To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings she has had with pharmaceutical companies to discuss AIDS in developing countries. [102738]

My Department continues to give greater priority to prevention, but we also place great emphasis on reducing the personal, social and economic impact of illness and disease caused by HIV/AIDS. The fight against HIV/AIDS has to incorporate effective public health responses that engage in education, prevention, care and support, impact mitigation and related development concurrently. For any of these programmes to be successfully implemented, broad multi-sectoral approaches are crucial.I have regularly met representatives of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), AstraZeneca and Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI), as a result of their involvement in the high level working group on increasing access to essential medicines for AIDS, TB and Malaria.Officials from my Department have been in extensive dialogue with representatives of these companies and MERCK, a member of the US PHARMA industry association, around taking forward the reports' recommendations in a number of initial countries. We will continue to have a dialogue with them and other key actors in the pharmaceutical industry in the lead up to the G8 summit in Evian later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's strategy is for tackling AIDS. [102812]

My Department's HIV/AIDS strategy focuses on the following key areas:

• building political leadership;
• building national capacity;
• tackling the underlying causes of vulnerability;
• maximising the contribution of all sectors;
• supporting work across the prevention, treatment, care and impact mitigation continuum;
• supporting the development of knowledge generation.

A copy of our HIV/AIDS strategy is available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department is doing to co-ordinate an international strategy for tackling AIDS in the developing world. [102813]

The Declaration of Commitment adopted by 189 delegations at the twenty-sixth Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly in June 2001 sets out a global consensus on action necessary to tackle the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Within this framework, my Department is working in partnership with governments, international agencies, the private sector, NGOs and others to achieve the Millennium Development Goal of combating HIV/AIDS.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on food security in Ethiopia; and what assessment her Department has made of the number of people who have died as a result of food shortages in Ethiopia in the last 12 months. [102748]

The overall response to the humanitarian crisis has so far averted mortality that could be directly attributed to levels of starvation. However, low levels of nutrition predispose people to disease, which can raise mortality rates. For this reason, we are working with the Ethiopian Government and other donors to provide assistance with health, water and sanitation in addition to food.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the UK position on the Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial Conference in April. [101325]

The Under-Secretary of State for International Development will make a statement of the UK position at the Africa Law Enforcement and Governance Ministerial in April.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the (a) performance and (b) future funding of the Global Health Fund. [102814]

The primary role of the fund is to provide drugs and commodities for the prevention and treatment of AIDS, TB and Malaria. Wherever possible the Global Fund should be providing support behind strategies that help deliver sustainable improvements in health care. The fund has strong founding principles in this regard, but performance to date to this end has been mixed.The UK Government have pledged $200 million over five years to the fund, $80 million of which has been disbursed. In addition we have committed over £1.5 billion since 1997 to support the development of health systems in poorer countries. Strengthening such systems is vital if drugs are to be safely and sustainably supplied to the poor. Our future support for the Global Fund will depend on its effectiveness. It is one of several possible instruments designed to improve basic health care in poor countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans her Department has to increase its funding to the International Organisation for Migration. [101715]

My Department has no current plans to increase funding to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). To date, DFID's funding of IOM has principally been for practical programmes aimed at improving IOM's capacity in the area of emergency response and preparedness. We will continue to consider any proposals put to us in this or other areas of mutual interest such as research in the field of migration and development. In addition, DFID is responsible for paying half of the UK's annual subscription to IOM. This will continue.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the reports of a ceasefire by the Lord's Resistance Army. [102808]

Both Government and Donors have greeted this announcement with cautious optimism. President Museveni has responded by ordering the Ugandan Army to pull back from frontline positions in one area for a period of five days so that religious leaders, traditional leaders, and a Government peace team can hold face-to-face talks wit h the LRA. It is too early to say what will come out of this process but we are hoping for positive developments so that this terrible conflict might be brought to an end.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of reports by the UN WFP on malnutrition in children in Anaka and Pabbo refugee camps in northern Uganda; and how much aid she is giving in response. [102809]

An estimated 800,000 people have been displaced by this conflict in northern Uganda. Access to these groups is often difficult due to insecurity, but we are aware that the malnutrition rates in Anaka and Pabbo displaced persons camps are of grave concern. To date DFID has provided £2.5m for humanitarian needs including £.1.6m to the World Foocl Programme for the emergency purchase and distribution of food supplies. This food, along with other donor contributions, is now being distributed in Pabbo and An aka as well as other camps in northern Uganda. The DFID office in Uganda remains in close touch with agencies working in the area and is continually re-assessing the situation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations she will make to the Government of Uzbekistan on its human rights record when she chairs the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development meeting in Tashkent. [102191]

The EBRD's new strategy for Uzbekistan clearly states the concerns about the situation in Uzbekistan and the need for progress with economic and political (including human rights) reforms. The strategy also sets out seven key benchmarks for political (including human rights) and economic progress, and states that the bank will monitor progress towards these benchmarks after one year.At the annual meeting I will seek to ensure these messages are delivered strongly, so as to encourage the Uzbek authorities to undertake essential economic and political reforms, which will enhance the country's economic growth, attract investment and reduce poverty.Central Asia is a region of desperate poverty, of high levels of debt and corruption, and of deteriorating infrastructure and public services. We hope that the EBRD Annual Meeting will focus international attention on the region, and will provide a forum for a full and open discussion of the need for progress in achieving economic and political transition, tackling poverty, strengthening the investment climate, increasing regional co-operation and improving human rights.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development regarding human rights in Uzbekistan. [102247]

EBRD's new two-year strategy for Uzbekistan clearly states the need for improvements in the human rights situation. Encouraging progress with economic and political (including human rights) reform is a central part of the bank's work and the UK Delegation at EBRD has been closely involved in the bank's discussions on Uzbekistan. In addition I have met EBRD's President Lemierre twice in the last six months to discuss the EBRD Annual Meeting, and conditions in Uzbekistan and Central Asia more widely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the decision-making process and timescale involved in the proposal to install a double barrier at the level crossing at Beddingham on the A27; what weight is being given to the views of the (a) local county and district councils and (b) the constituency hon. Member; what assessment is being made of the traffic conjunction implications of the proposal; whether the proposal is being considered in conjunction with the separate proposal to construct a flyover over this crossing; and if he will make a statement. [102819]

