To ask the Leader of the House if he will make it his policy to encourage Select Committees to subject all proposals for Bills to pre-legislative scrutiny on-line. [140764]

It is for individual committees to decide, when conducting pre-legislative scrutiny, whether to make arrangements for on-line scrutiny or e-consultation. I hope that committees will, as a matter of course, consider the opportunities provided by information technology, including on-line fora of the kind used successfully by the Joint Committee on the draft Communications Bill in 2002.

To ask the Leader of the House what representations he has received on new facilities for visitors in the House. [140765]

I am strongly in favour of making the Commons more welcoming for voters. I can report that the House of Commons Commission has asked the Administration and Accommodation and Works Committees to examine what improvements can be made and to report by Easter.

To ask the Leader of the House what assessment he has made of the impact of the new sitting hours of the House. [140766]

In October last year, a majority of Members voted to alter the sitting hours so that the House now sits from 11.30 am on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Standing Orders were changed for the rest of this Parliament, which will allow us a sufficient period to make a considered judgment on the effect of the changes.My right hon. Friend is aware that some Members have difficulty with the new hours, but that there is strong opinion on both sides.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners if he will press the Commissioners to take steps to accelerate the timetable for the McClean review of clergy terms of service to deliver its final report. [140553]

The Church Commissioners support the view of the McClean review group that this important and complex work cannot, and should not, be rushed.Good progress has been made. The review has completed the first phase of its work (considering clergy without security of tenure) according to the timetable in its terms of reference. It will report to the Archbishops' Council on 9 December and it is hoped that there will be a debate by the General Synod in February, followed by a period of consultation with dioceses and clergy.It is hoped that the second phase of the group's work (addressing the position of clergy with the freehold and any follow-up from the first phase) will be completed by the end of 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will publish the Cory report.[140906]

The Government are committed to publishing Justice Cory's reports as soon as possible, in line with the judge's terms of reference. These made it clear that any issues involving national security, the criminal process or the safety of individuals, would need to be considered carefully first.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of the NHS budget for Northern Ireland in each year since 1997 was spent on private treatment; what plans he has to facilitate retrospective payment for treatment carried out privately; and if he will make a statement.[140810]

Information about the proportion of the health budget in Northern Ireland relating to private treatment is not available.As regards retrospective payment for treatment carried out privately, an agreement with the relevant area Health and Social Services Board for the cost to be met must be made prior to treatment commencing. To be eligible, the patient must meet certain criteria, namely that the treatment required is not available in Northern Ireland and that the patient's consultant recommends treatment elsewhere.

To ask the Solicitor-General what costs were incurred by the Government Legal Service in advising the Minister for Children in respect of the allegations of libel brought against her by Mr. Demetrious Panton; and who will pay the costs. [140961]

No such costs were incurred.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people from the United Kingdom have taken part in Voluntary Service Overseas in each of the last 10 years. [140874]

	Canada	Netherlands	Portugal	Kenya and Philippines	UK	Total departures
1993–94					711	711
1994–95					746	746
1995–96	31	51	1		697	780
1996–97	56	64	2		717	839
1997–98	67	56	2		587	712
1998–99	68	77	2		714	861
1999–2000	58	74	3		745	880
2000–01	94	85	0	32	715	926
2001–02	94	85	0	32	715	926
2001–02	82	78	0	67	629	856
2002–03	69	81		78	376	604
Total	525	566	10	177	6,637	7,915
2003–04 Est.	77	95	0	130	473	775

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the outbreak of cholera in Binga, Zimbabwe. [140467]

A cholera outbreak has been reported in the two northern districts of Kariba (in Mashonaland West province) and Binga (in Matabeleland North province). A total of 173 cases and 26 deaths have so far been reported. WHO have commented that this fatality rate of approximately 15 per cent. is alarmingly high, probably due to the declining capacity of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Health to respond, and the growing food shortages. Latest reports indicate that the situation is under control in Binga, where no new infections are being recorded, but appears to be spreading in Kariba district.Save the Children (UK) are using emergency response resources provided by DFID to address the situation in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, UNICEF, WHO, Médicine Sans Frontières (Spain) and several other NGOs. The aim is to ensure that the disease does not spread further and that those communities at risk are assisted with soap and other hygiene items, as well as water purification tablets and ORS supplies to treat diarrhoea.Cholera outbreaks are becoming more frequent in the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. Save the Children (UK) are planning to use the lessons learnt during their response to this outbreak in order to conduct rapid response training for other relevant organisations involved in humanitarian operations in Zimbabwe.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the different electoral systems in Scotland. [140749]

During the past decade, Voluntary Service Overseas has filled 7,915 volunteer placements; 6,637 of these were recruited in the UK. The following table gives a breakdown for each year and the place of recruitment of the other 1,278 volunteers. The figures for 2003–04 are estimates because there are still placements to be filled.

