To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expenditure is on training in the (a) Royal Navy and Royal Marines, (b) the Army and (c) the RAF in (i) the UK and (ii) Scotland. [32459]

[holding answer 1 February 2002]: The latest best estimates for the amounts spent by the Services' Training Agencies on individual training for the Royal Navy, Army and RAF in the last 12 months are respectively: £403.6 million; £894 million and £404.5 million. These figures are approximate and are in accordance with Resources Accounting and Budgeting (RAB) procedures which incorporate consumption figures not included in a cash budget.For the Royal Navy, a small proportion of trainee days are spent in Scotland, but separate costs are not recorded for these activities by the Naval Training and Recruiting Agency. The Army Training and Recruiting Agency estimates that its total expenditure in Scotland in the current Financial Year will be £22 million. The majority of the RAF Training Group Defence Agency's training establishments are based either in England or Wales, but the in-year cost of their Outdoor Activity Centre in Scotland for the current financial year is £675,000.The cash costs of Royal Marines individual training for financial year 2001–02 are projected to be £39.9 million. It is not possible to identify separately Royal Marines training expenditure in Scotland.Training costs falling to the Service Commands are not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) army personnel, (b) navy personnel and (c) RAF personnel are deployed on operations; and what percentage is deployed on operations in each case. [45684]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The number of personnel deployed on operations is as follows:

Service	Number	Percentage
Naval Service	3,938	11
Army	19,895	20
RAF	4,480	9

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the serviceability rate is of (a) Gazelle, (b) Lynx, (c) Sea King, (d) Chinook and (e) Puma helicopters. [44660]

[holding answer 19 March 2002]: The serviceability rate for the month of February for (a) Gazelle, (b) Lynx, (c) Sea King, (d) Chinook, and (e) Puma helicopters is shown in the following table:

Aircraft type	Average serviceability rate	Aircraft numbers (actual operating fleet)
Gazelle	55%	116
Lynx	57%	131
Sea King	61%	84
Chinook	56%	27
Puma	64%	35

The hon. Member should note that these figures represent an average taken over the whole month of February. Serviceability figures are influenced by a number of factors and fluctuate daily.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his policy only to review the findings of the air marshals on the reasons for the crash of the ZD 576 Chinook helicopter on 2 June 1994 if there is new evidence in this case; and if he will make a statement. [45860]

[holding answer 26 March 2002]: As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Defence made clear in the House on 19 March 2002, it is necessary to look very carefully at the report published by the Select Committee in the other place. We are conducting a detailed study of its analysis of the facts and the interesting technical views expressed. Were new evidence to be determined, this would of course, be fully evaluated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether anti-aircraft defences in the United Kingdom have combat identification of friend and foe facilities; and what steps he is taking to ensure that all anti-aircraft defences can use information from air traffic control systems. [46612]

I can confirm that all Ministry of Defence Rapier Ground Based Air Defence assets are equipped with combat identification friend or foe facilities. These assets would be integrated within the military Airspace Surveillance and Control System and communicate, co-ordinate and integrate with military air traffic control services as necessary. A joint operating instruction combining civil and military air traffic control and air defence actions within United Kingdom flight information regions has recently been published which enhances co-ordination of airspace activity. It is planned that Royal Marine and Army man portable air defence systems will have friend or foe identification facilities by 2008 and 2004–05 respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will retain external consultants to investigate the potential for future commercial development at West Freugh airfield. [45915]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The position has not changed since I answered a similar question from the hon. Member on 21 January 2002, Official Report, column 558W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria were used by the Airfield Regulator in assessing the safety of future operations at West Freugh airfield. [45916]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The criteria used by the Regulator to assess the safety of future operations at West Freugh airfield were the adequacy of safety infrastructure and the number of aircraft movements. Regulatory minima are set for both the overall number of movements and the number of fast jet movements in order to maintain the currency of air traffic controllers. The numbers of aircraft movements at West Freugh had fallen below these regulatory minima, leading to the decision to cease full-time airfield operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many air traffic movements were handled at West Freugh airfield in each of the last five years; how many were (a) civilian and (b) military; and of the military movements, from which countries they were from. [45918]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The following aircraft movements took place at West Freugh between 1997 and 2001:

Date	Military	Civilian	Total
1997	5,946	5,694	11,640
1998	4,636	7,208	11,844
1999	7,236	1,152	8,388
2000	5,976	—	5,976
2001	3,186	—	3,186

The figures shown do not include overflights. The bulk of military movements shown are in support of the United Kingdom armed forces activities. Foreign aircraft movements are not identified separately in our records.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when, prior to the announcement of 20 March on closure of the airfield, the next scheduled re-surfacing of the West Freugh airstrip was due to be completed; and at what projected cost. [45975]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: Two programmes of re-surfacing work were recommended for 2002 and 2003 at an estimated cost of about £1.6 million and £0.19 million respectively. However, neither task was included in the maintenance plan and completion dates were not allocated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which areas have no property managers in post; how the property in these areas is being managed; and if he will make a statement. [46438]

There are no areas of the Defence Housing Executive which currently do not have Property Managers in post. There are vacancies for two Property Managers at the present time but the posts are currently occupied by other experienced staff from within the relevant property management office on temporary promotion, pending the recruitment of permanent replacements. Property Managers are assisted in their tasks by Assistant Property Managers and other staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 14 March 2002, Official Report, column 1179W (1) if he will list those who gave statements but were not called to give evidence; how many of those who made a statement expressed a wish to give evidence; and if he will make a statement; [45836](2) on HMS Sheffield, whether Ministers have reviewed the information now available; and if he will make a statement; [45838](3) whether the Board of Inquiry into the sinking of HMS Sheffield were given copies of all statements; whether all 98 people were offered as witnesses; who decided which of them were called to give evidence and be cross-examined; and if he will make a statement. [45837]

