To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects to introduce the proposed Companies Bill. [114379]

The Government are carefully considering the comments made in response to the White Paper 'Modernising Company Law' (Cm 5553), including those in the Trade and Industry Committee's report on the White Paper (HC 439) published last week. A further announcement will be made to Parliament in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of her staff have taken sick leave due to mental health problems in the last year. [111976]

In the financial year 2001–02 164 staff took sick leave attributed to mental health problems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria she has used in determining the budget allocations to individual regional development agencies in 2003–04. [114899]

The budget for Regional Development Agencies is allocated between RDAs using a formula which takes into account nine weighted indictors of need and opportunity. Provision has also been made to ensure that no RDA will receive less in 2003–04 than in previous years.The nine indicators are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage the use of spare capacity at regional airports for low cost airlines. [114796]

The Government support the growth, subject to it being sustainable, of regional airports to meet local demand for air travel and we anticipate low cost airlines will make a major contribution to achieving this. Chapter 3 of our regional consultation documents sets out a range of possible policy mechanisms for delivering our objectives. The consultation closes on 30 June, and we will publish the Air Transport White Paper in late 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many aircraft have flown over the power stations since the airspace over Sizewell A and B power stations was invaded 18 months ago. [112883]

Aircraft are not permitted to fly within two nautical miles of Sizewell below a height of 2000 ft. There have been no confirmed breaches of this restriction since November 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on plans to change overnight security arrangements at UK airports. [113524]

The department's aviation security requirements do not differentiate between day time and night time operations. I will draw to the attention of colleagues in the relevant departments the hon. Member's particular concern about late hours coverage at airports by Customs and Immigration staff, so that they may respond direct.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many officials within his Department are engaged in examining the Crossrail proposals; when he will announce the Government's preferred option for Crossrail line 1; and if he will make a statement on the Crossrail project. [113719]

Currently, around half a dozen Departmental officials are substantially engaged on Crossrail-related work, among other duties, involving a range of other officials within the Department as necessary. As regards an announcement on Crossrail, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Secretary of State for Transport to the hon. Members for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr. Davey), and for Ilford South (Mike Gapes), on 13 May 2003, Official Report, column 149.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what regulations are in force governing cyclists' conduct when using joint cycle and pedestrian paths;[115044]

On cycle tracks, cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space. Highway authorities use signs and markings from the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 to indicate the part of the route which is allocated for cyclists and for pedestrians. On segregated tracks, cyclists must keep to the side intended for their use.The Highway Code advises cyclists to take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, elderly or disabled people on cycle tracks, and allow them plenty of room. The code also advises that cyclists should slow down and stop for pedestrians if necessary. The law applying to dangerous and careless cycling applies on cycle tracks as it does on the road. Under the Road Traffic Act 1991, the two worst cycling offences attract maximum fines of £2,500 (for dangerous cycling) and £1,000 (for careless cycling).There are no specific requirements for cyclists to warn other users of their presence on a cycle track. However, the Highway Code advises cyclists that they should be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians, and to let them know of their presence by ringing their bell. In April this year, the Pedal Bicycles (Safety) Regulations 2003 were published, coming into force on 1 May 2004. These will make it a requirement for a bell to be fitted on a bicycle by manufacturers at the point of sale. The Regulation will enhance the safety of pedestrians sharing space with cyclists, and had been requested for some time by groups representing pedestrians and disabled people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the total expenditure on advertising by the Department was in (a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03; and what the level of planned expenditure is for (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05. [114436]

In 2001–02, my Department's total expenditure on advertising was £9.85 million to £8.62 million on the THINK! road safety campaign and £1.22 million to promote the Traveline public transport information line.In 2002–03, the total estimated expenditure on advertising was £10.195 million to 9.5 million on the THINK! road safety campaign, £299,000 on the Airports consultation exercise, £274,000 on Traveline and £122,000 on the new Vehicle Identity Checking scheme. These figures are subject to final audit.The planned expenditure for 2003–04 and 2004–05 is estimated at £10 million in each year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003–04 from that of 2002–03. [112771]

We will continue to monitor budgets very closely to ensure the most effective use of resources. I expect that, once the figures have been finalised, my Department's outturn for 2002–03 will have been very close to budget.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many foreign flag vessels were inspected by the Maritime Coastguard Agency in each of the last five years. [114836]

The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) has inspected the following numbers of foreign flag vessels in each of the last five years.

Year	Number of foreign flagged vessels inspected under Port State Control
1998–99	1,980
1999–2000	1,801
2000–01	1,803
2001–02	1,765
2002–03	1,744

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the criteria will be for inspecting foreign flag vessels in UK ports when the port state control directive comes into force. [114837]

The UK will inspect foreign flag vessels in UK ports according to the criteria set out in the new Article 7 of EU Directive 2001/106/EC which comes into force on 22 July 2003. High risk ships posing the greatest threat to the safety of crew and passengers and to the environment will be targeted for inspection.The target factor is determined by ship type, Flag, Classification Society, ship age, and previous inspection record. High risk ships, based on type and age, such as oil tankers over 15 years of age with a high target factor, will have a mandatory expanded inspection every 12 months. Any ship with a very high target factor and one month since last inspection will also have a mandatory inspection.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many meetings have been held in each of the last four years of the Government's Advisory Group on Motorcycling; and when a national motorcycling policy will be published. [114067]

Since its inception, the Advisory Group on Motorcycling has met as follows:

• 1999–3 times
• 2000–3 times
• 2001–2 times
• 2002–3 times
• 2003–2 times so far.

The next meeting should be in September.The Government expect to determine their strategy for motorcycling next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the loan or donation of a Concorde by British Airways to the National Museums of Scotland. [114824]

The Department has not received any representations in relation to the approach of the National Museums of Scotland to British Airways.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many number plate suppliers have registered under the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001; what checks have been carried out to ensure number plate manufacturers and suppliers are complying with the Act; how many vehicle identity check centres have been established and on what basis their location was decided; how many VIC checks have been completed to date; how many checks resulted in refusal to register a vehicle; and what the most common reasons for refusal to register a vehicle were. [114591]

Both the registration of number plate suppliers and vehicle identity checks (VICs) form part of the Government's programme to reduce vehicle crime. They are specifically designed to combat vehicle ringing and cloning (the practice of disguising the identity of stolen vehicles or vehicles used for unlawful purposes.)As of 16 May, 26,445 number plate suppliers representing 31,977 retail outlets were registered with DVLA.Since 1 March enforcement powers have rested with the police and local authorities. They have been fully briefed on the legislation. DVLA has received several requests for clarification from these authorities and reports that inspections of premises have been carried out. A DVLA team is being set up to provide support to the police and local authorities for those purposes.Since the introduction of the vehicle identity check (VIC) scheme on 7 April. 69 inspections have been carried out in Great Britain and one in Northern Ireland. Two vehicles tested in Great Britain have failed. A total of 54 test sites have been established.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the maximum penalty is for the (a) owners and (b) operators of vessels causing pollution in UK waters. [114840]

Pollution in UK waters can be caused by various substances. The following gives the maximum penalties for each different substance.

