To ask the President of the Council (1) how many staff were involved in each of the last three years in preparing draft answers to written parliamentary questions; [49142](2) what the cost was to his Department of answering written parliamentary questions in 2001; and how that cost was calculated. [49100]

In the parliamentary Session 2001–02 beginning on 9 June and up until 29 January 2002, 41,366 parliamentary questions were asked to this Government, at a cost of answering of over £5 million.For the average cost of a parliamentary question, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Financial Secretary, on Thursday 11 April 2002,

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish the (a) number and (b) value of contracts awarded by her Department to (i) Arthur Andersen, (ii) Deloitte Touche, (ii) Ernst and Young, (iv) KPMG and (v) PricewaterhouseCoopers accountants in each year since 1997. [34986]

DEFRA came into being on 8 June 2001. The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) which non-accounting and non-information technology external organisations which previously held contracts with her Department (a) won new contracts at the culmination of the existing contracts and (b) won new contracts after a period of inactivity with her Department in each of the past five years; [38751](2) if she will list the 30 largest contracts awarded by her Department from

[holding answer 28 February 2002]: DEFRA came into being on 8 June 2001. The information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the 30 largest contracts awarded by her Department from (a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b) May 1998 to April 1999, (c) May 1999 to April 2000, (d) May 2000 to April 2001 and (e) May 2001 to the latest date for which figures are available, stating in each case the values of the contracts and the companies with which the contracts were placed. [43676]

DEFRA came into being on 8 June 2001. The information requested can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what is the level of radioactive technetium found in boreholes within the vicinity of Sellafield. [36001]

I understand that sampling and analysis of groundwater from nine boreholes on the Sellafield site and from one perimeter borehole has indicated the presence of technetium-99. The highest level found at an on-site borehole was 290 becquerels per litre. The level in the perimeter borehole was 0.2 becquerels per litre. An assessment has been made of the potential radiological impact of the presence of technetium-99 in groundwater and the Environment Agency is satisfied that this would be insignificant. The Agency and the Health and Safety Executive are working with BNFL to establish the source of the contamination. The regulators will then need to consider what further measures need to be taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when a substantive reply will be given to Mr. H. P. Atkinson's letter of 16 July 2001, concerning the 20 day movement restrictions. [36838]

I am sorry for the delay in replying to the hon. Member's letter. A reply was sent on 16 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the equipment leasing arrangements entered into by her Department in each of the last four years; and what the cost to public funds in each case is. [38937]

DEFRA came into being on 8 June, 2001. The information requested can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what the total external spending by her Department was on public-private partnership consultants in each of the last four years; how many full-time equivalent consultants were employed over this period; how many billed consultancy days there were per year; what the implied average cost of each PPP consultant was; how many consultancy firms were used by her Department over this period; and if she will make a statement; [43199](2) if she will list the functions of her Department that have been

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: DEFRA came into being on 8 June, 2001. The information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) on how many infected premises slaughter was completed within 24 hours of a clinical diagnosis of the disease during the foot and mouth epidemic; [47605](2) on average how long after a clinical diagnosis of the disease slaughter was completed on the contiguous farms during the foot and mouth epidemic. [47602]

Information regarding the time taken to slaughter on infected premises is presented in two charts, copies of which have been placed in the Library.When looking at the charts the following should be taken into consideration:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make representations to the European Parliament inquiry into foot and mouth to include Somerset in their programme of visits. [49038]

It is a matter for the European Parliament Temporary Committee to decide their programme of visits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many and what proportion of the staff of her Department are part-time employees. [47171]

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Mr. Leslie) on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 50W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement about the number of chemical weapons dumped at sea and the potential risk they pose. [48889]

I have been asked to reply.Detailed inventories of chemical weapons and other munitions disposed of to dumpsites at sea are no longer available, as many records were destroyed after the disposals as a matter of routine custom and practice. Where records of the disposals do remain in existence, they have been released to the Public Record Office. Information on the locations of sea disposals of chemical weapons has also been placed in the Library of the House. As to the potential risk posed by chemical weapons, the long-held consensus of international scientific opinion is that munitions on the seabed present no significant risk to safety, human health or the marine environment, provided they remain undisturbed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to lay the order for the laying hens welfare code; and if she will make a statement. [48836]

