To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress on the reform of the Warsaw Convention, with particular reference to (a) the cap on compensation awards, (b) compensation for psychiatric injury and (c) ratification of the Montreal Convention. [118695]

The 1999 Montreal Convention is intended to consolidate, update and eventually replace all previous international agreements on air carrier liability, including the 1929 Warsaw Convention. The Warsaw Convention will be subject to no further amendment or reform. The Montreal Convention removes liability limits in relation to claims for death and injury to passengers, but retains limits in relation to delay and baggage claims. The Montreal Convention does not acknowledge psychiatric injury as a separate head of claims. The UK is ready to ratify the Montreal Convention but since it contains issues that are subject to Community competence we are waiting until all 15 members of the EU are in a position simultaneously to deposit their instruments of ratification.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has (a) to classify rock salt and its flow agent ferrocyanide as hazardous substances and (b) to restrict their use in highway winter maintenance operations. [118091]

Sodium hexacyanoferrate(II), rather than ferrocyanide, is the most common anti-caking (or "flow") agent used by the salt industry with rock salt for highway winter maintenance operations.There are no plans to classify rock salt and its anti-caking agent as hazardous substances nor are there plans to further restrict their use in highway winter maintenance operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assistance has been given to the merchant shipping industry to increase maritime security in non-UK waters since 11 September 2001; and if he will make a statement. [118277]

My Department regularly issues advice to the United Kingdom merchant shipping industry. This includes information about the prevailing. threat around the world, and appropriate security responses and enhancements. The advice is either issued directly or through representative trade associations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received from train operating companies about the future of the railway network. [118525]

Ministers in my Department receive representations from train operating companies from time-to-time on a range of issues and meet with them on a regular basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make an announcement about the viability of the rapid transit system between Cambridge and Huntingdon. [117976]

Work on the appraisal of this scheme is progressing well, but I cannot yet say when my right hon. Friend will be in a position to make an announcement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many agency workers have been employed by the Department in each of the last two years; and at what cost to public funds. [115208]

The cost to public funds of employing agency staff for each of the last two years is as follows (excluding Defra Agencies and for foot and mouth disease):

	£
2001–02	5,387,536
2002–03	6,277,965

The number of agency workers employed is not held centrally by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and could be provided only a disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on preparedness for an outbreak of Avian Influenza in the UK. [118326]

In the light of the outbreak of Avian Influenza in the Netherlands we have checked all elements of the Department's preparedness and are keeping the position under review in consultation with the industry. Veterinary field instructions were reviewed and amended in early March and are being further reviewed to reflect lessons learned in the Netherlands. Other elements of emergency preparedness including laboratory capacity, slaughter methods and disposal options have all been checked and updated as necessary. The supporting structures, systems and arrangements set out in the FMD Contingency Plan are ready to be employed. In the light of information on the Dutch outbreak and our experience with FMD in 2001, we would impose national movement controls immediately, unless there was very good evidence not to do so, in order to assess the source and contain any further spread of disease. We are liaising with the industry about arrangements allowing licensed movements.We will be checking our emergency preparedness by holding an Avian influenza exercise later this month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her forecast funding of the Countryside Agency is for (a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05; and if she will make a statement. [118602]

The Countryside Agency has been allocated £98 million grant in aid for 2003–04 compared with £92 million in 2002–03. Decisions on future years have not been made but we have indicated to the Agency that it may provisionally plan on receiving a similar amount in 2004–05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the implications for property owners faced by environment charges for access resulting from changes in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. [117553]

Regulations under section 68 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, relating to vehicular access over common and other land, prescribe the compensation sums that property owners have to pay to landowners in connection with a statutory easement under the regulations. The compensation is 0.25 per cent.-2 per cent. of the value of the property served by the vehicular access, depending on its age. In addition, property owners may face other costs, such as getting their property valued.These costs will not arise unless the property owner chooses to make an application under the regulations They compare very favourably with the sums the property owners might have to pay if they were to negotiate the grant of an easement with the landowner outside the terms of section 68.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her departmental expenditure was for each year since 1997; arid what administration costs limits were set for 2003–04. [117536]

I refer the hon. Member to Chapter 5 of the 2003 Departmental Report. Defra did not come into existence until June 2001, but information about Defra's predecessor departments can be found in their annual Departmental Reports for 2001 and earlier years, copies of which are available in the Library of the House of Commons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much financial grant her Department has given to EnCams for its Eco Schools programme in each year since 1997. [118692]

Defra does not provide EnCams Ltd. with a specific grant for its Eco Schools programme, which is funded by SITA Environmental Trust. Annual grant to EnCams from Defra incorporates a funding element for management and administration costs. This enables EnCams to deliver on a wider range of campaigns and programmes, including its Eco Schools programme. Management and administration costs include salaries and employers' costs for EnCams staff, conference and workshop costs, and office costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many jobs are dependent on the Eco Schools programme in England. [118693]

Defra funds the environmental charity EnCams, which is the parent organisation of the Tidy Britain Group, for work on litter, waste and local community initiatives in England. The Eco Schools initiative is a European Environmental award scheme funded by SITA Environmental Trust. The work of EnCams in this field has been welcomed by Ministers at Defra, as well as DfES but is in addition to the work that we fund. I understand that the work is currently undertaken by a central team but that EnCams may devolve the work to its regional teams in future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements her Department makes to distribute information on sustainable development to Eco Schools in England. [118694]

