To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the organisations that have made representations to her about the commercial effect on their business of the BBC's activities. [80434]

A number of organisations have made representations, as part of the consultation process on new BBC public services and on an ad hoc basis, including broadcasters, educational software publishers, independent producers and platform operators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many advertisements for Freeview have been broadcast on (a) BBC television and (b) BBC radio; and if she will make a statement. [81778]

The BBC has not broadcast any advertisements for Freeview on either its radio or television services, but between 4 November and 20 November, it broadcast 70 information trails about its digital services on BBC One and BBC Two and around 170 on its five national radio networks. These trails inform viewers that the BBC's digital services can be accessed on Freeview, but also make clear that they are available on the digital satellite and digital cable platforms.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, when she will reply to letters from Mr. Borthwick of Workington and the hon. Member for Workington to the Department of 13 April, 12 June, 26 July and 20 September. [80695]

My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts (Baroness Blackstone) has today replied to the letter of 26 July from the hon. Member for Workington which covered those of 13 April and 12 June from his constituent Mr Borthwick.I apologise for the delay in the handling of correspondence both from Mr. Borthwick and the hon. Member for Workington. My Department aims to reply to Members' correspondence and correspondence from the public within 18 working days of receipt. I regret that this did not happen here.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent assessment she has made of her Department's involvement in facilitating and promoting competitiveness of British creative industries (a) at home and (b) abroad; and if she will make a statement. [83745]

The Department is working in partnership with other Government Departments and representatives of the creative industries to enhance their economic performance at home and overseas. More recent figures from official sources suggest that in 2000 the creative industries:

• generated revenues of £76.6 billion
• provided jobs for 1.95 million
• account for 7.9 per cent. of GDP

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the objectives of the Film Council; and if she will make a statement. [83757]

When the Film Council was established in April 2000, it was set 13 goals for film which had been identified in the course of the Film Policy Review (1998). These goals have formed the basis of the funding agreement with my Department. Progress against the funding agreement is reviewed regularly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of (a) the effectiveness of her Department's transfer of functions from the Director General of the Office for National Lottery to the National Lottery Commission and (b) the relationship between her Department and the National Lottery Commission; and if she will make a statement. [83781]

The National Lottery Act 1998 made provision for the replacement of the office of Director General of the National Lottery by the National Lottery Commission; and I am satisfied that Parliament made the right decision in approving this change. Schedule 1 to the 1998 Act set out the transitional arrangements for the transfer of functions, which worked as intended. The relationship between the commission and the Department is as it should be. However, we published earlier this year a consultation document reviewing the way in which the National Lottery is now licensed and regulated, and seeking views on options for further change. We will announce our conclusions in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list Sport England's Exchequer and Lottery-funded programmes and initiatives. [80965]

Sport England's current programmes are as follows:

• Space for Sport and Arts
• New Opportunities Fund PE and Sport
• Club Development—not started
• Community Capital Fund
• Governing Bodies Facilities strategies
• Quest
• Benchmarking
• PPP and PFI
• Best Value
• Talent camps
• Clubmark
• Sporting Champions
• Sports Sponsorship Advisory Service
• Sports Gateway
• Sport England Direct
• Sports Aid
• Governing Bodies Awards
• English Institute of Sport Services
• Sports Science/Medicine
• World Class programmes
• Commonwealth Games
• National Centres
• English Institute of Sport facilities funding and development
• Active Communities Development Fund
• Sport Action Zones
• Awards for All
• Positive Futures
• Active Communities Projects
• Active Communities Infrastructure Posts-regional
• British Heart Foundation,
• National Association of Clubs for Young People
• Kids Club Network
• Local Exercise Action Pilots (LEAP)
• Football Foundation
• National Strategy for Education and Training
• Step Into Sport
• Volunteer Investment Programme (VIP)
• Coaching Development
• National Association for Sports Development—funding and liaison
• National Sports Development Seminar—funding and liaison
• Sport Development Professionals Regional Induction initiative
• Sport Development Professionals Supporting Infrastructure—Regional Training Units
• Running Sport
• Active Sports
• Child Protection in Sport Unit
• School Sport Coordinators
• Sportsmark and Activemark
• Sportsearch
• Panathlon
• Education infrastructure and Sport Alliances
• Coaching for teachers
• Adults other than Teachers
• Playing Fields and Green Spaces
• Statutory Planning
• Strategic Planning—Facility Planning Model
• Safer Sports Ground
• National projects
• Sportsmatch
• CCPR Funding
• Football Youth Development

As part of its modernisation process, Sport England is reviewing all the programmes that it funds based on its new business strategy; it expects the review to be completed by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the sustainability strategy is for her Department; and if she will make a statement on how it has changed since the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg. [83496]

As part of our long-term objective to maximise the Department's contribution to the Government's agenda on sustainable development and regeneration policy, we promised last April at a conference for our sectors held at the Science Museum to produce a sustainable development strategy. We are on target to fulfil this obligation.Since the World Summit, my Department has identified among its strategic priorities; the aim of enhancing access to a fuller cultural and sporting life of children and young people, giving them the opportunity to develop their talents to the full; and of improving the productivity of the tourism, creative and leisure industries. These are in line with one of the main programmes for activity agreed at the World Summit, that of eradicating poverty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the total budget is for (a) her Department and (b) its agencies for official travelling in 2002–03. [83030]

[holding answer 25 November 2002]: The DCMS budget for official travelling and subsistence for 2002–03 is £934,894. In addition, the budget for the Royal Parks Agency is £37,700.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on progress concerning the restitution of works of art looted by the Nazis. [82955]

The Spoliation Advisory Panel received two new claims this year, following its Report on the first claim which was published in January 2001. The Panel met in October 2002 to consider these new claims and will meet again in early 2003 to continue its discussions, when other claims which have been intimated may also be considered.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps she is taking to press other EU countries to (a) apply the EU Procurement Directive regarding tied aid and (b) increase the proportion of aid given to the poorest countries. [83192]

