To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what representations he has received within the last 12 months about changes to the criteria in the armed forces compensation scheme for service personnel claiming disability compensation; and if he will make a statement; [105299](2) whether it is his intention to change the criteria of the armed forces compensation scheme for service personnel claiming disability compensation from the basis of reasonable doubt to the balance of probability; and if he will make a statement. [105300]

The Ministry of Defence currently provides compensation for death and disablement caused or aggravated by service under two schemes, the War Pension Scheme (WPS) and the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS). Each scheme operates under separate legislation and the standard of proof applied to claims under the two schemes is different.The War Pension Scheme was introduced in 1917 and its generous standard of proof reflects in particular the limits of medical understanding of the time. Claims may be made at any time after service release. Specifically, where a claim is made to a War Pension within seven years of termination of service, the onus is wholly on the Secretary of State to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the disablement was not due to service. Where a claim is made more than seven years after termination, the onus rests on the claimant to raise reasonable doubt by reliable evidence that the disablement is due to service, the claimant receiving the benefit of any reasonable doubt. The attributable benefits elements of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme introduced attributable pensions in 1973. This applies to disablements leading to medical discharge; it considers claims against the balance of probabilities standard of proof, in line with most other such schemes and the practice of civil courts. It places the onus of proof on the individual.It has not been considered appropriate so far to change these arrangements but the issue has been considered within the current review of armed forces compensation arrangements. In March 2001, we published proposals for a new armed forces compensation scheme based entirely on the balance of probabilities standard of proof A number of respondents have expressed their concern that this would not be appropriate to the special status of the armed forces and the demands placed on them. This view has been particularly strongly represented by ex-service organisations. We have been in close consultation with these and other interested groups and will continue to work with the ex-service community in finalising the details of the new scheme. We expect to make a final decision on the broad design of a new scheme shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to reply to the letter dated 28 January from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding his constituent Ms H. Forsyth of Banff. [105140]

I wrote to the hon. Member on 13 February 2003, within our 15 working day target for answering ministerial correspondence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the value is of contracts with the United States for (a) rations, (b) clothing, (c) footwear and (d) logistical services for UK forces in the Gulf. [103733]

[holding answer 18 March 2003]: The United Kingdom has a long-standing bilateral arrangement with the United States that enables our personnel to receive logistical services and food from US and local sources. This arrangement provides a framework of enabling contracts, some elements of which are calculated on anticipated daily consumption rates and others on term hire rates. These arrangements apply mainly to base camps and are likely to remain in place for the duration of operations in Iraq. We also contract for support services independently where this is more appropriate. In addition, a number of items of clothing and footwear have been acquired from the US at a cost of around £250,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the funding allocated to his Ministry for humanitarian relief in Iraq. [105007]

The ambit of Defence Votes does not ordinarily include funding for humanitarian aid, which is a Department for International Development responsibility. However, £30 million has been made available, so far, 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.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the protocol for media access to (a) information and (b) field operations during the conflict in Iraq. [105373]

Arrangements between the media and the Ministry of Defence during the conflict in Iraq are conducted in accordance with the details laid out in the Green Book—"Working Arrangements with the Media in times of Emergency, Tension, Conflict or War". This covers the practical arrangements for enabling media representatives to report events both at home and abroad and includes our plans for representative numbers of correspondents to accompany British Forces in the frontline. It also outlines the policy that would facilitate or restrict the activities of journalists during operations. A copy of the Green Book is available on the MOD website, at: www.mod.uk/news/green book/index, htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on arrangements he has made with the media to ensure that there is no release of information on casualties prior to the next of kin being informed. [105374]

Arrangements between the media and the Ministry of Defence during the conflict in Iraq are conducted in accordance with the details laid out in the Green Book—"Working Arrangements with the Media in times of Emergency, Tension, Conflict or War". The document has been made available to the media and has been placed on the MOD website at:www.mod.uk/news/green book/index.htmThe MOD recognises that casualty information is of legitimate interest to the media and the general public. However, the Green Book explains that our casualty notification process has been developed to minimise the distress of the families concerned, and states that the names of casualties will not be released or confirmed until the next of kin have been told officially. We recognise that on occasions the media may become aware of the names of individual casualties before official announcements are made. Editors are urged not to publish such information, gained from whatever source—even if it comes directly from a next of kin—until it is released or confirmed by the MOD. Editors are also urged to exercise extreme discretion in approaching next of kin.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the advice he has given to the (a) print and (b) broadcast media to permit them to have access to the conflict in Iraq whilst maintaining personal safety. [105375]

In relation to war correspondents embedded with United Kingdom forces in the Gulf, the arrangements for the print and broadcast media are conducted in accordance with the guidance set out in the Green Book, which is entitled "Working Arrangements with the Media in times of Emergency, Tension, Conflict or War". A copy of this is available on the Ministry of Defence web-site (www.MOD.UK).The Green Book sets out the arrangements for the selection of, and regulations for, accredited war correspondents. In return for protection and support, and access to other facilities, correspondents agree to undergo the necessary training and to abide by the operational security and safety measures required by the unit to which they are attached.The Ministry of Defence has no responsibility for the activities of independent media personnel. The current FCO travel advice is not to travel to Iraq. This advice has been strongly emphasised to the media by the Ministry of Defence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) print and (b) broadcast journalists are accredited to coalition forces in Iraq; and how many are accredited to British forces. [105376]

