To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what the cost will be of the athletics platform referred to in the Sport England report on athletics in Wembley stadium; and how long it will take to build and install; [55595](2) who produced the Sport England report on athletics in Wembley stadium; when it will be published; and if the members of the Sports Council athletics committee considered the report. [55594]

Sport England published the study on Wembley stadium athletics prepared by Sports Concepts and Citex on 8 May. I placed a copy in the Library of the House on the same day. The full council of Sport England considered the conclusions of the report at its meeting on 7 May. The report concludes that the athletics platform will take a total of 11 weeks to build and install and a further six weeks to remove at a total cost of £12.2 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when (a) her Department's officials and (b) she received Sport England's report on the technical evaluation of athletics proposals for the national stadium project; and if she will make a statement. [55749]

My officials received Sport England's athletics report on 3 May and briefed me on its contents on 7 May ahead of my statement to the House that day. I did not receive a copy of the report until 8 May, immediately prior to its publication. I placed copies in the House Libraries on the same day.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for what reasons the proposed contents board was not included in the original Bill to set up the Office of Communications; what the composition of the contents board will be; and what the remit of the contents board will be in relation to radio. [56031]

The Government published a draft of the Communications Bill on 7 May for consultation. This draft Bill includes a proposal to require Ofcom to establish a 'Content Board' which will have the principal function of ensuring that the public interest in the nature and quality of television and radio programmes is sufficiently represented within Ofcom's overall structure.The OFCOM Act 2002, which established Ofcom earlier this year, dealt with the basic framework of Ofcom at the main board level and was intended to allow the process of establishing Ofcom as a body to get under way while the substantive Communications Bill, which will give it regulatory responsibilities, is debated. The structure and remit of the content board are best seen in conjunction with Ofcom's functions, in particular the detailed broadcasting functions which are set out in the draft Communications Bill and particularly in relation to broadcast content including radio.The structure of the content board is set out clearly in the draft Bill. It will consist of a chairman, who will be a non-executive member of Ofcom (but not the chairman of Ofcom), and as many other members appointed by Ofcom as Ofcom shall think fit. Ofcom is specifically required to ensure that there is a different member of the content board capable of representing the interests and opinions of persons living in each of the nations of the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if the Queen's Jubilee medal will be issued to the Royal Parks Constabulary in time for the Jubilee weekend; and if she will make a statement. [55800]

In view of the number of medals required for the emergency services—an estimated 185,000—responsible Government Departments have agreed a phased delivery over 12 months in line with the Royal Mint's production capacity. Under current plans, medals for the Royal Parks Constabulary will be delivered in October 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the Queen's Jubilee medal will be issued to the qualifying groups that will receive it. [55799]

Distribution to the armed forces and to the holders of the Victoria Cross or the George Cross is due to be completed by the end of 2002. Under current plans, members of the emergency services will receive their medals by 2 June 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will seek a financial contribution to public funds from Her Majesty the Queen towards the costs of Jubilee celebrations. [55827]

[holding answer 13 May 2002]: No. The Golden Jubilee is an occasion for national celebration of 50 years' service by the Queen.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the answers of 25 March 2002, Official Report, column 576W, on landmark projects, when she will write to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South; and if she will make a statement. [56653]

I wrote to the hon. Member on 10 April 2002 in my capacity as chair of the Millennium Commission and placed copies of my letter in the Libraries of both Houses. I am today sending the hon. Member another copy of my letter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what measures the Government are undertaking to enable the reception of audio description digital terrestrial television programmes. [56641]

The Government's role is to set the legislative framework within which audio description and other services for people with sensory impairments can be provided and proposals were included in the recently published draft Communications Bill (Cm 5508–1). We are aware of the current difficulties with the production and distribution of the module necessary to receive audio description services on digital terrestrial television. On 30 April I chaired a constructive meeting with the interested parties which identified a number of ways to help them resolve these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment her Department has made of the losses suffered in each of the past five years by the British film, music, retail and rental industries as a result of internet piracy and the production and distribution of illegal copies of film and music; and if she will make a statement. [53440]

I have been asked to reply.Accurate figures for losses due to internet piracy are difficult to gather and distinguish from other misuse of copyright material on the internet. However, a survey carried out by the industry body, the Alliance Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, which broadly represents British interests, estimated losses of £180 million to cinema and home entertainment and £ million to the music industry in 2000 as a result of piracy generally. We are not aware of any music piracy figures yet for 2001, but industry figures show a 5 per cent. increase in legitimate recorded music sales in the UK in that year. The industry estimates for the years 1997 to 1999 are as follows:

£ million
Year	Music	Film
1997	18	100
1998	14	120
1999	15	170

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee when the prefabricated buildings to the north of the House of Commons adjacent to Bridge street will be removed; and if he will make a statement. [56639]

The temporary buildings on Speaker's green were erected originally for use by the project teams responsible for the new Westminster station and Portcullis house and by the Refreshment Department while their accommodation was being refurbished. Subsequently they have been used by contractors engaged on major projects in the Palace during the summer recesses. They will be used in this way again this summer, after which they will be demolished and the green restored to its former condition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Gulf War veterans (a) are suffering and (b) have suffered from renal cancers. [50538]

Comprehensive data provided by the Office for National Statistics' NHS central register (NHSCR) on cancer registrations in England and Wales are only currently available up to 31 December 1998 and currently up to 31 December 2001 for registrations in Scotland. These data show that up to 31 December 1998 for England and Wales and up to 31 December 2001 for Scotland that seven Gulf veterans have been diagnosed as suffering from renal cancer or malignant neoplasm of the kidney as classified by International Classification of Disease (ICD) 9^th Revision code 189.0 and ICD 10^th Revision code C64. The Ministry of Defence's Gulf veterans' medical assessment programme had seen a further two veterans with renal cancer as at 13 May 2002. One veteran has, sadly, died. The current health status of the remaining eight veterans is not known to the MOD. The MOD is conducting an analysis of the incidence of all cancers in Gulf veterans with the aim of making the findings available later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Gulf War veterans (a) are suffering and (b) have suffered from scarring to the (i) kidneys and (ii) liver. [50539]