We support the Commission's efforts to ensure that member states' aid programmes comply with Community law. The Commission has recently presented to the Council of Ministers a Communication on Untying which reiterates member states' obligation to apply the Procurement Directives to their bilateral programmes.Poverty elimination is the stated objective of EU development programmes. Nine of the fifteen member states provide more than 70 per cent. of their aid to the poorest countries. The record for Commission-managed aid is much less poverty focused and is 45 per cent. We continue to press in the Council and in annual budget discussions with the European Parliament for higher priority to be given to poor countries in allocating EC development funds.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action she is taking to help Governments in poorer countries in their efforts to provide targeted support and protection for local producers. [82911]

My Department provides support to Governments of developing countries that are designed to meet the different circumstances and needs of a broad range of producers living in those countries. These include efforts to make Government policy more responsive to the demands of poor producers, activities to strengthen the operation of local institutions, interventions designed to improve food security as well as support designed to lead to improved delivery of rural goods and services. We also provide support to a range of international organisations that work closely with Governments in developing countries and seeks to enhance the effectiveness of any interventions agreed between these parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what discussions her Department has had with (a) the Government of Indonesia, (b) the Government of East Timor and (c) the UNHCR to ensure the return of children being held illegally in West Java to their families in East Timor; [80569](2) what assessment her Department has made of the number of East Timorese children being held illegally in West Java; and what assessment her Department has made of the number of children that have been returned to their families in East Timor. [80568]

I have been asked to reply.The violence and confusion surrounding the 1999 referendum on East Timor's status and the subsequent Indonesian withdrawal led to some children becoming separated from their families. There are no reliable figures for the number of children that were separated but the UNHCR estimates around 800 cases remain unresolved, mostly in West Timor.We are in regular contact with the UN Mission in East Timor and UNHCR on this sensitive issue, most recently, on 4 October 2002. We have also encouraged the Governments of Indonesia and East Timor to find a solution to this problem.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with (a) the Prime Minister and (b) international organizations about providing debt relief to Ethiopia. [83155]

We support international efforts to reduce Ethiopia's debt burden. Ethiopia qualified for interim debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) at Decision Point (DP) in November 2001. Irrevocable relief will be provided at HIPC Completion Point, which is expected within the next two years. Savings resulting from HIPC assistance will amount to around US$ 96 million per year on average until 2021. Ethiopia owes the UK £15.4 million. Provided Ethiopia remains on track with its programme of economic reform, Ethiopia will not be required to make any further payments on its debt to the UK after DP.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what long term plans she has to provide Ethiopia with development aid to help that country develop (a) irrigation system and (b) food storage facilities; and if she will make a statement. [83158]

An important component of our long-term development assistance to Ethiopia is work on improving food security. As one aspect of their food security strategy the Government of Ethiopia plans to increase access to irrigation and so help boost agricultural productivity. DFID is supporting the establishment of the Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office in Addis Ababa, which in coordination with Sudan and Egypt, plans to improve use of Nile waters for a range of users including irrigation. We have funded improvements in the food storage facilities of the Ethiopian Food Security Reserve Administration, which now has expanded capacity and a more efficient stock management regime. The EFSRA plays a vital role in ensuring the stability of food supplies to organisations distributing food relief to those in need.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what criteria her Department employs in assuring good governance in other countries. [83364]

Our strategy to support developing and transitional countries build the institutions of an effective, inclusive, modern state is outlined in the document "Making Government Work for Poor People", which was published in September 2001 and placed in the Libraries of both Houses.We encourage poor countries to take the lead in improving the quality of governance in developing countries. To this end we have helped the development of the governance assessments that will form part of the peer reviews of African countries in the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). We are also working with the World Bank and other international development agencies to ensure that governance issues are properly reflected in poverty reduction strategies beingprepared for decisions on debt relief and for World Bank and IMF lending.These objectives and indicators are included in DFID's Service Delivery Agreement of its Public Service Agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the sustainability strategy is for her Department; and how it has changed since the Earth Summit in Johannesburg. [83445]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman) on 15 October 2002, Official Report, column 651W.My Department does not have a free-standing sustainability strategy. We focus on improving the effectiveness of the international development effort to reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals, including the goal of ensuring environmental sustainability. This continues to be our focus following the World Summit on Sustainable Development.My Department works to promote economic growth that is equitable and environmentally sustainable, and works with developing countries to ensure that their poverty reduction strategies reflect the need to manage environmental resources sustainably. The World Summit gave an impetus to this work by integrating sustainability into the international agenda agreed at the Doha meeting of the World Trade Organisation and the Monterrey Conference on Financing for Development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what process is required to introduce a no-fly zone of (a) commercial and (b) military flights over towns and cities in Scotland; [83528](2) if he will assess the no-fly zone status of commercial and military flights over areas in Scotland that contain petro-chemical plants; [83527](3) what plans there are to review the no-fly zone status for both commercial and military flights over towns in Scotland; [83526](4) what

Following a request from the appropriate Government Department or, in some cases, the local police force, the Civil Aviation Authority drafts a Statutory Instrument (SI). This is ratified by the Department for Transport before being notified to the entire aviation community by means of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The SI, which may be temporary or permanent in effect, is binding on civil aircraft only, but military aircraft will normally comply. This process applies to all UK airspace.Towns and cities or petro-chemical plants do not have specific 'no-fly zones' unless already in the vicinity of restricted airspace. The Rules of the Air Regulations 1996 prohibit flying by civil aircraft below a height 1,500 feet above any town or city (unless landing or taking off). Military regulations in Volume 3, Part 1 (UK Military Low Flying System) of the UK Military Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) introduce avoidance criteria for military aircraft.From January 2001 to 10 September 2001 there was no change to airspace restrictions in Scottish airspace currently published as permanent in the UK Air Navigation Order (ANO) and Aeronautical Information (AIP). These include the Highlands Restricted Area (HRA) and sites such as Dounreay, Faslane, Rosyth and Chapelcross.From September 2001 the following temporary airspace restrictions have been in operation for the periods and reasons shown:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the planned consolidation of the Portland sea helicopter rescue operation to Lee-on-Solent. [81654]