An application for an Order has been made under the Level Crossing Act 1983 for a full barrier crossing at Beddingham. In accordance with the legislation the draft Order has been sent to all affected local authorities, including the highways authority. The Secretary of State for Transport will consider all representations made against this draft Orde—including the impact on road traffic—before making a decision on the way forward. The consultation period closes on 1 April but the likely timeframe for decisions will be dependent on the level and content of the representations received. Careful consideration will be needed before any final decision on the way forward is made. Decisions related to the long-term future of the crossing will be taken within the context of decisions on the south coast multi-modal study. There is in any case a need to consider the short-term safety issues at Beddingham, which is the purpose of the consultation relating to the draft Order.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department and its predecessors spent on transport in London in each of the last five years; and what plans he has to finance new London transport schemes in 2003 to 2008. [100895]

The figures show the Treasury's analysis of public expenditure on Road and Transport in London taken from the annual Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses (PESA).

	£ million
1997–98	1,394
1998–99	1,436
1999–2000	1,366
2000–01	1,396

From 2001/02 onwards, the Government's spending on transport in London, and its plans for the future are laid out in Table A1.1 of Annexe 1 to "Delivering Better Transport: Progress Report", published in December 2002. These are shown as follows:

	£ million
2001–02	1,597
2002–03	2,189
2003–04	2,716
2004–05	2,579
2005–06	2,504
2006–07	2,616
2007–08	2,690

Decisions on individual schemes in London are a matter for the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL). London will also benefit from improvements to the National Rail network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rules govern the placing of (a) speeches and (b) notes for speeches by Ministers of his Department (i) on his Department's website and (ii) in the Library. [102193]

Ministers address a very wide range of audiences in the course of business.Key speeches, such as mark a significant development in, or are significant new statements of policy, are placed on the departmental website. Copies of such speeches will be placed in the Library of the House on request.Notes for speeches are not placed on the website or in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 24 February 2003, Official Report, column 290W, on ministerial speeches, if he will place a copy of the notes from which he spoke in the Library. [102340]

I have not kept a copy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of the annual maintenance costs of English motorways in each year from 1985–86 to 2005–06 (planned); if he will provide such estimates, broken down for each such motorway; and if he will make a statement. [101533]

Separate totals for maintenance for years 1985–86 to 1990–91 are not available because accounts for those years were not published at that level of detail. Maintenance costs for 1991–92 onwards are available, but the costs are not split between motorways and other trunk roads, or by individual motorway. Listed in the table is the overall maintenance expenditure by the Highways Agency and its predecessor for each year since 1991–92.

£ million
Financial year	Total cash maintenance expenditure
1991–92	482
1992–93	539
1993–94	584
1994–95	595
1995–96	615
1996–97	550
1997–98	582
1998–99	641
1999–2000	726
2000–01	736
2001–02	711
2002–03	1740
2003–04	2748
2004–05	2822
2005–06	2824
1 Budget.
2 Planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many train carriages have been ordered in the last four years; how many carriages are expected to be ordered before 2010; and if he will make a statement. [100296]

Since 1999, 2,832 vehicles have been ordered. Over 1,500 have already entered passenger service and the rest are expected to do so by 2005. Future orders are primarily a matter for train operating and rolling stock leasing companies. However, the Strategic Rail Authority's rolling stock strategy, now being developed, aims to assess future rolling stock needs and co-ordinate the ordering process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made by his Department in the last year of the security arrangements at railway stations; and which have been assessed, listed by station operator. [102198]

The Department for Transport's security inspectors regularly monitor the security arrangements at railway stations to ensure that the requisite standards are being met.For obvious reasons, it will not be appropriate to detail the assessments carried out at particular stations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he plans to take to improve perceptions of safety among users of railway transport. [102228]

The Department is currently looking at good practice to improve personal security on trains. Part of this work includes considering the perceptions of passengers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the performance of Silverlink train services from Hatch End and Headstone Lane stations into Euston (a) before 1997 and (b) since 1997; and if he will make a statement; [102285](2) what assessment he has made of the performance of the Chiltern Line services from Sudbury Hill and Northolt Park into central London since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [102286]

The Strategic Rail Authority publish performance statistics for all train operating companies in their quarterly National Rail Trends publication and their six-monthly "On Track" publication. The figures for each operator are not broken down to route level, but reflect the performance of their services in aggregate. The latest edition of "National Rail Trends" was published on Wednesday 12 March and copies are available in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on accepting road safety research conducted overseas as being valid for the United Kingdom; and whether this policy is applied in other parts of his Department. [102217]

The road safety research programme takes account of research conducted overseas through literature reviews and collaborative projects under the EU Framework programme. Our vehicle standards research feeds into international collaborative agreements where the combined research effort of all participants is used. Every attempt is made not to duplicate research unnecessarily, but the validity of results from research in other countries needs to be assessed to ensure that they are relevant in British road conditions and under our legal and regulatory system. A similar approach is taken in other parts of the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Metronet contract will be signed; and when the Mayor of London will take over responsibility for the London Underground. [102392]

London Underground Ltd. has agreed final commercial terms with Metronet for the remaining two public-private partnership transactions, and expects final completion of the transactions to take place this spring.The Government intend to transfer London Underground Ltd. to Transport for London as soon as possible after completion of those transactions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether BNFL remains contracted to build two nuclear reactors for North Korea; and if she will make a statement. [100984]

