To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the air defence capabilities of the Harrier GR7 are. [50953]

The Harrier GR7 is optimised for offensive support operations, but possesses an air defence capability through its Sidewinder air to air missiles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the Indian Government concerning the sale of Royal Navy Sea Harriers; and if he will make a statement. [50964]

The Ministry of Defence's Disposal Services Agency has not entered into any talks with the Indian Government with regard to the sale of Sea Harriers. However, as part of its marketing strategy for the sale of these aircraft, the DSA will follow up all expressions of interest subject, of course, to normal export controls.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the air defence capabilities of the Harrier GR7 are. [52448]

The Harrier GR7 is optimised for offensive support operations, but possesses an air defence capability through its Sidewinder Air to Air missiles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircraft are in service with the Fleet Air Arm. [50955]

The total current number of aircraft in service with the Fleet Air Arm is 295. This figure includes those aircraft operated by Fleet Air Arm personnel serving in Naval Air Squadrons within both Joint Force Harrier and the Joint Helicopter Command.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his assessment is of the threat to the United Kingdom from attack by weapons of mass destruction. [50956]

As of today we assess that there is currently no direct threat of attack by weapons of mass destruction to the United Kingdom. We do, however, continue to monitor developments very closely, particularly as they might affect British forces deployed in other parts of the world.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment has been made of the type of weapons of mass destruction that are most likely to be used by countries he has defined as of concern to the UK; and if he will make a statement. [52285]

We monitor continuously the capabilities of countries which possess, or are seeking to acquire, weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver or use them. Currently we assess that none of the countries we are monitoring has the specific intention to use them against the United Kingdom. Should a direct threat materialise, its exact nature will depend on the capabilities of the country concerned and the political and military context in which it arises.Our assessment of the weapons of mass destruction programmes of a number of countries was included in our "Supplementary Memorandum to the House of Commons Defence Committee: The Ballistic Missile Threat" of 18 March 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the production of ordnance in the UK. [50957]

Royal Ordnance Defence, the UK's major producer of munitions to the armed forces, has been operating against a background of sharp decline in the world-wide demand for defence equipment over the last 15 years. Like any other commercial company competing in world markets, it has had to take the hard decisions necessary to optimise its manufacturing capacity to remain viable and competitive in this sector. The Ministry of Defence is aware that the company is currently conducting a manufacturing review, focusing particularly on its sites at Birtley, Bridgwater and Chorley.While the final result of this review is not yet known, I am able to inform the House that Royal Ordnance Defence has recently announced that it intends to pursue a consolidation option at the Birtley site. Although, regrettably, there will be some job losses over a period of years, the company expects that this option will secure the future of the site as part of its core business.They have also informed MOD that they intend to invest heavily in a number of sites across the United Kingdom. Royal Ordnance Defence are retaining expertise in the crucial areas of propellant charge design at Bishopton, ordnance engineering design at Leicester, and small arms ammunition design and manufacture at Radway Green near Crewe, as well as investing substantially in its filling, assembly and packaging plant at Glascoed. There is no doubt that the company does possess and plans to retain world-class research and development personnel and production facilities in the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures he is taking to improve retention in the armed forces; and what progress has been made in the last 12 months to address the shortfall in numbers for each of the services. [50958]

The achievement of manning balance is being tackled as a matter of the highest priority. In particular we have introduced a number of initiatives aimed at improving retention. Although there are variations between the Services, the overall manning position is stabilising.Our aim is to achieve higher levels of retention through policies that genuinely reflect the priorities of our people and their families.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the net inflow/outflow of trained service personnel was in 2001. [50966]

The net inflow outflow of trained service personnel in 2001 is as follows:

Number
Service	Naval Service	Army	RAF	Total
Inflow	2,844	11,535	3,005	17,384
Outflow	4,026	11,660	4,018	19,704
Net Flow	-1,182	-125	-1,013	2,320

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the UK peacekeeping force in Kabul. [50959]

The United Kingdom has led, and has made a substantial contribution to, the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul since its inception. Our troops have been widely praised for their work in helping the Interim Administration to maintain security and stability in Kabul as the Afghans begin the rebuilding of their shattered country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the duties of British soldiers in Afghanistan are. [50962]

British troops in Afghanistan have been carrying out both security assistance and combat tasks.The United Kingdom has led, and has made a substantial contribution to, the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul since its inception. Our troops have been widely praised for their work in helping the Interim Administration to maintain security and stability in Kabul as the Afghans begin the rebuilding of their shattered country.A battlegroup formed around 45 Commando Royal Marines has been deployed to Bagram to contribute to the international coalition's continuing operations to defeat the remnants of al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his NATO colleagues on the operations in Afghanistan. [50971]

I continue to have regular discussions with my NATO colleagues about operations in Afghanistan. All members of the coalition are committed to the fight against international terrorism, and to supporting the Afghan Interim Administration as the Afghans begin the rebuilding of their country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many air transport sorties in support of British forces' operations in the Afghanistan theatre have been flown in chartered Antonov heavy lift aircraft. [50973]

As at 18 April, there have been 95 direct and 23 indirect Antonov sorties in support of British forces' operations in the Afghanistan theatre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on British service personnel deployed in Afghanistan. [50974]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Brennan), at column 649.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are being employed in Afghanistan to minimise the risk to British troops of friendly fire incidents. [52472]

The planning for operations in Afghanistan included detailed work to establish a number of clear, reliable measures to minimise the risks of friendly fire incidents. All coalition forces operate in accordance with strict Rules of Engagement and British forces operate in their own area of responsibility with equipment to ensure that they have accurate positioning information. Additionally, individuals and vehicles are clearly marked using indicators that are visible by day and at night through night vision aids.There is also a close working relationship between coalition forces, with liaison officers placed at all levels in headquarters and in lower formations. Procedures to co-ordinate fire and air support have been established at the Coalition Combined Air Operations Centre and at Divisional and Brigade Headquarters and several lines of communications are also in place (including satellite-based equipment) to allow close co-ordination between headquarters, troops on the ground and aircraft to ensure deconfliction.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the trained strength of the regular Army was in (a) 1997 and (b) 2001. [50961]