No decision has yet been made on the consolidation (relocation) of the Portland area helicopter to Lee-on-Solent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made regarding the changes to recovery times if the possible consolidation of the Portland sea helicopter rescue operation to Lee-on-Solent goes ahead. [81655]

A risk assessment has been made on the effect of relocating the Portland area helicopter to Lee-on-Solent which indicates that the national criteria for UK Search and Rescue helicopters will continue to be met both in terms of response and recovery times.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will allow a private company to purchase and lease back to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency the hangar for the Portland Sea helicopter rescue operation. [81656]

A range of options for the future of the hanger at Portland are being considered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) appropriate to operational requirements for now and in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the risk to lives caused by the changes to a 60 minute limit on rescue times in medium to high risk areas. [81658]

The national criteria for UK Search and Rescue helicopters, which includes the response to incidents in medium to high risk areas was established by the UK Search and Rescue Operators Group under the aegis of the UK Search and Rescue Strategic Committee and implemented in April this year following the endorsement of Ministers. The operators group has experienced representatives from all UK Search and Rescue providers including the Department for Transport (DfT), Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), Ministry of Defence (MOD), Home Office, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Police, Fire, Ambulance and Mountain Rescue, together with the Association of Lowland Search and Rescue, teams in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The group considered an operational analysis of the risk assessment which introduced the national criteria.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to reduce the time taken by utility companies to complete roadworks; and if he will make a statement. [83147]

We are taking a range of measures to deal with this problem.Regulations under section 74 of the New Road and Street Works Act came into force in April 2001. These allow highway authorities to charge utilities up to £2000 a day for works which overrun an agreed deadline. Over 120 authorities in England are using these powers which should encourage utilities to carry out their works more quickly and reduce disruption. We have appointed consultants (Halcrow) to monitor the effectiveness of these powers.Further "lane rental" powers under the Act are also being tested in pilot schemes. These allow authorities to charge utility companies "lane rental" charges of up to £750 for each of their works, regardless of whether these overrun or not. These pilots are running in Middlesbrough and Camden and Halcrow are also monitoring their results in order to decide whether these powers should be applied throughout England.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (1) what assessment she has made of the workings and implementation of the sections of PPG8 which relate to telecommunications operators consulting with the public; and if she will make a statement; [82676](2) if she will take measures to ensure that the sections of PPG8 which relate to telecommunications operators consulting with the public are consistently implemented; and if she will make a statement. [82677]

I have been asked to reply.In August 2001 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister introduced improved planning arrangements for telecommunications development. These included improved requirements for consulting local people, backed by tougher guidance in Planning Policy Guidance Note 8. The mobile phone network operators also published last year their Ten Commitments to best siting practice for new development. A key objective is to improve dialogue and consultation with local communities in developing mobile phone networks.A Code of Best Practice on Mobile Phone Network Development, produced jointly by representatives of central and local government and the mobile phone industry, was published on 11 November 2002. Copies of which can be found in the House Library. It builds on Government guidance and operators' commitments and provides clear and practical advice to ensure the delivery of significantly better and more effective communication and consultation between operators, local authorities and local people. Standardised practice will promote greater consistency of approach and aid the transparency of the process for all concerned.The Federation of the electronics industry has commissioned a review by Deloitte and Touche to thoroughly assess the implementation of the ten commitments including the commitment related to improved consultation with local communities. The review has not yet been completed, but we expect to see the results by the end of 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many abandoned cars each local authority in England and Wales stated in their submissions to the Municipal Waste Survey in each year since 1997. [82500]

As indicated in the reply on 22 October 2002, Official Report, column 176W, to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), the question on abandoned vehicles was asked for the first time in the 2000–01 Municipal Waste Management Survey. Figures from the survey show that 288 local authorities in England and Wales, out of a total of 376, responded to the number of abandoned vehicles question. The authorities and the numbers of abandoned vehicles removed and destroyed reported are listed as follows:

Authority	No. of vehicles
Adur	793
Alnwick	54
Amber Valley	147
Arun	590
Ashford	612
Aylesbury Vale	507
Babergh	391
Barking and Dagenham	2,761
Barnet	3,287
Barnsley	248
Basildon	1,529
Basingstoke and Deane	780
Bassetlaw	92
Bath and NE Somerset	796
Bedford	876
Bexley	1,356
Birmingham	5,466
Blaby	113
Blaenau Gwent	960
Blyth Valley	110
Bolsover	249
Boston	65
Bournemouth	878
Bracknell Forest	707
Bradford	2,600
Braintree	554
Breckland	238
Brent	3,471
Brentwood	400
Bridgnorth	37
Brighton and Hove	4,000
Bromley	3,895
Bromsgrove	119
Broxbourne	1,393
Broxtowe	171
Caerphilly	1,800
Calderdale	441
Cambridge	261
Camden	1,629
Cannock Chase	30
Canterbury	809
Caradon	108
Carmarthenshire	120
Carrick	174
Castle Point	450
Ceredigion	150
Charnwood	153
Chelmsford	800
Chesterfield	45
Chester-le-Street	18
Chichester	600
Chiltern	195
Christchurch	73
City of Bristol	2,590
City of Kingston-upon-Hull	717
City of London	0
Colchester	319
Conwy	250
Corby	504
Cotswold	67
County of Herefordshire	368
Craven	0
Crawley	1,145
Croydon	2,878
Dacorum	1,150
Darlington	98
Dartford	483
Daventry	388
Derby	579