BNFL has no contractual commitments to provide two nuclear reactors for North Korea.However, Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, a BNFL subsidiary, has provided technology and supplied components for a number of nuclear plants in South Korea. Westinghouse is under contract with companies in South Korea to manufacture components and to provide system design consulting, in respect of the light-water reactors to be supplied to North Korea by the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organisation (KEDO).KEDO is an international organisation formed and funded by the Governments of the United States, South Korea, Japan, the European Union and others. The organisation is responsible for supplying two light-water reactors under the 1994 agreed framework negotiated between the US Government and the North Korean Government.Equipment being supplied by Westinghouse for the KEDO projects is subject to US export controls and requires US Government authorisations prior to export.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will place in the Library a copy of the British Energy restructuring plan at the same time as it is submitted to the European Commission under state aid rules. [101996]

No. The submission to the European Commission of the restructuring plan relating to British Energy, which was made on 7 March, contains commercially sensitive information. As such, it is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 13—Third Party Commercial Confidences of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the (a) safety and (b) operational performance of British Energy, following the report of the World Association of Nuclear Operators. [102164]

I understand the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) review was requested by British Energy, and like all such reviews is confidential between the company and WANO. The Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations' Inspectorate (HSE/NII) welcomes and supports any critical self-examination of health and safety performance by nuclear licensees. The HSE/NII respect the fact that these WANO peer assessments are confidential, although I understand British Energy have briefed the HSE/NII on the main recommendations of the report. The HSE/NII would expect to be informed of any initiatives of relevance to the safe operation of its sites being taken in response to the WANO recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance she gives on the disposal of motor car batteries; and if she will make a statement. [102399]

The UK has an excellent record for recycling automotive batteries and it is estimated that close to 90 per cent. are currently recycled, with the vast majority going to the lead smelters at H.J. Enthoven in Derbyshire and Britannia Refined Metals in Kent.Many local authority civic amenity sites offer collection facilities for automotive batteries and some garages and vehicle accessory stores also participate in collection schemes. Consumers facing difficulties in finding out about the nearest collection point for automotive batteries should contact their local authority. In no circumstances should automotive batteries be disposed of with household waste.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the liability of licensed small coal mines to contribute to coal health compensation claims. [101836]

Licensed small mines have liability together with British Coal for respiratory disease and vibration white finger. The Small Mines Federation is negotiating with the Department and the claimants' solicitors about accession to the claims handling agreement for respiratory disease. Discussions are ongoing with regard to appropriate tortuous dust levels, job dust factors and respirator factors. The issues involved are complex, but a good measure of progress has been made and the Department is pressing for a further meeting on 19 March. Small mines already contribute to compensation under the separate claims handling agreement for vibration white finger.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many properties have been compulsorily purchased by (a) the UK Atomic Energy Authority and (b) the Coal Authority in each year since 1999. [101828]

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority has not undertaken any compulsory purchases in this period. For its part the Coal Authority does not have compulsory purchase powers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will estimate the transmission losses of electricity in the UK in 2002, broken down by supplier; and what percentage of total electricity supplied this represents. [101690]

Data on electricity losses in 2002 are not yet available. In 2001 total losses of electricity were 30,900 GWh. It is estimated that about 5,600 GWh of this were lost from the high voltage transmission systems and 25,300 GWh (just under 7 per cent. of supply) between the grid supply points an customers meters. As part of its consultation paper on electricity distribution losses OFGEM have published the following figures for losses as a percentage of electricity supplied for each distribution network operator (DNO) in 2000–01. OFGEM have commented that there are many inherent differences in the design and load characteristics of each DNO. Nevertheless, it is not clear that these differences are sufficient to account for the variable performance of distribution companies.

Distribution network operator	2000–01(%)
Eastern	7.1
East Midlands	6.0
London	7.3
Manweb	9.1
Midlands	5.4
Northern	6.6
Norweb	6.2
Seeboard	7.6
Southern	7.2
South Wales	7.2
South Western	7.9
Yorkshire	6.6
Scottish Power	7.2
Hydro Electric	9.1
Average	9.1

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what her estimate is of the number of construction and roofing companies working without employers' liability insurance; [102322](2) what information she has given to members of the public about the risks of exposure to the activities of construction companies that are involved in accidents without employers' liability insurance. [102324]

The HSE is responsible for ensuring compliance with ELI rules. Non-compliance is monitored by means of periodic checks undertaken by Workplace Contacts and HSE's Health and Safety Inspectors. Their estimate for non-compliance based on the level of notices to produce and prosecutions for all employers, not just construction and roofing contractors, under employers' liability compulsory insurance HELC—is low, less than 1 per cent. A breakdown of this figure for construction and roofing firms is not available.Employers' liability insurance relates to the cost of compensating workers for injury or illness which their employer is liable for. It has no direct relevance to third parties such as members of the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what export licences were given to UHDE Ltd. of Hounslow to export equipment for the Falluja II chlorine plant mentioned in the Government dossier on Iraq's military programmes of September 2002. [102729]

I deeply regret that previous Administrations have not considered it appropriate to publish information on individual licensing decisions. Information on export licences issued prior to May 1997, where the end users were in Iraq, is not held centrally and a manual search of all the case files would incur disproportionate cost. Details of all relevant export licences since 2 May 1997 are published in the Government's annual reports on strategic export controls. Copies of the 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 annual reports are available in the Libraries of the House. The 2002 annual report will be published in due course.The details of this particular case were, however, published in the 1996 report of the inquiry into the export of defence equipment and dual-use goods to Iraq and related prosecutions. The then Vice Chancellor, the right hon. Sir Richard Scott (now the noble Lord Scott of Foscote) concluded that

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what resources have been committed in support of her Department's Liabilities Management Unit; what developments have taken place towards the creation of a nuclear liabilities management authority; and if she will make a statement. [101998]