There are 128 print and broadcast journalists accredited to British forces in the Gulf. The Ministry of Defence does not hold the number of journalists that are currently in Iraq or the number of journalists accredited to coalition forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monitoring his Department undertakes of reports from (a) print and (b) broadcast journalists operating in Iraq. [105377]

The Ministry of Defence does not exclusively monitor reports from print and broadcast journalists operating in Iraq. However, we do receive a daily press cutting service highlighting stories in the printed media with a defence interest and, during the present crisis, we have appointed a watchkeeper in our Press Office to monitor the broadcast output from the main channels. The Media Monitoring Unit of the Cabinet Office also provides the Department with a daily Iraq briefing.Separately, we have let a contract to provide a weekly evaluation of the printed media's coverage of the Iraq crisis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research his Department has (a) conducted and (b) funded into new types of munitions to be used by United Kingdom forces to replace (i) cluster weapons and (ii) weapons containing depleted uranium. [104684]

Weapons in service with the United Kingdom armed forces that dispense sub-munitions systems remain both effective and legal. We continue nevertheless to conduct and fund research programmes investigating the means to provide precise and discriminating methods of attacking targets, including terminal guided sub-munition technologies.We have no current plans to replace the in-service CHARM 3 depleted uranium round used in the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. Recent research on tank munitions has covered the penetration of armour process and support to commissioning new tank barrels for Challenger 2 tanks. Details of the Ministry of Defence's programme are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what consultations he has had with allies on the provision of theatre missile defence capabilities for UK troops when on joint operations; [104343](2) if he will make a statement on the UK's theatre missile defence capabilities; and what plans he has to increase theatre missile defence capabilities; [104344](3) what provisions he has made for theatre missile defence for troops on deployment if no capabilities have been provided by the UK's allies. [104342]

The United Kingdom is continuing its work on the risks posed by ballistic missiles and on the technologies available to counter them. We remain in regular contact with allies about such matters and continue to co-operate with NATO in their feasibility studies on how best to defend deployed NATO forces through active theatre missile defence. Decisions about the need to increase theatre missile defence capabilities will be taken in light of the outcome of these studies.Defence against ballistic missiles has several components. Arms control, preventing supply and deterring use all have a part to play alongside defence against use. Military planning therefore includes consideration of how actively to prevent the use of ballistic missiles through threat reduction operations. Passive defensive steps are also considered, including the dispersal of forces and the provision of equipment to protect against the use of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.United Kingdom armed forces operate with an appropriate range of capabilities and take into account what may be provided by coalition partners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up a widows fund for families of soldiers killed in the Ulster Defence Regiment similar to that already in operation for widows of murdered police officers in Northern Ireland. [105134]

The Ministry of Defence has received several representations on this matter and I accordingly met with representatives from the Ulster Defence Regiment widows and widowers on 5 March 2003. The issue is currently receiving careful consideration and further advice has been sought, but the Ministry of Defence is not yet in a position to make a decision on the way ahead.

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Spanish Government since 1 January on sovereignty over Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement. [104979]

I talk to the Spanish Prime Minister frequently on a range of EU and other foreign policy issues. Since 1 January, there has been no discussion of the issue of sovereignty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how she intends to meet her commitment to support field trials designed to evaluate the benefits of Micro-CHP given on page 48 of the Energy White Paper (Cm 5761) beyond the commitment within the Government's fuel poverty strategy. [103439]

I understand that The Carbon Trust will be working with the Energy Saving Trust and other stakeholders, including Defra, to undertake a major field trial for micro-CHP in order to evaluate the potential benefits this innovative technology has to offer. The trial will aim to feature a range of technologies and end use applications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether the new interim rules for animal movements will continue the exemptions for cattle and sheep moving between shows within six days; and if she will make a statement; [103283](2) what plans she has to permit farmers to exhibit livestock at country agricultural shows when these shows occur in the same area within a few days of each other and may offer multi-show championships. [103282]

We announced in a written statement on 23 January that the standstill would be reduced to 6 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 counterbalance 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 what recent research she has commissioned into the percentage of animals caught in snares which were non-target species. [102482]

This Department has not undertaken any recent research into the percentage non-target species caught in snares. However, we are considering ways in which to improve the correct use and effectiveness of snares.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Government spent on preventing Avian Influenza being brought to the UK in each of the last five years. [102367]

To prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza (AI) into the UK, the Government picks up the entire bill for the veterinary inspection and laboratory testing of imports of live poultry and their hatching eggs from Third Countries. This includes four veterinary officer visits and three animal health officer visits to quarantine premises in respect of each consignment. These costs are as follows.

	£
1998	16,800
1999	50,649
2000	52,672
2001	59,646
2002	87,330

In addition, the Government also provided consultancy and support to the Whole Animal Import Programme. This support included carrying out tests for various diseases on various animal species and included work on AI. It is not possible to provide a breakdown only in respect of AI.Imports of live poultry and hatching eggs from EU member states are accompanied by an EU harmonised health certificate which includes assurances that live poultry is free from AI.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the assessed volume of illegal use of benzone within the fishing industry; and what cooperation she has undertaken with the Secretary of State for Health in this matter. [103693]

Neither I nor the Food Standards Agency have knowledge of illegal use of benzone in the fishing industry. If the hon. Member has such information, I would be interested to know.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many broiler chickens were dead on arrival at UK poultry slaughterhouses in 2002. [103293]

