To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when officials from her Department last visited Happisburgh, Norfolk to assess the risks of coastal erosion. [103776]

Responsibility for assessing the risks of coastal erosion at Happisburgh rests with North Norfolk district council. While DEFRA has provided funding for related studies, it has not been necessary or appropriate for officials to visit for this purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will update Tables 5.1 to 5.5 from the Departmental Annual Report. [99262]

We are working on revising the base data for Tables 5.1 to 5.5 for inclusion in the 2003 Departmental Report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of existing eco-labelling; and what her policy on it is. [103827]

[holding answer 19 March 2003]: The Government asked the Advisory Committee on Consumer Products and the Environment (ACCPE) to look at environmental labelling as one of its first tasks when it was set up in 1999. Two studies were commissioned to look at the effectiveness of different labelling approaches—these were "Environmental Labelling of Consumer Products: Lessons for the UK market from existing schemes" (carried out by Ernst & Young and Atlantic Consulting) and an in-depth study of the innovative "TerraChoice" scheme in Canada (carried out by the IEMA and BSI).ACCPE's recommendations on this subject were included in its first report, "Choosing Green" (available on the Department's website). The Committee concluded that it would not be worthwhile setting up a national ecolabelling award scheme for the UK, alongside the existing EU ecolabelling scheme. They considered that the Government should focus its labelling "award" efforts on the EU scheme, but should also develop other approaches for improving the environmental information on products. The other approaches recommended included promoting awareness of the various good quality labelling schemes on the market; raising the standard of self-declared 'green claims' by business; and making full use of the internet. The Government accepted the advice of the Committee and have been following up the detail of these recommendations.Our policy recognises that environmental labelling has a significant part to play in raising consumers' awareness of the environmental impacts of products and in helping them to make informed choices. We have actively supported the EU ecolabelling scheme (having invested over £5 million to date in running and promoting it) and are committed to improving it as a market instrument. We have also actively supported the EU energy label and its extension to an increasing range of products in the single market, as well as looking at the scope for using it in other applications in the UK market, for example on cars and homes.We are also keen to promote awareness of other reliable labelling schemes which target a specific issue or sector, such as the FSC label for sustainable timber and comparative labels for the VOC content of paints. Our consumer information leaflet "Hi I'm Green" contains information about these and other common labels, and a new pocket-sized "shopper's guide" to green labels will be published soon.The Government are also working to improve the quality and quantity of self-declared environmental claims. These are a major source of information for consumers about the environmental impacts of products, so it is important that such claims are clear and helpful. We continue to promote the "Green Claims Code", which advises businesses on good practice in making green claims, and more detailed guidance is now being prepared in consultation with the relevant business sectors.We are also exploring some more novel approaches to information for purchasers. One of ACCPE's recommendations was for a new Internet information service, perhaps targeted initially on public procurement, and proposals for this are being developed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the penalties that should be applied to egg producers in breach of the EU's planned rules on compulsory marking. [103761]

As far as possible, the relevant enforcement bodies seeks to encourage compliance with the egg marketing legislation through good communication and advice. In common with other aspects of the rules, where a minor discrepancy is discovered, producers will be given guidance on how to comply, and a reminder may be included on the inspection report. In more serious cases, Notices of Contravention will be served requiring compliance before the product can be marketed. Prosecution is normally only considered where serious breaches are found, or where there has been non co-operation in putting things right. In the event of a prosecution, the level of penalty is a matter for the court to decide but the maximum penalty for breaches of the egg marketing regulations is £5,000 per offence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 25 February 2003, Official Report, column 455W, on egg marking, what assessment she has made of the costs to small egg producers of complying with the new rules on marking. [103740]

Compliance costs will vary considerably depending on producers' individual circumstances. For producers selling their own ungraded eggs direct to consumers, there will be no additional costs as they fall outside the scope of these rules. Similarly, producers selling eggs through larger registered packing stations will be unaffected as the marking will take place at the packing station. For those producers who package eggs on farm for subsequent marketing, the cost will depend on the size of throughput and the degree of sophistication of the stamping equipment. For very small producers, a hand stamp can be purchased for a few pounds, and the time costs should be minimal. For larger producers, the cost of automated stamping machinery starts at between £2,000 and £3,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether it is her policy to introduce the compulsory marking of eggs from birds other than hens. [103759]

At present there are no plans at either EU or UK level to seek to introduce the compulsory marking of eggs from birds other than hens.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will place the issue of cetacean bycatch on the agenda of the next meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers; and if she will make a statement; [102823](2) if she will make it her policy to secure international agreement to reduce incidental cetacean bycatch in European waters by the winter of 2004–05; and if she will make a statement. [102824]

I am determined to make progress to reduce cetacean bycatch. However, effective action to address the problem needs to be taken on the part of all member states involved in the fisheries concerned and the Commission. This is why we raised the need for urgent action to address the issue of cetacean bycatch at the January Council of Ministers' meeting. I have also raised this issue with Commissioner Fischler on a number of occasions both in writing and in personal contacts. I have also recently written to the Commission to press for urgent action to widen observer coverage off the south west coast where a number of other member states' vessels fish. I was pleased that the Commission included a commitment to take action in this area in papers produced as part of the recent reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. I am now looking for positive action in advance of 2004–05 in response to our recent approaches.In the meantime, DERA has also committed some £140,000 for trials into the use of exclusion devices developed by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to reduce the bycatch of cetaceans in the offshore bass fishery. I will also, along with the devolved administrations, shortly be issuing a consultation document outlining a UK bycatch response strategy. This will set out the extent of our knowledge of bycatch in UK waters and make proposals for action to address the bycatch problem. The document will be placed in the Library of the House and I will ensure that my hon. Friend receives a personal copy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what control the GM Debate Steering Board will have over the Food Standards Agency's GM public debate; [100866](2) how the Food Standards Agency's GM public debate will contribute to the Government's GM public debate. [100862]

The Food Standards Agency is organising a number of activities as a contribution to the wider GM Public Dialogue announced by the Secretary of State last July. The Agency is an independent body and has taken this action on its own initiative in coordination with the GM dialogue. The Agency will continue to update the Public Debate Steering Board on its activities and provide it with a copy of its findings, which will feed into the wider GM Public Debate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with horse welfare groups in the United Kingdom. [104244]

I have regular contact, directly and through officials, with representatives of horse industry organisations. I have discussed horse welfare issues most recently with the RSPCA and with the British Horse Society which represents horse industry interests on the Rural Affairs Forum for England. In addition our officials have recently met horse welfare groups to discuss the proposed Animal Welfare Bill and the Defra Horse Industry Team has frequent contact with the British Horse Society, the British Horse Industry Confederation and the British Equestrian Federation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on horse welfare in the United Kingdom. [104245]