Authority	No. of vehicles
Derbyshire Dales	40
Derwentside	15
Doncaster	410
Dover	469
Dudley	234
Durham City	39
Ealing	3,754
Easington	14
East Cambridgeshire	330
East Devon	288
East Dorset	279
East Hampshire	209
East Hertfordshire	355
East Lindsey	226
East Northamptonshire	191
East Riding of Yorkshire	227
East Staffordshire	164
Eastbourne	631
Eastleigh	200
Enfield	4,711
Epping Forest	1,838
Epsom and Ewell	360
Erewash	270
Fenland	176
Flintshire	100
Forest Heath	145
Forest of Dean	186
Gateshead	149
Gloucester	700
Gosport	496
Gravesham	884
Great Yarmouth	255
Greenwich	3,120
Guildford	724
Gwynedd	619
Hackney	2,700
Hambleton	96
Hammersmith and Fulham	1,430
Harborough	550
Haringey	6,500
Harlow	1,240
Harrogate	143
Harrow	1,914
Hart	256
Hartlepool	55
Hastings	1,100
Havant	897
Havering	1,250
Hertsmere	534
High Peak	87
Hillingdon	2,286
Hinckley and Bosworth	353
Horsham	173
Hounslow	2,247
Ipswich	785
Isles of Scilly	0
Islington	2,619
Kennet	54
Kensington and Chelsea	195
Kerrier	232
Kettering	350
King's Lynn and West Norfolk	271
Kingston upon Thames	739
Kirklees	287
Lambeth	3,308
Leeds	877
Leicester	1,416
Lewes	470
Lewisham	5,000
Lichfield	271
Lincoln	136
Luton	2,403
Maidstone	1,015
Mansfield	650

Authority	No. of vehicles
Medway	1,157
Melton	30
Mendip	250
Merthyr Tydfil	482
Merton	1,683
Mid Bedfordshire	584
Mid Devon	376
Mid Suffolk	145
Mid Sussex	347
Mole Valley	621
Monmouthshire	244
New Forest	474
Newark and Sherwood	289
Newcastle-under-Lyme	150
Newham	6,704
Newport	789
North Cornwall	266
North Devon	33
North Dorset	60
North East Derbyshire	70
North East Lincolnshire	267
North Hertfordshire	332
North Kesteven	101
North Lincolnshire	135
North Norfolk	66
North Somerset	570
North Tyneside	451
North Warwickshire	133
North West Leicestershire	267
Northampton	1,682
Norwich	351
Nottingham	586
Nuneaton and Bedworth	183
Oadby and Wigston	58
Oswestry	129
Oxford	1,455
Pembrokeshire	487
Plymouth	1,779
Poole	649
Portsmouth	826
Powys	606
Purbeck	89
Reading	1,090
Redbridge	1,562
Reigate and Banstead	718
Restormel	266
Richmond upon Thames	1,201
Richmondshire	9
Rother	336
Rotherham	150
Runnymede	609
Rushcliffe	181
Rushmoor	375
Rutland	100
Ryedale	45
Salisbury	354
Sandwell	6,639
Scarborough	543
Sedgefield	80
Sedgemoor	377
Selby	120
Sevenoaks	498
Sheffield	100
Shepway	733
Shrewsbury and Atcham	86
Slough	669
Solihull	275
South Bedfordshire	500
South Cambridgeshire	100
South Derbyshire	154
South Gloucestershire	987
South Kesteven	148
South Norfolk	116
South Northamptonshire	140

Authority	No. of vehicles
South Oxfordshire	418
South Shropshire	7
South Somerset	356
South Staffordshire	48
South Tyneside	415
Southampton	1,132
Southend-on-Sea	1,132
Southwark	1,934
Spelthorne	596
St. Albans	486
St. Edmundsbury	760
Stafford	37
Staffordshire Moorlands	26
Stevenage	598
Stockton-on-Tees	39
Stoke-on-Trent	250
Stratford-on-Avon	43
Stroud	51
Suffolk Coastal	165
Sunderland	197
Surrey Heath	226
Sutton	1,651
Swale	738
Swindon	440
Tamworth	60
Tandridge	500
Taunton Deane	248
Teesdale	17
Teignbridge	741
Telford and Wrekin	1,332
Tendring	835
Test Valley	406
Tewkesbury	115
Thanet	950
The Vale of Glamorgan	264
Three Rivers	351
Tonbridge and Malling	557
Torbay	354
Torfaen	668
Torridge	111
Tunbridge Wells	688
Tynedale	29
Uttlesford	250
Vale of White Horse	464
Walsall	976
Waltham Forest	2,716
Wandsworth	2,571
Warwick	137
Watford	822
Waveney	115
Waverley	343
Wealden	483
Wear Valley	40
Wellingborough	290
Welwyn Hatfield	1,000
West Berkshire	697
West Dorset	232
West Oxfordshire	290
West Somerset	64
West Wiltshire	113
Westminster	496
Weymouth and Portland	85
Winchester	263
Windsor and Maidenhead	488
Woking	352
Wolverhampton	381
Worcester	316
Worthing	310
Wrexham	231
Wychavon	90
Wycombe	1,155

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken by her Department to measure the number of agricultural employees per hectare on (a) organic farms and (b) non-organic farms within the United Kingdom. [81902]

Information is not currently available to enable such a comparison to be made. But additional information to be collected when the EC Farm Structure Survey is next run, in 2003, is expected to provide a basis for doing so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her Answer of 19 November 2002, Official Report, column 40W, on animal diseases (EU Finances), what estimate she has made of the sums of money that would have been received in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) England, had the application been lodged in time. [83694]

[holding answer 26 November 2002]: Applications totalled some £5.5 million and covered UK TSE surveillance and Northern Ireland TB and Brucella, although not all of this would have been approved. No money would have been received in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland because receipts are held centrally. The Commission have now confirmed that it is not legally possible for payments to be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will state the gross value of non-food use of arable crops for the production of energy in 2001. [80478]

Information is not collected on the value of arable crops grown specifically for the production of energy. Figures are available which give an indication of the cultivated area of such crops. Oilseed rape, which can be used to produce biodiesel, is the only arable crop commonly grown for the production of energy. Most of the rape destined for biodiesel is grown on set-aside land and in 2001; there were approximately 38,000 hectares grown on set-aside. However, not all of this rape will have been used for biodiesel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with BABFO, the trade association for the liquid biofuels industry, on what research and development work is required to drive this new industry forward. [81963]

The Department has held a number of discussions with BABFO on research and development work. The views of industry, including BABFO, are taken into account when research and development is commissioned and will be particularly helpful when the Department considers future research needs as part of the planned review of the bio-energy programme in early 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been carried out on the likelihood of rabies affecting bat colonies. [82751]

