To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the contribution of immigration to economic growth. [151562]

The economic analysis and projections set out in the Treasury paper on Trend Growth, published alongside the Budget in April 2002, imply a contribution from net migration of about 0.4 percentage points towards the 2¾ per cent. annual trend rate of output growth. Subsequent updates have not changed this.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans his Department has to use the tax system to encourage energy efficiency in housing. [151563]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to report on his Department's public consultation on fiscal measures to support energy efficiency. [151565]

The Government are already making extensive use of the tax system to encourage energy-efficient housing. We have introduced a reduced rate of 5 per cent. VAT for certain contractor-installed energy-saving materials, and grant-funded installation of central heating systems, heating appliances, factory-insulated hot water tanks, micro-CHP and renewable energy heating systems. The HM Treasury/DEFRA consultation on the use of economic instruments to promote household energy efficiency closed on 24 October 2003. The Government received 126 responses, and published a summary of responses on the Treasury web site on 11 December. Responses are being carefully considered as part of the Government's development of policy in this area. In the pre-Budget Report (Cm 6042), the Government announced that we believe that there is a case for further use of economic instruments as part of a package of measures to promote energy efficiency.As a part of this work, the Government are continuing to examine the case for a domestic business tax allowance, and to explore the potential for capital allowances and VAT measures to help deliver this.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the long term effect on the UK economy of continuing trade deficits. [151564]

The current scale of the UK trade deficit needs to be viewed in perspective. In recent years, the UK economy has been growing faster than many of our key trade partners, particularly those in the Euro area, so boosting our trade deficit. Nevertheless, the UK's trade and current account deficits have remained well below previous peaks.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the supervision of banks by the Financial Services Authority. [151566]

As the right hon. Gentleman is aware, responsibility for the supervision of banks moved from the Bank of England to the Financial Services Authority on 1 June 1998. The legislative framework for the regulation of banks was subsequently reformed under the Financial Services and Markets Act, which came into effect on 1 December 2001. The regime for prudential supervision of banks is kept under constant review, both at home and internationally, in forums such as the European Union and the Basle Committee on Banking Supervision.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of gross administrative expenditure in central government as a proportion of total managed expenditure was for (a) 1996–97 and (b)2003–04. [R] [145608]

The most appropriate measure of comparison between this year and 1996–97 is for planned expenditure on central administration as a percentage of total government spending, using the measures available at the time. This yields a figure which is 4.4 per cent. for 2003–4 and falling in future years, against a planned 4.9 per cent. in 1996–97. We cannot yet compare final out-turns because figures are not yet available for this year but, based on previous years' experience, we would expect this year's out-turn to be lower than the 4.6 per cent. of total government spending out-turn figure for 1996–97.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the (a) RPI, (b) RPI-X and (c) CPI was for Wales in each year since 1997. [151761]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about the mis-selling of endowment policies. [151571]

We receive occasional representations about the mis-selling of endowment policies. However, the Financial Ombudsman Service established under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 deals with individual disputes between consumers and financial firms.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the housing market in Wales. [151760]

The Treasury monitors regional housing market developments, and from time to time reports on them. For example Box A4 in the 2002 pre-Budget report (CM 5664) discussed regional house price differentials. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's "House Price Index Statistical Release" (available at http://www.odpm.gov.uk pns//pnattach/20040004/7.pdf) includes regular reporting of regional housing market developments.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make; a statement on his strategy to tackle areas of persistent low pay. [151558]

Since its introduction in April 1999 the National Minimum Wage (NMW) has been increased by 25 per cent. to £4.50 per hour for workers aged 22 and over. Together with the NMW, the reforms to income tax and National Insurance Contributions and the introduction of tax credits have boosted in-work incomes for households on low and moderate earnings.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the regulatory environment as it affects mutual insurance companies. [151555]

The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 sets the overall regulatory framework for mutual insurance companies. Under the Act, the FSA has operational responsibility for regulating these companies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with representatives of the Bank of England regarding the sustainability of current levels of personal debt. [151560]

The Treasury and the Bank of England hold regular meetings in a number of contexts to discuss a wide range of economic issues.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many security passes have been reported as (a) lost and (b) stolen by staff in his Department in the last 12 months. [151521]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Winchester (Mr. Oaten) on 26 January 2004, Official Report, column 115–16W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reform Stamp Duty Land Tax on leases. [151559]

All tax rates and thresholds are kept under review and can be changed as part of the annual Finance Bill. I cannot anticipate what my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer might announce in this year's Budget.Following consultation earlier this year, substantial changes were made to the Stamp Duty Land Tax charge on the rental element of new leases which will help all tenants and will be of special benefit to small and medium sized businesses.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters to the Paymaster General from honourable Members complaining about the operation of the new tax credits have been answered by (a) civil servants and (b) the Paymaster General. [150027]

Under long-standing arrangements, Members' letters to Treasury Ministers on operational matters are normally forwarded to the Heads of the Offices concerned to reply direct, unless the Member indicates that he or she requires a Ministerial reply.Since March 2003 around 1,500 such letters from hon. Members to Treasury Ministers have been referred to the Tax Credits Office in Great Britain for answer by officials.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals for debt relief mechanisms for poor countries are being considered for the period after the highly indebted poor countries initiative has ended. [151543]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for New Forest, West (Mr. Swayne).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with his colleagues in the Department for Transport in relation to the implications for Northern Ireland of the Department's White Paper, The Future of Air Transport; and if he will make a statement. [151336]