The proposed Animal Welfare Bill provides an opportunity to improve welfare standards for horses. The possible improvements include allowing a prosecution to be brought where an animal is being maintained in a way that will lead to unnecessary suffering, the licensing of livery stables and controls to combat poor tethering.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of her Department's Don't Bring Back More Than You Bargained For campaign. [103754]

Qualitative research undertaken on behalf of Defra has shown that the Don't Bring Back More Than You Bargained For campaign has raised travellers' awareness of the import rules for food and plants by 10 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what analysis has been made of products seized under Regulation 24 in (a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02 and (c) 2002–03, broken down by country of origin of the products seized; and if she will place a copy in the Library. [103756]

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the countries which, since 1997, have been identified as the original source of illegal imports of (a) meat, (b) fish and (c) other food products, by type. [103643]

[holding answer 19 March 2003]: Data on products seized have been held by the Illegal Animal Product Seizures (ILAPS) database since April 2001. It is analysed on a monthly basis and the results are circulated to the relevant enforcement authorities. These reports are not published documents since they contain sensitive information which is relevant to the targeting of enforcement activity. We shall shortly publish the report on the risk assessment of the import of meat and meat products contaminated with foot and mouth disease virus. That report includes analysis of the overall risk by world region of origin. A copy will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to transfer provision from her Department's budget to that of HM Customs and Excise when Customs takes over responsibility for controls on illegal imports of animal and plant products. [103782]

[holding answer 18 March 2003]: The Government have allocated £25 million over the three years commencing 2003–04 for work on illegal meat and plant imports. We expect to announce very shortly how much of the available budget will transfer to HM Customs and Excise in 2003–04 to fund their new responsibilities for anti-smuggling controls on animal and plant products.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to introduce congestion charging in national parks. [103910]

Under the Transport Act 2000 it is for each local traffic authority to consider whether there is a case for introducing charging schemes in its area. Any such proposals require the approval of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about the designation order for the South Downs National Park. [103918]

About 5,000 representations have been received in regard to the South Downs National Park Designation Order. These relate to the principle of a National Park, the boundary, and administrative arrangements. We are currently considering the responses and I expect to make an announcement on the next steps soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many visitors there were to each of the National Parks in each of the last 10 years. [103919]

Statistics are not collected annually. The last comprehensive visitor survey of the National Parks was undertaken in 1994. The figures are given in the following table. A new survey is to be undertaken in 2004.

National park	Visitor days
Lake District	13,925,000
Peak District	12,400,000
Yorkshire Dales	8,303,000
North York Moors	7,790,000
Dartmoor	3,825,000
Northumberland	1,408,000
Exmoor	1,397,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many procurement contracts in her Department have been awarded in the last year; how many such contracts used pre-tender short listing criteria that did not include (a) environmental criteria for the contract and (I)) the environmental record of companies; what the total cost in the last year was of such contracts; and if she will make a statement. [104082]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of rural poverty in Wiltshire; and if she will make a statement. [104155]

We do not have data on rural poverty at the county level although local authorities may have undertaken work on poverty in their area. In England as a whole fewer rural households than urban households are below 60 per cent. of average household income which is accepted as a normal poverty indicator.The average (median) income is approximately £18,000 per annum, so the 60 per cent. level is approximately £10,M0. Figure 1 compares urban and rural levels of income-poverty.

Figure 1. Households in income poverty
	Rural	Urban
Number of households	5,918,756	15,202,778
Household income less than 60 per cent. of the median	1,347,399	4,031,904
Total (percentage)	23.2	26.5

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rules he has made about serving members of the armed forces talking to the media; and what plans he has for revising them. [104563]

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 15 May 2002, Official Report, column 642W. There are no plans to revise the Queen's Regulations covering this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the balance sheets maintained by his Department's management groupings since 1999–2000. [103989]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether (a) the man-portable chemical agent detector, (b) the light-weight chemical agent detector and (c) the integrated biological protection system will be available for service for war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [104228]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 24 February 2003, Official Report, column 138W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the canisters washed up at Hurst in the western Solent last week and removed by the Royal Navy. [104646]

During the week of 10 March, a number of silver metallic canisters washed up along the Solent and on the Isle of Wight. On two occasions, a Royal Navy Explosive Ordnance Unit were asked by civil authorities to examine the canisters and did so. On the first occasion the Royal Navy removed 15 canisters for safe keeping. On the second occasion they x-rayed canisters in situ. All canisters examined were found to be empty. The canisters were not of a type suitable for use as ordnance or to contain gas and they did not contain any mechanism that would allow them to disperse their contents into the environment. Any further investigation into how the canisters came to be washed up is a matter for the civil authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his Answer to the hon. Member for Yeovil (Mr. Laws) of 24 March 2002, Official Report, column 299W, on defence finance, what the (a) gross and (b) net costs of DESO are; what the sources of offsetting income are; and if he will make a statement on the financial benefits to the defence budget. [103469]

A table of operating costs for the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) for the last two years is as follows:

£ million
Financial years	Expenditure	Receipts	Net operating costs
2000–01	55.810	41.430	14.380
2001–02	48.930	37.853	11.077

Main sources of offsetting income for DESO are three Government to Government project offices, where the customer country pays Ministry of Defence costs, and the Disposal Services Agency where costs are met from revenue.DESO raises other sources of income from charging industry for activities undertaken on their behalf where Government independence from industry is not essential and when costs can be directly identified, calculated and recovered from individual companies. On this basis charges are raised for a proportion of the costs of the following activities: demonstrations of defence equipment overseas, demonstrations of defence equipment in the United Kingdom, Market Research and Publications, DESO Symposium and Seminars, and charging for Inward Visits. Savings to the defence budget come from spreading the fixed overhead cost of equipment over the longer production runs generated by exports, from the sale of surplus military equipment to overseas governments and from Commercial Exploitation Levy receipts on exports of equipment developed using public money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent he is cooperating with other European defence ministries to avoid overlapping of military resources; and if he will make a statement. [104232]