As I informed the hon. Member in my reply to his previous questions on HMS Sheffield, I am satisfied that the Board of Inquiry was conducted in a professional and proper manner and no new information has become available that would warrant the re-opening of this tragic incident. We have no record of any individual who made a statement expressing a wish to give his evidence through being interviewed by the Board. The statements taken from the surviving crew members were available to the Board of Inquiry. The Board interviewed witnesses where it was believed that doing so could assist in its inquiries. The decision as to which witnesses were interviewed was the responsibility of the Board. To publish a list of those who provided statements to the Sheffield Board of Inquiry would be a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 and a breach of confidentiality, unless the permission of all the individuals involved was first obtained. This could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he plans to withdraw HMS Invincible from service before 2012. [46459]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 15 January 2002, Official Report, column 125W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what account his Department takes of a firm's good practice in (a) training and (b) employment practice in awarding procurement contracts. [46484]

The Ministry of Defence recognises that supplier training and employment practices are important for the timely delivery of the quality goods and services the MOD requires. The MOD will normally contract only with suppliers who have achieved an appropriate, certified quality management standard. Additionally, it will usually make use of qualification questionnaires and associated tools to help assess a potential supplier's suitability for a contract both before and after invitations to tender are issued. The MOD's standard contract terms also remind suppliers of their obligations under the Racial Discrimination and, where appropriate, Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Acts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the target time will be in 2000–03 for (a) Ministers to reply to letters from hon. Members and (b) officials in his Department to reply to letters received directly from members of the public. [44955]

In 2002–03, the Ministry of Defence target time for replies to both Ministerial and Treat Official correspondence is within 15 working days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average length of time taken to answer letters to Ministers has been in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [43949]

Information is published annually by the Cabinet Office on the volume of correspondence from Members of Parliament received by Ministers and Agency Chief Executives: Departments' and Agencies' handling targets; and their performance in meeting these targets. The Report for 2001 is due to be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many people have been employed by his Department in each of the last three years under (a) the New Deal for Young People, (b) the New Deal for the Over 50s and (c) the New Deal for Lone Parents; and at what cost, listed by category to public funds; [44921](2) how many people employed by his Department under the New Deal for Young People in each of the last four years have subsequently

Data on the number of New Deal appointments under the programme for Young People was recored from the beginning of the scheme until April 2001. From then, data also included the over 50s and lone parents programmes. Since October 2001 data has not been held centrally on the New Deal programmes. Available data are detailed in the following table:

Financial year	Lone parents	Over 50s	Young people aged 18–24	Total numbers rectuited under New Deal (includes those aged 25 and over)
1998–99	n/a	n/a	11	17
1999–2000	n/a	n/a	35	58
2000–01	n/a	n/a	20	43
2001–02 (until October 2001)	0	2	6	10

Forty-two New Deal recruits subsequently became permanent members of staff. Others who have left the scheme will have had the opportunity to acquire new skills and enhance their marketability for employment elsewhere, but information is not held on whether they returned to jobseekers allowance or other benefits. New Deal recruits take up existing vacancies so extra costs to public funds are limited to the subsidy, where appropriate, and any training and development that may be needed. Details of costs are not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with her EU counterparts on the handling by the European Commission of the issue of CFCs in refrigerator insulating foam. [44929]

My colleagues and I have not discussed the issue of the European Commission's handling of the clarification of the meaning of Article 16 of EC Regulation 2037/2000 with Environment Ministers from other Member States.We are taking urgent action to ensure recovery facilities are put in place in the UK as quickly as possible. A mobile plant is already operational in Lewes, and we expect that several static plants will be established at various sites around the UK by July, to ensure that the UK will be able to meet its obligations to recover and destroy CFCs from refrigeration insulating foam.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2002, Official Report, column 793W, on dangerous substance rules, if she will place in the Library copies of the correspondence between the Government and the Commission relating to the reasoned opinions referred to; and if she will make a statement on how the Government are dealing with these Reasoned Opinions. [44727]

No, Reasoned Opinion infraction cases are confidential matters between Member States and the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the second draft of the Environmental Impact Statement on the Ashmoor disposal site will be completed; and if drafts will be placed in the Library. [45922]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The first draft of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the site at Ashmoor is being revised to take account of comments received from the various interested parties we consulted. There is further work to be done and I cannot yet say when it will be completed but we are progressing matters as quickly as possible.I see no reason to place copies of the draft Assessments in the Library but I will arrange for a copy of the final version to be placed there in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what monitoring there has been of the annual financial commitments given by the farming unions and the Crop Protection Association in respect of the voluntary measures in place of a pesticide tax; and if she will make a statement. [45923]

Some initial monitoring of costs has been carried out by the Steering Group for the voluntary package. The Steering Group are aiming to produce an Annual Report of progress in April/May 2002 which is expected to contain details of costs incurred during the first year of the programme. It is intended that this report will be made widely available and I will place copies in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what payments have been received from (a) farming unions and (b) the Crop Protection Association since the introduction of the voluntary measures package. [45924]

No payments have been received in connection with the voluntary package of measures to minimise the environmental impact of pesticides nor will they be in the future. The farming unions and the Crop Protection Association have estimated the costs to themselves associated with implementing the voluntary package and they will be expected to show actual costs as the programme progresses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her Department's preparations for the forthcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development. [46334]