The White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, reflects the overarching perspective of the Northern Ireland administration on the key issues surrounding the development of air transport within the United Kingdom, as they affect Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland administration's input to the production of the White Paper reflected the cross-cutting and inter-departmental character of the issues previously consulted on during 2002. A senior official from the Northern Ireland Civil Service was a member, together with representatives from other regions and the Department for Transport, of the steering group that produced the White Paper. The implications of the White Paper for Northern Ireland's three commercial airports are currently being considered locally and in consultation with the Department for Transport within the 'balanced approach' of economic development, people's desire to travel, environmental impact, safety and security and the continuation of air services to the major London airports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact of the availability of anti-social behaviour orders in tackling such behaviour in Northern Ireland. [151332]

In considering measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Northern Ireland, and the impact of this, I have been informed by Home Office research in England and Wales. Research found that in many areas anti-social behaviour orders were considered by those using them to be an effective response to such behaviour. Reported benefits were a reduction in the behaviour targeted and positive outcomes in relation to public confidence and improved quality of life.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by what percentage car park charging has changed in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [151327]

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Roads Service to write to the hon. Lady 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 how many people were convicted of benefit fraud in Northern Ireland in the last year for which figures are available; what the average sentence was; and if he will make a statement. [150662]

In the 2002–03 financial year a total of 325 people where prosecuted for benefit fraud and in the current year 2003–04 to date a further 200 people have been prosecuted. A breakdown of the sentences passed is shown in the table.

	Number of people	Average sentence/Fine
2002–03
Probation	9	6–12 months
Suspended sentences	21	6 weeks–18 months
Conditional discharge	83	12 months–2 years
Community service	43	109 hours
Fines1	178	£191
2003–04
Probation	8	2–18 months
Suspended sentences	12	1–5 months
Conditional discharge	78	6 months–3 years
Community service	20	126 hours
Fines	82	£209
1 9 of the 178 also received a fine in addition to either a conditional discharge or community service)

In 2002–03 a further 24 people received a formal caution and 67 people accepted administrative penalties totalling £18,255. In 2003–04 to date 22 people received a formal caution and 94 have accepted administrative penalties totalling £32,828.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress in Northern Ireland in reducing child poverty. [150674]

New Targeting Social Need (TSN) is the Government's main policy for tackling poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland. New TSN aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion by targeting efforts and available resources within existing departmental programmes towards people, groups and areas in greatest social need.An independent external evaluation of New Targeting Social Need has now been completed. This assessed the way in which the policy had been implemented and examined its impact. The outcome of the evaluation will feed into future thinking on New TSN and will soon be the subject of public consultation.Presently in Northern Ireland, the Government are placing significant emphasis on initiatives that are focused on the early years of life, such as the Sure Start and Book Start and the Pre-School Education Expansion Programme. These complement mainstream service programmes.Alongside these initiatives the Government are developing long-term strategies dealing with child poverty. To this end the Children's and Young People's unit of The Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM) is currently developing a 10-year strategy of which child poverty is one of the key themes. The focus of the strategy is poverty, participation, protection and provision. As part of the development of this strategy, a multi agency group in November 2003 produced a strategic objective and related measures and outcomes specifically tackling child poverty. The group also considered how to take this forward and how the Children's Strategy should dovetail with the wider New TSN strategy (current and future) for tackling poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland.A total of £36 million has been made available through the Children's Executive Programme Fund with the specific aim of supporting children in need and young people at risk. £17 million has already been allocated for projects involving children and young people in areas including health, education, play and working with children at risk.Recent research commissioned by OFMDFM entitled "Low Income Households in Northern Ireland" shows that the concentration (proportion of those in poverty who are children) of children in poverty between 1990–94 has dropped from 36 per cent. to 33 per cent. between 1999–2002. A copy of the report has been placed in the House Library and it can also be viewed on the internet at http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/research/lowincome/index.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cot deaths there were in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years; and what advice is given by his Department to prevent such deaths. [151340]

The information requested, based on the latest years for which figures are available, is as follows:

	Number of cot deaths
1999	11
2000	12
2001	10

Since the early 1990s parents have been advised of the risk factors associated with cot deaths and how to avoid them through the Reduce the Risk Cot Death leaflets. Last July my Department issued an updated leaflet to parents on how they can reduce the risks. The new leaflet was developed after consultation with health professionals and the Foundation for Sudden Infant Deaths and contains advice on the safest sleeping arrangements for babies.My Department continues to monitor research findings and will issue revised guidance as appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals were provided with digital hearing aids in 2003; and what estimate he has made of how many others would benefit from these devices. [151218]

The phased introduction of Digital Hearing Aids (DHAs) commenced in October 2003. Information on the provision of hearing aids is not collected routinely by the Department. Health and Social Services Trusts with Audiology departments will shortly be asked to provide information on the provision of DHAs for the period October 2003 to the end of January. Information will thereafter be collected on a quarterly basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of (a) junior house officers, (b) senior house officers and (c) other doctors have weekly workloads in breach of the EU working time directives. [151210]

From the latest monitoring of New Deal compliance, 91 per cent. of junior doctors (this includes Pre-Registration House Officers, Senior House Officers and Specialist Registrars) are already working and being trained in less than 56 hours per week and are thus meeting the requirements of the European Working Time Directive which will come into effect in August 2004. It is not possible, without disproportionate cost, to disaggregate the figures in the form requested.The new consultant contract, which is being introduced from April 2004, aims to cap the average working week for consultants at 48 hours to ensure compliance with the Directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many drownings there were in Northern Ireland in 2003. [148838]