The laying hens welfare code will be laid before Parliament at the same time as the English regulations to implement the Welfare of Laying hens Directive 99/74/EC.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Department intends to make proposals for the introduction of the Laying Hens Welfare Code which go beyond those stated in the 1999 EU Directive on Welfare of Laying Hens 1999/74/EC; and if she will make a statement. [48837]

A new Welfare Code for Laying Hens will be published to accompany English regulations to implement the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive 99/74/EC. It is intended that the Directive will be implemented in England without being added to in any way. The Code focuses on the welfare outcome for the birds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to carry out a full public consultation on changes to the Welfare of Laying Hens Directive. [50344]

A full public consultation on domestic Regulations to implement Council Directive 99/74/EC has already taken place. Any further proposed changes to the Regulations or Directive will be subject to another public consultation exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how often in the last three years, and for what purpose, her Department has applied the special urgency provisions in paragraph 22 of circular 18/84 (Development by Government Departments). [48946]

[holding answer 15 April 2002]: The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (and before 8 June 2001, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) has not applied the special urgency provisions in paragraph 22 of Circular 18/84 (Development by Government Departments) over the last three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what sources of EU funding are available for flood relief and prevention measures from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund; what the total is of such funds for which the UK is eligible in 2001–02; and what the total is of such funds which her Department has (a) applied for and (b) been allocated in 2001–02. [48984]

[holding answer 15 April 2002]: No significant financial assistance is made available by the European Union to assist member states in the provision of flood and coastal defences.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on when she intends to allow the use of pet passports for the USA and Canada; and how the scheme will operate. [48803]

[holding answer 16 April 2002]: In January 2001, the Pet Travel Scheme was extended to rabies-free islands, including Hawaii. Mainland USA and Canada have not been included in the scheme as it was concluded that doing so would increase the risk of importing rabies.However, the Government undertook to review the position of these countries. We have received a further assessment on the risk of importing rabies and a report on other zoonotic diseases which could be introduced to the UK if the scheme was extended to the USA and Canada. Both reports are being reviewed and evaluated. I hope to make an announcement on the conclusions of these reports shortly.The import of dogs and cats from the USA and Canada, along with other third countries, would become subject to EU rules if agreement is reached on a proposal from the Commission for a regulation on the animal-health requirements applicable to non-commercial movement of pet animals. This proposal will be discussed at the meeting of Agriculture Ministers on 22 and 23 April.The Government will need to take account of this proposal before reaching final decisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her Department's answer of 24 January 2002, Official Report, column 632W, on the Insolvency Service, what progress the Insolvency Service has made in centralising its administrative functions in areas of (a) lower growth and (b) high unemployment. [42224]

The Insolvency Service will continue to seek to make best use of its existing estate and, wherever possible, to reduce its costs. The movement of work from areas and offices where there are pressures on accommodation or difficulties with recruitment or retention of staff to other offices is carried out where appropriate and the service has piloted a successful scheme to enable flexible, remote working by staff in its London office. The redevelopment of the service's IT systems over the next few years will increase the capability and capacity for such remote working and enable further savings in accommodation costs to be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what her policy is on overtime payments for staff in her Department. [49122]

The Department is clear that overtime should be an exception. If regular overtime is required, management should consider how the work can be accomplished in ways other than by continued overtime.Where overtime is necessary, all staff below the senior civil service are entitled to receive payment, or time off in lieu, or both, for work carried out in addition to weekly conditioned hours (41 in London and 42 hours outside London).Staff in the senior civil service are not entitled to receive payment for overtime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many smaller enterprises have benefited from the regional venture capital funds on an annual basis in each of the regions since the inception of the scheme. [49860]

The first regional venture capital funds only became operational in January 2002 so the information requested is not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many Claims Direct franchisees paid for their franchises with loans supported by her Department; how many such Claims Direct franchisees with such loans have become bankrupt; and if she will make a statement. [48745]

The Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme has assisted eight Claims Direct franchisees to set up their business. To date no claims have been made under the guarantee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent by her Department on training by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years. [48879]

The majority of the Department's training budget is allocated to individual directorates. Each directorate has responsibility for managing, monitoring and evaluating attendance at training events in line with the departmental business and training plans. Disproportionate costs would be incurred to collate the data centrally for the purposes of answering this question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent by her Department on training in leadership skills for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years [48880]

The Department centrally funds some leadership training. These figures, available for the last three years, are detailed in the table.