DEFRA, working closely with other departments, is leading on the UK's domestic and international preparations for the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). The Department is represented on MISC18, the Cabinet Committee set up to co-ordinate, develop and deliver the Government's strategy for WSSD. DEFRA also chairs two official level groups which co-ordinate preparations across Government. My officials are fully involved in the international preparations for the Summit and are attending the third preparatory meeting in New York which started on 25 March.DEFRA also leads on the development of a cross Whitehall communications strategy to raise awareness of the Summit. We are working closely with local authorities, NGOs, business and other organisations to ensure that we engage a wide range of stakeholders in the Summit. DEFRA has also developed the government sustainable development website (www.sustainable-development.gov.uk) to include information on WSSD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether the 2001 United Kingdom business package waste recovery and recycling targets for (a) recovery and (b) material-specific recycling were met; and whether the percentage levels of business packaging waste recovery and recycling in the United Kingdom in 2001 satisfied the stipulations of the EU Packaging Waste Directive 1994; [46357](2) what the percentage levels of

[holding answer 26 March 2002]: The recovery and recycling targets in article 6(1) of the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste—94/62EC—were implemented in Great Britain by the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended).In order to comply with the requirements in the Directive, recovery and recycling targets for 2001 under the packaging regulations were 56 per cent. for recovery and 18 per cent. for material-specific recycling of packaging waste. Final figures for 2001 are not yet available, but data received to date suggest that, if all obligated parties met their obligations, these targets should be met. This would mean that the UK had recovered 4.6 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2001 ie 50 per cent. We would expect to recycle some 45 per cent. We also anticipate that all materials will meet the 15 per cent. material-specific recycling target in the Directive, with the possible exception of plastic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her assessment is of the economic benefit to the United Kingdom of European Union fishing rights agreements (a) with third countries south of the EU and (b) with third countries north of the EU. [45514]

[holding answer 26 March 2002]: The United Kingdom's fishing industry has a negligible interest in fisheries agreements south of the EU so no assessment has been carried out. Fisheries agreements with countries north of the EU are of considerable importance to UK fishermen. However, the economic benefit cannot be assessed precisely since it depends on availability of fishing opportunities which can vary year on year and actual catches taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what steps the Government have taken to ensure that the funding assigned to conservation within the money spent on the acquisition of EU fishing rights agreements with third countries is spent on the purpose for which it was intended in countries (a) north of the EU and (b) south of the EU; [45512](2) what assessment the Government have made of the environmental impact of EU fishing rights agreements with third countries

[holding answer 26 March 2002]: It is the responsibility of the European Commission on behalf of the EU to ensure value for money and to assess environmental impact in relation to international fisheries agreements to which the EU is party. It is the United Kingdom's view that, certainly in relation to many of the southern agreements, the Commission's performance of these tasks needs to be improved. We have expressed this view in the Council of Ministers and will be looking for the issue to be addressed in the forthcoming review of the Common Fisheries Policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many EU directives were received by her Department and its predecessor departments; and what the average time taken to implement such directives was from (a) 1990 to 1996 and (b) 1997 to 2002. [40698]

[holding answer 5 March 2002]: The Department does not hold information in the form requested. This information could only be assembled at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost was of (a) in-house canteen and (b) other catering services provided by her Department in each of the last four years. [38932]

The Department has only been in existence since June 2001. To collect this information retrospectively from the component parts that now make up DEFRA would involve disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Department has spent on the Queen's Jubilee in each of the past three years; how the money was allocated; and if she will make a statement. [44595]

Any such expenditure has not been separately identified by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of farming businesses which are connected to the worldwide web. [38828]

[holding answer 28 February 2002]: Internet access is becoming an essential business tool for agriculture and information on computer and internet usage by farmers was collected in the December 2001 Survey of Agriculture. The results are due to be published in early April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to respond to the report of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food; and if she will make a statement. [39399]

The Commission's report will make a substantial contribution to a new strategy for sustainable food and farming, which we aim to launch in the autumn. This will be a response to the report but will go further than that. We will work with a wide range of stakeholders to determine how best to take forward the Commission's ideas and deliver positive changes on the ground. As responsibility for addressing the Commission's recommendations rests with industry and other organisations as well as Government, we will be looking for their active involvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what criteria are being applied to determine applications for appointments to the Countryside Agency after 1 April; on what date the advertisements for applicants was placed in the national press; what timescale was anticipated for drawing up the list for applicants for interview at the time the advert was first placed; when it is expected that such interviews will now take place; what measures were taken to encourage applicants in addition to the national advertising campaign and on what dates those measures were taken; what the political balance is of board members; what the political balance is intended to be after the appointments are made; and if she will make a statement. [45271]

The criteria applied to determine the applications for the appointments to the Countryside Agency were that applicants should have a general interest and experience of countryside issues, and preferably have specific expertise in the areas of rural business/rural enterprise, rural development or the voluntary sector. In addition we made clear that we were particularly seeking applications from candidates based in the West Midlands or South West England.Advertisements were placed in the national press on 13 and 16 September 2001, with a closing date of 11 October 2001. Our intention was to appoint up to two candidates. In line with our normal timetable, a shortlist of candidates for possible interview was drawn up in November, four shortlisted candidates from South West England were interviewed in January and one has now been appointed. The deadline for applications from candidates based in the West Midlands was extended to 11 February 2002 and this was advertised on the DEFRA and Countryside Agency websites. We are now considering the applications from candidates based in the West Midlands, received both before and after the original deadline, and hope to interview a shortlist in May. However, there is no fixed number for the number of people on the Board, and only one member is leaving the Board in April; so we will not necessarily appoint a second person this year.In addition to the national advertising campaign, which included information being posted on the DEFRA and Countryside Agency websites, we approached 160 organisations with an interest in countryside issues in September 2001 asking them to suggest candidates. We also made a limited number of further approaches in the West Midlands for additional suggestions in January.Appointments to the Board of the Countryside Agency are not made on the basis of political affiliation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what is the present estimated number of badgers in England and Wales. [45248]

