To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were(a) in employment and(b) unemployed, expressed as a percentage of the total population in(i) Birmingham, (ii) the West Midlands region and (iii) London region in each of the past 10 years. [82865]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the numbers of jobs that have been created in the past six years in(a) Birmingham,(b) the West Midlands region and(c) the London region. [82866]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the working age employment rate was for(a) each Government office region and nation of the UK and(b) each ward of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne at(i) April 2000, (ii) April 2001 and (iii) April 2002. [83243]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer in how many constituencies unemployment has(a) risen and(b)(i) risen and (ii) fallen by more than 30 per cent, in the past year. [83234]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the reasons for installing air conditioning equipment using hydrofluorocarbons in its office at Great George Street. [82684]

The air conditioning chillers installed in the refurbished Treasury building were procured by Exchequer Partnership in May 2000. At the time of the development of the brief and detailed design for the building the use of refrigerant containing HFCs was in accordance with the accepted industry best practice and fully in line with Government and international environmental and energy policy. The refurbishment has been independently assessed under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method and has been awarded an Excellent rating.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the unique deferred VAT liability system on barristers' fees; and if he will make a statement. [82953]

The Barristers Deferment Scheme is available to barristers who cease to practise and sets out rules for accounting to Customs and Excise for any outstanding VAT. Like all special VAT accounting schemes, this scheme is kept under review by Customs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many and what percentage of children were living in poverty in each constituency in the last year for which figures are available. [83189]

Poverty is a complex multi-dimensional issue, affecting many aspects of children's lives—including income, health, housing, the quality of their environment and opportunities to learn. There is therefore no single measure of the number of families with children in poverty in each constituency of the UK.The Government have a PSA target to reduce by a quarter the number of children living in households below 60 per cent, of median income by 2004, compared with 1998–99.In "Opportunity for All", the Government's annual anti-poverty report, the Government report progress in tackling poverty and social exclusion against this and a range of other indicators. The annual "Households Below Average Income" report, published by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Office for National Statistics, gives a breakdown of the percentage of children below the 60 per cent, median income threshold in each region of Great Britain. But no such information is available on a constituency-by-constituency basis.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of financial impact of the introduction of the Climate Change Levy tax on the glass industry; [82601](2) which industries have

All industries face the same challenges and opportunities from the climate change levy. All revenue from the levy is recycled back to business through reductions to employer national insurance contributions (NICs) and support for energy efficiency. While the levy package is broadly revenue neutral to business as a whole, the effects on any specific sector will depend on a number of factors, including:

the future energy consumption of firms in the sector and the use they make of levy funded energy efficiency support;

employment levels in those sectors and the benefits received from the levy funded NICs cuts;

what use firms in that sector make of electricity generated from levy-exempt renewable sources of energy and combined heat and power; and

use made of the 80 per cent, discount where-as in the case of glass-this is available via voluntary agreements with energy-intensive sectors.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated total of Treasury receipts from the Climate Change Levy is in 2002–03. [83540]

The projection for CCL receipts in 2002–03 is shown in table C7 of the financial statement and Budget report 2002 and is £0.9 billion. An updated 2002–03 receipts projection for all duty heads, including CCL, will be published in the 2002 pre-Budget report on 27 November.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) on what basis the Treasury decided not to put its contract for UK coin production out to tender; and if he will make a statement; [80655](2) what plans he has to open the next Treasury contract for the UK coin production to market competition. [80656]

The Treasury keeps the arrangements for the supply of circulation coins under review. The current arrangements have several years to run. When the time comes, the Treasury will consider all the possible options for the future supply of UK circulation coin, including the possibility of commercial tendering.It would be improper at present to comment further on this issue, given that it may have a bearing on the case brought against the Treasury by the Birmingham Mint, which is currently before the courts. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the cost of tax relief in Central London road user charges incurred in the financial years ending 31 March(a) 2003,(b) 2004 and(c) 2005. [81821]

[holding answer 19 November 2002]: The information on which to base an estimate of the cost is not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the outcome of the ECOFIN Council held on 5 November was, what the Government's position was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [82936]