The total number of Gulf veterans who have kidney and or liver scarring could only be established if all Gulf veterans were to undergo medical examination. It is the practice of the Ministry of Defence to examine only those veterans who wish to be examined and are referred by their GP or service medical officer to the Ministry of Defence's Gulf veterans' medical assessment programme (GVMAP). All patients seen at the GVMAP receive abdominal ultrasound examination which can detect kidney and liver scarring. In the absence of other indicators of kidney or liver damage, such scarring is of no clinical significance. Neither is described either in standard medical textbooks or classified by the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Diseases 9^th and 10^th Revisions. Kidney and liver scarring is therefore an incidental finding, does not cause any suffering and in itself is of no clinical significance in respect of suggestion of a link between ill health and the Gulf conflict. For these reasons, no centralised records are kept of such scarring. However, in a randomly selected anonymised sample of 1,000 patients examined at the GVMAP, one patient had a kidney scar and none had liver scarring. The GVMAP physicians do record kidney and livery damage where the damage is of clinical significance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when civilian authorities were advised of the death of Private Gray in Deep Cut camp on 17 September 2001; who was advised; by whom; and if he will make a statement. [51162]

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 24 April 2002, Official Report, columns 260–61W and 8 May 2002, Official Report, column 179W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many net additional staff his Department has recruited in each month since June 2001 at (a) executive officer level and (b) administrative level. [52430]

The information requested is given in the following table:

	Executive Officer level		Administrative level
Month/Type of staff	Headcount	FTE	Headcount	FTE
June 2001
Permanent	8	7·8	39	40·7
Casual	-2	-2·0	85	80·3
Total	6	5·8	124	121·0
July 2001
Permanent	-5	-4·4	86	82·9
Casual	-3	-1·6	277	274·8
Total	-8	-6·0	363	357·7
August 2001
Permanent	-28	-25·7	41	40·9
Casual	0	0·0	70	71·7
Total	-28	-25·7	111	112·6
September 2001
Permanent	6	5·6	39	34·3
Casual	5	5·0	-269	-272·0
Total	11	10·6	-230	-237·6
October 2001
Permanent	25	25·8	124	119·0
Casual	9	7·5	20	18·8
Total	34	33·3	144	137·7
November 2001
Permanent	21	20·3	78	70·9
Casual	8	7·5	45	42·0
Total	29	27·8	123	112·9
December 2001
Permanent	-17	-15·7	-8	-10·7
Casual	2	2·1	12	10·0
Total	-15	-13·6	4	-0·7
January 2002
Permanent	-11	-11·8	-215	-216·4
Casual	6	6·8	44	41·2
Total	-5	5·0	-171	-175·2
February 2002
Permanent	4	5·0	-78	-80·4
Casual	3	2·9	19	13·9
Total	7	7·9	-59	-66·4

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what subjects and on which dates his Department has consulted organisations representing young people; and if he will list such organisations. [52505]

The Ministry of Defence is fully committed to consulting those children and young people to whom we provide services. For example, Cadet Force adult volunteer instructors initiate opportunities to obtain cadets views. The skill force initiative is structured so that participants are required to develop their own learning aims. Still within the MOD, the Service Children Education Agency has instigated in many of its schools "Circle Time". This gives young people the opportunity to express their feelings and concerns and to resolve relationship and behavioural issues.The MOD also consults with organisations concerned with young people but the information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The MOD is committed to the new core principles for the involvement of children and young people published by the Minister for Young People in November 2001. The MOD will shortly be publishing an action plan setting out for the first time how it will implement these principles to extend the participation of children and young people in the design, provision and evaluation of policies and services that affect them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much has been spent by his Department on training in leadership skills for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years; [52723](2) how much has been spent by his Department on training by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years; [52716](3) how much has been spent by his Department on voice coaching for Ministers and officials in each of the last five years. [52718]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: Training in leadership skills is an extremely important part of development activities in the Ministry of Defence, for both military and civilian staff. Its importance—emphasised within the "Modernising Government" initiative—was reflected in the recent defence training review. As a result the defence leadership centre has been established as part of the new defence academy to provide a nationally recognised centre of excellence. In addition, there are many other areas of the MOD where leadership features in both general management and more specific training. The Defence Procurement Agency, for instance, has provided leadership masterclasses and the important new area of smart acquisition has introduced a specific scheme designed to help develop integrated project team leaders.I am not aware of any training undertaken by the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts on behalf of Ministers or officials.The MOD does provide some training in media interview skills, which includes factors such as voice tone and stance. This training is available to all staff and on occasions has been undertaken by Ministers.In addition, Ministers are able to take advantage of the "Programmes for Ministers" organised by the centre for management and policy studies (CMPS) in the Cabinet Office.Information on costs for leadership or media training is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [52864]

[holding answer 26 April 2002]: The information is not held centrally in this format and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, I can confirm that no such equipment has been purchased for use in Ministers' offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the newspapers subscribed to (a) Monday to Saturday and (b) on Sunday by his Department. stating for each subscription the (i) number of copies taken and (ii) annual cost; [52825](2) if he will list the magazines and periodicals subscribed to by his Department, stating for each subscription the

[holding reply 26 April 2002]: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what buildings owned by his Department have solar panels installed. [53490]

The Ministry of Defence fully supports the Government's commitment to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy technologies by utilising "through life value for money" renewable energy supply opportunities. The current MOD policy on the development and siting of different kinds of renewable energy generation plant is to assess options on a case-by-case basis.No central register is kept of the locations of solar panels installed in or on buildings on the defence estate. However, recently publicised examples include two active solar thermal systems at RM Norton Manor camp, Taunton, and a new "ambient energy" heat pump system at the Works Services office and stores at Royal Marines Condor, Tayside, Scotland. In addition, the Defence Procurement Agency building at Abbey Wood, Bristol, which has been in service for a number of years, makes use of a passive solar thermal system in order to minimise energy consumption.Active solar thermal systems are also extensively used on the overseas estate where these are cost effective.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial provision has been made for the training of Territorial Army units in the Greater London area in 2002–03; and if he will list each financial provision. [54631]

The total financial provision made for the training of Territorial Army units in the Greater London area in 2002–2003 is just over £14 million. To list each provision separately could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was (a) the estimated purchase price, (b) the overall contract price to lease the aircraft for five years, (c) the number of original target flying hours in the lease contract, (d) the actual target flying hours used to date, (e) the estimated number of target flying hours for the full five years and (f) the estimated additional cost for exceeding the target flying hours for the C-17s of 99 Squadron; and if he will make a statement. [54646]