For the last 15 years Defra has undertaken a survey for the rabies virus in bats found dead or ill. About 200 bats a year have been examined and the rabies related virus, European Bat Lyssavirus, has been found in only two Daubenton's bats.In 2003, when bats have stopped hibernating, we intend to increase our surveillance and visit bat roosts and take blood samples from live bats for testing for European Bat Lyssavirus.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if regional funds have been made available in Yorkshire following the insolvency of the ARBRE biomass power station. [81833]

I understand that Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency for Yorkshire and Humber, has been actively considering the future of the ARBRE biomass power station with the Renewable Energy Development and Deployment Team at the Department of Trade and Industry and the Energy and Transport Directorate of the European Commission. Yorkshire Forward is examining potential and appropriate funding opportunities while discussions with possible future operators continue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations her Department has received concerning research into biomass; and what assessment she has made of the value for money of the research funded to date. [81899]

The Department receives regular representations on research through meetings, correspondence and applications from industry for LINK research funding. All the Department's agricultural research programmes are subject to formal evaluation on a four-year cycle. The bio-energy programme was last reviewed in 1999, and will be reviewed again in early 2003. At the 1999 review, the value for money of the five programme areas was assessed by external assessors. One programme area was assessed as excellent value for money, three were assessed as good, and one could not be assessed because of the early stage of work at the time. The programme is also subject to on-going evaluation by all Government funders under the Interdepartmental Group on Energy Crop Research, which is chaired by this Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the findings of research undertaken by the Government into biomass. [81900]

The purpose of the Department's biomass research and development programme is to provide industry with the basic knowledge to achieve an increase in crop yields, with these higher yielding crops ideally being protected using host resistance and biological techniques rather than conventional pesticides. Research has established that miscanthus is the highest yielding biomass crop in the UK. An industry-supported commercial breeding programme has been set up for short rotation coppice willow. This includes the use of varieties to control fungal diseases and pests. Studies have identified and quantified the environmental impact of bio-energy cropping, including the potential for soil carbon sequestration and the effect on water resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the welfare of those sheep inoculated intracerebrally with cattle BSE brain homogenate; and what measures are in place to ensure minimal suffering by those animals. [83378]

The use of animals in scientific procedures is regulated by the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which is widely viewed as the most rigorous piece of legislation of its type in the world. It puts into effect, and in some ways exceeds, European Union Directive 86/609/EEC (regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes) and offers a high level of protection to animals while recognising the need to use animals in medical research, the development of new medicines and scientific testing.Under the 1986 Act, both personal and project licences are required. These ensure that those doing the work are qualified and suitable; that alternatives to animals are used wherever possible; that the number of animals used is minimised; and that suffering or other harmful effects experienced by the animals have been weighed against the potential benefits (to humans or animals). In addition work can only be carried out at designated establishments which meet high standards and which have suitable veterinary and animal welfare personnel.The sheep inoculated intracerebrally with cattle BSE brain homogenate at the Institute for Animal Health were no exception to the above legislation. All animals were sedated during intracerebral injection of cattle brain material. Inoculated animals were maintained under exceptionally high standards of animal husbandry practice and their health and welfare conditions continually monitored by the highly trained staff at the Institute for Animal Health. Any animal showing definite signs of clinical disease was euthanased immediately, in order to minimise any suffering.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent scientific advice on cetacean bycatch she has received; and if she will raise this advice at the forthcoming Council of Fisheries Ministers. [83371]

The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) is continuing to advise this Department on the levels of cetacean bycatch in the fisheries on which it observes, and on mitigation measures. SMRU will shortly be restarting trials in the south west bass fishery to establish whether suitably modified separator trawls can reduce the bycatch of small cetaceans. I have already drawn this work to the attention of Commissioner Fischler and the French Government. I will share the full results with them and other EU Ministers when the results are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department and its predecessors have spent on research into the possible use of cloned animals in agriculture. [82858]

Research to the value of £2.22 million was funded by the Department at Roslin Institute between 1990 and 1999 to understand the causes of Large Offspring Syndrome, a welfare problem in cattle and sheep bred using in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer. The technology that led to cloning by nuclear transfer resulted from these studies. Research aimed at improving the efficiency of livestock cloning has not been supported by the Department since 1999, although the studies on Large Offspring Syndrome have continued and have identified ways by which the problem can be avoided.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with whom she has had discussions, and from whom she has received representations, in respect of the possible use of cloned animals in agriculture. [82859]

While there have been no formal discussions and no direct representations received on the use of cloned livestock, the Government have sought advice on the welfare implications of cloning farm animals from the independent Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC). FAWC's 1998 report made a number of recommendations, and the Government's response to it can be found on Defra's website (http//defraweb/animalh/welfare/farmed/cloning-resp.htm). In addition, the Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) published a report in September this year on how well current and likely future questions about animals and biotechnology, including cloning, could be answered by the current regulatory and advisory machinery. The Government are currently considering the recommendations in the AEBC report and will respond shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to prevent the use in the UK of cloned animals for agricultural purposes; and if she will make a statement. [82860]

There is legislation in place to protect farm livestock from any welfare concerns arising from both natural and artificial breeding procedures. Consideration is also being given to whether the misuse of biotechnology in animal breeding should be included in the proposed Animal Welfare Bill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the CO₂ emissions from the aviation sector in each year since 1990; and what the projected figures are for each year to 2010. [80844]

[holding answer 20 November 2002]: The UK greenhouse gas inventory and the corresponding projections distinguish between domestic aviation (flights within the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and international aviation (emissions from fuel loaded within this area onto flights with destinations outside it). The table shows the most recent emissions inventory data on carbon dioxide emissions for these two categories from 1990 to 2000, expressed as thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide (ktCO₂) per year.

