To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the outcome of the G8 summit in Canada as it relates to trade with developing countries. [62474]

The G8 leaders are meeting in Kananaskis today and tomorrow so it is too early to be able to comment on the outcome of discussion of the G8 Action Plan for Africa. The UK is putting forward specific proposals in the key areas of conflict, education, health, development assistance, debt and trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the G8 summit in respect of international aid. [62485]

The G8 Summit is addressing a number of issues of vital significance to developing countries. These include: conflict reduction; trade; debt relief; universal primary education; health, including affordable essential medicines; the effectiveness of development assistance; and support for Afghanistan. A G8 Action Plan for Africa is being drawn up, with the aim of responding to African countries' own efforts to pursue policies aimed at the elimination of poverty and reverse the economic marginalisation of their continent.International aid in support of these initiatives should be available from the additional money promised by G8 countries, and the European Union, at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey last March. But G8 action in support of poverty elimination requires more than just additional aid. Significant progress also needs to be made in areas such as free-trade access and the reduction of G8 countries' agricultural subsidies. It is essential that G8 countries meet all the commitments they made at Monterrey.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the provision of bilateral aid to Cuba. [62475]

We do not have a bilateral aid programme to Cuba, we provide small scale support. The Scheme is appreciated by the Cuban authorities and has recently supported financial management training, export promotion environmental management and organic agriculture. Our share of the EC development programme is $2.6 million per annum which is drawn from the Department for International Development budget.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on how much funding her Department provides to Belarus and the Ukraine. [62476]

This year, we plan to provide £16 million to Ukraine, of which half will be through our direct programme and half as our contribution to multilateral agencies, particularly the European Commission Tacis programme. In Belarus, where our programme is limited due to poor government, we expect to provide £0.8 million mostly as our share of the EC Tacis programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on famine in Africa north of the Limpopo. [62477]

The causes of food shortages in Southern Africa this year are drought and misgovernment. In Zimbabwe, which accounts for over half of the region's food aid requirements, economic mismanagement and grossly misorganised land reform have massively exacerbated the effects of the drought.The World Food Programme will next week launch a regional appeal for food for Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland. They estimate that four million tons of cereal imports will be needed. 2.8 million to be provided by private sector and government imports, and 1.2 million tons through food aid will be distributed free.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much food aid her Department has earmarked for the World Food Programme to be distributed in southern Africa from the year beginning September 2002. [62480]

We have allocated £18.75 million in response to the World Food Programme regional appeal for six countries in southern Africa for immediate food purchases. This is part of an overall allocation of £45 million through international organisations and NGOs for food and inputs for the next planting season. We will review our commitment as the relief programme proceeds.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to tackle food shortages in southern Africa. [62492]

I refer my hon. Friend to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Banbury on 17 June 2002, Official Report, columns 58–59W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on famine in southern Africa. [62497]

I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave to the hon. Member for Banbury on 17 June 2002, Official Report, columns 58–59W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how her Department is working with the EU to reduce delays in delivering debt relief due under the HIPC initiative to poor countries. [62478]

In 1999, the UK helped to secure, through the European Union, a pledge of 1 billion euros towards debt relief for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC), from the European Development Fund (EDF). This was to be provided in the form of 680 million euros for the HIPC trust fund and 320 million euros in debt relief for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries' debts owed to the European Investment Bank (EIB). To date 650 million euros have been spent, with a further 300 million euros planned for disbursement this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how her Department will ensure that poor countries which do not qualify for the opportunity of HIPC debt relief achieve sustainable debt funding. [62484]

Countries that are not eligible for debt relief under the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC) initiative can still achieve sustainable debt levels through the traditional debt relief mechanisms available. This includes a stock-of-debt operation under Naples terms (up to 67 per cent. cancellation of debt) by the Paris Club and comparable treatment by non-Paris Club official bilateral and commercial creditors. To qualify for HIPC relief, a country must be judged to have an unsustainable debt after the full application of traditional debt relief measures, and to have met the other HIPC requirements. It is therefore possible for countries, as in the case of the Comoros, the Gambia and Malawi, to be added to the list of HIPC countries, depending on their circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made on debt relief for poor countries; and if she will make a statement. [62488]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Richard Burden) on 21 June 2002, Official Report, column 583W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how her Department is working with the European Union to reduce delays in delivering debt relief due under the HIPC Initiative to poor countries. [62487]

In 1999, the UK helped to secure, through the European Union, a pledge of 1 billion euros towards debt relief for the heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC), from the European development fund (EDF). This was to be provided in the form of 680 million euros for the HIPC trust fund and 320 million euros in debt relief for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries' debts owed to the European Investment bank (EIB). To date 650 million euros have been spent, with a further 300 million euros planned for disbursement this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure that development funding for the Palestinian Authority is not used to support terrorism. [62479]

Our bilateral development programme in the west bank and Gaza Strip is largely technical assistance, funded through, and managed by, a range of local and international organisations on behalf of Palestinian beneficiaries. Commissioner Patten has stressed that the Commission has investigated Israeli claims about European Commission (EC) support and found no evidence to corroborate the allegations that EC funds have been misused to finance terrorist activities; or for anything other than their original purpose. The EC attach strict conditionality to the budgetary assistance provided to the Palestinian Authority (PA). The conditions mainly reinforce the need for transparency of the PA's public finances, strengthening the prudent management of the budget, and encouraging progress on overall financial and administrative reform. We are satisfied that the EC, with the assistance of the IMF, is ensuring the conditions are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to improve pharmaceutical provision in the developing world. [62481]