[holding answer 8 May 2002]: The overall cost of the seven-year lease and all supporting arrangements for the four C-17 aircraft is in the order of £750 million. The detailed lease costs and the underlying aircraft price are commercially sensitive and I am withholding this information under Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.The lease contract does not specify either a target number or a limit on flying hours. However, funding for support of the aircraft was modelled on a total of 3,000 flying hours per full year for the fleet of four aircraft. In the first part year of operations the C-17 fleet exceeded the modelled hours by about 60 per cent. The additional support costs arising from this level of flying were in the order of £4 million. There are no additional lease costs associated with increased levels of flying activity. Future support costs will vary in line with the operational demands made of the aircraft over the lease period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what publicly owned accommodation is made available to him in his official role; how many nights he has been in residence at each of these properties in the last 12 months; and what the total cost was of maintaining each of these properties in the last 12 months. [55104]

[holding answer 9 May 2002]: None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 22 April 2002, Official Report, column 9W, with reference to paragraph 5.14 of the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body 31st report 2002, what estimate has been made of (a) the number and (b) the cost of repeat repairs in (i) single living accommodation and (ii) service family accommodation in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [55270]

The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The Ministry of Defence is making substantial investment in service accommodation. In particular, we are now assessing industry's bids for the single living accommodation modernisation prime contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the estimated date is of completion of the remote ammunition facility in Tamar; [55806](2) what the estimated cost is of construction of the remote ammunition facility in Tamar. [55805]

Work undertaken over the last few years has established that the effects a weapons explosion would have on a submarine and its surroundings is not as extensive as previously thought. This led to a revised safety assessment which has shown that the improvements to safety that RAFT would have provided for submarines can be met through the existing berthing facilities at Devonport naval base. The project has therefore been suspended.Some £15 million has been spent over the 10-year life of the project. Further costs relating to the cancellation of planned work may be payable and will be subject to negotiations with the contractor.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what average landing fees were paid by the RAF in respect of aircraft landing at (a) RAF airfields and (b) airfields operated under licence by third parties during the last complete year. [55817]

No landing fees are charged for RAF aircraft landing at RAF airfields. In the financial year 2001–02, £2.08 million was authorised for payment for handling and landing in respect of RAF aircraft landing at commercial airports in the United Kingdom and £2.23 million for those services outside the United Kingdom. These costs exclude payments made direct by aircrew at airfields. Costs include handling, navigation, parking and overshoot charges in addition to landing fees. Information on the cost of landing fees alone and payments made by aircrew is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. In addition, landing fees of £0.345 million were charged for RAF aircraft landing at airfields operated by QinetiQ.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircraft movements were handled by air traffic control at West Freugh airfield in each of the last 10 years. [55818]

The following aircraft movements were handled by air traffic control at West Freugh airfield in each of the last 10 years.

	Number
1992	6,397
1993	9,038
1994	6,315
1995	7,140
1996	7,905
1997	11,644
1998	11,847
1999	8,384
2000	5,973
2001	3,861

These figures do not include overflights or range runs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of Royal Ordnance. [55786]

Royal Ordnance Defence (ROD) is a private company that is wholly owned by BAE Systems. It has been operating against a background of sharp decline in the worldwide demand for defence equipment. The Ministry of Defence is aware that ROD is currently carrying out a manufacturing strategy review to optimise its business such that it will remain viable and competitive in the defence sector. Any decisions that emerge from this review are a commercial matter for the company. ROD has also indicated that it intends to invest substantially in a number of sites across the United Kingdom. The MOD remains confident that ROD will continue to be a major producer of munitions for the United Kingdom armed forces, particularly through the framework partnering agreement that has been established between ROD and the MOD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 31W, what his policy is on the inclusion in the arrangements, negotiated with QinetiQ, of guarantees that levels of current provision by the BUTEC and Rona range will be maintained for the full term of the arrangement and that levels of investment will be maintained; and if he will make a statement. [56002]

In its negotiations with QinetiQ, the Ministry of Defence will seek to agree the provisions of levels of service which will meet the MOD's requirements for usage of the BUTEC and Rona ranges. The required level of service will be reviewed periodically throughout the life of the contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance is issued governing the giving of media interviews by serving members of the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [55754]

Invitations for service personnel to take part in media interviews are usually made by broadcasting and press authorities through official departmental channels. If, however, members of the armed forces are invited directly to take part in radio or television broadcasts, or undertake press interviews, there is guidance in the Queen's Regulations that instructs personnel on how to report the approach, and if the interview is sanctioned, guidance about the handling of the interview and not being drawn on any policy issue which is, or may become, a matter of controversy between political parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Army's policy is on the tethering of horses; and if he will make a statement. [55877]

The tethering or 'picketing' of horses is the military method of tying horses to a rope or peg in the open in order to prevent injury. The recommended method is to use a single long rope, stretched along the ground, or preferably suspended 3 to 4 ft high, to which each horse is separately tied with a head rope. Heel ropes tied to pegs may also be used in order to prevent a horse kicking the next horse. Details of the preferred methods to he used are laid out in the "Manual of Horsemanship, Equitation and Animal Transport" (WO Code 7193, 1937) and "Animal Management" (HMSO 1956).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement concerning flexible retirement dates for his Department's civilian personnel. [56409]

The Ministry of Defence has completed its review of age retirement policy. The conclusions are being considered and we shall make an announcement about them in the coming weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many wind farm proposals his Department has opposed in the last three years; and where those proposals were situated. [56413]

Of the 506 proposals received during the last three years. the Ministry of Defence has objected to a total of 238. There have been a greater number of objections within the three tactical training areas (in central Wales, north Scotland and the border region of northern England/southern Scotland), but out of these areas there is no set pattern as to where the objections lie.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which areas are unsuitable for the building of wind farms because of the effect on radar and low-flying aircraft. [56415]

All wind farm proposals are considered individually by the Ministry of Defence, on a case-by-case basis, which examines their potential effects on our ability to train pilots safely and on operational capabilities.In some circumstances wind turbines have the potential adversely to affect radar and other communications depending on their position in relation to particular installations. Research is currently under way with the Department of Trade and Industry to address this issue.The presence of wind turbines in most areas of the United Kingdom would present no difficulty to low flying aircraft because these and other naturally tall structures are taken into account as part of route planning.The United Kingdom has three specially designated tactical training areas (TTA) that are available for authorised military operational low flying training.The three TTAs are located in central Wales, north Scotland and the border region of northern England/ southern Scotland. Within these areas military fast jets may operate down to a height of 100 ft separation distance and a proliferation of obstacles could negate the value of the training. Units also make use of these areas for specialised night training. In these areas wind farm developments may compromise flight safety to an unacceptable level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Sea Harriers have been equipped with JTIDS; and at what cost. [56198]

