To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking following the meeting on 6 January between her Department's Ministers and industry and other representatives to ensure compatibility of chemicals used in agriculture and horticulture with the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH); what consultation has taken place with farming organisations; and if she will make a statement. [147177]

To ensure compatibility of regulation, the REACH proposal allows for certain substances to be exempt or considered as automatically registered where environmental or human health protection is already adequately covered by existing regimes such as for pesticides, biocides and veterinary medicines. Discussions have therefore focused on those industry sectors and uses most likely to be affected by the proposals, such as manufacturers of industrial chemicals, and we have not been approached by farming organisations to discuss REACH.We will shortly issue a public consultation paper, which will offer all interested parties, including farming organisations, a further opportunity to provide us with their views. There are also plans to hold a stakeholder conference during the consultation period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which Council of Ministers formation her Department has called on to lead the debate on the forthcoming EU chemical regulation. [147230]

Given the wide-ranging nature of the forthcoming EU chemical regulation, the Government have always considered it essential that the expertise of both the Competitiveness Council and the Environment Council would be needed in coming to decisions on the regulation on registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals.Following the decision of the Italian presidency to ask the Competitiveness Council to lead this debate, we welcome the formation of an ad-hoc working group between the two as a way to enable this wide input to detailed policy discussions. Such an approach is essential if we are to make good progress with this long awaited legislation. I recently visited Brussels to discuss the issues with parliamentarians and the Environment Commission's team and in the UK Ministers at Defra and DTI are working closely with each other and with both industry and non-governmental organisations to give the Commission's latest proposals the best possible scrutiny from all perspectives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff in her Department work in (a) the West Midlands and (b) North Staffordshire. [146908]

The information is as follows:

Defra has 734 staff working in the West Midlands. A further 147 Defra Executive Agency staff work in this Region.

Neither Defra nor any of its Agencies has offices in North Staffordshire.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which other European Union member states' fishing vessels will have to comply with the restricted areas in EU waters due to commence on 1 February. [146682]

All those which choose to fish in the restricted areas using the specified gears.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much the Department spent on information campaigns and advertising in 2002–03. [145248]

The Department does not maintain records of its expenditure on marketing separately. The expenditure for publicity by Defra's Communications Directorate, which includes advertising, publications, events, shows and direct information literature mailings, in the financial year 2002–03 was £4.7 million.This included communication on a very wide range of matters, much of it necessary or beneficial to the public and the wide range of industries in which Defra has an interest, together with local government, voluntary organisations and other bodies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has carried out into the health implications of allowing the burning of animal fat from cattle at the Teesside power station, Witton. [147403]

The Environment Agency is currently determining a permit application under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 from SembCorp Utilities Teesside Limited who operate the Teesside power station. The company plans to burn tallow that is currently held in storage as a result of the Over Thirty Month (Slaughter) Scheme (OTMS).The Agency has produced an OTMS Tallow Protocol that provides guidance to Agency Officers and operators on the determination procedure for applications to burn OTMS tallow. The Protocol states that the Operator must provide an environmental risk assessment of their proposals, including the risks of burning, handling, filtration, and any other pathways by which potential BSE infectivity might affect human health or the environment.As required by the Regulations, the Agency sent a copy of the operator's application to the local Primary Care Trust. The Agency has received a response on their behalf by the Tees Local Health Protection Unit. The response stated that the information from the application had been considered, together with additional information provided in a report by the European Commission's Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) entitled "The Safety of Tallow Obtained from Ruminant Slaughter By-products" and a "Risk Assessment for the Transport and Combustion of OTMS Tallow" by Det Norske Veritas Limited (DNV). Information had also been provided to the Health Protection Unit by a representative of the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC).The Tees Local Health Protection Unit response included the conclusions that, on the basis of the information supplied, the risks to individuals contracting vCJD

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason pesticides still hold provisional approval after five years; what the longest period is for which a pesticide has held provisional approval; and what she estimates the total tonnage used in the UK of pesticides provisionally approved in each category to be in the most recent year for which figures are available. [145176]

All pesticides must meet a minimum standard of safety and efficacy before any approval is given, provisional or otherwise. Provisional approvals are given in order for confirmatory data to be provided for example in areas such as efficacy. The precise requirements and time allowed for the generation of those data vary depending on individual products.The product that has held provisional approval status for the longest time was first given that status in 1988. Safe use of the product was established, but confirmatory efficacy data were required for full approval. Consequently, a series of different provisional approvals were issued in response to separate applications for approval concerning changes to the product label and its intended uses.The most recent estimates of the total tonnage of all provisionally approved pesticides used in the UK (in 2002) are as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether local authorities will be fully compensated for costs incurred under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive; [146980](2) whether she intends that manufacturers and retailers of electrical goods should contribute to costs incurred by local authorities under the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment Directive; [146981](3) what estimate she has made of the cost to local authorities of complying with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive in relation to

I have been asked to reply.The implications of the EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) for local authorities, manufacturers, retailers and others are set out in a consultation paper which the Government published on 25 November 2003. This is available at or may be downloaded from the Department's website at http://www.dti.gov. uk/sustainability/weee/index.htm. Copies are available in the House Library.This consultation paper invites views on the Government's preferred approach to implementing the Directive. It includes proposals for implementation of the Directive's provisions on producer responsibility and retailer take-back.The WEEE Directive places no obligations on local authorities. The Government have made it clear that there will be no new unfinanced burdens on local authorities as a result of the Directive. However, the Government aims to encourage increased separate collection of WEEE in line with the Directive's objectives and, in this context, it makes sense to build on existing collection activity at civic amenity sites. The Government wishes to encourage local authorities to consider upgrading and/or introducing WEEE collection facilities at their amenity sites. It is proposed that money will be made available, via a fund, into which local authorities may bid to finance improved or greater separate collection of WEEE at their civic amenity sites.The consultation suggests that this fund would be provided through a retailer take-back compliance scheme. The Government propose that the retailer scheme should provide funding initially of at least £5 million for civic amenity site upgrades in each of the five financial years between 2005–10, with an interim review in 2008, when the Directive is expected to be revised. It is expected that most of the early expenditure would relate to capital costs and any initial operating costs.

