US Administration on the future of the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty. [31908]

I regularly discuss missile defence and related issues with the United States Administration. The future of the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty is essentially a bilateral issue for the United States and Russia. We welcome the fact that they are continuing to work together to establish a new strategic framework based on openness and mutual trust.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the shortfall of personnel in the Army. [31909]

As at 1 January 2002, there was a shortfall of 6,059 personnel against the currently assessed in-year requirement for whole Army strength.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last discussed joint command bases with his United States counterpart. [31912]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with his United States counterpart on a wide range of subjects of mutual interest. Recent discussions have not specifically addressed the joint command of military facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the central ordnance depot, Bicester. [31913]

At the Defence Storage and Distribution Agency Bicester there are three sites (A, B and G) which are surplus to the long-term requirements of the agency and will no longer be required by them after 2004 or earlier. Current plans foresee the continued requirement for the remaining DSDA sites at Bicester.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to improve morale and retention in the armed forces. [31916]

High morale, as well as being important in its own right, is a vital factor in retaining personnel, which in turn improves manning levels and helps to obtain the optimum return on investment in training. Our aim is to maintain excellent levels of retention and morale through policies that reflect the priorities of our people and their families. For example, we are implementing in full the outcome of the Armed Forces Pay Review, including the proposals for aircrew remuneration.A key outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was the "Policy for People" which addresses terms and conditions; pay and allowances; quality of training; family life; equality of opportunity and provision of better accommodation. All of these are being taken forward as part of all overarching personnel strategy that was introduced in April 2000 to place personnel issues at the centre of our policy making.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the future needs of the Royal Navy in order to sustain amphibious operations. [31917]

The Strategic Defence Review concluded that we should maintain strong and well balanced maritime forces including a full Commando brigade and specialist shipping.The Royal Navy's new landing platform docks, Albion and Bulwark, are both due to enter service in 2003. We are also building four Bay Class Alternative Landing Ship Logistics (ALSLs), which will be operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The ALSLs are substantially larger and more capable than the vessels they replace and on current plans will all have entered service by the end of 2005. In conjunction with the new landing platform docks and the helicopter landing platform, HMS Ocean, the ALSLs will bring a substantial increase in the UK's overall capability to conduct amphibious operations and contribute to increased global reach and flexibility.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the role of British forces in (a) Bosnia and (b) Kosovo. [31918]

UK forces continue to make a vital contribution to all of the tasks undertaken by SFOR and KFOR in building peace and stability in Bosnia and Kosovo. The UK currently contributes some 1,900 personnel to SFOR operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina as the co-ordinating nation in Multinational Division (South-West). As the framework nation of Multinational Brigade (Centre) in Kosovo, the UK currently contributes some 3,000 personnel to KFOR operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on veterans' affairs. [31919]

Since the announcement of the veterans' initiative and my appointment as Veterans Minister in March of last year, we have been working closely with representatives of the veterans' community to improve the services we offer them. As an early step, we transferred the War Pensions Agency to the Ministry of Defence to deliver a more coherent service to war pensioners. We are committed to maintaining the agency's programme of continuous improvement to the services it provides to its customers, recognised recently in the award of the UNISYS Management Today Excellence Award. In particular, we are working closely with interested veterans' organisations to identify areas where we can bring further improvements in service through closer co-operation with their own activities in support of veterans.We have also recognised the concern of many veterans and of people more widely that the final resting places of our war dead should be properly respected. In particular, we have moved to address the desecration of maritime war graves by some divers. We have designated 16 wrecks in UK waters as controlled sites and five in international waters as protected places. All military vessels lost in the Falklands conflict will be designated. We have made clear that we will prosecute where we have jurisdiction and are pressing for greater international protection of such wrecks.The objective of seeking improvements in the support offered to those who have left the services, through closer partnership with the veterans' organisations, has been a key theme of the work of the ministerial task force and the forum of veterans' representatives. There have been two meetings of the Veterans Forum and, as a result, nine working groups have been formed to give practical expression to the initiative's core themes of partnership, identify recognition and care. These working groups are looking at improvements in areas such as resettlement of the most vulnerable service-leavers, communication with veterans, and the educational material available in schools with regard to the achievements of our veterans. The working groups include representatives from the veterans' organisations, as well as from other interested Government Departments and the devolved Administrations. Initial meetings have been held to agree the objectives for each working group and they will report back to me on their progress in time to give an up-date to representatives of the veterans' community at the second Plenary Forum on 17 April 2002.Subsequently, the Veterans Forum, which includes the executive of the Confederation of British Service and Ex-Service Organisations (COBSSEO) and senior officials from across government, is due to consider the progress of the working groups when it meets on 1 May 2002. The ministerial task force will then consider the way forward, taking account of the views expressed by the veterans community, at our meeting on 15 May and, in July, I will provide a progress report through the Defence Secretary to the Prime Minister.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on recruitment to the Royal Navy. [31920]