Mortality statistics for 2003 have not been fully collated and therefore the latest available data relate to 2002. There were 28 deaths caused by drowning¹ registered in Northern Ireland in 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress on protected elective surgery centres in Northern Ireland. [151217]

A number of protected elective facilities have been established, at Altnagelvin, Causeway, Erne, Lagan Valley and Mater hospitals. The unit at Altnagelvin hospital opened in 2001 and currently treats approximately 1,100 patients per year. The protected elective centre at Causeway hospital opened in November 2003 and is projected to provide 920 surgical procedures per annum. The unit at Lagan Valley hospital was opened in February 2003 and treats around 850 patients a year. The Mater hospital's protected facility opened in January 2003 and is anticipated to treat 1,100 patients per year. In addition, a new day procedures unit opened at Erne hospital in December 2003 and it will provide for an additional 300 day cases per annum.Work is also currently being undertaken to establish a protected elective centre at South Tyrone hospital.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many game licences were issued in Northern Ireland in (a) 1985, (b) 1990, (c) 1995, (d) 2000 and (e) in each year since 2001. [150680]

The number of game licences issued in Northern Ireland were:

Year	Number of Licences
1985	12,000
1990	1,722
1995	11,000
2000	958
2001	983
2002	1,018
2003	1,251
1 This is an estimation based on the value of licences sold.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what applications to grow GM crops have been made in Northern Ireland. [151339]

There has only ever been one application to grow GM crops in Northern Ireland. This was made in 1996 by the Department of Agriculture to carry out a small field-trial on potatoes. This application was dealt with through the regulatory process established under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1994. Papers are available for viewing by the public on a statutory Public Register at the Department of the Environment's Environmental Policy Division, River House, 48 High Street, Belfast, BT1 2AW. Telephone 028 90257362.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will include measures to deal with high hedges in his consultation on tackling anti-social behaviour in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [150683]

The current consultation on anti-social behaviour measures is focused on such behaviour linked to criminality. Therefore, it does not cover hedges between neighbours.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many general practitioner vacancies there were in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997; and what steps he is taking to reduce such figures. [151322]

There is generally no problem filling practice vacancies in Northern Ireland. The Central Services Agency (CSA) only hold information on GP vacancies where they were required to intervene to fill the vacancy. This typically occurs if the vacancy has arisen in what was previously a single-handed GP Practice. Otherwise the remaining GPs within the practice, as independent contractors, advertise and fill the position independently.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer given by the hon. Member for Basildon (Angela Smith), on 11 December 2003, Official Report, columns 577–78W, on hare coursing, what sources other than the principal sources cited in his answer he used to reach his decision to refuse a licence to a coursing club to net hares. [150049]

In addition to the two principal sources of information referred to in my previous answer of 11 December 2003, Official Report, column 578W, an unpublished research thesis by Karina Dingerkus, completed in 1997, provided contextual data reporting a decline in the population of the Irish hare in Northern Ireland over the preceding years. Her thesis, entitled "The Distribution and Ecology of the Irish Hare Lepus timidus hibernicus in Northern Ireland", is lodged in the Science Library of the Queen's University of Belfast. Her findings were summarised and discussed in the report of the 2002 Survey carried out by Dr. Jane Preston and others.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which grades of hospital doctors will be required to undergo an appraisal process in 2004 in Northern Ireland. [150756]

All consultant medical staff (including consultants in public health medicine and consultant clinical academic staff) and non-consultant career grade doctors (including Staff Grade doctors and Associate Specialists) will be required to undergo an appraisal in 2004.Arrangements for the appraisal of doctors in the training grades are currently being developed, and it is anticipated that all such doctors will also be appraised in 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of pupils in education in Northern Ireland are being educated at integrated schools; and what the percentage was in each of the last five academic years. [148766]

Information for the 2003–04 school year is not yet available. The percentages for the last five academic years are as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent disorder at HM Prison Maghaberry. [150684]

I utterly condemn the serious rioting and wanton destruction of prison property that took place in Maghaberry on 14 to 15 January. It is to the great credit of prison staff that the incident was brought to a conclusion without serious injury to staff or prisoners.Charges under prison rules have been laid against all those involved who are still in custody.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the financial costs resulting from overnight disturbance by prisoners at Maghaberry Prison on 14 to 15 January. [150733]

The estimated cost of the damage caused during the disturbance on 14 to 15 January is £100,000 to £150,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has for the redevelopment of the former HM Prison Maze site; and if he will make a statement on progress. [150668]

The Government's aim is to regenerate this key strategic site to bring the maximum possible social and economic benefit to Northern Ireland. A consultation panel has been established to provide advice on the best way forward. The panel is currently engaged in a public consultation process to generate ideas for the redevelopment of the site. The consultation will end on 29 February, and the panel is expected to submit its final report in May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what reports he has received of bullying and harassment experienced by members of minority ethnic groups who are pupils, students and staff at schools and educational establishments in Northern Ireland; and what actions have been taken as a result. [149246]

