To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to business of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; and if he will make a statement. [88065]

The total costs of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 to business are estimated, over a 50-year period, at £1.5 billion. These future costs are discounted in present values under standard government accounting conventions. The regulations will help to prevent some 4,700 people dying from asbestos-related diseases from future exposure to asbestos in commercial buildings. This is equivalent to total benefits exceeding £3.0 billion. Full details of costs and benefits are contained in the Regulatory Impact Assessment available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his answer of 27 November 2002, official Report, column 316W, on the adviser discretion fund, how many persons have received payments from the fund; how many payments have been made (a) in total and (b) broken down by month; how many persons have received (i) more than one payment, (ii) more than two payments and (iii) more than three payments from the fund; what the value is of payments from the fund, (A) in total and (B) broken down by month; what the average payment from the fund to date is; if he will list the types of goods and services purchased from the funds, indicating how many payments have been used to purchase each type of goods and service; if he will place in the Library a summary of the records referred to in his answer; and if he will make a statement. [88511]

The adviser discretion fund was introduced to give personal advisers more flexibility in the help they can offer their New Deal clients. Over 71,200 people have moved into work after receiving help from the fund. We are building on this success by extending access to the fund to people who have been claiming benefits for six months or more.Information on the number and value of awards made through the adviser discretion fund since its introduction in July 2001 is in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost was of the new PCs recently installed in his Department; how the PCs that these computers replaced were disposed of; and what the lifespan of the new machines is. [88450]

The purchase cost of PCs installed in the Department of Work and Pensions up to 30 November 2002, including the associated software and network costs, is £156.7 million. Installation costs, again up to 30 November 2002, amount to £58.5million.The old PCs are being disposed of by the Disposal Services Agency through a company called "Recommit", which redeploys suitable surplus computer equipment back into the community. Some old PCs and dumb terminals are not suitable for redeployment."Recommit" set no hard and fast eligibility criteria and charitable organisations and their clients, usually low income families, can order from them direct. Recent recipients of DWP PCs include Age Concern, the Arthur Rank Centre for Rural Studies, All Nations Christian College, Whizzkids (a children's charity), Woodend Park Community School and Firth Primary School Orkney.It is assumed that the PCs will need replacing after five years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the Government last reviewed employers' liability legislation. [85823]

The Government last reviewed employers' liability legislation in 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what recent discussions he has had with the Showman's Guild regarding fairground safety; [85726](2) what recent discussions he has had with the Fairground Licensing Agency, NAFLIC, regarding the registration of surveyors; [85729](3) what discussions he has had with the Health and Safety Executive regarding fairground safety since the death of Stacey Rowe in 2000. [86503]

My right hon. Friend has had no discussions with the Health and Safety Executive regarding fairground safety since the death of Stacey Rowe in 2000. The Secretary of Sate for Work and Pensions assumed responsibility for the Health and Safety commission and the Health and Safety Executive on 24 July 2002. However, meetings were held on 10 and 26 July 2001 between HSE and my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead), the Minister with health and safety responsibilities at the time.There have been no discussions between my right hon. Friend and the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain (SGGB), nor the National Association for Leisure Industry Certification (NAFLIC).

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of mains gas pipes Transco agreed to replace by 1 January 2003; and what percentage of this work had been achieved by 1 December. [87483]

This required replacement of mains gas pipes, as part of the medium pressure ductile iron replacement programme, was 0.86 per cent. of the total mains gas pipes by 1 January 2003. As at 1 December, Transco was on target to achieve 1 per cent., thus exceeding their original target. Actual performance is at a level of 116 per cent. against original projections.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the terms were of the agreement between Transco and the Health and Safety Executive for the replacement of metal gas pipes; and if Transco has met the time scale for replacement agreed with the Health and Safety Executive. [87486]

I am informed by the Health and Safety Executive that Transco's mains replacement work is governed by a five-year programme which commenced in January 2001 for iron mains within 30 metres of property. This programme was agreed following discussions with Transco and Ofgem. At the end of this five-year period, Transco should be replacing mains so that the remaining mains within 30 metres of buildings should be replaced within the following 25 years.Implementation of this programme is in the very early stages. HSE is carefully monitoring Transco's progress and evidence suggests the company is meeting current targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of the Regional Directors and Operational Managers in the Health and Safety Executive possess a formal qualification in management. [84778]

	scs	G6	G7	SEO	HEO
	Scs	Bl	B2	B3	B4	Total
Educational qualifications
Admin and Info Management	—	—	—	1	—	1
Administration Management	—	—	—	1	—	1
Business Management and Finance	—	—	—	—	1	1
Business Management Studies	—	—	—	1	4	5
Health and Safety Management	—	—	2	8	—	10
Human Resource Management	—	—	—	—	2	2
Info and Admin Management	—	—	—	—	1	1
Management	1	5	14	12	8	40
Management for the Professions	—	1	—	—	—	1
Management Services	—	—	1	—	—	1
Management Studies	3	2	10	10	7	32
Management Techniques	—	—	—	1	—	1
Personnel Management	—	—	1	5	2	8
Prof Cert in Management	—	1	—	—	1	2
Project Management	—	—	2	2	—	4
Supervisory Management	—	—	—	1	—	2
Total	4	9	30	42	26	111
Professional Memberships
British Institution of Management	—	—	—	2	—	2
Inst of Personnel and Development	—	1	2	4	10	17
Institute of Admin. Management	—	—	—	1	—	1
Institute of Management	—	—	4	2	—	6
Institute of Management Services	—	—	—	1	—	1
Institute of Personnel Management	—	—	2	5	4	11
Institute of Supervisory Management	—	—	—	1	2	3
Total	0	1	8	16	16	41