Officials from the Department and DfES are regularly in contact with EnCams Ltd, the environmental charity that runs the Eco Schools programme in England, about a range of sustainable development information that may be suitable for specific programmes. Any decision about what information to distribute to schools that participate in the Eco Schools programme is a matter for EnCams.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to implement a veterinary disease strategy for foot and mouth disease. [118572]

The veterinary disease control strategy for foot and mouth disease is summarised in the Foot and Mouth Disease Contingency Plan which was laid before Parliament on 28 March 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what clinical trials have been conducted into the effects on the human body of the ingestion of GM foods in the (a) long and (b) short term. [118577]

I have been asked to reply.The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is unaware of any clinical trials conducted into the effects on the human body of the ingestion of genetically modified (GM) Foods. However, a number of research projects have been funded by the FSA on the safety of GM foods, which have included a project which has examined the survival of DNA in the digestive tract.Details of the work funded by the FSA are described in its annual research report, which is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what account she takes of sport and recreational interests when appointing members of the National Parks Authority. [117105]

As set out in the Environment Act 1995, the purposes of National Parks are to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and to promote the public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. In pursuing these purposes National Park Authorities have a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well being of communities within the National Park.Candidates for membership of a National Park Authority are welcomed from all backgrounds. We expect those appointed by the Secretary of State to represent the national interest, including the views of people not living in or near the Parks; to work to achieve both the Parks' purposes; we encourage them bring experience of wider issues, such as an interest in outdoor recreation or sport or business conservation. In making appointments, we seek to ensure members collectively have a range of interests which cover all the Authority's activities.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the question from the hon. Member for Portsmouth, South tabled for answer on 12 May 2003, ref 112668. [119115]

The question concerned was transferred to the Treasury by the Cabinet Office earlier this week. I hope to be in a position to reply to the hon. Member shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the funds raised by the Aggregates Levy has been paid (a) directly by the Government and (b) via another party in respect of work carried out for the Government. [118643]

The aggregates levy is payable by anyone who commercially exploits virgin aggregate. Whether the cost is passed on to the end user is a commercial decision for these suppliers; therefore, it is not possible to establish the proportion of revenue raised by the levy which is paid by, or on behalf of, Government.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what measures have been incorporated into (a) £5, (b) £10, (c) £20 and (d) £50 notes to enable blind and partially sighted people easily to distinguish between them; [118644](2) what representations he has received on further mechanisms that would enable blind and partially sighted people more easily to distinguish between banknotes; [118645](3) what plans his Department has to introduce additional mechanisms to enable blind and partially sighted people easily to distinguish between banknotes; [118646](4) what consultation has been undertaken with groups representing blind and partially sighted people on the effectiveness of measures to enable them to distinguish between banknotes. [118647]

The production of most UK banknotes is the responsibility of the Bank of England. The Bank is very conscious of the problems experienced by visually impaired people in identifying banknotes. Each denomination has a unique colour theme and there is a symbol to aid the partially sighted incorporated into the front design. The new design £5, £10 and £20 notes have large and clear denomination numbers. In addition, differentials in size allow some visually impaired people to distinguish between the denominations.On occasions the Treasury and the Bank receive suggestions from members of the public with a view to enabling visually impaired people to distinguish banknotes more readily. Suggestions are considered and where appropriate incorporated into the finished note. An example of this is the use of larger denomination figures on the new style £5, £10 and £20 notes. The incorporation of Braille into the design of the notes has also been suggested. However, it was felt that this (and any other kind of raised markings) would wear rapidly once the notes were in active circulation, and so would cease to be reliable.There are no plans to make any further changes to the current series of banknotes to assist visually impaired people in distinguishing between the different denominations.The Bank of England regularly consults a number of organisations, including the Royal National Institute for the Blind, during the design phase of all new banknotes.When changes are made to banknotes, information is available from the Bank of England in Braille and large print. I also understand that visually impaired people can obtain banknote guides from commercial banks and the RNIB.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to publish the Children at Risk Green Paper. [118854]

The Government are currently finalising the proposals to be detailed in the Children's Green Paper and will be publishing it shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter of 6 March 2003, from the hon. Member for Battersea. on behalf of Jackie von Calster of Battersea, London, regarding inheritance tax. [119177]

Treasury Ministers have no record of having received this correspondence. Officials have requested a copy from the hon. Member's office and will deal with it as soon as it is to hand.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many independent financial advisers are working across the UK; how many have been unable to source professional indemnity insurance; and what action has been taken by the Financial Services Agency to address the situation within the professional indemnity insurance market. [118062]

The Financial Services Authority (the FSA) advise that there are approximately 4,000 directly authorised firms of independent financial advisers (IFAs) in the UK. Between September 2002 and April 2003 just under 2,800 of these were due to renew their professional indemnity (PI) cover, over 1,950 have done so or been granted a waiver of the requirement to have PI.The FSA is in discussion with the other firms, and works with them to find a solution in light of their individual circumstances.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 4 June 2003, Official Report, column 429W, what options the UK Government are exploring to address the issue of creditor litigation and improve the legal defence offered to heavily indebted countries. [119209]

As stated in my answer of 4 June 2003, the UK believes that an adequate HIPC legal defence is essential in reaching fair and equitable settlements with some creditors. The UK is exploring options to address the issue of creditor litigation with other donors and the staffs of the World bank and IMF.At the recent Evian Summit, the G8 agreed to ask the IMF and World bank to intensify their efforts to secure the participation of all creditors, and to explore further options to deal with the issues of creditor litigation. The Chair's summary and further information on summit outcomes can be found at: http://www.g8.fr.Evian

