To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost to public funds is of the accommodation review being undertaken by HOK International Ltd.; and for what reason the review is not being undertaken in-house. [59780]

[holding answer 10 June 2002]: The cost of the accommodation review is £169,700. HOK International Ltd. is assisting the Serjeant at Arms and a project team representing all Departments of the House to carry out the review of the House of Commons estate on behalf of the Board of Management. The consultancy was let to bring in expertise and resources not available in-house. The aim of the review is to identify options and to make recommendations that will assist the House in forming its accommodation strategy over the period 2003–08.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, if he will make a statement on the resources available to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. [61775]

The House's Internal Review Service (IRS) has now reported to the Commission. The principal findings are:

that the Parliamentary Commissioner's present time commitment of three days a week should he sufficient to cope with current and expected future need;

that the temporary office support post should be made permanent;

that there should be a new post of investigative support officer to assist the Commissioner with detailed day-to-day work. This would also enable the Registrar of Members' Interests to concentrate on, and help the Commissioner with, the preventive, educational and advice aspects of the work.

At its last meeting the Commission discussed the report and its findings with the chairman of the Committee on Standards and Privileges and with the Parliamentary Commissioner, who expressed themselves content with the additional resources proposed. Following that meeting, copies of the report were given to members of the Committee on Standards and Privileges. They, too, indicated that they were content with what was proposed. The Commission has therefore directed that the report's recommendations should be implemented.Following implementation, the staff of the Commissioner's office will be: the Commissioner, the registrar, the assistant registrar, the investigative support officer, the Commissioner's personal assistant, and a general office assistant.The report recommends that the IRS should conduct a verification review in 12 months' time. The Commission will take any action necessary as a result of that review, but in any event remains committed to providing whatever resources, both in terms of staff and days worked, that may be required.I am placing a copy of the review manager's report in the Library and on the parliamentary website at www.parliament.uk. I am also arranging for a copy to be sent to the Committee on Standards in Public Life.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his assessment is of levels of bipartisan support for the peace process. [57735]

We believe that all those with the interests of Northern Ireland at heart should come together in support of the peace process and the continuing implementation of the Belfast Agreement. The backing we receive here is essential to our efforts to sustain and carry forward the process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the new criminal injuries compensation scheme for Northern Ireland. [57736]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to improve the criminal injuries compensation scheme for Northern Ireland. [57751]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the new criminal injuries compensation scheme for Northern Ireland. [57753]

The scheme, introduced on 1 May, put in place many of the recommendations of the independent review of compensation carried out by Sir Kenneth Bloomfield. It is similar to arrangements in the rest of the UK, and is designed to provide innocent and deserving victims of crime with a quicker and easier way to obtain compensation for their injuries. The tariff amounts of compensation for pain and suffering have been set at existing average levels within Northern Ireland. Additional payments can be made for pecuniary loss and other expenses. Many improvements to the eligibility criteria will ensure that compensation is widely available to those who have suffered at the hands of violent criminals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government have taken to implement the recommendations of the Bloomfield report. [57737]

The Government have made substantial progress towards implementation of the Bloomfield report. We have established the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund, which we continue to support financially; the family trauma centre in Belfast; and a new Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation which will be based in Omagh. We provide core funding to victims' groups; we fund the Legacy Project, based in Warrington; and we part-fund the implementation of the Devolved Administration's Victims' Strategy. We have revised the criminal injuries compensation scheme and took steps to facilitate the recovery of the 'Disappeared.'

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment is of the prospects for further decommissioning of weapons by Loyalist terrorists. [57739]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his latest assessment is of the prospects of decommissioning of weapons by loyalist terrorists. [57759]

The Government have consistently called for decommissioning from all paramilitary organisations. We have had two acts of decommissioning from the IRA. That must be the start of a process. It is imperative that we now see reciprocation from loyalists, and all groups dismantling all the apparatus of terror.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on prospects for further decommissioning of IRA weapons. [57746]

The second act of decommissioning, reported on by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning on 8 April 2002, indicates the IRA's commitment to the process. The commission is continuing its contact with the IRA representative to facilitate the ultimate decommissioning of all IRA arms. However, this progress needs to be part of an ongoing process and indeed must involve all paramilitary groups. All paramilitary groups must end all forms of terrorist activity and dismantle the apparatus of terrorism.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent measures the Government have taken in Northern Ireland to assist the integration of the Catholic and Protestant communities. [57740]

We are committed to upholding the principles of partnership, equality and mutual respect, which are cornerstones of the Belfast Agreement. Through working towards full implementation of the Agreement, the Government continue to promote inclusivity at all levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the progress towards the disbandment of the Provisional IRA and other terrorist groups in Northern Ireland. [57741]

We need to see the dismantling of all the apparatus of terror, and the decommissioning of weapons and mindsets. We need to complete the transition away from violence. The IRA has embarked upon a process of decommissioning: it is imperative that we now see reciprocation from loyalists, and the standing down and disbandment of all paramilitary organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by month since January the shooting incidents attributed to the Provisional IRA in Northern Ireland. [57742]

The table provides details of the shooting incidents attributed to Republican groups. Since 1 January to 30 April 2002 there have been 34 shooting incidents attributed to Republicans. It is not possible to attribute these incidents to any specific paramilitary organisation.

