To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent guidance the Chief Medical Officer has issued to the public regarding the incidence of acrylamide in baked and fried food. [129962]

Following the discovery of acrylamide in a range of foods, the Food Standards Agency advises that people should continue to eat a balanced diet including moderating their consumption of fried and fatty foods. The Agency continues to review this advice as further information on acrylamide becomes available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what his Department's strategy is for tackling prostate cancer. [129964]

Good progress has been made since we published the Prostate Cancer Programme in September 2000. £4.2 million will be spent on research in 2003–04, the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme has been launched, and the Prostate Cancer Advisory Group has been established to take forward policy on prostate cancer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on retention of nurses. [129965]

The Government are implementing a range of measures to retain more nurses. These include increasing the health care workforce, improving pay and conditions, encouraging the NHS to become a better. more flexible and diverse employer, investing in child care and continuing professional development, tackling violence and creating safe and healthy working environments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the recruitment and retention of nurses. [129966]

The Government are implementing a range of measures to recruit more health care professionals. These include improving pay and conditions, encouraging the NHS to become a better, more flexible and diverse employer, increasing training investing in child care and continuing professional development, attracting back returners and running national and international recruitment campaigns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the overall capacity of the acute hospital sector in Worcestershire. [129967]

Significant investment has been made available nationally to accommodate the required increase in national health service capacity. Primary Care Trust revenue allocations for the three Worcestershire PCTs will rise to £426 million in 2003–04 and will reach £510 million by 2005–06, an overall total increase of 30.4 per cent., for the three years up to 2005–06.Prior to the completion of the Worcestershire Royal hospital there were 1,035 acute beds in Worcestershire. Since the opening of the new hospital there are 1,044 acute beds available in the county.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the patient environment action team programme. [129968]

We have recently worked with a larger number of NHS colleagues to refine the PEAT process in the light of experience to date. This review confirmed that the system has been a major factor in ensuring that all hospitals meet acceptable standards or better in terms of the patient environment. The NHS is to be congratulated for the progress it has made. The PEAT programme has been extended to include Mental Health and Accident and Emergency units, demonstrating the importance we continue to attach to this, and the need for the NHS to continue to focus on high standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to prevent patients from catching infections in health care settings. [129969]

We already have standards to ensure there is a managed environment which minimises the risk of infection to patients, staff and visitors Hospitals' performance against these has improved over the last three years. For the first time this year these standards and an MRSA improvement score contributed to the star ratings. The Chief Medical Officer is leading a new initiative to produce a longer-term strategy to reduce health care associated infections

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent on locum consultants in the NHS in the last year for which figures are available. [129970]

The information requested is no collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the hospital building programme. [129971]

Since 2000, 39 hospitals have been opened, and a further 18 are being built. There are 54 hospitals in procurement through the private finance initiative process. This is the biggest hospital building programme in the history of the NHS, replacing old and outmoded buildings with facilities fit for the 21st Century.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received about the disposal of the Atkinson Morley hospital site in Wimbledon. [129972]

I have received no representations. However, I am aware that St. George's Healthcare NHS Trust has recently submitted a planning application for redevelopment of the Atkinson Morley hospital site, the Firs Nursing Home and a large area of open space, following the reprovision of services at St. George's hospital, Tooting.The proposed development comprises 149 residential units accessed from Copse Hill and associated car parking.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice the Department has given to (a) Government Departments and (b) others who consult with people who have communication difficulties about how that consultation should be carried out. [123393]

The Department of Health has not issued formal guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to control the levels of charging for (a) repairing teeth from mottling and (b) other cosmetic dental work by NHS dentists. [129963]

All dental treatment necessary to secure and maintain oral health is available under the national health service, including the facing of upper front teeth with porcelain veneers to correct teeth mottling. Patients liable to pay NHS dental charges will pay 80 per cent. of the NHS fee paid to the dentists for the service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will discuss trends in the incidence of tuberculosis with the World Health Organisation. [129961]

Colleagues in the Department and at the Health Protection Agency are regularly invited to speak at and attend World Health Organisation conferences on tuberculosis.We provide on a regular basis, trends of TB in this country as well as receiving information from the WHO on trends from other countries.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he will take to increase the provision of accommodation available to women victims of domestic violence. [130038]