To ask the Leader of the House what recent discussions he has had with Government Departments and Select Committee Chairmen on the programme for pre-legislative scrutiny; and if he will make a statement. [147115]

My right hon. Friend has regular meetings with Ministerial colleagues to discuss the legislative programme, including the programme for pre-legislative scrutiny. He met the Liaison Committee to discuss pre-legislative scrutiny, among other matters, on 11 November; and he wrote to all Committee Chairmen with a provisional list of draft bills for the current session shortly after the Queen's Speech.

To ask the Leader of the House what plans he has to record representations he receives for and against the (a) present sitting hours of the House and (b) September sitting of the House. [146837]

To record the many informal representations I receive would be impractical, especially as many do not fall into a clear "for" or "against" category. However, as I announced to the House last week, the Modernisation Committee is to survey Members' views as part of a formal review of the sitting hours change.

To ask the Leader of the House what plans he has to review the sitting hours of the House. [147110]

As I announced to the House last Thursday, the Modernisation Committee intends to review the sitting hours. I am keen that the Committee should explore a range of options with a view to establishing a new and durable consensus.

To ask the Leader of the House what assessment he has made of the impact of the new sitting hours of the House on the times of committee meetings. [147114]

I am aware that some Members have found the time of Standing Committees irksome and am willing to consider this further. I have also discussed with the Liaison Committee the impact of the sitting hours on Select Committee meetings.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the current qualification levels for financial advisers; and what assessment he has made of whether these are of a high enough standard to protect the public; [147637](2) if he will make a statement on the badging and level of qualifications for financial advisers; and what assessment he has made as to ways in which this could be simplified; [147638](3) what assessment he has made of the extent to which a simpler form of badging to indicate the qualification and level of competence of a financial adviser would improve consumer confidence. [147639]

Consumer protection should take account of the requirement that those working in the financial services industry are capable of properly performing the work they undertake at all levels, and that consumers should thereby have confidence in the competence of financial advisers.The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 charges the Financial Services Authority (FSA) with securing the appropriate degree of protection for consumers. Vetting by the FSA aims to allow only those firms and individuals satisfying the necessary criteria (including competence) to engage in regulated activity.The FSA sets training and competence policy, including minimum standards for regulated firms and examination standards. The purpose of the FSA is to set the standards of training and competence that firms should reach.The FSA works closely with both the industry and consumers, and keeps training and competence requirements under review. It carried out a significant review of the qualification regime for financial services in November 2002. In particular the FSA proposed in Consultation Paper 194 (CP194) that the training arrangements should be simplified and competence assessed by using examinations that are 'appropriate' rather than a published list of FSA 'approved' examinations. This proposal gives firms greater flexibility, because they will be able to choose an examination that is appropriate in their circumstances.The FSA liaises closely with the Skills Council for Financial Services to ensure that consumer protection is at the forefront of training and competence policy. The Skills Council for Financial Services has responsibility to develop world class occupational standards in the financial services sector and to ensure that all sector specific qualifications are based on them.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on developments in financial services. [148151]

I am replying as the Minister responsible for financial services.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the estimated loss to his Department was from the fraudulent manufacture and use of red diesel in each of the last five years for which there are records. [145485]

HM Customs and Excise's latest estimates of the overall revenue loss from all forms of diesel fraud in Great Britain and the overall revenue loss from all forms of diesel fraud and legitimate cross-border shopping of diesel in Northern Ireland in 2000, 2001 and 2002 are set out in their Annual Report (HC 52) published in December 2003.The following table sets out Customs' latest estimates of the revenue loss in 1998 and 1999:

		£ million
	Great Britain (diesel fraud)	Northern Ireland (diesel fraud and legitimate cross border shopping of diesel)
1998	750	85
1999	900	175

Customs believe the great majority of diesel fraud on the British mainland, and a significant loss in Northern Ireland, involve the misuse of rebated or low-tax fuels supplied for non-road use, but a specific estimate of loss from red diesel alone is not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when, and on what basis, motorcycle helmets were made subject to VAT. [147107]

Motorcycle helmets which meet the necessary approved standards have been VAT zero-rated since 1 June 1974. The Government have made clear in negotiations on the European Commission's review of reduced VAT rates that we will not agree to the removal of any of our zero or reduced VAT rate derogations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the Dee Cockle Regulation Order to be implemented. [144779]

Responsibility for managing the Dee Estuary rests with the Environment Agency in its role as a Sea Fisheries Committee. As the Dee Estuary straddles the Wales/England border, Defra and the Welsh Assembly will act jointly to make a single Regulating Order under the Sea Fisheries (Shellfish) Act 1967, once the Environment Agency Wales, is in a position to submit a formal application for the Order. The Agency is in the process of obtaining written consents from landowners and it will forward an application when these are received.Both the Welsh Assembly and Defra will ensure that the application is processed as quickly as possible under the terms of the 1967 Act, but the process can take up to two years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether it is the policy of his Department to use fair trade products, as a matter of course, in (a) sales on departmental premises and (b) receptions and meetings involving staff and visitors. [142809]

My office does not have a refreshment facility in which it could stock and sell fair trade products.While there is currently no Government-wide approach to the procurement of fair trade products, we will endeavour to use them for official entertaining, subject to this being value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements are already in existence to register children on a national register. [145656]

There are no arrangements in existence to register children on a national register. There are no plans for children to be included on a national register.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools have (a) been awarded Department for Education and Skills funds for e-registration, (b) installed e-registration and (c) have fully operational e-registration systems. [R] [146750]

My Department has provided 480 secondary schools with funding to purchase electronic registration systems. Another 61 schools are in the process of claiming such funding. However, schools may use other funds to purchase e-registration systems and they are not required to inform the Department when they do so. So the information required to answer parts (b) and (c) of the right hon. Member's question is not available centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answers of 11 December 2003, Official Report, column 608W, on education spending, what effect the announcement of additional funding for 2004–05 in the Chancellor's pre-Budget report will have on the sums provided; and what the sums provided were in 2003–04. [146521]