It is difficult to make direct comparison between Army strength figures for 1997 and 2001 as we now provide figures for Army strength incorporating UK Trained Personnel, the Full Time Reserve Service and Gurkhas for the last two years. Prior to this strength figures based on this definition were not available. I have therefore restricted my answer to UK Trained Army Personnel only. This stood at 97,812 as at 31 December 1997 and 96,373 as at 31 December 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spent on developing methods of distinguishing between enemy combatants and civilians in each year from 1997–98 to the latest year for which figures are available. [50963]

Minimising non-combatant casualties is of course among our highest priorities whenever we are involved in military operations but it is not a discrete capability. It is the product of a wide range of different activities and approaches, and equipment based solutions. For example, it ranges from the assessment of strategic level intelligence for strike missions all the way through to training for sentry duty. There is therefore no simple figure available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the strength of the Territorial Army is. [50960]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the strength of the Territorial Army is. [509665]

As at 1 April 2002, the strength of the Territorial Army stood at 39,663 personnel, including those mobilised in support of operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for military action in Iraq. [50968]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Tatton (Mr. Osborne), at columns 664–65.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) establishment and (b) current numbers of serving personnel of Defence Medical Services are. [50969]

As at 1 January 2002, there were 6,509 personnel in the regular Defence Medical Services against an operational and retained task requirement of 8,387. These figures exclude student nurses and other new entry trainees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to publish an update of the strategic defence review relating to terrorism. [50970]

I expect to be in a position to publish some conclusions from the work on a "New Chapter" to the Strategic Defence Review in the late spring or early summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce the Defence Aviation Repair Agency work force. [50975]

No forward manpower targets have been set to reduce the work force in the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA). However, DARA has reduced its work force year on year as a direct result of rationalisation initiatives and the introduction of new working practices. There has been no requirement for any compulsory redundancies as a result of any of these initiatives. In line with the assumptions made when it was established as a trading fund, the Agency will continue to pursue efficiencies and improvements across its business and these may result in changes to the size and shape of the organisation in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the impact of the suspension of courts-martial on the workings of military discipline. [50976]

Army and Royal Air Force courts-martial scheduled to begin in the period immediately after 26 February were postponed in the light of the judgment on that day of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Morris v. the United Kingdom. This was to enable those services to address the concern expressed in the judgment, about the potential for external influence over certain members of court martial panels. The Army and Royal Air Force have now followed the Royal Navy in including in Queen's Regulations a prohibition on reporting on court martial members for the performance of these duties. All three services have also included in Queen's Regulations a reminder that it is an offence to attempt to influence a member of a court martial.Army and Royal Air Force courts-martial resumed on 3 and 23 April respectively. The backlog of 54 Army and nine Royal Air Force trials that had been postponed should be cleared by the end of June. We regret the inconvenience to the accused and their representatives, and to witnesses, but the postponements have had only a marginal effect on the operation of the discipline system as a whole. Moreover it has been valuable to have clarified the position regarding the very proper independence of court martial members.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the MOD Guard Service. [50977]

The Ministry of Defence is committed to its in-house guard force, which has provided first class unarmed protection to the Defence Estate for almost 10 years. The organisation of the MGS has recently been reviewed, and it has been decided, subject to consultation with the trade unions, to move to a centralised structure, under the direction of the Chief Constable, MOD Police, so as to provide a more efficient and effective unarmed guarding service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the air defence of the United Kingdom. [50978]

The task of air defence of the United Kingdom falls to the RAF, particularly RAF Strike Command. The UK continues to meet its commitment to NATO to preserve the integrity of our airspace using a combination of air surveillance radar and quick reaction aircraft. Those assets could also be used in a national capacity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings will be made in each year to 2012 by the decisions (a) to bring forward the withdrawal of (i) 5 squadron, (ii) the RN Sea Harriers and (iii) HMS Fearless and (b) to reduce (1) the state of readiness of HMS Sheffield and (2) the number of Nimrod aircraft on order. [49673]

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to him on 24 April 2002, Official Report, column 262W, 18 April 2002, Official Report, column 1078W, and 15 April 2002, Official Report, columns 712–13W. In the case of Sea Harrier decision, further to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 16 April 2002, Official Report, columns 823–34W, the estimated savings (net of the costs of the related upgrading of the Harrier GR7 to GR9) over the period 2002–03 to 2005–06 (the latest year for which we have accurate figures) are some £109 million. The net savings accruing from the current plan to hold HMS Sheffield at extended readiness between 2002 and 2004 are estimated to be some £28 million over the period 2002–03 to 2004–05. All savings are compared to previous plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Eurofighter will be operational in the strike role. [49756]

Eurofighter will be a multi-role aircraft, conditioned primarily for air defence. It will, however, have an initial air-to-surface capability as soon as it becomes available for operational deployment, in the second half of the decade. We plan to enhance this capability during incremental upgrades.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which of the services of his Department have not been reviewed under the Better Quality Services Initiative; and when they will be reviewed. [50315]

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.The Ministry of Defence is committed to the regular and rigorous review of its business activities. BQS is one of a range of approaches we have taken to achieve this. Progress against our BQS programme has been published in our departmental performance reports. As at the end of March 2001, over 70 per cent. of the plan had been completed. The activities then outstanding were largely small-scale management reviews, possible public-private partnerships, retendering of service contracts and reviews of individual agencies. Our next departmental performance report, in the autumn, will give further information on our business improvement programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the estimated cost is of the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. [51536]