There are currently three voting systems used in Scotland. Elections to the UK Parliament and local councils use the first past the post system. Elections to the European Parliament use the list system of Proportional Representation while the elections to the Scottish Parliament use the additional member system of Proportional Representation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has held with (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) the European Commission on figures published by the Office of National Statistics for the gross domestic product of the Highlands and Islands. [140750]

No such discussions have taken place. But it is worth clarifying once and for all the situation regarding the Office for National Statistics figures and European Structural Funds. There has been no error made by the Office for National Statistics. Eligibility was based on the best information available at the time and the European Commission confirmed in November 2002 that retrospective eligibility for Objective 1 support was not possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions his Department has had on the launch of the Glasgow Financial District. [140751]

I am aware that the Glasgow International Financial Services District had its UK launch at the London Stock Exchange recently.The Scotland Office will continue to work with the Scottish Executive to support this far-sighted initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans the Government has to amend the Scotland Act 1998. [140752]

The Scottish Parliament (Constituencies) Bill will amend the Scotland Act by breaking the link between the number of MSPs and the number of MPs from Scottish constituencies. The proposal to transfer to the Supreme Court the function of hearing devolution disputes currently held by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council would also require an amendment to the Scotland Act.There are no other plans for substantive amendments to the Scotland Act in primary legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he last met the chairman of Scottish Enterprise to discuss trends in the Scottish economy. [140753]

Scottish Enterprise is formally responsible to Scottish Executive ministers, though I and my predecessors have had continuing contact in a variety of different contexts with the Chairman and past chairmen of Scottish Enterprise since devolution.

To ask the Scretary of State for Scotland, what recent representations he has received from the First Minister about the future of the Scottish regiments. [140755]

My right hon. Friend and the First Minister discuss a wide range of matters. They met most recently on 1 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when he next intends to discuss the regeneration plans for the Ravenscraig site with the First Minister. [140756]

My right hon. Friend and I have regular discussions with the First Minister on a wide range of issues, including economic regeneration.I am delighted that the Scottish Executive have approved plans for the redevelopment of the Ravenscraig site and I am sure that the project will bring long term benefits across Lanarkshire and the West of Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make a statement on the take-up of (a) pension credit and (b) minimum income guarantee in Scotland. [140757]

Minimum income guarantee was replaced by pension credit on 6 October 2003. The Pension Service are writing to all pensioner households to give them information and to invite them to apply. Those who apply within the first 12 months will have their awards backdated to the first date of entitlement.Two hundred and two thousand pensioner households in Scotland are already receiving pension credit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many pensioners in Scotland are in receipt of the pension credit. [140754]

As at the end of October, 202,000 pensioner households in Scotland were already receiving pension credit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the proposed bill to retain the current number of Members in the Scottish Parliament will be drafted to allow consideration of the method of election used for the Scottish Parliament. [140737]

The scope of the bill, which was introduced on 27 November, is a matter for the House Authorities. However, as the bill deals only with the determination of the number of constituencies and regions of the Scottish Parliament, the number of regional members per region and the arrangements for reviewing the boundaries of constituencies and regions, my understanding is that consideration of the method of election to the Scottish Parliament will be outside its scope.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans the Government has to change the voting system for elections to the Scottish Parliament. [140729]

There are no plans to change the voting system for elections to the Scottish Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the value of imports into the United Kingdom from Burma was in each of the past five years. [141635]

The value of UK imports of goods from Burma was as follows:

	£million
1998	17.3
1999	23.8
2000	49.3
2001	66.6
2002	64.3
January-September 2003	44.2
Source:
Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, HM Customs and Excise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the current value is of the United Kingdom investment in Burma. [141637]

According to statistics compiled by the Office for National Statistics, at the end of 2001 foreign direct investment by UK companies in Burma was worth less than £0.5 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the start-up rate was for small businesses in (a) each London borough, (b) London and (c) England in each year since 1997. [140854]

Value added tax (VAT) registrations and de-registrations are the best official guide to the pattern of start-ups and closures. These cover businesses of all sizes.The rates of businesses registering for VAT in each calendar year from 1997 to 2002 in each London borough, London, and England, are as follows:

Number of VAT Registrations per 10,000 Resident Adults1
	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002
England	43	43	41	42	39	39
London	68	71	68	67	59	57
Barking and Dagenham	25	25	30	31	29	26
Barnet	94	91	76	76	60	59
Bexley	39	35	34	35	36	31
Brent	61	61	59	59	52	47
Bromley	45	48	39	41	41	40
Camden	159	158	150	142	112	110
City of London	2,212	2,228	2,200	2,345	1,653	1,428
Croydon	41	42	39	39	37	38
Ealing	56	56	52	53	49	48
Enfield	40	42	40	42	37	39
Greenwich	35	35	33	33	30	29
Hackney	72	83	78	81	65	63
Hammersmith and Fulham	77	96	84	94	85	75
Haringey	57	59	59	58	51	46
Harrow	58	64	55	57	54	55
Havering	40	41	36	36	36	34
Hillingdon	48	49	44	46	39	43
Hounslow	50	52	50	49	51	47
Islington	118	126	109	97	84	82
Kensington and Chelsea	98	102	106	105	74	78
Kingston upon Thames	60	63	55	53	48	46
Lambeth	43	45	44	43	40	42
Lewisham	34	36	34	33	32	28
Merton	52	56	50	52	44	39
Newham	33	37	35	34	31	29
Redbridge	45	50	46	46	40	38
Richmond upon Thames	72	75	70	72	65	71
Southwark	57	59	55	59	55	48
Sutton	43	44	39		36	36
Tower Hamlets	73	79	78	75	65	62
Waltham Forest	39	42	41	39	36	37
Wandsworth	57	60	61	56	53	52
Westminster	329	364	390	360	304	288
1Mid-year resident adult (16 and over) population estimates
Source:
Business Start-ups and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations 1994–2002 from the Small Business Service; population data from The Office for National Statistics