The additional funding provided in the Chancellor's pre-Budget report affects the Revenue Support Grant payable to authorities rather than the Formula Spending Shares, which remain unchanged. The basic entitlement in the Education formula Spending Share in 2003–04 was £2,004.65 for primary pupils and £2,656.92 for secondary pupils.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to increase opportunities for young people in the field of environmental engineering, with particular reference to the provision of (a) courses in further education and (b) modern apprenticeships. [146545]

There are a number of different routes into careers and relevant university courses in environmental engineering. Young people choosing this area will therefore benefit from the Government's commitment to increase opportunities to study or train in a variety of subjects in both colleges and Modern Apprenticeships. A range of academic and vocational subjects, together with Modern Apprenticeship frameworks, are available in the areas of engineering, science, construction and the environment. The relevant sector bodies for this area LANTRA covering land based industries and SEMTA covering engineering are working with employers in their sectors to promote these careers to young people and with the Learning and Skills Council expand the range of opportunities available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the availability of fresh water in school dining rooms; and if he will make a statement. [146351]

All schools are required to have a wholesome supply of drinking water. However, it is for local education authorities, governors and schools to decide how and when drinking water should be made available to pupils.Guidance produced by this Department advises caterers on meeting the requirements of the Government's nutritional standards for school lunches and recommends that drinking water should be made available to all pupils every day, free of charge. The DfES, in partnership with the Food Standards Agency, are currently examining school meals provision in 80 maintained secondary schools in England. This exercise will also consider the extent to which complementary guidance, which covers drinking water provision, is adhered to. Results of the exercise are due in late spring 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what his estimate is of the cost of the current phase of expansion of higher education in annual revenue terms. [147562]

Funding for higher education in England between 2002–03 and 2005–06 was set out in the White Paper, "The Future of Higher Education" (Cm 5735), published in January 2003. The overall funding for higher education—including the costs of expansion—will increase by 31 per cent. between those years from £7,596 million to £9,918 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on differences in information technology curricula between the main examination boards. [146658]

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority is responsible for ensuring the GCSE specifications, including those in ICT, are consistent with the National Curriculum programmes of study, conform to publicly available subject criteria published by the regulatory authorities, and are of a consistent rigour and standards. The subject specific criteria set out a framework for aims, assessment objectives, and schemes of assessment required in syllabuses. Each awarding body is then free to develop GCSE specifications within the framework.I have asked the Chief Executive of the QCA to write to you providing further details of individual awarding body specifications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the Government's policy is on the use of mobile phones in schools by (a) pupils and (b) staff. [146661]

The use of mobile phones in schools, by pupils, is a local matter to be determined by the headteacher, school governing body and/or the local education authority. The Department has advised schools to take into account the Chief Medical Officer's guidance that children and young people should be encouraged to use their phones for essential purposes only and to keep the calls short. The Department has not issued guidance for teacher's use of mobile phones.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what methods are used to measure regional differences in educational standards. [146663]

The Department publishes a wide variety of data on the performance of schools and other education institutions, including 'value added' measures. Much of this is published in Statistical Bulletins, Statistical First Releases and Statistical Volumes of Education as well as Performance Tables. These sources provide information at school, LEA, Regional, and national level. This data is used by bodies such as Regional Development Agencies and the Learning and Skills Council to help develop regional and local strategies to improve education and skills attainment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the impact on the nutrient content of school meals of the metric used by the Audit Commission Best Value Inspectors for school catering services. [146349]

This Department has not made any such assessment as the Audit Commission as part of Ofsted LEA inspections uses the food based approach set out in the Nutritional Standards Regulations in its inspections of school catering services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make it his policy to (a) implement national nutrient-based standards for (i) school breakfasts and (ii) school lunches and (b) make arrangements for monitoring their implementation. [146350]

There are no plans to require maintained schools to provide breakfasts. Schools are required to provide free lunches to eligible pupils, and lunches for other pupils where a request for one is made, that meet the school lunch nutritional standards.We carried out two consultations before introducing the national nutritional standards in 2001. Most of those consulted thought that food based standards would be simpler to implement and monitor, and would be consistent with cross Government policies that support children in making healthy eating choices. Most importantly, they are easily understood by children.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time (i) primary and (ii) secondary school teachers were employed in Chorley constituency in each of the last three years. [146973]

The following table shows the numbers of full-time and part-time regular teachers, employed in each January between 2001 and 2003, in primary and secondary schools in Chorley constituency.

	Maintained primary1		Maintained secondary2
	Full-time2	Part-time2	Full-time2	Part-time2
2001	340	120	400	70
2002	340	110	420	70
2003	350	120	430	60
1Includes middle schools as deemed.
2Includes qualified and other teaching staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many full-time (a) primary and (b) secondary school teachers were employed in Huntingdon on 1 December 2003. [146435]

Constituency level data for regular teachers are collected on the Annual Schools' Census in January of each year. The most recent data available for primary and secondary full-time regular teachers is at January 2003. These data are shown in the following table.