By the end of the current financial year, the Department will have spent approximately £9.5 million in support of the Liabilities Management Unit (LMU).As announced in the Queen's Speech, the Government will publish draft legislation later this year. This will set out the legal basis for creating the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (formerly the Liabilities Management Authority—the new name better reflects the Authority's role but its remit remains the same). We will also publish at the same time draft memoranda of understanding between the NDA and the nuclear regulators and a draft NDA management statement, setting out the basis of the relationship between the NDA and the Government.In the meantime, I can report that good progress is being made in preparing the ground for the NDA. The LMU is developing a comprehensive understanding of the liabilities on legacy sites and working closely with BNFL and UKAEA and the nuclear regulators in a number of important areas including the development of comprehensive long term decommissioning plans for all the legacy sites. My officials are also actively seeking out and talking to relevant and interested stakeholders, in particular through regular meetings with stakeholders at regional level. The first round of these meetings is focusing on explaining progress to date and identifying the issues which stakeholders want to discuss. The second round, in the summer, will focus on how the NDA might work with stakeholders with a view to developing a draft stakeholder engagement framework that the NDA can build on once it is in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to secure protection under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employees) Regulations 1981 for those engaged in the offshore industry who are employed on the UK continental shelf; and if she will make a statement. [102842]

The offshore industry is not explicitly excluded from the coverage of the regulations. The regulations implement the EC Acquired Rights Directive, which states that it shall apply where and in so far as the undertaking, business or part to be transferred is situated within the territorial scope of the Treaty.The Government have been considering possibilities for the reform of the TUPE Regulations, but has no plans to make further provision specifically in relation to the continental shelf. We announced on 14 February 2003 that a public consultation will be launched in the first half of this year on draft revised regulations. All representations received in that consultation will be taken into account. The new regulations are expected to be in effect by April 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Department spent on advertising in Scotland in each year since 1999 on (a) television, (b) newspapers, (c) radio, (d) magazines, (e) billboards and (f) sporting events. [102329]

The Department has incurred no advertising expenditure in Scotland since its formation in June 2001.An analysis of the expenditure for each agency and non-departmental body sponsored by the Department could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what plans she has to grant an exemption in relation to the six-day rule for animal movements for agricultural shows; [102569](2) what assessment she has made of the potential loss of marketing opportunities for major breeders unable to move from show to show without an exemption for on-farm isolation. [102568]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in a written statement on 23 January 2003, Official Report, columns 20–23WS, that the standstill would be reduced to six days for cattle, sheep and goats with effect from 4 March, but with far fewer exemptions.The removal of most of the exemptions is a counter-balance to the increased risk created by the reduction in the standstill period. The much shorter standstill should make it possible for show organisers to arrange events so that breeders and others wishing to exhibit at shows can plan their movements to comply with the rules.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the proposal to restrict cattle movements to a 96-mile radius; and what impact this will have on those farmers who move animals for finishing purposes. [102793]

In a written statement on 23 January 2003, Official Report, columns 20–24WS, announcing the Government's decision to reduce the 20-day standstill to six days, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, stated that Defra would commission further work into the possibility of imposing a distance limit on the movement of animals through markets or making such moves subject to special licences. A figure of 150 kilometres was suggested.We will discuss this suggestion further with livestock auctioneers and the farming industry in order to obtain more information about the pattern of movements through markets and the likely impact of such a restriction before we reach a view on its merits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the new arrangements for the restrictions upon animal movements, following the replacement of the 20-day rule, will be fully in place. [102794]

The Disease Control (Interim Measures) (England) Order 2003 and the Disease Control (Interim Measures) (Wales) Order 2003 both came into effect on 4 March 2003. The Orders reduced the 20-day standstill to six days for cattle, sheep and goats, and removed most of the previous exemptions from the standstWe intend to consult soon on a number of further proposals aimed at improving biosecurity and disease detection, for possible introduction later this year.

To> ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what compensation her Department will make available to farmers affected by avian influenza. [102363]

Schedule 3 to the Animal Health Act 1981 provides that, where the Secretary of State causes birds to be slaughtered, compensation for poultry that are not diseased shall be their value immediately before slaughter. No compensation is paid for diseased poultry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which vectors carry avian influenza. [102364]

There are no known insect vectors of avian influenza. Avian influenza spreads by the movement of infected birds, products of infected birds and contaminated materials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what symptoms are shown by poultry with avian influenza. [102365]

The clinical signs of avian influenza are variable and depend greatly on the characteristics of the particular virus involved, and on the species and age of the infected poultry.Infection of chickens with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus typically causes severe respiratory signs, swelling of the head, blue discoloration of the wattles and comb and diarrhoea. Death may occur between one and seven days after first appearance of clinical signs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which countries had outbreaks of avian influenza in (a) 2000, (b) 2001 and (c) 2002. [102369]

The Office International des Epizooties (World Animal Health Organisation) records that the countries that had outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the relevant years are as follows:

• 2000
• Italy
• Pakistan
• 2001
• Hong Kong
• Saudi Arabia
• 2002
• Chile
• Senegal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent research into avian influenza she has commissioned. [102371]

The Veterinary Laboratories Agency undertakes on-going research into avian influenza. The main aims of this research are to:

i) provide a rapid realistic diagnostic service for statutory tests;

ii) provide an international reference laboratory service;

iii) improve diagnostic methods of virus detection and characterisation;

iv) improve our understanding of virus virulence, host range, host adaptation and disease pathogenicity; and

v) improve our under standing of avian influenza epidemiology.

The Veterinary Laboratories Agency is also about to co-ordinate a survey for avian influenza viruses in poultry and wild birds. All EU members states are being asked to carry out surveys in accordance with Commission Decision 2002/649/EC to provide information on the incidence strains of low pathogenicity, some of which may have the potential to mutate to high pathogenicity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinarians are available from the Government's veterinary service to deal with the outbreak of avian influenza. [102373]

At the present time, there is not an outbreak of avian influenza in Great Britain.There are currently 211 State Veterinary Service permanent Veterinary Officers (VOs) and 48 casual VOs (full-time equivalents) located throughout GB. These would be deployed to eradicate the disease as necessary. Additional veterinary resources could be commissioned in a similar manner to that set out in Defra's Foot and Mouth Contingency Plan, which is scheduled to be laid before Parliament in late March 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance she gives on the treatment of chickens which do not die from avian influenza, but which are on infected farms. [102402]

EU Council Directive 92/40 lays down that once the presence of avian influenza has been officially confirmed on a holding, all poultry on that holding shall be killed without delay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list those bathing waters where bathing water meets the EU mandatory standards, but do nor meet the advisory guidelines. [99253]