It is mandatory for all managers in HSE to attend 'essential training for managers'. This includes 12 modules: HSE's Expectations of It's Managers (Mod 1); The Legal and Policy Framework (Mod 2); Performance Management: Appraisal & Development (Mod 3&4); Getting the best from your team (Mod 5); Management Communication Part 1&2 (Mod 6&7); Selecting staff (Mod 8); Managing resources (Mod 10); Developing your Management style (Mod 11); The Appraisal Managers role (Mod 12).

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether above standard hours of working have been ended in HSE at each grade. [84782]

The only data available to answer this question are found in the staff survey. As the title of the survey suggests, it is based on the opinions of staff rather than objectively recorded data. The 2002 staff survey showed that there were still staff at all grades working above their conditioned hours. There was however a small reduction of 2.6 per cent, in those working between five and eight hours compared with 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of the population in (a) Birmingham, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) the London region claimed housing benefit in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [82868]

The table shows all management qualifications recorded on HSE's Personnel database. Managers in HSE are B4 (HEO equivalent).

The available information is in the table:

Housing Benefit recipients as a percentage of the population in Birmingham, West Midlands and London—May 2001
Area	HB recipients as percentage of the population
Birmingham City Council area	12.1
West Midlands Government Office Region	8.4
London Government Office Region	10.2

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many disabled people were found jobs through the New Deal for Disabled People in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) the west midlands; how many of these people are still in employment; and what plans he has to review the effectiveness of the service. [86866]

New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is the first national programme designed specifically to help people with health conditions and disabilities move into and keep jobs. A comprehensive programme of evaluation is in place to assess its effectiveness.The available information is in the table.

People helped into work through NDDP since the national extension of the programme began
Period	People finding work
July 2001–March 2002	2,304
April 2002–September 2002	3,795
Total	6,099

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of lone parents participating in the ONE programme have obtained employment; and if he will make a statement. [85987]

[holding answer 9 December 2002]: Under ONE, all people claiming working age benefits are now required to have a work-focused meeting with a personal adviser. All ONE pilot sites are due to become integrated Jobcentre Plus offices by spring 2003.From June 1999 to October 2002, 78,028 lone parents participated in the ONE pilots. Of these, 3,282–4.2 per cent. have so far obtained employment.We are using the information gained from the ONE pilots and applying the valuable lessons learnt in the development of our Jobcentre Plus service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were unemployed in Copeland in (a) May 1997 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available; what proposals he has to reduce that number; and if he will make a statement. [87142]

[holding answer 16 December 2002]: Economic stability and active labour market programmes have helped people move from welfare to work in all parts of the country. As a result of our policies the number of people in work is at record levels and unemployment has fallen to levels not seen since the 1970s.In my right hon. Friend's constituency, between May 1997 and October 2002 the number of people unemployed and claiming benefit fell from 2,784 to 1,382 (a reduction of 50 per cent.) and long term unemployment has fallen by 75 per cent. Over the same period the New Deal has helped over 1,800 people in Copeland into jobs.We know that even within areas of prosperity there are pockets of persistent unemployment. That is why we have introduced additional measures—such as Action Teams for Jobs and Employment Zones—targeted on the most employment-deprived wards in the country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many men have been awarded incapacity benefit and have successfully claimed payments due to pneumoconiosis since 1962; [81961](2) how many men have been awarded incapacity benefit and have successfully claimed payments due to pneumoconiosis since 1992. [82721]

Information on the number of men receiving incapacity benefit who also receive industrial injuries disablement benefit due to pneumoconiosis is only available from 1 October 1997. We estimate that during the period 1 October 1997 to 31 March 2002 around 100 men who were awarded incapacity benefit with a diagnosis of pneumoconiosis also successfully claimed industrial injuries disablement benefit on the same grounds, and that a further 400 men with other medical conditions who were awarded incapacity benefit successfully claimed industrial injuries disablement benefit on the grounds of pneumoconiosis¹. These figures are based on a small sample of cases and should be taken only as a general indication of the position.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what definition of poverty will be used to measure success in the joint Public Service Agreement with the Treasury on reducing child poverty by a quarter by 2004. [86736]

The Public Service Agreement target technical note contains full details of how the target will be monitored. A copy has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what projections he has made of likely trends in the number of (a) work-related accidents and (b) work-related diseases in the next three years. [85418]

The Health and Safety Executive has made no projections on the overall levels of work-related accidents and diseases. The Government and the Health and Safety Commission have committed to delivering its Public Service Agreement targets on health and safety and will do this by working with other organizations, particularly on its priorities in construction, agriculture, the health services and to tackle musculoskeletal disorders, stress, falls from height, workplace transport and slips and trips.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the development of an entry-level agri-environment scheme; and what consultation there has been on the proposed scheme. [87864]