	£
1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002	1592,064
1 April 2000 to 31 March 2001	380,449
1 April 1999 to 31 March 2000	276,444
1Provisional

However, the majority of the Department's training budget is allocated to individual directorates. Each directorate has responsibility for managing, monitoring and evaluating attendance at training events in line with the departmental business and training plans. Disproportionate costs would be incurred to collate the data centrally for the purposes of answering this question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much has been spent by her Department on voice coaching for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years. [48878]

The majority of the Department's training budget is allocated to individual directorates. Each directorate has responsibility for managing, monitoring and evaluating attendance at training events in line with the departmental business and training plans. Disproportionate costs would be incurred to collate the data centrally for the purposes of answering this question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the names of those organisations which have made representations to her about the operation of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme. [48757]

Approximately 30 landscape firms, plus the British Association of Landscape Industries, have made representation about the operation of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).Representations have also been received about the Major Contractors Group and their policy on the CSCS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answers of 11 March 2002, Official Report, column 671W and 10 April 2002, ref 48035, what penalties have been levied on Healthcall for (a) failure to provide reports fit for purpose and (b) reports delivered beyond 28 days targets. [49328]

The Department is unable to comment on the financial details with Healthcall as they are commercially confidential. However, the Department has worked very closely with Healthcall from the start of the scheme to ensure that services are being delivered efficiently and effectively. The proportion of MAP reports returned as "not fit for purpose" is being closely monitored and is falling. The figures in the answer of 11 March referred not just to "not fit for purpose" returns but included also substantive queries on the medical content of the reports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with highway authorities to ensure that contractors accessing pylons under construction are not endangering road bridges over railways. [50031]

I would expect the National Grid Company and its contractors to comply with the requirements of the highway authorities, for whom I am not responsible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many SMEs are operating in Barnsley, East and Mexborough. [49986]

Within the Barnsley, East and Mexborough constituency there were 1,140 businesses registered for VAT with 1–249 employees in 2000, the latest year for which VAT statistics are available. Local labour force statistics provide an estimate of a further 3,000 self-employed individuals operating with no employees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many private finance initiative projects have been subject to refinancing after the contracts have been signed; and what has been the financial effect in each case. [50284]

None of my Department's PFI projects has been refinanced.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what her Department is doing to make the public aware of the construction Quality Mark; [50013](2) what her Department is doing to encourage UK builders to apply for a construction Quality Mark. [50012]

I announced on the 12 March 2002, Official Report, column 891W, that the scheme will be rolled out across the country over a 3–4 year period. A Quality Mark Shadow Ownership Group has been set up and, at its first meeting on 19 April, will begin developing a comprehensive implementation strategy and detailed business plan. An announcement about the next stages of the roll out is expected after the first meeting.The DTI is working with a number of reputable trade bodies to fast-track their members into the Quality Mark scheme. Following recommendations in the pilot review, the scheme will be developing recruitment mechanisms, including subsidised registration costs, until a critical mass has been achieved.The DTI is also working with local authorities, financial services groups, consumer groups and others to promote the scheme to tradesmen and encourage the participation of the latter wherever possible.The national launch of the Quality Mark at the Ideal Home Show produced extensive television and radio coverage and articles in regional newspapers. The scheme is already being marketed successfully to consumers in Birmingham and Somerset through a variety of media, including Yellow Pages and Thomsons directories, household leaflet distribution with advertising and editorial coverage in a number of local papers and radio stations. Further targeted marketing will follow in new areas once sufficient numbers of builders and tradesmen are registered.There has been considerable interest from firms operating outside of the existing Quality Mark regions in England, Wales and Scotland. In these cases we have advised (and we will continue to advise) firms that there is nothing to stop them applying for the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make it her practice to collect and publish data relating to the pay gap between men and women by constituency. [45862]

The Office for National Statistics publishes data on the pay gap between men and women in the New Earnings Survey. However, in the case of some constituencies, the data is not sufficiently reliable for publication.Current trends in women's individual incomes have been explored in two studies published last year by the Women and Equality Unit (WEU). Copies of these reports are available on the WEU website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will announce her decision on Powergen Renewable Offshore Wind Ltd.'s application to build a 76 MW offshore generating station at Scroby Sands, off Great Yarmouth. [51287]