For further information on the VAT statistics please see: www.sbs.gov.uk/statistics/vatstats.php

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Competitiveness Council on 27 November; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [141490]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and I represented the UK at the Competitiveness Council on 26–27 November 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the results of the joint HM Treasury and Small Business Service Consultation aimed at improving access to growth capital for small businesses will be published. [141601]

Over 150 written responses were received on 'Bridging the finance gap: a consultation on improving access to growth capital for small businesses' from a wide range of interested parties. The Government are considering these responses, and the outcome of the consultation will be published before the Christmas recess.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when and on what basis her Department commissioned research from consultants Gorham and Partners Ltd. underlying her Department's 2001 report into the competitiveness of the UK jewellery sector; and if she will break down the cost of the research between her Department and each of the contributors. [140527]

The Competitiveness Analysis of the UK Jewellery Sector was commissioned in Feburary 2000 following consultation with industry representatives to provide an in-depth analysis of the sector's competitive position.Following publication of the Competitiveness Analysis the Industry formed the National Jewellery Steering Group, which continues to meet to take forward the issues identified in the CA.The Analysis cost £93,000 of which the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths contributed £30,000 and the DTI £63,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many individuals are registered to use the UK Online for Business website. [141603]

As of October 2003 UK Online for Business website has 28,533 registered users.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Telecommunications Council held on 20 November 2003; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if she will make a statement. [141075]

The Deputy UK Permanent Representative to the European Union, Anne Lambert, attended the Council on 20 November 2003 on my behalf.There was a round-table debate on the state of the Telecoms sector, in particular, member states' implementation of the Telecoms Regulatory Package, and on 3rd generation mobile and broadband penetration and availability. France (Fontaine) reported on a joint Franco-British ministerial round table with industry leaders, which had proved fruitful in identifying the key success factors for broadband: viable business models throughout the value chain; regulatory stability and predictability; interoperability between platforms; user confidence through a more secure internet; and proper returns for intellectual property. Emphasising that she was also speaking on my behalf, Fontaine proposed that a similar event involving business leaders from across the value chain should be held at EU level in order to help promote the most effective conditions for broadband. Other member states, including the forthcoming Irish Presidency, expressed strong interest in carrying the initiative forward. Presidency concluded that a report of the debate would be submitted to the 12 December European Council. There was also a brief discussion of preparations for the World Summit on the Information Society to be held in Geneva in December.The Presidency noted that agreement had been reached between the Council and the European Parliament at its first reading on a General Agreement on the structure and tasks of a Regulation establishing a new European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA). The Government supported this proposal but noted that they would have to abstain when it is formally adopted on the grounds that the legal base proposed—Article 95—is inappropriate for this body.Council Conclusions on: the transition of analogue to digital broadcasting; digital TV and 3rd generation mobile endorsing the Commission's plans for consultation and follow-up action; and calling on member states and the Commission to work towards removing remaining barriers to E-Government services were adopted without substantial debate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on (a) the latest goods trade deficit with the European Union and (b) how this figure compares with previous figures. [140523]

According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics, the UK goods trade deficit with the European Union was worth £2.2 billion in September 2003. The deficit in the latest three-month period was £5.7 billion compared to £5.4 billion in the previous quarter, and £5.5 billion in the three-month period ended September 2002. The latest three-month deficit represents 10.0 per cent. of the total trade with the European Union. This compares with 9.4 per cent. in the previous quarter and 9.1 per cent. in the same quarter a year earlier.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will reply to the letter to him dated 20 October 2003 from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mr. Barry Johnson. [140779]

My Department has no record of receiving a letter dated 20 October 2003 from the right hon. Member. However, to enable me to respond, my private secretary has requested a copy of the correspondence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the European Commission regarding airport and business subsidies to low cost airlines; and if he will make a statement. [140522]

The Government have had no discussions with the European Commission on this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the implications for safety of the procedure of turning a rail track; whether the turning of a curved rail track has been assessed as having a safety implication; and if he will make a statement. [141179]

This is an operational matter for Network Rail and as with all safety issues, the Health and Safety Executive. I am however assured by Network Rail that turning or 'transposing' of rail is carefully controlled to ensure that only rail with sufficient head width is transposed. In such cases rail standards with clearly defined limits for permissible side wear exist.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what inspection methods are in place to discover (a) corrosion pitting and (b) possible problems at the foot and web of a rail track; what plans he has to improve inspection methods relevant to these conditions; and if he will make a statement. [141180]