Based on two surveys, the first conducted in the mid-1980s and the second in the mid-1990s, the number of badgers in Great Britain is estimated to be between 300,000 and 400,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many enclosed waters of one hectare or more in size there are in (a) South Tyneside, (b) Tyne and Wear and (c) the North East; and how many of these are known to be used for sport and recreation. [45249]

Our research report, "Water-Based Sport and Recreation: the Facts" was published in December 2001. The researchers found that 73 of the 169 enclosed water spaces of one hectare or more in the North are used for sport and recreation. The report does not provide separate figures for South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear and the North East.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many clubs are associated with inland water sport and recreation in (a) South Tyneside, (b) Tyne and Wear and (c) the North East. [45250]

Our research report, "Water-Based Sport and Recreation: the Facts" was published in December 2001. The researchers conducted interviews with 58 national stakeholder organisations in England and Wales and also undertook a questionnaire survey of 1,250 local clubs, associations and organisations. The report does not detail how many clubs are associated with inland water sport and recreation in South Tyneside, Tyne and Wear and the North East.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will announce what action she plans to take on the research report "Water Based Sport and Recreation: the Facts". [45251]

Officials recently met British Waterways, the Countryside Agency, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Environment Agency and Sport England as the other sponsors of the research along with other interested Government Departments. We are considering what action to take in the light of the report's findings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which market towns have received grants for regeneration under the New Deal for Market Towns, stating (a) the amount and (b) the purpose of each grant. [46600]

The Market Town Initiative is being taken forward on DEFRA's behalf by the Regional Development Agencies, working with the Countryside Agency and local partners and using the £37 million of Government funding announced in the Rural White Paper. We hope that match funding will raise the figure to some £100 million. The Department does not plan to monitor the amount and purpose of individual grants made in each town. The process at a local level is important in itself. Most towns are still at the stage of community consultation prior to agreeing action plans, and few project grants have been approved. I understand the total grant allocation by RDAs to individual towns remain indicative. The table below lists the towns included in the programme to date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the approved buffer zone is between GM crop trial plantations and non-GM crops; on what basis it was arrived at; and what equivalent buffer zone is in use in other EU countries where GM crop trials are taking place. [43036]

[holding answer 14 March 2002]: There is no single approved buffer zone between GM crop trials and non-GM crops. The conditions governing each trial, including the separation distance between GM plants and other crops, are determined on a case-by-case basis and set out in each consent.The basis for the size and nature of the buffer zone on other conditions is to restrict the impact of the GM crop on the environment. The distances are dependent on the reproductive characteristics of the GM crop, the nature of the modification and whether any alternative form of risk management is in operation (eg flower removal, pollen barrier).These distances are set after consultation with the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), the Government's statutory advisory committee on matters relating to the release of GMOs to the environment, which examines all applications for GM trials. ACRE advises on the basis of the best scientific evidence available and experience gained from previous releases and, for example, by the seeds industry in the use of separation distances to secure specific levels of seed purity amongst conventionally bred plant varieties.The legislation governing GM crop trials derives from European Union directives, so similar principles are followed in other EU countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many cases of illegal possession of wild animals there have been in each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement; [45437](2) what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of procedures for preventing unlicensed possession of wild animals; and if she will make a statement. [45436]

There are several pieces of legislation for which my Department is responsible that regulate the possession of wild animals (including wild birds), but details of illegal keeping are not readily available.The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, which regulates the possession of some wild animals, was reviewed last year by independent consultants to examine its effectiveness. The Act is administered and enforced by local authorities and no records are held centrally. However, the consultants report, which has been put on the website, contains some information about prosecutions, though it is not limited to the last five years and is not necessarily comprehensive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the enriched cages to be permitted in England under the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive 99/74/EC will need to provide more than 250 cubic centimetres of which shall be usable. [45316]

[holding answer 26 March 2002]: Council Directive 99/74/EC lays down minimum requirements for enriched cages, including cage area per hen and usable area. It is intended that the Directive will be implemented in England without being added to in any way. If further changes are proposed, there will be a full public consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information supported the designation of(a) Gatcombe parish council and (b) Newchurch parish council. [44281]

Neither Gatcombe parish council nor Newchurch parish council have been classified as "barely active". The work which is being undertaken by the Countryside Agency towards a national indicator of community vibrancy is not a categorisation of parish councils or their effectiveness. The National Indicator uses as a proxy for community vibrancy measures of the opportunities for members of a community to contribute to community activities.The information used was collected as part of the Agency's Rural Services Survey from parish clerks and comprised the presence of a village hall or similar local meeting place, the presence of a public house, incidence of local traditions and events and contested parish council elections. Full details are set out in the Countryside Agency's State of the Countryside Report 2001 where it was noted that there is a marked relationship between the indicator score and population size. The indicator was reported at the national level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many drop-offs will be allowed by her Department from a single auction pick-up of cattle moving through market; what checks will be made by divisional veterinary managers on farms seeking qualification for multiple drop-offs; and when she intends to make an announcement. [46385]

At present, multiple drop offs are only permitted from a market if (a) stock are being dropped off at slaughterhouses only or (b) for cattle only, if they are moved to no more than five farms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the letter of appointment agreed between the Government and Dr. Anderson in relation to his duties as Chairman of the Lessons Learned Inquiry. [38841]

[holding answer 28 February 2002]: No. It is not normal practice to publish such letters of appointment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what action Her Majesty's Government have taken to prevent ill-treatment of Gibraltarians at the Gibraltar-Spain border; [43430](2) what recent reports he has received about

Ministers and officials have raised our concerns about border delays on numerous occasions with their Spanish counterparts, including during the Brussels Process talks. We have also raised our concerns with the European Commission on several occasions.The Commission announced on 19 March the closure of its investigation into restrictions at the border between Gibraltar and Spain, having concluded that