The Department of Education does not collect information about bullying or harassment of pupils who are members of minority ethnic groups at schools in Northern Ireland. However, the Department recognises that bullying in whatever form and for whatever reason has no place in schools. The Department has issued comprehensive guidance to all schools about how to tackle bullying. Further, the Education and Libraries (NI Order 2003), which came into operation on 1 April 2003, places a duty on all grant-aided schools in Northern Ireland to have a specific anti-bullying policy and to draw up measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.The Department of Education has received no reports of bullying or harassment of staff at schools in Northern Ireland who are members of minority ethnic groups. Schools have a Code of Practice on Harassment which would be applied should any such case arise.The Department for Employment and Learning has received no reports of bullying and harassment experienced by members of minority ethnic groups who are students and staff at the universities, teacher training colleges and further education colleges in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his Department's policy is on the construction and location of mobile phone masts in Northern Ireland. [151338]

The Department of the Environment's prevailing policy guidance for the development of telecommunication masts is set out in Planning Policy Statement 10 "Telecommunications", published in April 2002. This statement is available on the Planning Service website at: http: www.planningni.gov.uk/AreaPlans_Policy/PPS/PPS.htm and a copy has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many health care professionals from outside the United Kingdom were recruited to work in the NHS in Northern Ireland in each year since 1997; what positions they held; and what their nationality was. [150670]

Information on the total numbers of non-UK health care professionals recruited into the NHS could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Information is available, however, on the numbers of staff that were recruited from outside the UK as part of specific recruitment drives since 2000; No medical or professional and technical staff were recruited in this way during this period. The number of nursing staff, their grade and nationality are shown in Tables 1 and 2 as follows.

Table 1: The number of non-UK nurses recruited to work in the NHS in Northern Ireland in each year since 2000 by grade
Year	Positions held	Number recruited by HSS1Trusts
2000	Registered Nurse	8
Total		8
2001	Registered Nurse	94
	Pre-Registered Nurse	33
Total		127
2002	Nursing Staff	12
	Basic Grade Nurses	33
	Staff Nurse (no grade given)	42
	Enrolled Nurse C	40
	Staff Nurse E	5
	Staff Nurse D	11

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many flights (a) arriving and (b) departing (i) Belfast City Airport, (ii) Belfast International Airport and (iii) City of Derry Airport were in breach of the night-time flying curfew in the last year for which figures are available. [151334]

Belfast City Airport operates under a planning agreement, which governs operations, including flight hours, at the airport. The main elements controlling flight hours are: "permitted hours" between 6.30 am and 9.30 pm for normal scheduled operations; "extended hours" between 9.30 pm and 11.59 pm for delayed scheduled operations; and, "prohibited hours" between 9.30 pm and 6.30 am, which prohibits scheduled operations. During the calendar year 2003, six scheduled flights, four arrivals and two departures, used the airport between 12 midnight and 12.30 am during the "prohibited hours".Belfast International Airport and City of Derry Airport have no night-time operating restrictions placed upon them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many nursing vacancies there are in the province; and if he will make a statement. [150743]

The number of vacancies as at 30 September 2002 and 30 September 2003 are given in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many overseas nurses are employed in Northern Ireland. [150744]

Overseas nurses are employed both within the private sector and the HPSS in Northern Ireland but information is only held in respect of HPSS employees. As at 31 December 2003, the total number of overseas nurses employed within Health and Social Services Trusts in Northern Ireland was 709. Figures are detailed by Trust as follows.

HSS1 Trust	Number
Altnagelvin Group HSS Trust	24
Armagh and Dungannon HSS Trust	0
Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust	55
Causeway HSS Trust	14
Craigavon and Banbridge Comm. HSS Trust	0
Craigavon Area Hospital HSS Trust	50
Down Lisburn HSS Trust	42
Foyle Community HSS Trust	0
Greenpark Healthcare HSS Trust	47
Homefirst Community HSS Trust	20
Mater Infirmorum Hospital HSS Trust	24
Newry and Mourne HSS Trust	5
North and West Belfast HSS Trust	0
Royal Group of Hospitals HSS Trust	239
South and East Belfast HSS Trust	0
Sperrin Lakeland HSS Trust	40
Ulster Community and Hospitals Group HSS Trust	102
United Hospitals Group HSS Trust	47
Total	709
1 Health and Social Services

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what restrictions there are on the number of domiciliary visits by physiotherapists to a particular patient. [150735]

Domiciliary visits are determined by clinical need. While there is no arbitrary limit placed on such visits, service provision is managed to balance total local need with available resources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what basis SEELB provides a greater number of funded pre-school places to the statutory nursery school sector than to the private/ voluntary sector in Newtownards; and for what reason the playschool at Londonderry Primary School has not attracted any funded places. [149612]

In Newtownards there are currently 234 pre-school places in statutory nurseries and 136 in settings in the voluntary and private sector. Of these, 52 statutory places and all of the voluntary and private places were created by the Pre-school Education Expansion Programme. The planning of pre-school provision and the allocation of voluntary/private sector places is a matter for each Board's Pre-School Education Advisory Group (PEAG), which identifies shortfalls in funded pre-school provision at local area level. The intention was that new places created under the programme for Northern Ireland as a whole would be broadly on a 50:50 basis between the statutory and voluntary/private sectors, though at local level the ratio varies considerably, depending mainly on the level of provision prior to the programme. In Newtownards, most of the statutory provision pre-dated the expansion programme.The number of pre-school places which the South Eastern Education and Library Board's PEAG is funding in Newtownards is already sufficient to satisfy the demand from the parents of children in their immediate pre-school year. It is not necessary, therefore, for the PEAG to introduce additional providers such as the playschool at Londonderry Primary school.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the cost of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to the NHS in 2003. [150742]