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 3 June 2003, Official Report, column 194W, whether he has figures for (a) Brent and (b) Brent, North. [119210]

Reliable estimates are not available by parliamentary constituency.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average level of personal debt was in each of the last 10 years. [118685]

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 plans he has to carry out an inquiry into the Inland Revenue's handling of applications for (a) child tax credit and (b) working tax credit. [116640]

[holding answer 5 June 2003]: I would refer the hon. Member to my statement to the House on 28 April 2003, Official Report, column 53W, and to the further update I provided during the debate in Westminster Hall on 4 June 2003, Official Report, column 120WH.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of extending the baby element of the child tax credit payable in the first year so that parents of multiple birth children receive payments for each child. [117574]

The cost of extending child tax credit, so that parents receive a higher family element to reflect each child in a multiple birth, is estimated to be £5 million per year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the time and duration of each occasion since 1 April 2003 when staff working on the public helpline desks have been unable to access the computer system for handling children's tax credit claims. [118035]

[holding answer 9 June 2003]: The IT system supporting the new tax credits has not been working as well as we expected and there has been unscheduled down time as a result. The Inland Revenue are working urgently with their IT partners to improve the system's availability, speed and stability.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 8 May 2003, Official Report, column 864W, on Lambeth Palace Library, whether the Commissioners' review of the arrangements for the housing and conservation of the documentary heritage of the Church will (a) take account of the documentary heritage held by York Minster Library and (b) seek to define the purposes and role of the collections of York Minster Library and how they complement those of Lambeth Palace Library and supplement those in the north of England. [118724]

The terms of reference of the Review are concerned with collections belonging to the national institutions of the Church of England and do not, therefore, extend to the cathedral libraries, which belong to the various Deans and Chapters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make the funding of sports and open space projects for community use a priority for unallocated Lottery funds. [118738]

The 15 Lottery distributing bodies have, collectively, committed around £1 billion more to projects, than the overall balance held in the National Lottery Distribution Fund. The latest available figures for distributors' total commitments is over £4.2 billion, and for the total NLDF balance, under £3.2 billion.Both sport and open space projects continue to be a priority for lottery funding. Sport currently receives 16⅔ per cent. of all new Lottery income and they are guaranteed to get at least this until 2009. Furthermore, up to the end of the financial year 2002–03 sport had received over £2.22 billion as a result of the Lottery.The New Opportunities Fund, under its environment remit, has already funded a number of open space projects and will continue to do so in the future. The HLF also funds open space projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much has been committed by the New Opportunities Fund under its environment programme in the financial year 2001–02. [119339]

The New Opportunities fund committed £5,653,000 under its environment programme. This is a revision to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey) on 19 May 2003, Official Report, columns 540W–542W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what discussions she has had with Sport England regarding the development of the High Performance Centre for Greater London at Pickets Lock; and if she will make a statement; [118686](2) what discussions she has had with Sport England regarding their re-prioritisation programme to better match their income to expenditure; what impact is expected on the development of the High Performance Centre for Greater London; and if she will make a statement; [118701](3) if she will make a statement on the feasibility study being undertaken by Sport England into the proposed High Performance Centre for Greater London. [118702]

Sport England has kept me and my officials fully informed of its review of its Lottery funded programmes. The Review is being carried out as part of the modernisation and restructuring programme that we have asked it to undertake and will ensure that all projects meet its new business strategy. I understand that its Council plan to consider all the projects under review at its meeting in July.I have been kept fully informed by Sport England about the proposed High performance Centre at Pickets Lock including the decision by UK Athletics to select this site as its preferred location for its London Indoor 200m Centre.The Lea Valley Regional Park Authority is undertaking a study into the feasibility of constructing and operating an indoor athletics centre at the Pickets Lock site. The study is being funded by the Authority, Sport England the Capital Modernisation Fund. Sport England, the Authority and UK Athletics are working closely together to facilitate the study which will form the basis of a Lottery application from the Authority should it consider the project viable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list the (a) value and (b) unit sales of UK television exports in (i) US, (ii) Canada, (iii) Germany, (iv) France, (v) Spain, (vi) Italy, (vii) Scandinavia, (viii) the rest of Western Europe, (ix) Eastern Europe, (x) Australia and New Zealand, (xi) Latin America, (xii) Asia and (xiii) elsewhere, broken down by type, in (A) 2000, (B) 2001 and (C) 2002. [118760]

This Department, in liaison with the British Television Distribution Association (BTDA), collate and publish annual statistical export data on behalf of the television industry. The following tables provide the information requested.

UK television export statistics 2000 vs 2001
	$ million
	2000	2001	Percentage
Sales by territory
USA	167	199	19.2
Canada	16	22	31.5
Germany	59	59	0.1
France	50	37	-25.7
Spain	28	22	-21.8
Italy	16	19	16.2
Scandinavia	29	29	0.1
Rest of Western Europe	43	38	-12.5
Eastern Europe	16	18	11.4
Australia/New Zealand	65	59	-9.0
Latin America	22	24	9.0
Asia	50	46	-9.6
Not elsewhere classified	55	53	-2.1
Total	617	624	1.2
Sales by type
Television	339	352	3.9
Videogram	41	54	30.5
Co-production	58	61	5.0
Format/Local production	23	35	51.4
Licensing/misc	149	118	-20.8
Commission on UK sales	7	4	-36.7
Total	617	624	1.2