Co-operation on military capabilities is taking place within the EU and NATO and through bilateral agreements, and is a subject of regular ministerial discussion.Within the EU, the European Capabilities Action Plan is fostering co-operation between member states to fill specific shortfalls against the Helsinki Headline Goal. NATO's capabilities initiative—the Prague Capabilities Commitment—also aims to strengthen European capabilities and complements the ECAP/ Headline Goal process. We are working to ensure that EU and NATO capability development is closely co-ordinated and mutually reinforcing, most recently through agreement on a mechanism as part of the Berlin Plus arrangements, and the United Kingdom plays an active part in both. By encouraging co-operation in pursuit of agreed force goals, these two initiatives help to ensure the coherency of capabilities between member states and Allies. We also seek to maximize efficiencies through bilateral defence co-operation—for example, in our plan with France to harmonise activity cycles and training for our aircraft carriers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what discussions he has held with (a) NATO counterparts and (b) other EU member states on the EU's future role, with particular regard to (i) humanitarian and peacekeeping missions and (ii) immediate response capability; and if he will make a statement; [103867](2) if he will make a statement on the relationship between the NATO Response Force and EU member states' responsibilities under the EU Headline Goals for defence-related issues. [103871]

I have regular discussions with my NATO and European Union counterparts, both bilaterally and in the framework of each organisation.The current scope of EU Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) is defined in the EU Treaty as "humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping tasks and tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking", the so-called "Petersberg Tasks". In the Convention on the Future of Europe, the United Kingdom has proposed modernising and extending the list, to reflect the range of roles the EU should be aiming to play in crisis management and to broaden the ESDPs proactive role in wider conflict prevention, for example by adding stabilisation, conflict prevention, and defence outreach/diplomacy. Decisions on a new EU Treaty are for the Intergovernmental Conference, and these matters have not yet been discussed internationally at ministerial level.The Headline Goal agreed at the Helsinki European Council in 1999 stated that member states should, within the overall target, "provide smaller rapid response elements available and deployable at very high readiness". This subject was recently discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in November 2002, at informal meetings of EU Defence Ministers in October 2002 and March 2003, and at bilateral meetings such as with the French Defence Minister in Le Touquet last month where we noted the need to improve further European capabilities in planning and deploying forces at short notice, including initial deployment of land, sea and air forces within 5–10 days.At the NATO Summit in Prague last year, Heads of State and Government agreed to create a NATO Response Force (NRF). Further work on the NRF concept is currently being undertaken by the Military Committee in NATO, aiming to achieve an initial operating capability by no later than October 2004. Each nation has a single set offerees which may be used nationally, or in NATO, EU or coalition operations, and ultimately it is up to nations to decide when and where to commit their forces. We are working to ensure that the work on NRF and on rapid response elements under the EU Headline Goal is mutually reinforcing

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many RAF planes have landed at Gibraltar in each of the last five years. [104087]

The number of RAF aircraft landings at Gibraltar over the last five years is as follows:

Year	Number of RAF landings
1998	1,028
1999	1,532
2000	1,160
2001	520
2002	454

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Royal Navy ships have docked in Gibraltar in each of the last five years. [104088]

The number of Royal Navy ship visits to Gibraltar in each of the past five years is detailed in the table. For completeness the information has been presented to show visits by Royal Navy ships, Royal Fleet auxiliary vessels and Royal Navy submarines.

	Royal Navy ship	Royal Fleet auxiliary ship	RN submarine
1998	40	18	2
1999	26	40	6
2000	31	40	5
2001	31	17	1
2002	43	14	—

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will initiate discussions with Spain to allow (a) RAF planes to fly direct to Gibraltar over Spain and (b) Royal Navy ships to sail in Spanish waters on the way to Gibraltar. [104101]

There are no immediate plans to do so. The future of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Spain over Gibraltar, and hence the restrictions on access, remain to be resolved. However, our defence relations with Spain are close and it remains our view that dialogue with Spain and Gibraltar is the best way to resolve these access issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role Gibraltar's military base played in preparing for conflict in Iraq. [104086]

Gibraltar is a key staging post and forward mounting base. The Naval Task Group headed by HMS Ark Royal transited the Straits en route to the Gulf and some vessels called at Gibraltar. Elements of the Air Group also embarked via Gibraltar as the Task Group transited east. Six Royal Gibraltar Regiment officers and soldiers are currently in the Gulf attached to deployed units.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the UK's precision guided bomb requirements. [104338]

The Precision Guided Bomb programme will provide the RAF with an all weather precision bombing capability on Tornado GR4, Harrier GR9 and Typhoon.The programme is currently in its assessment phase in which the exact In-service date will be defined, but it is currently planned to be late 2006 In the interim, the Tornado GR4 has been given an all-weather precision guided bomb capability with Enhanced Paveway Bombs, which entered service in October 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Government have commissioned capacity from ships and aircraft to supply the needs of an additional humanitarian emergency in the area of the Gulf where UK forces are operating. [103948]

Planning for the movement of pre-positioned humanitarian aid in the Gulf envisages the use of in-theatre military or Royal Fleet Auxiliary assets. Officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Department for International Development remain in close contact over the possible use of military or military-chartered assets for the movement of further humanitarian supplies to the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funds his Department has been allocated in connection with humanitarian relief tasks (a) this year and (b) last year; and for what purposes. [104029]

The ambit of Defence Votes does not ordinarily include funding for humanitarian aid, which is a responsibility of the Department for International Development. Therefore, no funding was provided for this task in 2001–02. Funding will be provided in 2002–03, for the conflict in Iraq, to cover the United Kingdom's legal requirements under the 1949 Geneva Convention for the Protection of Civilians in Time of War. The final amount required has yet to be determined.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance British forces are giving to the Department for International Development in respect of contingency plans for humanitarian relief missions in Iraq and the Gulf region. [104032]

Ensuring the provision of humanitarian relief to the people of Iraq, both during and immediately following any conflict, will be one of the coalition's highest priorities. Experts from the Department for International Development are embedded in the United Kingdom National Component Command Head-Quarters in Kuwait to advise the armed forces on how to address urgent humanitarian need in advance of UN agencies and NGOs being able to operate safely in a post-conflict environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are to alter insurance provision for serving members of the armed forces when the existing PAX and RPAX insurance schemes expire. [104675]

Revised PAX and RPAX schemes will operate from 1 July 2003. The Ministry of Defence is currently negotiating benefits and premiums with commercial providers.While every effort is being made to achieve best value for money, replicating existing benefits is unlikely in the current insurance climate. Some combination of increased premiums and decreased benefits appears likely. Changes will apply to all scheme members, both new and existing. Details of the new schemes will be promulgated to all Service personnel (Regulars and Reservists) once they are available. Existing PAX and RPAX members will automatically migrate to the new schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been made to him about the operation of the (a) PAX and (b) RPAX insurance schemes; and what plans he has to augment these schemes for reservists being called up during the current crisis. [104674]