The Joint Strike Fighter has been identified as having the best potential to meet our Future Joint Combat Aircraft requirement. The United Kingdom's procurement costs are currently estimated to be up to £10 billion, depending on the number of aircraft required and the variant selected. Subsequent costs will be determined by the through life support strategy that we decide to adopt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the numbers employed in the defence and defence-related industries in the north-east. [R] [51784]

The latest available figures (1998–99) for the number of United Kingdom jobs estimated to be directly dependent on Ministry of Defence equipment expenditure is 81,000. Of these, approximately 3,000 were employed on MOD equipment contracts in the north-east. The Defence Analytical Services Agency does not provide estimates for regional employment derived from MOD non-equipment expenditure or exports.We are currently reviewing our methodology on the estimation of employment figures dependent on UK defence expenditure and exports. On this issue, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 27 November 2001,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last Stock Condition Survey was conducted of (a) single living accommodation and (b) service family accommodation; what conclusions were drawn as to the work required to meet the target of upgrading his Department's housing by 2003; if he will put the latest copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [52103]

As part of the Ministry of Defence's commitment to improving single living accommodation a rolling condition revalidation programme commenced in April 2001 and the current status is:

	Status
Navy	Complete
Army	Ongoing, substantially complete
RAF	Complete
DLO	Complete
Central TLB	Complete

So far as service family accommodation in mainland UK is concerned, a stock condition survey was commissioned by the Defence Housing Executive (DHE) in mid-1997 and completed in early 1998. The task was complex, involving 650 data entries per property and full survey of 90 per cent. of the total stock of some 64,000 properties. Against an agreed standard for condition very few properties met the highest standard. DHE had already

embarked on a programme to refurbish all of the properties then forecast as required for the long term but, on the basis of the information contained in the survey and the amount of work required, the target date was revised from 2003 to November 2005. The survey report is now outdated, in that some 12,000 properties have since been disposed of, and significant new build and upgrade projects carried out. It would therefore be inappropriate to place a copy in the Library of the House. However, the latest information is as follows:

	Number of properties
Standard 1	20,699
Standard 2	26,007
Standard 3	4,877
Standard 4	349
Total	51,932

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements have been made to the armed forces' C3 capabilities since July 1998; and if he will make a statement. [51491]

[holding answer 25 April 2002]: The introduction into service of a range of programmes has led to significant improvements to the armed forces' Command, Control and Communications (C3) capability since July 1998. Examples include the upgrade and expansion of our Joint Force Maritime and Air Operational Command Systems, and upgrades to the Skynet 4 satellite system. We have also introduced specific additional communications capabilities to improve interoperability with allies to ensure maximum operational flexibility for our deployed forces in the particular demands of the Afghanistan environment. Furthermore, the Personal Role Radio was released into service in January 2002, two months earlier than scheduled, and is currently deployed with troops in Afghanistan.These enhancements are backed by a significant programme of investment in our future capability that, over the next few years, includes the introduction of Bowman, Skynet 5, and Falcon.

	1999–2000		2000–01		2001–02
	Numbers of staff	£	Numbers of staff	£	Numbers of staff	£
MOD police officers	2	76,097	2	87,304	11	283,529
RN regulators	0	0	1	18,530	1	35,000
Royal Military Police	0	0	2	33,597	2	44,744
Royal Air Force Police	0	0	3	63,880	41	53,978
Total	2	76,097	8	193,311	5	187,251
1 With effect from January 2002 the number of MDP officers on secondment to Wiltshire constabulary reduced from two to one.
2 Figures include support costs up to November 2001 only.
3 Costs approximated as officer only undertook part-time duties in respect of Operation Antler.
4 With effect from November 2001 the number of RAF officers on secondment to Wiltshire constabulary reduced from two to one.

In addition, staff in MOD Headquarters and at Porton Down have co-operated fully with the police in pursuit of their inquiries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many DSTL staff at Porton Down have assisted Wiltshire Constabulary with Operation Antler; what

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what improvements have been made to the armed forces' ISTAR capabilities since July 1998; and if he will make a statement. [51490]

[holding answer 25 April 2002]: The armed forces have made significant improvements to their ISTAR capabilities since 1998, introducing into service a variety of assets to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering capabilities. Examples include the introduction into service of the PHOENIX unmanned aerial vehicle in 1999, improvements to our EW capability for land and maritime forces, and improved imaging capabilities for the RAF. In addition, recent operations have led to the introduction of specific ISTAR capabilities in support of our deployed forces, including mobile weapon locating radars, improvements in our intelligence distribution networks and an increase in the provision of tactical level surveillance devices.ISTAR remains a priority area for future investment. Among our programmes due into service over the next few years are: ASTOR, delivering significant improvements to our airborne surveillance capabilities; and the WATCHKEEPER unmanned aerial vehicle project that will greatly enhance our battlefield surveillance capabilities. As well as primarily ISTAR assets, the planned introduction of platforms with integral ISTAR systems, such as the Attack Helicopter, will further enhance our capabilities in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) MOD police officers, (b) Royal Navy regulators, (c) Royal Military Police, (d) Royal Air Force Police and (e) other MOD personnel are working with Wiltshire constabulary on Operation Antler; what has been the cost in each year in each case; and if he will make a statement. [52411]

[holding answer 25 April 2002]: The following table shows the numbers and costs (salary, travel and subsistence and other support costs) of MOD staff working with the Wiltshire constabulary on Operation Antler, since its commencement in August 1999:(a) accommodation and (b) other facilities have been made available in each year since the operation began; and what the cost was to the Defence budget. [52406]

