To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when she expects to receive the Environment Agency's third report on the explosion at Cleansing Services Group Ltd., in Sandhurst, Gloucestershire; and if she will make a statement; [26655](2) when she will make a decision on holding a public inquiry into the explosion at Cleansing Services Group Ltd., Sandhurst, Gloucestershire; and if she will make a statement. [26654]

[holding answer 11 January 2002]: The joint Environment Agency and HSE investigation surrounding the fire of October 2000 is principally complete. However, the agency is undertaking excavations beneath concreted areas at the site to investigate allegations that hazardous waste was buried below the transfer station in the early 1990s. Excavations at the site commenced in mid March. Given the co-operation of the company, the agency expect to complete the excavations and associated investigations next month. In the light of which we will make a decision on whether or not to hold a public inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to increase the UK's recycling of household waste; and what funds the Government plan to make available for this purpose. [34657]

"Waste Strategy 2000" announced challenging targets to increase the amount of municipal waste recycled and composted in England and Wales. These targets are:

To recycle or compost at least 25 per cent. of household waste by 2005

To recycle or compost at least 30 per cent. of household waste by 2010.

To ensure that local authorities contribute to achieving these targets, the Government have set Statutory Performance Standards for recycling and composting for individual authorities. These can be found in the Government's "Guidance on Municipal Waste Management Strategies", published in March 2001. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library and from the DEFRA website: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/management/guidance/mwms/index.htmThe Government have increased funding for the Environmental Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) block, which includes waste management, by £1.1 billion over the SR2000 period. There is also a ring-fenced fund of £140 million for local authority recycling and £220 million for waste Private Finance Initiative projects over the same period. Councils will also benefit from the £40 million to the Waste and Resources Action Programme to overcome market barriers to reuse and recycling of waste.Following a recent consultation on the £140 million fund, DEFRA has opted for a selective distribution. At the end of March this year we issued guidelines and formally invited applications from local authorities. These guidelines can be downloaded from the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/consult/wastefund/index.htm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost was of media advertising in each of the past five parliamentary Sessions including the current session, for her Department in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland; and for the last two parliamentary Sessions and the current parliamentary Session, what the media advertising expenditure was per month in (i) England, (ii) Wales and (iii) Northern Ireland. [37402]

As DEFRA was created in June 2001 annual retrospective media expenditure analysis by territory location does not exist.Since the formation of DEFRA our records show a total for centralised media publicity expenditure of £2,589,289. This excludes expenditure relating to foot and mouth disease.The expenditure analysis set out in the table identifies three territorial areas: England, England and Wales and the United Kingdom.De-centralised expenditure incurred by non-departmental public bodies, agencies and DEFRA directorates has not been included as obtaining this information could be achieved only at disproportionate cost.

DEFRA centrally funded media publicity expenditure
£thousand
	England	England and Wales	United Kingdom	Total
June 2001	33,585	37,078	21,512	92,175
July 2001	11,983	72,676	—	84,659
August 2001	24,570	33,373	131,229	189,172
September 2001	62,801	44,180	126,895	233,876
October 2001	45,343	41,630	236,786	323,759
November 2001	14,358	37,664	144,688	196,710
December 2001	115,698	16,019	64,664	196,381
January 2002	12,774	96,722	224,856	334,352
February 2002	33,812	37,357	238,502	309,671
March 2002	60,896	117,229	450,404	628,529
Total	415,820	533,928	1,639,536	2,589,284

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken by the Government since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to (a) set goals on environmental protection and (b) improve eco-efficiency and resource productivity relating to health and the environment issues; and what these (i) goals and (ii) improvements have been. [44346]

The Government set out its targets for safeguarding people's health and protecting the environment from air pollution in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1997 and revised in January 2000. It includes health-based standards for eight pollutants of main concern and objectives for their achievement between 2003 and 2008 together with objectives to be met by 2000 for the protection of vegetation and ecosystems. Good progress has been made towards achieving most of the targets as a result of the measures put in place by central Government and local authorities. We are, for example, broadly on track to meet our policy objectives for carbon monoxide. benzene, 1,3 butadiene, lead and sulphur dioxide, but we will need to do more to meet our targets for nitrogen dioxide, particles and ozone. We have met the objectives for vegetation and ecosystems. The strategy is kept under continuous review and last year we consulted on proposals to tighten several of the current objectives and to add a further objective.The Government have successfully negotiated and adopted various agreements, both with our partners in Europe and internationally, which will reduce emissions of harmful substances to the air. We are committed to meeting all of the mandatory limit values prescribed by EU legislation. To comply with the EC Directive on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) the UK Government passed the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) regulations which came into force on 1 August 2000, under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. Separate arrangements apply the IPPC Directive to Scotland, Northern Ireland and the offshore oil and gas industries.IPPC applies an integrated environmental approach to the regulation of industrial activities. Emissions to aid, water (including discharge to sewer) and land, plus a range of other environmental effects (including noise, vibration and odour) must be considered together. IPPC aims to conserve energy, prevent emissions and waste production and, where not practicable, reduce them to acceptable levels. IPPC also takes the integrated approach beyond the initial task of permitting, through to the restoration of sites when industrial activities cease.On resource productivity the Government commissioned a major study headed by the Cabinet Office Performance and Innovation Unit. Its recent report, "Resource Productivity: Making more with less", identifies the scope for significant environmental and business benefits. We are committed to following up the report, which includes recommendations on establishing a long-term strategy with indicative targets, policy to encourage innovation in sustainable technologies, and action to integrate sustainable development objectives with the business of Government procurement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures have been introduced since 1997 to combat car dumping and increase removal of deserted vehicles. [46166]

We have supported pilot schemes in the London boroughs of Newham and Lewisham in which the local authority was given DVLA's powers to wheelclamp and remove unlicensed vehicles after 24 hours. The London borough of Wandsworth joined the scheme on 23 April. We announced the extension of the scheme nationally on 10 April.In October 2001 we published a consultation document on measures to remove abandoned and untaxed vehicles from the streets more quickly and, for the longer term, bring forward changes to vehicle registration and licensing procedures to ensure greater accuracy of DVLA's vehicle record.Regulations to reduce the statutory notice periods after which local authorities can remove abandoned vehicles and the storage periods for unlicensed vehicles were laid before the House on 19 March and came into force on 9 April.Kent police piloted a "blitz" approach (Operation Cubit) on abandoned vehicles in the Medway area in co-operation with Kent county council, Medway council, DVLA and the Kent Fire Brigade for eight weeks in early 2001 and the Home Office has commissioned a detailed evaluation of the pilot which has been academically assessed and circulated to other stakeholders for comments, including the Kent police and Kent county council. It is hoped that it will be published in the near future.Since the original pilot, similar operations have taken place and are shown in the table.