PAX provides Personal Accident and Life cover for Regulars and RPAX for Reservists. No representations have been made to the Secretary of State for Defence about the operation of these schemes. There are no plans to augment arrangements for Reservists provided under RPAX.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funds have been transferred from the Department for International Development to the Ministry of Defence in each of the last four years; and for what purposes. [104030]

The cross-departmental Conflict Prevention Fund was established in the 2000 Spending Review. This joint approach by the Ministry of Defence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development maximises the impact of the conflict prevention work done by each Department by ensuring it is based on a shared strategy and common objectives. It also allows the United Kingdom to react flexibly and more rapidly to emerging crises and to opportunities for peace building.Conflict prevention expenditure from the three Departments was brought together in two pooled budgets—one for sub-Saharan Africa and one for the rest of the world. Programme funds for conflict prevention in sub-Saharan Africa are included as a ring-fenced element in the Department for International Development's Departmental Expenditure Limit. Programme funds for conflict prevention in the rest of the world are included in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Departmental Expenditure Limit. Both pools are managed jointly by the three departments and funds are transferred between relevant Departments to cover expenditure incurred in pursuit of commonly-agreed objectives. Since the pools' inception there have therefore been a number of transfers between pool partners associated with their management. The amounts and purposes of these transfers are set out in the relevant Estimates, all of which are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the man-portable communications electronic support measures system will be operational for war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [104229]

We have deployed a range of surveillance equipment in support of current operations. I am withholding details in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Javelin anti tank weapon to enter service. [104333]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 February 2003, Official Report, column 308W, to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South (Mr. Hancock).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will award a contract for the Urban Operations Study for the armed forces; how long the contract will last; how much money the contract is worth; when equipment tested will enter service; and if he will make a statement. [104227]

The Urban Operations Study contract is expected to be let towards the end of April 2003 subject to completion of the competitive bid assessment and contract negotiation process. The Study is expected to last for up three years. While contract values can not be confirmed until the tender assessment process is complete it is likely that the study will be valued at about £2.5 million. Supporting contracts will also be let with QinetiQ and DSTL to assist and manage the analysis of

Serial (a)/Unit (b)	Exercise (c)	Remarks (d)
1. 2nd Bn, Royal Anglian Regiment	UK MILAN Concentration	2 week dry/live anti-tank training
2. 1st Bn, Royal Green Jackets	GRAND PRIX	6 week FTX1
3. 1st Bn, Kings Own Scottish Borderers	UK MILAN Concentration	2 week dry/live anti-tank training
4. 16 Regiment, the Royal Regiment of Artillery	CENTAURS BOW	1 week CPX2
5. 40 Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Artillery	IRON THUNDER	1 week CAST3
	GRAND PRIX	6 week FTX
	IRON SQUALL	1 week CPX
6. 4 Regiment, The Royal Regiment of Artillery	Artillery Firing Camp	3 week dry/live firing
7. 22 Engineer Regiment	LION SUN	5 week FTX
8. 38 Engineer Regiment	GRAND PRIX	6 week FTX
9. Queen's Royal Hussars	Armoured Firing Camp	2 week dry/live firing
10. 1st Bn, The Queen's Lancashire Regiment	DRUIDS DANCE	4 week FTX
11. 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery	IRON SQUALL	1 week CAST
	IRON THUNDER	1 week CPX
	SEA TROUT	3 week light gun firing camp
12. 1st Bn, The Royal Anglian Regiment	IRON RAM	2 week exchange FTX
1 Field Training Exercise
2 Command Post Exercise
3 Command and Staff Trainer

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Royal Air Force training exercises have been cancelled since 1 January as a result of personnel allocated to Operation FRESCO. [103995]

[holding answer 20 March 2003]: Operation Swift Hawk was cancelled in February 2003. This exercise was in support of rotary wing aircrew training. No other training exercises have been cancelled as a result of Operation Fresco.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which training exercises to be undertaken by (a) 2^nd Bn, Royal Anglian Regiment, (b) 1^st Bn, Royal Green Jackets, (c) 1^st Bn, King's Own Scottish Borderers, (d) 16 Regiment, Royal Artillery, (e) 40 Regiment, Royal Artillery, (f) 4 Regiment, Royal Artillery, (g) Light Dragoons, (h) 22 Engineer Regiment, (i) 38 Engineer Regiment, (j) 1^st Bn, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, (k) Royal Dragoon Guards, (l) 21 Engineer Regiment, (m) 1^st Bn, King's Regiment (n) Queen's Royal Hussars, (o) 1^st Bn, Queen's Lancashire Regiment, (p) 1^st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, (q) 22 Regiment, Royal Artillery, (r) 1^st Bn, Cheshire Regiment, (s) 1^st Bn, Royal Anglian Regiment, (t) 32 Regiment, Royal Artillery, (u) 4 General Support Regiment, RLC, (v) 3 Close Support Regiment, RLC, (w) 1^st Bn, Royal Regiment of Wales, (x) 1^St Bn, Welsh Guards, (y) 27 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, (z) 1^st Bn, Scots Guards, (aa) 1^st Bn, Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment, (bb) Household Cavalry, (cc) 1^st Bn, Grenadier Guards, (dd) 1^st Bn, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, (ee) 1^st Bn, Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment and (ff) 1^st Bn, Royal Highland Fusiliers have been cancelled as a result of the units being on stand by for Operation Fresco. [103996]

[holding answer 20 March 2003]: Of the units listed, the following have had major training exercises cancelled as a direct result of Operation Fresco:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) products, (b) goods and (c) services were (i) bought and (ii) sold online by his Department in each of the last five years. [97449]

During the last five years the Ministry of Defence has bought the following products, goods and services online:

Year	Product
1998	Naval stores
	Medical supplies
1999	Naval stores
	Medical supplies
2000	Naval stores and cables
	Medical supplies
2001	Tools
	Cables
	Medical supplies
2002	Tools
	Cables
	Adhesives, tapes and sealants
	Bearings, pipe, tubing and valves
	Stationery
	Metals
	Polymers
	Packaging
	Medical supplies

In addition, over the past six months the Ministry of Defence has piloted on-line reverse auctions which are a means of buying items or services against a published specification where pre-selected industrial partners are invited to bid in an on-line auction. In the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) the Battlefield Infrastructure Integrated Project Team has used this technique to purchase battlefield survey equipment and within in the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) the Non-Project Procurement Organisation has used the technique to purchase cleaning products, resilient mounts and anti-freeze. Both DPA and DLO are planning to run further reverse auctions over the coming months, and the Department's corporate requirement for utilising the technique is now being scoped with a view to introducing such a capability during the next financial year.The Disposal Services Agency will begin piloting an "e-Trade exchange" in April providing information to other Government departments on the availability of surplus MOD IT equipment which is available for purchase. The Disposal Services Agency website (www.disposalsservicesagency.mod.uk) aims to provide information to explain how to purchase Ministry of Defence surpluses either as a business or a member of the public as well as to explain the Agency's role in selling MOD surplus assets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department was of Operation Desert Fox; what this operation achieved; what impact the operation had on UK relations with France; and if he will make a statement. [104230]