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department had with the European Commission on its recent investigation into Spanish/Gibraltarian border restrictions. [45472]

[holding answer of 26 March]: Ministers and officials have raised our concerns about border delays on numerous occasions with their Spanish counterparts, including during the Brussels Process talks. We have also raised our concerns with the European Commission on several occasions.The Commission announced on 19 March the closure of its investigation into restrictions at the border between Gibraltar and Spain, having concluded that

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what costs have been incurred since 24 January by his Department in connection with the Saville Inquiry; and what his estimate is of the final cost to his Department. [46025]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 24 January 2002, Official Report, column 999W. This Department has incurred no costs since 24 January 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates Ministers in his Department have visited United States Government military bases and establishments on United Kingdom territory since 1 January 1999; which Ministers were involved; and what facilities were visited. [43475]

We have no record of any Foreign and Commonwealth Minister visiting a military base staffed by US personnel on British territory since 1 January 1999.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she expects to introduce the planned fee increases at the Public Guardianship Office for new applications to the Court of Protection; and whether public consultation will take place beforehand. [45921]

No date has yet been set for the introduction of changes to the fees charged by the Public Guardianship Office, although it is planned to lay statutory instruments before both Houses soon. Proposed changes have been discussed with members of the Public Guardianship Office's Consultative Forum. The Consultative Forum includes representatives from voluntary organisations with an interest in issues affecting the Public Guardianship Office's clients and from the Law Society. Members of the Consultative Forum are working with my officials to recommend improved guidelines for remission of fees, so that those who would suffer real hardship as a result of having to pay fees will be able to have them remitted.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many courts he has closed since 7 June 2001. [46175]

No county court or Crown Court centre has been closed since this date.Magistrates' courts committees are not statutorily required to inform the Lord Chancellor's Department of proposed courthouse closures which are not subject to an appeal by its paying authority or authorities.It is the Government's policy that decisions concerning the number, location and future of magistrates' courts are for each magistrates' courts committee to determine, in consultation with its local paying authority or authorities. 11 magistrates' courthouses have been closed since 7 June 2001.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations she has received concerning the Adoption Bill. [46176]

The Secretary of State for Health presented the Adoption and Children Bill to the House of Commons. However, I have received 50 representations on the Bill.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she expects to reply to the letter of 4 February from the hon. Member for Torbay, regarding Mrs. Skilton of Torquay. [43028]

My Noble Friend, Baroness Scotland, has now replied. I am sorry we were not able to reply to the hon. Member's letter within departmental deadlines.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the classification of motorbikes of over 600cc used by courier companies as leisure vehicles for vehicle excise duty. [45859]

The consultation on reforming vehicle excise duty for motorcycles was published alongside the 2001 Pre-Budget Report. The consultation closed on 8 February, the Government are currently carefully considering the responses, which numbered over 12,000. Any changes to taxation policy will be announced in the context of the Chancellor's Budget judgment.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make it his policy to encourage motorists through the tax system to change to use the cleanest available fuels; [45949](2) if he will make it his policy to maintain the road fuel duty differential. [45948]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: The Government set duty differentials to encourage the production and use of cleaner fuels, and the development of alternative transport fuels. We announced in Budget 2001 that, to provide the stability needed for the merging road fuel gas market, duty on road fuel gases (such as liquefied petroleum gas) would not be increased in real terms until 2004 at the earliest.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that fund manager and stockbroking firms do not levy unjustified charges on their clients. [45784]

The Myners review of institutional investment reported that the costs of broking commissions were subject to insufficiently clear scrutiny and control. The Government took forward the recommendations of the review, and following a period of consultation, issued a set of principles of investment for pension funds, and 10 questions for trustees to ask fund managers to ensure that they understand charges. A review of progress will start in March 2003 to decide how successful the principles have been in bringing about change.For retail investors, CAT standards and stakeholder pensions impose strict limits on charges by financial institutions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his estimate is of the annual lost revenue due to the illegal use of UK VAT registration numbers; [46112](2) what his estimate is of the number of illegally obtained VAT registration numbers in each of the last three years. [46113]

No such estimates exist.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consideration he is giving to the tightening of VAT registration procedures for VAT numbers. [46114]

Customs selectively apply extended checks aimed at identifying fraudulent applications, including making visits before registration is granted and applying conditions to the registration, where appropriate. Cases are monitored on an individual basis to ensure a balanced approach between facilitating business and protecting the revenue.In addition, Customs are working to automate their validation, verification and risk scoring system by September 2002.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment has been made of the loss of revenue to the South East economy caused by the smuggling of (a) alcohol and (b) tobacco in the last three years. [46433]

No such estimates are currently available. However, estimates of the tax revenue lost from smuggling of alcohol and tobacco into the UK were set out in "Measuring Indirect Tax Fraud" published by HM Customs and Excise alongside the Pre-Budget Report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of (a) the increase in recycling of construction and demolition waste and (b) the reduction in demand for virgin aggregates as a direct result of the aggregates levy. [45737]

Research suggests that there is significant scope for increased use of recycled construction and demolition waste. The levy is designed to encourage use of this material as an alternative to virgin aggregate, thereby reducing demand for the latter.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the long term impact of the aggregates levy in Northern Ireland once the levy has been fully phased in. [45738]

Phasing in the levy for aggregate used in processed products will allow the industry in Northern Ireland time to adjust, and to use greater amounts of recycled and alternative materials in their products.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what criteria he will adopt for setting the rate for the aggregates levy in future years. [46406]

As with all taxes, the aggregates levy will be reviewed at each Budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his Department has commissioned external research into its paper on public services productivity; and if he will make a statement. [46573]

No

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in his Department's press office have received (a) termination and b) redundancy payments in each of the last four years. [41072]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is taking to reduce the number of adverse incidents involving wheelchairs. [45146]