The Government are committed to addressing the four key factors which are recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as affecting the provision of pharmaceuticals in the developing world. These are sustainable financing, affordable pricing, reliable health and supply systems and the rational selection and use of existing drugs.On sustainable financing, we have pledged $200 million over five years to the Global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria. The fund will support increased coverage of proven interventions for these diseases by providing developing countries with resources to purchase key commodities, and strengthen systems to procure and deliver them.The Working Group on Access to Medicines, which I chair, is working with the pharmaceutical industry and foundations, developing countries, the World Health Organisation, the World Trade Organisation and the European Commission to bring about more affordable pricing. The Group will report to the Prime Minister after its final meeting in July.We have committed over £1 billion since 1997 to strengthening developing countries' health systems, building their capacity both to deliver medicines to the poor and to make effective choices about the selection and use of drugs.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether UK development assistance to Zimbabwe is administered by Zimbabwe Government authorities. [62482]

UK development assistance is delivered through international, non-Government and parastatal organisations. Some commodities provided through our HIV/AIDS and emergency medical supplies programmes are distributed through public health service outlets. The bulk of our assistance is for food aid which is delivered outside Government channels.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what she aims to achieve at the world summit on sustainable development in Johannesburg in respect of reduction of poverty. [62483]

The UK's strategic objective is to make globalisation work for sustainable development, especially for the poorest. At the summit, the UK would like to build on other processes, including the Doha Development Agenda and Financing for Development conference in Monterrey, to focus the efforts of Governments, international institutions, business and civil society on delivering the sustainable development necessary to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. The summit is a critical opportunity to bring the development and environment movements together in a systematic attempt to both reduce poverty and pursue sustainable development. I also refer my right hon. Friend to the speech I gave on the summit in London on 20 June, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress she has made since June 2001 towards meeting the UN target for percentage of gross domestic product devoted to international aid. [62486]

In 2001, UK official development assistance was 0.32 per cent. of gross national income (GNI)—up from 0.26 per cent. in 1997. The Government are committed to the target of raising development assistance to 0.7 per cent. of national income, and will significantly raise the amount of our development assistance and its share in national income, in the next spending round. This will be announced soon, and will cover the years up to 2005–06.The UK played a major role in securing the commitment by the European Union at the Financing for Development conference in Monterrey to raise its average official development assistance as a share of national income to 0.39 per cent. (from 0.32 per cent.) by 2006. This will mean an extra $7 billion of official development assistance per year from Europe.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her role in achieving a sharper poverty focus in EU development assistance. [62489]

DFID has worked hard since 1997 to improve the overall effectiveness of EC development assistance in contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by improving its poverty focus and quality. There have been some steps in response to our efforts to reform EC development assistance. We are pressing the EC to pursue its reform efforts vigorously in order to implement the November 2000 EC Development Policy, which for the first time makes poverty reduction the central objective of EC development programmes. We are also working for agreement that a much greater share of EC aid should be allocated to low income countries where it will have the greatest impact on poverty reduction. In 2000, only 38 per cent. of EC aid was spent in low-income countries compared to 70 per cent. in 1990. Last year we secured a substantial increase in the external actions budget for Asia. This year we hope to see the budget share for Asia maintained and further increased where possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what Britain's contribution is towards the UN OCHA appeal for aid across the Great Lakes region. [62490]

DFID's contribution to the 2002 OCHA appeals for the Great Lakes are as follows:

£
	Contribution
OCHA Emergency Humanitarian Initiative	500,000
OCHA Coordination	400,000
Office for the High Commission of Human Rights	250,000
UN Security	400,000
UN OCHA Emergency Humanitarian Initiative1	500,000
1 Part of the United Nations Flash Appeal for the Goma eruption.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans she has to increase aid to former Yugoslavia for reconstruction. [62491]

From 1991 to 2000, the UK's total contribution to the former Yugoslavia, comprising our share of EC funding and bilateral aid, including humanitarian aid, was £972 million.EC aid committed to the states of the former Yugoslavia through the CARDS and other programmes between 2000 and 2006 is £3.19 billion, of which the UK share, which is funded from DFID's budget, is £600 million. In addition, we are providing support to economic and social reform through our bilateral programmes, through which we are providing £16.1 million this year. We also contribute to the other multilateral agencies assisting the states of the former Yugoslavia, including the World bank and EBRD.We do not propose to increase these commitments.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she expects a response from the Civil Aviation Authority in respect of its assessment of Tanzania's military air traffic control system. [62493]

The International Civil Aviation Organisation has produced a report looking at the Government of Tanzania's (GoT) civil air navigation requirements. This is now being considered by the GoT and we are awaiting their response.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussion she has had with the Ministry of Defence about co-ordinating activities in supporting nation building in Afghanistan. [62494]

A reformed security sector is vital to the future stability of Afghanistan.My Department, in consultation with both the Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is contributing to the creation of accountable national military and police forces subject to the rule of law and under central and civilian control; anti-narcotics activities; and the re-establishment of an appropriate judicial system. The UK has in principle committed £22 million to this process for this financial year. My Department has worked closely with British forces serving in the International Security Assistance Force on the identification and implementation of quick impact projects in Kabul and its environs. These projects contribute to stability, thus allowing political processes and development activities to take root.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on her support for basic health services for poor people. [62495]

My Department is engaged in efforts to strengthen developing countries' health systems to deliver effective services for poor people and to address the priority health problems of the poor. Since 1997, the Government have committed over £1 billion to health systems strengthening. The UK has also committed $200 million over five years to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria, which will help pay for increased coverage of proven interventions for these diseases and some associated health systems strengthening to ensure drugs and commodities are delivered safely, effectively and equitably.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her assessment is of the challenges faced by Africa in reaching the millennium development goals. [62496]

Unlike the rest of the world, on present trends Africa will not meet the MDGs and halve poverty by 2015:

economic growth needs to be more than twice as high, at 7 per cent., to meet the income poverty target.