Operation Desert Fox was the name given to the December 1998 joint US-UK air operation against targets in Iraq. Information on the total cost of Operation Desert Fox cannot be reliably differentiated from the overall costs of military operations in the Gulf. The Ministry of Defence identifies the costs of operations in terms of the net additional costs it has incurred. The costs which the Ministry of Defence would have incurred had the operation not been undertaken for example—expenditure on wages and salaries or on conducting training exercises—are deducted from the total costs of the operation. The following table sets out the overall additional expenditure incurred by the Ministry of Defence as a direct result of operations in the Gulf in 1998–99 and 1999–2000, primarily enforcement of the No Fly Zones. Costs include operating costs for aircraft enforcing the No Fly Zones—primarily fuel and maintenance, plus the cost of maintaining personnel in-theatre. In-theatre costs include accommodation and utilities, equipment, plant, machinery, vehicles and allowances.

£ million
1998–99	35
1999–2000	28

The aims of Operation Desert Fox were to degrade Saddam Hussein's military capability and reduce the threat that he posed to his neighbours. These aims were achieved and Saddam Hussein's war machine was seriously weakened. Contemporary estimates indicated that 87 per cent. of targets were either destroyed or damaged. A report on the results of Operation Desert Fox was sent to all Members of the House on 18 January 1999 and a copy was placed in the Library of the House.The United Kingdom continues to work closely with France as one of its key European partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost to his Department was of maintaining a presence in the Persian Gulf in each year since 1997; what this money was spent on; how he estimates this figure will change in the aftermath of a war in the region; and if he will make a statement. [104315]

The Department identifies the costs of Operations in terms of the net additional costs it has incurred. The costs which the Department would have incurred had the operation not been undertaken, expenditure on wages and salaries or on conducting training exercises for example, are not included in the total costs of the operation. The following table sets out the overall additional expenditure incurred by the Department as a direct result of operations in the Gulf, primarily enforcement of the No Fly Zones. Costs include operating costs for aircraft enforcing the No Fly Zones—primarily fuel and maintenance, plus the cost of maintaining personnel in-theatre. In-theatre costs include accommodation and utilities, equipment, plant, machinery, vehicles and allowances.

£ million
1997–98	16
1998–99	35
1999–2000	28
2000–01	25
2001–02	161
2002–03 (estimate)	145
1 Denotes figure calculated on a full resource cost basis; all previous figures are cash-based.

This does not include the cost of Operation Telic, forecast at £1 billion for 2002–03. I am withholding a more detailed breakdown of the figures for this operation in accordance with Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information as it could compromise operational planning and the security of our Servicemen and women.It is too early to say what costs might be incurred by forces required following operations in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the (a) Army and (b) RAF is (i) deployed and (ii) warned to deploy to operations, including operation FRESCO. [103979]

The following table shows the percentage of Service personnel from the Army and RAF currently deployed on operations including Operation FRESCO as at 14 March 2003. The table also shows the approximate percentage of Army and RAF personnel warned to deploy on operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many depart mental minutes issued by his Department were outstanding on 30 November 2002, that referred to public private partnerships as included in Table B 14 of the Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund Accounts; and what their value was. [89418]

[holding answer 13 January 2003]: Fourteen of the liabilities shown in the Consolidated and National Loans Fund Accounts B14 statement for financial year 2001–02 were assumed by the Ministry of Defence as part of a long-term public private partnership and remained extant at 30 November 2002. These relate to the, Ministry of Defence's nuclear operations, the contactorisation of the Atomic Weapons Establishment, the privatisation of the Dockyards at Rosyth and Devonport, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and the sale of Service married quarters. As the B14 statement shows, the nature of some of these liabilities makes it impossible to quantify their individual value. Accordingly, it is not possible to cost the overall value of these liabilities. The total value of those liabilities which can be quantified, is £16,855.5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the protocol between the USA and UK Governments whereby US planes can use RAF Fairford to undertake acts of war. [103533]

[holding answer 18 March 2003]: The use of United Kingdom bases, including RAF Fairford, by the United States Visiting Force is set out in a number of confidential arrangements between the UK and US Governments. I am withholding the release of these documents in accordance with Exemption 1 (Defence, security and international relations) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. I can confirm, however, that the use of UK bases for combat operations by United States Air Force aircraft remains a matter for joint decision by the UK and US Governments at the appropriate time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with (a) the US Air Force and (b) local police forces on security at RAF Fairford. [104611]

The Ministry of Defence is engaged in regular and frequent: discussions with all parties with a responsibility for security at RAF Fairford, including the United States Air Force and the local police.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what role RAF Stanbridge, Leighton Buzzard is playing in the Iraq crisis. [104612]

RAF Stanbridge hosts some of the logistic computer systems that are used to manage the defence inventory. The staff that work there support the United Kingdom Armed Forces in peacetime, and when deployed for training and operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has held with full members of NATO on the involvement of (a) associate members and (b) partners in the work of the Satellite Centre; and if he will make a statement. [103872]

Under the terms of the Joint Action that established the EU Satellite Centre, non-EU European Allies and EU Accession Candidates are able, through mutual agreement, to task and participate in the work of the Centre. This is consistent with the United Kingdom's wish to see the EU Satellite Centre make an effective contribution to crisis management in the EU and other organisations, including NATO.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the range is of UK combat search and rescue capabilities when launched (a) from a land-based platform and (b) from a sea-based platform, when working in conjunction with the UK's allies; [104329](2) what the range is of UK combat search and rescue capabilities when launched

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the use of amphetamines and other stimulants by British armed forces. [96751]

[holding answer 10 February 2003]: In common with civilian medical practice, amphetamines and other stimulant drugs may be prescribed by armed forces medical personnel for defined clinical conditions. However, such clinical conditions would preclude operational deployment. Misuse of these or other drugs would result in disciplinary action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the use of go pills and similar drugs by (a) Royal Air Force, (b) Fleet Air Arm and (c) Army Air Corps personnel (i) seconded to, (ii) attached to, (iii) under the operational command of and (iv) on personnel exchanges with the United States armed forces. [98720]