I attended ECOFIN on 5 November.Council reached political agreement on the prospectus directive. I argued for greater freedom of choice of home state for issuers of non-equities, and secured an amendment to the text ensuring choice for all bonds denominated in units of €5,000 or more. A vote on the amended text was taken and a qualified majority obtained, with the UK voting in favour. In accordance with the revised Council rules of procedure following the Seville European Council, the initial debate and vote on the directive were held in public session.The Council noted the Commission's annual oral update on progress against the Risk Capital Action Plan.Professor Jaap Winter, Chair of the high level group of Company Law Experts outlined the key recommendations in his group's report on creating a modern regulatory framework for company law and corporate governance in the EU. This report was published on 4 November. Members of the Council noted the report and will discuss it in more detail at a later date.ECOFIN discussed, in restricted session, progress on the draft directive on the taxation of savings. The Presidency and the Commission reported on negotiations with third countries, which are to be concluded by end 2002 according to the timetable agreed at the Feira European Council.There was also a discussion on energy taxation. It was concluded that further preparatory work was needed on the outstanding issues ahead of further discussion at the December ECOFIN.Ministers decided that agreement on VAT Administrative Co-operation should be postponed until the December ECOFIN.ECOFIN noted a draft interim report from the Economic and Financial Committee and the Economic Policy Committee on ongoing work on streamlining economic and employment policy processes. It was agreed that further work on this should be undertaken jointly with the preparatory committee for the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council before the report is submitted to the Copenhagen European Council.In accordance with Article 104 of the Treaty, the Council agreed that Portugal had an excessive budget deficit, above the 3 per cent, limit, in 2001, and adopted a Recommendation for Portugal to bring the excessive deficit to an end by 31 December 2002.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to provide debt relief to Ethiopia; what recent discussions he has had with international organisations about providing debt relief to Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement. [83153]

The UK is already providing 100 per cent, debt relief to Ethiopia. As a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Ethiopia is eligible for debt relief under the enhanced HIPC initiative. In November 2001 Ethiopia reached Decision Point under the initiative and qualified for interim debt relief on payments due. For its part the UK goes further than is required under the terms of the HIPC initiative and always provides 100 per cent, debt relief. The UK Government are working with other donors, the World bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help Ethiopia reach Completion Point under the HIPC initiative.At that point debt will be irrevocably cancelled. To reach Completion Point Ethiopia will need to have demonstrated a clear commitment to poverty reduction, and show how its country-owned poverty reduction strategies will be able to use the resources released by debt relief to reduce poverty. The IMF and World bank estimate that Ethiopia could reach Completion Point as early as July 2003.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made by his Department to(a) the Cayman Islands and(b) Bermuda seeking to encourage compliance with the EU Draft Savings Directive. [83459]

The Government have held a number of discussions with both territories.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what percentage of the population of(a) Birmingham,(b) the West Midlands region and(c) the London region had an income(i) twice, (ii) three times, (iii) four times, (iv) five times and (v) more than five times the national average in each of the past 10 years; [82874](2) how many higher rate taxpayers there were in

Available estimates are in the tables.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any of the Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue buildings sold to Mapeley or Mapeley Steps were liable for stamp duty; whether stamp duty was paid; and on how many of the buildings. [82764]

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave the hon. Gentleman on 7 November 2002,Official Report, column 747W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what attempts illegally to export instruments of torture from the UK have been discovered by HM Customs and Excise; and what prosecutions have resulted from such discoveries in each year since 1997. [82942]

No evidence of attempts to export instruments of torture from the UK illegally has been discovered by HM Customs since 1997.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance has been given to HM Customs and Excise on the identification and prevention of the illegal export of instruments of torture under the current legislation in each year since 1997. [82943]

Since 1997 Customs have been immediately informed by the Department of Trade and Industry of changes to the UK's export control list and relevant European regulations. Torture equipment and items that could be used for internal repression are included in the control list and in applicable European regulations. Customs ensure that this information is passed to all relevant staff and officers at ports and airports.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect of the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 on the insurance industry, with particular reference to the cost of providing public liability and employers' liability cover to business; and if he will make a statement. [82830]