Full-time teachers1 in maintained schools in Huntingdon constituency
	Number
Primary2	380
Secondary2	420
1Includes qualified and other teaching staff.
2Includes middle schools as deemed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment has been made of toilet training for children; and whether any research has been conducted on this subject. [146727]

I have been asked to reply.The Department of Health has not commissioned any recent research on links between bowel and bladder problems in children and child abuse.Data on the number of parents accused, and admitting to abuse of their children as result of enuresis are not collected centrally.A study published in 1997, based on data from the national study of health and growth, found that a father's social class was associated with enuresis only in girls, with a higher prevalence in those whose fathers were manual workers."Good practice in continence services", issued by the Department in April 2000, provides guidance to primary care trusts (PCTs) on continence services. This includes that PCTs should have specialist continence services in place, which provide patients with an individual assessment of their needs. Provision of these services in England is a matter for PCTs, which are responsible for determining the level of services required to meet the needs of their local populations. The Department does not monitor provision in this level of detail.Toilet training for children is considered in the Department of Health guide, "Birth to Five", available free to first time mothers and at www.doh.gov.uk/ birthtofive/. The Department has not commissioned any recent research on toilet training for children.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils missed, through unauthorised absence, (a) one half-day session, (b) between two and five half-day sessions, (c) between six and 10 half-day sessions, (d) between 11 and 15 half-day sessions, (e) between 16 and 20 half-day sessions and (f) over 20 half-day sessions in each year since 1997. [147145]

The information requested is not available. The Pupil Absence Return requires schools to provide only the number of pupils with at least one unauthorised absence. From the data collected, it is possible to calculate the average number of half-days missed per absent pupil due to unauthorised absence and the figures since 1997 are shown as follows:

Academic year	Average number of half-days missed per absent pupil due to unauthorised absence
1997/98	15
1998/99	14
1999/2000	13
2000/01	13
2001/02	13
2002/03	12

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate he has made of the amount the proposed top-up fees would raise annually if (a) all universities charged the maximum and (b) universities on average charged half the maximum. [147563]

Information on the costs and benefits associated with the proposal in the Higher Education Bill to allow universities to set their own tuition fees is contained in the Regulatory Impact Assessment, published on 8 January 2004, alongside the Bill. The Regulatory Impact Assessment illustrates the income from additional fees in different scenarios. Because of the nature of a variable scheme, the costs vary greatly according to the decisions that higher education institutions take, and they cannot be estimated precisely at this stage. Copies of the Regulatory Impact Assessment were placed in the Library of the House; it is also available on the Department for Education and Skills website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills in which year he expects his proposal to increase from £10,000 to £15,000 the income threshold for repayment by graduates of tuition fees to take effect; and whether he plans to take account of possible inflation in the intervening period when setting the threshold. [147724]

We plan to increase the threshold for the repayment of student loans from £10,000 to £15,000 with effect from April 2005. No account will be taken of any inflation in the intervening period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what provisions are being implemented to promote the safety of teachers, with particular reference to violent pupils. [146666]

We are investing nearly £470 million over this and the next two years in measures to improve behaviour and attendance in schools. These include training for school staff in managing pupil behaviour and preventing violence. We have also made it clear that head teachers may permanently exclude pupils responsible for violence. New legislation in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act will enable local education authorities to apply for court-imposed Parenting Orders for parents whose children have been excluded from school for serious misbehaviour. And we have issued "A legal toolkit for schools", which identifies legal remedies available when school staff experience problems with violent parents. Some of these are also available when dealing with violent pupils.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff in her Department work in (a) the West Midlands and (b) North Staffordshire. [146918]

There are currently no staff in my department that work in the West Midlands or North Staffordshire area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make representations to the Chancellor to undertake a review of value added tax levels on hotel accommodation. [147250]

DCMS has no plans at present to make representations to the Chancellor to review the rate of VAT on hotel accommodation, but we will continue to monitor the position carefully in consultation with the tourism and hospitality industry. Inconsidering the rate of VAT for hotels, the Government has to consider a wide range of issues such as the rate paid by other industries and the impact on revenue to the Exchequer, both in the short and longer term. The Government's aim is to maintain a tax system that provides the best overall environment for business, but it does keep the system under continual review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which Government Ministers have recently visited the Iraqi national museum in Baghdad; and if she will make a statement on (a) lost, stolen or damaged exhibits belonging to the museum and (b) access to the museum and its security. [146362]

No Government Ministers have visited the Iraqi national museum in Baghdad recently. The British Museum is collaborating with the Baghdad Museum on a conservation programme which includes providing training in London for three Iraqi conservators on up to date conservation techniques. Estimates on numbers of missing artefacts are subject to regular revision. Early reports stating that 170,000 pieces had been looted from the museum were misleading. Currently around 30 pieces from the main collection are still unaccounted for and a further 10–13,000 other pieces may also be missing. Access to the Museum and the security of the Museum, and of its collections is a matter for the Museum and the appropriate Iraqi authorities working in partnership with the Coalition Provisional Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to increase productivity in the tourism industry in 2004. [147253]

Government, in partnership with the wider tourism industry, has identified four key strategic priority areas for increasing productivity in the industry. During 2004, DCMS will continue the work that is already in progress on domestic and overseas marketing through direct funding to VisitBritain and development of the EnglandNet initiative, on raising skills through supporting the establishment of a Sector Skills Council, by driving up quality through the Fitness for Purpose initiative and a review of the current accommodation quality grading schemes, and by improving tourism data through a review of data quality and availability with a view to strengthening statistics. A fifth priority for DCMS is to strengthen the advocacy of tourism across government at all levels. By concentrating on these areas, we aim to drive up productivity in the sector and to develop a highly competitive industry with sustainable foundations for long-term growth.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign arid Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the fairness of the recent parliamentary elections in Turkish Cyprus; and if he will make a statement. [147106]

The 14 December elections to the "Assembly" of the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", although not officially recognised, were an important opportunity for the Turkish Cypriot people to express their views on the island's future. A small team of academics from the University of Oslo carried out an independent study of the elections and the pre-electoral period. They noted some serious concerns about the manner in which the campaign was conducted. Lack of impartiality in the media was one area highlighted. The final report from the University of Oslo team is expected within the next month.We too have noted the widespread concerns expressed by many Turkish Cypriots about the way the campaign was conducted. There were numerous reports of intimidation and also of rigging of the electoral register. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. MacShane) gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) on 17 November 2003,

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British heavy goods vehicle drivers are held in prisons in EU countries, broken down by country. [146961]

The following is a breakdown of the number of British lorry drivers that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have been made aware of held in detention in each European Union country as of 8 January 2004:

	Number
France	60
Belgium	9
Spain	4
Italy	1
Germany	1
Sweden	1
Netherlands	0
Luxemburg	0
Denmark	0
Portugal	0
Greece	0
Austria	0
Ireland	0
Finland	0