UK television export statistics 2001 vs 2002
	$ million
	2000	2001	Percentage
Sales by territory
USA	199	232	16.4
Canada	22	26	20.3
Germany	59	40	-32
France	37	36	-2.6
Spain	22	23	1.7
Italy	19	17	-8.9
Scandinavia	29	25	-14.8
Rest of Western Europe	38	69	82.3
Eastern Europe	18	18	2.3
Australia/New Zealand	59	65	8.8
Latin America	24	23	-5.8
Asia	46	55	21.1
Not elsewhere classified	53	38	-28.1
Total	624	666	6.6
Sales by type
Television	352	323	-8.2
Videogram	54	77	43.8
Co-production	61	79	29.3
Format/Local production	35	40	12.2
Licensing/misc	118	145	22.9
Commission on UK sales	4	2	-55.1
Total	624	666	6.6

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) in what ways her Department has supported the Staffordshire tourism industry; [119235](2) what plans she has to encourage an increase in the level of national and international tourism within Staffordshire. [118682]

As part of the Government's programme of tourism reform, the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are, from 1 April 2003, playing a stronger part in the strategic leadership of tourism, with the Regional Tourist Boards (RIBs) being their natural delivery partners. Guidance has been issued to RDAs on how tourism should be covered in their Corporate Plans and Regional Economic Strategies, including the development with RIBs, sub-regional and local partners of Regional Sustainable Tourism Strategies. 'Advantage West Midlands' (RDA) will lead this process in the West Midlands, taking into account the tourism potential of Staffordshire, and in 2003–04 will receive £252,000 to pass on to the 'Visit Heart of England Tourist Board, (VHOE) subject to agreed targets and objectives.In addition 'Advantage West Midlands' recently provided South Staffordshire with resources to commission a study of the area's visitor profile. The study will include an action plan, which will guide future investment in tourism development in the area. A similar process is also occurring in North Staffordshire.The Government has invested some £72 million in 2002–03, and is spending a further £50 million this year, on tourism, including £47 million to VisitBritain to encourage people in Britain and abroad to take their holiday here. I am sure that VisitBritain's campaigns, such as 'Outdoor Britain' which leads on the Peak District National Park, will, alongside the good work done by Visit Heart of England Tourist Board, be of enormous benefit to tourism in Staffordshire.Government support for tourism is not limited to supporting a tourist board. DCMS alone spends some £1 billion per year, for example, on the arts, royal parks and palaces, museums and galleries, much of which directly benefits tourism.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what the total UK expenditure has been on the reconstruction of Afghanistan. [118703]

DFID has spent £122 million on reconstruction and humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan since 2001.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment the Department has made of the impact of reducing agricultural subsidies in Europe on nations in the developing world. [119190]

DFID have commissioned a number of studies looking at the impact of different aspects of agricultural liberalisation by developed countries. Some studies have analysed the effect of reforming certain commodity market regimes in the EU, such as the sugar and dairy regimes. These have shown that reducing support in the EU for these commodities will have a positive impact on world prices, thus benefiting exporting developing countries. It will also lead to reduced dumping on developing country markets which is currently harming local production and trade. But there will also be losers as some countries may see their highly profitable preferential access to the EU market eroded.A recent study on wider liberalisation in agriculture by all developed countries shows similar results. It also stresses the need for complementary policies in helping developing countries reap the full benefits of agricultural trade. Support will need to be provided to those who lose their preferential access to EU markets in order to identify alternative market opportunities. This will need to be taken carefully into consideration within individual countries' development strategies.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if she will list the actions her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are taking to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; whether she has made an estimate of the cost of compliance; and if she will make a statement. [117701]

All three of our UK buildings have been refurbished over the last two years. Formal surveys of each were carried out as part of these works, and in each case has confirmed that there is no asbestos present. There were no additional costs incurred as a result of the regulations.There are no agencies or NDPBs for which this Department is responsible.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what actions she has taken or is taking to ensure that the websites of her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are accessible to partially sighted and blind people; and if he will make a statement. [117354]

Specific consideration has been given to visually impaired users of the DFID website through the use of clear fonts and distinguishing colours. Overall the site is graphics/image light with the majority of the information on the website in text format, which can be easily manipulated through Screen reader software.Our site is under redevelopment, which will involve loser compliance with W3C Web Accessibility Initiative and consultations with external organisations such as the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the international development issues discussed at the G8 Summit. [118995]

The G8 met in Evian on 1–3 June and discussed a number of issues relating to international development:

On Africa, significant progress was made on areas such as conflict resolution. It was agreed to expand the group of Africa Personal Representatives and meet as the Africa Partners Forum in November 2003.

The G8 supported the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, as part of wider work on corruption. We are now working towards a Conference on the Initiative in mid-June.

There was support for the International Finance Facility, which would significantly increase volumes of aid, up to 2015. Finance Ministers were asked to report by September on financing instruments, including this Facility.

There was a commitment to making progress at the WTO Ministerial in Cancun.

The outcome on Access to Medicines includes some actions for G8 countries, which we will push forward in coming months in our country programmes.

The UK announced a further $80 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, while calling for improvements in its management. Other EU countries will announce their commitments at the European Council in late June.