Operation Cubit
Area	Date
Swanley	June 2001
Dartford	October 2001
Gravesend	October 2001
Maidstone	January 2002
Swale	January 2002
Hastings	February 2002
Brighton	February 2002
Liverpool	March 2002

To date the operations have removed almost 3,000 abandoned unlicensed vehicles from the streets of Kent and Hastings.The response to the consultation paper is now available at www.roads.dtlr.gov.uk/consult/abandon/response/index.htm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to encourage children to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables; and if she will make a statement on her policy towards pesticide residues found in these foods. [48323]

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: DEFRA works closely with the Department of Health on its initiatives to encourage increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, including the National School Fruit Scheme. The Pesticide Residues Committee advises the Secretary of State on a monitoring programme for pesticide residues in food and drink, including fruit and vegetables. The monitoring programme and its results are described in the annual report of the committee and are available on the Internet at http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/committees/prc/prc per cent.5Fannual per cent.5Frep per cent.5F2000.pdf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the target has been in each of the last five years for efficiency savings as a percentage of total running costs for each of the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible; and if the target was met. [49644]

Chapter 2 of the Treasury's guidance "Non Departmental Public Bodies: Annual Reports and Accounts Guidance" requires executive NDPBs to provide, as part of their annual reports, information about the performance and efficiency targets agreed with their sponsor Departments and performance against those targets.The annual reports and accounts of the Department's executive self-accounting NDPBs are laid before Parliament each year and copies placed in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people employed by the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible under the New Deal for Young People in each of the last four years have subsequently (a) found unsubsidised employment for more than 13 weeks and (b) returned to jobseekers' allowance or other benefits. [49609]

Of the non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) for which DEFRA is responsible, only one employs staff under the New Deal for Young People. Since 1998 that body has appointed 14 people on to the scheme, nine of whom have subsequently found unsubsidised employment for more than 13 weeks. Information on those returning to jobseeker's allowance or other benefits is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 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. [50282]

One Private Finance Initiative project, Brooklands Avenue Cambridge, has been subject to refinancing after the contract had been signed. The financial effect was to achieve a net present value saving to the Department of around £515,000 over 15 years, which represents a broadly equitable share of the potential refinancing gain. No other departmental PFI projects have been subject to refinancing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which of the services of her Department have not been reviewed under the Better Quality Services Initiative; and when they will be reviewed. [50322]

The Better Quality Services (BQS) programme was launched in 1998 and adopted by the Cabinet Office in the Modernising Government White Paper of 1999 as a means of delivering continuous improvements in the quality and effectiveness of Government activities and services. It requires all Government Departments to review every activity and service over a five year period starting in October 1999. The scheme covers all activities in Departments, agencies and executive non-departmental public bodies, and is similar in remit to the Best Value programme in local government.Following the creation of DEFRA in June 2001, we intend to launch a value for money programme that will review every major function in the Department at least once every five years.Two major BQS reviews, of the DEFRA Estate and Personnel, are scheduled to take place during the current financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimates she has received of the change in energy efficiency since 1997 of (a) processing in the industrial sector, (b) heating and lighting in the industrial sector, (c) heating and lighting in the commercial sector, (d) business machinery and information control technology in the commercial sector and (e) heating and lighting in the domestic sector; and if she will make a statement. [50445]

In the domestic sector our most up to date estimate of the change in overall energy efficiency is that it improved by 1 per cent. per annum over the period 1995–2000.For industry and commerce, energy consumption statistics are collected by fuel but not by end use, so indicators are available only for overall energy consumption. No direct measure exists of "energy efficiency" changes for industry as a whole. However, changes in "energy intensity" (ie energy per unit of output) are routinely published by DTI

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who was responsible for the crop management of the Farm Scale Evaluation at Sunnymead Farm, Wivenhoe in 2000; when the GM maize, planted at Sunnymead Farm, was sprayed with herbicide; and when the crop was sprayed with glufosinate ammonium. [50920]

Management of the crops in the Farm Scale Evaluations is undertaken by the farmer hosting each individual trial, with SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops) providing advice in relation to the GM crops. As herbicide use is the key factor in the research, this aspect of the crop management is covered by the following protocol:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total expenditure on sea wall defences in the county of Essex and the unitary boroughs of Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea was in each year from 1990 to 2001. [50985]

Information is readily available only for expenditure incurred by the Environment Agency. The table details capital expenditure by the agency on sea walls in Essex (including Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea) and maintenance expenditure on sea walls and tidal defences:

£ million
	Capital expenditure	Maintenance expenditure	Total
1990–91	3.8	1.6	5.4
1991–92	8.9	2.0	10.9
1992–93	9.4	2.2	11.6
1993–94	9.1	2.2	11.3
1994–95	6.1	2.2	8.3
1995–96	6.3	2.4	8.7

£ million
	Capital expenditure	Maintenance expenditure	Total
1996–97	4.2	2.4	6.6
1997–98	5.2	2.0	7.2
1998–99	6.9	2.2	9.1
1999–2000	4.8	2.0	6.8

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what action the Government are taking to tackle global illegal trade in wildlife; [51270](2) what assessment the Government have made of the impact illegal wildlife trade is having on endangered species; and if she will make a statement. [51269]