Type of pollution	Maximum penalty on summary conviction (£)	Maximum penalty on conviction on indictment
Oil	250,000 owner and manager	A fine owner and manager
Garbage	25,000 owner and manager	A fine owner
Chemical	25,000 owner	A fine owner

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many vessels were prosecuted for pollution incidents in UK waters in each of the last five years. [114838]

Individual harbour authorities prosecute pollution incidents within harbour authority limits, and the Department has no figures regarding the numbers of their prosecutions. Outside of those areas, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) deal with prosecutions. They have conducted the following numbers of prosecutions.

	Number of prosecutions
1998	6
1999	3
2000	2
2001	0
2002	2

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what level of subsidy Virgin West Coast Railways will receive over the remaining length of its franchise; and what the level was in the original contract. [113775]

The Strategic Rail Authority is currently in the process of re-negotiating the Virgin West Coast franchise. The level of subsidy to be paid to Virgin has not yet been determined.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the reason is for the lower age limit of 16 for eligibility to complete the Regional Airports Consultation questionnaire; and if he will make a statement. [114355]

There is no age eligibility criterion for completing the airports' questionnaire. We welcome views from younger consultees, and many have already responded to the consultation in a variety of ways, including letters and petitions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Government have to introduce measures to prevent three children, under 14 years of age, sitting on two seats on school buses. [114974]

Three children under the age of 14 sitting on two seats is permitted by the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations 1984. However, as this is a concession and not a requirement I have no plans to abolish this allowance. The use of this concession is declining as the modern interior designs of buses and coaches make it impracticable to use. It is also not permissible where seat belts are fitted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) the three-for-two rule on school buses is being enforced and (b) no children over the age of 14 are sharing a seat with two other pupils; and if he will make a statement. [115074]

Three children under the age of 14 sitting on two seats is a concession under the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations 1984. It is the responsibility of the driver of any vehicle carrying schoolchildren to ensure that this concession is not abused. It is, however, becoming redundant. Sharing seats is not an option (no matter what the age of the children) in vehicles fitted with seat belts. All minibuses and coaches carrying schoolchildren must now be fitted with seat belts, except for those that pre-date the legislation and which are gradually disappearing from the road.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which of his Department's projects have received sponsorship in the last financial year; who the sponsor was in each case; what the nature of each project was; what time-period was covered by each project; what the total cost of each project was; how much money was involved in each sponsorship deal; and if he will make a statement. [112398]

The Department has not received any cash sponsorship support. Many companies, however, have linked with Think!, my Department's road safety campaign and carried road safety messages in their own activities. We have not quantified the value of this supportive activity but we welcome extension of our safety messages by companies. Examples are in my Department's annual report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department. [112748]

The Department is yet to undertake an assessment of regional variations in staff turnover. The Regional Co-ordination Unit, as the corporate centre of the Government Office Network, collects data for the Government Offices. This data will be used to make assessments of regional differences in developing the Department's workforce strategies.The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Budget plans to examine relocation of public services with the aim of achieving best value for money. He has asked Sir Michael Lyons—Director of the Institute of Local Government Studies at Birmingham University—to advise on relocation by the next Spending Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government have plans to introduce measures to oblige train companies to provide seat belts for their passengers. [114990]

There are currently no plans to fit seatbelts in passenger trains.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans he has to reduce the number of civil service posts for which passing the civil service examination is a key requirement; and if he will make a statement. [114280]

There is no single "Civil Service exam". With the exception of the Fast Stream, and recruitment to the most senior posts, recruitment to the Civil Service is the responsibility of individual government departments and agencies. In general their systems are based on the competences their businesses require, and their recruitment processes are determined by the needs of the post. Departments are free to choose the selection methods that best demonstrate the competences and skills they are seeking. These can include a variety of tests and exercises, interviews or assessment centres.My own Department recruits for the graduate Fast Stream Programme on behalf of Departments and reports annually to Parliament with details of the scheme, including numbers of applicants and successes at each selection stage. The tests, exercises and interviews are designed and validated with the aim of achieving the best possible prediction of suitability for, and success in, the job. The recruitment process for all jobs in the Civil Service must be consistent with the principle of selection on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, in accordance with the requirements of the Civil Service Commissioners' Recruitment Code.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many contracts his Department has awarded to KPMG since 1997. [113679]

Information on the number of contracts awarded by the Cabinet Office to KPMG in financial years 1997–98 to 2000–01 is available only at disproportionate cost. The numbers of contracts awarded in 2001–02 and 2002–03 were 2 and 4 respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many public inquiries and at what estimated cost are projected due to the applications from the Trail Riders Federation to upgrade bridleways. [114777]

I understand that information on public inquiries on rights of way is not held centrally in a form that makes it easy to provide an estimate of this sort. However I have asked officials to look at the level of applications and appeals and I shall write to my hon. Friend as soon as clearer information is available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in relation to the upgrading of bridleways for off road vehicles. [114776]

I have asked officials to look at the level of applications for the upgrading of bridleways for off road vehicles under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Definitive map modification orders, which can amend the status of bridleways to byways open to all traffic, are currently dealt with by local highway authorities, and if an objection is made to a modification order, it is referred to the Planning Inspectorate to decide the case on behalf of the Secretary of State. I will write to the hon. Gentleman once I have the information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report. [112811]

Project	Consultancy
Veterinary Medicines—Digitally signed pesticide approvals project	Fujitsu Services/Consulting
England and Rural Development programme	Schlumberger Sema Consulting
	Elan Computing
	Yale Consulting
	Cathedral Consortium
	PA Consulting Group
	Parity Resourcing Solutions
	Sandfield Systems Ltd
	Interlect
	ARC Consulting Group
	PMR Technologies
	Office Government Commerce (OGC)
	The Nesco Group
	Sherwood International
	Spring IT
	Brian Farrington Ltd
e-Communications programme	SERCO Usability services
CEFAS MIS	W S Atkins
e-Science -online Research Contracts	Delta -Sherwood International, Schlumberger Sema Consulting
Countryside Agency—Open Access: Restrictions and Closures	Bird & Bird
	WS Atkins
	Office Government Commerce (OGC)
Countryside Agency E-Business Delivery	Logica CMG
Agricultural Census e-forms project	KC3
Livestock Identification programme	Cornwell Management Consultants Plc
	Hedra Ltd
	Accenture
Cattle Tracing System	Delta—Sherwood International, Schlumberger Sema Consulting
Rural Payments Programme:	Atos KPMG Consulting (AKC)
Programme Mgmt	PA Consulting (PA)
Procurement	Office Government Commerce (OGC)
	Bird and Bird
	Giga Information Group
	PA Consulting Group
IACS E forms	PA Consulting Group
e-enablement of:	Delta
Over Thirty Month Scheme and Data Processing System	Schlumberger Sema Consulting
	Sherwood International
Graphical Information Systems/Rural Land Register	Atos KPMG Consulting (AKC)
Customer Focus	Remote Sensing Applications—Consultants Ltd
	Landmark Information Group Ltd
	Handle With Care Ltd

The Defra annual report for 2001 was produced with the assistance of the Central Office of Information at a cost of £17,887, exclusive of VAT.