[holding answer 25 November 2002]: The terms, conditions and price of insurance products adapt in response to the many factors that affect market conditions. These factors include the impact of claims arising from the appalling attacks of 11 September 2001, and the willingness in the insurance industry to take on terrorism risk.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the guarantees and stand-by loan facilities extended to Network Rail represent contingent liabilities in the resource accounts of the Department of Transport. [81808]

I have been asked to reply.The contingent and non-contingent liabilities in connection with Network Rail were set out in the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport to the House on 27 June 2002,

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the accounting treatment of PFI prisons. [83237]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) on 21 November 2002,Official Report, column 280W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will institute an inquiry into the accuracy of(a) the census 2001 population figures and(b) the 2001 mid-year population figures. [82946]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the impact of the charging of VAT on the material costs and fees associated with the development of private nursing homes. [83403]

There is no VAT on the construction of a new nursing home because it is zero-rated. In contrast, extensions and other works to existing homes are subject to the standard rate of VAT, other than approved alterations to nursing homes in listed buildings which are zero-rated.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) women and(b) men were made redundant between the ages of 50 and 65 in each year since 1996. [82542]

[holding answer 25 November 2002]: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will require the Royal Mint to publish financial information separately covering its three distinct business streams of(a) UK circulating coins,(b) overseas coin production and(c) non-coin products. [80652]

The provision of the information requested would place the Royal Mint at a competitive disadvantage. Exemption 7 (Effective management and operations of the public service) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what date the Royal Mint informed his Department that it was to end its consortium agreement with the Royal Mint. [80653]

It would be improper at present to comment on this issue, as it relates to the court case brought by the Birmingham Mint against the Treasury. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to meet(a) directors and(b) union representatives from the Birmingham Mint to discuss the policy decision by the Royal Mint to end its consortium with the Birmingham Mint. [80654]

Because of the court case brought against the Treasury by the Birmingham Mint, Ministers should not meet Directors or Union representatives of the Birmingham Mint. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what reporting procedures his Department puts in place to ensure that the Royal Mint is not using its monopoly position in UK coin production to cross subsidise its other business units. [80657]

The Treasury has shareholder oversight of the Mint's sales and cost base, and sets demanding conditions for the UK coinage contract.It would be improper at present to comment further on this issue, given that it may have a bearing on the case brought against the Treasury by the Birmingham Mint, which is currently before the courts. Exemption 4 (Law enforcement and legal proceedings) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what return on capital the Royal Mint made in each year since 1990. [80658]

The return on Capital made by the Royal Mint in each year since 1990 is included in the table below.

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what return on capital the Treasury expects the Royal Mint to make in each year from 2002 to 2005. [80659]

The Treasury expects the Royal Mint to make a return on capital of 11 per cent, within the period from 2001/2 to 2005/6.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the underlying data for the basket of outputs referred to in his answer on tax processing of 5 November,Official Report, column 211W; and if he will make a statement. [80638]

I have done so today.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates his Department has made of the value of voluntary sector work to the economy in each year since 1997. [80409]

The contribution of general charities to GDP was £4.5 billion in 1997;£4.7 billion in 1998;£5.0 billion in 1999;£5.3 billion in 2000;and £5.8 billion in 2001.

To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised since 23 October under the Scotland Act 1998. [81434]

To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised with her since 22 October, under the Scotland Act 1988. [81435]

To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised since 23 October under the Scotland Act 1998. [81437]

To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues have been raised since 23 October under the Scotland Act 1998. [81438]

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Lady, the Member for Perth (Annabelle Ewing), column 152.

To ask the Advocate-General how many devolution cases she has dealt with since September. [81436]

Since 1 September, 65 devolution issue cases have been intimated to me.

To ask the President of the Council if he will make statement on his plans for the presentation of evidence in the Welsh language to select committees. [81519]

Select Committees may take oral evidence in the Welsh language. Written evidence must be submitted in the English language, though it is understood that the Welsh Affairs Committee frequently receives memoranda prepared in both languages.