The UK was one of the first countries to ratify the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The convention is implemented throughout the European Community through EU regulations by means of a system of licensing, to ensure that any trade is carried out at levels which species populations can sustain. Populations of endangered species and levels of trade are under continuous review, and the degree of protection afforded to particular species (which can include a complete ban on all trade) can be changed as a result.Specimens of some endangered species command high prices on the illegal market. There is a huge incentive to evade trade controls and examples of illegal imports which have been intercepted by HM Customs and Excise are well-documented. It is difficult to assess the full scale of the illegal wildlife trade and thus the impact on species conservation, but reports published by the CITES Secretariat, Interpol, and by respected scientists and other conservation experts show that these are matters which we must continue to take very seriously indeed.The UK has a good record of CITES enforcement. HM Customs and Excise Wildlife and Endangered Species Officers (including the internationally respected CITES Enforcement Team at Heathrow airport) and Police Wildlife Liaison Officers are at the sharp end of wildlife law enforcement and work with great commitment and determination. This has led to a number of successful prosecutions, including one resulting in a custodial sentence of six and a half years for the illegal import of certain birds. The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime—a multi agency organisation comprising the main Government Departments, statutory enforcement agencies and voluntary organisations with an interest in wildlife law enforcement issues—works hard to support the networks of police and customs officers at the strategic level. In addition, our major information campaign "Souvenir Alert" increases awareness of CITES controls among the general public. The campaign is aimed at tourists who may unwittingly bring back from their travels souvenirs made from endangered species. Over the past six months we have distributed a quarter of a million leaflets publicising the campaign, which has attracted considerable media and public interest.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes the Budget of 17 April will make to agriculture in Herefordshire. [51652]

Agriculture in Herefordshire, as elsewhere, is made up of a large number of different types of businesses, many of them small businesses. Depending on their individual circumstances, many may benefit from the budget measures offering help to small firms. The freeze in fuel duty and vehicle excise duty levels will also benefit agricultural businesses, as may the reduction in duty on cider. Many agricultural workers and farming families will benefit from the working tax credit and the child tax credit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason no devolved Adminstration Minister attended the 2419 European Union Council of Ministers (Agriculture) meeting on 18 March; which suggestions and matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information and evidence was provided by her Department to enable effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [51728]

[holding answer 22 April 2002]: No Ministers from the devolved Administrations attended the March Agriculture Council as there was nothing on the agenda of specific interest to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the UK Government are well briefed on their interests in more general matters. There was no need for the UK Government to raise any issues of particular concern to the Scottish Executive. On the third point, it is the responsibility of the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the Scottish Executive's involvement in preparations for EU Council meetings. These arrangements are a matter for the Committee and the Scottish Executive. The Department provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which international conventions on the environment (a) her Department and (b) the Government have signed since 1997; what the timetable for implementation is in each case; and what steps her Department is taking to monitor implementation. [51924]

[holding answer 23 April 2002]: Since 1997 the United Kingdom has signed the following international conventions on the environment:

(i) The Montreal Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Signed: September 1997

(ii) The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 as Modified by the Protocol of 1978 Relating Thereto—Annexe VI: Regulations for the Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships. Signed: September 1997

(iii) The Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Signed: April 1998

(iv) The Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. Signed: June 1998

(v) The Protocol on Heavy Metals to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. Signed: June 1998

(vi) The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade. Signed: September 1998

(vii) The Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Signed: December 1999

(viii) The Gothenburg Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-Level Ozone to the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution. Signed: December 1999

(ix) The Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity. Signed: May 2000

(x) The Basel Protocol on Liability and Compensation for Damage Resulting from Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. Signed: December 2000

(xi) The Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels under the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals. Signed: June 2001

(xii) The International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships. Signed: October 2001

(xiii) The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Signed: December 2001.

With respect to the timetable for implementation of these conventions, the United Kingdom must have all measures in force to give effect to a convention before ratification. The timetable for ratification will take into account the need for action by the European Union. Where conventions include specific timetables for action the United Kingdom will comply with those provisions. Reporting requirements on implementation are determined by each instrument on a case by case basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made since 1997 in cutting UK emissions of carbon dioxide. [51610]

[holding answer 24 April 2002]: The UK Climate Change Programme and Third National Communication under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change were published in November 2000 and October 2001 respectively. These set out the policies by which the UK will meet its Kyoto commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5 per cent. relative 1990 levels over the period 2008–2012, and move towards our domestic goal of a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide relative to 1990 by 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what grants are available for noise insulation. [45750]

I have been asked to replyNo such grants are available centrally.There are statutory requirements for the provision of noise insulation in specified circumstances, in respect of noise from various sources. Under the Noise Insulation Regulations 1975 the appropriate highway authority will provide insulation in the form of secondary glazing to the windows and glazed doors, of dwellings and other buildings used for residential purposes, or payment of grants for this purpose, where such properties are not more than 300 m from the nearest point of a new highway, including an additional carriageway added to an existing highway, or an alteration affecting the line or level of an existing highway. The provision of insulation or grant is subject to there being an increase, or expected increase, in noise on the fa"ade of the property attributable to the traffic on the new or altered highway from that prevailing before construction started, provided this is above a prescribed level.Under the Noise Insulation (Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems) Regulations 1996 an authority responsible for constructing a new railway, tramway or other guided transport system, or for adding to an existing system, has a similar duty to provide insulation for dwellings and other buildings used for residential purposes, or to pay grant for that purpose.Similar statutory schemes have been made under s79 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982, and previous powers, requiring provision of noise insulation in respect of aircraft noise at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. At other airports, noise insulation may be provided on a voluntary basis or in accordance with planning conditions.Noise insulation schemes under any of these statutory provisions are subject to qualifying dates: they are not open-ended.Local housing authorities could consider whether it would be appropriate to award a discretionary Home Repair Assistance grant to private home owners and tenants for noise insulation. The Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002, if enacted, will provide authorities with a new general power which they could also use to this end.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment has been made of potential bird strikes at Heathrow airport; and what measures are being taken to deal with this. [52259]

I have been asked to reply.Heathrow Airport Ltd. carries out a continuing assessment of the bird strike risk at the airport and takes remedial action as part of its operating licence obligations. The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions has also established a working group, involving Heathrow Airport Ltd., the Civil Aviation Authority and other interested parties, to look at a broader range of issues connected with the bird strike hazard in the Heathrow area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what work her Department is doing on the impact of climate change. [53303]

The UK Climate Change Programme outlines the Government's approach on adaptation to climate change. An important component of this is the ability to assess possible impacts and adaptation options. To address this, my Department has provided a further three years of funding for the UK Climate Impacts Programme to help the public and private sector carry out studies to assess what climate change may mean for them and how to prepare for it.To help such assessments, new climate change scenarios for the UK will be published on 26 April 2002. These contain important information on how the UK's climate may change in future as a result of greenhouse gas emissions. Copies of the scenario reports will be placed in the Libraries of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.In addition, the Government have recently begun an inter-departmental process to consider the implications of climate change. My Department is participating in this activity and has also commissioned a survey of the implications of climate change for its policies and operational responsibilities. The study should be completed this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received concerning recent shipments of Brazilian mahogany to the UK; and if she will make a statement. [44703]

Pursuant to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Mid-Bedfordshire (Mr. Sayeed) on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 272W, the final sentence of the second paragraph did not contain the most up-to-date information. Paragraph two should read as follows:

Greenpeace sought permission to take the Department to Judicial Review in order to compel DEFRA and HM Customs and Excise to seize a recent importation of Brazilian Mahogany. The initial judgment refused Greenpeace's application but they have now successfully appealed against this.