Description	£ (excluding VAT)
Proofreading	3,962
Design, layout and cover	13,400
Production of web version	525
Total cost excluding printing	17,887

Defra did not incur any of the print production costs. The Stationery Office prints and distributes the annual report as a commercial venture.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list, by project, the consultancies her Department and its non-departmental public bodies have used on e-government projects since 1 January 2001. [112836]

The following table identifies consultancy companies which have assisted Defra (including agencies and non departmental bodies) on major e-government projects since 1 January 2001.

Project	Consultancy
RPA Change Programme	Schlumberger Sema Consulting
	PA Consulting Group
	Accenture
Exotic Disease Control	Hedra Ltd
Customer Registration	Cornwell Management Consultants Delta/Schlumberger Sema
	Consulting
	Atos KPMG Consulting (AKC)
	PA Consulting Group
MAGIC—Multi Agency	Landmark Information Group Ltd
Geographical Information for the Countryside	ESRI (UK) Ltd
	GeoWise
Phoenix1—Bird import and registration systems	Amtec Consulting Group
Emissions Trading Register	Delta—Sherwood International, Schlumberger Sema Consulting Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC)
Environment Agency	Logica CMG
	Science systems
	British Telecom
In addition to the above, the following projects were undertaken by the Delta public/private partnership of Defra's IT Directorate/ Schlumberger Sema and Sherwood International. In all cases the consultancy element was in excess of £100,000	Schlumberger Sema and Sherwood International
Animal Health Group (AHG): Date Based Exports Scheme
AHG: Scrapie Control System
Animal Movements Licensing Scheme
BSE CENTAUR
Pig Tracing
Scoping Study for the new Veterinary Surveillance System
State Veterinary System (SVS) Generic Disease Control System and other veterinary investigations systems
SVS:Mobile Computing in the Field
SVS:Non—BSE Enhancements
SVS: Vetnet
FAS project
Grants and Subsidies Management Project
Web Based E-Science
Cattle Tracing System
Electronic Delivery for the Plant Health Services
e-Plants Varieties and Seeds
HTR Datacapture and HMI E-forms
Arable Area Payment Scheme E-Forms
Beef Special Premium Scheme Combined Risk Analysis
Extensification Premium Scheme
IACS Aggregated penalties
Monitoring Field Inspections
Suckler Cow Premium Scheme
Sheep Annual Premium Scheme
Sheep Quotas
Sheep Quotas Purchase Scheme
Slaughter Premium Scheme

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the procedure her Department follows to transpose an EU directive into United Kingdom law. [113770]

Defra's policy is to transpose in such a way as to achieve the objectives of the European measure on time and in accordance with other UK policy goals, including minimising the burdens on business. A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) is started before the Commission formally publishes its proposal, and is then developed as the proposal goes through negotiation and at the transposition stage. A Risk Management approach is used, ensuring that the risks are identified and evaluated for Ministers.The normal procedure is that a project plan for transposition is developed, and a draft legal text of implementing regulation is prepared. Collective ministerial agreement for implementing regulations is sought, and the implementing regulations are laid before Parliament. Defra works closely with colleagues in the Devolved Administrations and where applicable, the Government of Gibraltar, to ensure effective and timely transposition of the Directive throughout the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects Lord Haskins to report. [115182]

Lord Haskins expects to submit a full report in the summer. Publication will follow as soon as possible after due consideration by Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with (a) biotechnology companies and (b) health and environmental campaign and voluntary groups regarding the scale and scope of farm scale trials of GM crops. [114025]

I announced the programme of farm-scale evaluations of GM herbicide tolerant crops in October 1998. In February 1999, the then Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions consulted stakeholders, including biotechnology companies and health and environmental campaign and voluntary groups, about the proposals for the evaluations, the hypothesis to be tested and scale and scope of the field trials. Following this, in May 1999 the then Secretary of State appointed an independent Scientific Steering Committee to oversee the conduct of the evaluations. This Committee provides on-going advice to Ministers on all aspects of the design and methodology. Their advice is publicly available on the farm-scale evaluations website (www.defra.gov.uk/environment/fse)Since the evaluations were set up, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have had various meetings with representatives from biotechnology companies and health and environmental campaign and voluntary groups at which the farm-scale evaluations have been mentioned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 12 May 2003 to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker), Official Report, column 6W, on GM field trials, what form the forthcoming public debate on GM field trials will take. [114251]

The Government are sponsoring a public debate on GM issues, which is being managed by an independent Steering Board at arms' length from Government. The Steering Board will be launching a series of events on 3 June 2003, through which the public will have the opportunity to debate the issues surrounding genetic modification, including those related to the GM field trials. Members of the public can get involved either by attending one of the regional or local meetings or by accessing the website.Once the scientific papers reporting the results of the GM field trials are published and in the public domain, there will be a further opportunity to comment on the implications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the life-cycle analysis of nappies being carried out by the Environment Agency. [114263]

The life cycle analysis will consider the environmental costs and benefits of both disposable and re-usable nappies. The work should be completed in the summer. I look forward to seeing the results of the study and hope it will provide clarity from an independent source on the environmental impacts of both types of nappy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the Government's budget is for research and development into organic farming; and if she will make a statement. [114852]

The budget for research and development on organic farming was £2.029 million in 2002–03, and is £2.229 million for 2003–04. These figures include £200,000 spend via the Organic LINK programme.The planned/target Organic LINK spend, which is dependant on successful bids being co-funded from industry, is £400,000 in 2003–04, £700,000 in 2004–05, and then £1.3 million for the next three years—a total of £5 million.In addition, the organic farming sector also benefits from much of the other research the Department undertakes, for example, its planned spend of over £12.8 million on biological control techniques, plant health, animal welfare and wildlife conservation on farms this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the targets in respect of environmental matters which have been set for her Department. [114265]

The Department has published its environmental Public Service Agreement targets (along with all other Public Service Agreement targets) in the Departmental Report—(ref Cm 5919).Environmental targets are also published in Defra's departmental website, which can be viewed at the following address: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/busplan/sda/sda0306.pdf

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of households she estimates will have doorstep or kerbside collections of recyclable material by 2010. [114253]

No estimate has been made of the percentage of households that will have doorstep or kerbside collections of recyclable material by 2010. The proportion of households served by some degree of kerbside recycling collection schemes in England in 2000–01 was estimated at 51 per cent. and I would expect this figure to rise as local authorities introduce arrangements to achieve their statutory recycling targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost of collection and management of (a) household and (b) municipal waste was in (i) England, (ii) Northern Ireland, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Wales in each year since 1997–98 for which figures are held by her Department. [114790]

The following figures show net revenue expenditure on municipal waste collection and disposal in England since 1997–98 to date, and in Scotland and Wales prior to devolution. Data are not available on the separate costs of household and municipal waste. The figures include income received in respect of charges to outside organisations. Data for Northern Ireland are not held centrally.