Information in the form requested is not readily available and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evidence he has received of paramilitary group involvement in racist acts of vandalism carried out on peace walls between Protestant and Catholic communities; and if he will make a statement. [151138]

I am not aware of any racist acts of vandalism that have taken place on peacelines between Protestant and Catholic communities by paramilitary groups however racist graffiti was removed from the gable wall of the home of a Chinese family living in the Donegal Road area. This graffiti was removed at the request of the PSNI.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on swastika-style graffiti on peace walls in Belfast. [151139]

It is a fact that in Northern Ireland many peacelines have become the canvas for a wide range of social and political comment, some of which many would find offensive.The Government will seek to remove graffiti that is considered likely to cause a breach of the peace

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on preparations to deal with cases of SARS in Northern Ireland. [151213]

In June 2003 the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety set up a Northern Ireland SARS Taskforce charged, inter alia, with preparing a contingency Plan for SARS in Northern Ireland. This in turn led to the establishment of eight sub-groups drawn from the HPSS to take forward various aspects of SARS preparation and these groups reported to a Conference in Belfast on 8 December at which the Contingency Plan was also launched. A tabletop exercise, to test the Plan, was held the following day and the lessons learned from that will be incorporated into the Plan at the next reprint.The Contingency Plan includes arrangements for any one (or all) of three acute hospitals to be designated to deal with SARS patients. Plans for upgrading work at these, and other hospitals with A&E Departments, are in preparation, while steps to provide personal protection equipment (PPE) for health care workers, including GPs, in contact with suspected SARS cases are also well advanced. A training package video/CD Rom covering a number of issues including infection control and the use of PPE has also been prepared for distribution to the service.The Department has also opened a special SARS website with information both for health professionals and members of the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding (a) integrated and (b) Irish Language schools have received in each of the last five years. [148769]

The total funding allocated directly to (a) integrated and (b) Irish Language schools in each of the last five years is as follows:

£000
	Integrated	Irish Language
1998–99	46,146	5,533
1999–2000	53,587	5,216
2000–01	52,510	5,154
2001–02	51,257	4,759
2002–03	58,841	5,946

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the overall cost was of free travel to schools in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [148763]

In the 2002–03 financial year the Education and Library Boards provided home to school transport assistance to almost 100,000 pupils. The cost of providing this service was £57.2 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are in place in Northern Ireland to protect children from sustaining back injuries from carrying excessively heavy schoolbags to, in and from school; and if he will make a statement. [148813]

School boards of governors have a duty to safeguard the welfare of registered pupils on the school premises. The Department of Education provides funding for lockers for pupils' learning materials in post-primary schools with the agreement of the school authorities. Pupils share the responsibility for ensuring that they only carry to and from school those materials and equipment essential for homework or school activities for that day. Parents are generally responsible for making arrangements to protect the health and welfare of the children outside the school premises.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to promote sexual health among young people in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [151324]

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is working with other interested Departments and organisations to promote sexual health and wellbeing A draft Sexual Health Promotion Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to improve, protect and promote the sexual health and wellbeing of the population of Northern Ireland, was issued for three months consultation in December 2003. It sets a target to reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections and identifies those aged under 20 as a priority group. It also proposes actions in the areas of prevention, education and training, services and data collection and research.A Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy and Action Plan was also published at the beginning of 2003 and it contains challenging targets to reduce teenage pregnancies. A multi-agency Implementation Group has been established to take the Strategy forward. The Group has identified education support, confidentiality, services and parent/child communication as priority areas for action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what grants have been paid to Solectron Northern Ireland towards the cost of establishing factories in Northern Ireland. [151003]

None. Although Solectron accepted an offer of grant assistance from Invest NI dated 10 May 2001, the company did not seek to draw down any of the grants offered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average time between referral of pupils for statutory assessment and receiving the required assistance for (a) learning difficulties, (b) speech and language, (c) autism, (d) behavioural difficulties and (e) medical needs within the South Eastern Education and Library Board was in the last year for which figures are available. [149784]

The information requested is not readily available and could be provided by the South-Eastern Education Library Board only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many starter home initiative schemes have begun in Northern Ireland. [150605]

A starter home initiative, the Co-ownership scheme, which is part funded by the Department for Social Development, has been in operation since 1978. The aim of the scheme is to provide assistance to those on marginal incomes, and who would not be eligible to obtain a full mortgage, to allow them to become homeowners. Since its inception the scheme has enabled 17,500 participants to gain a foothold on the property ladder through its equity-sharing scheme, over 13,000 of whom eventually moved to full home ownership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) benefits and (b) grants are available when building (i) guest houses and (ii) other forms of tourist accommodation in Northern Ireland. [148765]

Advice on establishing and certifying tourism accommodation businesses is available from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). Support with operating, managing and developing tourism businesses is available through Invest NI.Invest NI can provide grant assistance for the upgrading of existing guesthouses certified by the NITB, the development of high quality "country type" guesthouse accommodation in existing habitable properties and the building of new guesthouses on brown field sites in traditional seaside resort towns. In addition, Invest NI can make available financial assistance and a range of business support programmes for the building and development of hotels, hostels, self-catering and bed and breakfast establishments.Assistance is also available from a number of other sources. For example, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development offers assistance to create new tourist accommodation bed spaces under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and the Border of Ireland (PEACE II) funded Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative. Through the LEADER + programme, administered through 12 local action groups, existing NITB certified tourist accommodation properties may be eligible for funding to assist with upgrading and expansion. The Department of Social Development may make available grants to support the building of guesthouses or other forms of tourist accommodation to support, where appropriate, wider regeneration in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the rights of members of the travelling community, with particular reference to (a) facilities, (b) education and (c) entitlement to benefits. [150748]