Recruitment to the Naval Service is satisfactory. We aim to recruit about 5,000 officers, ratings and Royal Marines this year and, although we still face challenges in the recruitment of engineers, submarine operator mechanics, chefs and some medical specialisations, we are within 5 per cent. of our target in most areas.We continue to initiate spotlight campaigns in areas of high recruitment potential throughout the UK, with a particular interest in those districts where there is the potential to increase this representation of the ethnic minority population. Our initiatives include multi-media advertising campaigns such as the new cinema advert for the Royal Marines, and attendance at multi-cultural events and exhibitions, presentation and display teams. It is important that we attract the attention and interest of young people still in full-time education and our Royal Naval and Royal Marine display and presentation teams regularly tour the UK, visiting schools and colleges, attending careers fairs and conventions and promoting EU financial assistance schemes to sixth-formers and undergraduates.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people were recruited to the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force between 1 November 2001 and 31 January 2002. [31921]

Figures for recruitment are at present available only up until the end of November 2001.In the three months prior to that, 1,826 people were recruited to the Naval Service, 5,096 people were recruited to the Army and 1,037 people were recruited to the RAF. Figures are for intake to UK regular forces and therefore exclude Gurkhas, full time reserve service personnel, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many soldiers were recruited in South Tyneside in each year since 1996. [34559]

The information requested is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many new recruits will be introduced into the Gurkha regiments and what will be the strength of the Gurkha regiments in 2002; and if he will make a statement. [31922]

There is a requirement to recruit 230 Gurkhas during 2002 in order to maintain the current force level of around 3,500 trained Gurkhas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his procurement plans in connection with shipyards on the Clyde. [31923]

This Government are undertaking the largest programme of new warship building in this country for decades. In the last 20 months the Ministry of Defence has placed orders or announced its intention to place orders for 15 new warships. The Clyde has already benefited from this programme. BAE Systems Marine recently signed a contract, with the MOD, for the build of two new Alternative Landing Ships Logistics at the Govan yard on the Clyde, the Clyde shipyards of BAE Systems Marine will also benefit from the Ministry of Defence's planned extension of its commitment from three to six Type 45 Destroyers, the Build of which will be shared between BAE Systems Marine and Vosper Thornycroft with the first of class assembled and launched from the Scotstoun yard.Our future plans include two new aircraft carriers; further Astute Class submarines and Type 45 Destroyers; the new surface combatant and a number of support vessels. It is expected that this programme of warship building will create or secure several thousand jobs in UK shipyards and their ancillary industries throughout this country. We fully expect shipyards on the Clyde to have opportunities to participate in future orders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action is planned with regard to the application of physical fitness tests for Army recruits; and if he will make a statement on the study into injuries among female army recruits, in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, volume 95. [31924]

The Physical Selection Standards (Recruits) (PSS(R)) system of testing potential recruits to the Army has been in place since 1998. It consists of a series of tests designed to assess the level of fitness of an individual related to the specific demands of a particular trade, irrespective of gender, and aims to predict the likely chance of an individual successfully completing initial military training. The system is currently undergoing re-validation. The study reported in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine compared data associated with medical discharges among recruits trained under the policy in existence in 1997–98 with data for those trained under the PSS(R) regime in 1998–99. The results showed an increase in medical discharges of female recruits due to certain types of injury, such as stress fractures and back pain. Modifications have since been made to the selection and training process for new recruits and the position is being kept under constant review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the cohesion of the stability force in Kabul. [31925]

The command and control of a large multinational force like the International Security Assistance Force in a challenging environment like Kabul is a major undertaking. So far, this has gone extremely well, which is a tribute to the close co-operation that we have received from the 17 other troop contributing nations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last met his counterpart in Pakistan to discuss military developments in the region. [31926]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that there is parliamentary approval prior to a deployment by the US of national missile defence facilities in the UK. [31927]

President Bush has made clear that he has not yet decided what sort of missile defence system he will ultimately seek to deploy. We have received no request from the US for the use of sites in the UK for missile defence purposes, and it remains premature to indicate how we would respond to any specific request.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Russia about missile defence. [31928]