The bathing water compliance results in England for the 2002 bathing season were published on 11 November 2002. The News Release can be found on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/news/2002/021111a.htm. This release provides a link to a list of all the bathing waters in England that met the EU mandatory standards last year and those that also passed the more stringent guideline standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the progress being made on the Bird Registration scheme. [102435]

[holding answer 12 March 2003]: Our consultation on the future of the Bird Registration scheme in autumn 2002 attracted over 400 responses from individuals; from groups and organisations known to have an interest in the scheme from central and local government organisations; and from police forces and other enforcement agencies.These responses have been carefully analysed and I intend to make an announcement shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) research she has collated and (b) guidance she has given on the susceptibility of red deer to bovine tuberculosis; and what assessment she has made of the likely impact of bovine tuberculosis on the red deer herd on Exmoor. [102147]

The information is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of bushmeat seizures at UK ports over the past 12 months have resulted in a prosecution. [101351]

We are not aware of any prosecutions resulting from seizures of bushmeat at UK ports over the past 12 months.Prosecutions for offences relating to bushmeat can be brought under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species by HM Customs, and under the Products of Animal Origin (Third Country Imports) (England) regulations by local authorities.Bushmeat forms only a very small proportion of reported seizures of products of animal origin—less than 2.5 per cent. Seizures are confiscated and destroyed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure the provision of facilities and services for victims of domestic abuse in remote rural areas. [97754]

Policy responsibility for domestic violence, including provision of services for victims, lies outside my Department. However, the Government are committed to "rural-proofing" all their policies. The Department and the Countryside Agency work with other Government Departments to ensure that rural aspects of policies are addressed and to improve service delivery in rural areas.The Countryside Agency is working on two pilot initiatives. One is with Crime Concern and their local partners to quantify the nature and extent of domestic violence in rural Wiltshire and to implement innovative methods of early intervention, and the other with Save the Children UK to examine the impact of domestic violence on rural children in the West Midlands region.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many grants have been approved under the land-based schemes of the England Rural Development Programme since its inception; and what proportion of the total available budget this represented in each year. [102404]

Scheme	Total number of agreements	Number of agreements approved between 2000–021,2	Scheme budget 2000–06 (£ million)
Countryside Stewardship Scheme	13,858	6,290	481
Environmentally Sensitive Areas	12,300	1,677	330
Organic Farming Scheme	n/a	1,085	141
Woodland Grant Scheme	32,748	7,058	139
Farm Woodland Premium Scheme/Farm Woodland Scheme	10,059	2,389	77
Energy Crops Scheme	n/a	31	32
Hill Farm Allowance2	n/a	9,953	254
1 Figures for number of approved agreements are provisional as some agreements for 2002 remain to be processed. Agreements entered into before 2000 are excluded.
2 For Hill Farm Allowance, figure relates to number of payments made on claims received in 2002 rather than agreements approved over the years 2000 to 2002.

It is not possible to compare the value of approved agreements in a given year directly with the budget for that year, because

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to (a) encourage the take-up and (b) speed up the processing of grants for land-based schemes of the England Rural Development Programme. [102405]

All ERDP schemes are being promoted both at national and regional level through joint working with partner organisations, at events such as agricultural shows and other public events, news releases and local publicity, and workshops for potential applicants.

The following table shows the number of ERDP agreements approved under the land based schemes since the Programme began in 2000, and the total programme budget for each scheme.£66 million to the development of end markets for such crops, and £3.5 million for improvements to the fuels supply infrastructure. We will also be reviewing the rules in respect of the co-firing of energy crops with coal.The payment of some claims has recently been delayed due to the need under EU regulations to cross-check land-based scheme agreements against the IACS database. Steps have now been taken to speed up the processing of applications and payments through the streamlining of administrative procedures. In addition, a simplified claim form for CSS payments was introduced last year, to significantly ease the burden on beneficiaries. Also, to allow more time for the preparation of CSS applications, the application window has been opened two months earlier than in previous years. Over the longer term, major reviews of both the agri-environment and forestry schemes are considering ways of rationalising and simplifying existing arrangements. To this end a pilot of the Entry Level Scheme, which is designed to encourage a large number of farmers across a wide area of farmland to deliver simple yet effective environmental management on their farms, was launched on 27 February. Together with the introduction of new IT systems in Defra, the Rural Payments Agency and the Forestry Commission, these developments should lead to significant improvements in the speed and efficiency of land-based scheme administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many disposals of land (a) under 100 acres and (b) over 100 acres have been completed by the Forestry Commission in (i) Scotland, (ii) England and (iii) Wales. [101739]

The subject of the question relates to matters undertaken by Forest Enterprise. I asked its Chief Executive, Dr. Bob McIntosh, to arrange a written response.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her policy towards Forestry Commission disposals of land to (a) community purchase and (b) smallholding farmers. [101742]

The Forestry Commission operates a sponsorship scheme by which bodies with environmental responsibilities or interests and local communities may be given a preferential opportunity to acquire surplus property which has been identified for sale and which has either a recreational, conservation or amenity interest or is of interest to a local community for their social and economic development.Communities may purchase such surplus on condition that they gain sponsorship from the relevant Government Department or Agency. The sponsorship is, in effect, a statement from the Department or Agency certifying that a sale direct to the community would be more in the public interest than selling the land on the open market. The District Valuer determines the sale price.There is no specific policy in respect of sales of land to Smallholding Farmers. However, the Commission usually sells surplus agricultural land on the open market. Where the land is tenanted, the farmer would be given a prior opportunity to purchase.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultations with Government the Food Standards Agency undertook before embarking on the GM public debate. [100864]

The Food Standards Agency announced its plans to involve consumers in debating issues related to GM food last July and has kept both Government and the Public Debate Steering Board fully informed of progress since then.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list dairy products which if brought into the UK by international travellers are considered to be a health risk by the "Don't Bring Back More Than You Bargained For" campaign; and what risks are associated with each. [101268]

