To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the total cost of the road traffic accident badger survey has been from its inception to date.[158335]

The total cost of the road traffic accident badger survey to date is £218,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research is being undertaken on badger to cattle transmission of M. bovis via cattle feed troughs. [158337]

Research by the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) has shown that in the Woodchester Park study area some badgers regularly obtained feed from cattle troughs. In addition badgers have been recorded defecating and urinating in troughs. Ongoing research at CSL aims to identify the seasonal and frequency of trough-use by badgers on cattle farms throughout the south-west of England. The results of this research will be reported to Defra in December 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the responses are of badger groups confronted with shortages of primary foods arising from population pressure in terms of (a) selectivity of diet and (b) foraging distance. [158338]

The primary food of the badger in Britain is the earthworm. These do not represent a limiting resource across much of Britain, especially the south-west, due to their super-abundance. However, they may not be available to badgers under some conditions such as during periods of dry weather. Therefore, badgers are unlikely to be confronted with food shortages as a result of increasing population size alone. When earthworms are not available badgers are forced to select other food sources and will forage greater distances to obtain these. Being generalist opportunists, badgers will consume a wide variety of foods. These include many invertebrates, plant roots, fruits, cereals, animal carcases and stored livestock feed. Food shortages may encourage badgers to forage at greater distances from their setts, although there is no quantitative data on this.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether badger carcases on the roadside reported by members of the public are included in the road traffic accident badger survey. [158625]

The Road Traffic Accident (RTA) survey only operates in the seven English counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hereford, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Worcestershire. Defra staff endeavour to collect any badgers reported by members of the public from roadsides within those counties. Not all badgers collected are suitable for post mortem examination, and only those that are suitable can provide data for the survey.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff are employed in the collection of badgers killed in road traffic accidents; and what the average period is between a report of a carcase being received and a collection being made.[158627]

The road traffic accident survey (RTA) of badgers killed by motor vehicles in seven English counties was operated by the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) from June 2002 to end of February 2004. CSL had two full-time staff involved in the collection of RTA badgers (in peak periods another member of staff assisted), and typically a carcase would be collected within 24 hours of being reported.Defra's Wildlife Unit (WLU) is now operating the RTA survey, and intends to involve up to four staff daily, as necessary, in the task of collecting carcases. All other travelling WLU staff, however, may also collect such carcases, as an ancillary action to their primary work tasks. The WLU will aim to collect such carcases within one working day of their notification.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of bovine TB control programmes undertaken without the active co-operation of farmers. [157939]

No such assessment has been made, but the co-operation of farmers is vital for a TB control programme in cattle to be effective.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of other causes to which the reduction in bovine TB could be attributed in the Thornbury experiment, other than the clearance of badgers. [157949]

The fundamental difference between the Thornbury area and other areas in south west England, where bovine tuberculosis was a problem, was the systematic removal badgers from the Thornbury area. No other species was similarly removed. No other contemporaneous change was identified that could have accounted for the reduction in TB incidence within the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her assessment is of the effect of anti-trial activity on the success rate of badger trapping during the Krebs trials. [157954]

It is not possible to assess accurately the effect of anti-trial activity on the success of badger trapping, as there are no control data with which to draw a comparison. However, it is likely that such activity has had a negative impact on the success rate, and has certainly led to some trapping operations being prematurely suspended or extended.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the number of injuries to (a) cattle owners, (b) keepers and (c) stockmen which will be sustained as a result of the enhanced testing programme.[157958

The Health and Safety Executive do not hold specific data on the number of accidents occurring on farms that can be directly attributed to the current TB testing programme. Therefore it would not be possible to estimate the number of injuries resultant of any changes to the TB testing programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the prevalence of TB in cattle is higher on organic holdings than on those where cattle are housed intensively. [158021]

The TB99 epidemiological questionnaire has been designed to assess factors that might predispose herds to a TB breakdown, and their relative importance. The form includes questions on organic herd status. To date, no finalised analyses have been made, but analyses of pre-Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak data and of data collected in 2002 are in progress. The results will be published later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with her counterparts in (a) Scotland and (b) Wales on the control of bovine TB; and what the outcome was of those consultations. [158330]

There are regular discussions at official level on bovine TB issues. A subject of recent discussions has been the consultation exercise "Preparing for a new GB strategy on bovine tuberculosis".