I discussed a range of issues, including missile defence, with the Russian Defence Minister, Sergei Ivanov, during his visit to London on 20 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he wilt make a statement on progress on the new chapter of the strategic defence review. [31929]

We have made good progress on the new chapter to the Strategic Defence Review: this work is designed to ensure that we have the right concepts, forces and capabilities in place to deal with the kind of threats that we saw on 11 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his procurement plans for naval ships. [31930]

The Government are undertaking the largest programme of new warship building for many years. In the last 20 months the Ministry of Defence has placed orders or announced its intention to place orders for 15 new warships.As to our future plans, we expect to purchase two new aircraft carriers and further Astute class submarines and type 45 destroyers. Our longer-term plans include the future surface combatant as well as a number of support vessels.It remains our policy that all warships for the Royal Navy will be built in the United Kingdom, providing the UK shipbuilding industry with a solid platform of work opportunities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration his Department has given in the last two months to the impact of UK sales of Hawk aircraft to India on the stability of the region in advance of an export licence application. [34081]

All export licence applications are considered on a case by case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria, taking into account all the relevant circumstances prevailing at the time the application is received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what he has done in the last two months to encourage the sales of Hawk aircraft to India. [34080]

The Government continue to support BAE System's proposal to sell Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft to India. During the Indian Defence Minister's short stopover in Britain in January, I discussed a range of defence matters, including defence export opportunities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when delivery will be taken of the first aircraft if Hawk aircraft are sold to India. [34082]

This is a matter for BAE Systems and the Government of India and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 13 December 2001, Official Report, column 964W, what inquiries are taking place into the deaths at Qala-I-Jhangi fort between 25 and 27 November 2001; and if he will make a statement. [34867]

I see no grounds for instituting an inquiry. I am satisfied that the actions of British troops were a perfectly proper response to the situation they encountered at Qala-I-Jhangi fort.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the US Secretary of State for Defense concerning the treatment of British hostile nationals apprehended in Afghanistan. [31895]

I have had a number of discussions with my United States counterpart about the situation in Afghanistan and related issues. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has a permanent presence at Camp X-ray at Guantanamo Bay. The three British prisoners have been seen by British officials and have made no complaints about their conditions or treatment.The ICRC is also being allowed access to detainees in Afghanistan. However, our extremely limited consular capacity in Afghanistan and continuing security risks to our staff travelling outside Kabul place a practical limit on what we are able to achieve there.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether detainees in Afghanistan (a) captured and (b) held by United Kingdom forces have been transferred to US forces. [33636]

[holding answer 5 February 2002]: No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the armed forces' helicopter stations south of the M4. [31911]

There are seven armed forces helicopter stations south of the M4. These are:

• Royal Air Force Odiham
• Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton
• Middle Wallop Airfield
• Netheravon Airfield
• Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose
• Royal Air Force St. Mawgan
• Royal Marines Base Chivenor.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action he has taken to address the number of injuries sustained by women under Army training since the introduction of the gender-free policy. [R] [31477]

This issue has been kept under close review since the introduction of "gender-free" physical testing in 1998. A number of changes have been made to both the selection and initial training process. In May 2000, a one and a half mile run was introduced at Recruit Selection Centres, to act as a "risk reducer" by identifying those individuals who would be unlikely to be able to complete training. Remedial treatment and physiotherapy services at the Army Training Regiments have been expanded and doctors there have been given better training in sports medicine.During 2001, a complete reprofiling of the common military syllabus for recruits at the Army Training Regiments (ATRs) was undertaken. The programming and physical development profile was reviewed and refined to provide a graduated curve of increasing physical intensity to minimise the risk of early traumatic injury. The programme is focused on the average 16 to 18-year-old physical fitness start state, and it is specifically designed to minimise lower limb traumas and soft tissue injuries in the first six weeks of training. Heart rate monitors have been introduced to optimise individual physical development profiles. Lower limb strength training and certain limitations on basic drill have been introduced. The changes were instituted in October 2001 and will be formally assessed in April 2002; first indications are that injury rates in the first nine weeks of training have fallen overall.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is (a) the establishment and (b) the current strength of each of the Regiments in the Foot Guards; and if he will list each element of company strength serving with them, indicating where each battalion has soldiers attached to it from another battalion, (i) which battalion they are from and (ii) in what numbers. [32456]