20 per cent. of Africans are affected by conflict costing the continent 2 per cent. a year of growth on average.

maternal mortality has got worse, not better, over the last decade. over 25 million Africans are living with HIV/AIDS (70 per cent. of the global total).

as a result, life expectancy has fallen by up to 20 years in some countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to ensure information arising from scientific breakthroughs in (a) medicine, (b) agriculture and (c) other technologies, are shared for the benefit of the developing world; and if he will make a statement. [63915]

DFID places great importance on improving the access to research results to poor people who could benefit. DFID ensures that appropriate dissemination strategies are an essential and integral component of all research activities we support. We also recognise the need to facilitate interaction between researchers, policy makers and other users of research, not just in respect of research funded by DFID.DFID uses a range of mechanisms for knowledge sharing. These include all the usual mechanisms—books, journal and newspaper articles, conference proceedings and technical bulletins, leaflets and manuals, posters, videos, training and exposure through workshops and research partnerships. DFID will continue to support these and innovative mechanisms for knowledge sharing, including the use of information and communication technologies. Current information and communication technologies initiatives include health communications, distance education, empowerment and conflict reduction, science for development, a policy research institute network in conjunction with the World bank and a website which disseminates highlighted summaries of research that can help reduce poverty.Research outputs are promoted through packaging them into policies, strategies or technologies relevant to the needs of the poor. Promotion is usually managed in collaboration with target institutions, often locally based. Working with local agencies helps to foster long-term relationships for the successful transfer and adoption of research outputs that can help poor communities to prosper.A review of DFID's dissemination practices is currently under way and will feed into future work.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will place in the Library a copy of the departmental guidance for officials on answering parliamentary questions. [63808]

I will place a copy of the guide, which was written by officials for officials, in the Library of the House.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, how many churches in the Greater London area have been made redundant in each of the last five years. [63586]

A total of 15 Greater London churches have been declared redundant in the last five years, broken down as follows:

Year	Number
1997	4
1998	5
1999	2
2000	2
2001	2

In eight of these cases, a new church or place of worship was provided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, (1) pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2001, from the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, Official Report, column 1228W, on road works, what assessment has been made of the pilot schemes in the London borough of Camden and in Middlesbrough; how many daily charges have been made; what assessment has been made of the disruption to road users; and if he will make a statement; [61839](2) pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2001, from the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions,

Consultants—Halcrow—were appointed by the Government last year to measure the effectiveness of the powers under section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 by which highway authorities are able to impose charges on utility companies, where the latter dig up the highway and these works are not completed by an agreed deadline. These powers were activated on 1 April 2001.An interim monitoring report, covering the first few months of the new powers was produced by Halcrow in March. I am arranging for copies of this to be placed in the Libraries of the House. However, a full report, covering the first 12 months of the operation of the scheme, is due to be delivered to my Department shortly.Pilot schemes to test further powers under which local authorities can charge utility companies "lane rental", whenever the latter dig up highways to install or maintain their apparatus, began on 4 March 2002 in Camden and Middlesbrough. We do not yet have reliable data on the effect of the pilots. However, the Government also appointed Halcrow to measure the impact of lane rental, both in terms of the effect on the disruption caused by utility works and the costs which it imposes on those utilities. Halcrow are due to deliver their first report to my Department, covering the first few months of the scheme, later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many local authorities by 31 March, had (a) shown intent to fine and (b) fined utility companies under the powers given in section 74 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991; and if he will make a statement. [61378]

To date 112 local authorities have notified my Department that they are using or intend to use the section 74 powers to charge utility companies. We understand that all, or nearly all, of those have already imposed charges for overstaying.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the recent accident involving a train carrying nuclear material; and if he will make a statement on the performance of the emergency services in response. [62150]

The recent incident at Brookland crossing in Kent on 11 June involved a train carrying an empty nuclear fuel flask destined for Dungeness nuclear power station. The collision is estimated to have occurred at less than 5 mph. There was no damage to the flask, and minor damage to the front of the locomotive and the heavy goods vehicle, which it struck. Emergency services and specialist support from the nearby nuclear power station attended and information suggests that the response was adequate to deal with this incident.The UK is currently undergoing an audit, at our request, by the International Atomic Energy Agency under the auspices of its Transport Safety Appraisal Service (TranSAS). The audit team is formed from expert participants and observers from several countries and international bodies. The audit is intended to examine the regulatory and enforcement infrastructure in the United Kingdom related to the transport of radioactive material. This incident occurred while the TranSAS audit team were examining emergency response arrangements. The team visited Dungeness nuclear power station on 18 June and investigated the effectiveness of the response to the incident. The final report of the TranSAS mission is due later this year and copies will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the (a) circumstances, (b) sum involved and (c) purpose of the expenditure for which a direction was sought, relating to when an accounting officer sought direction from the Minister for Transport, Local Government and the Regions before authorising expenditure relating to the Silverstone bypass. [62148]

The Silverstone Bypass was due to open in time for this year's Formula 1 British Grand Prix but progress was severely delayed due to last year's foot and mouth outbreak and exceptionally wet autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) published on the respective costs and benefits of tram and light rail schemes compared to schemes to promote greater bus use. [62805]