I have today granted consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to Powergen Renewables Offshore Wind Ltd. for the construction and operation of a 76 megawatt offshore windfarm at Scroby Sands, off Great Yarmouth.This development marks a significant step forward for the wind industry. It is the first offshore windfarm development to be approved from the 18 potential sites identified by developers who successfully pre-qualified last year for Crown Estate seabed leases. Offshore wind in the UK can make a major contribution to climate change objectives, to secure electricity supplies, and to our economic well being through job creation and exports. I am very pleased that this potential is beginning to be realised.Copies of the Press Notice and the decision letter and consent are being placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which of his Department's projects have received sponsorship since 1997, including (a) details of the sponsor, (b) the nature of the project, (c) the date of the project, (d) the total cost of the project and (e) the amount of money involved in the sponsorship deal. [48395]

[holding answer 11 April 2002]: In line with the Government's commitment in their response to the sixth report from the Committee on Standards in Public Life, it is the Department's intention to publish details of individual amounts of sponsorship valued at more than £5,000 concurrently with the departmental performance report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost of running the Department's press office was in (a) 1996–97 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available. [46803]

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Figures for 1996–97 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. For financial year 2001–02, the cost of running the Ministry of Defence's central press office was £981,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many press officers there were in his Department on (a) 1 May 1997 and (b) the latest available date. [46890]

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Information for 1 May 1997 is no longer available.As at 15 April 2002, the Ministry of Defence's Corporate Communications division employed 20 press officers in its headquarters press office and in its regional network. In addition, Defence agencies, the permanent joint headquarters and the single service commands and units also employ personnel with a press officer function, some as a secondary task to their main role.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received in the past 12 months regarding arms exports to Sri Lanka from representatives of the Tamil people. [49338]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent meetings he has had with representatives of the Tamil people to discuss human rights issues in Sri Lanka. [49341]

The Secretary of State for Defence has had no meetings with representatives of the Tamil people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received in the last 12 months regarding (a) arms exports to Sri Lanka from Britain and (b) their subsequent effect on the Tamil people; and if he will make a statement. [49333]

There have been a number of approaches by UK companies in the past 12 months seeking marketing advice for potential sales to this region. We have given advice on these on a case by case basis making it clear that the advice given does not prejudge the outcome of an export licence application. All such applications are considered against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. We will not issue an export licence where there is a clear risk that the goods might be used for internal repression or international aggression or to undermine regional stability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many times he has met representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka to discuss arms exports in each of the past five years; [49336](2) when he will next meet representatives of the Sri Lankan Government to discuss arms exports; and if he will make a statement. [49342]

There have been no such meetings in the past and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has no current plans to meet with representatives of the Government of Sri Lanka. The Government welcome the progress being made to achieve peace in Sri Lanka. Should we be asked, we would of course give positive consideration to any initiatives that might assist this process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many complaints have been received in each of the past five years from households in the Tendring peninsula relating to alleged damage to their properties as a result of the activities at the Shoeburyness ranges. [45113]

Our records are not in a form that readily enables provision of the information as requested. I will write to my hon. Friend following further analysis of the data and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what subsistence payments are payable to service men and women carrying out duties in the United Kingdom away from their base. [50040]

Service personnel who incur extra expense for food or accommodation while on temporary or detached duty in the UK are reimbursed via range of UK subsistence allowances. In the first instance, every effort is made to accommodate personnel in service messes where food and accommodation costs are paid direct by the Ministry of Defence. If service accommodation is used, £1.50 per 24-hour period can be claimed for incidental expenses.If service accommodation is unavailable, the preferred option is to arrange hotel B&B accommodation through MOD's Central Hotel Booking Service (CHBS) that make bookings within a set cost ceiling. Personnel can also book hotel accommodation direct and are then entitled to claim the cost up to a set ceiling of £50 per night. Personnel staying in a hotel may claim a total of £22.90 per 24-hour period to cover additional costs incurred for lunch, dinner and travel, and incidental expenses such as telephone calls or laundry. Alternatively, personnel may choose to stay with family or friends and claim £27.90 per 24-hour period to cover food, and other expenses.If no overnight accommodation is required and service messing is not available, then a daily subsistence rate of £4.25 for over five hours and £9.30 for over 10 hours can be claimed for meals. This range of subsistence allowances is designed for periods of up to 30 days after which a different set of accommodation allowances are normally used.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate has been made of the funds being spent on the repeated repairs to service accommodation over the last five financial years. [36824]

The defence estate currently consists of around 64,000 buildings. The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to sell Type 22 frigates to Chile; what discussions his Department has had to this effect, and if he will make a statement. [49743]