[holding answer 1 February 2002]: The establishment and strength of each of the Foot Guards Regiments, as at 1 January 2002, is detailed in the table. The figures include all attached arms and also detail the Public Duties Companies that serve away from the main body of the Regiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many trained officers and soldiers are serving in the Guards Battalions broken down by nationality. [32455]

[holding answer 1 February 2002]: The number of trained officers and soldiers serving in the Guards Battalions, as at 1 January 2002, broken down by nationality is shown in the table. Figures do not include companies that are serving on public duties. In order to conform to confidentiality regulations, exact numbers for

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) establishment and (b) current strength is of each of the regular Scottish infantry battalions; and if he will list each element of company strength serving in them. [32446]

[holding answer 1 February 2002]: The establishment and strength of the Scottish Infantry battalions, as at 1 January 2002, is detailed in the table. The figures include all attached Arms and also details the Scots Guards public duties company that serves away from the main body of the regiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the death of British soldiers in Sierre Leone on 27 January. [34411]

Two British soldiers, Corporal Michael Phillips and Rifleman James Coman sustained fatal injuries when the Army Land Rover in which they were travelling was involved in a road traffic accident during the late evening of 27 January. Two other soldiers travelling in the vehicle sustained relatively minor injuries. All four soldiers were admitted to the United Nations hospital in Freetown but, sadly, Corporal Phillips and Rifleman Coman were pronounced dead on arrival. All the soldiers were from 1^st Battalion, Royal Green Jackets. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and I extend our deep condolences to the families of the dead soldiers.The accident occurred about 10 kilometres east of Waterloo near the Benguema Training Centre. The soldiers were on duty at the time. No other vehicle is believed to have been involved. The accident is being investigated by the Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police. A Board of Inquiry is also to be convened.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 2002, Official Report, column 319W, on the Reconnaissance Regiment, when he will write to the hon. Member for New Forest, West. [34699]

[holding answer 8 February 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) on 16 July 2001, Official Report, column 5W. We are re-addressing the options for the location of the 4th Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment and I will therefore write to both Members as soon as the position is clear. A copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2002, Official Report, column 961W, on the Warship Support Modernisation Project, whether an economic appraisal is being used to assess the value for money implication of the proposals; if value for money will be the overriding factor when he makes his decision; if the practice of comparing proposals on the basis of commercial implications is a new policy; and if he will make a statement. [33368]

I confirm that an economic appraisal of the options has been carried out and that the decision on the way ahead will be made on the basis of best value for money. As part of that assessment, it is normal for all the implications of a decision, including the commercial implications, to be considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2002, Official Report, column 961W, on the Warship Support Modernisation Project, if he will clarify what is meant by essential terms and conditions of service; whether it includes access to traditional shore-based benefits; and if he will make a statement. [33371]

Royal Naval personnel involved in the partnering arrangements would remain Crown servants under their full current terms of service, without detriment to any applicable benefits. They would remain subject to the Naval Discipline Act and liable for operational duties, military training and other military tasks that may arise from time to time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2002, Official Report, column 961W, on the Warship Support Modernisation Project, what level of premium, on an annualised hours basis, the Warship Support Agency expects to pay the companies in return for the work undertaken by the naval personnel seconded to them; and if he will make a statement. [33369]

The Warship Support Agency would not pay any specific premium in respect of the naval service personnel annualised hours arrangements. The companies would pay for the hours at a rate commensurate with the local market rate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 January 2002, Official Report, column 961W, on the Warship Support Modernisation Project, whether the normal process of post tender clarification includes the Warship Support Agency officials providing the sole bidder with details of the historical expenditure on contracts with other contractors; if the companies providing contract services were informed that this information had been provided to a third party; and if he will make a statement. [33370]

It is normal for the nature of current outsourced work and composite historical spend to form part of the disclosure of information to bidders. Disclosure was under signed confidentiality agreements and the information was released in a manner that protects third party interests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent RFA Wave Knight has been damaged in dry dock; what the estimated cost is of repairs; when she will enter service; and if he will make a statement. [33190]

RFA Wave Knight has recently sustained minor damage in two separate incidents while in a flooded dry dock at Inchgreen, Greenock preparing for Contractor's Sea Trials. On the first occasion, on 19 January 2002, the ship listed to starboard, sustaining minor damage to her paint work in the area of the bilge keel. On the second occasion, in the gales of 28 January, the stern of the vessel made contact with the dock wall, causing scratches to the paint work and minor damage to fittings caused by movement of a gangway.The cost of repair has not yet been determined. An indemnity scheme exists, under the contract with the shipbuilder, and it is not expected that any costs borne by the defence budget will be significant.Wave Knight's in-service date of summer 2002 is unlikely to be affected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to monitor the (a) short, (b) medium and (c) long-term effects of depleted uranium upon service personnel in Afghanistan. [33508]