[holding answer 18 December 2002]: Work is currently in progress to develop a pilot entry-level scheme which will be used to test the concept in four areas of the country, each with a different range of farming systems. Subject to the success of this pilot, the Government plans to make an entry-level scheme available to farmers across England from 2005.The development of this pilot scheme was informed by the responses to a consultation exercise run as part of a wider review of agri-environment schemes, to which over 130 responses were received from a wide range of organisations and interested individuals. A working group with membership drawn from a variety of environmental and agricultural organisations has also been closely involved in developing the pilot scheme.In the past few weeks, the first draft of the pilot scheme has been subject to a pre-pilot exercise. Through the working group members, over 100 farmers have been asked for their views on this draft. The responses are currently being analysed and will be used to revise the scheme before it is launched next spring.The pilots themselves will also be closely monitored, and the results used to inform the design of the main scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many agricultural co-operatives are registered in England and Wales representing (a) arable farms and (b) livestock farms; and how many members of those co-operatives there are. [87296]

The information on agricultural co-operatives is not available from the June Census. Defra have plans to run a pilot in 2003 to test the possibility of collecting fuller information on how holdings are linked and working together.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to which bodies her Department makes appointments; how many members there are (a) in total and (b) in each body; and how many of those appointed are (i) businessmen, (ii) businessmen in SMEs and (iii) businessmen in micro-businesses. [87389]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 16 December 2002, official Report, column 607W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry about the contribution of CHP to Britain's future energy needs; [86196](2) what discussions she has had with interested parties about extending the Energy Efficiency Commitment to offer further support to CHP. [86199]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on a wide range of matters that affect the business of both their Departments. CHP is among the energy issues that have been discussed at those meetings. We are considering the future of the Energy Efficiency Commitment after 2004 and, subject to the outcome of the Energy White Paper, intend to consult on our proposals next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact of farming on the Government's climate change strategy. [87267]

The UK's climate change programme sets out the policies and measures in each sector of the economy that the Government have put in place or have planned to meet and move beyond its Kyoto Protocol target. On current projections, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture—mainly methane from enteric fermentation in livestock and nitrous oxide from agricultural soils—will be an estimated 14 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. This is mainly due to reductions in cattle numbers from yield improvements, and reductions in synthetic fertiliser usage—although, because emissions in other sectors are also falling, agriculture's share of total UK emissions is expected to remain at the present level of around 7.5 per cent.Action that the UK Government and the devolved Administrations are taking to reduce emissions from agriculture includes encouragement of biomass including renewable energy crops, application of the climate change levy to agricultural businesses (with some discounts for energy intensive horticultural businesses), agri-environment schemes and set-aside.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library copies of (a) information supplied to her by sector associations party to climate change levy umbrella agreements under part 2 of schedule 3 of those agreements and (b) other information held by her relating to the reasons for sector or facility targets not being met. [82814]

Information which is supplied under part 2 of schedule 3 to the umbrella agreements will relate to production and energy data for individual industrial sites or groups of sites The Secretary of State is intending to consult with sector associations about whether they have objections to its disclosure and if so to justify their objections. Officials are currently considering the responses to a consultation exercise on the proposed implementation of the Aarhus Convention and a draft EC Directive on Access to Environmental Information—the proposals included machinery for reviewing decisions taken by public authorities when handling requests for environmental information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost was to the Department of the introduction of the new logo. [87306]

The cost of designing the new Defra logo was £24,000. The logo is only one element of the total corporate identity, and further costs have been incurred in introducing it across the Department.To date, these costs including the above amount total £137,510. This includes costs for project scoping, stimulus material, research, brand architecture, specifications, legal checks and briefing material which are necessary in developing and introducing a fresh identity to a large, new Government Department. On-going costs will be minimised by a phased implementation, only replacing any branded communication material when it runs out.The re-branding exercise is necessary to establish a new identity, which will assist in explaining the role and purpose of the new Department among staff, stakeholders, other partners and the public.Further implementation costs will be incurred in due course as guidelines are developed and used by external suppliers, other organisations and staff. The new guidelines will show how the new identity should be applied to all communication items such as letterheads, the website, publications and reports etc.The findings of extensive research with staff, stakeholders and the public has helped Defra develop a better understanding of what our customers expect from us. This will enable us to streamline our communications and improve clarity. The final design proved popular with all groups. It will play a key role in building the new Department. As a symbol it is modern, professional and forward looking and provides a pivotal point for helping us to build a new customer focus internally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will place in the Library copies of information supplied to her indicating that the proportional improvements in energy efficiency required by Climate Change Levy agreements have been maintained. [82870]

The information supplied to the Secretary of State indicating that the proportional improvements to energy efficiency have been maintained is in the form of corrected energy consumption and production data for the baseline period. Targets are recalculated on the corrected baseline using the same principles on which the original targets were calculated. The Secretary of State is intending to consult with the sector associations about whether they have objections to its disclosure and if so to justify their objections.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what targets she has on improving energy efficiency; and how she intends to achieve these targets. [86302]

The UK's Climate Change Programme details the policies and action we are taking to meet our target under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–12, and move towards our domestic goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. Energy efficiency measures are an integral means of meeting these targets, several of which have their own targets as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on reform of the EU (a) sugar and (b) dairy regimes. [87568]