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what evidence she has collated on whether poor standards of animal health and welfare in cattle husbandry contribute to the increases in bovine TB in cattle. [158331]

An Independent Husbandry Panel was set up by MAFF on 17 January 2000, in response to a recommendation of the Agriculture Select Committee (in April 1999) for a working party to be established to review the available scientific evidence on husbandry, and the role it might play in controlling bovine TB. Factors considered by the Panel included health and welfare aspects such as physiological state and concurrent diseases. Its report was published by MAFF in 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what resources devoted to the Krebs reactive trials have been transferred to the Krebs proactive trials. [158333]

Wildlife unit staff and equipment have always been deployed on all elements of the culling trial; no particular element is ring-fenced and resources will therefore not specifically be re-directed to proactive culling following the cessation of the reactive culling work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what adverse effects have been observed in cattle subject to continuous 60-day TB testing; and whether this has been accompanied by a higher rate of (a) abortion, (b) premature calving and (c) early embryonic loss. [158499]

No adverse effects have been observed in cattle subjected to 60-day (short-interval) tuberculin testing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what consultations she has had with (a) local authorities and (b) their representative bodies on the resource implications arising from the enforcement of the proposed Tuberculosis (England) Order; [158501](2) what estimate she has made of the costs to local authorities of enforcing the proposed Tuberculosis (England) Order 2004 in the first five years of its application. [158573]

Consideration of the costs to local government will be considered fully in the final Regulatory Impact Assessment for the proposed new Tuberculosis (England) Order 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to UK farmers of a levy to fund compensation payments in respect of slaughtered TB reactors. [158572]

We have not made such an estimate but as a general principle our proposal is that farmers would pay into a levy fund to meet half of the projected costs associated with disease control, including compensation. However, no decision has been taken on whether the levy would cover endemic diseases such as TB, or indeed what costs would be covered. These issues will be in the consultation document on the levy proposals that we are working on.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2004, Official Report, columns 247–8W, on bovine TB, whether TB reactors that are negative on culture are considered to have been infected with M.bovis bacilli. [158589]

Cattle reacting to the intradermal comparative test are considered to be affected by bovine tuberculosis, regardless of culture results. The main reason for carrying out bacteriological tests in those animals is to identify, for epidemiological purposes, the strain of M. bovis responsible for the infection rather than to validate the skin test results.There are several reasons why reactors may be negative on culture:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what basis the Independent Science Group concluded that interference in the Krebs trials had had no discernible impact on the statistical integrity of the trials. [158596]

The main technique used by the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG) for monitoring whether badger densities in the trial areas are consistent with the treatments, the 20 per cent. surveys of trial areas, showed that badger activity levels changed in line with the treatment given (proactive, reactive or survey-only). Furthermore, the ISG carried out various statistical analyses on the data from the reactive and survey-only areas of the Randomised Badger Culling Trial, These have shown a consistent effect of reactive culling across trial areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who was in charge of the conduct of the Thornbury trial; and what his or her current position is. [158597]

Dr. Harry Thompson was in charge of the conduct of the Thornbury Trial. He is now retired.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her best estimate is of the number of badgers killed during the Thornbury trial. [158599]

It is not possible to give a number. The method of culling, gassing, meant many badgers died underground and could not be recovered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cattle herds in heavily infected areas have demonstrated resistance to TB infection; and what explanation has been adduced for this phenomenon. [158603]