Passengers entering the United Kingdom from third countries are prohibited by EU and domestic law from bringing in for their personal consumption, milk and milk products.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to curb light pollution; and if she will make a statement. [101186]

We included nuisance lighting options in our "Living Places—Powers, Rights, Responsibilities" consultation paper. That consultation exercise closed on 14 February. We are in the process of analysing the responses received in order to decide how to proceed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has made representations concerning the non-compliance of Brazil with EU residue testing and veterinary certification requirements. [101571]

Following the detection of nitrofurans in poultry meat imported from Brazil, the EU has introduced legislation requiring all consignments of poultry meat from Brazil to be tested to ensure that the products concerned do not present a hazard to human health. No poultry meat from Brazil is permitted to enter the community unless the results of these checks are favourable. Any poultry meat that tests positive for nitrofurans or their metabolites will be destroyed.The UK has implemented the provisions of this decision. The European Commission is engaged in discussions with the Brazilian authorities and my Department is monitoring the situation.All meat imported into the UK from third countries must enter at designated UK Border Inspection Posts (BIPs) where it is subject to veterinary inspections. All consignments are subject to documentary and identity checks and at least 20 per cent. of consignments undergo physical checks. These ensure import conditions are met and that the products remain in a satisfactory condition during transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received concerning the import into the UK of whole turkeys from Brazil at below production cost. [101573]

My colleagues and I, and the Department, have received two letters on this subject, and the broader question of imports of poultry meat from third countries has been discussed with several stakeholders in recent weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the EU Directive relating to noise emissions from outdoor equipment. [102475]

I have been asked to reply.The EC noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors Directive was adopted by the European Parliament and Council on 3 July 2000 as Directive 2000/14/EC. Its purpose is to harmonise national laws of member states regarding noise emission limits and labelling requirements at the manufacturing stage.The Directive was implemented into UK law by The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (SI 2001/1701) made under the European Communities Act 1972.The Directive and implementing UK Regulations apply to 57 types of equipment for use outdoors ranging from construction machinery to lawnmowers that require noise emission measurements to be taken and to fix labels showing the "guaranteed" noise levels of each machine. In addition the Directive and implementing UK Regulations set noise limits for 22 of the 57 types of equipment that are intended to be first placed on the market or taken into service as an entire unit.Equipment is subject to conformity assessment, as with other European Directives of this type. Certain types of equipment, is subject to third party assessment by a Notified Body. In the UK these organisations are appointed by the Secretary of State, according to certain minimum criteria laid down in the Directive and Regulations, following an assessment by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service. A manufacturer or his authorised representative established in the Community may use the services of Notified Bodies in any of the other member states.Once conformity assessment has been completed and provided that the equipment subsequently complies with the provisions of the Directive and any other applicable Regulations, the manufacturer will be required to affix the CE marking together with the indication of the guaranteed sound power level.Enforcement of the UK Regulations is carried out by the Vehicle Certification Agency. The penalties for non-compliance range from the issuing of suspension notices to imprisonment or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. It should be noted, however, that the VCA are seeking to work with manufacturers to help them comply properly, as well as taking enforcement action in justifiable cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to support farmers with the cost of collection of non-bovine animal carcases from 1 April. [101768]

[holding answer 7 March 2003]: The Government are already voluntarily contributing nearly £30 million annually for the collection and disposal of fallen stock for TSE testing purposes. The Government have been discussing with the livestock industry how we can build on the arrangements that are already in place to develop a wider service for collecting fallen stock when the new animal by-products regulation banning burial comes into force from 1 May. Any further progress is dependent upon the willingness of the livestock industry to make a financial contribution to a national scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many pesticides are (a) approved for use in the UK, (b) approved for use in the UK but not for use in the European Union and (c) manufactured in the UK and approved for use in third countries but not in the UK or the EU; and when each was approved for use in (i) the UK, (ii) the EU and (iii) third countries. [101270]

At present there are approvals for 4,112 individual pesticide products in the UK. The number of active substances for which there are one or more approved products is currently 336.There are two active substances that are approved for agricultural use in the UK but not for use in other member states. Differences in approvals between countries can arise because different approval conditions are applied or because commercial approvals are not sought in all countries. A spreadsheet (named the 'Indicative list') giving details of pesticides approved in each member state can be found on the Commission's website at: http://europa.euant/comm/food/fs/ph_ps/pro/eva/existinq/index_en.htmThe Government do not hold this information, as the UK's pesticide legislation does not extend to the manufacture of pesticides or to those pesticides intended solely for exportation from the UK. Neither do the Government have information on the details of pesticides approved for use in the third countries or information on when each pesticide was approved for use in the EU and third countries. Within the UK pesticides have been approved for use under the Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) since October 1986.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to deregulate raptor protection. [99616]

There are no plans to deregulate raptor protection. All wild birds, including raptors are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. However, I recognise the problems presented by birds of prey to game bird managers and pigeon fanciers, and believe the recommendations from the Raptor Working Group's final report, published in 2000, will provide an integrated solution to the problems presented by birds of prey in these particular sectors.Work is already being taken forward by the country conservation agencies, and other organisations, and includes research in Scotland examining levels of pigeon predation, at lofts and release sites and during races, and testing the feasibility of using radio tags to follow pigeons when training or racing, I look forward to hearing the results. In addition, English Nature has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Moorland Association on addressing the issue of raptor predation in the uplands.Implementation of the Working Group's report's recommendations in Scotland and Wales is of course a matter for the devolved Administrations. Nevertheless, I have asked the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to report generally on progress.Copies of the Raptor Working Group report are available from the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the administrative cost of the Countryside Agency to each Government Office of the Region was in (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02 and (d) 2002–03. [103016]

The Countryside Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body funded directly by Defra and it does not impose any costs on the Government Offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her Written Ministerial Statement on 3 March 2003, Official Report, column 71WS, how much additional money she will be spending on future research work into the ruddy and white-headed duck populations. [101381]