Year	Domestic	International	Total
1990	2,160	14,791	16,951
1991	2,119	14,570	16,689
1992	2,222	16,121	18,343
1993	2,281	17,241	19,522
1994	2,325	17,856	20,181
1995	2,449	19,012	21,461
1996	2,552	20,238	22,790
1997	2,640	21,552	24,192
1998	2,765	24,122	26,887
1999	2,827	26,424	29,251
2000	2,867	28,544	31,411

Projections on the same basis as the inventory data are available at five yearly intervals from the model of the UK energy economy maintained by the Department of Trade and Industry. This model suggests that, on central assumptions, carbon dioxide emissions from domestic aviation will be 3177 and 3483 kt CO

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many complaints were received against her Department in (a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and what proportion were investigated and concluded in (i) under 14 days, (ii) 15 days to four weeks, (iii) 29 days to eight weeks, (iv) 57 days to 12 weeks and (v) 12 weeks or more. [83150]

15 complaints about standards of service were made to the Department's Complaint Adjudicator during the 2001–02 financial year, and five have so far been made during 2002–03. There is no central statistical record of less formal complaints.Defra aims to investigate service standard complaints within 15 working days wherever possible. However, due to the complexity of some cases it was not feasible to investigate them fully within that time. In all such cases, a holding reply was sent explaining the reasons for the delay and when the complainant could expect a full response.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she will reply to the letter from the right hon. Member for North East Hampshire of 10 May regarding Mr. Lloyd, a constituent. [83025]

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, replied on 25 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what studies her Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the economic damage caused by the deer population to forestry. [80830]

The Forestry Commission has not recently commissioned any work on the economic implications of deer. It has however undertaken various related studies, such as an assessment of wildlife damage in forests and a review of damage by mammals in north temperate forests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the adequacy of (a) controls and (b) the enforcement regime relating to drinking water from private suppliers. [83380]

Drinking water quality standards of private water supplies and requirements for sampling and analysis of supplies are set out in the Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991. The 1998 Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) introduced some new and some revised standards for drinking water quality. My Department will be consulting next year on draft proposals to implement the new and revised standards for the purposes of private water supplies.Local authorities are responsible for monitoring at the frequencies set out in the Regulations and, where necessary, enforcement of regulatory standards. Local authorities have powers in primary legislation to serve formal notice, requiring specified remedial action where a private supply is unwholesome, or is insufficient for the domestic purposes of people living in a house. Where a private supply is, or may become, so polluted that it is prejudicial to health, an authority may also apply to the court for an order for steps be taken to prevent injury or danger to health.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of domestic customers it is estimated rely on lead pipes for connections to company supplies of drinking water. [83381]

In England and Wales, there are an estimated 21 million properties. Information provided by water companies recently indicates an estimated total of some 7.5 million lead communication pipes connecting properties to water mains.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of UK food was locally produced in the last 12 months; and what the projection is for the next (a) five and (b) 10 years. [82898]

This information is not available. The local food sector is highly diverse and any attempt to assess its size and impact is very difficult. In addition, as the Policy Commission on the Future of Food and Farming has recognised, there is no commonly accepted definition of locally produced food.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the timetable is for the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Report on the Future of Farming and Food. [81156]

The Government have already made significant progress delivering action identified in the Policy Commission's Report. A new strategy for sustainable farming and food in England will be published shortly. This will include a formal response to each of the Policy Commission's recommendations.An Implementation Group of independent members, chaired by former Policy Commission chair Sir Don Curry, will oversee delivery of the new strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many illegal imports by type in passenger baggage and freight were identified at Heathrow (a) from 1 April 2001 to 16 September 2002 and (b) since 16 September. [82412]

[holding answer 21 November 2002]: The seizures of illegal imports through Heathrow airport as notified to the Illegal Animal Products Seizures database are as follows:

	1 April 2001 to 15 September 2002		16 September 2002 to 19 November 2002
	Number of seizures	Weight (kgs)	Number of seizures	Weight (kgs)
Commercial
Meat	19	1,916	1	165
Fish	35	1,496	10	657
Dairy	15	2,459	1	11
Multiple	29	3,333	5	714
Personal
Meat	493	2,762	167	821

	1 April 2001 to 15 September 2002		16 September 2002 to 19 November 2002
	Number of seizures	Weight (kgs)	Number of seizures	Weight (kgs)
Fish	170	1,932	84	653
Dairy	51	319	60	355
Multiple	226	4,645	114	1,485

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many local authorities which undertook kerbside recycling schemes have carried out a continuous scheme for longer than six months. [83298]

[holding answer 25 November 2002]: We do not have information on how long schemes have been in operation. This information is not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the extent to which emissions from the aviation sector are covered by the Kyoto agreement [83377]

The Kyoto Protocol when it comes into effect will cover emissions from domestic aviation for all Parties who ratify the Protocol, although only Annex I Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (developed countries) have emission limitation or reduction targets. Emissions from international aviation are not included in the targets that Annex I countries who have ratified the Kyoto Protocol will have to meet. Article 2.2 of the Protocol requests Annex I Parties to limit or reduce emissions from international aviation, working through the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of funds spent on researching fuel from farmland has been directed to liquid biofuels in the past five years. [81962]

With the exception of a small number of projects evaluating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of using oilseed rape for biodiesel, Defra does not fund research and development work on liquid biofuels. Such research is largely covered by the programmes of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department for Transport. This Department does have programmes supporting the sustainable development of arable crops that are used for liquid biofuels, both biodiesel and bioethanol, and food. Over the past five years, such research amounted to £10 million for wheat and £4 million for oilseed rape out of total expenditure of £513 million for agricultural, food chain, agri-environmental and non-food research.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with representatives of the paper industry on moderating the use of dyes in paper that render material unsuitable for recycling. [82718]

I am planning to have such discussions in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which pelagic trawl fisheries in the Celtic Sea/Biscay/Channel area UK fishing vessels are active in; how many UK vessels are involved in each; and how many of these fisheries are subject to observer monitoring. [83372]

There are normally less than 10 UK vessels active in the pelagic trawl fisheries in the south western approaches, which may pursue any of the individual fisheries. Observers have been on vessels engaged in the anchovy, bass, herring, mackerel, pilchard, smelt and sprat fisheries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions she has had within the Council of Fisheries Ministers on an observer programme to monitor cetacean bycatch on pelagic trawl vessels in the Celtic Sea/Biscay/Channel area; [83373](2) what discussions she has had with her European counterparts about cetacean bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries south and west of Britain; and if she will make a statement. [83376]