There are many possible reasons why some herds in heavily infected areas remain uninfected. Since 1994, approximately 70 per cent. of herds in current yearly tested parishes have had no confirmed breakdown. The TB99 epidemiological survey is investigating risk factors. The next report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB will include some results from the analysis of TB99 data from before the foot and mouth disease outbreak and, possibly, more recent (2002) data.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the badger population of the Isle of Wight is; what its health status is; and whether TB herd breakdowns have been reported on the island in the last five years. [158607]

We do not have an estimate for the current badger population on the Isle of Wight; nor do we have information on its health status.The number of new bovine tuberculosis (TB) breakdowns on the Isle of Wight in the last five years is given in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the average cost per Krebs area was of the Krebs trials. [158657]

It is not possible to give a realistic figure for the average cost of a Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT) area. This is due to a number of factors such as the differences in treatment ascribed to the RBCT areas, the differences in enrolment time of the RBCT areas, and the number and type of culling operations carried out.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what appeal mechanisms are available to applicants for a Section 10 licence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in the event that an application is refused. [158664]

In the first instance appeals should be made to the Wildlife Administration Unit of the National Wildlife Management Team (part of the Rural Development Service) who are responsible for issuing licences under this legislation. Each appeal is assessed to determine the basis on which it has been made and is then handled accordingly.

If the appeal relates to the policy of the Department in implementing the legislation, it is passed to the Wildlife Integration and Conservation Team within the European Wildlife Division for a response. If the issues cannot be resolved satisfactorily the appeal is passed to the Head of the European Wildlife Division (Defra, Floor 1 Zone 10/D, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BSI 6EB).

If the appeal involves how the applicant or case were dealt with, it would be passed to the Team Manager of the National Wildlife Management Team to investigate and respond (RDS, Burghill Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BSIO 6NJ). If the issue(s) cannot be resolved the case is forwarded to the Department Impartial Complaint Adjudicator (Defra, Area 7E, 9 Millbank, c/o Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR). The Adjudicator will determine whether the correct procedures have been followed and if the outcome was appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many herds have suffered repeat breakdowns since 1997. [158676]

Since 1 January 1998, 2,413¹ herds have suffered repeat breakdowns.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many staff are employed in tracing cattle from farm movement books after a new breakdown; how many years back such traces go; and what the success rate is in tracing suspect cattle. [158682]

The number of staff involved in each tracing will depend on how many movements there have been associated with a TB breakdown. In most cases, a new TB breakdown is allocated to a case Veterinary Officer, who is responsible for prioritising and initiating tracings from the herd. In addition, there is at least one person in each Animal Health Divisional Office who is recognised as having a specialist interest and ability in dealing with tracing work.The start point for tracings is usually the last clear test. How many years back traces go will depend on the testing history of the traced herds.It is not possible to give a figure regarding the rate of success in tracing cattle except at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures her Department is taking to combat bovine TB. [162030]

The Government have a five-point strategy for dealing with bovine TB, based on the recommendations of the Krebs report 1997:

• Protecting human health
• Testing cattle for TB and putting controls in place
• Developing a TB vaccine
• Carrying out research into how bovine TB is spread
• Carrying out a badger culling trial.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what requirement there is on veterinary investigation centres to examine the carcases of domestic cats for the presence of TB when submitted by private veterinary surgeons. [158334]

Carcases of any domestic cats submitted to VLA Regional Laboratories are examined for TB as part of the standard post-mortem protocols. If TB is suspected by the submitting veterinarian or if characteristic lesions of TB are found in the course of the post-mortem examination at VLA, appropriate samples will be taken for histological and bacteriological tests to confirm the presence of "Mycobacterium bovis". Confirmatory TB tests are carried out free of charge to the submitting veterinarian.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to make TB in domestic cats a notifiable disease. [158341]

As set out in the consultation document launched by the Department last 9 February, we are proposing an amendment to the Tuberculosis (England and Wales) Order 1984, which will make the isolation of "M. bovis" notifiable in any mammal other than humans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether charges are imposed on private veterinary surgeons who submit the carcases of domestic cats to veterinary investigation centres for post mortem examination for the presence of TB. [158626]