The rest of the answer remains correct.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 379W, on the Transport and Telecommunications Council, what the status of the general orientations reached by the Council is; and whether issues covered by these general orientations could be reopened by the UK. [51722]

A "general orientation", now more often known as a "general approach", is an indication of the formal position the Council might take at a later stage. The term is used when a formal position of the Council cannot be reached because the legislative pre-conditions of the decision-making process have not yet been met, for example because the European Parliament has not yet delivered its opinion.There were two general approaches reached at the 25 March Telecommunications Council relating to decisions on electronic interchange of data between administrations (IDA) (Council number 11983–01) and Trans-European Telecommunications Networks (Council number 15324–01). Both proposals had cleared parliamentary scrutiny in advance of the Council, so we signalled that there were no outstanding UK issues to raise for the moment. It does however remain open to use to raise additional issues if the European Parliament proposes significant amendments. We will keep the Committees informed of developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to ensure that businesses are not misled by companies purporting to be acting on behalf of the Data Protection Registrar. [51790]

The Department is cooperating with relevant enforcement authorities over this issue. We advise those who wish to complain about such an approach to contact their local Trading Standards Office. This is in line with advice issued by the Information Commissioner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she plans to investigate the effects on competition and the potential monopolies created by the growth of pub chains. [51512]

In his review of the Beer Orders in 2000, the Director-General of Fair Trading found no evidence to warrant a monopoly reference of the pub chains to the Competition Commission. The Director-General has pledged that he will continue to be vigilant in his pursuit of anti-competitive practices in the industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the EU Directive 1999/44/EC (Refunds on Faulty Products) will be implemented. [52237]

The Department is currently consulting on draft regulations to transpose EC Directive 1999/44/EC (on Certain Aspects of the Sale of Consumer Goods and Associated Guarantees) into UK law. The consultation ends on 23 May 2002 and regulations will be laid before Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to consult the recruitment industry on the content of the proposed European directive on working conditions for temporary workers. [52297]

Officials have been discussing the effects of the proposed European directive on working conditions for temporary workers with the recruitment industry, and will continue to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research she has conducted into the average length of temporary work assignments in the UK. [52295]

We are aware of existing research on the nature of temporary work. Should further information be needed in light of the Commission's proposals, we will consider the case for further research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to meet the European Commission to discuss the proposed European directive on working conditions for temporary workers. [52298]

I have discussed it with Commissioner Diamantopoulou, and others, and expect to have further contacts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is taking to safeguard labour market flexibility, with particular reference to the proposed European directive on working conditions for temporary workers. [52316]

We are studying the proposal to ensure that it provides adequate protection for agency workers without unnecessarily reducing labour market flexibility.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether she has asked the European Commission to withdraw the proposed European directive on working conditions for temporary workers. [52315]

We are studying the proposal to establish whether it protects agency workers without damaging the important contribution agency workers and agencies make to the labour market and to maintaining high levels of employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the LOTIS Committee. [51667]

The LOTIS Committee is part of International Financial Service, London, an independent private sector trade association (formerly known as British Invisibles) representing business interests in the City of London. Government officials are invited to attend the Committee's meetings as observers, as they are with many other trade associations and non-governmental organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement about the operation of the Chemical Weapons Act 1996. [53193]

In accordance with the Act, I have laid a report on its implementation during 2001 before the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects to reply to the letter dated 4 March from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding Mr. R. Roxburgh. [50073]

[holding answer 17 April 2002]: A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 16 April 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what information he collates on the accessibility of residents of wards in England to (a) higher education, (b) further education, (c) general hospitals, (d) specialist hospitals, (e) nearest towns and cities and (f) other services. [52446]

Information on access to services by residents of wards is not generally collected. The exception is that access to some (f) "other services" (post office, food shops, GP, primary school) has been assembled at ward level as the "Geographic Access to Services" Domain of the Index of Deprivation 2000. My Department is undertaking a major new project this year to develop methods for local authorities to measure accessibility to key services at ward level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many towns and cities have elected mayors; what the turnout was in each election; and if he will make a statement on the powers of elected mayors. [52152]

To date, only London has a directly elected mayor, first elected in May 2000 with a turnout of 34.4 per cent. The mayor has wide powers with regard to setting the strategic direction for London and in particular with regards to transport, economic development and regeneration.Referendum results have supported the introduction of directly elected executive mayors in eight English local authorities and on 2 May 2002 there will be a further five mayoral referendums. Of those eight local authorities, seven are holding their first mayoral election on 2 May 2002 and one on 17 October 2002. These executive mayors will lead their councils and, to the extent each local authority's constitution provides, will be in charge of their council's services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of the cost in the next 12 months of the Budget changes to employers' national insurance contributions to (a) his Department, (b) agencies of his Department and (c) local government carrying out functions within the responsibility of his Department. [52075]

The changes to both employee and employers' national insurance contributions, announced in the Budget, will come into effect in April 2003. There will be no additional costs in the present financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions for what reason no devolved Administration Minister attended the 2420 European Union Council of Ministers (Transport) meeting on 26 March; which suggestions and matters of concern from the Scottish Executive were raised in their absence by the UK Government delegation; and what information and evidence was provided by his Department to enable effective post-council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [51731]

[holding answer 22 April 2002]: The UK, as the member state, is represented by a member of the UK Government. It is not normal practice for a Minister from a devolved Administration to join the delegation, nor were there any from any other EU country on this occasion. The devolved Administrations are involved before Council meetings in developing the UK position, which will as necessary reflect matters of particular concern to one or all of the devolved Administrations.I reported on the outcome of the Council to the Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee and to the Chairman of the Select Committee on the European Union in the House of Lords. A written report prepared by the UK Permanent Representation in Brussels was given wide distribution among officials.Arrangements for post-Council scrutiny in Scotland are a matter for the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive. My Department provides information to Scottish Executive officials as part of that process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the levels of Band D council tax were in each local authority in (a) London, (b) England, (c) Wales and (d) Scotland, in (i) 1993–94, (ii) 1997–98, and (iii) will be in 2002–03. [52065]