The Government are committed to increasing the full range of accommodation options for victims of domestic violence including more refuges and better help to support victims to stay in their own homes if appropriate. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is investing £8.9 million this financial year in refuge provision and an additional £9.9 million has been allocated by the Housing Corporation. The money is being used by Registered Social Landlords, in partnership with local refuge providers and local authorities to provide 273 units of accommodation in all regions in England. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also committed £7 million in each of the next two financial years towards similar projects which will also be administered through the Housing Corporation.In addition, the Supporting People programme enables local authorities to provide housing related support services for victims of domestic violence. This year £34 million has been allocated to domestic violence schemes including accommodation and non-accommodation based services.Domestic violence can be a significant cause of homelessness. Under the homelessness legislation, people who are vulnerable as a result of fleeing their home because of violence (including domestic violence) have a priority need for accommodation. Moreover, all local housing authorities in England are now required to have a strategy for preventing homelessness in the district and ensuring that accommodation and any necessary support are available for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. All authorities were required to have a homelessness strategy in place by 30 July 2003. The Homelessness Directorate is providing £260 million between 2003–04 and 2005–06 in support of local housing authorities' efforts to tackle homelessness. A number of authorities are using funding to improve the support available to victims of domestic violence in order to prevent homelessness among this client group.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much was previously allocated in 2002–03 to home loss payments in compulsory purchase; how much this has been increased as a result of the Government announcement in July; and whether similar changes have been made to farm loss payments. [130199]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not have a central fund allocated for these purposes. Acquiring authorities are liable for the costs incurred arising from compulsory purchase and would be expected to fund this through their respective budgets.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he (a) records and (b) acts upon housing affordability data. [129155]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister records a wide variety of data on housing, including affordability issues, which provide an essential underpinning to policy development. Through the Housing Corporation the Government finances housing for those who are unable to purchase their own home. More generally, as part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's drive to create sustainable communities, we are working to improve the supply of housing in those regions where high demand is causing prices to rise beyond the reach of those on modest incomes. Regional Housing Strategies, produced for the first time this year, which will be considered, are important in highlighting problems of affordability at regional and sub-regional level. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will be taking account of these, in my decisions on the allocation of housing resources, later this year.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to permit local authorities to limit annual increases in council tax for pensioners to the rate of inflation; and if he will make a statement. [130646]

Subject to parliamentary approval, the Local Government Bill will allow local billing authorities to introduce locally defined council tax discounts from 2004–05. This power could be used by local billing authorities to create a discount which would have the effect of limiting council tax increases for pensioners.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) what the latest estimate is of the total gross receipts for each year since 1997, from land sold under general consent orders; and what percentage of those receipts relate to the sale of playing fields; [130362](2) if he will list each of the playing fields, broken down by local authority, which have been disposed of under general consent orders.[130363]

The Information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Local authorities are given powers under the Local Government Act 1972 to dispose of land in any manner they wish. The disposal must be for the best consideration reasonably obtainable, unless the Secretary of State consents to the disposal. General consents have been issued so that local authorities can, in certain circumstances, dispose of land for less than the market value without having to apply to the Secretary of State for specific consent. However, the Local Government Act 1972 requires local authorities proposing to dispose of open space that is used for public recreation to advertise their intentions in a local newspaper and consider any objections received.

To ask the Prime Minister what his official engagements were for Sunday 9 March. [130010]

None.

To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral Answer of 10 September 2003, Official Report, column 322, on Iraq, on which occasions the Chief of the Defence staff before the outbreak of war expressed concerns about the legality of what the armed forces were being asked to do; and if he will make a statement. [130704]

It is part of the Chief of the Defence Staff's duty of care over members of Her Majesty's armed forces that he satisfies himself with the legality of any operation to which they may be committed. As I said to my hon. Friend at Prime Minister's Questions on 10 September 2003, Official Report, column 322, the Chiefs of Staff on no occasion expressed to me any unease. Lord Boyce was entirely content with the legal basis for the recent conflict in Iraq. This was set out by my right hon. and noble Friend the Attorney-General on 17 March 2003, Official Report, House of Lords, columns 2–3WA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has been (a) budgeted and (b) spent by her Department since April 2002 on (i) combating computer fraud, (ii) preventing theft of computers and (iii) safeguarding the security of information held on computer; and if she will make a statement. [128784]

The Department manages the security of its information, including information held on its computers systems, in accordance with the guidance given in the Manual of Protective Security, a comprehensive body of policy and interdepartmentally agreed security standards issued by the Cabinet Office. From this guidance, we employ a range of measures to protect physical, computer and information assets. These measures are reviewed according to specific project requirements and as circumstances and technology changes require. All aspects of security (physical, personnel, procedural, information and IT) are inextricably linked and it is therefore not possible to provide a budget breakdown for IT related aspects only.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the role of LANTRA, with specific reference to how it is encouraging employment opportunities for (a) environmental organisations and (b) the land-based sector. [130589]

LANTRA's role as the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries is to support employers and employees in the sector to identify, acquire and use the skills needed to raise productivity and to deliver sustainable development. Sector Skills Councils have a key role in delivering the Government's Skills Strategy set out in the White Paper "21st Century Skills: Realising our Potential" (Cm 5810). LANTRA'S strategic and business plans set out in detail how the organisation will deliver these objectives for the environmental and land-based sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the application procedures for rural development funds. [129637]