The Government strongly supports reform of the CAP sugar regime, particularly in view of the increasing access for developing countries already agreed as part of the Everything But Arms initiative. The Council of Ministers is committed to a further review of the regime next year and we will be pressing for early decisions to allow for orderly adaptation to these more liberal trading arrangements, which will make the regime unsustainable in its present form. We also want the future regime to take account of the wider CAP Mid Term Review process on which negotiations are currently taking place.With regard to the dairy regime, there have already been some moves towards reform under Agenda 2000—a 15 per cent. cut in support prices phased in from 2005 to 2007, with direct aid as compensation. However, this still leaves dairy support prices well above world levels, distorting both internal and external markets, and resulting in a continuing need for milk quotas (a financial burden to producers which rigidifies farming structures and the market) to contain budgetary expenditure.The UK and other like-minded member states managed to secure a mid-term review of the milk quota system as part of the Agenda 2000 Agreement, under which Commission was charged with writing a report `with a view to letting the current quota arrangements run out after 2006'. One of the four options in the report, which the Commission published in July, is for quota abolition in 2008.We are now calling upon the Commission to come forward with a legislative proposal based on this option, which is the only one to fully meet thecommitments set out in the Agenda 2000 Agreement. In order to bring support prices closer to world levels, in preparation for quota abolition, we would favour bringing the Agenda 2000 price cuts forward to 2004, deepening them, and phasing them over four years, to 2007–08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when there will be full and immediate access to European markets for exports from the least developed countries through the Everything But Arms Agreement; and if she will make a statement. [87574]

Least Developed Countries already have full duty and quota-free access to European markets for all goods except sugar, rice and bananas under the Everything But Arms Agreement. Duty and quota-free access for these three products is being phased in by 2006 in the case of bananas, and 2008–09 in the cases of sugar and rice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's policy is towards reintroduction of a levy scheme on agricultural farm products on a (a) compulsory and (b) voluntary basis. [87124]

The Government have no current plans to introduce new levies on agricultural farm products. However, the Government are preparing proposals for an animal disease levy as part of its consideration of how to achieve the right balance between partners in animal health as to how the costs are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total annual cost of the common agricultural policy was to (a) consumers and (b) taxpayers in the United Kingdom in the most recent year for which figures are available; what estimate she has made of the cost per person per week; and if she will break down the total cost to consumers by product. [86991]

[holding answer 12 December 2002]: The consumer cost of the CAP can be estimated by considering the difference between UK prices and world prices on agricultural food products purchased by consumers. In 2000, the latest year for which UK figures are available, we estimate that the CAP cost UK consumers around £3.5 billion through higher prices. In the same year the UK taxpayer contribution to the CAP was approximately £3 billion.The UK population in 2000 was 59.8 million, implying that the average cost of the CAP of £6.5 billion in total equates to just over £2 per person per week, or £8 to £9 pounds a week for a notional family of four.The following table shows an approximate breakdown of consumer support between agricultural commodities. These estimates have, in the main, been compiled using the methodology utilised by the OECD to produce their estimates of the consumer support estimate. It should be noted that the aggregate estimates will be more robust than estimates for the individual commodities. It is particularly difficult to determine the appropriate gap between UK and world prices for products whose specification varies, such as fruit and vegetables, or pigs, eggs and poultry. Although there is no significant internal regime governing the production of pigs, eggs and poultry, the EU has import tariffs in place, leading to increased costs for consumers.

Breakdown of consumer support between agricultural commodities
Commodity	Cost (£ million)
Cereals	50
Sugar beet	300
Milk	980
Beef and veal	580
Sheep	90
Pigs, eggs and poultry	920
Fruit and vegetables	430
Others	150
Total	3,500

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many farmers received total payment from the common agricultural policy of less than £500 in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [87297]

In the 12 months ending June 2002, 20,000 claimants received less than £500 each in total direct grants and subsidies under the common agricultural policy in England. The payment of direct grants and subsidies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was the responsibility of the devolved Authorities in that period. In addition, 35,000 claimants throughout the UK each received payments of less than £500 in total as part of the market support measures of the CAP, for which traders as well as farmers are eligible. The figures exclude any compensation received for animals slaughtered during the FMD crisis for reasons of disease control or animal health. We are unable to identify the total payments received by any individual or business making applications using more than one name.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many licences were granted for bass fisheries in south west waters in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002; and how many have been granted for 2003. [87494]

Separate licences are not issued for bass. It may be caught and landed by any fishing vessel with a Category A, B or C licence, subject to compliance with the catch restrictions set out in the licence. There are some 1,200 vessels with such licences currently based in the south west.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) the total number of days at sea and (b) the total kilowatts of engine power was for vessels over 10 metres in length targeting (i) cod, haddock and whiting, (ii) plaice and sole, (iii) hake, (iv) megrim and anglerfish and (v) sand eel and Norway pout in (A) North Sea, (B) West Scotland (C) Irish Sea and (D) ICES sub-area VII in (1) 1998, (2) 1999 and (3) 2000. [87808]

The information requested is not readily available and can only be produced through the compilation of data held separately on computer systems operated by UK fisheries departments. As such an answer at the current time could be obtained only at inappropriate cost and effort. However, a separate larger exercise is currently being carried out to combine these sets of information, which will allow an answer to be provided by mid-January 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will invite the Fishermen's Association Ltd. to participate in future discussions on fisheries. [87809]