Shooting incidents 1 January to 30 April 2002, by DCU
	DCU	Details of incident
4 January	Lisburn	Paramilitary-style shooting
5 January	Belfast West	Paramilitary-style shooting
6 January	Fermanagh	Shots heard—5 x bursts of 5 rounds each were fired
7 January	Ballymena	Three shots were fired at a house
12 January	Belfast North	Paramilitary-style shooting
13 January	Belfast West	Paramilitary-style shooting
16 January	Belfast East	Paramilitary-style shooting
17 January	Newry and Mourne	Paramilitary-style shooting
18 January	Lisburn	Paramilitary-style shooting
18 January	Craigavon	Shots fired at a lorry driver
21 January	Downpatrick	Two shots fired into a bar
23 January	Belfast West	Paramilitary-style shooting
23 January	Belfast West	Paramilitary-style shooting
27 January	Lisburn	Paramilitary-style shooting
31 January	Belfast South	Paramilitary-style shooting
11 February	Coleraine	Paramilitary-style shooting
17 February	Belfast North	Shots fired in street
18 February	Belfast West	Paramilitary-style shooting
20 February	Belfast North	Paramilitary-style shooting
21 February	Downpatrick	Shots fired at vehicle—one person killed
26 February	Craigavon	Paramilitary-style shooting
28 February	Belfast North	Paramilitary-style shooting
2 March	Belfast North	Paramilitary-style shooting
3 March	Downpatrick	Shot fired during an armed robbery
9 March	Belfast West	Paramilitary-style shooting
15 March	Newry and Mourne	Paramilitary-style shooting
20 March	Armagh	Eight shots fired at house/vehicle
23 March	Fermanagh	Shots fired at police station
26 March	Lisburn	Paramilitary-style shooting
6 April	Lisburn	Paramilitary-style shooting
7 April	Belfast North	Paramilitary-style shooting
12 April	Lisburn	Paramilitary-style shooting
17 April	Dungannon and South Tyrone	Fatal shooting
18 April	Belfast North	Shots fired

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the criminal activities of the paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland. [57743]

The Organised Crime Task Force, which I chair, has identified that the legacy of terrorism remains a significant influence in Northern Ireland. Of the 76 organised criminal enterprises that we have identified operating in Northern Ireland, nearly half are either associated with, or controlled by loyalist or republican paramilitary organisations. The insidious nature of some local problems—notably extortion—can be traced directly to terrorism. In addition, some of the more important criminals derive their status and influence from their current or historic paramilitary links.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evidence he has collated of recent breaches of the ceasefire and Belfast Agreement by Republican paramilitaries; and if he will make a statement. [57738]

We keep the ceasefires of all paramilitary organisations under constant review. The Acting Chief Constable's security assessment is that there is no indication that the IRA is intending to recommence its campaign. However, a ceasefire is no longer enough. If there is to be confidence in this process then we need to see a whole-hearted commitment to exclusively peaceful means and a clear demonstration that the war is over.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work being done by the Organised Crime Task Force for the next 12 months. [57744]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Organised Crime Task Force to date. [57752]

This year, as last year, the priority areas for concerted multi-agency effort are extortion, drugs, oils-related fraud, tobacco and alcohol duty evasion and money laundering. In addition, we have added two new strategic priority areas: the trade in counterfeit goods and armed robbery. The Organised Crime Task Force has published a range of performance indicators in its year two strategy document, which will be used to judge performance in 12 months time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Organised Crime Task Force over the past 12 months. [57748]

A year on from the publication of the Task Force's first "Threat Assessment and Strategy", we have seen some truly remarkable successes against organised criminals in Northern Ireland. During the past 12 months, 57 criminal networks have been subject to detailed law enforcement investigation, 43 have had members arrested for a wide range of serious offences and 24 networks have had members successfully prosecuted. As a result of concerted law enforcement activity during the past year, 42 organised crime networks have been disrupted or dismantled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he next expects to meet representatives of the US State Department to discuss IRA involvement in the terrorist campaign in Colombia. [57747]