Rural development funds are made available through grant schemes under the England Rural Development Programme, which was launched in October 2000. Application procedures have been kept under continual review, and changes made to benefit applicants and improve administrative efficiency.Significant further improvements are also in development. In the short term, a fast-track appraisal process was piloted recently for applications seeking less than £15,000 under the Rural Enterprise Scheme. The indications are that such an approach can substantially reduce the time taken to confirm the decision over an award of grant and we hope to introduce new arrangements generally, over the coming months. For the longer term, we are engaged in a major programme to improve ERDP delivery radically, and support the delivery of new agri-environment schemes. These benefits, facilitated in part by a completely new IT system, will begin to come on stream in early 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the performance of the Rural Payments Agency; and if she will make a statement. [129790]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State agreed to the creation of the Rural Payments Agency on 16 October 2001.The Rural Payments Agency's second Annual Report and Accounts, which records performance against the Agency's key performance targets, as set by the Secretary of State, will be laid before Parliament shortly.An Ownership Board chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs meets quarterly to monitor the performance of the Agency, on behalf of the Secretary of State. In addition, I receive weekly progress reports, as the Rural Payments Agency is part of my ministerial portfolio. I also monitor the response to issues raised by MPs and discuss relevant issues with the Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with representatives of further and higher education on the potential for delivering vocational training in rural areas. [130542]

I frequently meet people engaged in providing all forms of learning in rural areas in the course of visits and meetings around the country. The Department's Learning Skills and Knowledge Review is looking specifically at the need for vocational training in rural areas and how that need can be met. Representatives of further and higher education are on the steering group for the review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what powers water companies have to stop (a) companies and (b) residential properties discharging pollutants into waterways. [129822]

Water companies do not have any powers to stop companies or residential properties discharging pollutants into waterways. Their responsibility, under the Water Industry Act 1991, is to regulate trade effluent discharges made to public sewers.Responsibility for controlling discharges to waterways belongs to the Environment Agency (the Agency). Under section 85 of the Water Resources Act 1991 (as amended by the Environment Act 1991) it is an offence to cause or knowingly permit polluting matter to enter "controlled waters", that is rivers, estuaries, coastal or groundwaters without permission. This is obtained as a discharge consent granted by the Agency. The Agency sets consent conditions which control volumes and concentrations of particular substances or imposes broader controls on the nature of the effluent. Each consent is based on an objective set by the Agency for the quality of the stretch of water to which the discharge is made as well as taking into account any relevant statutory requirements.

To ask the Leader of the House how much was paid to Microsoft in licensing fees by the Office of the Leader of the House in each of the last three years; and how much has been budgeted for (a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05. [130674]

In the last three years the Office of the Leader of the House paid no licensing fees directly to Microsoft and has made no separate provision for 2003–4 or 2004–5.The IT service for my Office is provided by the Cabinet Office and charged on a per PC basis. Any costs for licence fees are included in the overall IT charges.

To ask the Leader of the House what representations he has received in favour of reverting to the sitting hours of the House of Commons of 2002. [130374]

A number of Members have raised with me their view on the sitting hours—both for and against the change—by raising it in the Chamber, at Business Questions and Oral Questions to the Leader of the House, by letter and in private discussion. I have had no representations from outside Parliament in favour of the House reverting to its former hours. The House has agreed the change for the remainder of this Parliament and will then need to review the matter.

To ask the Leader of the House what plans he has to propose measures to allow hon. Members to challenge a refusal by a Minister to provide information requested by means of a written parliamentary question. [129257]

Ministers answer questions in accordance with the requirements set out in the Ministerial Code, the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information and guidance on disproportionate cost. As the Ministerial Code makes clear, it is for individual Ministers to account for their decisions and actions. If a Member of Parliament is unhappy with the answer received to a parliamentary question, he or she should raise the matter with the relevant Minister. There are no plans to propose changes to current practice.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what the expected cost is of clearing construction equipment and materials from the precincts of the House prior to the two-week sitting in September and reinstating it at the start of the Conference Adjournment. [130289]

Officials are collating the costs associated with clearing and reinstating construction equipment and materials before and after the September sitting and I will arrange for the hon. Member to receive the figures when they become available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he plans to amend the powers of the Secretary of State for Scotland to issue prohibition orders in relation to reserved matters; and who will have jurisdiction in determining matters of vires in connection with reserved matters. [126746]

There are no plans to amend the powers of the Secretary of State under section 35 of the Scotland Act. This gives the Secretary of State the power to make an order prohibiting the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament from submitting a Bill for Royal Assent in certain circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what role his Department has played in facilitating contact between BAe systems and the Scottish Executive to discuss training requirements for the carrier project. [127848]

The Scottish Executive has well established contact with BAe Systems and other shipbuilding interests in Scotland in relation to the Future Aircraft Carriers (CVF) programme.The Clyde Shipyards Task Force recognised the need to ensure that Scottish shipyards have the necessary skills and infrastructure in place to secure a major role in the CVF programme. Further work to address the training requirements of the shipbuilding industry in Scotland is being taken forward by Scottish Enterprise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to meet (a) Network Rail and (b) the Strategic Rail Authority to discuss the proposed investment at Edinburgh Waverley station. [127868]

I meet senior representatives of Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority on a regular basis to discuss a wide range of railway matters, and will continue to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his policy is on Scotland increasing its international hub status for air transport. [128024]