Waste collection and disposal
£million
	England1	Scotland2	Wales3
1997–98	1,198.9	149.9	72.8
1998–99	1,281.9	148	75.8
1999–2000	1,423.3	—	—
2000–01	1,521.3	—	—
2001–02	1,653.9	—	—
2002–034	1,818.9	—	—
11997–98 to 2001–02 outturn figures are taken from local authority returns on expenditure (RO6 forms) and for 2002–03 planned expenditure (RA02 form).
2 Data provided by SERAD, reported by local authorities.
3 Data provided by NAWAD, from archive publications.
4Budget.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when an announcement will be made on the award of the through-life maintenance contract for the two aircraft carriers to be built under the CVF programme. [114520]

The current intention for CVF is to include an option for an Initial Support Period for the carriers, of approximately six years, as part of the main build contract, which is due to be awarded in spring 2004. This will be dependent on the development of a sufficiently mature and acceptable proposal by the CVF alliance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the allocation of work on the CVF programme between the UK shipyards will be announced. [114521]

An initial proposal on the allocation of work will be submitted by BAE Systems and Thales UK at the end of this year as part of their offer for the Demonstration and Manufacture (D&M) phase. This proposal will be subject to value for money considerations. We aim to place a D&M contract by spring 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with securing a G8 commitment to implement common standards in arms export controls; and if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Lancaster House conference on arms export control. [113660]

I have been asked to reply.The Government are committed to raising the effectiveness of export controls internationally, and promote common standards in arms export controls in multilateral fora wherever it is possible and appropriate to do so. Discussions on arms export controls have been taking place between G8 countries in preparation for the summit meeting at Evian, France on 2 to 3 June 2003.In response to the question on Lancaster House, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the then International Development Secretary (Clare Short) on 10 March 2003,

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to which countries (a) RBL 755 and (b) BL 755 cluster bombs have been exported since 1973. [112483]

Since 1997, the Government has published details of export licensing decisions in the Annual Report on Strategic Export Controls, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. However, as the granting of an export licence does not necessarily result in the export of the goods licensed, the information is not held in the form requested and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.In accordance with established practice, we do not publish information on licensing decisions of previous administrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the Medical Research Council to respond to the approach by the Ministry of Defence's Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit, as referred to in his letter of 2 May to Robert G. Wood Smith and Partners. [114862]

The Gulf Veterans' Illnesses Unit received advice from the Medical Research Council on 20 May 2003 and will write to Robert G. Wood-Smith and Partners by the end of May 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual cost has been of (a) crewing and (b) preserving and maintaining HMS Victory since 2000. [113856]

The Ministry of Defence's annual costs for (a) crewing and (b) preserving and maintaining HMS Victory since 2000 are:

	Financial Year £ million)
	2000–01	2001–02	2002–03
Crewing	1,072,000	1,148,000	1,137,000
Ticket Revenue	1,058,694	1,018,047	1,022,025
Net Crew cost	13,630	130,419	115,211
Preservation and maintenance	856,000	555,000	631,000

The crewing costs include all Naval personnel and civilian staff employed by MOD and are offset by revenue for ticket sales. The preservation and maintenance costs include restoration work aimed at improving the material state of the ship.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he received, from whom and when, between 1 January and 20 April, regarding the threat of looting of antiquities in Iraq; what his Department's response was; and if he will make a statement. [110613]

[holding answer 1 May 2003]: The Ministry of Defence was forwarded a letter to the Prime Minister on this issue from the All Party Parliamentary Group, dated 11 February. My hon. Friend the Minister of Defence Procurement (Lord Bach) responded to a Parliamentary Question on this subject from Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn on 26 March 2003, Official Report, column WA81. In addition, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence (Dr. Moonie) replied to a letter of 18 February from the British Council of Archaeology regarding the safeguarding of Iraq's cultural heritage.Coalition commanders were aware of the risk of looting during the planning and conduct of operations in Iraq. They worked closely to minimise this by restoring law and order as quickly as possible. In addition, the United States and United Kingdom governments have worked together to take steps to help recover any artefacts that have been removed, including a US funded reward scheme for the safe return of antiquities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British military bases have been sold to the United States in each of the last 10 years; and whether leasehold arrangements are made for military bases. [114595]

No British military bases have been sold to the United States, and neither have they been granted a lease to occupy any of the sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list his Department's expenditure on naval navigational aids for each year over the last five years for (a) Northern Ireland, (b) England and Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) each military port in the UK. [114335]

The future provision of Marine Services is the subject of a PPP/PFI Acquisition programme. To divulge details of current expenditure could prejudice the fairness of the competition, and the potential for gaining best value for money. I am therefore withholding this information under Exemption 7 of the Code of Access to Government Information (effective management and operations of the public service).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to review the provision of navigational aids at naval installations in UK waters;[114339](2) what studies have been conducted into the provision of naval navigational aids for

No reviews are planned and no studies have been conducted into the provision of naval navigational aids. However, an Assessment Phase is currently being undertaken for a long term PPP/PFI Acquisition programme for the future provision of Marine Services. These services are currently provided by Serco Denholm, under a Government Owned-Contractor Operated (GOCO) arrangement and by the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS), part of the Warship Support Agency. The RMAS are currently responsible for the laying/recovery and annual maintenance of some 205 navigational buoys around the coast of the British Isles. Under current plans, the design authority for navigational buoys and the supply of related mooring materials will also be transferred to the successful bidder.Discussions took place with the General Lighthouse Authorities (GLA), Non-Departmental Public Bodies sponsored by the Department for Transport, in 2001 to determine whether there was scope for the GLA's to take over the maintenance and upkeep of Ministry of Defence United Kingdom navigational buoys. However, it was subsequently decided not to proceed as such an arrangement would provide little benefit to the MOD. No further discussions on this matter have taken place either with public or private sector bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Ministry of Defence is compensating NHS trusts for consultants now serving in the Gulf. [113900]