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether all member states agreed to the Intergovernmental Conference Final Declaration issued by the Italian Presidency.[146951]

The Declaration on the Intergovernmental Conference was concluded on the Presidency's own authority and annexed to the European Council Conclusions. The main elements of it were, however, presented to the European Council before it concluded on 13 December 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name the judicial body and its treaty or other international basis empowered to adjudicate and provide interpretations and judgments concerning (a) the international treaties comprising the core structure and operation of the principal Treaties of the European Community and Union and (b) a formal European Constitution, once agreed, ratified and operative, similar to that under current consideration. [146976]

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the Court of First Instance, each within its own jurisdiction, ensure that the law is observed in the interpretation and application of the European Community Treaty, under the terms of its Article 220. The powers of the ECJ in respect of the Treaty on European Union are set out in that Treaty's Article 46. The ECJ would be responsible for ensuring respect for the law in the interpretation and application of the Constitutional Treaty (draft Article 1.28 (1)).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with his (a) Libyan and (b) German counterparts concerning the seizure of the German-flagged ship BBC China; [146839](2) what part was played by British officials in the recent tracking and seizure of the German-flagged ship BBC China. [146840]

[holding answer 12 January 2004]: It is our policy to co-operate with our allies in seeking to take action against the transport of goods which could contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The UK is an active participant in the Proliferation Security Initiative designed to improve international co-ordination in this area. I am withholding further information under exemption 1 of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects that talks will be held with Libya about ending its programme for the development of weapons of mass destruction; which other countries he expects will be involved; and what role the International Atomic Energy Agency will play in the talks. [147071]

[holding answer 12 January 2004]: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has invited Libyan Foreign Minister Shalgam to visit London soon to discuss a range of bilateral and international issues. This will form part of the process of implementing the decision by Libya to dismantle its weapons of mass destruction programmes. Britain and the United States will now be taking forward the practical issues of verification and of the dismantling of these weapons in partnership with Libya and with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).We have committed ourselves to helping with the preparation of Libya's returns to the IAEA and OPCW and to helping dismantle the programmes Libya has agreed to destroy. Within their respective remits, the responsibility for verifying Libya's declarations lies with the IAEA and the OPCW, and it is for the Libyan authorities to inform these organisations about the details of their programmes. Declarations, as always in these areas, will need to be detailed and comprehensive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) from which country the BBC China set sail with the cargo of uranium enrichment equipment seized in Italian territorial waters in October 2003; and in which country the equipment was made; [147379](2) what happened to the cargo seized from the BBC China in Italy in October 2003. [147380]

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave him today (UIN146839 & 146840).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role Mr. Nelson Mandela played in the recent change in relations between Libya and the United States and the United Kingdom. [147410]

Mr. Mandela had no involvement in the recent discussions on Libya's weapons programme. These discussions only involved officials and experts from Libya, the United States and the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what parts of the Schengen acquis the United Kingdom has applied to participate in since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [145585]

I have been asked to reply.In March 1999, the United Kingdom applied to participate in those parts of the Schengen acquis which relate to police and judicial co-operation, co-operation against drug trafficking and illegal immigration. The UK also applied to participate in the related provisions of the Schengen Information System. My right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary (Jack Straw) made a statement to Parliament on 12 March 1999 setting out this proposed partial participation in Schengen.The United Kingdom's partial participation in Schengen was agreed by the JHA Council in its Decision of 29 May 2000 (Decision number 2000/365/EC). There has been no further application by the United Kingdom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Sudan on its treatment of students who support Sudan Organisation Against Torture. [147408]

Our embassy in Khartoum has raised the issue with the Government of Sudan who have acknowledged our concerns and have undertaken to look into the cases and report back to us.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Sudan on the recent arrests in Nyala, Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [147409]

Our embassy in Khartoum has raised the issue with the Government of Sudan who have acknowledged our concerns and have undertaken to look into the cases and report back to us.I discussed the human rights situation in Sudan generally, and in Darfur more specifically, with the Sudanese Ambassador on 2 December 2003. And my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development (Hilary Benn) raised our concerns with the President of Sudan on 10 December 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to his answer of 15 December 2003, Official Report, column 721W, what working arrangements there have been between Mr. Andrew Smith and his Department in Sierra Leone prior to the last 12 months. [146417]

There have been none.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what checks officials in his Department make on the identities of shareholders and partners in companies which are contracted to provide services for it overseas; and if he will make a statement. [146419]

We routinely check the financial standing of companies through Companies House and Dun & Bradstreet reports. We do not normally check the identities of company shareholders or partners unless prompted to do so by our standard financial appraisal or other cause.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what assessment he has made of the benefits achieved to date for developing countries from the World Trade Organisation agreement on Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights and Public Health;. [146592](2) whether it is his policy to support compulsory licensing for export of all drugs for life-threatening diseases to least-developed countries. [146593]

I have been asked to reply.We welcome the Decision of the General Council of the WTO on 30 August 2003 which resolves the outstanding issue from the Doha Ministerial Declaration on the Trade-Related Property Rights Agreement (the TRIPS Agreement) and Public Health—the issue of how countries with insufficient or no manufacturing capacity in the pharmaceutical sector can make effective use of the compulsory licensing provisions within the WTO TRIPS Agreement.The Decision effectively extends to countries with minimal or no domestic manufacturing capacity the existing flexibility within the TRIPS Agreement to issue compulsory licenses by allowing other countries to produce and export to them. The original TRIPS Agreement allowed for compulsory licensing only where such licensing was primarily for domestic use.We are currently considering with our European partners how best to implement the new Decision both at EU and at UK level. Beyond our own implementation, we will monitor the wider implementation of the Decision in due course in order to ensure that the Decision is implemented effectively and delivers the intended benefits to developing countries. However, it is too early to make a substantive assessment of the benefits achieved to date for developing countries from the new Decision.In the context of implementing the new Decision, the Government has supported the principle that pharmaceutical companies in developed countries should be able to act as suppliers under the new arrangements—which would include the export of drugs for life-threatening diseases to least-developed countries—if they so choose.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which countries taking part in the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative have reached completion point within the timescale established at their decision point. [147391]