I meet and speak to the ambassador in the US State Department, Dr Haass, regularly. We discuss a wide range of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what conditions have been attached to the release from prison of Mr. Johnny Adair. [57749]

Mr. Adair was released from prison on 15 May in accordance with the Northern Ireland (Remission of Sentences) Act 1995.As with any prisoner released under this Act, if it appears to the Secretary of State that Mr. Adair's continued liberty would present a risk to the safety of others or he was likely to commit further offences, he can be recalled to prison to serve the period between half and two-thirds point of his sentence without recourse to the courts.Furthermore, and again as with any prisoner under the Treatment of Offenders (NI) Order 1976, if he is convicted of a non-scheduled offence in Northern Ireland before 15 May 2010—the date on which he would have been released if no remission had been granted, a court may order his return to prison to serve out the remainder of his sentence.If he is convicted of a scheduled offence for which he receives a custodial sentence, then the court must order his return to prison to serve what remains of his sentence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking to improve community security in Northern Ireland. [57750]

The Government published a draft community safety strategy for consultation on 10 April 2002. The strategy sets out a broad framework for action at a local level to address local concerns about crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. It will require close co-operation from a wide range of agencies in both the devolved and non devolved administrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps the Government are taking to enhance crime prevention and community safety in Northern Ireland. [57757]

The Government are taking forward a number of crime prevention campaigns in Northern Ireland with appropriate partners. In addition, a draft community safety strategy was published for consultation on 10 April 2002. The strategy sets out a broad framework for action at a local level to address local concerns about crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the relationship between community safety partnerships and district policing partnerships. [57758]

District Policing Partnerships and Community Safety Partnerships will serve different purposes—the first is accountability based, and the second service delivery. DPPs are made up of elected representatives and independent members. CSP members will be drawn from organisations with responsibility for service delivery. The police will be the common denominator, and close links will be important, with opportunities for the DPP to contribute to the CSP.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in implementing the Criminal Justice Review; and if he will make a statement. [57754]

The Justice (Northern Ireland) Bill which paves the way for implementing many, though not all, of the accepted criminal justice review recommendations is currently under consideration by Grand Committee in the House of Lords, having successfully completed its Commons stages. Other recommendations are being taken forward administratively. Subject to royal assent, it is intended to publish a revised Implementation Plan which will set out progress made in respect of each recommendation and indicate timescales for their implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the impact in Northern Ireland of the Proceeds of Crime Bill. [57755]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Rammell).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in the Province. [57756]

There is a significant threat from dissident Republican paramilitaries and from disaffected elements within Localism who are intent in continuing with their campaign to disrupt the peace process. Tensions between the two communities in north and east Belfast have erupted yet again in more street violence. This violence is totally unacceptable and must be brought to an end. The appearance of gunmen firing at rioters and the security forces is also a worrying development. We will continue to monitor closely the ceasefires of all the paramilitary organisations and will take appropriate action if considered necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the prospects for the future of policing in Northern Ireland. [57734]

We have laid firm foundations for a new beginning to policing. We have a Policing Board with cross-community participation and broad powers to hold police to account.I warmly welcome the appointment of Hugh Orde as the new chief constable. He is adistinguished senior police officer who brings with him invaluable experience for both Northern Ireland and the Metropolitan Police.

To ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on the proposal by the President of the European Commission for the Commission to be given powers to issue binding instructions to Governments that deviate from the policy guidelines adopted by euro zone members and to be the sole representative of the EU in international economic and financial meetings. [60583]

The Government do not agree with this proposal.

To ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on the proposals of the President of the European Commission to give the Commission powers to recommend action on national budget deficits that could only be overturned by a unanimous vote of all EU Governments; when he was first informed of this proposal; and if he will make a statement. [60580]

The Government do not agree with this proposal. The European Commission's communication "A Project for the European Union" was released on 22 May 2002, and I was informed after its release.

To ask the Prime Minister if he was consulted before the President of the European Commission's proposals for additional economic powers to be given to the Commission were publicised; and if he will make a statement. [60587]

I was not consulted before the publication of the European Commission's Communication "A Project for the European Union" on 22 May 2002.

To ask the Prime Minister what his policy is on the proposal by the President of the European Commission for the national veto on taxation matters to be abolished; and if he will make a statement. [60584]

The Government's position is that unanimity should be retained for decisions on taxation.

To ask the Prime Minister how many times in the last three years he has discussed Gibraltar with the Spanish Prime Minister. [60791]

I talk to the Spanish Prime Minister frequently on a range of EU and other foreign policy issues. We most recently discussed Gibraltar during Prime Minister Aznar's visit to London on 20 May.