To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to propose reforms to the rules on parliamentary language. [81520]

My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans at present to reform the rules of parliamentary language, but hopes that the Modernisation Committee may look at this matter soon. He recognises the concern of many Members about the more archaic elements of our parliamentary language and the impression they give to the public. 8/Parliamentary Calendar

To ask the President of the Council, what assessment he has made of the public's reaction to the recently announced changes to the Parliamentary Calendar and timings of sittings of the House. [81523]

Our impression is that the public's reaction to the recently announced changes has been generally favourable, and that the end to late evening sittings has been particularly welcomed. The YouGov poll in anticipation of the vote in the House on these matters showed a nine to one majority of the public in favour of the change to sitting hours and September sittings.

To ask the President of the Council what representations he has received on the seating arrangements in Westminster Hall. [81515]

There have been four parliamentary questions on the seating in Westminster Hall since June 2001, three of them from my hon. Friend. I have also received letters from six hon. Members on this subject since the House returned in October, one of them from my hon. Friend.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost and benefits were of the new security measures between Norman Shaw North and Portcullis House. [81522]

As I am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand, it is long-standing practice not to comment on the details of security expenditure or arrangements on the Parliamentary Estate.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when she last met representatives of the Magistrates' Courts Central Council. [81471]

I last met with representatives of the Central Council of Magistrates' Courts Committees on 11 November 2002.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what action her Department is taking to help victims of domestic violence. [81472]

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will make a statement on further steps to tackle domestic violence that are under consideration by her Department. [81475]

The Government remain committed to tackling domestic violence.An inter-Ministerial group set up last November is working across Government on five key areas for action. My Department is responsible for leading work on improving the interface between the criminal, civil and family law. We aim to identify ways to make the process less distressing for victims, by working with stakeholders and voluntary organisations at local and national level to develop a more integrated approach that tackles the impacts of domestic violence as part of the justice process.In order to inform our work in this area, I set up an advisory group to bring together the full range of stakeholders involved in dealing with domestic violence and to act as a sounding board and reality check for our policy proposals.This group will also assist the Department in its work, in liaison with the Home Office, on the Government's consultation paper setting out proposals for the prevention of domestic violence.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when she last met members of the lay magistracy. [81474]

I last met members of the lay magistracy on 18 November 2002.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, when she expects the new courthouse in Colchester will open. [81476]

It is planned that the new courthouse in Colchester will be opened in early 2007.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the actions taken by the Government to prevent child abduction from the UK. [81479]

The Lord Chancellor's Department works closely with the other UK jurisdictions, the Scottish Executive, the Northern Ireland Court Service and with other Government Departments, to prevent child abduction as far as possible. The Lord Chancellor's Department provides core funding to the charity Reunite—International Child Abduction Centre, which provides advice and support to parents in fear of, or who have suffered, the abduction of their child. The UK Government contribute towards the cost of their advice line, and are supporting initiatives for a prevention awareness campaign which will begin in England and Wales in March 2003.

To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement of the role of the Privy Council in relation to the use of the death penalty in a number of overseas territories. [81521]

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the court of final appeal for 16 independent Commonwealth countries. When hearing appeals the Judicial Committee applies the law of the country from which the appeal comes. Most of the countries concerned retain the death penalty for certain offences and some cases that come before the Judicial Committee are appeals against conviction and/or sentence in capital cases. Over the years the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has played an important part in developing constitutional safeguards in relation to the imposition and execution of the death penalty in these countries and in helping to uphold the integrity of the criminal process.

To ask the President of the Council if he will make a statement on his work as Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Biotechnology. [81509]

I chair the Ministerial Committee on Biotechnology (SCI(BIO)). Details on the membership of the Committee can be found on my Department's website at www.pco.gov.uk/output/Page67.asp. The Committee is a sub-committee of the Committee on Science Policy (SCI). It considers issues relating to biotechnology—including those arising from genetic modification, biotechnology in healthcare and genetic issues—and their economic impact; and reports as necessary to the Committee on Science Policy. Policy responsibility for the issues raised in the Committee rest in the main with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she next intends to meet the commissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Board. [81446]

Neither my right, hon. Friend nor I have any current plans to meet the Commissioners of the Northern Lighthouse Board.