[holding answer 21 March]: The Medical Devices Agency (MDA) has specific responsibility on behalf of the Secretary of State to safeguard public health where medical devices are involved. Within this overall remit, MDA has a specific unit responsible for wheeled mobility devices where adverse incidents concerning the safety or quality of wheelchairs are considered.The MDA unit works with users, manufacturers, trade associations, professional groups, service providers, and other Government departments where appropriate to reduce safety problems for users both in the short and in the longer term. If the unit finds that there is a need for improvement in a wheelchair design, usage instructions or manufacturing process then appropriate action is taken with the manufacturer/supplier. When necessary Safety Warning notices are widely distributed which incorporate the actions required to reduce specific problems with wheelchairs that are already in use. Advice or written guidance on wider issues relating to the safety of wheelchair users is also given where root cause, or trend, analysis highlights a particular area of concern which requires improvement for the future. Also, if a shortcoming is revealed in an issued British Standard concerning wheelchairs or a need for a new standard the unit works with the British Standards Institute (BSI) to make any necessary revisions or assist with the drafting of any new standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the budgets for the provision of electric powered indoor/outdoor wheelchairs to health trusts. [42525]

Funding for wheelchair services is part of health authorities general allocations. It is for health authorities in partnership with Primary Care Groups/Trusts and other local stakeholders to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services. Health authority allocations for 2002–03 were announced on 6 December 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health which PCTs have delayed planned initiatives and new services (a) in 2001–02 and (b) for 2002–03. [45934]

[holding answer issued 25 March 2002]: Decisions about local priorities and investment in local services are made by PCTs. The Department does not collect this information centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average delay for patients with delayed discharges was in the third quarter of 2001–02. [42702]

The Department does not collect information in the detail requested. I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave the hon. Member for Sutton and Cheam (Mr. Burstow), on 18 March, Official Report, column 160W.It is not possible to calculate an accurate average length of delay from the information collected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of all acute beds were occupied due to delayed discharges in each of the last five years. [37484]

[holding answer 28 February 2002]: Information on the proportion of acute beds occupied due to delayed discharge is collected centrally once a quarter. The information which is available since June 1997 has been on the basis of the proportion of patients aged over 75 occupying an acute bed whose discharge has been delayed. The table below shows this proportion for each quarter since June 1997.

Delayed Discharge—patients aged 75 and over
Per cent.
Collection	Proportion of patients over 75 with a delayed discharge
2001–02 Q3	10.5
2001–02 Q2	12.0
2001–02 Q1	11.1
2000–01 Q4	11.9
2000–01 Q3	11.7
2000–01 Q2	13.0
2000–01 Q1	12.1
1999–2000 Q4	11.3
1999–2000 Q3	11.7
1999–2000 Q2	12.8
1999–2000 Q1	13.4
1998–99 Q4	12.4
1998–99 Q3	12.5
1998–99 Q2	14.3
1998–99 Q1	13.4
1997–98 Q4	13.2
1997–98 Q3	13.9
1997–98 Q2	15.7
1997–98 Q1	13.3

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from pharmacists on the global sum dispensing fee (a) on his original announcement of fee levels for 2002–03 and (b) consequent upon its revision; and if he will make a statement. [42944]

I have not yet determined the overall level of fees for community pharmacy services for 2002–03. However, pending my decision, the basic dispensing fee from April 2002 will rise from the current level of 91.6p to 94.6p per prescription item.I agreed in February that officials should work with the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) to explore ways of improving information about community pharmacy finances as part of a set of measures to inform our discussions on remuneration and on modernising the current NHS contractual framework. This work is under way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Department has to investigate the use of (a) ultrasound and (b) biochemical tests in combination with Dexa scanning for identifying osteoporosis in (i) the population and (ii) a sub-set of the population. [42972]

We maintain an interest in the development of all technologies for the investigation or monitoring of patients suspected of being at risk of osteoporosis. We work closely with the National Osteoporosis Society. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is currently the preferred method for the assessment of bone mineral density in individuals selected to be at high risk of fracture based on clinical risk factor assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the circumstances in which responsibility for social services would be removed from a local authority; and if he will make a statement. [43235]

It is for local councils with social services responsibilities to meet their statutory obligations and achieve best value for the people they serve. We have agreed a protocol on the use of intervention powers with the Local Government Association. This forms Annex D of the (former) Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Circular 10/99, which has been placed in the Library. The protocol sets out the framework to discuss policy for the use of the intervention powers set out in the Local Government Act 1999. It states

"Except in cases of serious service failure or unless there is a need for urgent intervention the authority will normally be given the opportunity to make the necessary improvements itself."

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health would only use the power

"to transfer responsibility to another local authority or third party"

when it was necessary to protect the lives of vulnerable children and adults.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to alter the charges proposed for the welfare inspections of boarding schools. [43817]

The fees in respect of boarding schools are set out in the National Care Standards Commission (Fees and Frequency of Inspection) Regulation 2001 (SI 2001 No. 3980). In response to representations made during consultation, the fee levels are now set as a flat rate £250, £15 for the fourth to twenty-ninth pupil, and £7.50 for each subsequent pupil. These fees will not come into force until 1 September 2002. There are no plans to alter these fee levels at present.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the influence of outdoor open space on the health of psychiatric patients; and if he will make a statement. [43562]

No assessment has been made on the influence of outdoor open space on the health of psychiatric patients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2002, on Medicinal Control, Official Report, columns 130–32W, whether the (a) MCA and (b) CSM have plans to publish articles relating to the inappropriate or overuse of anti-psychotic medication in care settings. [42629]