Tables giving the equivalent figures for the financial years 1993–94, 1997–98 and 2002–03 are available in "Regional Trends 29", Table 15.2; Department of the Environment Information Bulletin on "Council Taxes in England in 1997–98" (Bulletin 164, 20 March 1997); and the DTLR News Release on "Council Taxes in England—2002/03" (2002–0124, 21 March 2002) respectively. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House.The tables provide information on the Band D council tax in each local authority area. The figures are based on two adults and include amounts funded by council tax benefit and transitional relief.In practice, only a minority of properties in each local authority area are in Band D, with the percentage in Bands A to C varying widely between authorities, from 10.7 per cent. to 96.8 per cent. The average Band D council tax does not therefore allow a comparison to be made of the average amounts of council tax payable by people in different areas.

Regeneration spending in Islington
£
Type	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02	2002–031
Community Empowerment Fund	—	—	—	—	150,261	150,261
Community Chest Fund	—	—	—	—	137,956	206,934
Community Learning Chest	—	—	—	—	—	55,182
Neighbourhood Renewal Fund	—	—	—	—	3,136,000	4,703,000
Single Regeneration Budget	—	—	410,000	11,203,000	13,519,000	—
New Deal for Communities	—	—	10,000	575,660	483,000	—
1 Allocations

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list, by project, the total investment in housing capital improvements in Islington (a) for each of the past five years and (b) expected for 2002–03. [52272]

Since May 1997, the London borough of Islington has been allocated the following amounts of funding for specific housing capital improvement projects:

	£
Capital Challenge (Marquess Estate)
1997–98	1,500,000
1998–99	4,500,000
1999–2000	3,500,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he plans to publish his report on the economics of running a mobile home park. [52357]

The researchers' work on the study into the economics of the park homes industry is nearing completion. We anticipate publication of the final report in early summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list, by project, the total Government support for regeneration projects in the Borough of Islington (a) for each of the last five years and (b) expected for 2002–03. [52273]

The information requested is shown in the table.

	£
Estate Action (Harvist Estate)
1997–98	1,303,000
1998–99	1,693,000
1999–2000	1,119,100
2000–01	777,900
2001–02	500,000
Single Regeneration Budget:
Kings Cross Partnership (housing projects)
1997–98	380,000
1998–99	1,962,000
1999–2000	1,301,000
2000–01	846,000
2001–02	577,000
Finsbury Park (Tollington Estate)
1999–2000	45,000
2000–01	293,000

	£
2001–02	600,000
2002–03	450,000

£ million
	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02	2002–03
Housing Investment Programme	9.255	7.468	9.075	28.415	12.651	14.970
Major Repairs Allowance	—	—	—	—	25.434	25.030
Capital Receipts Initiative	2.848	9.168	8.334	—	—	—
Disabled Facilities Grant	0.136	0.124	0.131	0.142	0.212	0.237
Cash Incentive Scheme	2.240	1.524	—	—	—	—

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects the review of tire service pension arrangements to be concluded; when the review commenced; and which Government Departments and agencies are engaged in the review. [52114]

In 1998 the Home Office published a consultation document on options for changes to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme. There was no consensus among Fire Service interests on the costs and benefits which might be included in any new pension scheme. We have no immediate plans to introduce a new scheme but continue to discuss amendments to the current scheme with the Central Fire Brigades Advisory Councils which include representatives of the Scottish Executive, the Northern Ireland Administration, Fire Service employers, unions and staff associations.

Number and percentage of properties in each council tax band
	Band A	Band B	Band C	Band D	Band E	Band F	Band G	Band H	Total
Newcastle upon Tyne
Number	73,125	17,252	16,508	7,249	3,538	1,654	1,291	115	120,732
Percentage	60.6	14.3	13.7	6.0	2.9	1.4	1.1	0.1	100.0
Wandsworth
Number	5,995	11,758	34,363	28,792	17,800	11,845	10,751	1,881	123,185
Percentage	4.9	9.5	27.9	23.4	14.4	9.6	8.7	1.5	100.0
Richmond
Number	596	1,917	11,361	19,250	19,484	11,082	11,692	2,661	78,043
Percentage	0.8	2.5	14.6	24.7	25.0	14.2	15.0	3.4	100.0
Government Office Region North East
Number	667,963	157,421	157,846	80,695	40,190	17,627	10,298	1,173	1,133,213
Percentage	58.9	13.9	13.9	7.1	3.5	1.6	0.9	O.1	100.0
North West
Number	1,322,421	563,533	514,026	285,914	167,010	82,021	56,127	5,612	2,996,664
Percentage	44.1	18.8	17.2	9.5	5.6	2.7	1.9	0.2	100.0
Yorkshire and the Humber
Number	1,007,232	422,759	351,695	187,306	119,051	57,371	33,834	2,943	2,182,191
Percentage	46.2	19.4	16.1	8.6	5.5	2.6	1.6	0.1	100.0
East Midlands
Number	708,205	406,075	320,954	184,684	108,634	52,261	30,941	2,812	1,814,566
Percentage	39.0	22.4	17.7	10.2	6.0	2.9	1.7	0.2	100.0

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will set out the distribution of properties, by council tax band, in (a) Newcastle upon Tyne, (b) the London borough of Wandsworth and (c) the London borough of Richmond; and what the average distribution by band is in each Government office region of England. [52116]

Information on the number of properties in each council tax band is shown on the valuation list, compiled by the Valuation Office Agency. The latest information available is at 26 March 2002. The number of properties in each council tax band, and the distribution of properties by council tax band, for Newcastle upon Tyne, the London borough of Wandsworth and the London borough of Richmond are shown in the table. The table also gives information for each Government office region of England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research he has commissioned into the psychosocial impact on children of parents taking them to school by car. [51980]

In October 2000 my Department commissioned a scoping study and literature review to establish what was already known about the effect of travel mode on children's mental health and cognitive and social development. The study reported in April 2001. The executive summary is on the DTLR website at www.local-transport.dtlr.gov.uk/schooltravel/ cogdev/ index.htm and has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for South-West Bedfordshire of 25 January 2002, Official Report, columns 1183–85W, on Government funding of the voluntary sector, if he will list the grant schemes and other mechanisms by which (a) his Department, (b) the housing action trusts, (c) English Partnerships and (d) the regional development agencies distribute funding to voluntary sector organisations. [51409]

[holding answer 19 April 2002]: The Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions does not hold information centrally on the grant schemes and other mechanisms by which it distributes funding to voluntary sector bodies. However, information in respect of the bodies specifically mentioned in the hon. Member's question is as follows:

(b) Housing Action Trusts give grants to support a wide range of local community groups and projects. Details are published in each Housing Action Trust's annual report and accounts. In 2000–01 the five trusts gave grants totalling approximately £1.1 million to support over 100 local initiatives.