All employers who have a reservist mobilised for permanent service may apply for financial assistance to cover costs to the business resulting from the call-out. These include the costs of the initial replacement of the employee, any on-going administration, and retraining the employee when he or she returns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the contractors of NHS workers serving in the Gulf are being consulted about the length of their service. [113901]

Employers are advised, at the time a Reservist is called-out, that they can expect their employee to be absent for a period of between six and eight months. This is obviously subject to operational requirements. Where possible, the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations (RFCAs), in concert with the Regional Chains of Command, keep local employers of Reservists informed of the details.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions since May 1997 sponsored reserves have been called up; how many were called up each time and for what service; and if he will make a statement. [113252]

The Royal Navy and the Army have only called out their sponsored reserves on one occasion, namely last March when 36 members of the Royal Naval sponsored reserves and two members of the Army sponsored reserves were called out to support operations in the Gulf. They all have been, or shortly will be, demobilised. Members of the RAF sponsored reserves have been called out on a regular basis since October 2000 but the exact occasions and numbers have not been recorded centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Currently, 18 members of the RAF sponsored reserves are called out for permanent service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the bearing of reserve forces by service against requirement was in each year since 1990; and what the current bearing against requirement is. [113963]

The information is set out in the following tables:

Strength
	Royal Naval Reserve	Territorial Army	Royal Auxiliary Air Force
1990	7,000	81,900	1,722
1991	7,000	82,800	1,773
1992	7,000	80,300	1,814
1993	5,600	68,700	1,765
1994	4,600	65,000	1,762
1995	3,700	59,900	1,318
1996	3,500	57,300	1,188
1997	3,600	57,600	1,361
1998	3,700	57,000	1,648
1999	3,800	51,800	1,724
2000	4,100	44,800	1,796
2001	4,100	41,500	1,665
2002	4,100	40,300	1,582
2003	3,183	39,011	1,602

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many resignations from the reserve forces there have been since 1 January; and how many there were in each year since 1990. [113964]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent assessment has been made of the reasons for Reserve Forces personnel choosing to resign;[113965](2) what measures have been taken to reduce the number of resignations from the Reserve Forces. [113966]

Although such information would be held at unit level, there has been no recent centralised assessment of the reasons why Reserve Forces personnel resign. However, there are currently no indications to suggest that the recent call-out of reservists to support Operation TELIC will result in an increased rate of resignation from the Reserve Forces.As part of the follow-up work that normally accompanies large scale operations, we will be contacting reservists who served on Operation TELIC to identify any lessons that may be learned from their experience.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian aircraft have been chartered for the return of British troops from Iraq; how many military aircraft are being used to return troops from Iraq; what the average delay is for troops awaiting transport home from Iraq; and if he will make a statement about transporting troops home from Iraq. [113416]

[holding answer 19 May 2003]: Between 5 and 16 May 2003 a total of 15 civilian aircraft were chartered for the return of British troops from Iraq. Over a similar period, there have been 153 movements by RAF aircraft in the same role and there are currently no delays for troops awaiting transport home from Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the sites available for sale previously occupied by the Territorial Army, broken down by constituency; which sites have been sold; at what price; which department was credited with the profits; and if he will make a statement. [113042]

The Ministry of Defence estate is continuously under review to ensure that it is no larger than required for operational and other essential purposes. Under the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), a total of 87 Territorial Army (TA) sites were identified for disposal. Of these sites, 55 have been sold, 15 are still awaiting disposal and 15 have been withdrawn from the programme. There are two sites at Northumberland, currently held on lease, which will be surrendered when the lease terminates. Details of the sites, broken into counties, are listed in the table. The information on a constituency basis could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Sale progress	Name	County
Awaiting disposal	TAC Falkirk	Central
Awaiting disposal	TAC Antrim	County Antrim
Awaiting disposal	TAC Plymouth	Devon
Awaiting disposal	TAC Dunfermline	Fife
Awaiting disposal	TAC Greenhithe	Kent
Awaiting disposal	TAC Gillingham	Kent
Awaiting disposal	TAC Kingsbury	London
Awaiting disposal	TAC Dulwich (replaces TAC Hollyhedge)	London
Awaiting disposal	TAC Chesser Crescent	Lothian
Awaiting disposal	TAC Delmemy (replaces TAC East Claremont)	Lothian
Awaiting disposal	TAC Wellingborough	Northants
Awaiting disposal	TAC Stafford	Staffordshire
Awaiting disposal	TAC Cannock	Staffordshire
Awaiting disposal	TAC Pontefract	West Yorkshire
Awaiting disposal	TAC Devizes	Wiltshire
Lease termination	TAC Alnwick	Northumberland
Lease termination	Guildrooms, Alnwick	Northumberland
Sold	TAC Speedwell, Bristol	Avon
Sold	TAC Slough	Berkshire
Sold	TAC Stirling	Central
Sold	TAC Chester	Cheshire
Sold	Ypres Barracks, Macclesfield	Cheshire
Sold	TAC Guisborough	Cleveland
Sold	TAC Falmouth	Cornwall
Sold	TAC Newtonards	County Down
Sold	TAC Buxton	Derby
Sold	TAC Horden	Durham
Sold	Vehicle Park, Llanelli	Dyfed
Sold	Preston Barracks, Brighton	East Sussex
Sold	TAC Cheltenham	Gloucestershire
Sold	TAC Stroud	Gloucestershire
Sold	TAC Oldham	Greater Manchester
Sold	Derby Barracks, Bolton	Greater Manchester
Sold	TAC Cefn Forest	Gwent
Sold	TAC Newport	Gwent
Sold	TAC Bangor	Gwynedd
Sold	TAC Aldershot	Hants
Sold	Martin Lines, Church Crookham	Hants
Sold	TAC St Albans	Herts
Sold	TAC East Ham	London
Sold	TAC Acton	London
Sold	Duke of York's	London
Sold	TAC Finchley	London
Sold	Gilmore Place, Edinburgh	Lothian
Sold	The Grange, Edge Lane, Liverpool	Merseyside
Sold	Forbes House, Liverpool	Merseyside
Sold	TAC Heston	Middlesex
Sold	Lumley Barracks, York	North Yorkshire