[holding answer 12 March 2002]: The Medicines Control Agency (MCA) in conjunction with its independent scientific advisory committee, the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) is responsible for monitoring the safety of all marketed medicines to ensure that medicines meet acceptable standards of safety and efficacy. The nature of the clinical setting is not within the scope of CSM advice. However, if the balance of risks and benefits for a medicine when used in a particular indication or population is considered to be unfavourable MCA/CSM will not hesitate to take action to modify its use and to inform prescribers of this action.For example the balance of risks and benefits for thioridazine in the following indications was considered unfavourable: anxiety, agitation and restlessness in the elderly, moderate to severe psychomotor agitation, violent and dangerously impulsive behaviour, mania/hypomania, and behavioural disorders and epilepsy in children. Upon advice from the CSM, in December 2000

NHS hospital admissions where there was a primary diagnosis of selected alcohol related disease, by NHS Regional Office area of treatment
England, 1996–97 to 2000–01										Number of admissions
Primary diagnosis (ICD10)		England	Northern & Yorkshire	Trent	Anglia & Oxford	North Thames	South Thames	South West	West Midlands	North West
1996–97
F10	Mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol	32,500	5,600	2,900	1,900	3,200	4,200	3,600	4,300	6,800
K70	Alcoholic liver disease	7,900	1,200	700	600	1,100	1,000	800	1,000	1,500
T51	Toxic effect of alcohol	2,300	500	200	200	200	300	200	200	500
1997–98
F10	Mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol	34,400	5,400	3,700	2,100	4,100	4,900	3,500	4,300	6,500
K70	Alcoholic liver disease	9,000	1,300	800	700	1,200	1,100	1,000	1,200	1,600
T51	Toxic effect of alcohol	2,400	500	200	200	200	300	200	300	400
1998–99
F10	Mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol	32,100	5,100	3,300	2,000	4,100	4,500	3,500	3,700	5,900
K70	Alcoholic liver disease	9,200	1,400	800	800	1,100	1,100	1,100	1,300	1,600
T51	Toxic effect of alcohol	2,000	500	200	200	200	200	300	200	300
1999–00
F10	Mental and behavioural disorders due to alcohol	32,300	5,000	3,100	3,700	6,000	2,100	5,900	3,800	2,700
K70	Alcoholic liver disease	10,100	1,400	1,000	1,300	1,900	800	1,600	1,200	900
T51	Toxic effect of alcohol	2,000	500	100	200	300	200	200	400	200

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the longest time is that a hospital consultant at Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust has been waiting for determination of an appeal against dismissal. [40017]

[holding answer 12 March 2002]: There is currently one consultant appealing against dismissal from Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust. He was dismissed on 22 March 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what duties the medical services have to carry out before an accident site can be cleared from (a) an A-road and (b) a motorway. [42786]

The main duties of the emergency medical services would be to assess, treat and remove those patients who were injured in any accident on an A-road or motorway. A decision on when the site may be cleared is usually made by the police.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients have been treated for (a) alcoholism and (b) alcohol-related disease in each region in the last five years. [42613]

The information available is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the level of service provided to cancer and non-cancer lymphoedema patients at St. George's Hospital, Tooting. [42755]

A clinic was established at St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust in 1997 to treat non-cancer lymphoedema patients (primary lymphoedema) and cancer patients. While there are other clinics in South West London where cancer patients and lymphoedema are treated, the St. George's service also meets the needs of patients with non-cancer lymphoedema. The St. George's service is a specialist service and receives referrals nationally. The Trust is also one of the few places where academic and epidemiological work is progressing related to lymphoedema. This work includes a recent local study run by the Lymphoedema Epidemiology Project Group.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statistics he collates on the rates of depression, self-harm and suicide amongst Asian women; and what services and resources have been made available to tackle this issue in the last three years. [42407]

No national statistics are routinely collected centrally on suicide or self-harm of Asian women.We are developing a national suicide prevention strategy, which we will launch for public consultation in spring 2002. The strategy will consider the commissioning of further research into suicides amongst Asian women. We will also be looking at this issue further in the Black and Ethnic Minority Mental Health Strategy being developed this year.Rates of depression in people from black and minority ethnic groups are being established through a national survey of ethnic minority psychiatric illness rates in the community (EMPIRIC). The results of this survey will be published in April 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent Government research (a) has been planned and (b) has been conducted into (i) existing mental health services, (ii) take up of existing mental health services by members of Asian. black and ethnic minority communities in the UK and (iii) the future of mental health services. [42394]

The Department has undertaken a number of exercises to inform its future research programme in mental health, in particular to support the National Service Framework (NSF) in mental health. A "Scoping Review of the Effectiveness of Mental Health Services" was conducted by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at York University. A thematic review of the National Health Service Research and Development funded mental health research in relation to the NSF for Mental Health was undertaken by the Institute of Psychiatry. The outputs from these reviews will be considered alongside the Strategic Review of NHS R&D on mental health, which is looking at current research in the NHS on this area, to determine future research priorities in mental health.Further work on mental health services is being commissioned and includes: literature reviews and primary research concerning the effectiveness of post qualification mental health training; occupational outcomes (social inclusion); self help interventions; early intervention in psychosis; services for women; assertive outreach (particularly for black and ethnic minority groups); suicide prevention; models of services to support carers; rehabilitation of people with severe personality disorder and delivery of forensic services.Future research priorities include: evaluation of alternative models for the introduction of primary care mental health workers; suicide prevention strategy; evidence based management of people with dual diagnosis; development of prison mental health services and a randomised controlled trial for effective management of sex offenders.Ongoing research on mental health services funded via the Department's Policy Research Programme includes:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support his Department has given to Mind in the promotion, operation and analysis of its yellow card scheme. [42393]

In 1997, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) performed a detailed analysis of reports received through the Mind patient reporting scheme. Expert advice on this analysis was sought from the Committee on Safety of Medicines. No new drug safety signals were identified, although the results highlighted that patients considered that insufficient information was available to them about their medicines. There was an ongoing programme at that time to ensure that Patient Information Leaflets were authorised for all products and this programme was completed by January 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many drugs are being assessed by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence; what the timescale is for publishing these assessments; and if he will make a statement. [41599]

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has completed 32 technology appraisals (covering drugs, devices and treatments) and NICE has a further 43 technology appraisals on its work programme. Where NICE has established timescales for individual appraisals, details are given on its website at www.nice.nhs.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the expenditure on external consultants for each year since 1997. in 2001 prices, for his Department and its agencies; and what the quantified annual cost savings are which such expenditure has resulted in. [41701]

Expenditure by the Department and its Agencies on external consultants, for each year since 1997 and at 2001 prices, is shown in the table.