There are no current plans to sell surplus RN Type 22 frigates to Chile because of the lack of available vessels to offer in the immediate future. We have nevertheless maintained dialogue with the Chilean authorities over ship disposal issues to establish future possibilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many fleet submarines will he in service in 2009. [49749]

On current plans there will be nine fleet submarines in service in 2009. In the early years of the next decade this will increase to the SDR approved force level of 10. However, the introduction into service of the new ASTUTE class submarines and the arrangement of the long-term refit programme will enable sufficient submarines to be available to ensure that the Royal Navy is able to meet its standing commitments and fulfil contingent tasking prior to the establishment of the planned force levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Tornado F3 are fully operational with AMRAAM missiles; and what the operational inventory is of Tornado F3. [49755]

There are currently 94 Tornado F3 aircraft fully operational with AMRAAM missiles. The Tornado F3 Required Operating Fleet which is defined as the theoretical number of aircraft needed to support the operational task is 93.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 947W, how many members of HM armed services have (a) died and (b) been injured as a result of the discharge of firearms on or near military property (i) in Great Britain and (ii) overseas in each of the past eight years; what the results of (1) internal investigations and (2) coroner's inquest for each fatality were; where other soldiers were involved what disciplinary actions were taken; where papers were passed to the CPS, how many weeks were taken to reach a decision on prosecution; and what the result was. [48677]

The number of members of HM forces who have died as a result of the discharge of firearms in the last eight years is as follows:

	Army		Navy		RAF
Year of death	UK	Overseas	UK	Overseas	UK	Overseas	Total
1994	8	15	1	1	1	1	27
1995	14	5	——	——	1	——	20
1996	9	8	——	——	——	——	17
1997	4	——	——	——	1	——	5
1998	1	——	——	——	——	——	1
1999	4	3	——	——	——	——	7
2000	1	8	1	——	——	——	10
2001	5	4	——	——	——	——	9
Total	46	43	2	1	3	1	96

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the Royal Navy's manpower is committed to operations. [49758]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 April 2002, Official Report, columns 1019–20W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when HMS Talent's refit will commence; and how long it will last. [49747]

HMS Talent's refit is planned to start in spring 2003 and will last until early 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many cadets there are in (a) maintained schools and (b) independent school detachments; [50523](2) how many combined cadet forces and single service cadet detatchments there are in (a) maintained schools and (b) independent schools. [50524]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Harrier GR7 has a gun capability; and if it is planned that Harrier GR9/A will have a gun capability. [49752]

The Harrier GR7 does not have a gun capability, and we have no plans to give a gun capability to the GR9/A.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties were flown by (a) Harrier GR7 and (b) Sea Harrier in operations over Sierra Leone in 2000. [49751]

Between 11 May 2000 and 6 June 2000 inclusive, Harrier GR7 and Sea Harrier flew 147 and 134 sorties respectively, while deployed in support of operations in Sierra Leone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the integration work on Sea Harrier for ASRAAM has been completed; and at what cost. [49763]

The work to integrate Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) on Sea Harrier has been terminated in the light of the recent decision to withdraw the aircraft from service by 2006 which is earlier than originally planned.Expenditure on the ASRAAM integration programme did not exceed £1.2 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Harrier GR7 will be operational with (a) Brimstone and (b) Storm Shadow. [49754]

Following the upgrade of Harrier GR7 to GR9 standard, it is intended that the Brimstone anti-armour weapon will enter operational service on it in 2006.We do not currently intend to integrate Stormshadow on to Harrier GR9. The operation of Harrier GR9 from the CVS with Stormshadow will not be practical, due to the size and weight of the missile. In addition, it is not currently considered to be cost effective to integrate Stormshadow on to Harrier GR9 solely for land-based operations; this capability will be provided by Tornado GR4.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received from the Indian Government about the purchase of Fleet Air Arm Sea Harriers. [49761]

Officials within the Ministry of Defence have received inquiries from representatives of the Government of India regarding the future availability of surplus Fleet Air Arm Sea Harriers. As part of its marketing strategy for the sale of these aircraft, the Disposal Services Agency will follow up all expressions of interests accordingly, subject, of course, to the normal export controls.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what modifications need to be made to the Harrier GR7 for sustained operations at sea. [49753]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 March 2002, Official Report, column 1166–67W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on future plans for British military involvement in the Balkans. [50003]