There are at present no indications that United Kingdom personnel serving in Afghanistan are exposed to a hazard from depleted uranium. It has not been used by coalition forces in recent operations. In the event that we assess that there is a risk of exposure that might be hazardous to health, guidance will be issued on measures to protect health, and if necessary we will introduce biological monitoring on a voluntary basis for individuals who are exposed to such a risk. Short-term monitoring of individuals' health is undertaken as a matter of course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 337W, on submarine officers, how long the training period for general naval duties is; and if he will make a statement. [33858]

In my previous answer to the hon. Member, I explained that all Royal Navy officers undergo a period of general naval training prior to discipline-specific training.Naval general training is undertaken at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth over a period of 27 weeks and includes six weeks of initial sea training. It is followed by a four month period of common fleet training and specialist fleet training of between two and six months, depending on specialisation. Officers then proceed to the appropriate professional training for periods between three and 28 months, before commencing their first complement appointment on the Royal Navy's trained strength.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the deployment of (a) soldiers from the Ninth Special Chemical Weapons Unit of the Czech Republic to Kuwait over the next two months and (b) German chemical warfare specialists to the area at the request of the United States; whether the United Kingdom Government have responded to related requests from the US; what assessment he has made of the purpose of such requests; and if he will make a statement. [34467]

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the deployment of forces by our NATO allies overseas since this is a matter for the Governments of the nations concerned.However, I can confirm that we have received no request from our US allies to make similar deployments to Kuwait. Any such request would be considered on its merits and in the light of available resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received on conditions of pay and pensions in the armed forces. [34013]

We receive a large number of representations from individuals, as well as from veterans' organisations and professional bodies. These have mainly concerned pensions matters, including pension troughs, pensions for pre-1975 service taxation of attributable Army pensions, armed forces pension scheme discretionary awards system. There have been a small number of representations concerning pay matters, including the new Pay 2000 arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent action the Government have taken to enforce minimum international safety standards on ships using British ports and waters. [32126]

Ships using British ports and waters are subject to a rigorous regime of inspection to check that they comply with minimum international safety standards.Ships that are found on inspection to fall short of international safety standards are detained until the defects leading to detention are put right. Ships failing to comply with the terms of release are refused access to British and European ports until the safety standards are met.The details of ships detained by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are published on national and European websites and the ships are targeted for further inspection. Significant breaches of regulations are investigated and followed up by prosecution where appropriate. Details of prosecutions are also published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action will be taken against foreign ships sailing into British ports which fall below safety standards; and if he will make a statement. [32691]

Foreign ships calling at British ports are subject to a rigorous regime of inspection to check that they comply with minimum international safety standards.Ships that are found on inspection to fall short of international safety standards are detained until the defects leading to detention are put right. Ships failing to comply with the terms of release are refused access to British and European ports until the safety standards are met.The details of ships detained by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) are published on national and European websites and the ships are targeted for further inspection. Significant breaches of regulations are investigated and followed up by prosecution where appropriate. Details of prosecutions are also published.Two sets of international rules relating to seafarer training and certification and safety management will be introduced in 2002 and will be enforced through the inspection regime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many foreign ships have fallen short of safety standards while in British ports in each year since 1997; what measures have been put in place to deal with these ships; how much money has been spent dealing with such ships; and if he will make a statement. [32690]

The number of times foreign ships have been detained for falling short of safety standards following inspection in British ports is given in the table, for each year since 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2001, Official Report, column 533W, on the needs of disabled passengers in train operating company franchises, on what date he expects the revised code of practice to be published; what representations (a) his Department and (b) the Strategic Rail Authority have received regarding the modification of this code of practice; and whether train operating companies will also be expected to modify provisions for the disabled through the franchise agreement process. [32414]

The revised code of practice was published on 6 February. The Strategic Rail Authority consulted widely on the content of the revised code, including such bodies as DPTAC, the DRC, and the railway industry. Over 200 responses were received.All licensed operators on the national rail network are required to review their Disabled Peoples Protection Policies (DPPPs) to reflect the revised code. Enforcement of these revised DPPPs will be through licence conditions rather than franchise agreements, though having appropriate licences is a condition precedent of entering into a franchise agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will estimate the number of road accidents last year which were related to use of mobile phones by drivers. [32283]