(c) English Partnerships is not a significant contributor of funds to the voluntary sector.

(d) Regional development agencies currently provide Single Regeneration Budget funding to various regeneration partnerships who support projects that benefit the voluntary sector. Regional development agencies may also choose to provide support to the voluntary sector through their new single programme that started on 1 April 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what consideration he has given to the proposals submitted to him by local authorities in East Lancashire to tackle the problem of run-down and abandoned housing in the region. [50684]

The East Lancashire Housing Forum submitted in December 2001 a proposed programme to tackle the problem of low demand and abandoned housing in the area. The Government is considering the proposal in the context of the spending review, along with the proposal from various northern housing bodies for a housing market renewal fund.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 10 April that nine areas where the problems of low demand housing are most acute, of which East Lancashire is one, were being invited to work with Government to establish pathfinder projects to tackle low demand. Their aim will be to provide lasting solutions for communities blighted by derelict homes through investment and innovation. They will do this by developing a strategic approach for regenerating their sub-regional housing markets that will bring together key stakeholders, inform future investment, and test out new and innovative approaches to combating low demand.A key element of the pathfinder projects' approach will be a unified agenda. Experience shows that it is not sufficient to tackle the housing problem alone. Local authorities must work closely together with their partners—the police, the health authority, the Regional Development Agency, Housing Corporation and private sector—to rejuvenate our towns and cities.Low demand and abandoned housing is a major problem. But it also provides a unique opportunity to restructure and rebuild our cities for the twenty-first century. We must now seize that opportunity. The Government will work with local people to deliver the change necessary and bring hope to those communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will take steps to extend the blue badge scheme of parking concessions for disabled people to people who are only temporarily disabled. [52294]

The administration of the Blue Badge Scheme is the responsibility of individual local authorities. When they have received the information they require to process an application they should he expected to do so without delay.A comprehensive review of the Blue Badge Scheme is currently being undertaken by my Department, which will look at the administration of the Scheme and will also consider the case for temporary badges. Consultation on a discussion paper, which was issued to the main stakeholders, including disability organisations and local authorities, ended recently. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC- our statutory advisers on the transport and mobility needs of disabled people) are considering responses and are due to report their recommendations to the Secretary of State around the end of this month. In the light of those recommendations we aim to decide on the way forward with the scheme over the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when the contract for the supply of Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter rescue services at (a) Portland and (b) Lee on Solent will expire; whether the MCA intends to keep the arrangements as they are now; and when the MCA will sign a new contract. [51642]

The current contracts for the supply of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) civilian search and rescue helicopter services at Portland and Lee on Solent both expire on 13 May 2003.The agency is considering future contracts and discussions about the detail are continuing.Any new contracts should be signed by 12 May 2003 to ensure no break in the provision of the service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has to upgrade facilities at (a) Lee on Solent and (b) Portland for the Maritime Rescue Helicopter Service. [51641]

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is currently in discussion with relevant organisations regarding improvements at Lee on Solent and Portland but no firm decisions have been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions which locations for helicopter rescue services the Maritime and Coastguard Agency funds; and if he will make a statement about the MCA's future plans for helicopter rescue services. [51640]

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) funds contracted civilian search and rescue helicopter services at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Lee on Solent and Portland.The MCA is currently engaged with the Ministry of Defence about the future provision of UK search and rescue helicopters with a view to harmonising the service in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps have been taken by his Department and the SRA to introduce piggyback freight carriers on Britain's railways. [50906]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Ms Walley) on 15 March 2002, Official Report, column 1274W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2002, Official Report, column 959W, on railways, how the figures in the baseline period compared to (a) the previous quarter, (b) the average for the previous year and (c) the average for the previous five years. [49837]

Figures on punctuality are available in "National Rail Trends", copies of which are in the Libraries of the House.The Department's rail performance indicators publication of 18 February contained information on serious Signals Passed at Danger (SPAD) in the first, second and third quarters of 2001–02 plus the rolling annual total at the end of each of these quarters. Information on serious SPADs for earlier periods is provided in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) SPAD reports available on the HSE website.Information on average age of rolling stock at the end of the first, second and third quarters of 2001–02 was published in the second rail performance indicators report on 18 March. Average age of rolling stock is a new measure and information for earlier periods is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he has received a completed report from Mercer on the proposed future structure of regulation in the rail industry. [49872]

Mercer Management Consulting have been commissioned, to carry out a wide-ranging consultation of the rail industry stakeholders to gather views about all aspects of the UK railways. This work is not yet completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many new railway stations have been opened since rail privatisation; how many new stations were planned at the time Railtrack went into administration; whether, in administration, Railtrack is continuing to plan to open those stations; when work will commence on the new station at Corsham; and if he will make a statement. [52338]

I understand that 24 new stations have been opened since the privatisation of Railtrack. A number of potential new stations are at various stages of feasibility evaluation and planning. During railway administration, the administrators are keeping the network operational and running Railtrack plc on a "business as usual" basis. This process includes the consideration of potential new stations.I also understand that commercial agreements between all the parties involved in the project to build a new station at Corsham are close to being finalised, with a view to securing delivery of the station by May 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on Railtrack and its successor body of the German manufacturer Windoff going into receivership. [51981]