My Department has commissioned a number of research projects which have looked at the impacts of particular light rail and bus schemes, but have not sought to compare alternatives. There are many published studies which seek to compare the respective cost and benefits of the two modes. These include 'Bus or light rail: making the right choice' (Environmental and Transport Planning, 2000), for which my Department was among the funders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average public subsidy per journey is for (a) tram and light rail schemes, (b) bus routes and (c) underground railway schemes. [62810]

Relevant statistics are published in "Transport Statistics Bulletin", from which the following are extracts:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what measures he is taking to ensure that integrated transport systems receive high priority from local planners; [63575](2) what measures he is taking to ensure that local people are fully involved in consultation processes when transport strategies are being drawn up by a local authority. [63576]

Our guidance to local authorities on local transport plans (LTPs) and LTP annual progress reports (APRs) makes clear the importance of public participation not only in the development of the strategies and measures proposed within the plan but also on-going consultation during implementation. Evidence of participation is considered as part of the assessment of LTPs and APRs in determining the annual local transport capital settlement for authorities.We have also made clear in our guidance the need to demonstrate consistency between an authority's local transport plan and its local development plan. Guidance issued to local authorities on planning policies further emphasises the role of land use planning in delivering our integrated transport strategy. It is for the local authority to determine its local priorities but we have, as part of the planning Green Paper published last December, put forward proposals to improve the planning processes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he has issued to steering groups and local authorities on how road traffic reduction targets should be considered in multi-modal studies. [63503]

My Department issued guidance in April 2002 on the way in which multi-modal studies should assess the contribution of strategies to the eight public service agreements set out in the 10-year plan for transport, published in July 2000, including the target

"to reduce road congestion on the inter-urban network and in large urban areas in England below current levels by 2010".

The guidance is a supplement to the DETR publication "Guidance on Methodology for Multi Modal Studies", dated March 2000. These documents can be found on the Department's website at www.dft.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who the designated Green Minister is for his Department. [63506]

I am the Green Minister.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of the Office of the Rail Regulator. [63763]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport made a statement on 12 June 2002, Official Report, column 1261W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will be represented on the board of Network Rail. [63761]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rates of interest apply to the short-term loan made available to NATS by the Government. [62994]

This matter is commercially confidential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the role of (a) Bechtel and (b) other contractors on the West Coast Main Line. [64097]

Railtrack plc announced on 13 February that they had appointed Bechtel to lead a strengthened delivery team for the West Coast route modernisation. Railtrack employ a wide range of other companies in connection with the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the railway industry with regard to railway crime; and if he will make a statement. [64141]

Regular discussions are held with the railways industry on a variety of matters that effect the operation and safety of the railway, including the prevention of crime. For example, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport launched a scheme on Monday 24 June involving Connex Trains who are sponsoring their staff to become Special Constables with the British Transport police by giving them time off work for their police duties and an annual bonus payment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reward payments have been given to each train operating company in each year since 1994; and if he will make a statement. [64145]

The annual reports of the Strategic Rail Authority and its predecessors (the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority and Office of Passenger Rail Franchising—OPRAF) contain tables showing, for each franchise, the amounts paid and received as basic (non-incentive) payments and incentive regime payments. These documents are in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in re-franchising in respect of each train operating company; and if he will make a statement. [64211]

The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) representations he has received and (b) discussions he has had with (i) the SRA, (ii) the Rail Regulator, (iii) ATOC and (iv) the rail industry with regard to the conditions of carriage; and if he will make a statement. [64095]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will publish the Highways Agency study into the construction of a roundabout at the junction of the A35 and the B3165 at Hunter's Cross, Raymond's Hill, Devon. [63801]

The Highways Agency has commissioned a study to consider the options for improving the junction between the A35 trunk road and the B3165 at Raymond's Hill near Axminster in Devon. A number of options are being investigated, including the provision of a roundabout. I will ask the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member with details of the study's conclusions when they have completed their investigations. This is expected to be in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, (1) pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2002, Official Report, column 73W, on disability vehicle stickers, how many local authorities collect data on the number of charges and convictions for misuse of disabled persons' parking cards; [64449](2) pursuant to the answer of 17 June 2002,

There is no legal requirement for local authorities to hold such records and the Department does not currently ask for that information as part of its annual blue badge statistical survey of local authorities in England. The devolved Administrations are responsible for the scheme in other parts of the UK.The issues of misuse and abuse of badges are being considered as part of the review of the scheme which is currently under way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what action he is taking to prevent able-bodied drivers using disabled parking spaces; [64356](2) what powers

The Blue Badge scheme only applies to on-street parking. There is a wide variety of powers to tackle abuse available to local authorities, who are responsible for administering the Blue Badge scheme. It is an offence under section 47 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to park a vehicle which is not displaying a badge in a designated disabled person's parking bay.Off-street car parks are private property and charges and conditions of use are a contractual matter between the owner and the motorist. In these car parks, spaces marked for badge holders only are in most cases not legally enforceable, but depend on the courtesy and consideration of other drivers. Car park operators could ask a non-disabled driver to move their car from a space set aside for disabled people but they might not be in a position to insist upon it.The Department has, however, given its full support to the 'Baywatch' campaign run by a coalition of disability organisations (including the Disabled Drivers Association and the Disabled Drivers' Motor Club). They are committed to encouraging greater protection of disabled persons' parking bays in retail car parks from abuse by non-disabled drivers.The issues of abuse and misuse of badges are a key part of the major review of the Blue Badge scheme that we are currently undertaking.In the meantime, it is open to anybody to bring instances of fraudulent use to the attention of the police, traffic wardens, the appropriate local authority or car park operators and we will continue to work with these bodies and stakeholder groups to minimise the potential for abuse and misuse.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the DVLA research project into visual field eye tests will be completed; and when the results of the study will be published. [64348]