This is an operational matter for Network Rail who inform me that a number of new techniques are currently under trial or development to improve the detection of rail depth, corrosion pitting and gall over sleepers.Ultrasonic Testing vehicles are now routinely monitoring rail depth for most major routes and guided ultrasonic equipment is currently being trailed which carries out inspection of the whole cross section of the rail from a fixed point using low frequency longitudinal ultrasonic waves. This should enable significant changes in section in the head, web or foot of the rail to be detected whether due to cracking or loss of section due to corrosion.Coated rail products are also being used successfully in the network where local environments are harsh. This provides a barrier coating to the head and foot of the rail preventing corrosion or damage.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which university vice-chancellors or other heads of higher education institutions have expressed to him (a) support for and (b) opposition to differential tuition fees. [140453]

Both my right hon. Friend and I have received numerous representations from universities on a number of matters related to the funding of higher education, both by means of formal correspondence and in meetings with Vice Chancellors and others from the higher education sector. The majority have expressed support for variable fees. UUK which is the representative body for Universities also supports variable fees.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of legal aid. [140733]

The Government remains firmly committed to the principles of legal aid—both criminal and civil—as a means of protecting fundamental rights and tackling social exclusion.We must make sure that our services are tightly focused on the needs of the public.We also have to live within our financial allocation—now almost £2 billion—with demand increasing more quickly than inflation. If we do not bear down on this problem it will limit the money available for tackling social exclusion.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will discuss with the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors complaints about success fees taken by solicitors in mining disease cases in Barnsley; and if he will make a statement; [140735]

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if the Secretary of State will establish an inquiry into the operation of the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors in monitoring complaints about the level of fees levied by solicitors acting for people making claims for mining-related diseases; and if he will make a statement.[140736]

I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch (John Cryer), Official Report, column 366.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs when he next plans to visit the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors to discuss complaints about the level of fees levied on widows by solicitors acting for them in mining disease claims. [140739]

Arrangements are being made for my hon. Friend the Member for Tottenham (Mr. Lammy) to visit the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors in the new year.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many courthouses have been constructed by means of a private finance initiative since 1997. [140741]

There have been six magistrates courts constructed by means of public-private partnerships since 1997.

• Hull
• Beverly
• Bridlington
• Hereford
• Worcester
• Kidderminster.

A further three magistrates courthouses are currently being constructed by means of the PPP. These are:

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many representations he has received in response to his consultation paper on judicial appointments. [140742]

Consultation formally closed on 7 November. At 27 November, 270 responses had been received. We now are in the process of analysing responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what effect her decision to remove the reactive culling of badgers from the research programme on the interaction between TB in badgers and TB in cattle will have on the report date. [140459]

[holding answer 1 December 2003]: None. The proactive element the trial will continue to its conclusion in 2006, after which the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB will report the full results.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Strategy Unit will publish its report into the future of the UK fishing industry. [140844]

I understand that the Strategy Unit is now expecting to publish its report early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice her Department will offer to the forthcoming EU Regulatory Committee on the application for the sale of Bt 11 GM corn. [140716]

Bt 11 GM maize is already available for sale in the EU, including the UK, under a consent granted by the UK in 1998. The scope of this consent was limited to import of grain and processing for animal feed and other non-food uses.The company that owns Bt 11 GM maize has made a further application for consent for commercial cultivation in the EU and this is currently being considered under EU Directive 2001/18. No date has yet been set for collective EU discussion and decision making on this application in the relevant EU regulatory committee. If such a date is set in the future, my Department will lead in developing a UK line, taking due account of scientific evidence.An application for use of Bt 11 GM maize in food is also being considered under EC Novel Foods Regulation 258/97. The Food Standards Agency is the UK competent authority and will represent the UK Government at the EC Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health meeting on 8 December 2003 when the application is due to be discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) when she expects to make a decision with her European counterparts, on whether the EU will grant a licence for the commercial planting of GM crops; [140847](2) what time scale she has set for the determination of applications for licences to grow GM crops in the United Kingdom. [140851]

Decisions on applications to release particular GM crops for commercial cultivation in the EU—including the UK—are subject to collective EU agreement under the procedures and timetable set down in EC Directive 2001/18. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, whereby each proposed GM product is judged on its own merits according to scientific evidence.EU-wide licenses for three types of GM maize were granted in 1997–98. None can yet be grown commercially in the UK because no varieties of these three types of GM maize have been added to either the UK national list of seeds or the EU Common Catalogue. One variety, ChardonLL, of the GM maize T25, is awaiting a decision in the UK but this is not expected before the new year.There are currently 12 pending applications for approval under the directive for commercial cultivation of particular GM crops. Ten are still at the first stage of assessment by the lead member state. The other two have been forwarded by the lead member state with a favourable opinion and are currently being considered by all member states. It is not possible to say precisely when decisions will be taken, but we do not expect any final decisions on current applications before mid-2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the countries where Liberty Link GM maize is commercially grown. [140771]