1,076,396 broiler chickens were dead on arrival at UK licensed poultry slaughterhouses in 2002. However, the total annual UK broiler throughput at these slaughterhouses is not available.In Northern Ireland, 88,165 broilers were dead on arrival at licensed poultry slaughterhouses. The total throughput of broilers at these slaughterhouses was 66,938,166.In Great Britain, 988,231 broilers were dead on arrival at licensed poultry slaughterhouses. The total throughput of all broilers, all cast hens and other poultry weighing less than 2kgs was 736,966,659.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 6 February 2003, Official Report, column 373W, on climate change agreements, if she will place in the Library a summary of the information given to her Department by each sector with a climate change agreement. [103781]

[holding answer 18 March 2003]: The Department is analysing the information supplied by sector associations with the aim of re-certifying eligible facilities by 31 March. I will place summaries of the performance of each sector in the Library of the House at that time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase expenditure in support of energy efficiency in (a) 2003 and (b) 2004; and if she will make a statement. [103309]

No final decisions have yet been made on the level of expenditure in support of energy efficiency in 2003 and 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with her European colleagues concerning conservation of the dolphin population around UK shores; and if she will make a statement. [103841]

I have raised the issue of small cetacean bycatch and its impact on dolphin populations several times with Commissioner Fischler, both in person and in writing. Most recently, I wrote to him on 4 February, reinforcing the intervention made by the UK at the January meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council and pressing in particular for wider observer coverage off the South West coast where a number of other member states' vessels pursue the pelagic fishery. I have also written to the French Minister and spoken individually to ministerial colleagues from Spain, Germany and Denmark.The outcome has been, progressively, the inclusion of action on cetacean bycatch firstly in the Commission's roadmap on CFP reform and secondly in the action plan on environmental matters under the CFP, and publication of the Commission's discussion paper on the reduction of cetacean bycatch in December 2002. I shall continue to fund our scientific work and to press for action, with a view to securing concrete proposals from the Commission and their adoption by the Council.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs by what e-mail address members of the public may contact (a) her and (b) each of the Ministers in her Department; and for each e-mail address if she will state (i) the date it became active, and (ii) the number of e-mails received in each month since activation. [97456]

Members of the public can contact my office and those of my Department's other Ministers at the following e-mail addresses:

• Secretaryofstate@defra.gsi.gov.uk
• mos.environment@defra.gsi.gov.uk
• mos.ruralaffairs@defra.gsi.gov.uk
• pus.commons@defra.gsi.gov.uk
• pus.lordsgdefra.gsi.gov.uk
• correspondence.section@defra.gsi.gov.uk
• helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk

The detailed information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which members of the Strategic Water Partnership are considering emergency discharges into the Hampshire Avon Catchment; and if he will make a statement on the progress of their work. [103531]

I understand that Wessex Water plans to establish a series of Strategic Water Partnerships involving Wessex Water, District Councils, County Councils, Highways Authority, and Environment Agency. These partnerships will provide a framework for managing issues where there are shared responsibilities including planning, development, flooding, pollution, and bathing beaches.The Environment Agency has welcomed Strategic Water Partnerships as a means of promoting action on matters of shared responsibility including flooding and sewer flooding. To date, however, no such partnerships have been established in the Hampshire Avon Catchment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent changes have been made to leasing arrangements in the provision of central heating systems through the Warm Front programme; and what provision is made for service and maintenance work to these installations. [99618]

New central heating systems installed under Warm Front until November 2002 were provided via a seven year lease arrangement. A decision was taken to move away from using the leasing arrangements from December 2002 and new systems are now purchased outright.The responsibility for maintenance and service of central heating systems bought under a lease agreement lies with the scheme managers for Warm Front, TXU Warm Front Ltd. and Eaga Partnership. The responsibility for the systems that are bought outright lies with the scheme managers for the first year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what further measures are planned to raise public awareness of the Warm Front Programme; [103563](2) what measures have been introduced to ensure the Warm Front Programme helps the people most vulnerable to cold-related ill heath; [103564](3) what other measures are being taken besides the Warm Front Programme to tackle fuel poverty. [103562]

The Government's main programme for tackling fuel poverty in the private sector in England is the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES), now marketed as The Warm Front Team. Warm Front provides energy advice, insulation and heating measures depending upon the needs of the householder and the property type, to some of the most vulnerable members of society.The two scheme managers, TXU Warm Front Ltd and Eaga Partnership, carry out extensive marketing to promote the scheme. As well as the more traditional forms of advertising they work with organisations including local authorities, health visitors and local charities. The scheme managers work to co-ordinate these efforts to ensure maximum awareness of the scheme.A number of other Government policies will help tackle fuel poverty. The First Annual Progress Report on the UK Fuel Poverty Strategy, published on 4 March, provides an update on those policies. A copy is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what risk assessment has been undertaken on the disposal of fallen stock after the Animal By-products Regulation comes into effect; [103517](2) what plans she has to meet all parties involved in the disposal of fallen stock before the ban on farm burial comes into force; [103516](3) what estimate she has made of the level of fallen stock which will need to be collected annually after the introduction of the Animal By-products Regulation. [103518]