The G8 renewed their commitment to eradicating polio by 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce biometric tests with (a) passport applications and (b) other official documents. [118116]

As indicated in its 2003–08 Corporate and Business Plan the UK Passport Service (UKPS) is planning to include a computer chip in British passports storing a facial recognition biometric captured from photographs submitted with applications. This form of biometric deployment will be in line with international standards endorsed in May 2003 by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).Studies are also planned by the UKPS and DVLA into the use of fingerprints and iris scan biometrics. These studies will include trials of live capture of the biometric at personal interviews, which will be required, if these forms of biometric are deployed. Finger prints or iris scans could be included in passports, passport cards along side facial recognition and in driving licences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further milestones remain in the process which could lead to the legalisation of medicinal cannabis; when the final decision will be made; and when he expects that medicinal cannabis could be made available in the UK. [117882]

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), an agency of the Department of Health, is currently evaluating the safety, quality and effectiveness of a medical preparation of a cannabis-based drug developed and extensively tested by GW Pharmaceuticals. This assessment by the MHRA is one which all prospective new medicines have to go through and is designed to protect public health.Concurrently, in consultation with the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, the Government is considering how the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 would apply to prescribed cannabis-based medicine in the event that the MHRA approves the safety, quality and effectiveness of the product.If marketing approval is forthcoming, we will seek Parliament's agreement to any necessary changes to the Regulations. Our aim is to ensure ready and early availability of the drug as a prescribed medicine once marketing approval has been received. It is a possibility his could be done by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were deported from the UK following failed asylum claims (a) in each tear from 1980 to 2002 and (b) in each calendar month n 2003. [118074]

Data on the number of principal asylum applicants removed from the United Kingdom in each year from 1992 to 2002, and for the first three months of 2003 are given in the table. Data are not available for earlier periods.

Principal asylum applicants removed from the United Kingdom 1992 to March 2003 1, 2, 3
	Principal applicants
1992	1,350
1993	1,820
1994	2,220
1995	3,170
1996	4,820
1997	7,165
1998	6,990
1999	7,665
20004	8,980
20014	9,285
20024	10,410
2003
January4	770
February4	890
March4	955
1Data have been rounded to the nearest five.
2Persons who had sought asylum at some stage, excluding dependants. Removal figures exclude dependants of asylum seekers removed; data on dependants removed have only been collected since April 2001.
3Including persons known to have departed 'voluntarily' after enforcement action had been initiated against them.
4Provisional.

The data provided in the table exclude dependants of asylum seekers, since data on dependants have only been available since April 2001. 1,495 dependants of asylum seekers were removed in the period April to December 2001, 2,925 in 2002, 390 in January 2003, 455 in February 2003 and 525 in March 2003. All data are provisional.Deportations are a specific subset of removals alongside persons subject to administrative removal, removal due to illegal entry action or those refused entry at port and subsequently removed.Information on the removal of asylum applicants is published quarterly. The next publication will cover the period up to June 2003, and will be available from the end of August 2003 on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate web site at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/immigration1.html.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the value is of drug-related assets that have been recovered each year since May 2000. [117919]

The receipts remitted to the Secretary of State from confiscation orders made under the Drug Trafficking Acts 1986 and 1994 and from drug cash seizures under the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 for each year from 2000 were:£14,827,000 for 2000–01 and £16,503,000 for 2001–02. The figure for the year 2002–03 is not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to provide counselling and protection for women and young girls found after being brought into the UK illegally to work in the sex industry; and if he will make a statement. [118151]

The White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven"—published in February 2002—sets out our general proposals for assisting the victims of trafficking.On 10 March, we launched a pilot scheme under which adult female victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation who are willing to come forward to the authorities and help law enforcement against organised criminals are offered protection and a range of support services such as counselling and health checks in safe accommodation managed by a voluntary sector organisation.We will also consider, in the light of individual circumstances, whether it would be appropriate to allow such victims who have co-operated to remain here. Where they are to return home, we will assist them to do so, providing them with initial counselling, ensuring that they have suitable accommodation to return to, and providing help to enable them to re-integrate into their own community and find employment.Under the provisions of the Children Act 1989 minors are the responsibility of local authority social services departments. It is not possible for minors to be admitted to the pilot scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff in the Department have been on long-term sick leave in each of the last two years. [115868]

I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer on 28 April 2003, Official Report, column 219W.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he plans to take to reduce the financial burden to local authorities of evicting unauthorised campers. [117741]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what actions she has taken or is taking to ensure that the websites of her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are accessible to partially sighted and blind people; and if she will make a statement. [117355]

My Department adheres to the Guidelines for UK Government Websites, which aim to make websites accessible to the largest possible number of users, regardless of disability or the level of technology they are using. We also carry out user testing to ensure the sites are easily accessible and usable by all.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will launch an investigation under the Companies Acts into the Accident Group. [117104]

The administrators of the company have a duty under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 to report to the Department of Trade and Industry on the conduct of the company's directors. If the hon. Member has information which indicates the need for an additional Companies Act investigation he should send it to the Department for consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list outstanding arms related export licence applications from companies wishing to export to Indonesia; and if she will make a statement. [118141]

As of the 6 June 2003, 30 Standard Individual Export Licence applications and 15 Open Individual Export Licence applications were awaiting a decision, where the end users were in Indonesia, with the following ratings:

• ML4
• ML5
• ML6
• ML10
• ML11
• ML13
• ML14
• ML16
• ML21
• ML22
• PL5001
• PL5017
• S1P1
• 1A001
• 3A233
• 5A001
• 5A002
• 5D002
• 5E002
• 6A001
• 6A002
• 6A006
• 6A203
• 7A102
• 7A103

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action her Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies are taking to comply with the requirements of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002; whether she has made an estimate of the cost of compliance; and if she will make a statement. [117702]