[holding answer 25 April 2002]: During the last two and a half years, 22 members of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) staff have assisted the Wiltshire police with the Operation Antler inquiry. Members of the inquiry team have been provided with areas in which to work and review documentation. Additional support facilities have also been provided to copy documents and review films.The cost of Dstl support to Operation Antler has not been gathered separately. However, the total cost of Dstl effort in addressing issues arising from the Porton Down Volunteer Scheme, including those relating to Operation Antler, for the financial year 2001–02 was approximately £485,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress made with procurement of tanker aircraft for air-to-air refuelling. [51494]

[holding answer 25 April 2002]: The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft is planned to replace our VC10 and TriStar air to air refuelling/air transport aircraft around the end of the decade. An Invitation To Negotiate for this potential PFI contract was issued to industry in December 2000. Bids were received from two consortia in July 2001 and we are currently in discussions with both bidders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what long term conclusions, with specific reference to those relating to health effects, his Department reached on the Fluorescent particle trials over south-west Britain between 1955 and 1963; what tests relating to germ warfare have taken place since 1972; and if he will make a statement. [52252]

[holding answer 25 April 2002]: In 1999 the Ministry of Defence commissioned Professor Peter Lachmann, and a team of distinguished scientists, to undertake an independent review of the Fluorescent particle trials which occurred between 1955 and 1963. The MOD accepts the conclusion of this review which was that

"Exposure to cadmium from dissemination of zinc cadmium sulphide during the "Cold War" should not have resulted in adverse health effects in the UK population".

The findings of the review are summarised in an open literature paper entitled: The risk to the UK population of zinc cadmium sulphide dispersion by the Ministry of Defence during the "Cold War" (Occup. Environ. Med. 2002. 59, 13–17). Additionally, the complete review can be found at www.mod.uk/publications/zinc-cadmium.A review which summarises the defence trials conducted by the Porton Down establishments, entitled "BW and BW Defence Field Trials Conducted by the UK: 1940–79" can be found in the Library of the House. Subsequent to the trials detailed in this report other defence trials involving simulant organisms have been undertaken on restricted access MOD sites. These trials have assessed the threat posed by specific dissemination methods, evaluated the performance of biological detection systems, considered aspects of decontamination and provided training for operators of the in-service biodetection systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cases of malaria there have been among UK forces in (a) Afghanistan and (b) Sierra Leone. [52901]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: As of 24 April, there have been 159 confirmed cases and six suspected cases of malaria among UK forces who have served on recent and on-going operations in Sierra Leone. No cases of malaria have been reported among UK service personnel deployed to Afghanistan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy ships are (a) being refitted and (b) preparing to be refitted; and when the refit work is due to (i) commence and (ii) finish. [52892]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: There are four Royal Navy surface warships currently in refit. These are:

• HMS Invincible—aircraft carrier
• HMS Liverpool—type 42 destroyer
• HMS Gloucester—type 42 destroyer
• HMS Monmouth—type 23 frigate.

HMS Manchester—type 42 destroyer and HMS Iron Duke—type 23 frigate are undertaking post refit activities and trials prior to returning to the fleet.In addition to the refits listed above HMS Marlborough—type 23 frigate is currently undergoing a docking period that will complete later this summer.There are no Royal Navy surface warships currently undertaking preparations for a refit.The exact dates on which refits will complete will depend on progress and emergent work. However, HMS Liverpool is expected to complete her refit shortly and the other refits will complete by mid 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when he expects the first cutting of metal for (a) HMS Daring, (b) HMS Dauntless and (c) HMS Diamond; and when these ships will be launched; [52896](2) when the design work for the Type 45 destroyers will be completed. [52897]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: Design and fabrication details are matters for the Type 45 prime contractor, BAE Systems Electronics. However, under current plans, design work will essentially be complete in autumn 2003 and the expected first cutting of metal and launch dates for the first three ships are as follows:

Vessel	Cut steel	Launch
HMS Daring	Spring 2003	Spring 2005
HMS Dauntless	Autumn 2004	Spring 2007
HMS Diamond	Spring 2005	Summer 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Royal Navy has sufficient manpower to crew all operational surface ships; and if he will make a statement. [52893]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: The Royal Navy has sufficient manpower to support the deployment of surface ships as required to meet its current commitments, including the full manning of all operational ships in times of heightened tension.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are considered when determining an F680 application. [51735]

The Ministry of Defence Form F680 Process allows industry to seek preliminary Government approval for the release of classified military information, or advice on the prospects for eventual approval of an export licence application, at the marketing stage. In the case of the latter, the Government consider applications against the consolidated EU and national arms export licensing criteria. It is, however, routinely made clear that preliminary advice to companies under this procedure does not constitute an export licence nor guarantee that any future export licence application would result in the issue of a licence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry) of 30 January 2002, Official Report, column 335W, who decided to give preliminary clearance to supply an air traffic control system to Tanzania under the F680 procedure. [51746]

This was a Government decision following consideration of the application by the relevant Government Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place a copy of the departmental communication with Siemens Plessey Electronic Systems confirming the preliminary clearance; and what conditions were applied to the preliminary clearance. [51747]

Access to detailed information on F680 clearances is restricted for commercial reasons. I am therefore withholding this information under Exemption 13 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) Ministers and (b) other persons are consulted following an F680 application prior to a decision being reached; and if he will place a copy of the document setting out the rules of the F680 procedure in the Library. [51748]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 30 January 2002, Official Report, column 336W, to the hon. Member for Banbury (Tony Baldry). Ministers are not routinely involved in the assessment of F680 applications. A copy of guidance to industry on the F680 procedure is being placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the number of subscriptions to (a) digital terrestrial, (b) digital satellite and (c) digital cable television held by his Department for services in any departmental building from which Ministers work, stating for each subscription its (i) cost and (ii) purpose. [48367]

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on Friday 26 April.