The European Commission proposed that, under the current review of the Common Fisheries Policy, new Regional Advisory Councils will set up to advise on fisheries issues. It is too early to say who will be represented on these bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she (a) has taken and (b) will be taking to prevent flooding in the Hatch End area of the Harrow, West constituency; and if she will make a statement. [87884]

Defra provides funding to operating authorities for flood and coastal defence capital works that meet technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority score. However responsibility for deciding which projects to promote and their timing rests with the operating authorities, in this case the Environment Agency.I understand the Agency has completed a review of the original study for the Hatch End area and plans to carry out a flood alleviation scheme starting in 2004 subject to planning permission and land agreements being secured. The Agency has yet to submit an application for funding to Defra.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance she will give to the Environment Agency in the event of large-scale floods. [88298]

DEFRA has policy responsibility for flood and coastal defence in England. Operational responsibility for flooding from main rivers and the sea rests with the Environment Agency. The Agency is also responsible for flood warning arrangements and exercises a general supervision over all matters relating to flood defence.The Environment Agency takes the lead in the case of large scale flooding and manages the response in conjunction with local authorities and the police. Should a request be made for additional funding, this would be considered in the light of the circumstances pertaining and a decision made accordingly.

UK imports of processed foods from developing countries11999–2001
	1999		2000		2001
Degree of processing/country of despatch Lightly processed	000 tonnes	£ million	000 tonnes	£ million	000 tonnes	£ million
Brazil	788	142	820	188	1,068	252
Argentina	703	54	433	48	337	41
Mauritius	473	176	373	138	511	198
Malaysia	312	61	400	65	440	73
Indonesia	238	92	241	95	260	93
India	165	164	228	178	244	181
Fiji	188	64	205	65	155	51
Guyana	199	66	176	55	166	52
Papua New Guinea	154	57	185	47	196	38
Pakistan	169	34	147	30	156	40
Others	1,704	1,031	1,649	1,041	1,701	1,103
Total	5,094	1,941	4,859	1,950	5,234	2,121
Highly processed
Chile	55	83	63	91	79	109
South Africa	55	67	60	79	79	102
Brazil	66	89	60	83	67	96
Peru	52	17	70	21	55	19
Thailand	25	40	30	54	36	66
China	29	19	24	20	23	23
Argentina	28	33	29	36	19	33
Czech Republic	23	12	25	15	26	20
Bulgaria	22	20	14	11	14	11
Poland	6	13	12	24	25	35
Others	76	96	97	99	96	108
Total	438	490	484	533	519	622
Grand total	5,532	2,431	5,343	2,483	5,753	2,743
(c) Crown Copyright
1 List of developing countries obtained from World bank website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which Minister in her Department is the nominated Green Minister; how often she has attended meetings of the Green Ministers; and which official has responsibility for the Defra rural proofing check-list in her Department. [88460]

My right hon. Friend the Minister of State for rural affairs and urban quality of life represents Defra on the Ministers' committee ENV(G), which I

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what was the (a) volume and (b) value of processed food imported from developing countries into the UK in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [87265]

The table shows the UK imports of (i) lightly processed foods (goods that retain their raw recognisable form, such as meat, cheese and butter, powdered milk, flour, sugar etc.) and (ii) highly processed foods (goods such as confectionery, canned meats, jams, alcoholic drinks, ice cream etc.) from developing countries for the years 1999–2001.chair. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, is not a member of ENV(G).Policy responsibility for rural proofing lies in Defra with Rural Economies andCommunities Directorate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, food and Rural Affairs what additional measures she has installed at United Kingdom ports of entry to prevent the illegal importation of illegal meat products since January 2000. [87326]

Extra funding this financial year has been used for additional enforcement officers to perform checks on imports at a number of ports and airports. We have increased the number of targeted checks carried out this year, especially to provide additional information to assist the disease risk assessment.Legislation was amended in May 2002 to provide enforcement officers with additional search powers, and written guidance was provided to them on the use of these powers, especially with regard to checks for illegal meat imports in passenger baggage.Enforcement officers have improved access to intelligence to aid them in deploying anti-smuggling measures. Notably they receive monthly reports of products seized and notified to Defra. This is then entered on the central computer database which was established in April 2001.We are carrying out a six-month pilot using detector dogs to find illegal animal products in passenger baggage and freight. The pilot is proving valuable in determining the attributes and level of training required for both dogs and their handlers and the back up services we need to support the dog teams.Trials of x-ray equipment to detect illicit material hidden in commercial freight are taking place at two major seaports.Public awareness is being increased through penalty posters and information leaflets at airports and seaports. New information on personal import allowances was issued in May 2001, and then refreshed in February 2002. This is being updated to highlight changes on personal import allowances which come into effect on 1 January 2003 as a result of UK pressure on the European Commission to tighten the rules.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many successful prosecutions were instituted in the United Kingdom against persons accused of the importation of illegal meat in each year from 1995 to 2001. [87328]

Figures on prosecutions for the illegal importation of meat are not collected centrally. Responsibility for prosecutions lies with local authorities. We are however aware of one successful prosecution this year, which was brought by Crawley borough council in July. The Corporation of London Port Health Authority issued six cautions in October.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the measures being taken to detect small quantities of meat being imported illegally by tourists and visitors; and how many sniffer dogs are available for this purpose. [87726]