No formal risk assessment has been undertaken on the disposal of fallen stock after the Animal By-products Regulation comes into effect.However, animal by-products legislation already controls the collection, storage and transportation of animal by-products, including fallen stock, it also requires records to be kept of any consignment of animal by-products to assist in the auditing and traceability of this material.The Department regulates outlets which deal with fallen stock, such as knackers yards, hunt kennels, rendering and incineration plants. Officials are, therefore, involved in regular discussions with those industries and other interested parties. Since April 2002, we have been involved in discussions with livestock and disposal industry stakeholders over future arrangements and funding options for disposal of fallen stock.Although progress has been made on operation of a National Scheme we have not been able to reach an agreement on funding. Nevertheless, we are continuing our dialogue with the industry and plan to write shortly to individual farmers about the new rules.The industry estimate that the following will need to be collected annually:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many industrial fish farms are in operation in the United Kingdom; what types of fish are farmed at these locations; and how much of each respective fish species was farmed in each of the past five years. [103945]

There are some 1,067 finfish and 428 shellfish (including crayfish) active farm sites in the United Kingdom. (A commercial fish farm business may own more than one site.)

Finfish species1(primarily for human consumption)
	Atlantic salmon2	Rainbow trout2	Brown trout2	Halibut	Cod	Arctic char
1997	99,197	16,268	478	No data	No data	No data
1998	110,784	16,656	450	No data	No data	No data
1999	126,686	17,288	403	4	0	3
2000	128,959	15,353	551	5	16	7
2001	138,519	16,403	621	80	15	4
1 Figures in tonnes to nearest whole number
2 Figures include some production for restocking

Shellfish species (primarily for human consumption0
	Pacific oyster (000s)	Native oyster (000s)	Scallops (000s)	Queens (000s)	Mussels (tonnes)	Cockles (tonnes)	Clams (tonnes)
1997	4,424	154	870	4,257	13,000	20	36
1998	4,252	391	392	3,676	11,000	53	22
1999	4,136	314	214	2,855	10,000	52	19
2000	4,742	169	313	2,084	14,000	150	25
2001	4,911	250	733	1,882	17,000	105	34

Course fish species (England and Wales only) Ornamental species for trade (mainly Koi, Ghost Koi, Orfe, Goldfish, other carp species, and Bream, Gudgeon, Roach, Rudd, Tench and Perch;
(000s of fish)
1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
3,519	1,533	1,669	5,142	7,348

There is also significant production of coarse species for restocking fisheries. The main fish produced for the angling trade are Common and Mirror Carp which, between them, account for some 75 per cent. of total coarse fish production.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidelines her Department has issued to the Association of British Insurers with regard to indicative minimum standards of flood defence; when it was issued; if she will make a statement on the relationship of these guidelines with the Department's Priority Score Scheme for flood defence; and if she will place a copy of the guidelines in the Library. [103687]

No specific guidelines on indicative minimum standards of flood defence have been issued to the Association of British Insurers. The published guidelines are however, freely available on the Defra website under the Project Appraisal Guidance Series (FCDPAG3, Section 6). There is no direct relationship between these guidelines and the Priority Score Scheme. However, the indicative standards feature in the economic analysis of proposals which is a major element of the Priority Score System.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make it her policy to impose penalties on airlines and ferry companies whose passengers are found to have brought illegal meat imports and animal products into the United Kingdom. [103757]

We are working closely with the airlines to get our message across to passengers arriving in the UK from non-EU countries through announcements, in-flight videos and printed information. We have no immediate plans to impose penalties on airlines and ferry companies whose passengers are found to have brought illegal meat imports and animal products into the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she will take to ensure that all imported meat complies with United Kingdom animal welfare standards before being slaughtered. [103876]

WTO rules currently only permit the prohibition of goods on grounds of threat to human, animal or plant health. Restrictions based on the method of production are not permitted and could put us in breach of WTO rules. The ED is committed to animal welfare and negotiated to have non-trade concerns included in the Doha mandate, thereby ensuring that the issue of farm animal welfare is taken into account as part of the current Agreement on Agriculture negotiations. We will also support the Commission on developments following their recently published report on animal welfare standards in third countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely impact on national milk production of the proposed removal of the daily 1 pint milk token for low income families with children under five. [102431]

[holding answer 11 March 2003]: The milk tokens represent some 130 million litres of milk per year, or 1 per cent. of the total production of milk in Great Britain. It is difficult to assess to what extent milk consumption might fall as a result of the proposals, as milk would still be available under the fixed value voucher system proposed by the Department of Health, albeit along with other foods.The dairy industry has expressed concern that the removal of the milk token system would have an adverse effect on milk rounds, given that milk delivered under the Welfare Food Scheme represents about 5 per cent. of all doorstep deliveries. The Department of Health has conducted a major consultation exercise on its proposals, the results of which have now been published.The reforms were proposed following medical advice that mothers and children required access to a broader range of foods than had been available under the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on proposed changes to total allowable catches within the 200 mile limit to incorporate vessels from EU accession countries. [103694]

The level of total allowable catches will continue to be based on scientific advice from ICES on the state of the fish stocks and on historical track record in accordance with the principle of relative stability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much the Department spent on advertising in Scotland in each year since 1999 on (a) television, (1) newspapers, (c) radio, (d) magazines, (e) billboards and (f) sporting events. [102334]

	SCS Staff		Staff in bands A-C
	Flight duration		Flight duration
Airline Fare Class	Up to 2½ hrs	Over 2½ hrs	Up to 2½ hrs	Over 2½ hrs
First/Economy	Economy	First	Economy	Economy
Business/Economy or Equivalent	Business	Business	Economy	Business