United Kingdom armed forces aircrew serving on exchange or attachment with the United States armed forces operate under the same terms and conditions as US personnel. Therefore, any drug or non-medicinal products offered to US armed forces aircrew to counter fatigue would also be offered to UK aircrew on exchange or attachment who are engaged in the same mission. In accordance with US armed forces policy, the use of such products is voluntary and only permissible after individuals have been tested for adverse effects. The offer of these products is subject to strict criteria and close medical supervision. UK aircrew on exchange or attachment with the US armed forces are permitted to accept the same drugs to counter fatigue as US aircrew, subject to the same conditions.British forces under operational command of US forces would continue to adhere to standard UK operating procedures. It is not our practice to issue drugs or other products to UK armed forces aircrew to counter fatigue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on Future Integrated Soldier Technology requirements. [104339]

I refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement I gave on 12 March 2003, Official Report, column 14WS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many United Kingdom military personnel are serving with the United Nations Command in Korea. [104682]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 6 March 2003, Official Report, column 1175W, to the hon. Member for Newark (Patrick Mercer).

To ask the Solicitor-General how many successful prosecutions there have been of offenders apprehended by the British Transport Police in each of the last four years. [103477]

All Crown Prosecution Service casework units across England and Wales are likely to receive cases for review and prosecution from a number of police sources, the British Transport Police being one such source. Crown Prosecution Service casework data are not disaggregated in a way that differentiates between various police sources. It would not be practicable, and would involve a disproportionate cost, now to survey all case files for the past four years to determine how many British Transport Police case files resulted in a successful prosecution.

To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on her role and responsibilities for providing legal advice to this House. [103642]

[holding answer 18 March 2003]: The Law Officers' role as legal advisors to Parliament covers three areas. First, the constitution and conduct of proceedings in the House, including questions of parliamentary privilege. Secondly, the conduct and discipline of Members. Thirdly, the meaning and effect of proposed legislation.

To ask the Solicitor-General pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2003, Official Report, column 515W, to the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash), what advice the Attorney-General has given the Government on war with Iraq without explicit United Nations authorisation. [103971]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 17 March 2003, Official Report, column 515W, to the hon. Member for Stone (Mr. Cash), in which I set out the terms of a written answer by the Attorney-General to a question from Baroness Ramsay on his view of the legal basis for the use of force against Iraq.By longstanding convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact and substance of Law Officers' advice is not disclosed outside Government. This convention is referred to in paragraph 24 of the ministerial code.

To ask the Solicitor-General pursuant to her answer of 17 March 2003, Official Report, column 515W, on Iraq, what discussions the Attorney-General has had with his United States counterpart on the legality of a military attack upon Iraq without a successor resolution to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441. [104004]

The Attorney-General had a short meeting with his US counterpart in Washington on 10 February. Discussion covered a range of legal issues. It is not the practice to disclose the content of confidential discussions with foreign Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what role the (a) Prison Service and (b) probation services have in reducing crime; and if he will make a statement. [104119]

The Prison and Probation Services contribute jointly to the Home Office target to reduce re-offending by 5 per cent. for both offenders sentenced to imprisonment and those given community sentences. The latest published figures, for adults commencing community penalties or discharged from custody in 1999, show a 3.2 per cent. reduction in reconvictions compared with 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the Association of Chief Police Officers on enforcing the law on illegal occupation of land. [104123]

We meet the Association of Chief Police Officers regularly both at ministerial and official level to discuss a wide range of issues. On this issue of illegal occupation of land, the Association of Chief Police Officers were consulted. They made comments on our proposals announced in July 2002, that we intended to bring forward new eviction powers for police to deal with unauthorised encampments, where local authorities have made adequate site provision, without the preconditions found in the current legislation. We hope to bring forward the new powers once parliamentary time allows.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his estimate is of the number of neighbourhood wardens who will be in place by the end of this financial year. [104125]

There will be about 1,470 wardens in place by the end of the financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to allow the victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation to claim asylum after they provide evidence against those responsible for the sex trade in trafficked women and children. [104126]

Victims of trafficking can apply for asylum in the United Kingdom in the same way as anyone else. Any such applications should be made as soon as is practicable.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on police numbers. [104127]

By 31 March 2002 (the latest date available) there were 129,603 police-officers in England and Wales, a record number. There were also 58,909 civilian support staff in March 2002, also a record number.We have set a target of 130,000 police officers by 31 March 2003. We are confident that the target will be exceeded. We have set a further target of 132,500 police officers in 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will bring forward proposals for a Sentencing Guidelines Council; and if he will make a statement on its likely composition. [104128]

We are continuing to reflect on the issues raised during the Committee Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill in relation to the composition of the Sentencing Guidelines Council. Any changes would, we anticipate, be introduced at Report Stage.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the planned average in-prison capacity is for 2004. [104130]

As at 19 March 2003, the planned average useable crowded capacity (operational capacity) is 75,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 has had on reducing anti-social behaviour. [104124]

The police service and local authorities may carry out directed surveillance under Part II of Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime or of preventing disorder. However, no assessment has been made of the impact of RIPA on reducing anti-social behaviour.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representations have been received in each year since 1988 regarding right to appeal cases to the Court of Appeal where the sentencing is seen to be unduly lenient; and if he will make a statement. [100208]

Further to my reply of 5 March 2003, the following table shows the number of cases received annually since 1992 (when records began to be kept) by the Law Officers for consideration of a referral to the Court of Appeal as an Unduly Lenient Sentence. The table also shows the number of eases referred by the Law Officers to the Court of Appeal and the number of cases in which the Court increased he sentence.

	Number of cases received by LSLO for unduly lenient sentences	Number of cases sent to the sentence Court of Appeal increased	Number of cases in which sentence increased
1989	No records available	9	7
1990	No records available	25	17
1991	No records available	26	18
1992	80	37	29
1993	102	30	24
1994	146	50	39
1995	145	77	68
1996	159	68	49
1997	145	70	47
1998	185	95	69
1999	167	89	59
2000	143	67	48
2001	209	90	79
2002	261	112	153
1 To date

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions he has had with the First Minister of Scotland on the UK Government's policy on asylum seekers. [104129]

There have been no recent discussions with the First Minister. However, I have regular quarterly meetings with Scottish Ministers (Anne McGuire, PUSS at Scotland Office and Margaret Curran, Minister for Social Justice) to discuss asylum and immigration matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will break down the expenditure for modernising the IT systems used by the criminal justice service outlined in the Justice for All White Paper by (a) item, (b) criminal justice system agency and (c) partner; what timetable governs the expenditure; and whether his Department is meeting that timetable. [101930]