Sale progress	Name	County
Sold	Hungate, York	North Yorkshire
Sold	TAC Worksop	Notts
Sold	Harthill Close, Chilwell	Notts
Sold	TAC Bridgwater	Somerset
Sold	TAC Norbury Hall, Sheffield	South Yorkshire
Sold	Caen House, Tamworth	Staffordshire
Sold	TAC Coatbridge	Strathclyde
Sold	TAC Rutherglen	Strathclyde
Sold	TAC Paisley	Strathclyde
Sold	TAC Clyde Lines	Strathclyde
Sold	TAC Chertsey	Surrey
Sold	TAC Guildford	Surrey
Sold	TAC Cobham	Surrey
Sold	TAC Knightsbridge	Tyne & Wear
Sold	TAC Newcastle	Tyne & Wear
Sold	TAC Frenchmans Fort, South Shields	Tyne & Wear
Sold	Fusilier Armoury, Newcastle- upon-Tyne	Tyne & Wear
Sold	TAC Shirley, Birmingham	West Midlands
Sold	TAC Sulton Coldfield	West Midlands
Sold	TAC Greens Road, Coventry	West Midlands
Sold	TAC Horsham	West Susses
Sold	TAC Dewsbury	West Yorkshire
Sold	TAC Halifax	West Yorkshire
Sold	TAC Trowbridge	Wiltshire

The following table shows other TA/RFCA sites currently in the Department's disposal programme of surplus land and property which were not identified as part of SDR.

Sale progress	Name	County
Awaiting disposal	RFCA Dunstable	Bedfordshire
Awaiting disposal	TAC Aylesbury	Buckinghamshire
Awaiting disposal	AFC/ATC Longstanton	Cambs
Awaiting disposal	Cadet Centre, St Ives	Cornwall
Awaiting disposal	Cadet Centre, Alvaston	Derbyshire
Awaiting disposal	Drill Hall, St Leonards	East Sussex
Awaiting disposal	Hemel Hempstead (Lease)	Hertfordshire
Awaiting disposal	TAC Faversham	Kent
Awaiting disposal	Cadet Centre, Hinckley	Leicestershire
Awaiting disposal	TAC Kidlington	Oxford
Awaiting disposal	TAC King Street, Wellington	Shropshire
Awaiting disposal	RFCA Newmarket	Suffolk
Awaiting disposal	RFCA Pontefract (Lease)	West Yorkshire
Awaiting disposal	ACF Shoeburyness (pt)	Essex

The sale of the sites above has so far realised gross receipts in excess of £153 million, which have been credited to the Ministry of Defence. I am withholding details of sale prices for individual sites in accordance with Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had regarding human rights in Burma. [113710]

On 7 May 2003 I met the Burmese Ambassador to the UK and expressed my concern at the number of political prisoners in Burma. I urged the Burmese authorities to move ahead quickly with the release of all political prisoners. I explained that UK and EU policy would toughen unless there was significant improvement in human rights and progress towards democracy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) preparations and (b) discussions have taken place on the agenda for the Caribbean Regional Seminar on Advancing the De-colonisation Process in the Caribbean and Bermuda on 20 May. [113541]

In October 2002 the Chairman of the UN Special Committee on De-colonisation (C24) sought HMG's agreement to the Committee's annual seminar being held in 2003 in a UK Caribbean Overseas Territory. After consultation with the Territory Government, Anguilla was agreed as the venue. On 28 March officials discussed arrangements for the seminar with the C24 Chairman in New York. There has since been close liaison between the C24 Secretariat, the UK Mission in New York, the FCO and the Government of Anguilla. The agenda for the seminar, which this year will focus on the Caribbean and Bermuda, is set by the C24 and has not been the subject of discussion with HMG.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the nations against which the United Kingdom is applying economic sanctions (a) individually and (b) jointly with other EU member states, giving the reason in each case. [112652]

As of 12 May 2003, the United Kingdom, along with EU partners, is implementing mandatory UN sanctions, imposed by the UN Security Council acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, in relation to Iraq, Liberia, Rwanda (and neighbouring States to prevent the supply of arms to Rwanda), Sierra Leone, Haiti and Somalia. The United Kingdom is also implementing sanctions imposed by the European Union in relation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burma, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Sudan and the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.In accordance with a decision of the Organisation for the Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the United Kingdom is implementing arms embargoes on Armenia and Azerbaijan. The UK is also imposing unilateral arms embargoes on Iran and Zimbabwe.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list each of the articles of each of the core treaties and related protocols of the European (a) Community and (b) Union in force which were (i) approved as being subject to consequential parliamentary legislative proceedings and (ii) accepted and executed by Crown prerogative following advice from Ministers. [113437]

Before the UK acceded to the European Communities in 1973, Parliament passed the European Communities Act 1972 in order that the United Kingdom's obligations under the Communities' founding treaties could be fulfilled. Subsequent amendments to the treaty structure have, in accordance with the treaties themselves, been agreed by the common accord of the governments of the member states. Amendments then enter into force after being ratified by all the member states in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. In the United Kingdom, an amending treaty must be laid before Parliament, and any necessary amendments to the European Communities Act 1972 passed by Parliament, before it can be ratified under the Crown prerogative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has held with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar. [113477]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has had no recent discussions with the Chief Minister of Gibraltar. I met Mr. Caruana in London on 17 December 2002 and have since spoken with him twice by telephone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions his Department has had with the Pentagon regarding the proposed release of the child detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and if he will make a statement. [113570]

None of the minors concerned are British nationals. Nevertheless, the issue will form part of our regular dialogue with the US about all the detainees at Guantanamo Bay.The US has told us that all detainees are being treated humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Convention.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many UK citizens are detained by the USA in (a) Guantanamo Bay and (b) Afghanistan; whether any of them are under 18; what legal and consular advice is available to them, whether any have been charged with offences; and if he will make a statement. [113598]

Nine British nationals are detained by the US at Guantanamo Bay, none of whom are under the age of 18. I am told there are no British nationals detained by the US in Afghanistan.As Guantanamo Bay is outside a recognised consular district, the US does not consider that we are entitled to formal consular access there. However, British officials have visited on five occasions to check on the identity and welfare of the British nationals and ask questions relating to national security. We were the first country to visit its nationals there. The United States has told us it will treat the detainees humanely and consistently with the principles of the Geneva Conventions.None of the British detainees have been charged with offences. Nor have they had access to legal representation. We have told the US that the detainees are entitled to humane treatment, and if prosecuted, a fair trial. We are pressing the US to move forward with the process of determining the detainees' future, and shall continue to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to help the international community eradicate (a) the commercial sexual exploitation of children, (b) trafficking in persons, (c) forced marriages, (d) bonded and forced labour, (e) debt bondage and (f) serfdom. [113703]