JTIDS has been fitted to three Sea Harrier aircraft. Two of these are development aircraft operated by BAE Systems. The costs are currently the subject of negotiation with contractors and I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when operational field trials of the Bowman system will commence. [56197]

Operational field trials of the Bowman system are due to begin in November 2003 at battalion level. The battalion and additional elements of the first brigade to be converted will then conduct a further operational field trial in March 2004, which will determine whether the Bowman system can be accepted into service. A final field trial, at brigade level, is planned for August/September 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on the ASTOR programme; and when each of the five aircraft will be delivered to the RAF. [56199]

The ASTOR programme is currently on course to meet its planned in-service date of September 2005. The first global express aircraft, which will be the platform for the airborne element of the ASTOR system, is now with the aircraft systems integrator. Following systems integration, aircraft deliveries to the RAF are scheduled to take place in 2004, 2005, 2006 (two aircraft) and 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bids have been received for the sale of an equity share in QinetiQ; and what proportion of the equity is proposed for sale. [56637]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 10 April 2002, Official Report, column 14W, to the hon. Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key). Initial bids for the sale of an equity share in QinetiQ are due to be received on 20 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whom he has appointed as non-executive chair of QinetiQ; and what other interests the person has. [56625]

As announced on 8 May in a QinetiQ press release about Sir John Egan's decision to step down, Dame Pauline Neville-Jones has been appointed as the chairman of QinetiQ, having previously been the senior non-Executive Director. Dame Pauline has worked extensively in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has been chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee. She is currently a BBC governor, with special responsibility for the World Service, and chairman of the Information Assurance Advisory Council. She also is a member of the Council of City University and hon. treasurer of the charity Refuge. The change of chairman will not affect the transaction timetable, which remains on track.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the bids for an equity share in QinetiQ will be judged against (a) commercial, (b) industrial and (c) strategic considerations; and if he will make a statement. [56638]

Yes. As with all competitive bidding processes, the Ministry of Defence seeks to take into account all relevant factors, including commercial, industrial and strategic, when assessing competitive bids to ensure that the MOD meets its objectives and obtains the best value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) RAF are pregnant; what rules and regulations govern the treatment and deployments of pregnant service personnel; and if he will make a statement. [56172]

As at 1 May. 354 members of the Army, 93 of the Royal Navy and 223 of the Royal Air Force had notified pregnancy or were on maternity leave. The rules governing maternity arrangements for servicewomen in the regular Armed Forces are contained within Defence Council Instructions and other service publications. Upon notification of pregnancy, restrictions may be placed upon a servicewoman's employment to ensure that the services can fulfil their legal obligations and responsibilities for her health and safety and that of her unborn child and to preserve operational effectiveness. For example, aircrew will not be permitted to continue their flying duties once pregnancy is confirmed, servicewomen on operations will be withdrawn, and women serving in ships will be landed at the earliest convenient opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who manufactures the engines for the 200 series Army Landrovers; and where they are based. [55723]

[holding answer 13 May 2002]: The 200 Series Landrover is not a recognised variant of the military fleet. However, all military Landrover engines are

Number of defendants proceeded against at the magistrates courts, found guilty and sentenced at all courts under the Education Act 1996 England and Wales 1997–20001,2
Offence description	Statute	Year	Proceeded against	Found guilty
Permitting child to be in verminous condition	Education Act 1996 sec. 525	1997	—	—
	(Consolidated Act 1994–96)	1998	—	—
		1999	—	—
		12000	1	1

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the estimated level of losses to fraud and corruption was in (a) her Department's Vote 1 budget and (b) her Department's Vote 2 budget for (i) 1999–2000 and (ii) 2000–01. [54702]

An estimate of the cost to my Department of cases involving fraud and corruption for the years in question is as follows:

£000
	Vote 1	Vote 2
1999–2000	4,548	52
2000–01	17,327	386
Total	21,875	438

The Vote 1 figure for 2000–01 includes one specific direct contractor fraud valued at £7.9 million. The figures represent 0.07 per cent. of the total Vote 1 spend and 0.006 per cent. of the total Vote 2 spend over the two years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, pursuant to her answer of 7 May 2002, ref 53890, how many prosecutions have taken place for offences under the Education Act 1996 in each year since 1997; and what those offences were. [55602]

Under the Education Act 1996 the following are guilty of an offence and liable for prosecution:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment has been made of the impact on SAT results of greater inclusion in mainstream schools. [55187]

My Department has not made any formal assessment of the impact on the key stage tests of greater inclusion in mainstream schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to increase the funding of further education colleges in England over the next five years. [56169]

Funding from 2003–04 to 2005–06 is the subject of the current spending review in which we will be considering the resources available to deliver the Government's ambitions for further education in 2003–04 and beyond. The Government are making a massive investment in further education. By next year funding for FE will have risen by 26 per cent. in real terms since 1997 on current plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what efficiency gains have been factored into funding awards proposed for (a) further education colleges, (b) sixth-form colleges and (c) schools with a sixth form in England in each of the next five years. [56165]

We are examining spending plans from 2003–04 until 2005–06 as part of the current spending review. We must await the outcome of this review before committing funds to specific areas of education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many vacancies for academic staff teaching applied science and technology subjects at (a) further education colleges, (b) sixth-form colleges and (c) sixth-forms in schools there were in England broken down by region, at the beginning of each academic year since 1997. [56164]

The Department does not collect the specific information requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the median salary for the academic staff teaching applied science and technology subjects was in England, broken down by region at (a) further education colleges, (b) sixth-form colleges and (c) schools with a sixth form in each year since 1997. [56167]

The Department does not collect this information. Further education sector colleges are run by independent corporations established under the Further Education and Higher Education Act 1992. There is no nationally agreed pay scale in the general FE sector. Colleges determine their own staff pay policies and salaries will, therefore, vary from college to college. Salary information is not available for teachers in school sixth forms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what capital investment her Department is making in prisoners' education; and if she will make a statement.[57251]

I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that £20 million capital modernisation funding will be provided over the next two years to develop and modernise prison education and training through the "Learning to Earning" project. Finding prisoners suitable employment plays a key role in helping them resettle into society. This project will improve dramatically opportunities for prisoners to acquire skills and knowledge that will equip them for jobs on release, and so reduce the likelihood of re-offending.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will respond to the requests made by the hon. Member for Mid-Worcestershire for a meeting to discuss compensation for the residents adjacent to the Throckmorton carcase disposal site. [4446]