The DTI has for the London Estate an Asbestos Register of known asbestos materials. We inspect the known asbestos on a regular basis to ensure that it is still safe. If not we would recommend the necessary action such as removal or encapsulation. We are contacting landlords or Managing Agents to prepare the necessary documentation of known asbestos for all buildings that the DTI or agencies occupy.We are proposing to be ahead of the requirement to comply with the Regulations by the end of the year.Procedures are in place to advise contractors of any known or suspect material when they are working within a specific vicinity.A procedure is in place for the identification of known locations.Costs can not be identified at present until such time as the whole has been surveyed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list (a) licensed credit agencies and (b) home credit agencies. [114382]

A list of credit agencies and home credit agencies licensed by the Office of Fair Trading is not readily available, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what additional guidance she has given to management units organising outdoor activities for her Department since her Department's recently published accident record. [117712]

Following this incident the department is reviewing its procedures for assessing such events. The Departments Health and Safety team are in the process of devising a checklist for employees carrying out outdoor activities (such as away days). The checklist will ensure that the employees are:

(a) Trained, the method of training, ensure they keep a record of the training session;

(b)Whether all employees are able to take part—i.e. details of fitness, disability etc;

(c)Is there any basic knowledge employees should have prior to the activity?

(d)Are the employees taking part aware of the potential dangers when carrying out the activity?

(e)Have risk assessments been carried out for all activities, these will highlight hazards and risks, and the control methods;

(f)Will the employees be provided with relevant PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)?

(g)Have the employees been made aware of the Emergency Procedures on site i.e. Fire Exits, First Aiders, Assembly Points etc;

(h)The procurement of such activities will also require that the providing company has adequate and suitable insurance and that there is evidence that any equipment used in the course of the activity is fit for purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the Government's position is on the proposed EU Directive on Consumer Credit (Draft September 2002); and if she will make a statement. [114381]

The Government supports the Commission's overall objective of creating an internal market that provides a high level of consumer protection enabling consumers to shop cross border with confidence and lenders to trade with legal certainty. However, we have serious concerns about the current draft delivering this objective and believe it needs substantial change.We aim to secure recognition that mortgages require significantly different regulation than other forms of consumer credit and therefore should be outside the scope of the Directive. We also recognise that the Directive would prove a significant burden on credit unions and are therefore seeking to exclude them from the scope of the Directive.We are fighting hard to ensure that we maintain the joint and several liability protections that currently govern credit card use in the UK and are highly valued by consumers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she has taken since 1997 to address excessive executive remuneration. [117714]

In May 1999 the Government commissioned a review of compliance by quoted companies with the Greenbury Code of Best Practice and the Combined Code. Subsequently, a consultation document "Directors' Remuneration" was issued in July 1999 setting out proposals for strengthening the legislative framework. In December 2001 the Government issued a consultation document which sought views on draft legislation. This legislation (The Directors' Remuneration Report Regulations 2002) came into force on 1 August 2002 and applies to quoted companies with financial years ending on or after 31 December 2002. The regulations significantly enhance requirements relating to disclosure of directors' remuneration, particularly with regard to policy matters, and provide for an annual shareholder vote on the Directors' Remuneration Report.Most recently, on 2 June this year, the Government issued a consultation document entitled "Directors' Remuneration—Contracts, Performance and Severance", seeking views on a range of options to improve the linkage between compensation and performance when contracts are terminated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which international environmental standard requirements the ECGD imposes on companies seeking loans; and which environmental standard requirements on these companies originate from the UK Government. [117194]

ECGD requires as a minimum that all projects, goods or services comply with host country legislation, regulations and standards. In addition, ECGD normally expects the projects it supports to comply with World Bank Group environmental guidelines and relevant safeguard policies.Alternatively, ECGD may accept other relevant internationally recognised standards including those of the UK, EU, WHO, World Bank, IFC and relevant regional development banks.Host country or project standards that are below international standards would normally be unacceptable and, in line with the World Bank Guidelines, would need site specific justification.UK Government policy is that ECGD should use the environmental guidelines and standards developed by the international financial institutions identified above rather than developing its own standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with (a) P & O and (b) Stena Line on competition policy issues on the North Channel crossing from Loch Ryan ports to Northern Ireland. [115810]

:None.

	SIC 27.51 Casting of iron	SIC 27. 52 Casting of steel	SIC 27.53 Casting of light metals	SIC 27.54 Casting of other non-ferrous metals	Total SIC 27.5 Casting of Metals
Numbers of foundries1
1996	290	200	160	280
1997	265	205	155	275
1998	270	200	155	255
1999	240	210	165	250
2000	220	210	185	225
2001	210	205	200	225
2002	215	215	190	215

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that there are sufficient resources to meet the mental health needs of (a) armed forces personnel returning from Iraq, (b) their nurses and doctors and (c) their families and carers. [118467]

Any members of the Armed Forces, including medical personnel, returning from the Gulf with mental health problems will receive appropriate medical treatment from within the Defence Medical Services or the NHS. In the United Kingdom, the mental health needs of their families and carers are the responsibility of the NHS. The Ministry of Defence would be responsible for the mental health care of their dependants if they were stationed overseas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on (a) the role and (b) the contribution made by the air training corps, sea cadet force on Merseyside (i) the individual cadets and (ii) the serving community. [118410]