	FY 1997–98 £million	FY 1998–99 £million	FY 1999–2000 £million	FY 2000–01 £million	FY 2001–02* £million
Department	12.694	7.332	8.132	6.531	4.400
Agencies	1.634	1.575	3.190	4.047	0.411
* Reported spend as of February 2002, based on information currently available.

The Department does not centrally report or record the quantified annual cost savings resulting from expenditure on consultants therefore the final part of this question could only be answered at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his estimate is of the outstanding liabilities of the NHS in respect of medical negligence claims. [41703]

According to the National Audit Office in their report entitled "Handling Clinical Negligence Claims in England", which was published on 3 May 2001, it was estimated that a total of £3.9 billion represents the outstanding liabilities of the NHS for clinical negligence claims.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received concerning the proposals to re-locate the maternity services located at Aintree University Hospital to the Liverpool Women's Hospital; and if he will list them. [41407]

Ministers have received one letter in October 2001 about maternity services in Liverpool and Sefton from another hon. Member, as well as this representation from my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he has taken to produce a new risk model to predict the number of potential exposures to v-CJD through poor decontamination practice before 2001; and if he will publicise the result using this model. [41806]

"Risk Assessment for transmission of vCJD via Surgical Instruments: A Modelling Approach and Numerical Scenarios", published by the Department on 16 March 2001, set out a methodology for assessing the risk of transmission of vCJD through the re-use of surgical instruments. A new risk assessment model is unnecessary since there is no significantly new scientific evidence to warrant revising the structure or assumptions of the current model.Because of the multiple uncertainties surrounding this issue, it was not considered feasible to make a straightforward prediction of potential secondary infections from surgery. The Risk Assessment therefore did not predict the scale of any secondary epidemic of vCJD, instead, it developed different scenarios to address the various uncertainties-including the standard of decontamination-and gaps in our knowledge about vCJD.The advice we had from Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee was that good decontamination is key in reducing the risk of person to person transmission of vCJD via surgical instruments. This was confirmed by the Risk Assessment. As a result of the work we did last year on improving decontamination, all NHS hospitals in England have access to decontamination services of an acceptable standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding has been made available to provide services for under-fives in Liverpool in each year since 1997. [41123]

Data on funding to provide services specifically for children under 5 who are resident in Liverpool is not available. However, the following table provides details of total recurrent contract income and additional cash increases received over the last four years by the Royal Liverpool Children's NHS Trust from Liverpool Health Authority for the care and treatment of the authority's resident child population. Approximately 30 per cent of the child population in Liverpool are under 5 years old. The figures exclude paediatric intensive care and special assistance funding.

	Total Recurrent Contract	Recurrent Increase	Non- Recurrent Increase	Total Increase
1998–99	21,587,170	731,357	817,360	1,548,717
1999–2000	23,157,553	1,570,383	948,743	2,519,126
2000–01	24,885,218	1,727,665	572,609	2,300,274
2001–02	27,166,523	2,281,305	1,584,990	3,866,295

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contact his Department has had with the publishers of magazines aimed at teenagers in the past two years. [40876]

Routine contacts between press and magazines are not recorded centrally by the Department's press office.In the past two years my Department has worked in partnership with teenage magazines to highlight issues around teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and provide information about where young people may access further information and professional advice. Advertising has been placed in these magazines to enable those young people who are sexually active to have easy access to high quality contraceptive advice and to provide young people with information and advice to enable them to develop the skills to resist peer pressure to have early sex.Last autumn, an agency contracted by the Department also contacted journalists at magazines aimed at teenagers to generate coverage for "Smokescreen", the Department's peer to peer youth tobacco education project.In January, February and March 2001, as part of a campaign designed to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking during pregnancy amongst 16–24 year olds, advertising was placed in magazines aimed at a teenage audience.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice his Department issues to health authorities and primary care trusts on the arrangements to take effect after the abolition of the Medical Practices Committee on 31 March. [37940]

Advice was issued to Primary Care Trusts and other interested parties on 13 March 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria are used to decide whether to open dental access centres. [45464]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: Dental access centres (DACs) are pilot schemes established as part of the Personal Dental Services initiative. They provide access to National Health Service dentistry in areas where other sources of treatment do not meet demand. The location of DACs was determined by combining several sources of information on availability and access problems: statistical data, in particular registration figures and expenditure changes; self reporting by health authorities; and the local knowledge of regional offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to tackle shortage of orthodontists in (a) Lincolnshire and (b) England; [42536](2) what the shortfall of NHS orthodontists is in

The number of orthodontists and the amount of orthodontic work in the General Dental Service has increased significantly since 1996–97 in both Lincolnshire and England as a whole. Additional clinics have been set up in Lincolnshire and by the end of March 2002, it is envisaged that there will be no over 26-week waits for orthodontic appointments in Lincolnshire. An additional consultant orthodontist post has been funded and concerted efforts are being made to recruit to this post.The number of principal dentists performing 100 or more orthodontic claims a year in