Information at the level of detail requested is not available, and where it is possible to disaggregate figures for advertising in Scotland, the information could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on her Department's (a) responsibilities and (b) assets with regard to civil contingency planning; what funds are committed; what action she is taking within her Department to improve such planning; and what action she is taking in collaboration with other Departments. [102628]

The information is as follows:(a) I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 21 March 2003,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grades in the Civil Service in her Department are allowed to travel by air (a) first class and (b) business class at public expense when on official duties. [104975]

Our approach to travel costs is to ensure that staff use the most efficient and economic means of travel, commensurate with operational needs. The key criteria in booking flights is value for money although there are guidelines on staff entitlement. Generally, for DTI staff, entitlement to class of air travel when on official duties is governed by the duration of flight, the fare structure on the route and by pay band (grade). The following table sets out the entitlements for air travel:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she intends to reply to the letter dated 16 October 2002 from the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan regarding car imports. [105141]

As the hon. Member is aware his original letter was not received by my Department. A copy was faxed to my office on 24 March 2003 and will be dealt with as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the occasions on which her Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period within financial year 2001–02. [104312]

Information on the occasions where my Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies failed to pay valid invoices within 30 days or after the agreed credit period can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. However I am able to say that the percentage of bills which were paid by my Department within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice was 98 per cent. for the financial year 2001–02. The average percentage of bills paid by my Department's agencies was 99 per cent. over the same period. The average percentage of bills paid by my Department's executive non- departmental public bodies was 89 per cent. over the same period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Government has to deliver advice to citizens at a local level about the forthcoming age discrimination legislation. [104593]

[holding answer 24 March 2003]: Age legislation will be in force by December 2006, once extensive consultations planned for 2003 and 2004 have been completed. At this stage the strategy for delivering advice and guidance has not yet been formulated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employees work in the East of England Development Agency; and what the employment costs including national insurance were in the last year for which figures are available. [104888]

Information on the income and expenditure of each of the Regional Development Agencies, including the average numbers of staff employed during the relevant year and details of salaries and wages, are set out in an annual report. Copies are placed in the Libraries of House and are available on the internet.According to the most recent annual report and accounts of the East of England Development Agency, which is available on the internet at http://www.eeda.org.uk, the average number of staff employed by the Agency during the year ending 31 March 2002 (including all agency and seconded staff) was 103.For the same period the cost of staff salaries and wages was £3,992.000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the administrative cost for the East of England Development Agency was in the year ending (a) April 2001, (b) April 2002 and (c) April 2003. [104889]

Information on the income and expenditure of each of the Regional Development Agencies, including administrative costs, are set out in annual report. Copies are placed in the Library and are available on the internet.According to the most recent annual account, which is available at http://www.eeda.org.uk, salaries and wages and other administrative costs of the East of England Development Agency were £5.5 million in the year ending 31 March 2001 and £7.0 million in the year ending 31 March 2002. I understand that the total is forecast to be £7.6 million in the year ending 31 March 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many board members of the East of England Development Agency previously worked for (a) Peterborough City Council and (b) local authorities in Hertfordshire. [104891]

Of the current board of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) one board member, Dr Roger Ali, previously worked for Peterborough City Council. I understand that, in 1999–2000, Mr Ali was employed by the Council for one day per week in the Community Development Section to help establish a new African and Caribbean Community Centre/New Millennium Centre.No other members of the current board of EEDA have previously worked for any Hertfordshire local authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how she intends to attract long term investment for the construction of new electricity generating equipment. [104830]

The Energy White Paper has set a long term framework for energy markets including electricity generation, with energy markets a cornerstone of energy policy. Such a framework is necessary to give companies the confidence to invest.Given current levels of capacity, including mothballed plant, and our expectations of growing renewables generation and energy efficiency improvements over the coming years, we are unlikely to need significant new investment in non-renewable power stations over the next five years or possibly longer. The UK market provides strong financial incentives for suppliers to contract for sufficient power. Incentives for investment in renewables will come mainly through the Renewables Obligation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 13 March 2002, Official Report, column 362W, on employers' liability insurance, if she will make a statement on the income of workplace contacts; what estimate she makes of the number of construction and allied trade companies there are in the UK; and how many health and safety inspectors there are; and what priorities she has set for these duties. [104913]

The Department does not have specific remit for health and safety matters. The Health and Safety Executive comes under the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions. HSE advises that it employs staff at pay band 5 to act as Workplace Contact Officers, their average salary cost is £19,883 (outside of London).The latest Construction Statistics Annual shows that, as of September 2002, there were approximately 166,000 construction and allied trade companies in the UK.HSE has increased the number of inspectors working in the construction industry from 118 to 150 over the last year as a result of its redirection of resources to HSE's Priority Programmes and the setting up of a new national HSE Construction Division. HSE's Construction Division has published an intervention strategy which identifies its key priorities for the medium term. This is available at www.hse.gov.uk/press/2002/construct.htm. It aims to:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will require the Employment Tribunal Service to include size of company by work force in the statistics on applications to employment tribunals. [104899]

[holding answer 25 March 2003]: The Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) does not currently receive details of company size from respondents submitting their notice of appearance to an employment tribunal.A requirement to provide such information is currently being considered as part of plans to revise the present notice of appearance form and will be included in a public consultation exercise in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will ask the Employment Tribunal Service to add data on the size of companies to statistics they collect on applications to employment tribunals. [104139]