The Government will publish an air transport White Paper later this year which will cover a range of key issues, including the development of air traffic at Scottish airports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many are employed in the manufacturing industry in Scotland; how many were employed in 1997; and if he will make a statement on the proposals for the manufacturing industry in Scotland. [128016]

The manufacturing sector continues to be very important to the economy of Scotland. Figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that employment in the manufacturing industry in Scotland was 387,000 at the end of the Spring Quarter of 1997, and 301,000 at the end of the Spring Quarter of 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills regarding the level of apprenticeships and work-related training offered to school leavers. [128205]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry works closely with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, meeting regularly to discuss areas of joint interest.The recent publication of the Government's national Skills Strategy demonstrates the joint commitment to reforming qualifications and training programmes to meet the needs of employers and to provide clear routes to employability for the learner.The joint remit being taken forward by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority with other partners will ensure that learning programmes will enable all young people to develop the skills that employers seek, with programmes of vocational education and training from age 14, and Modern Apprenticeships as the primary vocational option for young people. The Government's target is that by 2004, 28 per cent. of young people will start a Modern Apprenticeship by age 22. The expansion of Foundation Degrees will enable the progression into higher education from vocational programmes. Young people not yet ready to enter a Modern Apprenticeship will be able to join Entry to Employment, to benefit from help in developing basic skills as a means of entering a Modern Apprenticeship or employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many UKAS asbestos surveyors are registered in the UK. [129934]

The Department for Work and Pensions is responsible for the Health and Safety Executive, which holds the data.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action she intends to take in the event that British Energy is unable to reach agreement with its creditors by 30 September.[129939]

British Energy continues to work on implementing its restructuring plan and the announcement on 11 September of its sale of Amergen was a further step in that process. But, British Energy still needs to work hard to implement the plan in full, and, as we have made clear since last year, the Government is prepared for administration should it fail.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what changes in the time deadlines originally set for British Energy to sell off its North American assets in the restructuring plan have been made since the plan was announced; and what the reasons are for those changes. [130306]

With regard to British Energy's 50 per cent. interest in its US joint venture, Amergen, I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, on 3 June 2003, Official Report, column 3WS British Energy announced on 11 September that it had agreed the sale of its interest in Amergen.British energy completed the sale of its interest in Brace Power within the deadline set out in its restructuring plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will instruct the Office of Fair Trading to reopen its investigation into BSkyB's pricing structure for licensed premises; and if she will make a statement. [129036]

For the Office of Fair Trading to launch an investigation into this matter they must have reasonable grounds to suspect that there has been an infringement of the Competition Act 1998. This is entirely a matter for the Office of Fair Trading to determine.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures are in place to assist people who are victims of poor standards of work by builders; if she will take steps to set up a national list of reputable builders and plumbers; and if she will make a statement. [129152]

The best protection against cowboy builders is not to give work to casual workers that house holders meet in pubs, but rather to use someone reputable and qualified to carry out the work. The Quality Mark scheme has been established in England to achieve quality, and in Scotland the Construction Licensing executive has developed a new registration scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will allow Companies House to amend publicly available company records if a company is subject to a police investigation. [130243]

The Companies Act and not the Secretary of State governs the maintenance of the register of companies. The Companies Act does not allow the registrar to amend publicly available company records if a company is subject to a police investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will require Companies House to amend its website and correspondence material with a disclaimer stating that the reliability of company records cannot be guaranteed. [130244]

Companies House has had a disclaimer on its website for a number of years. However, I can confirm that the website has recently been amended to state that information is accepted by Companies House in good faith, and that the fact that it has been placed on the public record should not be taken to indicate that Companies House has validated it in any way. Companies House issues such a wide range and high volume of correspondence material, that it would not be appropriate to annotate it in this way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the occasions when she has used her powers under Chapter 1 of the Competition Act 1998 to amend Schedule 3 to that Act; what her reasons for doing so were in each case; and if she will make a statement. [130654]

The powers under Chapter 1 of the Competition Act 1998 to amend Schedule 3 to that Act have not been exercised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the occasions when she has provided an exemption to Chapter 1 of the Competition Act 1998; what her reasons for doing so were in each case; and if she will make a statement. [130655]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry provided for an exemption to Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998 for public transport ticketing schemes, under the Competition Act (Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption) Order 2001, SI 2001/319, which came into force on 1 March 2001.The Order was made on the recommendation of the Director General of Fair Trading, that the category of agreements concerned were likely to meet the criteria for exemption under section 9 of the Competition Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when each of the present members of (a) the Competition Commission and (b) the Competition Appeal Tribunal were appointed; and what procedure was used. [130651]

The information requested is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the duties and responsibilities of (a) the Competition Commission and (b) the Competition Appeal Tribunal are; and if she will make a statement. [130652]