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) IT spending review for 2002 concluded with ring fenced funding of £834 million new money coupled with £324 million from existing baseline funding. This is intended to provide substantial impetus to reform and modernise the criminal justice system through funding significant new investment in IT. It is important that all criminal justice agencies make progress in a joined-up and consistent way according to common standards, requirements and timetables. A modern and effective IT system that enables secure e-mail, the electronic exchange of case information and case tracking by victims will benefit both users and practitioners.Officials are currently finalising the CJS IT delivery plan prior to presenting it to Ministers for their approval. Once Ministers have approved this plan we will publish an electronic progress report on the Criminal Justice Information Technology (CJIT) website, http://www.cjit.gov.uk. I will also write to the hon. Member at this time with that information.This report will include information on the investment profile, the IT that it will buy and the projected benefits that will be delivered. Copies of this report will be laid in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with fellow Ministers in EU Governments regarding (a) the provision of a rapid reaction civil emergency force within the EU and (b) coordination at the EU level of measures needed to facilitate civil emergency planning. [101596]

I have had no discussions with Ministers of EU Governments regarding the provision of a rapid reaction civil emergency force within the EU.There are on-going official level discussions about coordination needed to facilitate civil emergency planning in a number of EU working groups.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what monitoring is being undertaken of the impact of victims' personal statements on sentencing. [104116]

Victim personal statements provide the victims of crime with a formal opportunity to say how they have been affected, and for this to be taken into account by the criminal justice agencies in dealing with the case. The primary purpose of the statement is not to inform sentencing decisions. The implementation and effectiveness of the scheme is being evaluated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the impact of the climate change levy upon the manufacturing sector. [104145]

The climate change levy is an environmental protection measure and is designed to avoid damaging the competitiveness of UK manufacturing. The levy's impact on individual manufacturing businesses will depend on the extent to which they take advantage of the various levy exemptions, the scheme of enhanced capital allowances for energy efficiency, and energy support from the Carbon Trust; and whether their sites qualify for a discount from the levy. Eligible sites in energy intensive industries are receiving an 80 per cent. levy discount where they have committed to challenging energy saving targets in negotiated agreements with the Government.The Government continue to keep in touch with business on the levy's operation to see how it is changing the way they manage their energy use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council held in Brussels on 3 March; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [101358]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry represented the UK at the Competitiveness Council 3 March 2003.Ministers at the Council reached an agreement on the Community Patent. The agreement combines new proposals on jurisdiction and distribution of patent fees with text agreed under the Spanish Presidency on languages and the role of patent offices.The main elements of the agreement include a unitary jurisdiction enforced by a single panel of the Court of First Instance, in Luxembourg, and a transitional period for enforcement of the patent by national courts to end by 2010 at the latest. On languages member states agreed that the regime for the Community patent should involve translations of the claims part of the patent document into all Community languages. They also agreed that the larger part of fee income should be redistributed according to measures of patent activity.The Presidency invited comments on the Report of the Competitiveness Council's input to the Spring European Council. Among other things, the report stresses the need for increased co-ordination between member states to create the European Research Area (ERA), a true internal market for science and knowledge, through the open method of co-ordination. This should firstly be applied to a number of research-related areas, such as the objective of raising European research spending to 3 per cent. of EU average gross domestic product (GDP), up from the current 1.9 per cent.The report highlighted the Competitiveness Council role as the 'guardian of competitiveness', ensuring that the effects of all measures taken on the competitiveness of European industry and services are fully taken into account in policy making. Impact assessment was the key to achieving the right balance between the three pillars of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said that the new Council formation was still building competence and credibility; there was scope for a more ambitious input next year, which should be based on an integrated framework prepared by the High Level Group for Competitiveness and Growth. In particular, this should develop the Council's horizontal role in assessing the work of other Councils for its effects on competitiveness.There was a public debate on entrepreneurship that allowed member states to emphasise SMEs' crucial role in job creation, growth and innovation in Europe, and the need to better integrate the different policies enhancing entrepreneurship. Several member states, including the UK, mentioned the need to organise information campaigns to improve the image of entrepreneurship, to cut red tape, to improve the access to financing and to public procurement, and to cooperate actively at the regional and local level. The Council adopted conclusions on "The Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Firms".The Commission presented its initiative to simplify the Community's legal acquis. Work will be divided into two stages, the first involving consolidation and codification of legal texts thereby reducing the sheer number of pages of EU law. The second stage begin to reduce legal obligations on economic operators.Commissioner Busquin presented the Green Paper on European Space Policy. The paper forms the basis of a consultation, to be held from 22 January to 30 May 2003. The Presidency announced that an in-depth discussion on European Space Policy would take place at the next meeting of the Competitiveness Council on 12–13 May 2003.A progress report by the Commission summarised the state of play of negotiations on the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) nuclear fusion energy research project. A full progress report will be presented at the Competitiveness Council on 12–13 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total cost of her Department's website was in the last 12 months; and how many hits it received in the same period. [104190]

The support costs for the Department's websites are included in the overall service charge paid monthly under the IT service contract in place since 1 April 1999. There is no separation of website costs in this charge.The DTI site www.dti.gov.uk was redesigned in April 2002, at a cost of £60,294 including VAT.The number of hits to the site www.dti.gov.uk in the months February 2002 to January 2003 was 196,359,744.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of power was produced by (a) coal, (b) oil and (c) nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are available; how many (i) coal, (ii) oil and (iii) nuclear power plants operate in the UK; and what the lifespan is of each. [103925]

The available information on electricity supplied from particular types of plant is as follows and relates to 2002.

	Percentage of electricity supplied	Number of power plants1
Coal	32	20
Oil	1	29
Nuclear	22	14
1 Only covers stations of more than 1MW capacity. Mixed fired coal/oil and coal/gas fired stations have been included under coal and similarly mixed oil/gas fired stations are counted under oil. Oil plants include single cycle gas fired stations as well as diesel and kerosene fired stations. Data are as at end May 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the benefits of EU enlargement for small and medium enterprises in Britain. [103352]

UK companies, including many SMEs, will benefit from the creation of the largest single market in the world, as it expands to include the fast growing economies of central and eastern Europe. Our trade with the new member states , from a low base, is growing much faster than UK's trade overall. Over 14,000 companies, many of them SMEs are already exporting to the region. Further analysis of the trade and investment impact is being finalised and will be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she intends to produce a regulatory impact assessment for the Fireworks Bill. [102133]