To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to lay the Intelligence and Security Committee's annual report before Parliament. [61926]

I am grateful to the Intelligence and Security Committee for their valuable work and their latest annual report. Following consultation with the Intelligence and Security Committee over matters which could not be published without prejudicing the discharge of the function and operation of the Intelligence and Security agencies, I will lay the report before the House tomorrow. Copies will also be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.The Government will respond formally to the report shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements the Government are making to publish Departments' action plans for the implementation of the core principles for involving children and young people. [61139]

In line with the commitment set out in "Learning to Listen—Core Principles for the Involvement of Children and Young People in Government", the following Departments are today publishing their action plans:

• Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Ministry of Defence
• Department for Education and Skills
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
• Department of Health
• HM Treasury
• Home Office
• Lord Chancellor's Department

These will be placed on the Children and Young People's Unit website, www.cypu.gov.uk, and copies will be placed in the Library.The Children and Young People's Unit will be reviewing progress against action plans in an annual report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) primary school teachers and (b) secondary school teachers took sickness absence in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001, broken down by (1) full-time and (2) part-time teachers. [60527]

In the calendar years 1999, 2000 and 2001 (provisional), the numbers of full-time and part-time teachers in the English maintained schools sector taking sickness absence¹ were as follows:

	Full-time	Part-time
1999	234,520	30,130
2000	238,820	34,450
2001	246,300	37,300

These figures cannot be broken down by phase.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many days (a) primary school teachers and (b) secondary school teachers took in sickness absence in (i) 1999, (ii) 2000 and (iii) 2001, broken down by (1) full-time and (2) part-time teachers. [60528]

In the calendar years 1999, 2000 and 2001 (provisional), the numbers of days of sickness absence' taken by full-time and part-time teachers in the English maintained schools sector were as follows:

	Full-time	Part-time
1999	2,249,150	254,180
2000	2,392,400	301,970
2001	2,461,000	338.900

These figures cannot be broken down by phase.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will make a statement on Sure Start projects in Barnet. [57890]

Barnet does not at present have a Sure Start programme operating in the borough. However, the borough has been invited to consider setting up a programme as part of the sixth wave of Sure Start announced on 14 May 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research she has commissioned into the effectiveness of the national literacy and numeracy strategies; and if she will make a statement. [60244]

[holding answer 10 June 2002]: The university of Toronto is independently evaluating the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. Last year they produced the following report:

Watching and Learning 2, OISE/UT Evaluation of the Implementation of the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies, Second Annual Report, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto (September 2001).

They reported that

"the Strategies have influenced virtually all schools in England, moving literacy and numeracy to top priority in classrooms across the country."

Ofsted is also evaluating the literacy and numeracy strategies through its regular inspections of schools and in two nationally representative samples of primary schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will list, for each of the last three years, the total payments made by her Department to electoral reform services for the purpose of (a) establishing the number of parents forming the electorate in area grammar school ballots and (b) establishing the list of primary schools whose parents form the electorate in feeder school grammar school ballots. [59244]

The information requested is set out in the table:

£
Petition year	(a) Establishing number of parents forming electorate in area grammar school ballots1	(b) Establishing the list of primary schools whose parents form the electorate in feeder school grammar school ballots1
1999–2000	171,396	13
2000–2001	82,982	11
2001–20022	389,516	14
1 To nearest pound
2 To date

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the information memorandum sent to potential bidders for QinetiQ refers to QinetiQ's contract with the Public Record Office for the 1901 Census website; and if he will make a statement. [57797]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 23 May 2002, Official Report, column 475W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many nuclear facilities, storage areas, fixed equipment and reactors (a) have been in the last 30 years and (b) are planned to be decommissioned by his Department; and in each case, what the cost was. [60394]

Data on how many nuclear facilities, storage areas, fixed equipment and reactors decommissioned over the past 30 years within the Ministry of Defence is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, expenditure from 1997–98 was provided to my hon. Friend on 5 March 2002, Official Report, columns 162–63W.As at 31 March 2001 (the latest available published figures), the MOD's nuclear liabilities amounted to £3,574,809,000 (representing the liabilities discounted at 6 per cent. and expressed in 2000–01 money values) or £16,039,639,000 (undiscounted). A more detailed breakdown is not available in the form requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support his Department is giving to the organisers of the Farnborough Airshow taking place in July; and if his Department is providing assistance to enable overseas visitors to attend it. [60616]

In support of the Government's commitment to a strong United Kingdom defence industry, the Ministry of Defence undertakes a broad range of activities in support of The Society of British Aerospace Companies organisation of this prestigious show to help ensure its continued position as the world's premier business aerospace exhibition. Normal marketing support to United Kingdom exhibitors is provided by the Defence Export Services Organisation, and other assistance includes helping the organisers ensure the maximum exposure of United Kingdom products to potential customers by supporting official inward visits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with the Quinquennial Review of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office; and if he will make a statement. [61910]