NATO is currently undertaking a major review of its operations in the Balkans, entitled the "Joint Operational Area Review", the outcome of which will be discussed by NATO Foreign Ministers in May 2002. We welcome the review and remain committed to maintaining the military contribution to NATO peacekeeping in the Balkans. No decisions have been taken regarding the form that British military involvement will take following implementation of the review's findings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total cost of running the Department's press office was in (a) 1996–97 and (b) the latest year for which figures are available. [46805]

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: The total cost of running FCO's News Department in 2000–01 was £1,746,000. Comparable information for 1996–97 is not held as new costing software was introduced during the course of that year. The total cost for 1995–96 was £971,000 and for 1997–98 was £1,342,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 25 March 2002, Official Report, column 610, if he will place in the Library copies of the evidence possessed by Her Majesty's Government in respect of the status of programmes aimed at developing weapons of mass destruction respectively by (a) the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, (b) Iraq, (c) Libya and (d) Syria. [48252]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 16 April 2002, Official Report, columns 861–62W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Bills introduced by his Department in the last five years have contained sunset clauses; and what plans he has for the future use of such clauses. [49615]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many cases in the last six months the high commission in Uganda has refused to see people who had interviews; how entry clearance officers at that high commission handle appointments; and if he will make a statement. [48893]

In response to the events of 11 September, and in the light of the specific security situation in Uganda, access to the visa section at the British high commission premises can only be granted to people who hold satisfactory evidence of their identity. I regret the need for this requirement but it is temporary, for the safety of our staff and members of the public and is necessary and proportionate in response to the perceived threat.Satisfactory identity documents are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress made in respect of each of the three disposition projects for surplus military plutonium in Russia agreed in the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy non-Proliferation Working Group. [49492]

The European Union Joint Action for surplus weapons-grade plutonium in Russia involves seven projects in all.In the first project, 'Safety Regulations', Gosatomnadzor of Russia (GAN) is to establish new safety regulations covering the use of surplus weapons-grade plutonium as mixed oxide fuel in Russia. Of the total budget of 500,000 euros, contracts have been signed for 300,000 euros, and draft contracts to the value of 200,000 are being discussed, with signatures expected in May this year.In the second project, on a trial use of mixed oxide fuel, preliminary steps have been taken towards the loading of three lead test assemblies in a pressurised water reactor at Balakovo. Of a total budget of 1,300,000 euros, a contract has been signed for 5,000 euros, and the remaining contracts are under discussion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans are in place to ensure that a public discussion takes place on the Convention on the Future of Europe. [50032]

Since the Nice Declaration, the Government have been seeking a wide range of views on the future of Europe through regional visits, seminars, radio phone-ins and interviews. I have personally spoken to trade unions, businessmen, academics, students and other members of the public about the future of Europe. I have also undertaken a number of regional visits, including Cardiff last October, Edinburgh last November, Northern Ireland in February and South Yorkshire in March. That listening process is continuing, in parallel with the "listening phase" in the Future of Europe Convention. The coming months will see me making further regional visits, including to Birmingham in May and Liverpool in July. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs plans to visit the Devolved Administrations. There will be other activities focusing on the future of Europe, including a Youth Convention and Europe Day. In addition, a dedicated website providing for open and public discussion on the future of Europe will be established and open for contributions by the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Nepal. [50440]

We are increasingly concerned about the Maoist insurgency in Nepal. We strongly condemn the Maoists' violence and intimidation against the Nepalese security forces and civilians. We are particularly concerned about recent attacks on food, water and electricity supplies and other economic, development and infrastructural targets. We urge the Maoists to disarm, renounce violence, and rejoin the peace process in good faith.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards peace in Sri Lanka. [50439]

We warmly welcome the progress which the Sri Lankan Government and the LTTE have made towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Sri Lanka. As we have made clear to all concerned, the UK fully supports the Norwegian-facilitated peace process, and we look forward to the start of direct talks in the near future. We call on all sides to work together in the interests of all Sri Lankans. Any solution must satisfy the aspirations of all communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent meetings he has had with representatives of the Tamil people to discuss human rights issues in Sri Lanka; [49340](2) when he will next meet representatives from the Sri Lankan Government to discuss human rights issues and the state's policy towards the Tamil people; [49334](3) what representations he has received in the last 12 months regarding human rights issues in Sri Lanka concerning the Tamil people; and if he will make a statement; [49335](4) what representations he has received in the past 12 months regarding human rights issues in Sri Lanka from representatives of the Tamil people; [49339](5) how many times he has met representatives of the Sri Lankan Government to discuss human rights issues in each of the past five years. [49337]