The causes of road accidents can only be established through detailed investigation. Two research projects currently under way will help to establish the likely numbers of road traffic accidents involving mobile phones.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received regarding the requirement for aircraft to carry a Mode S transponder by March 2003; and if he will make a statement. [32284]

Although several European states intend to implement Mode S from March 2003, it is our intention to introduce Mode S within en-route and terminal airspace from March 2005. The introduction of Mode S in all remaining UK airspace will be delayed for a further three years to March 2008 to tie in with ICAO transponder carriage rule changes resulting in a single regulatory change.The CAA is consulting appropriate user groups and published advanced information on the Government's Mode S proposals in an Aeronautical Information Circular (Number 88/2001) in December 2001. The Mode S and transponder carriage requirements will be subject to formal consultation and submission of a Regulatory Impact Assessment in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on recreational flying of requirements for aircraft to carry a Mode S transponder from March 2003. [32285]

In pursuing Mode S, the Government are conscious of the implications for all users and will only require Elementary Mode S Surveillance in the open Flight Information Region where the safety benefits are the prime consideration. Moreover, this requirement will not be made mandatory till 2008 to coincide with an ICAO transponder rule change, thereby resulting in a single regulatory change which will minimise the impact on recreational flying.The CAA is consulting appropriate user groups and published advanced information on the Government's Mode S proposals in an Aeronautical Information Circular (Number 88/2001) in December 2001. The Mode S and transponder carriage requirements will be subject to formal consultation and submission of a Regulatory Impact Assessment in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assistance he has given to the airline industry since the 11 September terrorist attacks. [32530]

The Government acted quickly to underwrite, on a temporary basis, third party war risk insurance for UK airlines and service providers to the airline industry. This is an initiative which has subsequently been widely copied elsewhere, and the UK has now extended the scheme to 20 March.On Thursday 13 December 2001, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions announced a package of up to £40 million in financial assistance designed to compensate airlines for the closure of US, Israeli and central London airspace in the period immediately following the terrorist attacks. 12 claims for assistance under this scheme have been received and these are currently being examined. We expect to make payments shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures have been introduced since 11 September 2001 to improve security onboard aircraft and at airports. [32533]

Following the attacks on 11 September, heightened aviation security measures were introduced at all UK airports and for all airlines operating from the UK. Security still remains at an enhanced level. However, to divulge details of the measures would undermine their effectiveness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures have been introduced since 1997 to assist United Kingdom aviation; and if he will make a statement. [32532]

The Government are actively committed to the UK aviation industry. Since 1997 we have secured significant additional rights for UK carriers in a number of bilateral markets, such as Japan, India, South Africa and Singapore. We have also liberalised access to UK regional airports.A number of large investment projects have been approved since 1997 at major UK airports. In addition we have provided that financially sound local authority owned airport companies can be removed from central government borrowing control. The companies operating Leeds-Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich airports were removed from borrowing control with effect from 1 April 1999.A public-private partnership has been established for National Air Traffic Services, to provide private sector finance and project management expertise for a major capital investment programme. The new air traffic control centre at Swanwick was successfully brought into operation on 27 January this year.Later this year the Government are committed to issuing a White Paper on air transport, the first comprehensive policy statement in this area since the 1980s. It will be a wide-ranging document, setting out a policy framework for the future of aviation and airports in the UK, looking ahead 30 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions who is responsible for paying the costs of maintenance of the millennium dome until the contract with Meridian Delta has been completed. [32806]

As owner, English Partnerships is responsible for maintenance of the dome until the proposed deal with Meridian Delta Ltd. has been concluded. All related costs will be recovered from eventual sale proceeds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what proportion of the proceeds of the sale of the millennium dome and the surrounding area will be returned to the National Lottery distribution fund; and if he will make a statement. [32807]

An announcement will be made in due course on the division of proceeds from the sale of the dome and surrounding land, in the context of the deal to be concluded with Meridian Delta Ltd.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of the income generated by the National Air Traffic Control Services in the period September 2001 to April 2002; and what the income was in the same period in 2000–01. [33356]

NATS income is reported each year in the published annual accounts of the company. The accounts for financial year 2001–02 will be published in summer 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much of the debenture of £247,697,000 has been repaid to his Department so far in 2001–02 by National Air Traffic Services Ltd; and how much is due to be repaid by 31 March 2002. [34770]