When the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative was launched in 1999, the fixed three-year performance period of the original HIPC framework was replaced by a 'floating' Completion Point. This means that Completion Point is triggered by the successful implementation of a set of pre-defined reform measures, rather than a set period of time. The Decision Point documents for HIPC countries give a prediction of when a country is expected to meet the floating Completion Point triggers, but these time-scales are intended to be only rough estimates. Of the nine countries that have reached Completion Point, only two (Mauritania and Uganda) did so at the date that had been predicted. Two further countries (Tanzania and Mozambique) reached Completion Point within five months of the date predicted at Decision Point. The remaining five countries (Mali, Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso and Guyana) missed their predicted Completion Point date by at least a year. Delay in reaching Completion Point is mostly due to poor policy performance. It should be noted, however, that there has been no delay to delivery of relief, as countries cease to make payments on their debt from Decision Point.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had since 17 September 2003 with (a) the World Trade Organisation, (b) the European Commission and (c) the United States about the use of special and differential treatment. [146585]

I have been asked to reply.It is important that WTO rules more fully reflect different WTO Members' implementation capacities and stages of development. We are therefore disappointed at the lack of progress which has been made in addressing Special and Differential Treatment issues post-Doha.We had hoped to see agreement in Cancun to at least an initial package of measures, however limited, which might then have opened the way to a wider dialogue on Special and Differential Treatment within the WTO, perhaps through the creation of an expert working group. In the event, no such package of measures was agreed and no progress made on establishing a wider dialogue, through an expert working group or otherwise.We will continue to press the case for appropriate Special and Differential Treatment within the WTO system with all relevant interlocutors.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment has been made of the impact on health standards of the strike by doctors and nurses in Zimbabwe. [146756]

Even before the doctors and nurses went on strike three months ago, the coverage and quality of health services in Zimbabwe were being compromised by severe shortages of skilled doctors, nurses, and other professional staff. Declining numbers due to AIDS mortality and migration has led to vacancy rates of 40 per cent. for nurses, 55 per cent. for doctors, and 90 per cent. for pharmacists. Those who remained saw their standard of living drastically eroded by inflation, which now stands at 700 per cent. per annum.During the doctors' and nurses' strike the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare attempted to limit damage by deploying military medical personnel and Cuban doctors. The doctors' strike came to an end early this month when substantial increases in salaries and allowances were agreed.The health impacts of the strike and the ongoing human resources crisis have not been quantified, but recent trends in health status in Zimbabwe are alarming. In less than 10 years, life expectancy at birth declined from 50 to less than 35 years, and mortality among children under five rose by more than 50 per cent. HIV prevalence is currently 25 per cent. among those aged 15–49 years. There are over 3000 AIDS-related deaths per week, and more than half a million children have been orphaned by AIDS.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment has been made of the request by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs for non-food aid for Zimbabwe. [146757]

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recently released an update on the UN Consolidated Appeals Process in Southern Africa. DFID agrees with OCHA's assessment that while food shortages remain the most immediate humanitarian concern in Zimbabwe, other factors affecting and threatening the basic needs of the Zimbabwean people should not be underestimated or neglected. These include the crippling effect of HIV/AIDS on households and communities, the lack of agricultural inputs, and the rapid decline of basic social services such as health care and education.DFID is committing approximately £35 million to Zimbabwe this financial year in support of both food and non-food initiatives through UN agencies and other channels. Approximately £28 million is going towards humanitarian relief programmes, including some support to subsistence farmers to enable them to plant food crops to feed themselves, and the provision of safe and clean water to vulnerable urban populations. Our other main programmes help to tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis, and support the health sector. No funding goes through the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure the funds are not abused.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases involving the theft of (a) vehicles and (b) property from vehicles were reported during December 2003 in each of the Park and Ride car parks operated under the auspices of the Department of Regional Development in the Belfast area. [147044]

I have asked the Chief Executive of Roads Service to write to the hon. Gentleman in response to this question. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he will publish the Costello report on the future selection and transfer procedure between primary and secondary education in Northern Ireland. [147234]

The Costello report deals with many complex issues and I am giving it careful consideration. I will make an announcement as soon as possible about the publication of the report and the shape of future transfer and post primary arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many dental practices in each Northern Ireland health authority area have ceased providing general dental services in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [147383]

The information requested is not available. The Department will be developing a new strategy for primary care dentistry, taking account of the recent reviews of the Dental Workplace and the Community Dental Service, and an important part of any new system of delivery will be to ensure that patients are able to access health service dental care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on publicly funded support for a motorsport circuit for Northern Ireland. [R] [146647]

Publicly funded support for a motorsport circuit for Northern Ireland must be considered in the context of the development of motorsports in Northern Ireland.Responsibility for the development of motorsports in Northern Ireland rests with the relevant governing bodies as represented by the 2&4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group Ltd. This Group is currently engaged in an 'Expressions of Interest' exercise in relation to the development of motorsports facilities, including the possibility of a regional motorsports facility. It would be premature to comment on funding implications in advance of the completion of this exercise.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what assessment his Department has made of the benefits of relocation of staff to North Staffordshire; and if he will make a statement; [146868](2) what assessment his Office has made of the effect of possible relocation of staff in his Office to North Staffordshire on

I refer my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North to the answer that the Chief Secretary to the Treasury gave on 12 January 2004, Official Report, column 516W.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether his Strategy Unit has produced reports in the last two years on a strategy for reducing harm resulting from the use of illegal drugs. [146752]

The Strategy Unit has been working closely with the Home Office and other key Departments in undertaking a study on high-harmcausing drugs.The study is a review of the impact of interventions on the drug supply chain from international production to distribution within the UK.The study will report privately to the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what plans he has to improve access for tours of the House by constituents. [147113]