The European Commission intends to bring forward proposals to reduce cetacean bycatch as part of its proposals for reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. Detailed discussions within the Council on the nature of such a strategy will follow

Waste recycling rates, glass, 1990–97
Percentage of apparent consumption
Year	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997
Canada	—	—	17	—	—	—	—	—
Mexico	—	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
USA	20	20	22	22	23	24	—	—
Japan	48	52	56	—	—	—	—	—
Korea	46	45	43	44	46	57	60	68
Australia	—	—	36	—	—	42	—	—
N. Zealand	—	—	—	—	36	—	—	—
Austria	60	60	64	68	76	—	—	88
Belgium	—	55	54	55	67	67	66	75
Czech R.	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Denmark	—	35	48	64	67	63	66	70
Finland	36	31	44	46	50	50	63	62
France	—	41	44	46	48	50	50	52
Germany	54	61	60	65	75	75	79	79
Greece	15	22	20	27	29	35	29	26
Hungary	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Iceland	70	75	75	—	—	—	—	—
Ireland	23	23	27	29	31	39	46	38
Italy	—	53	53	52	54	53	53	34
Luxembourg	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Netherlands	67	70	73	76	77	80	81	82
Norway	—	22	44	67	72	75	75	76
Poland	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what funding her Department has allocated to trialling marine mammal excludes devices for pelagic trawls; and what alternative mitigation measures she is investigating; [83374](2) what measures she is undertaking to curb cetacean bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries south and west of Britain. [83375]

This Department has allocated approximately £140,000 for trials into the use of exclusion devices to reduce the bycatch of cetaceans in pelagic trawl fisheries. If these trials are not successful, we will look at other measures. I do not rule out any approach at this stage including arguing for restrictions on fishing, gear or seasonal closures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information she has collated on recycling rates within the OECD for (a) glass, (b) plastic and (c) total waste stream in each year since 1990. [81591]

[holding answer 20 November 2002]: The United Kingdom contributes statistics on waste arisings and recycling rates to the OECD every two years. These are published in "OECD Environmental Data". The most recent publication detailing these figures for OECD countries is 1999. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has contributed more recent figures but these have not yet been published. The relevant pages for glass are detailed in the table. Figures are not available for plastic or total waste recycled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much financial support each local authority will receive during the current financial year to help with the disposal of refrigerators. [83045]

[holding answer 26 November 2002]: My written statement of 14 November related to the special grant report (No. 109) laid in Parliament that day (Col 2WS). The draft report, which is subject to the agreement of the House, details the proposed allocation to the relevant receiving authorities of the £40 million allocated this year to assist with the disposal of refrigerators. We propose that the amount payable to an authority will be allocated according to the formula used for county services within the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services SSA block.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to ensure the selective breeding of scrapie-resistant sheep; and how much her Department has spent on research into scrapie in each of the last five years. [83149]

The national scrapie plan has been in operation since July 2001. The aim of the plan is to eradicate TSEs from sheep by breeding genetic resistance into the national flock. So far, over 260,000 sheep have been genotyped. In addition, 25,000 ewes have been genotyped in Wales through the Welsh ewe genotyping scheme.The table gives expenditure on research into sheep TSEs (covering both scrapie and BSE research). The figures include expenditure on the development of TSE diagnostic tests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the radiological leaks from Sellafield; when they took place; and what and how much radioactive material was leaked to the environment. [83251]

The Environment Agency conducts monitoring of the local surface waters around the Sellafield site and springs of groundwater found on the Sellafield beach. I understand that, to date, the Agency has identified two sources which result in detectable levels of radioactivity off the Sellafield site, albeit at very low levels.These involved seepage of tritium from on-site burial trenches from the 1950s to the present day, resulting in off-site radioactivity levels of 119—353 Becquerels/litre; and seepage of technetium-99 from the B241 waste storage tanks from around 1978 to the present day, resulting in off-site radioactivity levels of <0.2 Becquerels/litre.The radiological and environmental impact of the leakage of low levels of tritium and technetium-99 is assessed by the Environment Agency to be trivial.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the sustainability strategy is for her Department; and how it has changed since the Earth Summit in Johannesburg. [83443]

The Defra sustainable development strategy, "Foundations For Our Future", was published in June 2002, it provides a framework for how Defra will develop policies and identifies a set of indicators which will be used to monitor Defra's progress. The strategy will be reviewed in June 2003 taking into account the outcome of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total budget is of (a) her Department and (b) its agencies for official travelling in 2002–03. [83031]

The total 2002–03 travel and subsistence budget for Defra and its executive agencies, is as follows:

	£ million
Total for Defra	16.193
of which agencies	3.662

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding has been allocated for TSE surveillance in 2003 in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland. [83695]

For 2003/2004, estimated funding allocated for TSE surveillance and associated costs in GB amounts to around £44 million. The testing programme is administered by Defra, in close consultation with the devolved administrations and FSA, so costs are not broken down by country. The estimated allocation of funding for TSE surveillance and associated costs in Northern Ireland is £3.5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many domestic customers are reliant on water supplies from private water suppliers. [83379]

Local authorities in England and Wales are required to maintain public registers of private water supplies in their areas. On the basis of the information provided by local authorities, we estimate that about one per cent. of the population in England and Wales use water from private supplies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries in the middle east have purchased from the UK in the last 12 months protective clothing to guard against biological and chemical attack. [82549]

I have been asked to reply.Such equipment may not be licensable, and since sales can fall through, even after a licence has been granted, the DTI does not hold records of such purchases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the grants funded by his Department for which individual members of the public and organisations may apply; and if he will make a statement as to (a) the total of such funding in the last financial year, (b) the total number of awards and (c) their administrative costs. [82196]

The FCO funds grants for Education, the Environment, Human Resources and other projects. The total funding in 2001/02 was £58 million.The administration of grant programmes is carried out by a number of different units within the department to which a range of staff make a contribution. It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of these costs centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the human rights situation in Tibet. [82498]