New European rules on personal imports come in to force on 1 January 2003, from when personal imports of meat, milk and their products will be prohibited for travellers entering the UK from outside the EU and certain European countries. Posters displayed at ports and airports have been revised to reflect the new rules and will be in place by 1 January. These posters form part of our ongoing campaign to educate travellers about the import rules.Extra funding this financial year has been used for additional enforcement officers to perform checks on imports at a number of ports and airports. We have increased the number of targeted checks carried out this year, especially on passenger bags.A six-month pilot using two detector dogs to find illegal animal products in passenger baggage and freight is under way. The pilot is proving valuable in determining the attributes and level of training required for both dogs and their handlers and the back up services we need to support the dog teams. Evaluation will take place at the end of the six months, with a view to increasing the number of dogs if they compare favourably to other detection methods. Decisions on this now also need to be seen in the context of Customs' future responsibility for anti-smuggling measures, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 6 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the use of dogs in enforcing restrictions on meat imports; and what plans she has to increase this. [87621]

A six-month pilot using detector dogs to find illegal animal products in passenger baggage and freight is under way. The pilot is proving valuable in determining the attributes and level of training required for both dogs and their handlers, and the back up services we need to support the dog teams. Evaluation will take place at the end of the six months, with a view to increasing the number of dogs if the cost-benefit analysis compares favourably to other detection methods. Decisions on this and the detector dogs will be taken forward as part of the work to transfer anti-smuggling activity to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, as announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 6 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what rules exist to ensure that airlines inform passengers of import controls. [87622]

There are no statutory rules which require airlines to inform passengers of the restrictions on import of meat and other animal products. However, the European Commission Decision on controls on personal imports of animal products requires member states, from 1 January 2003, to ensure that the rules are brought to the attention of travellers by display of information at ports and airports and by making arrangements with international passenger transport operators, which we are doing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of the European Court of Justice ruling relating to non-producing milk quotas on UK milk quota holders. [88146]

The effect of the Thomsen European Court of Justice judgment is now clear in that it means non-producing quota holders will no longer be able to lease out their milk quota indefinitely, which will mean that they will have to sell it, resume production, or otherwise face its confiscation. We have been discussing with the European Commission how, and to what timescale, we take forward implementation of this new interpretation in the UK and will make an announcement on next steps as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many engagements were undertaken outside London (a) by her or her predecessor and (b) by Ministers in her Department in January (i) 2000, (ii) 2001 and (iii) 2002. [87356]

[holding answer 16 December 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office on 16 December 2002, official Report, column 608W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the state of the Morecambe Coastal Protection Scheme. [87589]

Defra provides funding to local authorities for coast protection capital works that meet technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority score. However responsibility for deciding which projects to promote and their timing rests with the local authorities, in this case Lancaster city council.I understand that the proposed works will have a significant effect on the Morecambe Bay special protection area and candidate special area of conservation. For such a scheme to proceed and in the absence of alternative options the council will be obliged to provide compensatory measures in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 (as amended). I understand that the council are investigating options for compensatory measures as a matter of urgency, prior to submitting their application for funding to Defra.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what

Thousand tonnes product weight
Table 1 UK Supplies of Pork1	1990	1991	19922	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	19982	1999	2000	2001
Home production	762.4	804.6	810.4	812.8	836.4	791.3	801.2	887.6	931.2	831.2	724.5	610.1
Imported3	81.0	75.2	90.6	113.6	115.8	168.7	199.6	177.4	190.3	234.8	273.8	261.2
Of which imported from:
Denmark	42.1	35.7	43.1	47.2	45.4	54.5	70.2	59.9	72.3	77.6	95.1	117.2
Netherlands	7.5	5.0	4.7	20.0	11.0	24.4	29.8	21.6	24.8	53.1	51.7	39.9
Others4	31.4	34.5	42.7	46.4	59.5	79.3	99.5	95.8	93.2	104.0	127.0	104.1

The Parrett Catchment Project is an independent body, the Department has no role in such matters which are for the project board to determine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what notification she has received from the Chairman of the Parrett Catchment Project of his plans to go overseas on business relating to the project in 2003. [87381]

The Parrett Catchment Project is an independent body, the Secretary of State has received no such notification of any visits and would not expect to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many bodies similar to the Parrett Catchment Project have been set up in England and Wales. [88299]

The Parrett Catchment Project is a forum for stakeholders with an interest in flood management and related matters in the area. Various other stakeholders have been set up on either a long term or short term basis in response to flooding problems in other parts of the country. They have a variety of different structures and forms of organisation and it is likely that many have not made themselves known to the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the United Kingdom retail pigmeat market was supplied from (a) the United Kingdom, (b) Denmark,(c) the Netherlands and (d) other countries in each year from 1990 to 2001. [87290]

Information on the proportions of the retail market for pigmeat in the United Kingdom which are supplied from the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands and elsewhere, is not available. However, information is available on the amounts of home production and supplies of pork, and of bacon and ham, in the United Kingdom. These are given in the tables.No data is available on the uses to which the supplies of pork and of bacon and ham are subsequently put. These uses may be for retail as meat or for catering or for foodstuffs which require further processing, some of which may subsequently be exported.More detailed production and supplies tables may be found on the DEFRA website at http://www.defra.gov.uk