I am pleased to announce today the outcome of the first stage of the Quinquennial Review of the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes he plans to the role of the reserves in home defence and security. [61911]

The work to date on the New Chapter to the Strategic Defence Review indicates that there is scope for an additional role for the reserves in home defence and security tasks, which would draw on their strengths and skills in the response to a crisis and which the reserves would themselves welcome. To explain our concept and to seek views upon it, the Ministry of Defence has today issued a discussion document entitled "The Role of the Reserves in Home Defence and Security". Copies of the document have been placed in the Library of the House. It makes proposals for providing a significant enhancement to the support which the Department and armed forces can provide to the civil authorities in such circumstances in three areas:

by the formation of reaction forces on a regional basis, comprising an average of 500 reserve personnel who volunteer for the role and who would be available to be deployed in a crisis;

by formalising the role of 2 Signals Brigade, and its predominantly Territorial Army subordinate units, in supporting those personnel deploying in response to a crisis, and enhancing its communications equipment accordingly;

by using reserve personnel to improve our contingency planning, and the machinery by which the civil authorities can gain access to support from the armed forces in a crisis.

This is a significant development for our reserve forces, and an important new challenge for them. We will take account of the views of the reserves and their employers on the discussion document in finalising our proposals. At that stage, we will also take a final view on the implications for the size and shape of our reserve forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what key targets have been set for the Disposal Services Agency for financial year 2002–03. [61912]

The agency was originally launched as the Disposal Sales Agency in October 1994, and was re-launched in November 2000 as the Disposal Services Agency. The agency provides much more than a sales function for surplus Ministry of Defence equipment and stores. It provides a total disposal solution by acting as a broker and adding value through expert advice across the public sector. The agency is therefore operating very much in line with the Government's aim of more joined-up delivery.The chief executive of the agency has been set the following key targets for the financial year 2002–03.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the major transport investment projects that have been given final go-ahead by his Department since 7 June 2001. [59359]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what legal powers he will hold to require Network Rail to change the nature of the use of sub-contractors for network maintenance. [59332]

I have been asked to reply.The management of maintenance contracts would be a matter for Network Rail, if it succeeds Railtrack as network operator. The guidelines issued by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 31 October 2001 specify that bidders should demonstrate proposals for focused and effective contract management. Network Rail has said it plans to improve relations with maintenance organisations through longer contracts, better alignment of incentives and by awarding contracts on the basis of best value assessments—not necessarily the lowest price.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for railways regulation. [62144]

As the Government announced in October 2001, they have been considering whether the railways regulatory framework continues to be fit for purpose given the changing circumstances faced by the UK rail industry. The Government's considerations have been guided by a number of key overarching principles:

Providing sufficient comfort and protection to operators and lenders through independent economic regulation and in order to regulate monopoly/monopsony elements and to secure private investment in the railways at an efficient cost;

Ensuring that public expenditure on the railways delivers the Government's objectives and achieves value for money;

Ensuring that the level of public expenditure on the railways respects and reflects the Government's overall spending priorities, including the 10 Year Plan;

Keeping the burden of regulation to the minimum level necessary; and

Ensuring a stable, well led industry with clarity of roles.

Having reviewed the current regulatory regime, the Government propose to build on the existing board structure of the ORR by establishing a statutory regulatory board. This is in line with Government policy on independent regulatory authorities, is consistent with the recommendations of the Better Regulation Task Force, and has been done in the case of the regulation of the gas and electricity industries (Utilities Act 2000) and postal services (Postal Services Act 2000) and is in the course of being done for the Office of Fair Trading (Enterprise Bill) and the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors (Communications Bill).The regulator's duties include requirements to have regard to the SRA's strategies and budget. In view of the importance the Government attach to continued close working between the SRA and the regulator on these matters, I intend to issue directions to the SRA and guidance to the regulator on how I expect these requirements to be reflected in any future review of the network operator's revenue requirements.The Government will need to continue to keep the effectiveness of the regime under review as the rail sector develops. The implementation of EU Directives already requires the Government to review the regulatory framework and adjust it in accordance with the Directives as necessary (the implementation of the First Railway Package of Directives is due by March 2003).In making any further changes to the regulatory regime, the Government will continue to have regard to all of the principles set out above, treating the first one on independent economic regulation as an essential continuing requirement. Should the Government conclude that any change is required, they would consult key stakeholders on proposals in the normal way before bringing forward appropriate legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what recent investigations he has carried out into the (a) feasibility and (b) utility of constructing combinations of single and double lines of rail track adjacent to motorways and trunk highways. [59872]