To ask the Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Kuwait on proposed military action against Iraq. [53330]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him in the House on 24 April 2002, Official Report, column 331.

To ask the Prime Minister what his policy is in respect of the assassination of heads of state; and what recent discussions he has had with the US Administration on this policy. [52607]

Our policy is to act in accordance with UK and international law. We have had no recent discussions with the US Administration on this issue.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will introduce plans for state funding for the work of political parties other than campaigning. [51279]

The Government have introduced rules on openness and transparency for political funding. There are a wide variety of different views on state funding and I welcome the debate, but at the moment there is no consensus.The Electoral Commission have already indicated their intention to consider the arguments for a cap on political donations and state funding, and the Select Committee for Transport, Local Government and the Regions have announced that they propose to look at this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what his estimate is of the cost in a full year of the Budget changes to employers' national insurance contributions to his Department; [51976](2) what his estimate is of the cost in the next 12 months of the Budget changes to employers' national insurance contributions to his Department. [52070]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him today by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, at column 544W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what buildings owned by his Department have solar panels installed. [53491]

None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what payments have been made to individuals following findings of maladministration by ombudsmen with responsibility for agencies under the remit of his Department in the last 12 months; and what plans he has to review the powers to increase the level of awards that can be made. [48051]

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: No payments were made in 2001–02. I have no plans to review the powers to increase levels of awards.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures Customs and Excise are taking to prevent illegal imports of meat; and if he will make a statement. [48176]

[holding answer 11 April 2002]: BSE related restrictions on the export of beef from the United Kingdom are enforced through portal surveillance measures operated by DEFRA and the devolved Administrations. Customs' role is limited to providing support were necessary to the lead agencies and providing them with any relevant information coming to Customs attention. Export of meat from some endangered species is subject to the European Regulation implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Customs action on any such exports is on an intelligence-led basis.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions in 2001 customs officers in Newhaven carried out joint operations with environmental health officers with a view to detecting illegal meat imports. [45876]

[holding answer 25 March 2002]: DEFRA and local or port health authorities are responsible for organising joint operations to target illicit meat. Customs officers participate in such operations at the request of the organising authority. No requests for participation were received at Newhaven in 2001.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of GNP has been spent on official overseas development assistance, excluding the UK's contribution to the heavily indebted poor countries scheme in each of the last five years. [51921]

[holding answer 23 April 2002]: The oda/GNI ratios excluding HIPC for the last five years are:

Percentage
	excluding HIPC	oda/GNI ratio including HIPC
1997	0.26	0.26
1998	0.27	0.27
1999	0.23	0.24
2000	0.31	0.32
20011	0.30	0.32
1 Figures for 2001 are provisional

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many digital radios are owned by his Department for use in departmental buildings from which Ministers work; and what the (a) cost and (b) date of purchase of each radio was. [52855]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: The Treasury's asset register does not include any digital radios.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the reasons are for his projection in Budget 2002, page 217, table C7, of a 50 per cent. increase in revenue from the climate change levy in 2002–03, compared with 2001–02. [52950]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: The apparent growth in climate change levy receipts between 2001–02 and 2002–03 is largely due to start-up effects reducing the cash received in 2001–02.Climate change levy was introduced on 1 April 2001 and became liable on energy transactions from that date. Start-up effects could have been present up to September and receipts for 2001–02 were £0.6 billion.Financial year 2002–03 will be the first full year of CCL receipts which are forecast to be £0.9 billion.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of farmers in receipt of public subsidies are estimated to be millionaires. [51280]

There were about 356,000 farmers in the United Kingdom in 1999, the latest year for which figures are available. It is not known how many of the 180,000 millionaires in that year were farmers.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the dates since 1 May 1997 when (a) Ministers and (b) officials have met representatives of Westfield. [52165]

Ministers and civil servants have meetings with a wide range of organisations and individuals as part of the process of policy development and analysis. I refer to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 689W, stating that as with previous Administrations it is not this Government's practice to provide details of all such meetings. All such contacts are conducted in accordance with the Ministerial Code, the Civil Service Code and "Guidance for Civil Servants: Contacts with Lobbyists".

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what additions to the list of terrorist suspects have been made by G7 Finance Ministers at the Washington summit; and if he will make a statement. [53081]

On 20 April 2002, G7 Finance Ministers announced an assets freeze list containing the names of nine individuals and one organisation suspected of being involved in terrorism. These names have since been added to the list of organisations and individuals subject to UN sanctions against the Taliban, Osama bin Laden, al Qaeda and their associates.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on his policy on tax treatment of milk quota. [52954]

Milk quota is treated for tax like other similar assets.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his Budget report, if he will place in the Library the calculations regarding the allocation of additional spending to Scotland as a consequence of the planned increases in NHS spending in England; and if he will make a statement on the operation of the Barnett formula in these calculations. [52690]

The Government made substantial increased allocations to Scotland in the Budget above existing plans as a result of the increased spending announced for the NHS in England. The annual additions to Scotland's budget in 2003–04 to 2007–08 are £224 million; £858 million; £1,576 million; £2,341 million and £3,201 million. The allocation of additional spending to Scotland as a result of the planned increases in NHS spending in England was determined by applying the Barnett formula, using the latest available ONS population figures. The funding arrangements for the devolved Administrations were set out in the Statement of Funding Policy published by the Treasury in July 2000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total yield of inheritance tax was in 2001–02; and what he estimates it will be in 2002–03. [52616]

The figures are contained in Table C7 on page 217 of the 2002 Financial Statement and Budget report, a copy of which is in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the recent meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee of the IMF in Washington DC. [52623]