[holding answer 17 July 2001]: I regret that this reply has been delayed pending consideration of meetings between officials and residents. I am aware of the interest of the hon. Member in this issue, and will be writing to him shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the hon. Member for North-East Derbyshire will receive a reply to his letter of 12 November, as acknowledged on 16 November, reference 162094. [28503]

[holding answer 22 January 2002]: I am sorry for the delay in replying to the hon. Member's letter. A reply was sent on 13 May 2002 under reference 168207.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the costs of (a) introducing technetium-99 abatement technology and (b) storage facilities in order to reduce Sellafield's discharges to 10 terabecquerels per year: and if she will make a statement. [40496]

[holding answer 11 March 2002]: My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Health and for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have not carried out any separate cost assessment of their own. They have before them the cost assessment carried out by the Environment Agency, as set out in the agency's proposed decision published in September 2001. The agency's document sets out in some detail considerations of costs for the various technetium-99 abatement techniques that have been considered, and for a range of schemes to partially or fully replace the B211 facility where medium active concentrate (MAC), containing technetium-99, is stored. Costs are given both as undiscounted costs and present value costs, and they are further broken down into capital, operating and decommissioning costs. Where appropriate, the costs of combining abatement techniques with each other and with new storage facilities are also considered.The undiscounted cost of introducing so-called "TPP abatement" would be in the order of £3 million, whereas "MAC Diversion" costs would be in the range £14V90 million. The so-called "end of pipe" abatement techniques that have been identified by BNFL are estimated to cost in the range of 76£256 million. Replacement of the B211 storage facility to include replacement of the current MAC storage capacity would cost in the order of £450 million. BNFL are also assessing options for refurbishing the B211 facility, which would be notably cheaper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her answer of 23 January 2002, Official Report, columns 926–27W, on stolen equipment, what criminal proceedings have been undertaken for cases of theft against her Department, stating in each case (a) whether the proceedings (i) led to a criminal conviction and (ii) were unsuccessful, (b) the cost incurred by her Department in pursuing a conviction and (c) the value of items recovered; and if she will make a statement. [41511]

Only one person has been prosecuted for stealing equipment from the Department since May 1997. He pleaded guilty at Horseferry Road magistrates court on 4 March 2002 to 10 offences of theft of departmental property. He received 80 hours community punishment concurrent on each offence and was ordered to pay £442.48 compensation. The prosecution's claim for investigative and prosecution costs of £500 was not granted by the sentencing court. No stolen items were recovered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the targets are for her Department's ambient noise strategy. [46991]

The proposal to develop a national ambient noise strategy was announced in the Rural White Paper in November 2000. The consultation on the development of such a strategy—"Towards a National Ambient Noise Strategy"—closed on the 15 March this year and the results of the consultation are currently being considered and may result in changes to our approach. However, currently it would only be at a later stage that the introduction of targets (if any) would be considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost in 2001–02 was of the pay increase to staff in her Department, agencies and the non-departmental public bodies for which she is responsible; and what the cost of the forthcoming increase will be in 2002–03 [50419]

The latest estimate of the pay increases for 2001–02 for the department and its agencies is as follows:

£000
Core DEFRA	17,699
Veterinary Medicines Directorate	542
Pesticides Safety Directorate	703
Rural Payments Agency	3,738
Central Science Laboratory (CSL)	700
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)	620
Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA)	1,693

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the written questions asked of her between (a) 1 to 30 June 2001, (b) 1 to 31 July 2001, (c) 1 to 30 September 2001, (d) 1 to 31 October 2001, (e) 1 to 30 November 2001, (f)1 to 31 December 2001, (g) 1 to 31 January 2002, (h) 1 to 28 February 2002, (i) 1 to 31 March 2002 and (j) 1 to 30 April 2002 that had not received a substantive answer by 30 April; and if she will state (i) the name of the hon. Member asking the question and (ii) the reasons the question had not received a substantive answer. [54090]

[holding answer 2 May 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council on 2 May 2002, Official Report, column 949W.4,372 (97 per cent.) of the 4,500 written questions tabled up to 30 April this Session, have received a substantive reply. 40 questions (1 per cent.) tabled in April have not been answered, and are not overdue. However, the remaining 88 questions (2 per cent.) have yet to receive a substantive reply, and we are actively seeking to provide Members with replies to these shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about the cessation of public liability cover for local community groups; if she will provide a grant to BTCV to cover its public liability costs; and if she will make a statement. [R] [54735]

Further to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's reply of 30 April 2002, Official Report, column 662W, I have replied to Tom Flood, chief executive of the BTCV, expressing my concern about the difficulty in obtaining public liability insurance for BTCV's associated local community groups. I have also discussed the issue with the chief executive of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, who has offered to discuss with BTCV what might be done.I understand that there is a general issue about the availability and cost of public liability insurance cover for voluntary organisations which goes beyond DEFRA's remit. However I have told BTCV and NCVO that I would be very willing to work with colleagues in so far as there are issues for DEFRA. To assist with this process I have raised the issue with ministerial colleagues. I have also suggested that a meeting with representatives of the insurance industry might be helpful.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures have been introduced since 1997 to reduce the amount of poisonous fumes people breathe in, with specific reference to those in urban areas. [55403]

The Government's policies on improving air quality are set out in detail in "Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland", published in January 2000. The strategy explains the measures that are in place to reduce emissions of harmful pollutants from all sectors, including road transport and industry. Copies are available via the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/ airquality.Air quality in urban areas has improved significantly over the last decade, as a result largely of the progressively tighter European Union standards for new vehicles and fuels, and of the continuing reduction in total emissions from industry. The air quality headline indicator, published annually, shows that the average number of days of moderate or poor air quality in urban areas of the UK has reduced from 59 days in 1993 to 21 days in 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of how the production of an integrated assessment of the state of the seas, as proposed in the Government's first marine stewardship report, will contribute to the conservation of the marine environment. [56045]

An integrated assessment of the state of our seas will enable us to gain a better overview of the competing pressures on the marine environment and the full range of impacts. This will help us target our actions to achieve improved conservation and sustainable development. The assessment will also provide a yardstick against which we can measure our progress. The report will be available in 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken in the Government's marine stewardship reports to balance social, economic and environmental interests in the marine environment; and if she will make a statement. [55185]

The first marine stewardship report reflects the principles of sustainable development, integrated management, the conservation of biological diversity, robust science, the precautionary principle and stakeholder involvement. We have adopted an ecosystem-based approach to integrate better marine protection objectives with sustainable social and economic goals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent guidelines have been introduced to monitor pesticides on vegetables and fruit. [55193]

The Government conduct an annual pesticide residues surveillance programme for fruit and vegetables and other produce. This programme is overseen by the independent Pesticide Residues Committee (PRC). The PRC advises Ministers and the chief executives of the Food Standards Agency and the Pesticides Safety Directorate on pesticide residues in foods.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the amount of pesticide sprayed in each of the last five years on UK fields. [56019]

[holding answer 14 May 2002]: DEFRA surveys indicate that the following quantities of agricultural pesticides were used in each year since 1996. The corresponding figure for 2001 is not yet available.