The information requested is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if she will take steps to simplify the formula for calculating APRs on credit cards once the industry adopts an honesty box or summary table of its fees and charges on promotional material; [129871](2) what assessment she has made of the benefits of reforming APRs on credit cards so that additional charges are not included in the APR formula. [129872]

I intend to publish a White Paper in the autumn, which will set out the Government's intentions for the reform of the consumer credit regime.This will be followed by a detailed consultation on a unified method for calculating APRs on credit cards and the information that industry will have to include in promotional material and credit agreements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions her Department has had with the European Union on section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. [129881]

The Department is working hard in the negotiations, within the European Union, on a revised Consumer Credit Directive to ensure that we maintain the joint and several liability protections that currently govern credit card use in the UK. I am not prepared to see this important and valuable piece of consumer protection removed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 17 July, Official Report, column 507W, on the Consumer Credit Act, when she expects to publish the results of the consultations. [128751]

The Government will publish a white paper on consumer credit during the autumn. This will include our proposals on the reform of the licensing regime. Shortly after the publication of the white paper we will also publish a summary of the responses to the recent consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much electricity in the UK has been generated through (a) coal, (b) gas, (c) nuclear power, (d) renewable and (e) other sources in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [129942]

The available data are shown in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much (a) coal and (b) gas has been used for the generation of electricity in the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available; how much of these totals has been imported; and if she will make a statement. [129943]

The available information is shown in the following table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 25 June 2003, Official Report, column 798W, on the Export Credit Guarantees Department, if she will list, for each country, the amounts (a) which relate to military and defence products, contracts or services and (b) which do not. [125930]

The amounts are detailed by country and split between defence and non-defence in the table, which has been placed in the Library, by reference to ECGD's exposure as at 30 June 2003. Given the way ECGD's records are held it is not possible to split claims outstanding for recovery in respect of Account 1 (pre-1992 business) between defence and non-defence nor amounts in respect of moratorium interest accrued on claims paid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the remaining reserves of domestic supplies of (a) gas, (b) oil and (c) coal. [129944]

The Department of Trade and Industry publishes annually estimates of oil and gas reserves on the UK Continental Shelf. The latest estimates are that, as at the end of 2002, remaining proven and probable discovered recoverable reserves amounted to 920 million tonnes of oil and 1,000 billion cubic metres of gas. A further 425 million tonnes of oil and 330 billion cubic metres of gas are classified as possible reserves in discovered fields. There are a further 90 to 490 million tonnes of oil and 70 to 265 billion cubic metres of gas in potential additional reserves in smaller undeveloped fields. Furthermore, it is also estimated that additional reserves of between 270 and 1,770 million tonnes of oil and between 235 and 1,390 billion cubic metres of gas could exist in fields that had not been yet discovered.A study carried out by IMC Group Consulting Ltd. for DTI which was published in December 2002 assessed UK coal reserves in the 15 deep mines operating at that time at around 150 million tonnes, with further known mineral potential of around 260 million tonnes, mainly in 7 mine licence areas. The UK opencast reserve is estimated to be around 230 million tonnes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals the United Kingdom is putting to the 47th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, 15–19 September; how the United Kingdom will be represented at the General Conference; and if she will place in the Library copies of documentation presented to the conference that is relevant to the United Kingdom. [130370]

The UK will, as usual, be represented at the Agency's General Conference by a team of officials from different Government Departments, led by the UK's Governor to the IAEA. Throughout the week the UK will be negotiating and working with other member states on a wide range of issues relevant to the Agency's activities: these include nuclear safety and security, nuclear verification safeguards, promotion of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology. Copies of the UK's statement to the Plenary and resolutions which have been agreed at the Conference will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the expected impact on the UK coal industry of the Large Combustion Plants Directive. [129945]

The Government are currently consulting on options before taking the decision on how to implement the Large Combustion Plants Directive for plants first licensed before July 1987. Officials have discussed the potential impact of the alternative implementation routes with representatives of the UK coal industry, who are also expected to respond formally to the consultation paper. Consultation closes on 29 September. The Government will take a decision on the most appropriate implementation approach only after considering all of the responses received by this data.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on discussions with the surface mineworker claimants solicitors group with regard to the incorporation of surface mineworkers within the framework of the Claims Handling Agreement for respiratory compensation. [129196]

I met with members of the co-ordinating group of solicitors at the Coal Health Ministerial Monitoring Group on Wednesday 10 September, I agreed to give them access to British Coal's dust record archives to assist them in identifying specific cases. This exercise will help the parties to determine how best to resolve outstanding cases.