[holding answer 10 March 2003]: The Department has completed the ruddy duck control trial and will spend an additional £100,000 this financial year on research work into refining control methods for the ruddy duck. Further research will be undertaken in 2003–04. Final decisions have not yet been taken on the allocation of the research budget, but the expected expenditure is around £250,000. We also propose to participate in a white-headed duck workshop to be held later this year in Morocco. The workshop will consider various control methods used on ruddy ducks throughout Europe and North Africa.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many sniffer dogs are being used to detect illegal meat imports at UK airports and ports; and where they are used. [102157]

We are running a six-month pilot with two detector dogs, based at Heathrow airport. They are working in baggage, cargo and mail areas, and have been tested in a number of locations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the national noise mapping project, launched on 12 December 2002, will include the regular sounding of horns by trains at particular points on rail lines. [102530]

The information being collected for the noise mapping project considers the level of noise on the basis of the 16 hour day, 4 hour evening and 8 hour night period, when averaged over a year.The initial stage of the project does not consider short-term noise events such as the regular sounding of horns by trains.Train drivers are required to sound their horns at level crossings and on the approaches to tunnels to give extra warning of the approach of trains to those who may wish to cross or are working on the track. This is done on the grounds of safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase plantation of trees to boost the supply of wood available as fuel in the UK; and if she will make a statement. [101291]

Forestry is a devolved matter, and the policies for tree planting in Scotland and Wales are therefore the responsibility of the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government respectively.We are committed to increasing the use of renewable energy. This includes the use of woodfuel from both traditional woodland and short rotation coppice. There is already considerable scope for increased sustainable harvesting for woodfuel in existing woodland in England, and we also expect the area of woodland to continue to increase at its current rate of around 5,000 hectares per year. Support for woodland creation is provided by the Woodland Grant Scheme and Farm Woodland Premium Scheme, while the Energy Crops Scheme offers financial incentives for the establishment of short rotation coppice as woodfuel. A review of the support for woodland creation has been carried out, and the results will be published in the spring.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has commissioned in the last two years into the UK turkey meat market. [101570]

None. However, digests summarising technical research in the poultry sector were published by ADAS in November 2001 and April 2002. The aim of the review was to publish poultry research findings of interest to the poultry industry. The reports cover turkey production, marketing, nutrition, welfare and meat quality, and are available on the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/foodrin/poultry/techtransfer/index.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received regarding the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. [101975]

We have received representations from numerous stakeholders including local authorities, dismantlers, retailers, manufacturers and small businesses.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Northern Ireland and (d) Wales work less than 16 hours a week. [102780]

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

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total cost to his Department was for accountancy services in 2002. [101568]

This information is not held in the format required, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Department spent on advertising in Scotland in each year since 1999 on (a) television, (b) newspapers, (c) radio, (d) magazines, (e) billboards and (f) sporting events. [102335]

The information is as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the selective use by the EU of economic instruments where the aim is to influence environmental behaviour. [102473]

Economic and market-based instruments are one of the range of instruments that can be used to influence environmental behaviour. As stated in the European Economic Reform White Paper 'Realising Europe's Potential', published in February 2002, the Government are in favour of the use of such instruments at Community level where these are most appropriate.The voluntary agreements with car manufacturers on carbon dioxide emissions from new cars and the forthcoming EU Emission Trading Scheme are good examples of the community, with the Government's support, developing economic and market-based instruments where these are most appropriate to address environmental issues with a strong trans-boundary or single market dimension.Generally, the Government will only allow departures from member states' freedom to set tax rates and bases where there are strong, specific reasons for the UK to do so which would otherwise be undermined by a lack of community level action. For example, the Government recognise that there are strong and specific reasons to agree common approaches to tackle climate change. Otherwise, for example, businesses could relocate within the EU to member states that did not tax the causes of climate change—thereby not reducing climate change at all.For this reason, the Government are prepared to agree to the proposed EU energy products directive that would increase the minimum rates of duty on road fuels within the EU and introduce minimum rates on some other energy products. This proposal is currently being discussed in Brussels and the Government expect that agreement will be reached on it shortly. However, the Government believe that member states should be free to tax more than the minimum rates if they wish to do so.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he takes to ensure that his use of economic instruments is consistent with sound environmental practice; if proposals for tax changes are always subject to prior environmental impact assessment; and if he will make a statement. [102474]

The Chancellor takes account of all relevant social, economic and environmental factors when deciding taxation policy. The environmental impacts of Budget measures are taken into account in the Budget decision-making process. The impacts of any measures which have a significant environmental effect are published in the Budget and pre-Budget report documents.The document 'Tax and the environment: using economic instruments', published with the 2002 pre-Budget report, sets out how the Government use an evidence-based approach based on an assessment of costs and benefits when developing environmental policy measures.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what request he has recently made to the Office of National Statistics in relation to confirming the correct accounting treatment for the classification of the borrowings of foundation hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [101620]

[holding answer 10 March 2003]: Treasury officials consult ONS about the national accounts treatment of new institutions as a matter of routine. Treasury officials sent a letter to ONS on the 3 February 2003 with the full involvement of DH officials. This was a routine inquiry and not undertaken by Ministers.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account he has taken of the trends in relative transport costs of (a) car, (b) bus and (c) train over the last 30 years in determining his policy on fuel tax for private vehicles. [102480]

The Chancellor takes into account all relevant social, environmental and economic factors when setting road fuel duty rates.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list each information technology project being undertaken by his Department and its agencies including (a) the start date, (b) the planned completion date, (c) the current expected completion date, (d) the planned cost and (e) the current estimated cost; and if he will make a statement. [98223]

The information has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps are being taken to enable the administration of the new landfill tax credit scheme. [102343]

From 1 April 2003 the landfill tax credit scheme will be capped at a value of around £47 million per year for spending on local community environmental projects, ensuring that the current level of support for these projects is maintained. The Government have been considering the detailed administration and criteria for the successor scheme in consultation with stakeholders and are considering how the management of the scheme might be improved to ensure greater transparency and accountability, more attention to value for money, and better evaluation of projects. The Government will set out their plans for reform on a Budget timetable.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposal in his consultation document on the tax treatment of pension funds for a £1.4 million limit on tax exempt pension in savings includes (a) funded public sector schemes and (b) unfunded public sector schemes. [100795]