Tonnes of active ingredient
1996	34,115
1997	34,021
1998	33,680
1999	33,826
2000	30,930

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of farms taking part in the countryside stewardship scheme staff from the (a) Rural Payments Agency and (b) Rural Development Service visit after the first year of taking part in the scheme; and how regularly individual farms have been visited by the agency. [55295]

Staff from the Rural Payments Agency carry out compliance monitoring inspections of countryside stewardship scheme agreements in accordance with EU and our own audit requirements. EU rules require at least 5 per cent. of agreements to be inspected each year. The agreements to he visited are selected using risk-based criteria, which are not specifically related to the year of the agreement.The programme of care and maintenance visits operated by technical staff from DEFRA's Rural Development Service currently aims to cover around 20 per cent. of agreements each year, including the visits scheduled for the first year of an agreement. More frequent visits may take place as circumstances require.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on Forest Enterprise procurement procedures for forestry harvesting and transport equipment. [55819]

Forest Enterprise procurement procedures for forestry harvesting and transport equipment follow HM Treasury guidelines and EU regulations and directives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the value is of contracts awarded by Forest Enterprise to Mechanical Engineering Services in each of the last three years. [55814]

Mechanical Engineering Services is part of the Forestry Commission's Forest Enterprise Agency. It is responsible for supplying and maintaining the agency's fleet of machinery and vehicles. There is, therefore, no requirement for a contractual relationship. However, the value of this service to Forest Enterprise for the last three years has been £15.7 million (2001–02), £15.6 million (2000–01) and £15.7 million (1999–2000).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are in place for ensuring fair competition for contracts issued by Forest Enterprise. [55820]

Forest Enterprise follows HM Treasury guidelines and EU regulations and directives when letting contracts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what procedures are in place in Forest Enterprise for ensuring best value in (a) procuring and (b) disposing of forestry capital equipment contracts. [55815]

Forest Enterprise follows HM Treasury guidelines which are designed to ensure best value for use of public funds. The procurement of forestry capital equipment is subject to European Union procurement directives, and Forest Enterprise requirements are therefore advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Disposal of forestry capital equipment is carried out by open tender and public auction.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many vehicles operated by Forest Enterprise are (a) cars and vans and (b) other forestry vehicles; and how many are obliged to have a valid current tax disc. [55813]

Forest Enterprise currently operates 1,718 cars and vans and 320 other forestry vehicles. Most of these vehicles (1,852) are used exclusively in the service of the Crown and hence are exempt from vehicle excise duty under section 183 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. The remainder (186 cars) are subject to vehicle excise duty due to an element of private use for which each user makes a payment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to call upon further agrimonetary compensation to compensate dairy farmers for a fall in milk prices. [55824]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker) on 2 May 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the removal from role of the Director-General, Fisheries. [55694]

The European Commission is responsible for senior staffing within the Commission services. The Commission announced changes affecting 13 senior staff on 24 April. The post of Director-General of Fisheries Policy is being advertised within the Commission. The present director-general remains in post pending the new appointment.

Recovery and recycling carried out in 2001(UK)
	UK re-processing (1)	Exported for re-processing (2)	Re-processing for which no PRN/PERN issued (incl. in (1) (3)	PRN/PERN carried forward to 2002 (4)	Tonnes accepted for recovery and recycling, UK (5)
Paper	1,851,505	179,439	25,895	83,064	2,030,944
Glass	696,578	39,016	17,036	29,273	735,594
Aluminium	25,869	3,161	1	821	29,030
Steel	141,343	136,736	3,051	8,365	278,079
Plastic	203,149	66,813	6,077	10,506	269,962
Wood	573,951	—	4,985	23,742	573,951
Alt. evidence	30,741	—	—	—	30,741
Total recycling	3,523,136	425,165	57,045	155,771	3,948,301
Efw	513,939	—	913	24,986	513,939
Total	4,037,075	425,165	57,958	180,757	4,462,240

Article 6(1) of the EC directive on packaging and packaging waste 94/62/EC set the following targets:Between 50 per cent. and 65 per cent. recoveryBetween 25 per cent. 45 per cent. recycling15 per cent. recycling of each material.The UK performance against the targets is shown in the table.

UK performance against 2001 directive targets
Percentage
Material	Target	Performance
Paper	15	53
Glass	15	33
Aluminium	15	124
Steel	15	137
Plastic	15	16
Wood	15	57
Total recovery	50 to 65	47.9
Total recycling	25 to 45	42
1 Metals 35 per cent.

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended) and parallel legislation in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has to amend Schedule 2 of the Deer Act 1991 to permit the use of a rifle of a calibre less than 240 inches for the safe and humane killing of static injured deer. [56332]

[holding answer 14 May 2002]: We have no current proposals to amend the Deer Act 1991.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the United Kingdom's performance was in 2001 against the recovery and recycling targets in the EC directive on packaging and packaging waste; and if she will make a statement. [57136]

The UK narrowly failed to meet the overall packaging waste recovery target in 2001 but met the overall recycling target and the material-specific recycling targets for all materialsThe recovery and recycling of packaging waste carried out in 2001 is as shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the appointment of the Official Verderer for the New Forest. [54913]

We expect Her Majesty the Queen to make this appointment very soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress she has made in negotiating a derogation for the UK inshore fishing fleet, comparable to the Norwegian derogation, from this year's increase in fixed mesh sizes. [56127]

The Commission has asked Norway to confirm that it has exempted its inshore fleet from the increase in fixed fishing gear mesh sizes but has not yet received a response. We will continue to press the Commission for a similar derogation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will calculate the number of ewes with lambs at foot slaughtered under (a) disease control restrictions and (b) the livestock welfare disposal scheme during the 2001 outbreak of foot and mouth disease. [35537]