[holding answer 26 March 2003]: The Employment Tribunals Service (ETS) does not currently receive details of company size from respondents submitting their notice of appearance to an Employment Tribunal.A requirement to provide such information is currently being considered as part of plans to revise the present notice of appearance form and will be included in a public consultation exercise in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received on the future growth of the market for automotive liquid petroleum gas. [98643]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 26 February 2003,Official Report, column 560W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the (a) dates and (b) amounts of payments of regional selective assistance to Lucky Goldstar since 1 May 1997. [105183]

No payments of regional selective assistance have been made to Lucky Goldstar by the Department of Trade and Industry since 1 May 1997. However, I understand that in Wales Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) has been paid to LG Electronics in relation to the company's investment at Newport. Responsibility for the RSA scheme in Wales now rests with the Welsh Assembly Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list internal flights made by Ministers in her Department in 2002, including in each case the (a) cost, (b) departure location and (c) destination; and of these how many were (i) first class, (ii) business class and (iii) economy class. [103592]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, on 22 January 2003, Official Report, column 334W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department has taken to protect nuclear power stations from terrorist attack; and if she will make a statement. [105096]

The UK's civil nuclear sites apply stringent security measures regulated by the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the security regulator. The security regulator works closely with the Health and Safety Executive, the safety regulator, which provides advice on the safety implications of events, including external hazards such as plane crashes, at nuclear installations. Security at nuclear sites is kept under regular review in the light of the prevailing threat and has been significantly enhanced since the terrorist attacks in the USA on 11 September 2001. It is not Government policy to disclose details of these measures, which could potentially be of use to terrorist under Exemption 1—Defence, Security and International Relation, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the Government's response to recommendation 18 of the Performance and Innovation Unit's report-Counter Revolution. [105347]

The Government contributed £25 million to the Your Guide pilot to test the concept of the Government general practitioner role for post offices in line with the Performance and Innovation Unit's recommendations 18 and 19. The evaluation of the pilot showed that a publicly funded national Your Guide scheme would not represent value for money. The pilot highlighted areas in which Government services might be delivered through post offices in the future and these are being further explored, together with alternative commercial options.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps are being taken to develop sub-post offices as Government general practitioner outlets. [105348]

The Your Guide pilot showed that it would neither significantly improve Government Departments' ability to meet their delivery of financial objectives nor raise sufficient revenue for post offices. A publicly funded national Your Guide would not therefore represent value for money but the pilot highlighted a number of areas in which Government Departments might deliver services through post offices in the future and we are exploring these, and potential alternative commercial options, further.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason electricity from combined heat and power sources fed into the National Grid is subject to the Renewables Obligation. [104554]

The purpose of the Renewables Obligation is to secure a target level of our electricity supply from renewable energy. The obligation for each electricity supplier is calculated by applying a percentage to that electricity supplier's total electricity sales to customers in England and Wales during each Obligation period. The same arrangement applies in Scotland under their corresponding Obligation. Total electricity sales includes electricity from all sources, including both CHP and renewables, so as to avoid market distortions. However, electricity sold under licence exempt arrangements, including CHP, is not subject to the Obligation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to protect consumers from the activities of rogue traders. [105092]

In June 2001 the Government introduced Stop Now Orders, giving Trading Standards departments and other named bodies the power to seek injunctions against traders who do not comply with a range of legislation intended to safeguard the interests of consumers.Through the Enterprise Act 2002, the Government will enable the OFT, Trading Standards and other designated enforcers to obtain 'Stop Now Orders' against a wider range of illegal activities which harm the interests of consumers. It is our intention to commence these and other key provisions of the Act in the summer.In addition, we launched an awareness campaign last year to highlight the risks and warning signs associated with postal scams and explain how consumers can avoid becoming scam victims. Consumers were encouraged to send suspect mailings to the Office of Fair Trading for investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times she has visited Scotland on official duties each year since 2000; and what meetings were held on each occasion. [103612]

Since my appointment in June 2001, I have visited Scotland on one occasion in 2001 and one occasion in 2002.In line with exemptions 2 and 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, it is not normal practice of Governments to release details of specific meetings or their content, as some of these discussions may have taken place on a confidential basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans Ministers in the Department have to (a) visit Scotland on official business, (b) announce public appointments and (c) make Ministerial announcements in April. [103656]

Departmental business during the campaign period preceding elections to the Scottish Parliament will be conducted in Accordance with the Guidance on Conduct for Civil Servants in UK Departments in respect of elections to the Scottish Parliament and National Assembly for Wales, published by Cabinet Office on 10 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 13 March 2003, Official Report, column 361, on small coal mines, if she will set out the results of her meeting on 19 March 2003; and if she will make a statement. [105048]

At the meeting between the Department, the small mines representatives and the claimants' solicitors on 19 March, the small mines representatives confirmed their agreement in principle to sign up to the Claims Handling Agreement for respiratory disease as soon as detailed terms could be agreed between the parties. This was confirmed by Counsel for the small mines at the court hearing on 20 March. However, before this can be achieved, all parties await sight of the expert's report commissioned by the claimants' solicitors, covering issues such as dust levels, dust suppression and respirator usage in small mines. This report responds to the expert's report produced by the small mines representatives and is expected to be available at the end of April. It will help to inform the final negotiations on the terms under which the small mines will accede to the Claims Handling Agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the steel tariffs imposed by the US Government; and what discussions she has had with the US Government in relation to removing the tariffs on steel. [103858]