[holding answer 10 March 2003]: A partial Regulatory Impact Assessment is currently under production and will be available as soon as possible. A full RIA is required when regulations are laid in due course, if the Bill reaches the Statute Book.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what UK patents relating to genetically engineered animals and processes for creating such animals have been (a) applied for and published since 9 November 2001 and (b) granted since 9 November 2001. [103294]

Since 9 November 2001 13 UK patents relating to genetically engineered animals and processes for creating them have been applied for and published. These were GB 2362383 A, GB 2362384 A, GB 2362885 A, GB 2367295 A, GB 2367555 A, GB 2367823 A, GB 2369828 A, GB 2370275 A, GB 2374870 A, GB 2376468 A, GB 2375110 A, GB 2376024 A, and GB 2377221 A. Since 9 November 2001 there have been three UK patents granted relating to genetically engineered animals and processes for creating them. These were GB 2370275 B, GB 2362885 B, and GB 2350613 B. This information does not include applications filed at the European Patent Office which may have the effect of UK patents if granted by that office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contribution the UK Government are making to the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation. [99927]

I have been asked to reply.Through the Governing Body of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), officials from this Department offer advice and guidance to the World Commission. They have also participated in a European Union-organised joint consultation event to inform the World Commission about how EU member states address social and economic change, and the challenges of globalisation. The Department for International Development is supporting a workshop for the World Commission, on 8 April, on the effects of globalisation on employment and wages in developing countries, with particular reference to low-income groups and low income countries. In addition, Ministers and officials from both Departments regularly offer support and advice on the work of the Commission in meetings with the ILO.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) individuals and (b) firms are licensed by recognised professional bodies to carry on their business as insolvency practitioners. [100915]

Individuals, not firms, are authorised to act as an insolvency practitioner by either one of seven recognised professional bodies or by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. As at 31 December 2002 (the latest date figures are available) there were 1603 insolvency practitioners authorised by the recognised professional bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans there are to (a) establish a national energy research centre and (b) encourage the research and development of new energy technologies. [103549]

[holding answer 20 March 2003]: The information is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make it her policy to ensure that the Office of Fair Trading (a) more closely polices companies which may be in breach of the Consumer Contracts Regulations and (b) enforces stricter penalties on companies in breach of this contract. [104104]

Under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, the Director General of Fair Trading (DGFT) has a duty to consider complaints about unfair terms in standard contracts between sellers or suppliers and consumers. The DGFT can and does act to stop terms he considers unfair. Action usually results in the terms being revised or deleted by agreement but the DGFT can if necessary apply to the Courts for an injunction to prevent the continued use of the term(s) concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many post office card accounts have been opened. [104018]

Beyond those used to pilot the new service no Post Office card accounts have yet been opened. The intention is to gradually build up (starting from April 2003) the number of benefit customers and pensioners that we pay through the Post Office card account. Approximately 106,000 customers have already chosen a Post Office card account and the issue of Personal Invitation Documents to those people, to start the account opening process, will begin on schedule at the end of March. DWP customers who have opted for a Card account but have not yet opened that account will continue to be paid by order book or giro as appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what requirements are imposed by the Companies Act 1985 for disclosure of transfer pricing policies by companies. [100913]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much energy was produced by renewable resources in the United Kingdom, in megawatts, broken down by generating source, in the last year for which figures are available; and how much energy was produced by fossil fuels. [103924]

The information requested is as follows and relates to 2001. Renewables accounted for 2.6 per cent. of electricity generated in the United Kingdom in 2001. Early estimates suggest that this rose to 3 per cent. in 2002. Detailed data for 2002 will not be available until June 2003.

Electricity generated in the UK from renewable sources and from fossil fuels
	GWh
Wind	967
Solar photovoltaics	2
Hydro	4,055
Landfill gas	2,507
Sewage sludge digestion	363
Municipal solid waste combustion1	948
Other biofuels2	770
Wastes 3,4	488

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding was allocated to development of renewable energy in each of the last five years; what areas the investments have been focused on; and when projects are expected to become economically viable. [103941]

Payments from the DTI's Renewable Energy Programme for each of the last five years have been as follows:

	£ million
1997–98	6.8
1998–99	5.9
1999–2000	7.9
2000–01	9.7
2001–02	13.6

Government have followed a market-driven policy, rather than prescribing a specific focus for this research activity. The research and development projects supported have been the best proposals emanating from the renewable energy industry.Large-scale hydro and energy from waste are already commercially viable and well-established in the market. With the benefit of the Renewables Obligation, onshore wind also becomes commercially viable. Over the next four years, the Government plan to provide nearly £350 million direct support, mainly in the form of capital grants, to help more forms of renewable energy achieve economic viability, but we cannot predict when this will be achieved. The Energy White Paper gives some broad indications about the possible timescale on page 55, "A Renewables Timeline."

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what scope contracting authorities will have, under the current draft of the new EU public procurement Directive, to consider environmental criteria when selecting suppliers at the pre-tender stage of contracts; and if she will make a statement. [104083]

The proposed new EC public procurement Directive provides various ways for contracting authorities to take environmental criteria into account at the selection (pre-tender) stage of the procurement process. In selecting suppliers to tender on the basis of their technical capability, environmental matters may be taken into account where justified by the subject of the contract. For works and services contracts, evidence of environmental management measures that the supplier will be able to apply when executing the contract can also be required by the contracting authority, where these are relevant to the subject of the contract. In addition, contracting authorities may exclude suppliers from tendering if they have been convicted of an offence concerning professional conduct, or have been guilty of grave professional misconduct. These can include relevant environmental issues.Environmental issues can also be taken into account at other stages of the procurement process. For example, contracting authorities have a great deal of scope to take environmental issues into consideration when defining the subject of the contract, and drawing up the specifications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what volume of timber from Liberia was imported to the UK (a) in 2002 and (b) during the first two months of 2003. [104142]

According to figures published by HM Customs and Excise, the UK imported 4,738 tonnes or 5,705 cubic metres of timber from Liberia in 2002. Information for 2003 is not yet available.Timber is defined by headings 245.01, 246, 247 and 248 of the Standard International Trade Classification, Revision 3.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding is to be made available from the Office of Fair Trading Modernisation Fund for trading standards departments in local authorities in (a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05; and if she will make a statement. [102781]

The OFT does not have a modernisation fund. The Department of Trade and Industry's Modernisation Fund was launched in 2001 investing £30 million to raise the level of consumer protection at local level. £13 million will be available in 2003–04 with a further £2 million available, in 2004–05 to fund projects and initiatives under the themes of effective enforcement, information and advice to consumers, raising trading standards capabilities and consumer safety.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) members of staff and (b) full-time equivalent vacancies there are in each trading standards department; and if she will make a statement. [102785]