It is not possible to calculate the number of ewes with lambs at foot slaughtered either for disease control purposes or under the livestock welfare disposal scheme because lambs at foot have not been recorded separately. For the purposes of disease control it is only necessary to record animals by species ie cattle, sheep, pigs goats, deer and other. Lambs at foot have therefore simply been included in the sheep category.We are aware that to date not all the lambs at foot, slaughtered for disease control purposes, have been included in the figures on DEFRA's disease control system database (DCS). In the early stages of the outbreak, in line with normal husbandry practice, a number of ewes with lambs at foot were recorded as one unit (ie one animal). It was quickly recognised that each animal should be separately recorded and, as staff resources became available, an exercise to amend the DCS began.This exercise is now well under way and many of the lambs at foot are already reflected in the total slaughter figure of around 4 million for disease control purposes. Information describing this exercise has been on the DEFRA website for some time, where it is also noted that the data on the DCS are being validated and may result in figures being revised.Slaughtering under the livestock welfare disposal scheme took place at abattoirs and it was consequently more likely that lambs at foot were recorded in the slaughter figures. These figures are therefore very unlikely to change.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will reply to the letter of 11 June 2001 from Mrs. M. Edmunds of Low Lorton, Cumbria concerning foot and mouth disease. [43039]

[holding answer 14 March 2002]: I am sorry that my hon. Friend has not received a reply to his letter, but we are unable to trace it.I appreciate that my hon. Friend's constituent will be disappointed at not receiving a reply, and suggest, if a reply is still needed, that my hon. Friend sends us another copy of her letter so that we can provide an answer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many heating installations undertaken by (a) TXU Warm Front Ltd. and (b) Eaga Partnership were completed in each of the last four quarters for which information is available; what proportion were found to be (i) unsafe and (ii) requiring remedial work; and what was the (A) average and (B) longest wait for remedial work to be completed. [43568]

[holding answer 18 March 2002]: The number of electric and gas heating installations carried out for each quarter of 2001 were:

Quarter	TXU	Eaga	Total
1	2,715	8,112	10,827
2	5,131	12,574	17,705
3	5,287	11,513	16,800
4	5,907	15,567	21,474

The number and percentage of inspected installations found to be unsafe and those requiring remedial work during each quarter in that period
Remedial work required
Quarter	Number inspected	Of which unsafe	Number	Percentage
TXU
1	384	1	92	24
2	950	1	128	13
3	1,696	7	180	11
4	1,379	5	136	10
Eaga
1	4,158	1	544	13
2	4,260	1	513	12
3	7,152	4	1,023	14
4	9,927	2	1,238	13

All gas fired central heating installations are subject to inspection after installation. A percentage of other installations are also subject to inspection.Those jobs identified as requiring remedial work were deemed to have failed on inspection.Information on waiting times for remedial works to be carried out is not available in this format.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if (a) chloramphenicol and (b) streptomycin have been found in Chinese honey imported by the UK. [42495]

I have been asked to reply.Following regulatory action by the European Commission on products of animal origin from China, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) immediately began testing some products of animal origin already in the United Kingdom and as a result called for the withdrawal of jars of Chinese and blended honey on sale in the UK to ensure consumers are protected.Both streptomycin and chloramphenicol (antibiotics) were found in samples of Chinese and blended honey. The FSA published the results of this analysis in two press releases: 'Tests on Chinese and blended honey show traces of illegal residue of veterinary drug', which was issued on 6 February 2002, and 'Tests on Chinese and blended honey show further illegal drug residue' which was issued on 19 February 2002. Illegal residues of chloramphenicol were also found in samples of another bee product, royal jelly, at similar levels as those found in honey. The FSA again called for the withdrawal of Chinese and other royal jelly products which did not meet legal requirements. The main known risk from chloramphenicol relates to aplastic anaemia, a rare but serious blood disorder in susceptible individuals. The FSA, on the advice of expert toxicologists, has concluded that overall the levels of this antibiotic in honey pose an extremely small risk to public health. The streptomycin found was not considered to be of toxicological concern.The FSA's advice to the consumer is that, given the extremely small risk, people can continue to eat any honey they have already bought, irrespective of country of origin. This advice also applies to other foods that contain honey, where the risk is even lower. Given the low risk, consumers were not advised against the consumption of royal jelly.Full details have been published on the FSA website, www.food.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on what basis the targets under the packaging waste directive were established for (a) plastics, (b) aluminium, (c) steel, (d) glass and (e) paper. [52610]

[holding answer 7 May 2002]: As part of the current proposed revision of Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste, the Commission has proposed differentiated material specific targets to be met in 2006. These were largely based on work carried out by the environmental consultants RDC/Pira, which looked at the costs and benefits of recycling each material in order to obtain optimum recycling ranges.The draft proposal and RDC/Pira report are available on the Commission's website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to which companies the Export Credit Guarantees Department has paid moneys as part of its credit guarantees to that company in each of the last five years; in each case, (a) how much was paid, (b) what the project was against which the guarantee had been made and (c) which country had defaulted on its contractual arrangements; and if she will make a statement. [54360]

[holding answer 8 May 2002]: This question cannot be answered except at disproportionate cost. However, for each of the financial years 1997–98 to 2000–01 I have provided a list of the companies that ECGD paid claims to. I have also provided a list of the host countries of the defaulting buyers in each of these years and for these countries, the total claims paid in each industrial sector. I have placed a copy of the list in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to improve the career packages offered to scientists and engineers working in research and development; and if she will make a statement on the recommendations in Sir Gareth Roberts' review, "SET for success", concerning the tackling of recruitment and retention problems. [56053]

The career packages offered to scientists and engineers working in research and development are a matter for the employer. The Roberts' review's report "SET for success" identified a clear need for employers to improve the attractiveness of careers in R and D in order to compete effectively for talented staff.In 1997 the Research Careers Initiative (RCI) was established to focus on the policy dimension of improving the career management and development of research careers in the UK. The RCI identifies, encourages and disseminates good practice in the career management and development of contract research staff.More recently, Sir Gareth Roberts recommended that higher education institutions, as employers of scientists and engineers, should ensure that postdoctoral researchers have clear career development plans and access to training, and that researchers and academics should be better paid. He further recommended that R and D businesses should also offer improved career packages to attract the best science and engineering graduates and postgraduates that the UK has to offer."SET for success" recommended that businesses must review their recruitment mechanisms, the salaries offered to researchers, their career structure (including levels of responsibility and opportunities to progress), and the training and continued professional development opportunities that they make available. Sir Gareth also recommended that a group of R and D employers should monitor employers' progress in rising to these challenges.The Government are formulating a response to the Roberts review, in tandem with the current spending review, and a statement on how the Government will be taking forward the recommendations will be made in due course."SET for success" is available electronically at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/Roberts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether a Scottish Executive Minister will be a member of the UK delegation to the forthcoming Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism European Union Council of Ministers meeting on 21 May and what information is being provided by her Department to guarantee effective pre-Council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament. [55997]