I have taken every opportunity to press our concern about the continued imposition of these unjustified tariffs and to express support for the UK product exclusion requests, including a telephone conversation with Donald Evans, US Commerce Secretary on 26 March.On 21 March the US Administration announced the outcome of the second round of product exclusion requests which was launched in September last year. Of the 72 requests submitted by 10 companies, 62 were approved. As in the first exclusion round, the Government actively supported all UK requests liaising closely with UK companies and the US Administration.In April, the WTO Dispute Settlement Panel is expected to rule on the challenge to the US steel safeguard action by the EU (together with Brazil. China, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea and Switzerland). We expect the panel to rule against the US measures. We will urge the US administration to take account of its WTO obligations and the wider trade liberalisation agenda and come into full and prompt compliance with the ruling and immediately withdraw the tariffs.

To ask the Advocate General if she will list each of the overseas trips made by herself in 2002; and what the (a) purpose and (b) cost of each trip was. [101844]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on 22 January, Official Report, column 334W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list the award schemes in (a) 2001 and (b) 2002 promoted by the Department; what their scope was; when the relevant participating organisations are scheduled to be sent results; and whether other parties will be given notification of the results at the same time. [102060]

No award schemes have been promoted by my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will make a statement on her Department's responsibilities with regard to civil contingency planning; what action she is taking within her Department to improve such planning; and what action she is taking in collaboration with other Departments. [102629]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 21 March 2003, Official Report, column 957W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what her estimate is of her Department's spending on (a) consultants, (b) advertising and publicity, (c) travel and (d) conferences in each year from 1999–2000 to 2002–03; and if she will make a statement. [90382]

The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.The information requested is as follows:

£
	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02	12002–03
Consultants	0	5,465	17,864	10,720
Advertising	0	0	0	10,390
Publicity	21,000	270,494	186,564	0
Travel	225,912	388,194	382,618	370,000
Conferences	0	0	0	3,296
1 Estimate

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland by what e-mail address members of the public may contact (a) her and (b) each of the Ministers in her Department; and for each e-mail address if she will state (i) the date it became active and (ii) the number of e-mails received in each month since activation. [97454]

The information requested is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions since Quarter 2 of 1997 the percentage growth of GDP in Scotland has exceeded that of the UK as a whole. [101972]

On eight occasions since Quarter 2 of 1997 quarterly figures for GDP at constant basic prices have shown quarterly rates of growth for Scotland exceeding those for the UK as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will estimate the impact of increasing the minimum wage (a) in line with average earnings, (b) to £4.17 per hour, (c) to £4.87 per hour, (d) to £5.00 per hour and (e) to £5.30 per hour, on the cost of salaries of departmental employees (i) in total and (ii) for each nation of the United Kingdom in the next financial year. [90606]

In the current financial year, the lowest salary level in my department is £10,300, which equates to an hourly rate of £4.71. The effect of a minimum wage of £4.17 would therefore be nil.If the minimum wage was raised to higher levels there would be an effect on the cost of salaries but, given the very small numbers of staff involved, this would not be significant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if she will list each of the overseas trips made by herself and other members of her ministerial team in 2002; and what the (a) purpose and (b) cost of each trip was. [101845]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, on 22 January 2003, Official Report, column 334W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds his Department has received from the aggregates levy sustainability fund: and on which dates funds were received in each case. [105341]

None. My Department did not consider it could properly allocate funds within the criteria laid down by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the price of the bond for each rail franchise which would be returned to the Strategic Rail Authority should a franchisee default on its franchise agreement. [105343]

None. The amounts of performance bonds are included in franchise agreements between the Strategic Rail Authority and train operating companies. These agreements are available for inspection on the Authority's public register.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what hospitality has been offered at public expense in the last 12 months by each Minister in his Department to outside interest groups, broken down by (a) restaurant, (b) recipient and (c) cost in each case. [99575]

On 23 February, as part of a continuing programme of briefing backbench MPs on NI issues, the Secretary of State provided dinner at the Hilton Hotel for a party of backbench Labour MPs at a total cost of £639.35.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how often Ministers in his Department have received hospitality in restaurants from outside groups in the last 12 months. [99498]

Since 1 April 2002, Ministers in the Northern Ireland Office have received hospitality in restaurants from outside groups on 27 occasions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to his answer of 5 March, Official Report, column 194W, when a decision will be made on which library facilities will benefit from the recently announced investment. [104729]

A decision should be taken before the end of 2003 on which library projects are suitable for inclusion in the Strategic Investment Programme. The facilities that actually benefit will then depend on a number of factors including the outcome of the public private partnership procurement methodology that can take a year to 18 months to complete.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what area of land is under organic management in Northern Ireland. [104557]

The following is the response from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development:The total area of land in Northern Ireland under organic management is 5,200 hectares.

	Band members	Pay costs1(£)	Transport costs2(£)	Band uniform costs (£)	Miscellaneous costs (£)	Total (£)
2000–01	34	1,213,061	80,000	5,772	13,709	1,312,542
2001–02	32	1,214,444	85,000	0	12,951	1,312,395
2002–03	32	1,252,990	90,000	0	3,634	1,346,624
1 Pay costs based on average cost per rank.
2 Estimated transport costs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the results of the (a) 2003 and (b) previous programme for international student assessment will be considered by the review into the future of post primary education in Northern Ireland. [104514]

The review of post-primary education will consider the results of PISA 2000, PISA 2003 when available, and other relevant statistical data, along with the views expressed in meetings with political parties, the education sector and parents and the responses to all strands of the consultation.