I have been asked to reply.None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total revenue was from bridge tolls for each toll bridge in England in each of the last five years. [61098]

The majority of statutory tolled bridges in England are either privately owned or operated by a local authority and are not legally obliged to send regular accounts to the Secretary of State. As such the information requested is not held by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) fire stations, (b) full time fire-fighters and (c) part time fire-fighters there are in each fire authority. [60445]

I have been asked to reply.Information on the number of fire stations in each fire authority in England and Wales at 1 January for each year from 1997 to 2002 was given in my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member on 19 March 2002,

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what central government-sponsored programmes are under way to support physical regeneration projects. [59825]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much investment has been committed to physical regeneration projects in (a) the last five years and (b) the next five years. [59826]

I have been asked to reply.During the past five years the Government's physical regeneration expenditure programme has been undertaken principally through the Regional Development Agencies (RDA), the London Development Agency (LDA) and the Urban Regeneration Agency (URA)(part of English Partnerships).

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the future training requirements in the oil and gas sector. [57307]

An updated review of skills in this sector—funded by DTI, Scottish Enterprise, Aberdeen city council and the new Sector Skills Council COGENT—is due to be published in July this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what international agreements to which the United Kingdom is party govern the long-term liability issues of contamination, accidents and maintenance of redundant oil installations that are left in place. [58347]

The Oslo and Paris Convention of 1992 (OSPAR) provides for the protection of the Marine Environment of the NE Atlantic. Under the convention the UK has adopted OSPAR Decision 98/3 which provides a regime for the decommissioning of oil and gas installations and effectively prohibits sea disposal. There is a presumption that installations on the UK continental shelf will be brought back to shore for reuse, recycling or final disposal on land. However, the OSPAR Decision recognises that there may be difficulty in removing the 'footings' of large steel jackets weighing more than 10,000 tonnes and in removing concrete installations. As a result derogations may be granted in these cases if the internationally agreed assessment and consultation process shows that leaving such installations wholly or partly in place is justifiable. If a derogation is granted, the permit will specify who will be liable for the remains and require suitable monitoring and management measures to prevent or mitigate any adverse consequences to both the environment and other users of the sea.In the UK, to ensure the orderly decommissioning of all installations, including those subject to derogation from the OSPAR Decision, the decommissioning of each installation is addressed within a decommissioning programme. The programme assesses the potential decommissioning solutions and determines the most appropriate disposal option by balancing safety, the environment, impact on other users of the sea, technical feasibility and economics. The programme must be approved by the Secretary of State under the Petroleum Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of ordinary written questions for her Department were answered within a week of tabling in each month since June 2001; and what proportion of questions for named day received a substantive answer on that day in each month since June 2001. [58988]

The information is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2002, Official Report, columns 698–99W, on compensation applications, if she will provide a breakdown of the top 100 companies and organisations and the amounts paid to those lawyers dealing with vibration white finger and carpal tunnel syndrome. [60803]

In the time given, the Department cannot provide the costs paid to the top 100 solicitors/organisations. The following table updates the details of costs paid to the 10 solicitors/organisations who represent the largest number of vibration white finger claims in ascending order of total claims intimated.

Solicitor/organisations	Costs paid (£ million)
1. Thompsons	6.3
2. Browell Smith and Co.	4.8
3. UDM	4.0
4. Raleys	3.5
5. Hugh James Ford Simey	3.5
6. Graysons	2.3
7. Watson Burton	2.2
8. Moss	1.6
9. Towells	1.5
10. AMS Law	1.2

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer of 26 March 2002, Official Report, columns 797–98W, on legal costs, if she will provide a breakdown of the top 100 companies and organisations and the amounts paid to those lawyers dealing with bronchitis and emphysema. [60802]

In the time given, the Department cannot provide the costs paid to the top 100 solicitors/organisations. The following table updates the details of costs paid to the 10 solicitors/organisations who represent the largest number of respiratory disease claims in ascending order of total claims intimated.

Solicitors/organisations	Costs paid (£ million)
1. Thompsons	19.2
2. Hugh James Ford Simey	10.7
3. Raleys	5.2
4. Browell Smith and Co.	4.1

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are (a) in place and (b) under discussion in her Department in order to ensure compliance with the WEEE directive. [60753]

The WEEE directive is still in draft. The conciliation process is about to commence and the final text should be finalised this autumn. This will allow detailed implementation plans to commence. A formal consultation was completed in December 2000, on the original Commission draft, and there has been constant discussion with all stakeholders since. Informal retailer, local authority and small business focus groups have already been established to consider compliance options, with more planned. A series of formal consultations are planned early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to remove the lower rate of the minimum wage. [60533]

We have no such plans. I announced new terms of reference for the Low Pay Commission today and will of course carefully consider any recommendations made on this issue in their next report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the financial contribution into the United Kingdom's economy has been in each of the last five years from the European Structural Fund. [60710]

The total European Union Structural Funds allocations to the United Kingdom for the periods 1994–99 and 2000–06 are euro 12,590 and euro 16,640 million, equivalent to £8,380 and £10,799 million at 2000 prices. The table breaks these totals into the yearly sums. These figures include the European Social Fund allocation.