A detailed report on the first year of operations since the introduction of the Central Tours Office and the new sitting hours in January last year is being prepared for the Administration Committee. The Committee will consider the report, taking into account views expressed by Members, and will then advise the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact of the North Sea oil and gas industry on the Scottish economy. [146396]

The Government recognise the continuing vital role of the North Sea oil and gas industry for the Scottish economy and to the UK as a whole in terms of jobs, investment and its contribution to the national income.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive regarding the reclassification of cannabis. [146397]

The legislation governing the classification of drugs is reserved to the UK Government and is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The Home Office is working closely with the Scottish Executive to ensure a coordinated approach to the reclassification of cannabis, which will take effect from 29 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the findings of the Electoral Commission in its report on elections in Scotland. [146398]

I met, in November, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission who briefed me on the official report on last year's Scottish Parliament and local government elections. I very much welcome this report. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, will consider very carefully all of the recommendations made by the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pensioner households in Scotland are in receipt of means-tested benefits. [146399]

The latest figure indicates that 320,000 pensioners are receiving income-related benefits in Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pensioner households in Scotland are in receipt of means-tested benefits. [147711]

The latest figure indicates that 320,000 pensioners in Scotland are receiving income-related benefits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the outcome of last month's EU Fisheries Council and its consequences for the North Sea fleet in Scotland. [146400]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, to his question on 8 January. He may also like to refer to the record of a statement in the Scottish Parliament made by Mr. Ross Finnie MSP on 7 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent steps the Government has taken to promote the dispersal of civil service jobs from central London to Scotland. [146401]

I am determined that Scotland will continue to get its fair share of posts created by UK Departments or dispersed from London, and I have encouraged Cabinet colleagues to consider what Scotland has to offer when they are reviewing relocation options.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the contribution of defence establishments in Scotland to the economy of Scotland. [146402]

While my right hon. Friend and I are well aware that defence establishments make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy, such assessments are a matter for the Secretary of State for Defence and the Scottish Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has (a) received from stakeholders in Scotland and (b) made to the Ministry of Defence in connection with the orders for Type 45 destroyers. [146403]

I have neither received nor made any specific representations in connection with the Type 45 destroyer programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent meetings he has had with the Scottish Executive on the economic impact on Scotland of the Defence White Paper. [146404]

I regularly meet Ministers in the Scottish Executive to discuss a range of issues, including the Scottish economy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on innovation and enterprise in Scotland. [146405]

Innovation and enterprise are at the heart of productivity growth and social gain. Scotland has gained an international reputation as a centre of innovation and expertise in life sciences and other technologies.The Chancellor's recent pre-Budget report announced a number of measures, which build on existing programmes to promote innovation and enterprise in Scotland and across the UK. These include a widening of the eligibility for research and development tax credits, reforms to reduce the regulatory burden on enterprise and measures to overcome barriers facing small business when raising finance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department has spent on the acquisition of works of art in each year since 1997, broken down by amounts spent on (a) paintings and (b) sculpture; what the single most expensive piece of art purchased by his Department since 1997 was; how much it cost; and what the total revenue raised by his Department through sales of its works of art has been since 1997. [142362]

The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999.Since that date, the office has spent £3,055 on works of art. The most expensive item cost £720. No works of sculpture have been acquired and no departmental-owned works of art have been sold during this period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the implications of the introduction of compulsory identity cards for his Department. [144557]

I do not consider that the introduction of a national identity card scheme will have any particular implications for the Scotland Office. Decisions on the use of identity cards to access devolved services in Scotland will be a matter for the Scottish Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many and what percentage of staff in his Department contribute to a charity through the Give as You Earn scheme; how much money is donated to charity per month by staff in his Department through the scheme; and what steps he is taking to encourage greater participation in the scheme by staff in his Department. [143901]

A small number of staff in the Scotland Office currently contribute just over £200 per month to charities through the Give As You Earn scheme. Further details cannot be provided so as to protect the privacy of the individuals concerned.Information about the Give As You Earn scheme is available on the departmental intranet site and periodic reminders are issued about the facility. Staff may, of course, make donations to charities by other means.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from (a) the Essex Police Authority and (b) others on funding by the Home Office for the Airwave radio system; and what changes have been made in the level of funding to be made available for the system in Essex. [146626]

[holding answer 8 January 2004]: Essex Police Authority and several other Forces have written about funding of their 2004–05 costs for optional services over and above the basic service. The Home Office is currently establishing the funding needs for each force and will inform Essex Police Authority of changes to its settlement in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of arson there have been in England and Wales in each of the last five years. [146421]

The available information is given in the table.

Number of offences of arson recorded by the police in England and Wales
	Number
1998–991	47,273
1999–2000	53,794
2000–01	52,818
2001–022	60,470
2002–032	53,200
1There was a change of counting rules for recorded crime on 1 April 1998, which had the effect of increasing the number of crimes counted. Numbers of offences for years before and after this date are therefore not directly comparable.
2The National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) was introduced across England and Wales in April 2002. Some police forces adopted the standard prior to this date. Broadly, the NCRS had the effect of increasing the number of crimes recorded by the police. Therefore, following the introduction of the standard numbers of recorded crimes are not comparable with previous years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce measures to deal with the use of ball bearing guns in public; and if he will make a statement. [146764]

Under the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 it will be an offence to have an imitation firearm in a public place without reasonable excuse. We expect this provision to come into force on 20 January. The issue of controls on imitation firearms will be dealt with in the review of firearms legislation which I intend to launch shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of police investigations into the claims made during the hearing of the extradition case against Boris Berezovsky that an assassin had been sent from Russia to attack him. [146730]

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the Metropolitan Police Service was made aware of an alleged threat to Boris Berezovsky. Inquiries made were unable to either substantiate this information or find evidence of any criminal offences having been committed. Investigations into this matter have been concluded.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many community support officers will be in post in the London borough of Sutton by the end of March 2004. [146000]

The allocation of Community Support Officers (CSOs) within the Metropolitan Police Service is a matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.The Commissioner has informed me that he plans to deploy 17 CSOs in Sutton by the end of March 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what funding has been made available to local communities to support interventions that (a) disrupt local drug markets by tackling both the supply and demand, (b) tackle drug-related crime and (c) address associated anti-social behaviour in (i) Middlesbrough South and Cleveland, East (ii) the North East and (iii) England. [144753]

In December 2002, the Government announced in the Updated Drug Strategy substantial direct annual spending to tackle drug misuse. Details are set out in the following table.