To ask the Secretary of Stat for Scotland what discussions she has recently had with the First Minister on the issue of drugs in Scotland; and if she will make a statement. [81448]

I meet regularly with the First Minister and discuss a range of topics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland to whom she has made recent representations regarding the fishing industry in Scotland. [81449]

I have discussed issues concerning the Scottish fishing industry with my Government colleagues and with the Scottish Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of prospects for employment in the Scottish fishing industry. [81459]

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment she has made of the prospects for employment in the Scottish fishing industry. [81441]

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), column 145.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what steps she is taking to engage with the voluntary sector in Scotland regarding employment. [81450]

The voluntary sector plays a major role in the Government's Welfare to Work agenda. I am delighted to say that around 8,000 people in Scotland have participated in the voluntary sector option within the New Deal for Young People. I recently addressed the Support Training Action Group on the voluntary sector's role in supporting the Welfare to Work programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what policies she is promoting to end rural poverty. [81451]

The Government are committed to tacking poverty across all sectors of society, including those living in rural areas. We have introduced a number of measures, such as the Working Families Tax Credit, Children's Tax Credit, New Deal, National Minimum Wage and the Minimum Income Guarantee for pensioners, all of which complement rural initiatives taken by the Scottish Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the Scottish Executive to discuss inward investment in Scotland. [81452]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Lady, the Member for Epping Forest (Mrs. Laing), at column 149.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she will publish the results of her consultation on the size of the Scottish Parliament. [81453]

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she will publish the results of her consultation on the size of the Scottish Parliament. [81460]

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Billericay (Mr. Baron), at column 143.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the Scottish economy. [81454]

Despite uncertainty in the global economy the fundamentals of the Scottish economy are sound. The economy grew in the year to June 2002 in the face of an international downturn. Our labour market is healthy, while inflation and interest rates are low. Scotland shares the benefits of macroeconomic stability delivered by the Government while the Scottish Executive are able to exercise their devolved responsibilities to respond to local priorities and economic development opportunities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on the Scottish economy. [81458]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight (Mr. Turner).

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions she has had with the Scottish Executive regarding ways of combating anti social behaviour through United Kingdom-wide legislation. [81455]

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the Scottish Executive on a wide range of issues. The Government and the Scottish Executive are committed to combating anti-social behaviour through a range of appropriate measures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with Postcomm regarding deregulation of postal services in Scotland. [81456]

I recently attended and gave the closing address at a conference jointly organised by Postcomm and Postwatch, at which a wide range of postal matters affecting Scotland were discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when she last met the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to discuss the implications for diversity in the Scottish media industry of the Government's legislative programme. [81457]

I meet my right hon. Friend regularly for discussion on a wide range of issues, including the Government's proposals for broadcasting and print media, now reflected in the Communications Bill published last week.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps she is taking to promote Scotland's creative industries. [81461]

The creative industries are a dynamic and fast growing sector of the Scottish economy. I am therefore pleased to be able to co-host an event tomorrow with Lord Puttnam of Queensgate, Chairman of NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts), which will provide an opportunity to highlight the wealth of Scottish talent in this sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps she is taking to ensure that Scotland's interests are represented within Government in respect of the Communications Bill. [81462]

My Department has worked closely with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the DTI, and I am confident that the new regulator, Ofcom, has the capacity to take full account of the consumers and the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors in Scotland. Ofcom will have an overarching duty to take account of the needs of the nations and regions in all its activities. The Communications Bill makes statutory provision for specific Scottish representation on the Content Board and Consumer Panel to be established by Ofcom. Ofcom will also be required to establish an office in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consultation she has initiated about the impact of applying NETA in Scotland. [81463]

The Government are committed to developing a single wholesale electricity market for Great Britain to ensure a long-term diverse and secure supply of energy for Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action she is taking to consult Scottish business and trade union interests on economic issues. [81464]