To ask t he Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions she has had with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents. [129506]

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has not had any recent discussions with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents.The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is currently reviewing Code of Practice on newspaper distribution. OFT published a statement of provisional recommendations on 12 December 2002, for public consultation. OFT is now analysing the responses to its public consultation and will make its final report to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what discussions she has had with the Office of Fair Trading regarding high rates of interest levied on store cards; [128144]what action she is taking to protect consumers from high rates of interest levied on store card; [128145]

The Department has had no specific discussions regarding the interest rates levied on, or the terms and conditions associated with, store cards.My hon. Friend is no doubt aware however, that the DTI is reaching the conclusion of its review of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Government proposals in this area will be set out in a White Paper planned for publication in the autumn. This will address issues such as the transparency of credit products including how they are sold to consumers, advertising and the form and content of credit agreements.Through discussions and focus groups, we have been particularly careful to involve key stakeholders from consumer groups, business and enforcement agencies at all stages of the review.In terms of consumer protection, the objective is to increase transparency and understanding throughout the UK credit market, empowering consumers to make informed financial decisions.My hon. Friend may also be aware that the Department of Trade and Industry recently appeared to give evidence at a Treasury Committee inquiry into the transparency of credit charges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will list (a) foreign and (b) UK visits she has made since 1 April; what the cost was to public funds of each trip; who she met; and what gifts were received. [126884]

The Government publish the overall costs of all ministerial overseas travel and a list of all visits overseas by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500 on an annual basis. The list for the period 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003 was published by the Prime Minister on 16 July 2003, Official Report, column 482W. The next list for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 will be published at the end of the financial year.In respect of gifts received, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 14 March,

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) how much peat the Royal Parks purchased in the last two years; and where it was used; [129239](2) how many animals and birds were culled in the Royal Parks, broken down by

Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency and I have asked its Chief Executive, William Weston, to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Speed review of the Royal Parks Police; and if she will make a statement. [129784]

All 23 main recommendations of the Speed inspection of the Royal Parks Constabulary (RPC) have been implemented, apart from those relating to the merger with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).Agreement in principle on the merger was reached in July with the MPS and the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) to merge the RPC with the MPS to create a separate Royal Parks Operational Command Unit (OCU) within the MPS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many officers were employed in the Royal Parks Constabulary in each of the last five years. [129785]

The information is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent assessment she has made of the morale of the Royal Parks Constabulary. [129786]

A change of this magnitude is bound to cause concern among staff. This is an unusual situation and it takes time to find out exactly what is involved and how it can be achieved. During this period there is not much concrete information we can tell staff and I understand how the lack of information can lead to uncertainty which is bound to affect morale. I can only assure RPC officers that Ministers from this Department and the Home Office are working to resolve outstanding issues so that the details can be made available to them and this unfortunate period of uncertainty brought to an end.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her policy is on security of tenure of their homes for Officers of the Royal Parks Constabulary, in the event of a merger with the Metropolitan Police. [129787]

The Royal Parks will do what it can to ensure that Royal Parks Constabulary (RPC) officers currently living in Royal Parks accommodation will not be disadvantaged by the merger with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she expects the merger of the Metropolitan Police with the Royal Parks Constabulary to take place. [129788]

The aim is that the Royal Parks Occupational Command Unit should start on 1 April 2004 but this is conditional on resolving funding issues and obtaining the necessary enabling legislation.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what further action will be taken at (a) the EU Council of Ministers and (b) G7 meetings to ensure an end to the use of bonded labour in developing countries; and if he will make a statement. [128600]

We are not aware of any specific proposals to discuss this issue in the EU Council of Ministers or in G7 or G8 meetings in the near future.The Government are committed to helping to eliminate all abusive labour practices. These include bonded labour, forced labour and child labour. These abusive practices persist where poverty denies people their rights and a decent livelihood. All the programmes of the Department for International Development (DFID) are intended to contribute to improving the livelihoods of poor people and helping them realise their rights. We also support projects targeted at particular abusive practices. Examples have included a programme in India to eliminate child labour, including bonded child labour; collaboration with the Asian Development Bank in Pakistan on rural development strategies that include tackling bonded labour and support for Action Aid's Poverty Reduction Project which has been working with bonded labourers in the Kailali district of Nepal to help them achieve secure livelihoods.The United Kingdom has played a leading role in, ensuring that the international framework to promote workers' rights and to tackle abuses of those rights, including bonded labour, is in place, particularly through its work with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the UN specialised agency responsible for labour rights. The UK fully supports the ILO work to help end forced and bonded labour, which we see as both a cause and result of poverty.Through DFID's Partnership Framework arrangement with the ILO, the UK provides support for technical assistance designed to eliminate forced labour. DFID is also supporting ILO programmes in West Africa and South East Asia to tackle forced labour and trafficking.The Government strongly support the ILO's core labour standards and are actively seeking to raise awareness of voluntary codes of conduct based on these for the working of business in developing countries. In particular we helped to set up and fund the Ethical Trading Initiative, which is an alliance of UK retail companies, non-governmental organisations and trade unions that works to improve labour conditions in the supply chain of its corporate members. The employment standards adopted by ETI members come from the Core Conventions of the ILO. The combined annual turnover of the corporate members amounts to over £100 billion and is expected to rise significantly.We are also supporting Anti-Slavery International to raise awareness of the issue and stimulate action by trade unions, business and other civil society organisations and governments.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will place reports which his Department has (a) carried out and (b) commissioned on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline Project in the Library. [130026]