We have raised human rights on a regular basis over the last five years with the Sri Lankan authorities at both ministerial and official level and will continue to do so. In March 2001, the Prime Minister and the then Foreign Secretary, discussed the situation in Sri Lanka with President Kumaratunga and then Foreign Minister Kadirgamar. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is planning to meet the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister in July. We are also concerned about human rights abuses committed by the LTTE, and welcome their recent announcement that they will cease recruiting under the age of 18 and that they are addressing the concerns of the Muslim community. We are in close touch with UK-based Sri Lankan groups, human rights organisations and representatives from all communities in Sri Lanka, including the Tamil community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to meet his Spanish counterpart in the next round of the Brussels process. [48851]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Putney (Mr. Colman) on 27 February 2002, Official Report, column 1306W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of income was spent on administration by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts in the last financial year. [48881]

Figures for the last financial year, 2001–02, are not yet available. NESTA's published accounts for the financial year to 31 March 2001 show that 9.9 per cent. of income was spent on operating costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans exist for the future funding of the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts. [48882]

Plans for funding NESTA will be considered alongside other options for the future use of lottery funds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment has been made of the return or investment made by the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts. [48876]

In accordance with the National Lottery Act 1998, NESTA's endowment is managed by the National Investment and Loans Office on behalf of the National Debt Commissioners. The endowment is invested in Government Bonds and Treasury Bills whose performance reflect prevailing base rates. Since establishment, the endowment has produced an annual average return of 5.25 per cent. The interest on the endowment is invested separately by NESTA in an equities and bonds portfolio managed by Schroders Investment Management. Since establishment, this fund has produced an annualised average return of 3.4 per cent.NESTA's performance will be considered in its Quinquennial Review in 2004–05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action she is taking to encourage people to participate in sport; and if she will make a statement. [48915]

School sport is a priority for the Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Education and Skills to improve the quality of and access to PE and sport in schools and links to clubs. Sport England's Active Sports programme involves 8 to 16-year-olds across the country in sport through a national network of 45 sports partnerships, while Sport Action Zones encourage participation by all age groups in some of the most deprived areas a the country. Sport England has now awarded over £1.5 billion of Lottery funding, the majority of which has been used to provide facilities for local community sport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time sports coaching staff (i) her Department and (ii) its agencies have funded in each of the last seven years broken down by sport; and if she will make a statement. [48916]

Coaches funded by UK Sport
Sport	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02
Athletics	——	——	——	22	22
Badminton	——	——	11	11	11
Curling	——	——	——	——	12
Equestrian	——	21	31	51	71
Fencing	——	——	——	32	32
Gymnastics	——	——	——	——	101
Ice skating	21	21	21	21	31
Judo	31	41	41	41	41
Modern pentathlon	——	——	41	41	51
Orienteering	11	21	21	21	21
Rowing	——	——	——	111	111
Sailing	——	——	——	——	51
Trampolining	——	——	——	——	11
Triathlon	——	——	——	——	41
Waterskiing	11	21	21	21	21
Wheelchair basketball	11	11	11	11	11
1 Full time
2 Part time

Coaches funded by Sport England
Sport	Number
Athletics	38
Basketball	168
Cricket	167
Football (girls)	282
Netball	228
Hockey	148
Rugby Union	191
Swimming	67
Tennis	80

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received from parents in Bristol regarding the distribution of New Opportunities Fund grant to local schools for the purpose of improving facilities for sport and physical education. [48752]

The Department has received no such correspondence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which (a) secondary schools in England and (b) local education authorities have received New Opportunities Fund payments to improve sport and physical education facilities; and what the total amount was in each case. [48751]

Local education authorities (LEAs) have received notification of their allocation under the scheme and bids are being developed. The deadline for LEAs to submit their stage 1 applications is the 22 April. Funding allocations are made up of a baseline allocation (based on the size of the school population in the LEA) and levels of deprivation in the area.

My Department does not fund coaching staff directly. The majority of public funding for sport is channelled through UK Sport and Sport England. Comprehensive information on the number of coaches funded from Sports Council grants is not held centrally. The following tables are drawn from records kept by UK Sport and Sport England.The allocation figures for each LEA area are given in the following table.

	£
Total England allocations	495,163,000