The International Monetary and Financial Committee met in Washington DC on 20 April 2002. The Committee had a broad agenda, covering the global economy, the IMF's policy agenda and progress in combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Based on the Committee's discussions, management will determine the forward work programme and priorities for the International Monetary Fund over the next six months.In their discussion of the global economy the Committee welcomed the international community's decisive policy actions, especially following the tragic events of 11 September 2001, to maintain financial stability, restore the momentum of world economic growth, and reinvigorate the fight against poverty. The Committee also urged the Argentine authorities to co-operate with the IMF to reach agreement on a sustainable economic programme.Going forward the Committee will continue to work together for sustained, broad based growth, creating opportunities for productive employment, reducing vulnerabilities, opening up economies for trade, providing resources for durable poverty reduction, and sustaining global action to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism.The Committee also made recommendations for strengthening the IMF's surveillance, including in financial sectors, and crisis prevention and for enhancing the existing framework for crisis resolution, including consideration of innovative proposals to improve the process of sovereign debt restructuring.The Committee fully endorsed the Monterrey consensus and encouraged the IMF to work closely with the World bank, regional development banks, the United Nations and bilateral donors in monitoring progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The Committee welcomed the outcomes of the recent reviews of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper process and were encouraged by progress in implementation of the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative. However, they noted that debt sustainability remains an issue for a number of HIPC countries and called on the IMF and the World bank to review the situation.Copies of the IMFC's final communiqué are available in the Library of the House and on the IMF website at www.imf.org.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of companies that will benefit from his proposed exemption from corporation tax of the gains from the sale of substantial shareholdings. [52378]

About 5,000 companies are expected to benefit from the exemption.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to public funds in each of the next three years of the provision in the Budget for firms with turnovers of up to £150,000 to make flat-rate VAT payments. [52374]

The costs of this measure will be set out in the normal way in the Government's next Financial Statement and Budget report once full and final details of the proposed change have been announced.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when it is intended to introduce duty incentives for sulphur-free fuels; what duty incentive he plans; and on what bases EU agreement is required before any duty incentive can be implemented. [52397]

As we announced in the Budget, the Government will introduce incentives for sulphur-free fuels in 2003. The precise incentives will be for the Chancellor to decide, taking into account economic, social and environmental factors.Giving a duty incentive for sulphur-free fuels is likely to require a derogation from the EC mineral oils structures directive.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when a new rate of duty for biodiesel at 20 pence below the ultra-low sulphur diesel rate will be available; what the total cost to the Treasury will be at (a) the outset of its introduction and (b) projected in the next three years; what recent assessment has been conducted by his Department of future use of biodiesel; and what assumptions he has made about the (i) current and (ii) projected future availability of biodiesel in the UK. [52399]

Budget 2002 confirmed that the new rate for biodiesel will take effect from Royal Assent of the Finance Bill. The revenue cost of the new rate was published in Table A2.1 of the Financial Statement and Budget report. As a result of the measure, biodiesel is assumed to take up a steadily increasing share of the diesel market, representing around two-thirds of 1 per cent. of the market by volume by 2006–07.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost to the Treasury will be at (a) the outset of its introduction and (b) projected in the next three years of the (i) freeze in duty on (A) liquefied petroleum gas, (B) compressed natural gas and (ii) enhanced capital allowances for investments in CNG fuelling infrastructure, as announced in the Budget. [52396]

(i) The revenue cost of the freeze in duty on gas for road fuel is negligible.(ii) The cost for investments in CNG refuelling infrastructure is also negligible.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what the total cost to the Treasury will be at (a) the outset of its introduction and (b) projected in the next three years of the reduction in VED for motorcycles announced in Budget 2002; [52393](2) what the total cost to the Treasury will be at

The costs of the reforms to motorcycle vehicle excise duty, application of lower rates of air passenger duty (APD) to European Union applicant countries and Switzerland from 1 November 2002, and the freeze in APD are set out in table A.1 (page 155) of the FSBR.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost to the Treasury will be at (a) the outset of its introduction and (b) projected in the next three years of the freeze in vehicle excise duty rates for lorries announced in Budget 2002; and if he will make a statement. [52388]

The cost of freezing vehicle excise duty for lorries in Budget 2002 is forecast to be approximately £5 million a year for each of the three financial years 2002–03 to 2004–05.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps his Department plans to take to reform the fuel duty rebate for buses; and if he will make a statement. [52380]

To ensure the most effective use of funds in improving bus services and delivering the Government's transport, environment and social objectives, the Chancellor announced in the Budget that a review of the support mechanisms for buses will he carried out as part of the forthcoming spending review and the current review of the 10-year plan. In particular, the review will consider fuel duty rebate for buses to assess whether it provides effective support for buses in a way that is consistent with Government objectives.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the revenue effect in each of the next three years of his proposed rule for bad debt relief to give businesses an automatic entitlement to recover the VAT after six months. [52371]

The main impact of the changes to VAT bad debt relief announced in the Budget is to reduce compliance costs for affected businesses. The impact on VAT revenues is negligible.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his estimate is of the gross cost to the Treasury in a full year of the increased employers' national insurance contributions envisaged in his Budget statement; [51936](2) what his estimate is of the gross cost in a full year of the Budget changes to employers' national insurance contributions to

It is estimated that the changes to employers' national insurance contributions announced in the Budget will increase pay costs on average by 0.7 per cent. next year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the aggregate proportion of PSA targets across all Departments which were (a) met, (b) on target to be met, (c) not met and (d) not on target to be met for financial years (i) 1999–2000 and (ii) 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [50618]

Departments publish progress against their PSA targets in their spring annual reports and, from this year, in autumn performance reports. The Treasury will provide an overall analysis of the Government's performance in future reports, as it did in its 2000 departmental report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what proportion of the staff of his Department are (a) job sharing, (b) terming working and (c) engaged in another form of flexible working. [42415]

Further to my answer of 13 March 2002, Official Report, columns 1110–11W, there are 16 job sharers in HM Treasury (1.4 per cent. of total staff), one term worker (0.1 per cent. of total staff) and 55 other staff engaged in other forms of flexible working (4.8 per cent. of total staff) (all figures rounded to nearest 0.1 per cent.).