DFID is currently assessing whether the Environmental and Social Assessement for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline project complies with the policies and procedures of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group. I will place that assessment in the Library in due course.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment his Department has made of the effects on development of the lack of effective systems to establish property ownership in developing countries. [130192]

DFID recognises that secure rights to land and property are fundamental to poor people's ability to act as citizens and pursue their livelihoods within a democratic society and open economy. The absence of systems to establish property ownership holds back development. In many cases it excludes the poor from accessing basic services and participating in formal markets for land and property, limiting social mobility and economic opportunity. The rights of large numbers of people living in informal settlements (which make up between 30–70 per cent. of populations of urban centres in developing countries) and those of rural people dependent on natural resources are frequently not recognised by the authorities. As a result they are vulnerable to eviction and loss of physical and natural assets. Many developing countries are seeking to address these problems by remodelling their systems of land and property administration, but lack the financial resources and technical capacity to do so effectively.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on (a) the humanitarian situation in Iraq and (b) the impact of security on the humanitarian situation. [130351]

While significant challenges face the reconstruction effort in Iraq, particularly in the electricity, water supply and oil sectors which have suffered from looting, sabotage and the breakdown of obsolete infrastructure, progress has been made in improving humanitarian conditions for most Iraqis. The public distribution system for food is up and running, most hospitals are in operation, medical supplies are coming into the country, children are being vaccinated and most schools were open by June. Continuing security problems are making the work of humanitarian organisations difficult and often dangerous. The Coalition Provisional Authority is making strenuous efforts to put in place an effective new Iraqi police and justice system, at the same time as coalition forces are being strengthened to help maintain law and order.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will publish the plans the Government have to release money for humanitarian needs in Iraq before the donors conference in October. [130352]

DFID spending commitments for Iraq are published regularly in our weekly "Iraq Updates". We have to date committed £198 million of the £210 million currently available to DFID for the Iraq crisis. Additional commitments may be made from this £210 million between now and the Donors' Conference in Madrid in October. Any further significant allocations for assistance to Iraq will be considered by the Government in view of the needs assessments being undertaken by the World Bank, the IMF and the United Nations, which will be presented to the October Donors' Conference.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what recent discussions the Department has had with non-governmental organisations on their continued presence in Iraq. [130353]

DFID has regular discussions with NGOs on a range of issues concerning their work in Iraq, including over security and their continued operations in the country. We have told those NGOs whose work we are currently supporting in Iraq that we would be prepared to consider requests for additional financial resources to cover the costs of increased security provisions that they may need to put in place.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office in which month he expects the Annual Report of the e-envoy for 2003 to be published. [129126]

We are committed to publishing an Annual Report each year on the UK online strategy. We intend to publish the 2003 report by the end of the year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what advice is issued to government departments about placing contracts for goods and services with organisations which have been indicted for fraud or are being investigated for fraud [130650]

The EC procurement rules allow contracting authorities to exclude firms from a procurement where they have been convicted of a criminal offence, or have committed an act of grave misconduct related to the conduct of their business or profession. This can include cases involving fraud and corruption.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the revenue yield from increasing the level of air passenger duty from £5 to £10 on economy flights within the European Economic Area; and if he will make a statement. [130125]

Increasing the reduced rate of air passenger duty from £5 to £10 on flights within the European Economic Area would have raised an estimated £595 million in 2002–03 from this category of passenger.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the revenue yield from raising the level of air passenger duty for club class and first class flights (a) from £10 to £20 for destinations within the European Economic Area and (b) from £40 to £50 for non-EEA destinations. [130126]

Increasing the standard rate of air passenger duty (APD) from £10 to £20 on flights within the European Economic Area (EEA) would have raised an estimated £65 million in 2002–03 from this category of passenger. Increasing the standard rate of APD from £40 to £50 on flights outside the EEA would have raised an estimated £135 million in the same financial year from this category of passenger.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the relationship between the level of air passenger duty and petrol duty in terms of the environmental objectives of Government taxation policies; and if he will make a statement. [130554]

Levels of all taxes, including air passenger duty and petrol duty, are reviewed on a Budget-by-Budget basis, taking account of a range of social, economic and environmental considerations.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what his latest estimate is of the revenue cost of the changes to capital gains tax introduced in the March 2000 Budget for each year from 2000–01 to 2005–06; what assessment has been made of the economic benefits of the reform; and if he will make a statement; [130129](2) what his latest estimate is of the cost of changing the capital gains tax business assets taper relief in the November 2001 Pre-Budget Report; and if he will make a statement; [130132](3) what his estimate is of the revenue yield from abolishing capital gains tax taper relief for each year from 2000–01 to 2005–06; and if he will make a statement. [130139]