Irish Travellers have the same rights of access to facilities, education and the same entitlement to benefits as every other citizen in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will study the feasibility of a courtesy bus service from Belfast to the Ulster hospital; and if he will make a statement. [150746]

The Ulster Community and Hospitals Trust is currently developing a Travel Plan that will consider existing services and future provision, including access to public transport for patients, visitors and staff.As part of this process the Trust will meet with Translink to discuss bus services and the viability of various options.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what preparations have been made to deal with a winter influenza outbreak in Northern Ireland. [151182]

The Department's annual influenza immunisation campaign is the main element of its programme to minimise any winter influenza outbreak. There are two main groups involved in the campaign: everyone over 65 and those under 65 who are considered to be at risk because of an underlying medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, a heart condition etc. The Department has proactively promoted immunisation this year with a particular focus on those 'at risk', including children. Figures on vaccination uptake to the end of November show that the campaign is ahead of the targets set for this year.This year also the Department has regularly reminded the public of measures to protect themselves from influenza and of the steps to take to look after themselves should they develop it.The Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) at Belfast City Hospital monitors the incidence of influenza through a network of spotter practices and provides information directly to the Department. The assessment provided by CDSC in the middle of January 2004 is that influenza is circulating at very low levels in Northern Ireland. Boards and Trusts all have plans in place to deal with upsurges in the numbers of cases of flu, should this occur.In 2003 the Department secured a small supply of a new anti-viral drug called Oseltamivir which can be administered, in the event of a serious outbreak, to patients and staff in nursing homes, residential homes and hospitals to prevent them catching the flu.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many young people are being held at young offender institutions in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the provision for young offenders in Northern Ireland. [151341]

There are currently 191 male and two female inmates being held at young offender institutions in Northern Ireland.Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre accommodates all young male offenders aged between 17–21 years and has a dedicated juvenile landing for those under 18. Female young offenders are detained in Mourne House at Maghaberry Prison.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria apply to the quantification of the Rural Policing Fund; and if he will make a statement. [150020]

I have been asked to reply.External research carried out in 1998 demonstrated that additional annual costs of around £30 million associated with more sparsely populated police authority areas, were not reflected in the general police funding formula.The Rural Policing Fund was introduced during 2000–01, when a specific grant of £15million was made available for policing in more rural areas, without reducing grant to the predominantly urban forces. £30 million has subsequently been made available annually to the 31 forces with the most widespread populations. The Fund has always been distributed according to the relative average sparsity of population.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many asylum seekers have been issued with driving licences in each of the past three years; and what estimate he has made of the number of asylum seekers driving without valid UK licences. [150048]

All applications for driving licences are subject to the same requirements in relation to age, health competency and identity. A wide range of identity documentation can be produced as evidence of identity in support of an application for a photocard driving licence and most would not indicate the residency status of the applicant. It is therefore not possible to determine what proportion of applicants were asylum seekers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make provision for pensioners to travel free on public transport during off-peak hours. [151636]

We have no plans to introduce a statutory requirement for pensioners to be able to travel free on public transport during off-peak hours. The current statutory minimum requirement for concessionary travel in England introduced in 2001 ensures half fares for pensioners on local buses, with a free pass. From April 2003, we have extended concessionary travel schemes to men aged 60–64, bringing them into line with women of the same age. Local authorities may make more generous provision, including free travel, at their discretion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost of providing free off-peak travel for pensioners. [151637]

We have made no estimate of the cost of providing free off-peak travel for pensioners on all forms of public transport. However we estimate that the total cost of providing free travel on all local bus services for pensioners would be in the order of £800 million per year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of how many people in Lancashire used (a) bus services and (b) train services in each year since 1997. [151198]

Estimated figures for the number of bus journeys in Lancashire from 1999 is as follows:

	Number
1999–2000	57,614,463
2000–01	56,387,880
	2001–02	58,672,576
	2002–03	61,918,427

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Civil Aviation Authority and (b) international counterparts concerning security at regonal airports in the UK; [151012](2) how regularly security arrangements at regional airports are reviewed. [151013]

The Department of Transport has policy responsibility for civil aviation security in the UK. We set practical security measures for the aviation industry to implement at all airports, based on UK security service threat information, and monitor compliance with those requirements. These measures are reviewed constantly with the industry. However, neither the UK CAA or our international counterparts have any responsibility or expertise in these areas and we do not therefore consult with them, although the department keeps in regular touch with them on a range of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much grant his Department has given to Somerset county council for rural transport in each year since 1997. [150624]

All local authorities in England (outside London) receive capital funding for local transport through the Local Transport Plan system. The Government also provides revenue support for all local authority spending programmes through the Formula Spending Share system. It is a decision for each authority as to how much of that funding is allocated to rural transport. Somerset CC also received Rural Bus Challenge and Rural Bus Subsidy funding throughout most of the period in question:

Rural Bus Challenge Funding
Year of award	Name of project	Amount awarded (£)
1998	The Mendips flexible bus project	130,00
1998	Exmoor community transport radio	1,004
1999	West Somerset Social Car Scheme	90,823
1999	Wells to Priddy Postbus	25,582
1999	Continuation of Mendip Flexibus Funding	225,195
2000	South Somerset	182,344
2001	Community Transport in Mendip 'Special Rural Component'	89,000
2001	South Somerset Links Langport and Chard	197,000
2001	Rural Surrounds of Wiveliscombe	100,000
2002	Somerset Inclusion Bus Buddy	94,500

The total awarded to Somerset county council under the Rural Bus Challenge since its inception in 1998 is £1,135,448. Payments are made over a number of years, usually over three years.