	Financial years
Constituency	2000–01 (£000s)	2001–02 (£000s)	2002–03 (£000s)
North Belfast:
Primary Schools	511	623	552
Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)	1,040	1,267	673
South Belfast:
Primary Schools	542	412	294
Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)	574	271	321
East Belfast:
Primary Schools	415	1,151	274
Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)	416	1,300	342
West Belfast:
Primary Schools	1,222	250	279
Secondary Schools (including Grammar Schools)	406	978	35

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether outside funding has been used to finance the police band; [105078](2) how much the police band has cost in each of the last five years; [105133](3) how many band members there were of the RUC/PSNI band in each of the last five years. [105135]

Despite attempts to source private sector funding and a National Lottery grant, no outside funding has ever been secured to finance the police band.The established strength of the PSNI band is a complement of 40 members. The actual strength has varied slightly from time to time as members left and others joined the band. When the decision was taken to stand down the band there were 32 members.Cost figures for the band for the last three years are shown in the table. The PSNI advise that figures for years 1998–99 and 1999–2000 are not readily available in the timescale requested as they are in archive, however I shall write to the hon. Member when the information is provided and place a copy in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money has been allocated for (a) capital repairs and (b) new building in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools in each Belfast constituency in each year since 1999. [103243]

The money allocated for capital repairs, excluding maintenance work, is only available in the form requested from the 2000–01 financial year. The information is as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of business investment as a proportion of GDP since 1997 in (a) current and (b) constant prices; and if he will make a statement. [105165]

In 2002, business investment stood at 12.4 per cent. of constant price GDP and 10.1 per cent. of current price GDP. Clearly the challenging global economic environment of recent years has had an adverse impact on investment in the UK as in all the other major economies. Nonetheless, even amidst the difficulties of the world economy in 2001 and 2002, business investment still stood 26 per cent. higher last year, in real terms, than it did in the year before this Government took office.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Government's PPP and PFI liabilities. [105166]

The Government accounts for their PPP and PFI liabilities in accordance with independently established accounting standards. Our treatment of PFI is audited by the National Audit Office and other independent audit bodies. We publish a full record of future payments under PFI contracts in the Budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers paid income tax at the higher rate in (a) 2002 and (b) 1997; and if he will make a statement. [105167]

I refer the hon. Member to table T2.1 of Inland Revenue Statistics which can be found on their website on www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/ income_tax/it_t01_1.htm

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of his proposed International Finance Facility on education in developing countries. [105168]

The proposed International Finance Facility would seek to double aid for the world's poorest countries from $50 billion a year today to $100 billion a year up to 2015. It is designed specifically to help provide the additional finance needed to meet the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).This includes the goal of achieving universal primary education for all by 2015. Best available estimates suggest that achieving this would require around $10 billion more each year to be spent on education. The IFF would seek to provide this and the further finance needed to meet all the MDGs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new plans he has to stimulate investment in manufacturing. [105169]

The most important contribution Government can make is to create a stable macroeconomic environment in which manufacturers can invest, grow and prosper. The Government have also introduced measures to help UK manufacturers improve their investment, productivity and competitiveness. Cuts in corporation tax and the R&D tax credit will substantially benefit manufacturers, while new venture capital funds, increased RDA budgets, strong spending on science and innovation, and our initiatives to boost skills are all stimulating investment.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about increases in national insurance contributions. [105171]

The Government have received a number of representations about the increases in national insurance contributions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had on progress on world trade liberalisation. [105172]

I refer my hon. Friend to the Chancellor's reply to the hon. Member for South Dorset (Jim Knight) earlier today on plans to discuss progress at the IMF and World bank.International trade is a matter for the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. The Treasury contributes to the Government's policy discussion on trade issues, as well as in meetings of finance ministers touching on trade and the dialogue with international financial institutions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what pre-Budget submissions he has received on business incentives. [105173]

The Government have received a number of representations from businesses in all sectors of the economy. Ministers and officials have also met with business leaders to discuss representations, and to consider the role the Government can continue to play in fostering enterprise, improving productivity, and ensuring a competitive economy.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the Mapeley STEPS PFI contract with the Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise. [105174]

The Chancellor made it clear to the House on 12 February 2003 that the Treasury would be studying the Treasury Select Committee Report into the STEPS deal. The Government will be responding to the committee's report in due course.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received on insurance cover for those travelling by air in the event of a war or terrorist attack. [105291]

The Chancellor has received no recent representations on insurance cover for those travelling by air in the event of war or terrorist attack.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate of the rate of inflation in September 2002 was used for the purposes of calculation of the revenue raised by non-indexation of allowances in financial year 2003–04 as set out in line 1 of table 1.2 of Budget 2002 (HC 592); and if he will make a statement. [104756]

The Budget 2002 forecast of Retail Price Index in September 2002 used for the purposes of calculating the revenue raised by non-indexation of allowances in financial year 2003–04 is given in table C3 of the 2002 Financial Statement and Budget Report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the gap between the average earnings of men and women was in (a) the East Riding of Yorkshire and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber in the last year for which figures are available. [105194]

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 average earnings were, broken down by (a) gender and (b) 10-year age band for each year since 1997. [105283]

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