Two complementary research studies are in progress.One study uses subjects with peripheral visual field defects and assesses their performance in a range of tasks that may be relevant to driving impairment. The report on this study is likely to be available in mid 2003.The other study is similarly examining the effect of visual field loss in the central area of the field. The report of this study is likely to be available towards the end of 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what additional funds the Strategic Rail Authority plans to make available to (a) train operating companies and (b) Connex South East to upgrade stations to conform with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; [64253](2) when the Strategic Rail Authority will have completed its review of train operators' disabled people's protection policy to identify where station facilities need to be improved. [64252]

Although it is the responsibility of the station facility operators to ensure that their stations meet the requirement of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995, the Strategic Rail Authority has said in its strategic plan that it will make available additional funding to ensure train operating companies are resourced, where necessary, to implement the requirements of the DDA on access to stations. Until the review of the Disabled People's Protection Policy for each train operator has been completed—the SRA expects by the end of this year—the full scope of the work required will not be known and priorities will then have to he applied to implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the proposed direct rail link from Manchester to Waterloo. [64350]

The train operator Wales and Borders currently provides one direct service between Manchester Piccadilly and London Waterloo via Leominster, but there is no requirement under the terms of the franchise for any such service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department has taken to encourage employees to work from home; and if he will make a statement. [64532]

Working at or from home is one option for working flexibly which is available to staff in my Department. At present over 350 staff currently have remote access to out IT systems to enable them to work from home or on the move.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals the Government have to develop a south London Metro. [64286]

[holding answer 25 June 2002]: Implementation of the Strategic Rail Authority's plan will deliver increased frequency of suburban services and substantial investment in stations. Many stations in south London already receive high frequency services but more will be done to improve journeys and make better use of the established network in south London. Improvements will be delivered via franchise replacement, major projects such as the East London Line extension, and specific programmes for station improvements. The SRA is considering fares integration in London as part of its wider review of fares policy. It is also working with stakeholders to develop improved journey information and branding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to revise the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994; when his Department will give approval for the operation of the pelican crossing in Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford; and if he will make a statement. [63940]

We expect to introduce revised and updated Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions in the autumn. My officials received an application on 6 June to authorise signals for a Toucan (pedestrian and cycle crossing) in Chelmer Village Way and the authorisation was issued on 20 June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what cost estimate his Department made of a new Thames river crossing from Cliffe Marshes in Kent to Canvey Island. [63797]

I have been asked to reply.There are no proposals with detailed cost estimates at this time for a new Thames crossing between Cliffe Marshes and Canvey Island that my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister is considering.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to consult local hon. Members, local councils and Essex county council on the possibility of a new Thames river crossing. [63792]

I have been asked to reply.Consultation with local hon. Members and local councils, including Essex county council, is currently taking place in relation to the Government's London Orbital multi modal study (Orbit). Consultants published a provisional strategy for Orbit on 11 June 2002. This includes recommendations for further work on a lower Thames crossing. Details of the provisional strategy are included in an Orbit newsletter sent out to 3,000 key stakeholders in June. The content of the provisional strategy has not been formally considered by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister or his officials at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings, and on what dates, his Department (a) has had and (b) are planned with the Thames Gateway South Essex on a possible new Thames crossing; and what the agenda for these meetings was. [63796]

I have been asked to reply.The Department has not had any meetings with the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership about this specific issue. Furthermore no such meetings are planned at this time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Thames Gateway South Essex on possible new Thames river crossings. [63795]

I have been asked to reply.No discussions about this specific issue have taken place with the Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what options he has discussed for a new Thames river crossing to the east of the existing crossing at Dartford. [63794]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much public expenditure was incurred in organising the 2001 general election in (a) the UK, (b) Greater London and (c) Enfield; and if he will make a statement. [58967]

I have been asked to reply.The funds made available to acting returning officers to conduct the 2001 general election were as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of benefits of access to broadband services for SMEs; and if she will make a statement. [61791]

The Government have conducted studies of the benefits of ICT and e-commerce to business and SME's. Other organisations have conducted studies which suggest that broadband has a range of benefits, with the potential to bring about productivity improvement e.g. lower transaction costs when communicating with customers and suppliers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what comparative research she has commissioned on the delivery of broadband in (a) other European countries and (b) the US. [63665]

UK Online: the broadband future published in February 2001 sets out our research activities. The UK also has bilateral contacts with countries in the EU and around the world, and has a memorandum of understanding on co-operation with the US Federal Trade Commission. This allows us to benchmark progress more qualitatively.We are also keeping in close touch with analysis of developments in broadband markets being carried out by the OECD.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with business leaders regarding broadband; and what was the result of those discussions. [63667]

I have recently met with a number of business leaders, including representatives of several mobile telecommunications firms, BT, Cable companies and Tesco.com. I hope to meet shortly with several other major players, both from within and outside the telecoms sector. I have also met Keith Todd, the chairman of the Broadband Stakeholder Group, to hear the views and comments of the 250 members of the Stakeholder Group.The Government have worked closely with business and other stakeholders to develop and take forward the UK broadband strategy and will continue to do so. Latest developments in this strategy can be found at www.e-envoy.gov.uk, and my speeches and press notices on broadband can be found at www.dti.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made on the target set in February 2001 to make the UK the most competitive and extensive broadband market in the G7 by 2005. [63666]