[holding answer 8 February 2002]: This debenture was repaid in full on the completion of the public private partnership for National Air Traffic Services Ltd on 26 July 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what plans he has for the provision of additional tracks on the single-line sections of the south coastal route from Portsmouth to Ashford; and what is (a) the status of, (b) the start date of and (c) the expected completion date for such works; [32993](2) what plans he has for infrastructure works on the south coastal route from Portsmouth to Ashford to increase the number of locations where fast trains can overtake the slower services; and what is

The Heads of Terms signed by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and GoVia for the South Central franchise include a commitment to development of south coast routes—upgrading of infrastructure facilities to allow faster trains to overtake slower stopping services on the south coastway. This work is included in the SRA's Strategic Plan as a development by 2010. Negotiations between the SRA and GoVia are continuing towards the new South Central franchise agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what limits are set on the height of helicopters flying over residential areas of south-west London. [32842]

Civil helicopter operators are required to adhere to the Rules of the Air Regulations 1996. These require that helicopters should not fly within 500 feet of any person, vessel, vehicle or structure (except when landing or taking off) nor below 1,500 feet over a congested area unless written permission has been obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority, or in certain other specified circumstances. Police helicopters are broadly exempted. Airspace constraints require that the 1,500 feet restriction is disapplied by the CAA, in some areas. Rule 5(1)(c) further specifies an area of London, including parts of south-west London, over which a helicopter may not without permission fly below such height as would enable it to alight clear of the area in the event of failure of a power unit.To assist helicopter operators in complying with these rules and in maintaining safe clearance from other air traffic, the CAA has published a chart showing helicopter routes in the London Control Zone, with relevant altitudes shown. Routes H3 and H7 overfly parts of south-west London at altitudes between 1,000 feet and 2,000 feet.Policy on military helicopters is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent representations he has made to air traffic control for Heathrow concerning helicopters in south west London. [32841]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what controls are in place to limit the numbers of helicopters flying over Kew and Chiswick. [32843]

No such limits are set.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether the SRA Strategic Plan will deliver additional capacity at a faster rate than projected passenger growth. [32934]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: The Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan sets out policies and major investment projects needed to address the projected growth in both passengers and freight.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions on what date he reappointed board members to Shoreham Port Authority and if he will name those appointed; what the reasons were for not reappointing previous board members to Shoreham Port Authority; what plans he has for further appointments to Shoreham Port Authority; and when they will be announced. [33124]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: Seven members of the Shoreham Port Authority have been re-appointed to the board with effect from 1 January 2002. These are Brian Wheeler, Peter Minchin, Brian Blundell, Rod Danes, Pat Hawkes, Bob Carden and Neil Parkin.Two existing members were not re-appointed. One of these members had recently retired and the nominating body has declined to nominate a new representative. The second member was not considered for re-appointment due to their length of service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will list the planning applications for housing development in England involving greenfield sites which have been referred to him as departure applications since 1 January 2001 and provide details of the number of houses and area of land involved in each case; [33423](2) if he will list planning applications for housing development in England on greenfield sites

[holding answer 5 February 2002]: The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House. The list of planning applications is based on information supplied to the Department by local authorities. Assumptions have had to be made about particular applications in order to present the information in the form sought. The information provided should not be taken as the definitive view of the Secretary of State for the purposes of decision-making.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 28 January 2002, Official Report, column 54W, on train drivers, if he will state the locations at which information on train driver numbers is held; and if he will list the steps which the Strategic Rail Authority (a) has taken and (b) plans to take to encourage train operating companies to recruit sufficient drivers. [33964]

The most comprehensive information on driver numbers is held by the Association of Train Operating Companies. Where train operators have experienced difficulty in maintaining sufficient driver numbers and service has deteriorated, the Strategic Rail Authority has taken enforcement action, as they did with South West Trains in 1997 and with Arriva Trains Northern at the end of last year. As part of the two-year extension recently agreed on GNER the company has committed to a programme of driver recruitment to help overcome the current shortage within the industry. The Strategic Rail Authority will be able to secure further provisions as other franchises are extended or replaced.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the meetings that each of0 his ministerial team and himself had in (a) December 2001 and (b) January 2002 with representatives of London Underground. [34103]

My right hon. Friend and ministerial colleagues meet London Underground on both a regular and ad hoc basis, to discuss a variety of relevant matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much money the Government have (a) lent and (b) made available to Railtrack in administration since 5 October 2001; and how much more money is available for Railtrack in administration to draw down by the end of March (i) 2002 and (ii) 2003. [33998]