Rural bus subsidy grant
£
1998–99	1,017,790
1999–2000	974,750
2000–2001	980,300
2001–02	1,285,610
2002–03	1,472,445
2003–04	1,518,856

Figures shown give actual grant paid since its inception in 1998, deducting any grant carried forward from the previous year. The figure for 2003–04 shows the full allocation for this financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate has been made of the likely costs per (a) water, (b) gas, (c) electricity and (d) telecommunications customer arising from the introduction of permit schemes as set out in the Traffic Management Bill. [150205]

While the Traffic Management Bill provides the broad powers to set up permit schemes, the detail of how they would work will be set out in secondary legislation and a further more detailed Regulatory Impact Assessment will be produced as part of preparing regulations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list (a), the volume of freight passing through Welsh ports (b) the volume of passengers passing through Welsh ports and (c) the number of ships and the average tonnage of ships operating out of Welsh ports for each year since 1997. [151754]

The available information is included in the table.

Welsh ports traffic 1997–2002
	(a) Total freight (million tonnes)	(b) Total passengers (million)	(c) Number of ship arriving(thousand)	(c) Average tonnage of ships arriving (thousand gt)
1997	62.3	4.0	10.9	n/a
1998	56.2	4.3	10.3	n/a
1999	56.6	4.0	9.9	14.0
2000	57.9	3.9	11.1	13.3
2001	54.7	3.6	10.5	15.4
2002	52.0	3.6	10.4	16.5

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the 3rd Audit Commission report, "Keeping People Independent with Assistive Technology". [151947]

This report has not yet been published and an assessment is not, therefore, possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice he issues to parents regarding risks associated with babies sleeping in the same bed as their parents at night; and if he will make a statement. [150755]

The Department have issued guidance on avoiding co-sleeping with babies in circumstances associated with cot death. The leaflet, 'Reduce the Risk of Cot Death', has been made widely available in hard copy and on the Department's web-site at www. doh.gov.uk/cotdeath/. The Department also supports the Child Accident Prevention Trust, whose leaflet, 'Keep Your Baby Safe', includes advice to parents against co-sleeping with a baby in their bed, and a warning against falling asleep on a sofa while holding the baby, in case of accidental injury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the reasons for the changes in cancer incidence between 1995 and 2000. [150233]

[holding answer 26 January 2004.]: The number of cancers in England, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, increased by 6.9 per cent. between 1995 and 2000. This is mostly accounted for by increases in breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, bowel cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma and lymphomas. However, this should be balanced against significant decreases in the numbers of lung, stomach and cervical cancers.There are many reasons for the changes in incidence of these cancers.The increased incidence of breast cancer can be attributed not only to the success of the national breast screening programme in identifying new cases, but also changes in factors that affect a woman's hormonal environment, such as obesity, use of hormone replacement therapy and differing patterns of child birth. The increase in reporting of prostate cancer is primarily due to the greater use of prostate specific antigen testing. Increased incidence of melanoma is due to greater over-exposure to sunlight. The increased number of bowel cancer cases is partly due to diet and lack of physical activity. For mesothelioma, the increase is due to the increased numbers of people exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s who, because of the long latency period of the disease, are only now developing this condition. The reasons for increased cases of testicular cancer and lymphomas are unclear.The decrease in lung cancer incidence is due to reduced rates of smoking in men over the last two decades. The reduction in stomach cancer is primarily thought to be due to changes in diet. The reduction in the number of cases of cervical cancer is almost certainly due to the national screening programme identifying abnormalities which, left untreated, would later become cancerous.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the results of recent research into the association between cannabis use and psychosis. [150747]

We recognise that a causative link between early cannabis use and later development of schizophrenia is not conclusively proven. However, the recent epidemiological research on the issue of earlier use of cannabis and risk of later development of schizophrenia, 'schizophrenic symptoms' and 'schizophreniform disorder' has shown a stronger association than was previously evident from published studies. The British Medical Journal editorial accompanying the publication of the key research papers concluded that:

"whether the use of cannabis triggers the onset of schizophrenia or depression in otherwise vulnerable people or whether it actually causes these conditions in non- predisposed people is not yet resolved."

The Department continues to monitor research in this area and has a range of expert advisors to continue to inform policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that there are adequate care home beds available (a) now and (b) in the future in Worthing; and what mechanisms he will employ to ensure that the care homes receive sufficient fees to care for their residents. [151293]

The Government have made available substantial increases in the level of funding provided for social services in recent years. Between 1996–97 and 2002–03, the overall level of funding has increased by 20 per cent., an average real terms annual increase of around three per cent. We intend to further increase resources to social services for personal social services by an annual average of six per cent, in real terms from 2003–04 to 2005–06.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health have spent to date in establishing new arrangements following the abolition of community health councils. [149764]

The amount spent by the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health within the financial year 2003–04, up to 31 December 2003, was £19.9 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health has spent on (a) headquarters and (b) regional offices in the current financial year. [149766]

The amount spent by the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health within the financial year 2003–04, up to 31 December 2003, was £4.5 million on the national centre and £2.97 million on the regional centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of 28 August from the hon. Member for Northavon (his reference P01035359) regarding vitamin B17. [147956]

A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 27 January 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in reducing the number of drug-related deaths since 1999 [151462]

The figures on drug related deaths since 1999 are shown in the table. The drop in 2001 was the first reduction in drug related deaths (DRDs) since 1993.