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of total United Kingdom pigmeat sales were sold through supermarkets in each year from 1990 to 2001. [87293]

The percentages of household expenditure through supermarkets in the United Kingdom on pigmeat since 1994–95 are shown in the table. The percentages are survey estimates and subject to sampling errors. Percentages before 1994ߝ95 are not available. Percentages based on quantities of sales through supermarkets are not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the rate of piglet death in (a) farrowing crates and (b) non-crate systems. [87056]

We have, for a number of years, funded research directly or indirectly related to the welfare of the sow and her piglets, from farrowing to weaning. A key issue emerging is that changes in farrowing systems to improve sow welfare can lead to an increase in the death rate of the piglets. As a result, we are not yet able unreservedly to recommend free-farrowing systems for widespread commercial adoption.Our research, and that of others, continues. Our aim is to reach a position where it is possible to avoid the close-confinement of all sows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list her Department's policies that have as one of their objectives helping the UK meet its Kyoto carbon dioxide emissions targets. [87734]

[holding answer 19 December 2002]: The UK's emissions reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol is to reduce its emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases to 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels over the commitment period 2008ߝ12. Carbon dioxide, which is the most important greenhouse gas, is one of the six gases in the basket and although the UK does not have a specific carbon dioxide emissions reduction target under the Protocol, the Government and the devolved administrations have set themselves a domestic goal of a 20 per cent. reduction in the UK's carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010. The policies and measures set out in the UK Climate Change Programme (CCP) therefore focus mainly on reducing carbon dioxide emissions.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for the following policies and measures in the CCP: the domestic greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme; the climate change agreements; the Energy Efficiency Commitment; the New Home Energy Efficiency Scheme; community heating; and the Government's combined heat and power (CHP) strategy. Other policies and measures in the CCP are the responsibility of the devolved administrations or other government departments including, the Department for Transport, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Department of Trade and Industry, Her Majesty's Treasury, and the Forestry Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she takes to ensure that rare breeds of animals do not die out. [87756]

The Government have made a commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to conserve genetic resources for food and agriculture in the UK. The UK National Co-ordinator for Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) in Defra has responsibility for co-ordinating the activities of NGOs, breed societies, research institutes and Government to ensure that appropriate action is being taken to save breeds at risk and to avoid duplication of effort. Defra is in the process of publishing a UK country report on FAnGR which makes several recommendations on the conservation and utilisation of the UK's breeds at risk, including the creation of a national steering committee to oversee a national action plan for the maintenance of our native breeds. (See Defra website for a copy of the final draft of the report, www.defraweb.science.publications.)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps are being taken to increase recycling rates from (a) household and (b) business and industry waste. [87131]

Waste Strategy 2000 set a national target of recycling or composting at least 25 per cent. of household waste by 2005, 30 per cent. by 2010 and 33 per cent. by 2015. To underpin these targets, we set statutory performance standards for recycling for all local authorities in England. Authorities are required, on average, to double recycling by 2003–04 and triple it by 2005–06.However, we do not expect local authorities to do this alone. The Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) spending block, which includes waste management, will be increased by £671 million by 2005–06. An additional £355 million of future PFI credits for waste projects over the same period have also been provided. The National Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund of £140 million has distributed funds to a wide variety of schemes aimed at increasing household recycling rates.We have taken steps to ensure an increase in the amount of commercial and industrial waste recycled. Base line figures given for 1998–99 placed the rate of recycling for industrial and commercial waste at 37 per cent. This compares with the figure of 9 per cent. for household waste at the same time. In order to encourage businesses to further reduce waste and to put to better use any waste that is produced the Government have set the target to reduce by 2005 the amount of industrial and commercial waste sent to landfill to 85 per cent. of that landfilled in 1998. Producer responsibility is another tool we have to encourage increased reduction, recycling and recovery from producers (and those involved in the distribution and sale of goods)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has to develop a market for recycled plastic; and if she will make a statement. [87343]

The Government established the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to promote more sustainable waste management by working to create more stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products, and through tackling the barriers to increased reuse and recycling.WRAP has identified plastics as a priority area in its business plan to 2003–04. WRAP'S priorities in this area include marketing existing recycled plastic products and removing discriminatory standards. One of WRAP'S aims is to achieve a 20,000 tonne increase in the mixed plastics processing for industrial products by 2003–04.Another source of investment into markets for recycled plastic is PRN and PERN revenue raised from businesses which are obligated to recover and recycle packaging waste under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended).The revenue accredited reprocessors receive for PRNs and PERNs is invested in three principal areas: collection capacity, end use markets and reprocessing capacity. In 2001, just over 10 per cent. of the £70 million PRN and PERN revenue was invested in end use markets. In particular, PRN and PERN revenue for plastic in 2001 was £8,591,128 of which £1,194,532 was spent on developing end use markets and £36,140 has been allocated for future investment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what schemes exist to recycle (a) Christmas trees and (b) Christmas wrapping paper; what incentives exist to encourage such recycling; and what guidance Government Departments and non-departmental public bodies have been given under the Government sustainability initiatives to recycle such trees and paper. [87583]