	Euro million	£ million
1997	2,552	1,668
1998	2,569	1,679
1999	2,673	1,748
2000	2,496	1,621
2001	2,471	1,595

The figures in the table are allocations rather than receipts. Some receipts are not recorded centrally and, in any case, receipts in any one year will include reimbursement of some claims submitted in respect of previous years. Similarly some claims submitted during the year in question will not be paid in that year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when she last met the National Federation of Retail Newsagents to discuss wholesaler monopolies of newspaper and magazine distribution; [60496](2) if she will meet the chief executive of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents to discuss the wholesaler monopolies of newspaper and magazine distribution. [60497]

My right hon. Friend and other DTI Ministers have not met the National Federation of Retail Newsagents recently.Responsibility for monitoring the newspaper and magazine distribution market and investigating allegations of anti-competitive behaviour lies with the Director General of Fair Trading. The Office of Fair Trading is currently reviewing the Code of Practice on the supply of national newspapers, introduced following the 1993 monopoly report on newspaper distribution in England and Wales. It is also examining other issues affecting the industry including exclusive distribution and carriage charges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list, for each of the last three years, each political donation made by British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. and each of its subsidiaries; what budget has been allocated by BNFL and its subsidiaries for political donations in 2002–03; and if she will make a statement. [59241]

[holding answer 11 June 20021: This is a matter for the company. I have asked the chief executive to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many renewable energy projects attracted financial support from the Export Credits Guarantee Department in each of the last three years; what the level of financial support was for each project; and what percentage these represent of the total (a) number and (b) value of ECGD funded projects. [57609]

ECGD has not provided new financial support for any renewable energy project during the last three years. During this period, however, additional insurance has been extended in respect of projects for which financial support had been underwritten earlier. Details of insurance provided by ECGD are not disclosed as this is treated as commercial in confidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Low Pay Commission has been given new terms of reference. [61929]

We have today given the Low Pay Commission new terms of reference. The Government have asked the commission to continue to monitor and evaluate the impact of the minimum wage and to make recommendations, if appropriate, for changes to the levels of the main and development rates. The commission has been asked to report to the Government by the end of February 2003. Copies of the terms of reference have been placed in the Libraries of the House.I am pleased to announce that we have also recently made two appointments to the Low Pay Commission. The new chair of the commission is Adair Turner, vice chairman of Merrill Lynch Europe and the new employer member is Angie Risley from Whitbread Group plc.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the roll out of broadband connectivity in Northern Ireland. [57731]

The Government are committed to making the UK broadband market more extensive and competitive. The Government work with colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive to support the development of the market. As part of the £30 million UK broadband fund, Northern Ireland will be receiving £1.46 million, which will be used to fund a number of initiatives announced on 19 March 2002.The Northern Ireland Executive has recognised the development of a leading-edge telecommunications infrastructure as central to the development of the Northern Ireland economy. It has launched a number of initiatives such as the SME Broadband Satellite pilot programme to encourage companies to embrace broadband.The Northern Ireland Executive will in due course issue a call for expressions of interest in potential flagship projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what part his Department played in brokering the ceasefire between the Government of Angola and the UNITA rebels signed in April; and if he will make a statement. [58912]

Prior to the ceasefire in Angola, Her Majesty's Government operated a two-track policy towards Angola which was to support the existing sanctions regime against UNITA, as a means of pressing them towards dialogue; while working on the Angolan Government to improve their humanitarian performance, tackle corruption and create some genuine democratic space for possible dialogue. We worked with the Government of Angola, our EU colleagues and the United Nations with the aim of encouraging transparent dialogue between all parties to the conflict.We welcome and support the current cease-fire and moves towards peace in Angola. The signature of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chiefs of Staff of Angolan armed forces and UNITA on 4 April is an important step on the path to securing peace and stability. The agreement should be the start of a sustainable process through negotiation and dialogue. Both sides now need to make firm commitments towards the implementation of a transparent and inclusive political process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many press releases have been issued by his Department in each month of 2002. [59499]

The number of press bulletins issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the period specified is:

	Number
January	40
February	37
March	39
April	45
May	49
June	1

The figures include a daily bulletin of ministerial engagements and announcements and other press releases. The daily bulletin may contain a number of announcements. All Foreign Office press releases, including statements and speeches by Ministers, can be read on our website at www.fco.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many press releases were issued by his Department (a) in each month between May and December 1997 and (b) in each year from 1998 to 2001 inclusive. [59498]

The number of press bulletins issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the period specified is:

	Number
1997
May	59
June	49
July	48
August	29
September	51
October	55
November	45
December	45
1998
January	38
February	33
March	58
April	35
May	34
June	27
July	37
August	29
September	31
October	37
November	27
December	28
1999
January	47
February	53
March	65
April	76
May	51
June	59

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many people his Department employs in its regulatory impact unit; and if he will make a statement. [59874]

As a non-regulatory Department, the FCO does not have a dedicated regulatory impact unit. Issues relating to regulatory impact are dealt with by a member of FCO staff as part of his overall duties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will be raising the UK's sale of Hawk jets to India during his forthcoming visit to the region. [60419]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had not planned to discuss the possible sale of Hawk jets to India during his visit to the region, and did not himself raise it. The subject was, however, mentioned by the Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes at his meeting with my right hon. Friend, and a brief discussion on the issue followed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Liberia's use of revenue generated by its shipping register to purchase arms in breach of the UN embargo. [60169]

[holding answer 10 June 2002]: The report of the UN Expert Panel published in October 2001 found that in 2000 revenue from the Liberian Shipping Registries Incorporated (LISCR) (which manages Liberia's shipping registry on behalf of the Government of Liberia) was diverted to purchase arms in breach of UN sanctions. Since then LISCR has taken action to prevent this reoccurring. LISCR channels shipping registry funds to Liberia's Bureau of Maritime Affairs which the panel described in April 2002 as 'little more than a cash extraction operation and cover from which to fund and organise off-budget expenditures including for sanctions-busting'. The Expert Panel report published in April 2002 expressed continued concern at the use made by the Bureau of Maritime Affairs of Liberia's shipping registry funds.President Taylor's involvement in weapons trafficking and his support for armed groups continue to threaten regional peace and stability. The UK therefore welcomes the provisions contained in UN Security Council resolution 1408 (2002) that call on Liberia to establish transparent and internationally verifiable audit regimes to ensure that revenue derived from the Liberia shipping registry is used for legitimate social, humanitarian and development purposes, not sanction-busting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met members of the Turkish Government; what issues were discussed on their progress towards possible membership of the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [60707]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State most recently met Foreign Minister Cem on 14 May in Reykjavik, during the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting. They discussed European Defence, the transfer to Turkey of the ISAF lead and Cyprus.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens spent more than seven days in prison in each EU country, in each year since 1997; and how many were subsequently acquitted. [60386]

All British Embassies and High Commissions keep records of those British prisoners who have asked the local authorities to inform the British Mission of their detention. These records show how long a prisoner was detained and whether he/she was later acquitted. However the Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not collate statistics in the format requested, and so to provide this information would incur disproportionate costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to meet representatives of the Chinese Government; and if he will raise the case of Ngawang Sandrol at that meeting. [59782]

[holding answer 10 June 2002]: My right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary, hopes to meet Chinese Ministers later in the year. We raise human rights issues, including Tibet, with the Chinese at every suitable occasion and will continue to do so.Ngawang Sangdrol is one the individual cases that we regularly raise with the Chinese in the context of the biannual UK/China Human Rights Dialogue. We most recently raised her case during the dialogue which took place in Beijing on 15 May. In their response, the Chinese said that her sentence had been reduced by 18 months.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the UK's diplomatic staffing will be in East Timor. [60484]

The British Office in East Timor was up-graded to an Embassy at Independence on 20 May 2002. There are two diplomatic staff in Dili.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what involvement the UK Government will have in the preparations for peace talks in the Middle East. [60481]

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and a member of the EU, the UK is actively involved in international efforts to revitalise the Middle East Peace Process in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.A revitalised peace process must lead to the establishment of two viable, secure, territorially sovereign and democratic states of Israel and Palestine, mutually recognised and committed to peaceful coexistence within agreed borders. It should address key issues, particularly in respect of Jerusalem, settlements and refugees. It should also secure a comprehensive peace that includes full peace treaties between Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Only genuine commitment by the parties to such an agenda can break the current cycle of violence and reprisal.Achieving these goals will require a continuous process that includes confidence building measures and timelines; ensures parallel movement on the political, security and economic tracks; and is based on UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338 and 1397.We expect to take this forward at the G8 Foreign Minister's meeting, 12–13 June, and in our consultations with other involved countries in coming weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress towards restoring democracy in Zimbabwe. [60246]