I shall represent the UK at the Internal Market, Consumer Affairs and Tourism Council on 21 May. Pre-Council scrutiny by the European Committee of the Scottish Parliament is a matter for that Parliament and for the Scottish Executive. Council agendas are sent to Scottish Executive officials as are the letters circulated by my officials setting out the prospects for each council meeting. They stand ready to provide other information in line with the provisions of the concordat.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what targets her Department uses to measure productivity in the UK (a) for year on year growth, (b) in comparison with other EU countries and (c) in comparison with other G7 countries [55903]

The joint DTI/HM Treasury PSA target is to improve UK competitiveness by narrowing the productivity gap with the US, France, Germany and Japan over the economic cycle. The method for measuring this target is set out in 'Public Service Agreement 2001–04 Technical Notes', which is available from DTI's website http://www.dti.gov.uk/about/spendingreview/ psatechnicalnotes.htm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received from businesses regarding the 2002 Budget statement; and if she will make a statement. [55908]

As with all other Budgets, I have received a number of representations, for which I am grateful, from businesses and their representative bodies since the 2002 Budget statement.Many welcomed the Budget announcements on enterprise, including cuts in corporation tax and capital gains tax, the proposed new training tax credit and the R and D tax credit for large companies, which complements the tax credit already available for smaller companies. I am also aware of business concerns about the Government's decision on employers' national insurance contributions. But there is widespread recognition in the country of the need for more investment—and reform—in our system of healthcare.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will support the complaint made by EWS to the European Commission relating to France and the treaty of Rome free movement of goods provisions in relation to the movement of rail freight through the channel tunnel. [56030]

The Commission has already invoked the Free Movement of Goods Regulation in this case. We remain in close contact with the Commission and France about the action that is required by the French authorities to enable normal rail freight services through the channel tunnel to resume. Representations to the Commission from affected businesses will help underline the need for this action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent representations she has received from businesses regarding the competitiveness of the UK in comparison to (a) EU countries and (b) G7 nations. [55909]

Benchmarking the UK's performance against the world's leading economies including other EU and G7 nations is frequently part of the discussions my Department has in its work with consumers, employees and business to drive up productivity and competitiveness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what EU block exemption is available for franchises between 1990 and 2000; and whether this block exemption contains definitions for franchise, franchisee agreement and master franchise agreement; and if she will make a statement. [56439]

Until 31 May 2000, Commission Regulation 4087–88 provided the block exemption for franchising. This regulation contained definitions of franchise and master franchise agreement. With effect from 1 June 2000 (subject to transitional arrangements), Regulation 4087–88 was replaced by Commission Regulation 2790–99, which covers all types of vertical agreements, including franchising. Regulation 2790–99 contains no definitions of franchise, franchisee agreement or master franchise agreement, but the accompanying administrative guidelines (ref: 99/C 270–42, published in the Official Journal of the European Communities No. C270 of 24 September 1999) on the regulation contain a definition of franchise agreements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many wind farm proposals her Department has opposed on the basis of advice from the Ministry of Defence in the last five years; and where those proposals were situated. [56412]

Consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to construct a 80 MW wind farm at Kielder in Northumberland was refused after an objection by the Ministry of Defence. Wind farms with a capacity of 50 MW or less are considered by the relevant planning authority under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with representatives of consumers about future legislation relating to the electricity supply industry. [55044]

[holding answer 14 May 2002]: Following the passage of the Utilities Act 2000, the Government have no plans for primary legislation relating to the electricity supply industry. Secondary legislation relating to such supply is introduced as appropriate, both by DTI and the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority. Proposals for such legislation are subject to consultation with interested parties, including consumers' representatives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many days of sick leave were taken in her Department last year; how many related to employees suffering (a) stress and (b) other mental health problems; and what the cost was to her Department. [56473]

[holding answer 14 May 2002]: The average number of staff days lost per staff year through sickness absence in the DTI Group in 2000 (the most recent figure available) was 7.5. The figure is taken from the annual report on public sector sick absence commissioned by the Cabinet Office each year. The DTI Group, in addition to DTI HQ, consists of: ACAS, Companies House, Patent Office, Insolvency Service, National Weights and Measures Laboratory, Employment Tribunals Service, and the Radiocommunications Agency.In answer to the second part of the question, both parts

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the composition is of the board of the East of England Development Agency; and on what basis each member was appointed. [56547]

The following members make up the board of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA):Vincent Watts (Chair)Alan CherryGreg GrantPeter MartinRichard PowellNeville ReynerMarie SkinnerRuth BagnallSal BrintonMarco CeresteLeo MurrayChris PaveleyYasmin ShariffRoger Ali.The board is currently carrying a vacancy.Appointments to the boards of all the RDAs are made in accordance with the Code of Practice set out by the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments. This means they are made on merit, following fair and open competition.The RDA boards are business-led and the aim is that at least half of all the board members should have current or recent business experience. Four board members have local authority backgrounds and the rest of the board is made up of people with experience in some area relevant to the work of the RDA. In effect this means trade unions, further and higher education and the voluntary and community sectors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the powers are of the East of England Development Agency. [56546]

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is one of the eight regional development agencies in England outside London established by the Regional Development Agencies Act 1998. Each regional development agency (RDA) has five statutory purposes. They are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes have been made to the 2002–03 allocations of the regional development agencies since 16 April. [57318]

There has been no change to the overall budget for the RDAs, but, following consultation with the RDAs it has been decided slightly to revise the size of the central contingency fund for in-year shocks. £5 million has been redistributed between the RDAs. The new individual budgets are shown in the table.

	Allocation1
RDA	Gross	Net of receipts
Advantage West Midlands	194,640	192,169
East of England	75,000	76,307
East Midlands	99,980	101,247
London	295,820	286,327
North West	284,740	274,827
One North East	192,360	185,338
South East of England	101,360	100,480
South West of England	91,880	93,840
Yorkshire Forward	220,220	186,620
Total	1,556,000	1,497,155
1Including additional programmes (regional selective assistance, broadband and regional centres for manufacturing expertise)