The UK Online annual report of December 2001 stated that the UK had the fifth most extensive market and the fourth most competitive market in the G7.Since then the market has continued to develop, with prices falling, coverage increasing and take-up accelerating. Around 66 per cent. of the population are now able to access one or more of ADSL, cable or wireless technologies, with nearly 40 per cent. having a choice.BT has now enabled 1,115 exchanges to deliver broadband services, and has given customers the ability to register their interest with a promise to make broadband available when the level reaches a specified figure. This allow more than 40 resellers of BT's wholesale ADSL to offer broadband to customers.The Government have set out a comprehensive programme of action, including a £30 million fund to help the regional development agencies develop innovative schemes to extend broadband networks, as well as measures to tackle competition, supply, demand and content.We will shortly be announcing the next steps for public sector procurement, with a view to maximising the buying power of the public sector and ensuring that broadband is bought in a cost-effective, joined-up manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if she will make a statement about the Consignia freepost service for services for the blind; [63178](2) if she will make a statement on the continuation of the Freepost service to the blind. [63674]

I refer the hon. Friend to the answer given on 28 February 2002, Official Report, column 1560W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information her Department has collated regarding unsolicited prize draws sent from foreign addresses. [63492]

The Department have received a large amount of correspondence from the public about unsolicited prize draws, many of which originate from overseas, making it difficult for consumers to identify the source of mailings.The Office of Fair Trading currently have over thirty cases of mailings from overseas under investigation. In response, the OFT is gathering intelligence on each deceptive mailing in order to trace the originators and to actively pursue those responsible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with relevant authorities in other countries regarding unsolicited prize draws sent by mail to addresses in this country. [63493]

The Department works closely with enforcement bodies, such as the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), who work with their European and other international counterparts on unsolicited mailings.The OFT has the status of a "Community qualified entity", which enables it to bring proceedings under the Injunctions directive (98/27/EC), in other European Community member states in order to protect UK consumer interests.The OFT raised the issue of misleading mailings at the most recent European meeting of the International Marketing Supervision Network (IMSN), with a view to co-ordinating Europe-wide action against such mailings. The OFT has also held discussions on misleading mailings with north American law enforcement agencies, including Industry Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Affairs, the Ontario provincial police and the US federal trade commission.The ASA supervises the British Codes of Advertising and Sales Promotion and works with national and international regulators. Where misleading mailings may have originated outside of the UK, the ASA liaises with regulatory bodies in the EU via the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA).

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post offices were temporarily closed because of suspected fraud within their premises in (a) Scotland and (b) the rest of the United Kingdom in each year since 1995. [63488]

These are matters which fall within the operational responsibilities of Post Office Limited and I have asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many export licences for military supplies to (a) India and (b) Pakistan have been granted which are still being used by supplying companies. [63347]

Because the granting of an export licence does not necessarily translate into an actual export, it would entail disproportionate cost to contact all exporters with current licences to India and Pakistan to establish which, if any, are still being used by supplying companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) small and (b) medium size companies have contacted the Small Business Service since 2000; and if she will make a statement on future operational activity of the SBS. [63670]

The Small Business Service (SBS) was set up in April 2000. It works through 45 local Business Links to deliver business support services to SMEs. Small businesses are able to access these services via a number of channels—by calling the Business Link National Enquiry Line on 0845 600 9006; by logging on to the www.businesslink.org website; or by directly contacting their local Business Link. These channels became operational in April 2001.Although we do not hold comprehensive information on the size of the companies that have contacted us, statistics for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002, are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to make engineering more attractive as a career to students. [63664]

The Department supports a number of activities that are intended to encourage the young to appreciate the benefits of careers within the engineering sector. The individual programmes are as follows:Through SETNET, the Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths Network, DTI supports the 53 SETPoints across the UK with delivery into schools of activities intended to enhance the curricula. Each SETPoint is in the second year of a three-year Business Plan through which they will ensure that every child under 16 has the opportunity at least once in each Key Stage, or the equivalent, to participate in an appropriate activity. This is bolstered by our support for the Science Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) programme, which encourages people working in STEM based careers to pass on their experiences to those in school.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on export controls on UK companies selling arms to Israel. [63970]

Companies exporting arms and other items controlled for strategic reasons from the UK to Israel require an export licence from the Department of Trade and Industry's Export Control Organisation.I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to the right hon. and learned Member for North-East Fife (Mr. Campbell) on 15 April 2002,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent appointments have been made from her Office for Civil Nuclear Security to advisory bodies of the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. [63846]

The Deputy Director of the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS) has been appointed to the IAEA's Advisory Group on Nuclear Security which held its first meeting in February this year. Advisory group members are appointed by the Director General and are recruited in their own capacity as recognised experts in the field of nuclear security.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on paragraph 4 of the report of the Director of Civil Nuclear Security, covering the period October 2000 to March 2002. [63838]

The Director of Civil Nuclear Security, the security regulator for the UK civil nuclear industry, stated in paragraph 4 of his first annual report on the "State of Security in the Civil Nuclear Industry and the Effectiveness of Security Regulation" that it is essential that stringent security precautions are taken by the civil nuclear industry in view of the consequences that the misappropriation of nuclear material or a successful sabotage attack on a nuclear facility might have. It is not our policy to disclose details of security measures taken at civil nuclear sites. I am satisfied by the assurances the director has given me about the security measures in place which are kept under continuing review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the development of design basis threat planning documents for the civil nuclear industry. [63841]