Macro-economic policy makes an essential contribution to achieving a healthy and successful Scottish economy. As part of my on-going programme of meetings to discuss these issues with key stakeholders, I shall be meeting representatives of business organisations in Scotland and with the STUC General Council on 2 December following the release of the Pre-Budget Report to hear their views on Government macro-economic policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his policy is on the extension of postal voting for elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies. [81477]

I am responsible for the conduct of elections to the Scottish Parliament. Responsibility for the conduct of elections to the National Assembly for Wales and Northern Ireland Assembly lies with the Secretaries of State for Wales and Northern Ireland respectively. The extension of postal voting for elections to the Scottish Parliament was provided for in the Scottish Parliament (Elections etc) (Amendment) Order 2001; for elections to the National Assembly for Wales by the National assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) (Amendment) Order 2002; and for elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly by the Northern Ireland Assembly (Elections) Order 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many ex-servicemen's welfare organisations in West Sussex applied for National Lottery funding last year. [83302]

[holding answer Monday 25 November 2002]: One ex-servicemen's welfare organisation in West Sussex applied for National Lottery Funding last year through the Awards for All scheme: The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association Forces Help— Crawley and East Grinstead Division was awarded £4,928 on 16 May 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of the(a) Regional Arts Council members and(b) National Council members of the Arts Council of England are(i) from ethnic minorities, (ii) disabled, (iii) male, (iv) female,(v) under the age of thirty and (vi) over the age of sixty, and if she will make a statement. [82770]

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many(a) school sports co-ordinators and(b) school sports co-ordinator partnerships there are in(i) Jarrow constituency, (ii) South Tyneside, (iii) Tyne and Wear and (iv) UK. [82440]

The position in September 2002 is laid out in the following table. No School Sport Coordinator partnerships have gone live since that date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what annual rental charges are paid to the Crown Estate for seabed rentals for ferry piers, ports and harbours operated by(a) Caledonian MacBrayne,(b) Shetland Islands Council,(c) Orkney Islands Council,(d) Lerwick Port Authority,(e) Scrabster Harbour Trust,(f) Ullapool Harbour Trustees,(g) Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission,(h) Argyll and Bute Council,(i) Mallaig Harbour Authority,(j) Comhairle nan Eilean Siar,(k) Clydeport and(I) Aberdeen Harbour Board. [81964]

[holding answer 19 November 2002]: The Crown Estate cannot release figures relating to commercial leases without the prior consent of the Lessee. Consent is being sought and I will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money has been spent in Workington from the Sports Action Zone covering Allerdale, Copeland and Barrow; and on what projects. [82447]

Projects in the West Cumbria and Barrow Sport Action Zone from which Workington benefits are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to introduce pension provision for part-time soldiers in the Royal Irish Regiment. [83044]

The employment rights of part-time soldiers serving in the Royal Irish Regiment are currently the subject of applications to the Industrial Tribunal. The right to a pension is one of the issues under consideration. It would be inappropriate to say more at this stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of BAE Systems' bid for the position of prime contractor for the new aircraft carrier; how many jobs will be dependent on this procurement; and if he will make a statement. [83229]

The Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) programme is currently in the Assessment Phase, Stage 2 of which ended on 20 November. The procurement strategy for CVF does not rely on a 'bid' process, rather the two candidate prime contractors (BAE Systems and Thales) have been assessed on a continuous basis over the last three years. It is this continuous assessment that will form the basis of our forthcoming selection of preferred prime contractor. In terms of jobs, it is still too early to be definitive as to the numbers that will be involved but early indications suggest that the CVF programme could sustain and create some 10,000 jobs across the United Kingdom during the design and manufacture of the carriers; this would be true irrespective of which of the two candidate primes is eventually selected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with companies wishing to be the prime contractor for the procurement of the new aircraft carriers; and when the decision will be made. [83223]

We have had close contacts with the two candidate prime contractors for the Future Aircraft Carrier (BAE Systems and Thales) throughout the second stage of assessment, which was completed on 20 November. We are currently in the process of compiling the results from our continuous assessment of both contractors and consulting with interested parties; we plan to announce our decision by 31 January 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has plans to upgrade or replace the night-vision system on the Apache helicopter. [82124]