This Department does not keep records of countries where Liberty Link GM maize is commercially grown.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to publish the findings of his survey, "Financial Support and Young People"; and in what format. [140661]

The Chancellor announced a review of financial support for 16 to 19-year-olds in this year's Budget. The Government are committed to consult young people and parents as part of the review. As one strand of this consultation, HM Treasury commissioned the National Children's Bureau to survey young people with a questionnaire "Financial Support and Young People". The results of the survey will inform the review which will report in spring 2004 and feed into the 2004 Spending Review.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations his Department has received from the European Commission on the Alternative Investment Market becoming an unregulated market; and if he will make a statement; [141715](2) what his policy is on an Alternative Investment Market which is unregulated; and if he will make a statement; [141716](3) what research his Department has undertaken on how an unregulated Alternative Investment Market would affect

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Chryston (Mr. Clarke) on 4 November 2003, Official Report, columns 618–19W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) above what size children's clothes are subject to VAT; [141096](2) what estimate he has made of the proportion of children's school uniforms liable for VAT

A zero rate of VAT applies to young children's clothing and footwear provided they conform with the size limits detailed in the Customs and Excise Public Notice 714 and are marketed exclusively for children under the age of 14.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what pension arrangements he requires for employees of contractors offering outsourcing services to (a) his Department and (b) its agencies; whether he distinguishes between transferred employees and those directly recruited by the contractor; and whether any of these employees can join the Civil Service Pension scheme. [141157]

The Treasury does not seek to establish the pension arrangements their contractors have with their staff. However, where it is deemed that the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations apply, there is a need for the contractor to provide an analogous pension scheme for staff transferred to them as a result of winning the contract.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter of 17 July from the right hon. Member for Birkenhead to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in respect of a constituent, Mr. Peter Clark of Cleveland Street, Birkenhead. [141308]

I am sorry for the delay in sending a substantive reply to my right hon. Friend's letter of 17 July to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury. I can confirm that a reply has now been sent as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Northavon to the Paymaster General of 3 October, regarding child tax credit compensation payments. [141543]

I have already done so.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he intends to reply to the letter to him dated 27 October from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Ms N. Oakes. [141585]

I have done so.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claims for statutory interest payments have been submitted to private companies under the terms of the Late Payment of Debt Act 1998; how many claims were met; and what the total value was of such payments in each year since the Act has been in operation. [141594]

The Treasury has not made any claims to private companies for statutory interest payments under the 1998 Act.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of families with (a) one, (b) two, (c) three and (d) four or more dependent children in (i) 1973, (ii) 1983, (iii) 1993 and (iv) the latest year for which figures are available. [141497]

This matter falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of fiscal measures to (a) stimulate and (b) support the domestic production of wine. [141065]

The Government are mindful of the concerns and interests of UK wine producers. The UK wine industry has benefited from duty freezes in three out of the last six Budgets and increases only in line with inflation in the remainder of these.We have not looked at fiscal measures for all UK wine producers but we have looked at the possibility of fiscal measures that would help small UK wineries to survive and grow. However, the European Directive on the structure of alcohol duties does provides for reduced rates targeted at small breweries which we have implemented in the UK, it does not provide for reduced rates targeted at small wineries.Even if the UK were to press for the introduction of such a scheme, it is important to appreciate that less than 1 per cent, of the wine consumed in the UK is domestically produced. Under our European and world trade agreements we could not apply such a scheme to UK wine producers only and it is therefore likely that much of the wine that would qualify would come from overseas producers, with our own small wineries receiving comparatively very little of the benefit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the reasons were for voting against the first reading common position of the ECOFIN Council or the Investment Services Directive; and what his key objectives are for a compromise agreement. [141200]

On 7 October, ECOFIN Council reached political agreement on a Common Position on the proposed Investment Services Directive, by qualified majority. The UK, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden and Finland voted against the text put forward by the Presidency.The Government voted against the text proposed at ECOFIN because it contained unsatisfactory elements that the Government believed meant that it would fall short of its objective of promoting an efficient, effective and dynamic single market in investment services.The Government was particularly disappointed by the outcome on the pre-trade transparency regime for investment firms that systematically internalise client orders. It believes that the regime proposed would be a step backward for some share-trading markets in the EU, including the UK, and would be a missed opportunity to increase competition and efficiency in many markets in the EU.The Government will continue to press for changes to the Directive, especially through the second reading process in the European Parliament. In doing so, it will focus on achieving changes to the pre-trade transparency regime for investment firms that would be consistent with the European Parliament's first reading amendments.At ECOFIN Council on 25 November, the Government secured agreement to a Declaration, to be adopted alongside the Council Common Position, which reiterates the Council's support for adoption of the Investment Services Directive by April 2004 and, more importantly, indicates a willingness on the part of the Council to consider amendments put forward by the European Parliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contracts (a) his Department and (b) agencies for whom his Department is responsible have with EDS; what the (i) scope and (ii) duration is of each contract; and how many staff were transferred to EDS in each case when those contracts were set up. [141158]

The information is as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has been given by Lord Penrose on the likely timing of the publication of his report on Equitable Life. [140509]