I cannot add to the information about the key planning document known as the design basis threat (DBT) which the Director of the Civil Nuclear Security referred to in his recent annual report on the "State of Security in the Civil Nuclear Industry and the Effectiveness of Security Regulation", placed in the Libraries of the House on 11 June 2002. The assessment is classified and no further details can be published. The Director of Civil Nuclear Security assures himself that a site operator's ability to protect against the DBT is adequate and is tested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to establish a publicly owned wave power production company. [63857]

None. The Government's renewable energy programme includes £5 million to support demonstration and testing of wave and tidal technology projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when her Office for Civil Nuclear Security contacted the United States and Japanese regulatory authorities in respect of the security arrangements to deal with the potential terrorist threats to plutonium mox fuel in transit by sea. [63842]

Regarding the MOX fuel that was exported to Japan in 1999 to be returned to the UK, the Office for Civil Nuclear Security maintains regular contact with the Japanese Government and regulatory authorities, most recently in January this year to consult on security arrangements for the return shipment. They have not been in direct contact with authorities in the United States in this context; any business with the US Government is normally carried out through the embassy in Washington.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will extend the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment of Local Government etc.) (Modification) Order 1999 to cover staff transferred from a local authority to a private contractor undertaking a contract longer than five years. [64310]

Employing bodies who wish to be included on future amendments to the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc.) (Modification) Order 1999 should write to the Department's Employment Relations Directorate, giving full particulars of their organisation and its functions. All such requests are considered in the context of the employing bodies' connection with or involvement in the public sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what representations she has received in the last 12 months asking that trading standards officers should take responsibility for enforcing copyright offences; and if she will make a statement; [64307](2) what plans she has to introduce section 107A of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988; and if she will make a statement. [64306]

The industry umbrella group, the Alliance Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, has lobbied for section 107A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be brought into force. The specific investigatory tools to enforce the copyright offences that would be given to trading standards officers by section 107A would be in addition to the ones they have under related trade marks and trade descriptions laws. The delay in bringing section 107A into force arises from concerns about possible resource implications that we are seeking to resolve.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to explain to UK electricity consumers the proportion of their energy costs due to the Renewables Obligation. [64347]

In the statutory consultation on the Renewables Obligation, published in August 2001, it was estimated that its introduction would result in a maximum increase in average electricity prices of just under 5 per cent. by 2010 in comparison with 1999 prices. Actual costs arising from the Obligation will depend on what suppliers actually pay for any additional renewable energy supplies or for Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs).In a competitive electricity market, it is for individual electricity suppliers to determine the price of the electricity which they provide to consumers. In determining those prices, suppliers will have to take account of a wide range of influencing factors, including any arising from the Renewables Obligation.The buy-out mechanism operates to ensure that any extra costs arising from the Obligation do not reach an unacceptable level. Recycling of buy-out receipts will provide an incentive to further investment in renewables—thus helping suppliers to work towards reducing overall costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the workings of NETA during its first complete year. [64344]

Ofgem, the gas and electricity regulator, is currently preparing a report on the operation of NETA in its first year. This is due to be published in July 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will publish the report prepared for the Department on the economic and geological prospects of the Selby coal mine complex. [64584]

It is my intention to publish this report after we have received the final version.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) full-time equivalents were employed by her press office and (b) secondees were placed in the press office in the last five years; and if she will make a statement. [64583]

The number of press officers was as follows:

As at 1 January	Press officers
1998	17
1999	24
2000	25
2001	23
2002	23

There have been a number of short-term loans to the press office from other Government Departments and agencies, but none over this period from the private sector or non-Government bodies. We do not keep records of the number of loans from Government bodies to the press office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the mandate of the Scientific and Technical Committee for the Community Fund for Tobacco Research and Information is; how many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if she will list the items currently under its consideration; if she will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [61722]

I have been asked to reply.The Scientific and Technical Committee for the Community Fund for Tobacco Research and Information is a scientific committee set up to assist the European Commission in the management of the Community Tobacco Fund. The Community Tobacco Fund finances action in the areas of improving public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and identifying specific measures to help tobacco growers switch to other crops or other economic activities.The Scientific and Technical Committee for the Community Fund for Tobacco Research and Information is not attended by officials of Her Majesty's Government and does not give rise to costs to UK public funds.

To ask the Solicitor-General which inspectorates have been involved in the thematic inspections undertaken by the HMCPSI; and what the title was of each thematic inspection. [60208]

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate has participated in six joint inspectorate thematic inspections since April 1999. The names of the other inspectorates and titles of each inspection are as follows:

How Long Youth Cases Take. A joint inspection by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, HM Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (published May 1999).

Casework Information Needs within the Criminal Justice System. A joint review by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, HM Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, HM Inspectorate of Prisons, HM Inspectorate of Probation and the Social Services Inspectorate (published April 2000).

The Implementation of section 1 of the Magistrates' Courts (Procedure) Act 1998. A joint inspection by HM Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (published November 2000).

Report on the Joint Inspection of the Progress made in Reducing Delay in the Youth Justice System. A joint inspection by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, HM Magistrates' Courts Service and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (published February 2001).

Report on the Joint Inspection into the Investigation and Prosecution of Cases Involving Allegations of Rape. A joint inspection by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (published April 2002).

Report on the Joint follow-up Inspection of the Progress made in Reducing Delay in the Youth Justice System. A joint inspection by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, HM Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (published May 2002).