[holding answer 25 November 2002]: An upgrade of Apache's night vision system has been identified as one of a range of possible enhancements to the helicopter during its service life. No decision has yet been taken on this specific element.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the names are of the secondees from BAE Systems working in his Department; and what work they are engaged in. [81326]

[holding answer Monday 25 November 2002]: Alan Garwood's appointment as Head of Defence Export Services was announced on 16 September 2002.I am withholding the names of the other five BAE Systems secondees, in accordance with Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. They are respectively engaged with training on Smart Acquisition; support chain management; logistics capability development; research in electronic warfare and warship support. Additionally, on 4 November, a secondee from BAE Systems began work on air logistics support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how nuclear waste was transported(a) within the former Chatham dockyard and(b) externally; and how it was identified. [82525]

Within the dockyard, radioactive waste was moved in suitable containers, and under the supervision of an authorised person, in accordance with the Factories Act 1955 and the national regulations on ionising radiations that were in force at the time. Arrangements for the transportation of low-level waste took account of the route over which the waste had to be moved, and the nature of the waste itself. Waste was routinely moved from the Nuclear Complex to the Solid Waste Disposal Facility, a distance of about one mile, by motor vehicle. Within the Solid Waste Disposal Facility, waste containers were moved by fork-lift truck, although some very low-level wastes were moved over

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his procurement strategy for the replacement of the Canberra PR9s. [82215]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 10 June 2002,Official Report, column 753W, to the hon. Member for North Wiltshire (Mr. Gray).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on refit network schedules at the former Chatham dockyard including removal and refurbishment of(a) the reactor/ equipments and(b) associated pipework; and when these refits took place. [82523]

Refit work undertaken on nuclear powered submarines at the former Chatham dockyard was subject to a rigorous production control system, which authorised repair work, including the removal and refurbishment of reactors/equipments and associated pipework, as identified in the overall refit network schedule programme. Refit work undertaken at the dockyard from 1970 until its closure in 1983 is shown in the table.short distances by a hand-operated electrical lifting vehicle, where this was judged to be safe. Large items of intermediate level waste were usually transported within the dockyard under a police escort.Very low-level waste for disposal by the local authority, and low-level wastes for delivery to the National Disposal Service at Harwell and to the national repository at Drigg, were usually transported by road vehicle, although on occasions waste was transported by rail. All transport of radioactive materials on the public highway or by rail was in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency's Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether unclassified workers at the former Chatham dockyard received the same training in respect of radiation exposure as classified workers. [82526]

Prior to first starting work involving radiation, all radiation workers, whether classified or unclassified, received a lecture on the hazards and standard procedures for radiation protection. They were also given a personal copy of a booklet on radiation protection, which reiterated the content of the lecture. In addition, classified workers were given specific instruction appropriate to the nature of their work.Visitors making short, supervised, educational or familiarisation visits to radiation areas, at times when the risk was judged to be low, were not required to receive such standard training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how(a) solid and(b) liquid nuclear waste at the former Chatham dockyard was stored(i) within the nuclear complex and (ii) within the wider dockyard environment. [82527]

Solid radioactive waste was stored in the purpose-built Solid Waste Disposal Complex at the eastern end of Chatham dockyard. Other industrial buildings within the dockyard were also used as radioactive waste stores, as and when necessary. These buildings were monitored for radioactive contamination after use and, where necessary, decontaminated. Solid radioactive waste was stored in accordance with the Factories Act 1955, national ionising radiation regulations and Royal Naval instructions for radiological protection that were in force at the time. The arrangements were subject to inspection by the Factory Inspectorate.Liquid nuclear waste was disposed of directly to the effluent treatment plant (ETP) in the nuclear complex, or transferred via liquid effluent tanks to the ETP.Used resins, which were a mixture of solid and liquid material, were kept in specially designed resin catch tanks. They were stored at the Solid Waste Disposal Complex.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what statistical information he has collected concerning the deaths in or near military property since 1990. [80685]