Study	Date expected to report
West Midlands to North West (M6)	May 2002
London to South West and South Wales (A303, M4)	May 2002
A1 (North of Newcastle)	May 2002
North/South movements in the East Midlands (M1 Junctions 21 to 30)	May 2002
Hull (East/West) corridor (A63 and A1033 to Port of Hull)	May 2002
A453 (M1 to J24 (Nottingham)	June 2002
South and West Yorkshire motorway box (M1 J30 to A1 West Yorks/M18/M62 and A1(M)	June 2002
Tyneside area (A1/A19)	June 2002
London to Ipswich (A12)	July 2002
South Coast (Southampton to Folkestone coastal corridor)—(M27, A27 & A259)	August 2002
M60 Junction 12–18 (West to North Manchester)	November 2002
Thames Valley (London to Reading—M4)	November 2002
ORBIT—Transport solutions around London (M25)	Autumn 2002
London to South Midlands (A1, M1, M11, A5 and A421)	December 2002
Norwich to Peterborough (A47)	February 2003
West Midlands to East Midlands (A42/M42 to M6 corridor and M69 and A38)	April 2003

The final two multi-modal studies have yet to commence. Dates have yet to be confirmed although we would expect these to report by end of 2003/early 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will list the titles of the officials from DTLR, the Government Offices for the Regions and the Highways Agency who attended the DTLR multi-modal study infrastructure charging seminar on 1 February; [52088](2) when the summary papers for the DTLR multi-modal study infrastructure charging seminar on 1 February were produced. [52087]

Such matters are for the company to consider.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from (a) the SRA, (b) Railtrack plc, (c) Newtrack Rail and (d) the Office of the Rail Regulator regarding the potential repercussions resulting from Windoff going into receivership. [51982]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when each of the modal studies proposed in the 10-year transport plan will be (a) completed and (b) published. [50041]

The multi-modal studies that have been completed and a final report published are as follows.

Multi-modal study and location	Reported
Access to Hastings	December 2000
Cambridge to Huntingdon (A14)	August 2001
South East Manchester (Stockport, Manchester Airport Link West, Poynton)	September 2001
West Midlands area (M5/M6 and M42 between M40 and M6)	October 2001

The following table shows expected completion/final report dates of the multi-modal studies that are currently in progress:

[holding answer 23 April 2002]: The summary papers were produced at the end of January and early February. The titles of those attending are Director, Divisional Manager, Branch Head, Senior Executive Officer, Higher Executive Officer, Network Strategy Manager, MMS Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, MMS Technical Director.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment has been made by his Department of the changes which have taken place within National Air Traffic Services since the beginning of the PPP; and if he will make a statement. [46339]

My Department, as a major shareholder in NATS, is in regular contact with the company itself and other interested parties regarding the development of NATS since the inception of the PPP. We are confident that the new NATS management will secure the necessary improvements in efficiency and project management.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what arrangements have been made for co-ordinating security measures for UK ports with the Royal Navy since 11 September 2001; and if he will make a statement; [52104](2) what assessment has been made of security risks regarding maritime container traffic since 11 September 2001; and if he will make a statement; [52105](3) what proportion of UK ports were not in receipt of TRANSEC advice prior to 11 September 2001; and if he will make a statement; [52108](4) what recent assessment has been made of measures required in respect of protective security for UK ports; and if he will make a statement. [52107]

Under paragraph 1 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information, it is not the practice to disclose details of security matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what resources he will make available to Gloucestershire county council to upgrade the A436 prior to de-trunking the A40; and if he will make a statement. [52935]

The A436 is a local road for which Gloucestershire county council is the local highway authority. The Government have allocated £16,489,000 to the county council to maintain and improve the local transport infrastructure within the county in the 2002–03 financial year. It is for the county council to decide if it wishes to use part of this allocation to fund improvements to the A436.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries have resulted from road accidents involving (i) the Fire Service and (ii) police cars; and how much compensation has been paid, in each of the last five years. [52249]

Information on deaths, serious injuries and compensation, resulting from road accidents involving the fire service is not held centrally. Chief Fire Officers may be able to provide this information relative to their own brigadesInformation relating to the police is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many road accident casualties involving (a) fatal injuries, (b) serious injuries and (c) slight injuries there were in (i)St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council area, (ii) Merseyside and (iii) the Northwest in each year from 1992 to 2001. [51619]

The number of people killed and injured in road accidents in (i) St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council area, (ii) Merseyside and (iii) the Northwest are shown in the following table.

Road accident casualties: 1999–2000
Year of accident	Fatal	Serious	Slight
St. Helens
1992	10	105	943
1993	10	99	961
1994	14	90	1,105
1995	8	89	952
1996	8	102	1,053
1997	6	99	1,107
1998	10	94	1,035
1999	13	98	1,192
2000	14	72	1,099
Merseyside
1992	77	993	9,071
1993	71	927	9,439
1994	76	847	9,228
1995	60	763	8,350
1996	66	792	8,793
1997	55	783	9,143
1998	50	713	9,051
1999	55	633	9,271
2000	71	688	9,139
North-West1
1992	501	4,875	37,602
1993	440	4,753	37,935
1994	426	5,389	39,421
1995	418	5,280	37,922
1996	389	5,110	39,318
1997	376	4,875	41,261
1998	355	4,237	41,223
1999	360	4,045	40,345
2000	370	3,931	40,213
1 Government Office Region (including Merseyside)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will redesignate the Rural Bus Challenge Fund to include (a) taxis and (b) ferries. [52445]

The guidance issued to local authorities on the Rural Bus Challenge scheme already makes clear that the term "bus" will be broadly interpreted to cover a broad range of road-based public transport. It can include for example projects involving taxi buses or shared taxis and a number of such schemes have been supported with Challenge funding.We however have no plans to extend the scheme to include non-road transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she last met the Association of Colleges to discuss further education funding and delivery. [50354]

DFES Ministers have met representatives of the Association of Colleges (AoC) on a number of occasions in recent months. The Secretary of State met David Gibson and other representatives from the AoC on 11 February where a wide range of issues relating to FE was discussed. I last met the AoC on 11 April to discuss issues including FE pay and funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has for increasing funding to further education colleges; and if she will make a statement. [50358]

We are making available over £4.2 billion for further education in 2002–03, a 3 per cent. real terms increase. We are looking to the current spending review to deliver the resources we need to meet the Government's ambitions for further education in 2003–04 and beyond.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action her Department is taking to widen participation in further education in this financial year. [50362]

Further education plays a key role in driving forward growth in participation and achievement, by providing high quality vocational and academic routes. This year we are investing over £4.2 billion in further education, a 3 per cent. real terms increase on last year and this will enable the Learning and Skills Council to fund a 2.9 per cent. growth in full-time equivalent students in the sector. The Council has recently submitted a report to the Government on its plans for widening participation and we will be working jointly with the LSC to implement this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what priority she gives to 16 to 18 education in (a) schools and (b) colleges of further education. [50353]