The publication of Lord Penrose's report is a matter for the Government rather than Lord Penrose. The Treasury will publish Lord Penrose's report, in full if this is at all possible, as soon as is practicable following receipt of the report.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on Treasury plans to repatriate European structural funds. [140537]

The Government's policy for European structural funds are as set out by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in her statement to this House on 17 September. The Government believes that the EU Framework for Devolved Regional Policy provides the basis for an outcome that is best for the new member states, for Europe, and for the nations and regions of the United Kingdom.The Government will also respond to this House in more detail on some of the questions raised in the domestic consultation in the near future.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the current value is of the investments made in euro, dollar and yen interest bearing assets from the proceeds of gold sales between July 1999 and March 2002; and what their current value would be if still held as gold. [140651]

My answer to the hon. Gentleman on 27 October 2003, Official Report, column 39, explained that the gold sales between July 1999 and March 2002 reflected a prudent decision to reduce over-exposure to a single asset in the net reserves portfolio. The gold sales reduced risk by around 30 per cent. (as measured by value-at-risk) and are not expected to deliver a loss in return when measured over the medium to long-term, the appropriate time horizon for such a decision.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a market-making exercise was conducted by the Inland Revenue in support of the original contract for the IT system for the Inland Revenue; and who the prospective suppliers engaged with the Inland Revenue in the conduct of that market-making exercise were. [140480]

The initial Market-making exercise for the EAGLE contract prompted six responses to the OJEC notice. The suppliers involved were:

• CSC Europe/IBM UK
• EDS Ltd.
• Hoskyns Group plc
• ICL/Anderson Consulting
• Digital Alliance (Digital Equipment Co., Logica and Barclays)
• Sema Group UK

Of these suppliers, two were invited to tender—EDS Ltd. and CSC Europe/IBM UK. The preferred supplier was announced in December 1993, and the contract awarded in May 1994.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what change there has been in (a) business investment, (b) manufacturing investment and (c) service sector investment in each of the last six years. [140950]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Government departments operate the Government Procurement Card scheme; and how many cases of fraud have been identified since the scheme was introduced. [141602]

122 organisations currently operate the Government Procurement Card Scheme. A list of them has been placed in the Library of the House.There have, since the inception of the GPC scheme in 1999, been a small number of incidences of fraud on the Government Procurement Card. All of these incidences have been reported in the HM Treasury Fraud Report, which can be found through the following link: http://www. hm-treasury_gov_uk/Documents/Public_spending_and_Services/Audit_and_Accounting/pss_aud_fraud. Cfm

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which projects have been (a) wholly and (b) partly funded by his Department in St. Helens since 1997; when each project was announced; when it started or was expected to start; what funding was provided by (i) Government and (ii) a third party; what third party provided funding; what the target group of the project was; what the projected outcome of the project was; and what the name of the project was. [141269]

Two projects have been partly funded by the Invest to Save Budget (ISB) in St. Helens since 1997. These were announced in February 2000 and March 2001 respectively.The projects were: 'Early Intervention Equals Timely Prevention' funding by Government for this project was £241,000. Third party funding was by a partnership consisting of St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council and St. Helens area Merseyside Police. The target groups were victims and potential victims of crime. The projected outcome was to reduce the incidences of victimisation and repeat victimisation and to make an impact on crime and disorder in the St. Helens area.'The Advice Connections' funding provided by Government to this project was £180,000. Third party funding was by a partnership consisting of The Legal Services Commission for Merseyside, St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council, St. Helens and Knowsley Health Authority, Council for Voluntary Services, Coalition of Disabled People, Age Concern, Citizens Advice Bureau, The Liverpool Law Society, The Benefits Agency and St. Helens County Court. The target group is citizens likely to suffer from social exclusion. The projected outcome was increased and improved access to legal information and advice services.Of course HMT allocates spending to departments who will spend this in every authority including St. Helens.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list all public corporations and in respect of each, the (a) rate of return on capital employed required by the Treasury and (b) sums paid in by each corporation to the Treasury in 2002–03. [141544]

A list of public corporations has been deposited in the Library of the House.The rate of return on capital employed that is required for an individual public corporation is set by the department that sponsors the body. Departments set this rate in accordance with guidance issued by the Treasury taking into account the type of activity engaged in and the market the body operates in.For 2002–03 departmental resource accounts list the amount of dividends and interest payments from public corporations that were paid into the Consolidated Fund by departments.Under the new budgeting regime announced as part of Spending Review 2002 (that came into effect from 1 April 2003) dividend and interest payments from public corporations are no longer returned to the Consolidated Fund. They are retained by the sponsor department.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many suicides per 100,000 of the relevant population there were in each year since 1990 (a) in total, (b)for women, (c) for men and (d) for men under the age of 30; and if he will make a statement. [141111]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information existing child tax credit and working tax credit recipients will be required to submit in order to support a 2004–05 award; when that information will be requested; how recipients will be informed of the requirement.[141523]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Richard Burden) on 19 November 2003, Official Report, columns 1099–1100W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much additional revenue would be raised from the residents of (a) each of the district councils in Dorset and (b) the Bournemouth and Poole unitary authorities for every penny increase in the basic rate of income tax. [141513]

The requested information is given in the table.