The estimated yield, on an accrual basis, from abolishing Capital Gains Tax Taper Relief, as currently operating, for 2000–01 and 2001–02 are published in Table A3.1 in the Budget Report 2003. The figures take into account some of the likely effects on yield from changes in taxpayers' behaviour. Figures for later years are not available.The estimated cost, on an accrual basis, of changes to the Capital Gains Tax Taper Relief announced in Budget 2000 for each year from 2000–01 to 2002–03 are published in Table A. 13 in the Budget Report 2000.The estimated cost, on an accrual basis, of changes to the Capital Gains Tax Taper Relief outlined in Pre-Budget Report 2001 for each year from 2002–03 to 2004–05 are published in Table A.2 in Budget 2002 report.The estimates of cost of Budget 2000 and Pre-Budget Report 2001 changes take into account most of the likely effects on yield from changes in taxpayers' behaviour. Figures for later years are not available.We intend to evaluate taper relief once the system has had time for its effects to become measurable.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his answer of 8 September 2003, Official Report, column 98W, what new technology and extra operational activity at (a) Newhaven, (b) Poole, (c) Isle of Wight, (d) Portsmouth and (e) Southampton, is intended to replace the full-time manning at present; and if he will make a statement. [129846]

The Technology will improve existing capacity to detect the illicit importation of radiological material into the UK. It will not replace any existing Customs capability. As to Custom's operational activity, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him to his earlier question on 8 September 2003, Official Report, column 99W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which electoral wards are among the 10 per cent. most deprived in England and Wales. [128899]

I have been asked to reply.There are 841 wards in England and 865 wards in Wales that are among the 10 per cent. most deprived wards in the two countries. The full list of these most deprived wards is available in the Libraries of the House.There are separate deprivation measures for England and Wales and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is only responsible for deprivation-related policy in England. Deprivation policy in Wales is the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the total annual (a) revenue cost and (b) economic benefit of the film industry tax reliefs introduced in and since the July 1997 Budget for each year from 1997–98 to 2005–06; and if he will make a statement. [130013]

Section 48 of the Finance (No.2) Act 1997 introduced a tax relief for expenditure on the production or acquisition of the master version of a British qualifying film with total production expenditure not exceeding £15 million. This relief is estimated to have cost £440 million for the period 1997–98 to 2001–02 and costs for the further years are estimated as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the yield to the Exchequer from abolishing the film industry tax reliefs; and if he will make a statement. [130014]

There are three main measures providing enhanced tax relief for expenditure on the production or acquisition of the master version of a film. None of these reliefs has been abolished. However, the relief contained in section 48 of the Finance (No.2) Act 1997 for British qualifying films with total production expenditure not exceeding £15 million applies only to expenditure incurred on or before 2 July 2005. I also refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I am today giving to his companion question 130013.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many questions directed to him remain unanswered. [130762]

2,483 of the 3,341 (74.3 per cent.) written questions tabled to the Treasury Ministers in the present parliamentary session to date received substantive replies on or before the dates on which answers were due. Answers have not yet been given to 147 questions, but in 131 cases the answers are not overdue.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the cost of restricting income tax relief on pensions to the basic rate of income tax; and if he will make a statement. [130565]

The estimated yield from restricting income tax relief on employee and self-employed pension contributions to the basic rate is £1.9 billion in 2002–03. The yield from restricting employer contributions is £2.8 billion, this estimate assumes that the proportion of total employer contributions relating to higher rate taxpayers is that same as that for employees. The estimates take no account of any behavioural effects which are likely to result from such changes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will publish (a) the results of the consultation on the reform of stamp duty land tax affecting commercial leases and (b) revisions to the Government's proposals. [130009]

We expect to publish shortly.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to align the residential and non-residential property upper thresholds for the zero rate stamp duty band. [130556]

The Chancellor's decision to increase the zero rate stamp duty threshold to £150,000 for non-residential property has been welcomed by business representatives as a boost for small businesses investing in commercial property and will come into effect from 1 December 2003. The level of the thresholds is kept under regular review.As part of the Government's plans to regenerate the most deprived parts of the UK, in 1,997 Enterprise Areas the purchase of residential property costing up to £150,000 is already exempt from stamp duty.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the impact on the tax yield of increasing the top rate of tax to 50 pence in the pound. [129254]

This estimate can be derived from the Inland Revenue Statistics table T1.6 "Direct effects of illustrative tax change" which is available on the Inland Revenue website. It excludes any behavioural response to the tax change.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to change the rules relating to non-domicile status for tax purposes. [129255]

At Budget 2002, the Chancellor announced a review of the residence and domicile rules as they affect the tax liabilities of individuals. That work is continuing. The background paper published on Budget Day 2003 provides a framework for further analysis and discussion.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his latest estimate is of the annual cost for each year from 2002–03 to 2005–06 of the tax changes made in the March 2002 Budget to (a) research and development tax credit for large companies, (b) exemption for gains on large shareholdings, (c) community investment tax credit, (d) Vaccines Tax Credit, (e) tax relief for community amateur sports clubs, (f) beer duty relief for small brewers, (g) expansion of the scope of the lower rate of air passenger duty and (h) reform of the tax relief on intellectual property; what assessments have been made in each case of the economic benefits of the tax changes made; and if he will make a statement. [130237]