The Government are working with the International Labour Organisation and other UN bodies, NGOs and governments to combat the diverse forms of contemporary slavery, such as forced or bonded labour, debt bondage and serfdom. The UK has ratified the key international legal instruments that outlaw slavery: the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UN Slavery Convention, and ILO Conventions 29 and 105 on Forced Labour. We are promoting the widest possible ratification and practical implementation of these. We have also signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and intend to ratify once domestic legislation is in place.The FCO finances a number of projects to promote the rights of the child and to combat contemporary forms of slavery. This year projects include an Anti-Slavery International initiative to end the use of child camel jockeys, and a project to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Tajikistan.In 2002, the FCO and the National Hi Tech Crime Unit provided 10 countries with equipment and training to investigate on-line child abusers. The project has resulted in a number of convictions and we expect to extend it to another 10 countries this year. UK law enforcement agencies work closely with partners in source, transit and destination countries to detect, prevent and prosecute organised criminal gangs that traffic in humans for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation. In 2003 the Government provided an additional £60 million to combat organised immigration crime.The UK was one of the first signatories to the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and the two associated protocols against the facilitation of illegal immigraticn and for the prevention of trafficking in human beings, especially women and children. This requires signatories to ensure trafficking is a punishable offence, alongside the introduction of prevention, education and support initiatives for victims. We plan to ratify the Convention and the Protocol later this year and are encouraging those countries that have not yet signed the Convention or protocols to do so.The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, introduced a new offence of "trafficking a person for the purpose of controlling him or her in prostitution." This ensures there is a serious criminal sanction against traffickers, and is punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment. We wall introduce legislation on new offences covering human trafficking for labour exploitation as soon as parliamentary time allows.In 2000, the FCO set up a dedicated unit to tackle the issue of forced marriage. The Unit has handled over 500 cases and repatriated over 100 victims. The Unit works with NGOs, police and judiciary in the UK and overseas. It carries out preventative work in the UK, developing guidelines for the police and social services, increasing public awareness, and achieving wide media coverage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Indonesian Government regarding the persecution of Christians. [113704]

Religious freedom in Indonesia is enshrined in the Constitution and is respected by the Indonesian Government and the majority of Indonesians. Although religious differences were the apparent spark of violence in the provinces of Maluku and Sulawesi, underlying economic factors were at least as important.We, along with our European partners, have urged the Indonesian Government to maintain law and order and promote reconciliation in both provinces, and bring to justice extremists responsible for human rights abuses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions took place in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001 between the British and Iraqi Governments on (i) the return of weapons inspectors and (ii) the lifting of sanctions; what governments and persons were used as intermediaries in this process; what discussions the British Government had with the governments of (A) France, (B) Russia and (C) the United States on this matter prior to the discussions in 2000 and 2001; and if he will make a statement. [112713]

As part of our extensive efforts to resolve the Iraqi disarmament issue following the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1284, the Government held discussions with a number of other Governments. Our overall objective was to ensure the return of UN weapons inspectors to verify Iraq's disarmament as required under that resolution and, ultimately, the lifting of sanctions.These discussions took the form of both direct bilateral exchanges and discussions in multilateral fora. On a number of occasions the Government also encouraged other Governments, both in the region and elsewhere, which enjoyed closer relations with the Iraqi regime to persuade them to co-operate with the United Nations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the cost of (a) ministerial cars and drivers and (b) taxis for his Department was in 2002. [101540]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) on 20 May 2003, Official Report, column 663W.Most of the FCO's expenditure on taxis in the UK is channelled through three contracts for taxi services. Expenditure under them amounted to £525,026.69 during 2002. There will also have been other expenditure on taxis by our Miss ions overseas. But that is not recorded separately and it would involve disproportionate cost to obtain the total spent by them on taxis during 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to press the European Commission to introduce laws to prevent the import and sale of illegally logged timber and timber products in the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [112939]

The UK supports sanctions on Liberian timber exports. We were therefore pleased that on 6 May 2003 the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1478 (2003) unanimously. The resolution renewed and extended sanctions against Liberia. The Council added a new ban on all timber sales from Liberia. This will deprive the Government of Liberia of its revenue used to fund arms purchases. The ban will come into effect on 7 July 2003.On 8 May 2003 the EU successfully negotiated a draft Common Position, which will be adopted shortly. A Council regulation will be passed to implement the timber sanctions within the Community.The Government support the Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (AFLEG) process, calling on all African Governments and trading partners to take actions to control illegal activities in the logging sector and associated trade.We continue to call on all countries to respect the sanctions imposed on Liberia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the call for UN sanctions on Liberia to be extended to include timber; and if he will make a statement. [112940]

The UK supports sanctions on Liberian timber exports. We were therefore pleased that on 6 May 2003 the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1478 (2003) unanimously. The resolution renewed and extended sanctions against Liberia. The Council added a new ban on all timber sales from Liberia. This will deprive the Government of Liberia of revenue used to fund arms purchases. The ban will come into effect on 7 July 2003.We continue to call on all countries to respect the sanctions imposed on Liberia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Turkish government and (b) the European Union on Turkey's progress on meeting the criteria for EU membership. [113714]

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary I discussed Turkey's EU candidacy with EU foreign ministers in Brussels at the 14–15 April 2003 General Affairs and External Relations Council, where they agreed on a revised Accession Partnership for Turkey, which sets out priorities for meeting the political criteria. The Foreign Secretary also periodically meets with senior members of the Turkish government to review a range of issues including Turkey's progress in meeting the criteria for membership. The last time he met with members of the Turkish government was during the informal meeting of foreign ministers in Rhodes on 2–3 May 2003, which he and Turkish Foreign Minister Gul attended. Discussions on Turkey's progress in meeting the political criteria between the UK and Turkish governments also continue to take place regularly at ministerial and senior official levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Turkish Government and (b) the European Union on human rights violations in Turkey. [113713]

EU Foreign Ministers discussed human rights violations in Turkey at the 14–15 April 2003 General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels. I attended on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. They agreed on a revised Accession Partnership for Turkey, which sets out priorities for meeting the political criteria for membership of the EU. These priorities cover many aspects of human rights. The Foreign Secretary periodically meets with senior members of the Turkish Government to review a range of issues, including Turkey's progress in meeting the criteria for membership. On 3 December 2002 he held talks with the former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister during a visit to Ankara. FCO officials also frequently discuss human rights violations with the Turkish authorities; the latest round of an ongoing UK-Turkey Human Rights Dialogue took place in London on 26 November 2002.

To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission what firm of valuers were used by the National Audit Office to value properties being disposed of in the Inventures sale; and how much the firm cost to employ. [114508]

NHS Estates, an executive agency of the Department of Health, is in the process of disposing of a portfolio of surplus property together with a property consultancy company called Inventures. The National Audit Office appointed King Sturge Financial Services Limited to advise on aspects of the sale of properties including the valuation methodology. The Comptroller and Auditor General expects to report to Parliament in due course. The cost of the work carried out by King Sturge Financial Services Limited was some £15,000 including VAT.