The Air Training Corps' (ATC's) role as a national youth organisation is to encourage a practical interest in aviation and the RAF and also to develop the personal qualities of its members. The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) is an independent charitable body that provides an opportunity for youths to learn seamanship skills and to develop their personal qualities also. Both organisations foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership, encouraging a sense of community and good citizenship that is highly valued by both military and civilian employers. They also encourage membership of schemes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which provides practical, cultural and adventurous activities, including an emphasis on helping others in the local community.The ATC and the SCC support their local community through such contributions as Remembrance Sunday parades and providing guards of honour and marching bands for mayoral and civic events. A significant emphasis is also placed on raising money for charity, with local causes such as Claire House Children's Hospice receiving fund-raising through sponsorship. The cadets themselves carry out all these community activities. However, there are also occasional joint ventures with the serving military community, such as the support provided at the Southport Air Show and the recent 60

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much cluster bomb type ordnance was recently deployed in Iraq. [117655]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 June 2003, Official Report, column 507W, to my hon. Friend for Lewisham Deptford (Joan Ruddock).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans the Government have to (a) commemorate in this country and (b) support in France the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings. [118875]

The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the French Comite du Debarquement, in association with the Normandy Veterans Association to develop a full programme of commemorations in France. Already there are preliminary plans for events on the beaches and in Caen, Bayeux, Arromanches and Colleville Montgomery from 5 to 7 June 2004. A number of options for United Kingdom involvement at these events are being considered where it is intended that there will be suitable representation at Minister and Senior Officer level.We will also be providing assistance, including suitable representation at Minister and Senior Officer level to a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral in London on 20 October 2004, being organised by the Normandy Veterans Association.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the European Commission's communication, Towards an EU Defence Equipment Policy. [117502]

The Government's position is outlined in the Explanatory Memorandum on European Community Document entitled: Communication from the Commission to the Council, The European Parliament, The European Social and Economic Committee of the Regions "European Defence—Industrial and Market Issues: Towards an EU Defence Equipment Policy" Reference Number 8484/03 [COM(2003) 113 final] dated 15 May 2003, which is available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the responses made to the Defence Scientific and Technical Laboratory's site rationalisation consultation document. [118898]

[holding answer 12 June 2003]: I will arrange for a copy of the Trades Unions' response to the Dstl Site Rationalisation Consultation Document to be placed in the Library.It would be inappropriate to publish comments from individual members of staff as these relate to their personal circumstances and I am therefore withholding this information in accordance with Exemption 12 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people work for the Defence Repository; how many are employed in Scotland; what the personnel costs of the agency are; and how these figures compare to 2002. [119294]

The Ministry of Defence has a central records repository that is located at Hayes in West London. The records repository is not a defence agency and does not have any other sites associated with it, including in Scotland.In January 2002, there were 100 Ministry of Defence personnel directly involved in providing the main records and support services at the Hayes site, some working part-time, at an annual cost of £1.743 million. There are currently 84 MOD personnel, including part-timers, providing records and support services at Hayes at an annual cost of £1.469 million.In January 2002, there were 12 MOD personnel based at Hayes who were working on associated tasks at an annual cost of £281,000. There are now 19 MOD personnel working on associated tasks at an annual cost of £495,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people work for the Meteorological Office; how many are employed in Scotland; what the personnel costs of the agency are; and how these figures compare to 2002. [119296]

The current number of people working for the Meteorological Office is 2,170 as at 11 June 2003. Of this number, 151 people are currently employed in Scotland. The total Met Office pay bill for Financial Year 2003–04 is budgeted at £74,700,000. This compares with a total of 2,208 people working for the Met Office as at 11 June 2002, with 147 people employed in Scotland, and a total actual pay bill for Financial Year 2002–03 of £77,261,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people work for the Defence Scientific Advisory Council; how many are employed in Scotland; what the personnel costs of the agency are; and how these figures compare to 2002. [119297]

The Defence Scientific Advisory Council,(DSAC) is an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). It has a membership of 13, supported by an additional seven Ministry of Defence officials. None work or reside in Scotland at present. As an advisory NDPB, it does not incur expense on its own account.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last occasion was that a goodwill visit was made by a vessel of the navy of the Irish Republic to London; and when he will extend an invitation for a future visit. [118887]

The last visit made by a vessel of the navy of the Irish Republic to London took place from the 6 to 11 October 1997 to participate in an International Maritime Defence Exhibition. Visits to United Kingdom ports by vessels of the Irish Republic are always welcome and do not require a formal invitation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the procedures that Defence Estates will follow on the disposal of the site of HMS Dryad. [118628]

If the site is ultimately identified for disposal then Defence Estates will dispose of the site in line with the guidelines set out in Government Accounting.It is too early to say what the specific marketing arrangements might be. However, Defence Estates is fully aware of the historic significance of the site, not least Southwick House, and will ensure that due cognisance is given to those parts of the site where sensitivity exists and arrangements for public access to historic features are retained where appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to modify the aims of the Instructional Techniques Course to enable instructors to change their teaching methods to trainees; and what advice has been sought on developing appropriate coaching and mentoring skills. [118938]

A standardised set of instructional techniques is now included in instructor courses following a review of the practices in single Services. This includes coaching and mentoring skills, developed following examination of internal best practice within each Service. Further instructional modules are also being developed drawing on the outcome of the review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much depleted uranium ordinance was used during military operations in Iraq. [118324]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 4 June 2003, Official Report, column 445W, to the hon. Member for Islington, North (Mr Corbyn). These figures have also been published on the MOD website at www.mod.uk/issues/depleted_uranium

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent research he has commissioned into the psychological profiles of new recruits to the Army. [118955]