	1999	2000	2001
Number of DRDs	1,567	1,662	1,623
Percentage change	—	+6	-2

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans to propose the introduction of a new definition of dual diagnosis into statute. [151788]

The Government have no plans to introduce a new definition of dual diagnosis into statute. Under the draft Mental Health Bill it is proposed that there will be a single definition of mental disorder with no exceptions or exclusions, so that people can be treated according to their individual needs.Under the current Mental Health Act 1983 a person cannot be treated as being mentally disordered (for the purposes of the Act) solely on the ground that he is dependent on alcohol or drugs, there must be dual diagnosis of a mental illness. We believe that, in practice, these exemptions have been misunderstood and misapplied. This has meant that some people have not received the compulsory treatment which they need to prevent them from harming themselves or others.The intention of proposals in the draft Mental Health Bill is that strict conditions will ensure the powers are only used where the nature or degree of mental disorder requires treatment under the care of a mental health consultant; appropriate treatment is available for the individual patient and there is a risk to self or others that warrants such treatment. This will mean that there is no artificial barrier to people being treated under compulsory powers when this is necessary because the conditions in the Bill are satisfied.In May 2002 the Department of Health published Dual Diagnosis Good Practice Guide. The guide reaffirms dual diagnosis as a priority for mainstream mental health services and emphasises the need for them to work in partnership with other agencies, such as substance misuse services and drug action teams.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners surgeries there are in Chorley. [151282]

This information is not held centrally in the format required.The primary care trust reports that in Chorley town centre there are seven general practitioner practices, of which four own the premises and three are in one health centre.In the Borough Council of Chorley there are 17 practices, of which 13 own their premises and four are in two health centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patient and public involvement forums have started monitoring the NHS [149772]

Of the 572 patients' forums in England, 549 are operational. During December and the early part of January the majority of forums met together for the first time to begin planning their work. During January and February, most of the patients' forums will have their first meeting in public. All forums, even those not operational due to vacancies, are gathering information about their local health services, making contact with the National Health Service, and talking to their communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the use of criminal guardianship powers in the Mental Health Act 1983. [149799]

I am not aware of any research that has been commissioned on the use of the guardianship powers given to courts under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend the use of triage in mental health provision. [151790]

A number of initiatives are being put in place to improve emergency assessment and treatment of people with mental health problems.In line with the commitments outlined in the NHS Plan, crisis resolution services are being developed to provide intensive support for people in mental health crisis in their own home. Crisis resolution services are designed to provide prompt and effective home treatment, including medication, in order to prevent hospital admissions and give support to informal carers.In addition, almost 500 Gateway workers will be in place by the end of the year to help people in mental health crises access appropriate services in the community.People with mental health problems are also able to use the NHS Direct to get first-level advice and referral on to specialised helplines or to local services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the current budgetary situation facing the National Treatment Agency, with particular reference to the South-West Region. [151789]

From an overall pooled drug treatment budget of £236.1 million in 2003–04, the South West received a total of £18.19 million. This was an average increase of 17.40 per cent., on the previous year. The National Treatment Agency (NTA) has responsibility for monitoring the spend of this resource.In addition the NTA employ a team of four staff within the Government Office for the South West to support the development of drug treatment at local level. Nationally the NTA were allocated £5.5 million running costs in 2003–04 for their central and regional structure. The proportion of this allocated to the South West has not been disaggregated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether NHS dentists are required to issue a warning to patients before their names are removed from the national database of NHS patients; and what guidance he gives on the removal of names. [150068]

[holding answer 22 January 2004]: National health service patients are registered with a dentist under a continuing care (adults) or capitation (children) arrangement with a dentist for the provision of general dental services, which lapses after 15 months. The arrangement can be extended at any time during the 15 months, usually at the regular check up.If the dentist does not agree to the extension of the arrangement, he/she must give notice in writing to the patient not later than three months before the date the arrangement is due to elapse and use his/her best endeavours to complete treatment before that date.Where a dentist wishes to terminate an arrangement, he/she must give three months' notice to the patient. The relevant primary care trust can give permission for the arrangement to be terminated with less than three months notice, having given the patient an opportunity to make representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many calls have been made to NHS Direct from (a) the constituency of Blackpool North and Fleetwood and (b) Lancashire. [150660]

NHS Direct North West Coast covers the constituencies of Blackpool North and Fleetwood, and Lancashire. The statistics collated by NHS Direct North West Coast for the last six months—1 July to 31 December 2003—broken down by constituency, are shown in the table.

Constituency	Number of calls
Blackburn	31,632
Blackpool	6,343
Burnley	4,473
Chorley	1,151
Darwen	4,096
Hyndburn	7,487
Lancaster and Wyre	4,181
Morecambe and Lunesdale	1,321
Preston	18,289
Ribble Valley	1,120
Total	80,093