	£ million
	2003–04	2004–05	2005–06
Protecting young people	149	155	163
Reducing supply	380	380	380
Safeguarding communities1	212	297	367
Drug treatment2	503	512	573
Total	1,244	1,344	1,483
1Includes expenditure strengthening delivery.
2Includes mainstream spending, prison treatment and pooled budgets.

Regional breakdowns of financial allocations to local communities are not available in the form requested. However the table shows funding streams allocated directly to the Drug Action Teams in Middlesbrough, and in Redcar and Cleveland.

Regional funding 2003–04
		£
	Middlesbrough allocation	Redcar and Cleveland allocation
DAT Development Funding	35,000	34,000
Pooled Treatment Budget	1,113,000	765,000
Throughcare and Aftercare	133,000	35,000
Capacity Building Funding	350,000	—

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact of his Department's policies on the constituency of Regent's Park and Kensington North since 1997. [145422]

Most of the policies initiated by the Home Office since 1997 have had an impact on the Regent's Park and Kensington North constituency as on other parts of the country. Our policies in the areas of crime reduction, anti-social behaviour and policing are providing direct benefits to the people of Regent's Park and Kensington North.It is not possible to give details back to 1997, but policies and initiatives in recent years in the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) areas of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster have included:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent reports his Department has evaluated on methods to reduce drug crime. [146753]

As part of the Criminal Justice Interventions Programme, the Government keep the evidence on effective means of tackling drug related crime (both in the UK and abroad) under constant review.The Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate has, in the past, undertaken evaluations of initiatives designed to reduce drug related crime, and research reports relating to Drug Testing (and Drug Treatment and Testing Orders), Arrest Referral and prisoners' drug treatment have been published by the Department over the past two years.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the Forensic Science Service is contracted out to private operators. [146537]

The Forensic Science Service (FSS) does not contract out work undertaken in provision of forensic science services to the police service and law enforcement agencies to private operators. The FSS uses private operators solely for the supply of non-scientific support services unrelated to forensic sciences.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department where, and for how long, DNA samples are held by the Forensic Science Service. [146203]

Retention periods depend on the purpose for which the sample was taken, and are as follows:

Crime scene samples on unsolved cases may be kept indefinitely, especially for the more serious cases. For crime scene samples on solved cases the usual retention period is seven years, but it may be up to 30 years for serious crimes in case of a possible miscarriage of justice.

Following amendment of Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 by the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 samples of suspects can now be held indefinitely.

Where individuals have volunteered to provide a sample for intelligence purposes these may also be retained indefinitely provided the individual has given their written consent for its retention.

In all cases samples are either stored by the Forensic Science Service (FSS) laboratory that dealt with the case or in the FSS central archive in Birmingham.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of gun crimes was drug-related in the last year for which figures are available. [146833]

Statistics on the proportion of gun crime which is drugs-related are not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been (a) cautioned and (b) prosecuted for possession of (i) unlicensed firearms and (ii) shotguns in each of the last five years; in how many instances in each case the offence was limited to possession and not connected with the weapon's use in other crimes; and how many cases related to failure to renew the appropriate certificate. [147397]

holding answer 12 January 2004]: The available information is given in the following table. The statistics collected centrally do not enable those offences limited to possession to be distinguished from those connected with the weapon's use in other offences. Nor is it known how many cases related to failure to renew the appropriate certificate.

Persons cautioned and those proceeded against for possession of unlicensed firearms, England and Wales
	Possession of unlicensed firearms		Possession of unlicensed shotgun
	Persons cautioned	Persons proceeded against	Persons cautioned	persons proceeded against
1998	157	350	243	199
1999	147	316	132	118
2000	149	1272	242	1109
2001	117	217	233	125
2002	94	254	153	112
1Excludes figures for Staffordshire.

Statistics for 2003 will be published in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what expenditure has been allocated for the (a) assessment and (b) introduction of identity cards in each year from 2003–04 to 2007–08; and if he will make a statement. [146009]

In the current financial year, the Home Office budget for work on identity cards, which also includes work on shorter term measures to counter identity fraud, is £2.5 million.Our current best estimates for the three year set-up costs for a scheme are £36 million, £60 million and £90 million. The timing of this expenditure will depend on Parliament's approval of legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list information technology contracts in his Department with a value of above £20 million in each of the last 10 years; what the

Contract	Inception date	Fully functional
1. National Probation Service Information Systems Strategy (NPSIS): implementation of IT infrastructure and casement management applications. Expired.	1994	Infrastructure roll out substantially complete in 2001–2002
2. NPSIS (National Probation Service Information Systems Strategy): implementation of IT infrastructure and case management applications.	October 2001	Infrastructure service handover December 2001, upgrade schedule for completion mid 2004.
3. Core Home Office infrastructure implementation and services (HOITS)/expired.	August 1994	November 1994
4. Sirius: successor to HOITS infrastructure services and applications (notably correspondence handling, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and electronic data records management (EDRMS).	October 2000	Infrastructure service handover February 2001, correspondence handling complete, ERP and EDRMS in progress.
5. Quantum: Prison Service infrastructure services and applications	February 2000	Infrastructure roll out completed mid 2003, application under redevelopment.
6. Casework Programme: Immigration Service infrastructure services and case management system.	April 1996	Infrastructure service operational. Main casement application failed and superseded.
7. PASS1: UK Passport service passport management service.	October 1998	End 1999
8. CRB1: Criminal Records Bureau, application management, records checking and disclosure certificate generation services.	August 2000	High level disclosure service started March 2002, low level disclosures pending.
1Business service contracts underpinned by IT systems