It is already the Army's practice to build up a personal profile of an individual during the recruiting and selection process, to better assign that individual to an appropriate career employment group. Action is in hand to allow existing civilian medical records to be made available to the Army medical authorities at an early stage of training to allow more thorough medical/psychological screening to help reduce the incidence of injury and failure in training. The Army has recently evaluated a number of commercial tests of motivation and personality, but the results were inconclusive. However, a longer-term three-year research project is in the planning stage to identify a suitable test or tests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlay the decision to halt the production phase of the Nimrod programme; what assessment he has made of the effect on jobs of halting the production phase; what plans he has to meet BAe Systems and the trade unions involved to discuss the effects of halting the production phase; and if he will make a statement. [116882]

I refer the hon. Member to the answr given by my noble Friend the Minister for Defence Procurement in another place on 19 February 2003, Official Report, column 175–77W. The Agreement that was struck with BAe Systems to restructure the Nimrod contract, including a controlled stop to production, acknowledged that the programme had a history of financial loss and delay. It recognised the need to minimise the cost increases that have resulted from overlapping development and production programmes. Design maturity must be established before further production work for aircraft four to 18 can recommence. The Company continue to assure the Department that they are working in as sensitive way as possible to mitigate the effects of the proposed redundancy programme, including looking at ways in which they may retain the key skills they require to meet the requirements of the Agreement. There are best placed to manage the industrial relations issues that have arisen following the Agreement, though we do remain in close touch with BAe Systems and the trades unions on this matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the UK will next participate in a sub-critical test in the United States; and to what use the data collected will be put; [118404](2) whether the Government is making preparations for participation in a sub-critical nuclear test experiment at the Nevada test site. [119079]

Experiments of this kind are required for the purposes I explained in my answer of 12 February 2002, Official Report, column 166W, to the hon. Member for Cleethorpes (Ms Mclsaac). The Government attaches great importance to maintaining the safety and serviceability of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons. The Strategic Defence Review in 1998 confirmed the need for a robust capability to underwrite the safety and reliability of Trident, in the absence of nuclear testing. Sub-critical experiments do not produce nuclear yield and are fully consistent with our obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. A review of the science behind this programme, which describes the need for the data from sub-critical experiments, was published in Nature in February 2002. The timing of any future experiment in the United States is under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to conclude a partnership agreement with the trade unions representing the staff in his Department. [117460]

We do not have a Departmental partnership agreement with our trades unions, and we have no plans to introduce one.However, the Ministry of Defence is committed to working in partnership with its trades unions, and actively encourages the partnership approach of shared aims, objectives and outcomes, when consulting with the trades unions on issues that affect civilian staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the occasions on which RAF aircraft flew over South East Essex in the last six months; and what the purpose was of each flight. [119203]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the maximum amount is that a self-employed GP in the Reserve Force may claim under the Reserve Forces Call-out and Recall (Financial Assistance) Regulations 1997, S.I. 1997, No. 309, under (a) Regulation (5), Employer's standard award and (b) Regulation (6), Employer's hardship award. [118797]

A GP who is a partner in a practice may make a claim both in his capacity as a Reservist and as an employer. The latter will usually cover payments to locums and other additional training costs to the practice arising from call-out.The regulations to which you refer are Statutory Instrument 1997, No. 309, The Reserve Forces (Call-out and Recall)(Financial Assistance) Regulations. The information requested is contained within SI309/97. Under Part II, section 5 of SI309/97, an Employers Standard Award means:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement about (a) the future strength of the Royal Anglian Regiment and (b) its composition of permanent battalions; [118717](2) if he will list those counties which are deemed to be the recruiting area for the Royal Anglian Regiment; [118714](3) if he will list the county regiments which were merged to form the Royal Anglian Regiment; [118716](4) whether he plans to disband the Second Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment as a permanent full-strength battalion. [118713]

[holding answer 12 June 2003]: The following county regiments were merged to form the Royal Anglian Regiments in 1964: The Royal Norfolk Regiment; The Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Regiment; The Essex Regiment; The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment; The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment; The Royal Leicestershire Regiment; and The Northamptonshire Regiment.These counties also form the natural recruiting area for the Royal Anglian Regiment, with the addition of the County of Rutland, though we place no geographic limitations on the area from which eligible recruits can come.There are no current plans to disband or alter the composition of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received from the Government of the Irish Republic on the phasing out of the Home Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. [118014]

I believe the hon. Member is referring to the Royal Irish Regiment Home Service battalions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what time a serviceman was shot on 4 June at the Stanford Battle area in East Anglia; at what time he went on duty; at what time the scene of the incident was secured; at what time he was pronounced dead; at what time the police were called to investigate; at what time the next of kin were notified; and if he will make a statement. [118937]

Corporal Christopher Strickleton, a member of 3 Squadron RAF Regiment who was serving at RAF Aldergrove, died from gun shot wounds during a tactical live-firing exercise at Stanford Training Area in Norfolk on 4 June 2003. This tragic incident is the subject of an investigation by Norfolk Civil Constabulary who have primacy in the case. They have yet to complete their inquiries.Although the precise timings of all events are strictly matters for HM Coroner, we believe the events took place as follows:

Hours
0800	Corporal Strickleton went on duty.
1030	Incident occurred.
1030–1035	999 call to emergency services.
1115	In accordance with military guidelines, the scene of the incident was secured.
1140	Next of kin first informed of incident.
1200	Cpl Strickleton died.
1210	Thetford Criminal Investigation Department notified of 999 incident.
1230	Civilian police arrive at the scene.
1230	Next of kin informed of death