To date, £1.495 billion has been drawn down from the commercial loan of £2.1 billion that the Government made available at the commencement of the administration. No formal request has been received from the administrator for additional funds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the monthly investment spend is by Railtrack in administration; and what the monthly rate is of pre-tax loss after interest and depreciation. [33999]

This is a matter for the administrator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much profit Railtrack declared shortly after being put into administration. [34429]

Railtrack Group plc's interim report and accounts for the six months to 30 September 2001 reported an accounting pre-tax profit of £292 million. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible for a company to make a profit and yet be unable to pay its debts. The evidence presented to, and accepted by, the High Court on 7 October showed that Railtrack plc was, or was likely to soon be, unable to pay its debts. It was open to Railtrack to oppose administration. They chose not to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the rents to mortgages schemes for public sector workers living in London; and if he will make a statement. [34442]

"Rent to Mortgage" is one of a number of Government low-cost home ownership schemes available to a range of people, including public sector workers."Rent to Mortgage" allows qualifying tenants to purchase a share of their home, at a discount, with mortgage payments similar to the rent they are currently paying. The landlord retains a share in the property, but the purchaser can pay this off at a later date. Further information is contained in our free booklet "Your right to buy your home", which is available from local authorities or from my Department.Our Starter Home initiative is helping around 4,600 key public sector workers, such as teachers, health workers and police, into home ownership in London. Most of these schemes involve equity loans or shared ownership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which local authorities have set targets for the overall level of road traffic in their area as part of their full local transport plans, giving the targets set in each case for traffic reduction, in each year since the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 came into force. [34547]

As part of their full local transport plans submitted in July 2000, local traffic authorities in England (outside London) submitted road traffic reduction reports as required by the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997. Copies of the reports have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. A number of authorities, shown in italics in a table which has been placed in the Libraries of the House, submitted plans containing targets for the overall level of road traffic for their area. Others set targets for part of their area or for some types of traffic. Authorities are not required to establish targets under the Road Traffic Reduction Act 1997 on an annual basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will outline the mechanism by which the national concessionary coach scheme will work. [34556]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 735W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects to announce his response to the consultation on the draft PPG17. [34514]

An analysis and summary of responses to the consultation draft will be made available when the final version of PPG 17 is published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to consult national governing bodies of sport on the revised draft of PPG 17. [34507]

The views of national governing bodies of sport were received during the consultation period. While we do not intend to conduct further consultation with them specifically, my officials will be consulting further with Sport England in drafting the final version of PPG 17.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how eligibility for funding from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund is determined; and if he will make a statement. [34600]

The list of authorities eligible for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund has been determined by taking those authorities that are among the 50 most deprived on any of the six measures in the Indices of Deprivation 2000 (ID2000). On this basis 81 authorities are eligible. The Government also decided that there should be transitional arrangements for those authorities that were within the 50 most deprived areas on any of the four measures under the old Index of Local Deprivation, but are not in the list of 81 authorities that qualify using the ID2000. Due to this, a further seven local authority areas are eligible for the fund, making a total of 88 eligible authorities.The sum to be allocated to each authority is based on a standard amount per head of population in those wards in the authority that are in the most deprived 10 per cent. of all wards nationally, with a minimum allocation of £200,000 for any eligible authority in 2001–02. This relates an authority's grant funding to the severity of deprivation within its area, measured by the number of their residents living in particularly deprived areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he will publish the simplified version of the guidelines on hedge height and light loss. [34612]

We expect to launch the simplified version of these guidelines in the spring. We are working with interested parties such as local authority, professional, consumer and advice groups to make sure the guidelines are user-friendly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the level of the outstanding debt of local authorities that relates to buildings that have now been demolished. [34819]

Although local authorities borrow to fund specific projects, the outstanding debt is held and managed centrally within an authority. Directors of Finance will, as a matter of good treasury management, reschedule and refinance their debt portfolio. It is therefore not possible over time to assign individual loans to specific projects, such as the construction, repair or maintenance of dwellings that have since been demolished.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 22 January 2002, Official Report, column 720W, on electoral modernisation pilot schemes, for what reason an announcement on the successful bidders was not made at the end of January; and if he will make a statement. [34820]

The announcement was made to the House on Tuesday 5 February when we had concluded, in partnership with the Electoral Commission, the Local Government Association and the office of the e-Envoy, our consideration of the bids.