We continue to have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet. We welcome, however, the releases this year of several Tibetan prisoners, including Ngawang Choepel, Chadrel Rinpoche, Jigme Zangpo and Ngawang Sangdrol. All of these were on the list of individual cases of concern that we have raised with the Chinese Government. We have also welcomed, along with EU partners, the recent visit of the Dalai Lama's representatives to China. We encourage both sides to continue to use dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the Tibetan issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to encourage the European Union to achieve the early appointment of a special co-ordinator in Tibet. [82499]

The EU discussed the appointment of a special representative for Tibetan issues in April. After careful consideration, and bearing in mind the US experience, the EU decided against such an appointment. The EU presidency informed the Dalai Lama's representative accordingly.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent review of civil contingencies procedures there has been. [82223]

The Civil Contingencies Committee (CCC) has conducted a wide-ranging review of the United Kingdom's contingencies procedures and infrastructure. In conducting the review, the CCC worked systematically through Government Departments, the emergency services, local authorities and the devolved Administrations. The arrangements are revised and tested through exercises to encourage continual improvement of our response arrangements.Contingency plans for civil emergencies are reviewed by the departmental owners of those plans and exercises are carried out on a routine basis to test their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. This process is co-ordinated by a Cabinet Committee (DOP(IT)(R), chaired by the Home Secretary, with support from officials in the Cabinet Office.The Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) is currently co-ordinating a rewrite of the third edition of "Dealing with Disaster", which is the core guidance document on planning for, responding to, and recovering from a major disruptive incident. The Government have also sponsored a review of emergency planning. The recommendations are being incorporated into the programme of work leading towards a civil contingencies Bill.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what advice his Department has given to the Fire Service's employers on pay increases for firefighters in the past 12 months. [82689]

None.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will bring forward proposals to make it a requirement for Parliament to be consulted prior to each exercise of the power under Royal Prerogative to take the country to war. [82853]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, North (Mr Allen) on 21 October 2002, Official Report, column 78W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to increase research funding for universities in Northern Ireland. [81605]

The draft Budget approved by the Executive prior to suspension contained an increase in line with inflation for university research funding. The final Budget proposals will be published in December. Until then I am not in a position to comment on the matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he has taken to help the victims of crime in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [81606]

The Government remain committed to improving access to justice for victims of crime in Northern Ireland. The recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review sets out specific recommendations which are currently being implemented.We have invested almost £2 million in Victim Support (Northern Ireland) and the establishment of court witness schemes in this financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress the Government have made in implementing the Good Friday Agreement. [81607]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. [81618]

Implementation for the agreement is well advanced. But progress now, including restoration of the institutions, can only happen if there is trust that all parties remain committed to fulfilling their obligations, including the commitment to exclusively democratic and peaceful means. If we can secure that we can complete implementation rapidly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the criminal justice review. [81608]

The Criminal Justice Review aims to create a more modern, effective, transparent and accountable criminal justice system for Northern Ireland. The Government intend to publish a revised Implementation Plan for the Review in early 2003. The revised plan will provide details of progress made against its 294 recommendations. Good progress is already being made in a number of areas, supported by the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002. The revised plan represents another significant step towards the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to ensure that only those people and parties committed to exclusively peaceful methods may participate in the devolved institutions when they resume. [81609]

I do not believe restoration of the institutions would be possible on any other basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the prospects for restoration of devolved government. [81616]

I refer my hon. Friend to the response I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Barnsley, Central (Mr. Illsley).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by quantity and type the illegally held weapons and explosives decommissioned under the Good Friday Agreement. [81610]

There have been three acts of decommissioning carried out by paramilitary organisations.The Loyalist Volunteer Force decommissioned:2 Madsen 9 mm sub-machine guns; 1 Sten 9 mm Mark 2 sub-machine gun; 1 modified Lanchester 9 mm Mark 1 sub-machine gun; 1 Steyr 7 mm rifle [1904]; 1 homemade.22 caliber rifle; 1 sawn-off double-barrelled 12 gauge shotgun; 1 FN Browning 9 mm semi-automatic pistol; 1 FN 7.65 mm semi-automatic pistol; 31 12-gauge magnum 00 buckshot shotgun shells; 23.38 caliber semi wad-cutter cartridges; 45.556 caliber cartridges; 280 9 mm cartridges; 5 electrical detonators; 2 pipe bombs; 2 weapons stocks and 5 assorted magazines.The IRA have carried out two acts of decommissioning. On 23 October 2001 the Commission reported that they had witnessed an event which they regarded as significant in which the IRA had put a quantity of arms completely beyond use. The material in question included arms, ammunition and explosives. On 8 April 2002 the Commission again reported that the IRA had put a varied and substantial quantity of ammunition, arms and explosive material beyond use. When the task is completed an inventory of the arms will be provided to the British and Irish governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on timetables set for the completion of IRA decommissioning and disbandment. [81625]

Following the suspension of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland the IRA issued a statement suspending contact with the Independent International Commission for Decommissioning. During his visit to Northern Ireland on 17 October 2002, the Prime Minister stated categorically that Republicans have to make the commitment to exclusively peaceful means, real, total and permanent as should all paramilitary organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the reform of the secondary school admissions process. [81611]

The recommendations of an independent Post Primary Review Body, chaired by Mr. Gerry Burns, were published for consultation in October 2001. The consultation, which was extensive, inclusive and transparent, ended on 28 June 2002 and a report on the responses was published on 8 October 2002. The responses indicated a widespread demand for change and an emerging consensus, including among political parties, for the ending of the transfer tests.I am determined to take the review forward and to continue to work towards the abolition of the transfer tests as soon as practical. No decisions have been taken about academic selection or new post-primary arrangements. In the responses to consultation a range of suggestions were made for future post-primary arrangements, including options involving academic selection, and Department of Education officials will be discussing these issues with key education partners and representatives of parents in the coming weeks. My aim is to develop a modern and fair education system which addresses the weaknesses of our current arrangements and enables all children to fulfil their potential.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress with the multi-party talks. [81612]

The two Governments and the political parties met last Thursday to discuss the key issues related to political advance, including how to implement the Belfast Agreement in full and how to address the difficulties caused by paramilitary activity. We plan a further meeting tomorrow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what meetings he has had with other political parties on restoring powers to the Northern Ireland Executive. [81614]