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer over what period the community development venture capital fund will provide the £40 million referred to in his Budget speech. [52369]

The Government expect the Community Development Venture Fund to be launched and begin operating shortly. The first investments are likely to be made in 2002–03, and the fund is likely to be invested within three to six years, allowing a reserve for follow-on investments as portfolio companies grow. The investment profile and timing will depend on the opportunities that the fund identifies, the time taken to bring companies to the point of investment readiness, and on market conditions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the Treasury's latest forecast is of UK economic growth for the forthcoming year. [53077]

The Treasury's latest economic forecast is set out in Chapter B of the Financial Statement and Budget Report, which was published on 17 April. UK GDP is forecast to increase by between 2 and 2.5 per cent. in 2002.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of stamp duty on commercial property on (a) property unit trusts and (b) the attractiveness of collective investment schemes investing in property for institutional pension fund investors. [52977]

UK stamp duty rates on property compare favourably with other EU countries. We regularly review the impact of stamp duty on all aspects of the commercial property market.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment has been undertaken by his Department of the (a) current and (b) projected future availability of sulphur-free fuel in (i) the UK and (ii) Europe; and if he will make a statement. [52398]

I have been asked to reply.Under a Common Position reached at the December 2001 EU Environment Council, member states set an EU-wide maximum limit for sulphur of 10ppm (termed "sulphur-free" fuel) from 1 January 2009, this date being subject to review by the Commission with respect to diesel fuel. The Common Position would also require member states to ensure the widespread availability of these fuels from 1 January 2005 in order that it is available for the latest technology vehicles that can take best advantage of it. The European Parliament will now consider the Common Position at its Second Reading.Almost all petrol and diesel sold in the UK is already ultra low (50ppm) sulphur. Sulphur-free petrol and diesel has now been introduced at 18 retail sites in and around Edinburgh. Current availability of sulphur free fuels in most EU member states is minimal. However, sulphur-free diesel is quite widely available in Sweden and all super unleaded petrol is sulphur-free in Germany.In the period up to 1 January 2009, the availability of sulphur-free fuels will he influenced by the rate of investment in new refinery technology needed to produce the fuels and also the level of fiscal incentives offered by individual member states to encourage its supply. In this respect, the Chancellor, in his recent Budget statement, announced plans to introduce duty incentives favouring sulphur-free fuels in 2003, subject to European agreement. Germany has also announced similar plans. The Benelux countries are also expected to follow this UK and German lead with the result that fairly widespread availability may be expected in these countries from 2003 onwards. Under the terms of the directive, widespread availability is to be expected in all EU member states from 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what information she has collated with regard to the formal procedures followed by the Government of Tanzania in respect of consideration of tenders for supply of an air traffic control system; and whether such procedures met recognised international standards; [51737](2) what information she has collated with regard to the bidding process in respect of potential suppliers of an air traffic control system to Tanzania; and if she will make a statement. [51736]

DFID has not collated specific information regarding formal procedures adopted by the Government of Tanzania on the tender process in this case. However, I can confirm that DFID has been actively involved in helping the Government of Tanzania draft and introduce a new Public Procurement Act, which came into effect on 1 July 2001. This ensures that GoT's tendering procedures meet recognised international standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how may net additional staff

	Number of net additional staff recruited at executive officer level 1			Number of net additional staff recruited at administrative level 2			Total of net additional staff recruited at executive officer and administrative level
Month	Entrants	Leavers	Net position	Entrants	Leavers	Net position
2001
June	1	3	(2)	4	6	(2)	(4)
July	2	2	0	2	2	0	0
August	1	0	1	6	5	1	2
September	1	3	(2)	10	0	10	8
October	5	2	3	14	1	13	16
November	5	0	5	10	3	7	12
December	2	1	1	2	1	1	2
2002
January	4	2	2	5	2	3	5
February	1	0	1	1	0	1	2
March	2	3	(1)	5	1	4	3
Total	24	16	8	59	21	38	46
1 Grade B2
2 Grades C1 and C2

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid went to each South American country in the last 12 months; and whether it was ring-fenced for particular projects. [52146]

The bilateral development programmes for Latin American (central and south) countries last year were:

£ million
Country	2001–021
Bolivia	13.780
Brazil	7.646
Central America 2	5.560
Colombia	1.434
Costa Rica	0.200
Cuba	0.600
Ecuador	0.434
Mexico	0.460
Panama	0.190
Paraguay	0.160
Peru	9.184
1 Includes provisional figures for 2001–02 and provisional figures for DFID debt relief (comprising both interest and principal foregone under retrospective terms adjustment. repayment which would have fallen due in year).
2 A regional programme including Honduras, Nicaragua. Guatemala, El Salvador.

In addition to these figures the European Commission spent £153 million in Latin America (which includes Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela in addition to the countries listed) of which UK share is approximately over £29 million which is drawn from my Department's budget.