DEFRA does not run schemes or provide specific guidance to Government bodies or others on the recycling of Christmas wrapping paper and Christmas trees. However, I am aware that some local authorities report the number of Christmas trees they recycle to the environmental charity EnCams. Figures for 2002 show that nearly two million trees were recycled by the authorities in England and Wales that reported their performance. We would expect those authorities that carry out collection and recycling of waste paper would recycle Christmas wrapping paper along with the rest of the waste paper they collect.While there is no special provision made for the recycling of Christmas wrapping paper and Christmas trees, we have provided significant additional funding to local authorities to increase the proportion of waste that they recycle through the Environmental, Protective and Cultural Services (EPCS) spending block, which includes waste management services, through Private Finance Initiative funding for waste and through the Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund.The New Opportunities Fund will also distribute £38.75 million to expand community sector waste reuse, recycling and composting in England and £3.25 million for similar schemes in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much funding has been allocated by central Government to promote kerbside collection of refuse in each of the last 10 years. [87156]

The Government distributes money for refuse collection through the environmental protective and cultural services standard spending assessment (EPCS SSA) which covers a wide range of services including waste. SR2002 announced an increase in EPCS of £671 million by 2005–06. This is on top of the £1.1 billion announced in SR2000.The Government do not specify how funds distributed via EPCS SSA should be spent. It is for each local authority to decide how much of its funding it allocates to any particular area. The information requested is therefore not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications there have been for the (a) Community Service Fund, (b) fund to refurbish rural sub-post offices, (c) Rural Housing Enablers, (d) Rural Transport Partnership Fund, (e) Parish Transport Fund, (f) Rural Bus Challenge, (g) Leader plus Fund, (h) Extension of Redundant Buildings Grant Scheme, (i) Local Heritage Initiative, (j) fund to help rural communities prepare plans and (k) Community Rail Partnerships in rural areas since the launch of each; how many have been accepted; and what the average amount spent on each bid has been to date. [88145]

The information requested will take a little time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member with the data, together with an explanation of the figures, as soon as the information is available. I will also place a copy of my letter in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on (a) 21 November, (b) 24 November and (c) 30 November; when and where health certification was carried out in respect of the sheep; how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey (i) during inspection for health certification purposes and (ii) at Dover docks; and to where those sheep were taken; and what the address was of the final destination given on the route plan for each of the consignments. [87030]

The information requested is as follows:

Date	Total animals	Where consignments were certified	Animals rejected at certification	Animals rejected at Dover docks	Destination
21 November	2,327	Wales	15	0	France
24 November	1,642	England and Wales	25	0	France
24 November	417	Wales	0	0	Germany
30 November	2,471	England and Wales	169	0	France

The sheep for the consignments listed above were certified within 48 hours prior to export. These consignments went to approved slaughterhouses apart from the sailing on 30 November which were fattening animals transported to holdings. The animals which were rejected at certification remained in Great Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to protect Suffolk Punch from extinction. [87755]

The conservation management of breeds at risk, especially those that are numerically rare such as the Suffolk Punch, is carried out by non-Governmental organisations such as the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and breed societies. There is no need for Government intervention at the present time because of the ongoing conservation plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Suffolk Punch breeding (a) herds and (b) mares there are in the United Kingdom. [87773]

The Defra maintained UK National Database of Farm Animal Genetic Resources shows that the most recent survey of the Suffolk Horse breed (known locally as the Suffolk Punch) was in 1997 when the number of mares stood at 69. It is therefore on the critical list of rare equine breeds maintained by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust who are responsible, with the Suffolk Horse Society, for managing an ongoing conservation plan using frozen semen.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will, in consultation with the Sustainable Development Commission, develop a range of indicators to assess progress towards more sustainable agriculture. [87269]

On 12 December the Government published the "Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food: Facing the Future". This was accompanied by "Farming and Food's Contribution to Sustainable Development: Economic and Statistical Analysis" which contains a draft set of indicators for assessing the impact of the strategy. In developing a final set of indicators, Government will consult with a range of stakeholders, and this will include the Sustainable Development Commission. The documents are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to promote demand for sustainable produce. [87271]

On 12 December, the Government published "The Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food: Facing the Future". The strategy sets out how Government will work with the whole of the food chain to secure a sustainable future for our farming and food industries, as viable industries contributing to a better environment and healthy and prosperous communities. It includes a number of initiatives relevant to the promotion of demand for sustainable produce, including action on regional and local food: on an entry level agri-environment scheme for farmers; on organic farming; on whole farm regulation; on sustainable public procurement of food; on strengthening, with industry, farm assurance schemes; and on informing consumers and schools about the way that food is produced. The document is available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of trade discharge consents was reviewed by the Environment Agency in each region of England in each of the last five years. [86315]

[holding answer 18 December 2002]: The information requested is not held centrally. I have asked the Environment Agency to provide the information requested and I will write to my hon. Friend when it is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what budget allocation she has made to the Environment Agency in respect of reviewing trade discharge consents in each of the next three years. [86316]

[holding answer 18 December 2002]: No specific budget allocation is made to the Environment Agency to review trade effluent discharge consents to controlled waters. This is one of a range of regulatory activities funded by the Agency's Discharges to Controlled Waters charging scheme.