A joint inspection of Discharged Committals in the West Midlands Area has just been completed by a team of inspectors drawn from HMCPSI, HMIC and HMMCSI. This is the first joint inspection of any part of the work of the same CPS, Police and Magistrates' Court Service area. The report is expected to be published in July 2002.In addition, work is continuing on two other thematic reviews. One is a review into Listing Procedures in the magistrates and Crown courts in conjunction with HMIC and HMMCSI and the other is a review, entitled "Joint Inter-Agency inspection of Safeguards for Children", examining the protection afforded to children by the relevant agencies. This latter is being undertaken by HMCPSI and seven other inspectorates:

To ask the Solicitor-General what criteria the HMCPSI uses to determine the quality of CPS casework. [60209]

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate assesses the quality of CPS casework by a careful evaluation of how the CPS performs its four key functions: the provision of pre-charge advice to the police: reviewing cases following the commencement of proceedings; preparing cases for court; and presenting cases in court.Inspectors focus on a number of main themes under each of these functions. Under pre-charge advice and case review, inspectors assess whether the law, the tests set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, and charging standards agreed between the CPS and police nationally are all being correctly interpreted and applied; and whether all actions and decisions regarding cases are being taken at the right time. Inspectors pay particular attention to special categories of cases, including those involving racist incidents, child abuse and domestic violence cases.The evaluation of case preparation is more process based. Inspectors consider how the CPS discharges its duties of disclosure, the timeliness of its source of material upon the defence and the court, how the CPS prepares cases for trial, file management and endorsements, and the effectiveness of specific processes such as the monitoring of custody time limits.In relation to case presentation, inspectors assess whether prosecuting advocates have the appropriate skills to present cases fairly, thoroughly and firmly and to test defence cases rigorously, and whether they exercise these skills to enable courts to reach just decisions.

To ask the Solicitor-General what action has been taken by the HMCPSI to ensure that scrutiny is consistent across the areas to provide objective assessment and comparisons between areas. [60210]

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate ensures that scrutiny is consistent across all areas by applying the same methodology in all its area inspections, but with a balanced approach that takes into account different practices and characteristics between the areas. Therefore, inspectors always examine key aspects of an area's performance, such as the application of the tests contained in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and the area's compliance with the duties of disclosure of unused material and the standard of advocacy. These findings are always published in a table of performance measures in the report, and compared with performance data of other CPS areas inspected to date. Key issues peculiar to the area are highlighted and discussed elsewhere in the report.Assessing the quality of legal decision-making is difficult as decisions frequently turn on legal or evidential issues that are essentially matters of professional judgment. Inspectors therefore assess whether a decision or an action by a prosecutor was one which was properly open to a reasonable prosecutor having regard to the principles set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors and other relevant guidance. The application of this objective test means that inspectors do not "disagree" with a decision unless it is wrong in principle, and not merely because an individual inspector may have come to a different conclusion.The Inspectorate is not a large organisation, and guidance has been formulated, and training opportunities used, to help develop a uniformity of approach. Each inspection team consists of several inspectors. They will have worked on different areas and with different colleagues. This allows the exchange of ideas and opinions before conclusions are drawn, and so the risk of different standards being applied are minimised. Finally, the scrutiny given to the draft report by the relevant Group Director and the Chief Inspector, together with discussions about the emerging findings and the draft report with senior area managers, help to ensure a consistent approach and the fair and objective assessment of the performance of each area.

To ask the Solicitor-General if she will list the reports which have been produced by HMCPSI since the inception of the service for the DPP and the Law Officers. [60212]

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate has carried out a total of 86 CPS branch and area inspections since 1997. A list appears at the conclusion of this answer.47 branch reports and one report on a complete area (London) were published between 1997 and 1999 when the Crown Prosecution Service comprised 13 large areas with over 90 branches.In April 1999 the CPS was reorganised into 42 areas and restructured in accordance with the recommendations of the Review of the CPS (the Glidewell report). Since that time, 37 area inspection reports have been published. The inspections of the remaining five areas are currently at different stages of completion and all reports should he published by September 2002.HMCPS Inspectorate has also published nine thematic reports and has participated in six joint inspections.The Chief Inspector for the time being of HMCPSI has, in addition, published four annual reports. Three were on a non-statutory basis. The inspectorate, which had previously been part of the CPS itself, was placed on an independent statutory basis on 11 October 2000 when the Crown Prosecution Service Act 2000 came into effect. The first statutory annual report was laid before Parliament on 2 May 2002.

Branch reports (August-July 1999)
Branch office	Date	Number
Dorset	August 1997	1/97
Exeter	August 1997	2/97
Leeds, North	September 1997	3/97
West Kent	September 1997	4/97
Liverpool, South	October 1997	5/97
Derbyshire	October 1998	6/97
Cambridgeshire	November 1997	7/97
Gloucestershire	November 1997	8/97
Teeside	November 1997	9/97
London (area report)	December 1997
Norfolk	January 1998	1/98
Humberside	January 1998	2/98
Leicestershire	January 1998	3/98
Warwickshire	February 1998	4/98
Wiltshire	February 1998	5/98
Hertfordshire	March 1998	6/98
Surrey	March 1998	7/98

To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the use of lay inspectors within HMCPSI inspections; and if she will list the nominating bodies. [60218]

HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate has used one or more lay inspectors in each area inspection undertaken (save for one in which the lay inspector was unable to attend through illness). Lay inspectors observe and assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the Crown Prosecution Service through a process of observation, inspection and evaluation,