Details of the net additional staff recruited by DFID at executive officer level and administrative levels, for each moth since June 2001, are as follows:All our programmes are carried out in accordance with our country strategies, which are jointly agreed with our counterparts in country. Our role is to add value to the combined effort to the international community to create the right conditions necessary for poverty reduction.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of aid from the UK was spent on (a) education, (b) health and (c) environmental projects overseas in the last 12 months. [52147]

The information required on the proportion of the UK's bilateral aid programmed allocable by sector in 2000–01, the latest period for which figures are available, is:

	Percentage
Education	15
Health	17
Renewable natural resources	12

Environment is such a cross cutting issue that it is mainstreamed into many of our projects and programmes and as such we do not have a separate environment market for our projects. Therefore for the purposes of answering this question we have taken renewable natural resources as a proxy.These figures represent expenditure on projects specific to sectors but do not capture the full extent of our efforts in each policy area because they exclude multi-sector projects, block funding to civil society organisations and budget support or balance of payments. Also excluded are activities in sectors funded through multilateral channels.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment she has made of the value for money achieved by the Cross River State Community Forestry Project in Nigeria. [49200]

The Department has been involved with Cross River communities, in the use and management of forest resources on a sustainable basis, at varying times over the last seven years. Implementation on the latest programme commenced in July 1999 and is due to complete in January 2003.This project was last formally assessed during an Output-to-Purpose Review (OPR) in September 2001 in conjunction with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The review team observed significant achievements over the two-year period compared to the slow progress under military rule prior to 1999. Most notably, the conclusions from the OPR related to economy, efficiency and effectiveness highlighted the following:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what are the latest estimates she has received of changes in total carbon dioxide emissions in the UK in (a) 2010 and (b) 2015; and if she will make a statement. [50432]

The latest carbon dioxide projections are published in the UK's Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Projections, taking account of the policies and measures as quantified in the UK's Climate Change Programme, show estimated emissions in 2010 at about 19 per cent. below the 1990 level. Additional measures that cannot yet be quantified could increase this to a 20 per cent. reduction. Although the uncertainties are greater, current projections indicate about the same level of reduction in 2015 without further policies and measures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of the household waste and recycling fund announced by her Department on 26 March will be used to finance the cost of (a) collection, (b) storage and (c) recycling of waste-refrigeration units in accordance with EC Regulation No 2037/2000; and if she will make a statement. [51534]

The £140 million Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund is a ring-fenced grant that is designed to help local authorities in England to improve in particular, their recycling and composting performance, and waste management generally.No proportion of the Fund has been specifically allocated for the purposes of financing the cost of

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance on the storage and disposal of waste-refrigeration units has been provided to (a) local authorities and (b) consumers since 4 December 2001; and if she will make a statement. [51505]

The Environment Agency has now issued the final version of its guidance on the recovery and disposal (including storage) of refrigerators and freezers. In addition, a list of treatment companies has been placed on the DEFRA website to facilitate contact between local authorities and the waste management industry.A leaflet for householders advising on how to dispose of old fridges, originally available only on the DEFRA website, has now been published in hard copy as well, and widely distributed. Guidance on the disposal of commercial refrigeration equipment has been placed on the website and we hope to issue a paper version shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Government have to utilise biomass fuelled CHP technology on the Government Estate; and when these plans will be implemented. [51964]

All Government Departments have a target to ensure that by 31 March 2003, at least 5 per cent. of their electricity comes from renewable sources, or from self-generation, provided this does not entail excessive cost. They also have a longer-term target for at least 10 per cent. of their supply by 31 March 2008, which is subject to review after March 2003.Biomass is just one of the renewable technologies that can help Departments meet this target. I am not aware of any current plans to utilise biomass production technology on any significant scale on the Government Estate, and it is for each Department to determine the extent to which self-generation is a practicable and cost-effective option.However, DEFRA, PIU and the National Lottery are funding research and development into energy crops and biomass as fuel for CHP schemes, and I will encourage Government Departments to examine the scope which such technology may in future offer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the emissions figures are for each of the Kyoto protocol greenhouse gases in every year since 1997; and what different weighting is given to each gas owing to its global warming potential. [51962]

UK emissions data for the six greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto protocol to the year 2000 were reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change earlier this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 27 February 2002, Official Report, column 1340W, on greenhouse gas emissions, when the data for 2000–01 will be published. [51978]

The process for the collection of data for the years 2000–01 and 2001–02 is under way and we plan to continue previous practice by including this data in the Greening Government Annual Report published in November of each year. Commencing this year we intend to report data on the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of buildings on the Government Estate about 6 months after the end of the financial year, rather than current practice of reporting 18 months in arrears.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's response to US Government action to replace Dr. Robert Watson as the Chair of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change. [52154]

The UK supported Dr. Watson continuing in his post as Chair of the IPCC, but who the US supports is a matter for them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total amount expended was on overnight accommodation for emergency staff working on the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001; and what proportion of this sum was spent in (a) guest-houses, (b) bed and breakfast accommodation and (c) small hotels. [51264]

Total payments for overnight subsistence for staff working on the Foot and Mouth crisis were as follows:

	£
2000–01	971,470
2001–02	19,808,069

DEFRA does not hold records by the categories requested (Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfast, or small Hotels).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the compensation levels paid for (a) cattle and (b) sheep slaughtered in the foot and mouth disease outbreak were; and what percentage they represent of the current values paid for restocking. [51282]

The compensation levels paid to farmers for cattle and sheep slaughtered in the foot and mouth disease outbreak is as follows:

£
	Average cost per animal
Cattle	1,163.33
Sheep	153.19

The percentage in relation to the current value of restocking is not available because we do not have the restocking prices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department (a) has taken and (b) plans to take to promote the results of United Nations summit conferences relating to sustainable development. [44352]

I have been asked to reply.We have publicised the results of the Financing for Development (FFD) conference on DFID's internet website. We intend to do the same for other major UN conferences. Hilary Benn the Under-Secretary has spoken to a meeting of NGOs about the results of FFD. We are submitting a memorandum on FFD to the International Development Select Committee. We will continue to press in a variety of international fora for progress towards implementing the commitments made at FFD, including on aid volume, aid effectiveness and strengthening the voice of developing countries in the international financial architecture. We intend to hold a meeting with interested NGOs and MPs after the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children to discuss its results.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what performance targets he has set the Rent Service for 2002–03. [53679]