Additional full-year yield of increasing the basic rate of tax by 1p in 2000–01 (in £ millions)
(a) District councils in Dorset
Christchurch	1.9
East Dorset	4.2
North Dorset	2.3
Purbeck	1.7
West Dorset	4.2
Weymouth and Portland	4.2
(b) Bournemouth and Poole unitary authorities	14.5

Estimates are based upon the 2000–01 Survey of Personal Incomes. The effects of the illustrative changes can be scaled up or down over a reasonably wide range. The results exclude any behavioral response to the tax change.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the revenue from (a) income tax and (b)corporation tax was in each tax year since 1996–97 in (i) current and (ii) real terms using 1996–97 as the base. [141201]

Income tax and corporation tax receipts in current terms are published on the Inland Revenue website www.inlandrevenue.qov.uk/stats/tax receipts/031 R 1 2.pdf.Receipts in real terms can be calculated using GDP deflators. The Treasury publishes GDP deflators on the HM Treasury website at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/economic data and tools/gdp, deflators/data gdp index.cfm.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what increase in the basic rate of tax would be needed to raise (a) £80 million and (b) £120 million in the current year from the income tax payers of Newcastle upon Tyne. [141202]

The yield from increasing the basic rate of income tax in 2000–01 by 1p in Newcastle upon Tyne is £10 million. This result can be scaled up to see the effects of higher increases but would exclude any behavioural response to the tax change. This estimate is based upon the 2000–01 Survey of Personal Incomes.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what means the policy for purchasing timber and timber products of (a) the Treasury, (b) the Debt Management Office, (c) the Office for National Statistics, (d) the Royal Mint and (e) the Valuation Office ensure that they are obtained from legal and sustainable sources. [141331]

All suppliers are provided with a clear statement of the Government's commitment to purchase timber and timber products from legally binding and sustainable sources. Suppliers are required, as a condition of contract, to produce evidence of these sustainable and legal timber sources.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether employees of Transport for London are liable to pay (a) income tax and (b) national insurance contributions on the market value of free travel passes issued to their nominees under the scheme operated by TfL. [141253]

Employees who receive free or cheap travel vouchers from their employer, for themselves or members of their families, will generally be taxable on the benefit by reference to the cost to the employer. There will also be a liability to class 1 (employer and employee) national insurance contributions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy (a) to ensure that the general practitioners of families of dockyard radiation workers are informed about the occupation and encouraged to enter it on the records of the children of these workers and (b) to ensure that (i) retired and (ii) former radiation workers have the opportunity of a radiation medical once a year through the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [140908]

It is a matter for dockyard radiation workers to consider what information they offer to their GP about their employment. Decisions concerning what to record within medical records is a matter for professional judgment and for guidelines that may be provided by the Department of Health or the appropriate professional bodies or associations. Similarly decisions about whether to offer annual medical examinations to retired or ex-radiation workers through the NHS is a matter for the Department of Health.The Ministry of Defence provides an independent counselling service for radiation workers, former radiation workers and their families who have concerns about their health consequent of their work with radiation. Individuals may request counselling by telephoning the Counselling Telephone line (02392 768098) and leaving their names and addresses or by writing to the MOD Counselling Registry at DSTL Radiological Protection Services, Crescent Road, Alverstoke, Gosport, Hants PO 12 2DL. Further details are available on the world wide web at http://www.mod.uk/dsef/hp/rwc.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many (a) retired personnel and (b) widows in each of the three armed services have been identified as incorrectly paying tax on retired pay and pensions awarded since 1952 on the grounds of disability attributable to or aggravated by service; and how many of these are (i) pre-1973 pensioners and (ii) post-1973 pensioners; [141090](2) how many

The following table shows the total number of individuals identified as incorrectly paying tax on their armed forces invaliding pensions since 1952. Attributable pensions paid to widows are not tax free under Inland Revenue rules, though in some cases widows may have been the beneficiaries of refunds where the pensioner is deceased. These figures are broken down by service and by pre-73 and post 1973 pensioners.

As at August 2003	Royal Navy	Army	Royal Air Force	Total
Pre-1973	57	300	13	370
Post-1973	204	828	110	1,142
Total	261	1,128	123	1,512

Inland Revenue repayment supplement has already been paid on all tax refunds. The level of compensation to be paid to individuals affected by the tax error is a matter for the Department. I do not intend to commission an independent inquiry. Individuals who are unhappy with the Department's decision on additional compensation will be able to take their cases to the Pensions Ombudsman or to the courts. I intend to announce our decision with respect to additional compensation by 18 December.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) when she will next meet representatives of local government to discuss the fee arrangements for the licensing system; [141629](2) whether full cost recovery through the Government's designated licence fee structure will include the cost of enforcement and administration of the new licensing regime; [141630](3) how her commitment to ensure the costs of the new licensing system are fully covered by fees will be achieved; [141631]