We assign an equally high priority to education in schools and colleges. My hon. and learned Friend will know that the 14–19 Green Paper sets out our aim that schools and colleges should collaborate to provide all young people with an extended range of opportunities from age 14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent representations she has received about Government funding for schools. [50356]

We have received a number of representations about education funding. We are currently working up a new funding system for introduction in 2003–04. Our aim is not only to make funding fairer, justified by the education needs of children, but to make it clearer as well. In the meantime, we are continuing to make significant increases in education funding overall.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress is being made to reduce the number of adults lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills. [50357]

This Government recognise the vital importance of improving adult basic skills. Since Skills for Life, our national strategy, was launched last year, we have made significant progress. This includes piloting a number of new initiatives, including one in my hon. Friend's constituency, to determine what works best in helping adults improve their skills. Participation by adults in basic skills courses is increasing and from April to October 2001 over 91,000 adults improved their skills.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment her Department has made of recent trends in higher education take-up, particularly in areas of low take-up. [50359]

The Higher Education Funding Council for England has consulted on its plans to ensure sufficient supply and demand for higher education over the rest of the decade, based on a through analysis of trends over the past 20 years. The latest data from the University and Colleges Admissions Service indicate an increase in applications in 2002 compared with last year, a welcome step towards our 50 per cent. target by 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she will take to improve full time applications for higher education from mature students since 1996. [49807]

[holding answer 17 April 2002]: We are determined to widen access as we expand numbers. The latest UCAS figures show a 9.5 per cent. increase in the number of mature students from the UK who entered higher education in September 2001 and UCAS has reported a 4.6 per cent. increase in the number of mature applicants from the UK for September 2002.We have put a number of initiatives in place, including foundation degrees which are new vocational qualifications to address the skills gap, as well as New Technology Institutes which are being set up in each English region. They are partnerships between higher education (HE), further education (FE) and business to provide specialist information and communication technology (ICT) and other high technology learning programmes. We are also developing new ways to access higher education through the "e-Universities" project, which will provide the flexibility many mature students need.In addition we have provided substantial extra resources for mature students including a child care grant, travel, books and equipment grant and access bursaries for student parents. A single parent with two young children can now get over £16,000 with full student loan and other grants. Our measures have contributed towards the welcome increase in mature student numbers.Institutions receive a funding premium for all students aged 25 and over in recognition of the additional cost of supporting such students. We are also encouraging the important role that FE has to play in delivering HE, where FE colleges are already significant providers. They offer degree and other provision to wider groups, many of whom are mature students who may not be able to attend a university but can attend the local college.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the recent research she has commissioned into the reasons for teachers leaving the profession. [50360]

My right hon. Friend has commissioned Professor Alan Smithers and Dr. Pamela Robinson, from the University of Liverpool Centre for Education and Employment Research to undertake research into the factors affecting teachers' decisions to leave the profession. The research commenced in December 2001 and we expect the report to be published in March 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much was spent per (a) primary and (b) secondary pupil in Wiltshire in (i) 1997–98 and (ii) 2001–02. [50363]

Wiltshire spent £1,690 per primary pupil and £2,260 per secondary pupil in 1997–98. Information for 2001–02 is not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to ensure all schools in selective education authority areas achieve their GCSE performance targets. [50364]

We have put in place a support programme targeted at all mainstream secondary schools where fewer than 25 per cent. of pupils gain at least 5 A'-C grades at GCSE including: financial support through the school improvement grant; Excellence in Cities or Education Action Zones; Ofsted monitoring visits; advice and guidance on good practice; a pilot project for trainee head teachers and an Action Research Project involving eight schools facing extremely challenging circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement about the system of distributing grants to schools in 2003–04. [50365]

We are currently working up proposals for a reformed system of school and LEA funding for introduction in 2003–04. We aim to create a simpler, more transparent and fairer formula that reflects fairly, on the basis of up to date evidence, the needs of authorities in different parts of the country. We expect to consult on proposals for the new system in the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to ensure that the results of the research assessment exercise do not lead to a lowering of the resources devoted to scientific research. [50366]

The funding distributed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England using the outcome of the research assessment exercise in science, engineering and medical subjects increased from £583.2 million in 2001–02 to £613.1 million in 2002–03. This funding is passed to higher education institutions as part of a block grant and it is for them to determine their spending priorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions she has had with the teachers' unions regarding the role of teaching assistants. [50367]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) and my hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Derek Twigg).

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has for extending mentoring in schools. [50368]

By the end of this school year some 3,800 Learning Mentors will be working in over 1,000 primary pilot schools and 1,000 secondary schools as part of the Excellence in Cities initiative. An extra £19 million is being made available to existing Excellence in Cities areas to extend their Learning Mentor provision from September; and a further 12 Excellence Clusters will operate from September, serving smaller pockets of deprivation and bringing Learning Mentors to more schools. My Department also funds the National Mentoring Network to promote and develop high quality volunteer mentoring for young people, including support for peer mentoring in 150 secondary schools from October 2002. Together with the Home Office Active Community Unit, we are funding seven Mentor Points—one stop shops for those wishing to become or access a volunteer mentor—three of which focus on provision in schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on the support she offers for recruitment of teachers in London, with special reference to allowing for the cost of living. [50369]

London allowances for teachers increased by 30 per cent. last year, and by a further 3.5 per cent. this April. The allowance for a teacher in inner London is now £3,105. London teachers will also benefit from shortening of the main pay scale from 9 points to 6, which will mean more rapid progression to the threshold. Assimilation to this new scale will mean significant benefits for many teachers from 1 September this year. For example, an inner London teacher now on £25,911 will receive £28,818 on the new scale—a basic pay increase of over 11 per cent., in addition to the 3.5 per cent, received on 1 April this year.For post-threshold classroom teachers in inner London, salaries are now at £30,966 before any additions for management responsibilities or recruitment and retention allowances. Schools may pay recruitment and retention allowances of up to £5,262 per annum, both for threshold and main scale teachers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to reduce the amount of centrally produced work load for teachers. [50370]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis) and my hon. Friend the Member for Halton (Derek Twigg).

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what recent discussions she has had on the reduction of teachers' work loads with teaching unions; and if she will make a statement. [50372]