The Government consultation paper, "Simplifying the Taxation of Pensions: Increasing Choice and Flexibility for All", proposes a framework of benefit rules that would apply, from the date of its introduction, to any pension scheme, whether in the public or private sector, that wished to utilise pension tax privileges. The consultation period allows people to put forward their views before final decisions are taken.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is his policy that revenue from landfill tax be recycled to business to improve waste management performance. [102730]

As announced in the 2002 pre-Budget report, the Government are consulting with stakeholders on a revenue-neutral proposal to increase the landfill tax escalator to £3 per tonne in 2005–06 and to increase the rate of the tax by at least £3 per tonne in future years, on the way to a medium to long term rate of £35 per tonne. It is the Government's intention that these increases will be introduced in a way that is revenue neutral to business as whole. Decisions on how to achieve this will announced as part of the Budget process, taking account of views from stakeholders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evidence he has examined with regard to the claim by the Government of Iraq that International Military Services supplied (a) materials, (b) expertise and (c) other types of support for the development of (i) missiles and (ii) rocketry. [98869]

International Military Services ceased trading on 31 July 1991. Any transactions prior to that date will have been governed by our arms export policy at the time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expected unit price is of each A400M aircraft; and what effect on that price the withdrawal of Portugal from the project involves. [102574]

I am withholding the unit price information in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which relates to third party's commercial confidences. The withdrawal of Portugal had no effect on the unit price.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 12 February 2003, Official Report, column 737W, on the Al Yamamah deal, when he estimates that the Al Yamamah programme will cease to have a significant impact on British jobs and exports. [101924]

Al Yamamah is an on-going programme with no specific end point. Because of its importance for British jobs and exports, we look forward to providing continuing and long-term support for the equipment already delivered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) establishment and (b) strength is of weapons controller personnel on the E3D AWACS fleet. [102575]

The establishment for weapons controllers on the E3D AWACS fleet on 1 March 2003 was 33. The trained strength on the same date was 23. The shortfall of 10 being recently established posts that have still to be filled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what communications he has had with his United States counterparts since 5 February in respect of the United Kingdom opposition to (a) incapacitants and (b) irritant chemical agents in warfare. [102074]

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has made to the United States administration about the British Government's policy on the use by British armed forces of incapacitant and calmative weapons, and irritant chemical agents during wartime. [102414]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the compatibility of disabling nerve agents with international obligations governing chemical weapons. [101941]

[holding answer 10 March 2003]: The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the development, production and use of all toxic chemicals (both lethal and incapacitating) and their precursors, except where they are intended for purposes not prohibited under the Convention, as long as the type and quantities are consistent with such purposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether members of the Armed Forces on deployment are entitled to council tax rebates; and if he will make a statement. [102516]

All Service personnel who own a private property remain liable to pay council tax on their own property to the local authority concerned. Council tax rebates are a matter for local authorities and it is for them to interpret the regulations concerning "sole or main residence". In reaching their decision they consider case law arising from earlier council tax appeals, which takes various factors into account including the amount of time spent at a property, whether it is the family home, and security of tenure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what foreign warships have been involved in Royal Naval training exercises in UK domestic waters in the past two years. [102572]

Royal Navy operational sea training, is recognised as a world leader. In the past two years, 129 warships from 15 nations undertook training with or were trained by the Royal Navy in UK domestic waters. Details are as follows.

Nationality	Name Of Unit	Type of training	Year
Bangladesh	Kapatappa	OST1	2002
Belgium	Westdiep	OST	2001
Belgium	Lobelia	JMC2	2001
Belgium	Godetia	JMC	2001
Belgium	Crocus	JMC	2001
Belgium	Wielingen	JMC	2001
Belgium	Westdiep	JMC	2001
Canada	Halifax	JMC	2001
Canada	Ursula	OST	2001
Denmark	Saelen	JMC	2001
Denmark	Skaden	JMC	2001
Denmark	Viben	JMC	2001
Denmark	Hvidbjornen	JMC	2002
Finland	Rubis	JMC	2002
France	La Fayette	OST	2002
France	Cdr Blaison	JMC	2001
France	De Grasse	JMC	2001
France	Marne	JMC	2001
France	S M Le Bihan	JMC	2001
France	Siroco	JMC	2001
France	Croix Du Sud	JMC	2001
France	Latouche Treville	JMC	2002
France	Primauguet	JMC	2002
France	Le Henaff	JMC	2002
France	Orion	JMC	2002
France	Styx	JMC	2002
France	Le Henaff	JMC	2002
France	Com L'herminier	JMC	2002
Germany	Augsburg	OST	2002
Germany	Brandenburg	OST	2002
Germany	Bremen	OST	2002
Germany	Emden	OST	2001
Germany	Frankfurt Am Main	OST	2002
Germany	Freiburg	OST	2001
Germany	Karlsruhe	OST	2001
Germany	Luetjens	OST	2001
Germany	Mecklenburg	OST	2001
Germany	Vorpommern	OST	2002
Germany	Schleswig Holstein	OST	2001
Germany	Lubeck	JMC	2001
Germany	Augsburg	JMC	2001
Germany	Bremen	JMC	2001
Germany	Rhon	JMC	2001
Germany	Fulda	JMC	2001
Germany	Rhein	JMC	2001
Germany	Bad Bevensen	JMC	2001
Germany	Walchensee	JMC	2001
Germany	Greif	JMC	2001
Germany	Kondor	JMC	2001
Germany	Habicht	JMC	2001
Germany	Hermelin	JMC	2001
Germany	Kormoran	JMC	2001
Germany	Elbe	JMC	2001
Germany	Molders	JMC	2001
Germany	Lutjens	JMC	2001
Germany	Spessart	JMC	2001
Germany	Karlsruhe	JMC	2001
Germany	U22	JMC	2001
Germany	Mecklenburg	JMC	2002
	Vorpommern