To ask the Solicitor General if the Government will publish the advice tendered by the Attorney General (a) in respect of the legal basis for invading Iraq and (b) the post war reconstruction arrangements in Iraq. [114077]

[holding answer 20 May 2003]: No. As the hon. Member is aware from my answer to him on the 26 March, by long-standing convention, observed by successive Governments, the fact of and content of Law Officers' advice to the Government is not disclosed outside Government.This is reflected in paragraph 24 of the Ministerial Code. The Law Officers' advice to Government is given in confidence.Exceptionally, the Attorney provided a written answer to Baroness Ramsey in the House of Lords on 17 March in which he set out his views on the legal basis for the armed conflict against Iraq. I repeated that answer in this House on the same day.Hon. Members will also know that the Foreign Secretary submitted a document to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 17 March dealing with the legal basis for the armed conflict against Iraq. Furthermore, on the 22 April in a letter to the Foreign Affairs Committee the Foreign Office set out the scope and authority of an occupying power under international law.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many officials in the Department have received honours; and how many honours are held by officials, broken down by category of honour. [111491]

We do not routinely keep records of those officials awarded honours before joining the Department or those officials who are awarded honours in recognition of activities outside of their Departmental duties. This information could therefore be collected only at a disproportionate cost.However, since 1992, a total of 91 officials have received awards following a recommendation from my Department (information prior to 1992 could be obtained only at a disproportionate cost). Of those officials who have received awards since 1992, 24 are still serving and a breakdown of their awards by category is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, broken down by Act, the offences created in legislation sponsored by his Department since 1997. [112857]

My Department came into being on 1 July 1999.The National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 2003 (SI 2003/284) created two new offences. These relate to false statements in relation to absent voting procedures (Article 13) and to the publication of exit polls before the close of the election poll (Article 34).The same Order also rolled forward a number of preexisting offences from the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) Order 1999 (51 1999/450) as amended by the National Assembly for Wales (Representation of the People) (Amendment) order 2002 (SI 2002/834).

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the reasons underlying the percentage of invoices paid within the target time in 2002–03. [115143]

Wales Office invoices are approved by the Wales Office, following which the payments are processed by the Assembly.During 2002–03 my Department paid 88 per cent. of its invoices on time. We continue to look for improvements on that level of performance and in the first month of the current financial year we have achieved 97 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has, to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003–04 from that of 2002–03. [112775]

Final figures for 2002–03 are not yet available. My Department's objective is to derive maximum benefit from the funds allocated to it in each Spending Review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, which United Kingdom commitments arising from the World Summit on Sustainable Development (a) have been incorporated into the Department's existing delivery plan for Service Delivery Agreements and (b) will be incorporated in its delivery plan for Service Delivery Agreements in advance of the 2004 Spending Review. [113941]

As part of the 2002 Spending Review it was decided that my Department would no longer have a Service Delivery Agreement. Rather it will report its achievements through its annual Departmental Reports, the most recent of which was published in May 2003 as Cm 5928.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many staff have been employed in the Ministerial Correspondence Unit of the Department in each of the last two years. [115876]

The Wales Office Correspondence Unit deals with all incoming internal and external mail. The staffing complement has been three post since November 2001. Prior to that there were two.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many wives have received an increased state pension because their husbands have reached 65 in each year since 1997; what estimate he has made of the numbers of wives who have not received this enhancement, broken down by reasons; and how many wives have claimed the increase and failed to receive it in each year since 1997. [113853]

The information requested is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the change in value of the state retirement pension in the last 10 years. [113493]

The level of the basic State Pension is increased each year to ensure that, as a minimum, it retains its value in relation to prices. Since April 2001 we have uprated basic State Pension by more than the annual Retail Prices Index (RPI), and for the future lifetime of this Parliament we are committed to increasing basic State Pension by the higher of 2.5 per cent. and RPI. The change in value is to take account of the increase.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what the average time for dealing with a complaint to the Pensions Ombudsman was in (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01 and (e) in the current year; [114030](2) how many complaints the Parliamentary Ombudsman received in

The Pensions Ombudsman currently employs 15 investigators of whom five are legally qualified. In addition to this a small number of lawyers are used on a "fee per case" basis.The information requested on average clearance times and number of complaints are in the following tables. The information on the year 2002–03 is not available. The Pension Ombudsman's annual 2002–03 report, which will be published later this year, will contain data that assesses performance using different criteria and consequently will not be directly comparable.

Average time for dealing with a complaint
Months
	From acceptance to completion	Once formal investigation begins
1997–98	12.7	7.3
1998–99	11.0	7.3
1999–2000	8.8	6.8
2000–01	5.7	4.7
2001–02	8.5	6.9

Complaints received
	Inquiries	Accepted cases
1997–98	2,328	729
1998–99	3,067	719
1999–2000	3,269	627
2000–01	3,215	911
2001–02	2,946	831

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research his Department has conducted to assess the financial literacy of consumers with different income levels. [111439]

In 2001 the Department published a research report—Pensions 2000¹—examining public attitudes to pensions and financial planning for retirement. The research asked people to assess their own knowledge of pensions issues and examined variations in knowledge by income levels. Findings from similar research undertaken by my Department last year will be published in early summer.The Government recognise the importance of financial literacy in decisions about saving for retirement. Drawing on research evidence from my Department, the Financial Services Authority and elsewhere the Green Paper 'Simplicity, security and choice: working and saving for retirement' (Cm 5677) examined some of the barriers to saving and underlined the need for everyone to understand the financial choices they are faced with in preparing for retirement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 14 April 2003, Official Report, column 652W, if he will list the organisations to which civil servants in his Department have been seconded since 1997–98 in (a) the private sector, (b) NGOs and (c) sother, stating in each case (i) the dates of the secondments, (ii) the number of civil servants seconded to that organisation and (iii) their grade. [114171]

The information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by how much Social Fund loan recoveries are expected to change in value in the current year and for what reason; and whether this increase is related to a change in the rules on loan repayments. [114374]

The discretionary Social Fund plays an important role in the Government's agenda for tackling poverty and social exclusion by helping the poorest and most needy members of society meet the cost of occasional one-off essential items through community care grants, budgeting loans and crisis loans.The forecast Social Fund loans recovery for 2003–04 is £519.3 million as opposed to £488.8 million in 2002–03. There has been no change in the rules on loan repayments. The increase in recoveries is due to the fact that the annual national gross loans budget has increased year after year enabling more people to take advantage of the Social Fund loans scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many of his Department's staff have been, or will be, transferred to the Inland Revenue as a result of the introduction of the new tax credits in (a) 2002–03, (b) 2003–04 and (c) 2004–05. [114361]

There are no plans to transfer staff from DWP to the Inland Revenue as a result of the introduction of new tax credits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the Joint Declaration. [113807]