A regulatory impact assessment setting out our estimates of the fee levels and the underlying analysis was published with the Licensing Bill in November 2002 and placed in the Library of the House. No final decisions have been made about the fees to be prescribed under the Licensing Act 2003, and we are presently considering carefully information and material provided by representatives of local authorities before making those decisions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met representatives of local authorities to discuss fees, among other things, and my predecessor with responsibility for licensing reform, my hon. Friend the Member for Pontypridd (Dr. Howells), also met representatives on several occasions to discuss these matters. My officials have been discussing fees, among other things, with representatives of local authorities since November 1999. These discussions have now been completed and we hope to announce shortly the fees that the Secretary of State intends to prescribe under the 2003 Act, though we will continue to meet representatives of local authorities to discuss other matters relating to the implementation of the new legislation. We have repeatedly given assurances both in the House and to representatives of local authorities that the fees will be set at a level which permits recovery of the full costs of administration, inspection and enforcement to local authorities associated with the licensing functions under the 2003 Act. The Secretary of State has also agreed with representatives of the local authorities to allow an independent review of the costs of the new licensing regime and the fee levels after the end of the transitional period, and if any changes are necessary, they will be made. All interested Government Departments were involved in discussions with my Department about the preparation of the regulatory impact assessment and my officials have more recently had discussions about fees with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Before making final decisions on the fee levels, we intend to have further discussions with all interested Government Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money was spent per capita on playing the National Lottery (a) in each of the regions of England and Wales and (b) in the Vale of York in each of the past three years. [140570]

This information is not available. However, in response to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Morley and Rothwell (Mr. Challen) on 22 October 2002, Official Report, columns 182–83, my right hon. Friend the Minister for Sport and Tourism placed in the Library a table listing sales by postcode area since the Lottery's launch. I will provide an update of the table to the hon. Member as soon as it is available, and place a copy in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much her Department has invested in promotion of rugby in the UK since 1997. [141067]

Since 1997, the Department has invested a total of £48.7 million in the promotion of rugby. Rugby Union will also receive £9.4 million over 2003–04 to 2005–06 as part of the Community Club Development Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Lottery money has been awarded (a) to rugby clubs and (b) to promote rugby in each of the last six years; and if she will list the projects which have benefited. [141069]

Since 1997, the Department has invested a total of £48.7 in rugby. Over £30 million of this went to supporting amateur clubs. Rugby Union will also receive £9.4 million over 2003–04 to 2005–06 as part of Sport England's Community Club Development Programme for capital facilities work at amateur clubs.I will arrange for a list of projects for the last six years to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will provide support for the sport of sea angling. [140462]

DCMS recognises angling as a sport, supports the interests of anglers, and provides funding for the sport via Sport England. Since 1995 angling has received in excess of £2.1 million in Lottery Awards, in addition to over £280,000 in Awards for All grants.The three governing bodies for angling—including the National Federation of Sea Anglers—receive Exchequer funding in the form of annual development grants.I attended the World Junior/Youth Shore Angling Championships held in Bridlington earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason he has not yet replied to the letter sent to him dated 25th September by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton, with regard to Mrs. Safdar. [140782]

I wrote to my right hon. Friend in my letter of 1 December 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Metropolitan Police officers were licensed to carry firearms in each year since 1997. [140855]

The number of Metropolitan Police officers authorised to carry firearms in each year since 1997 is shown in the following table:

	Number of authorized firearms officers (AFOs)
1996–97	6,738
1997–98	6,585
1998–99	6,308
1999–2000	6,262
2000–01	6,064
2001–02	5,776

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the written answers given by his Department on 19 November in response to questions from hon. Members included a promise to write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library; how many such letters have so far been sent; and by what date the remainder will be sent. [141547]

The number of Parliamentary questions replied to on 19 and 20 November, which gave the answer of promising to write to the hon. Member and placing a copy of that letter in the Library was 340. Of these, 184 were tabled in the last four days available for tabling. Replies have so far been sent to 50 and the remainder are in the process of being answered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the European standards for speed cameras. [141515]

I have arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance the Government are giving local authorities regarding the purchase of recycled paper. [140594]

Local authorities are independent and autonomous bodies responsible for making their own decision about procurement matters.The National Procurement Strategy for Local Government, prepared jointly by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Local Government Association (LGA), emphasises the importance of environmental objectives as part of the procurement process in local government. The strategy specifically advises that every council should build sustainability into its procurement strategy, processes and contracts.The Improvement and Development Agency (IdeA) have recently published their guide "Sustainability and Local Government Procurement" which sets out how local authorities can develop and implement a sustainable procurement policy and a risk-based strategy designed to tackle the categories of spending that have the greatest environmental and social impacts. The guidance contains the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) buying solutions "Quick Wins" on certain product specifications, which include targets on recycled paper. The guidance notes that the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) have recommended the wider adoption of these "Quick Wins" across the public sector, including local government.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to make changes to legislation relating to allotments. [141106]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no current plans to make any changes to legislation regarding allotments.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in assessing applications to the Special Grants Programme, what consultation there was with those responsible for DEFRA's Beacon Towns scheme. [140722]