Carcases of any domestic cats submitted to VLA Regional Laboratories are examined for TB as part of the standard post-mortem protocols. If TB is suspected by the submitting veterinarian or if characteristic lesions of TB are found in the course of the post mortem examination at VLA, appropriate samples will be taken for histological and bacteriological tests to confirm the presence of "Mycobacterium bovis".Confirmatory TB tests are carried out free of charge to the submitting veterinarian.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the scientific justification was for the reduction in the 2004 haddock total allowable catch allocation for the Rockall Haddock fishery. [161993]

The scientific advice was for catches of Rockall haddock in 2004 to be reduced to the lowest possible level. The full advice is available in the autumn 2003 report of the Advisory Committee on Fisheries Management (ACFM), which may be found on the website of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) at www.ices.dk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the current condition is of the West of Scotland Nephrops stock. [161994]

The ICES advice from October 2003 was that West of Scotland stocks of Nephrops are exploited at sustainable levels. Advice for the Nephrops stocks alone was that a TAG of 11,300 tonnes was appropriate, and the TAG for 2004 was set at that figure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether survey findings reliant on data obtained using the Granton trawl are comparable with findings reliant on data obtained using the GOV trawl; [161995](2) what the differences are in the characteristics between the GOV and Granton trawls in terms of their respective ability to catch cod; [161996](3) when the Granton trawl used by UK survey vessels in the North sea was replaced by the GOV trawl; [161997](4) pursuant to her answer of 10 February 2004,

The autumn North sea fisheries survey undertaken by CEFAS changed to the GOV (Grande Ouverture Verticale) trawl from 1992. The survey gear predominantly targets roundfish but also samples a wide range of other commercial fish. Consequently the gear is not designed to target only cod. Nevertheless, the GOV trawl is more efficient at catching cod than the Granton trawl it replaced. Both gears show a very truncated age distribution, with few mature cod. Before the change to the GOV gear the cod stock had seriously declined, and in the early 1990s the advice from ICES was that strong measures were needed to protect the cod, including direct reductions in fishing effort. Results from the two gears, albeit at different times, are comparable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what her estimate is of the proportion of North Sea fish stocks which have gravitated to oil and gas rig exclusion areas and are not accessible to commercial fisherman; [161998](2) what account is taken of the gravitation of commercial fish species to oil and gas pipelines and rigs in the conduct of abundance surveys. [162031]

This is not a well researched area but one North Sea study concluded that an oil platform had attracted cod and saithe, leaving a zone around the platform where fish density was lower. Even so, the total quantity was negligible compared to regional or even local fish stocks. On this limited basis it does not appear that the aggregation of cod and saithe by platforms is likely to have a significant effect on the availability of fish.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to what extent the previous year's landing of any specific fish species influences the setting of total allowable catches. [161999]

Data on landings of commercial fish species are one important source of information for international assessments of such species. These assessments provide the basis for scientific advice on total allowable catches.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what adjustments are made to landing figures of fish species to account for (a) discards and (b) under-reporting in order to estimate the true levels of fishing mortality; and whether those adjustments have been constant in recent years. [162000]

Data on discards are included in only some annual assessments where sampling is such as to provide an adequate estimate of the discards. Scientists at ICES use the best information at their disposal in the stock assessments, and this may include information on under-reporting or misreporting. The magnitude will depend upon the circumstances of any one year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what corrections are applied to bottom trawl survey catch figures to adjust for the catchability limitations of the gear used. [162001]

The current assessment techniques use catch-rates of commercial and research fleets. Each survey is used independently, and hence no corrections are necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the implications of Council Regulation (EC) No 1954/2003 of 4 November 2003, on the management of the fishing effort relating to certain community fishing areas, are for UK fishermen. [162002]

Council Regulation 1954/2003 introduces a new fishing effort management regime for Western Waters in place of that contained in Council Regulation 685/95. It extends the scope of the regime from vessels over 18 metres overall length to vessels over 15 metres overall length but no longer applies to vessels fishing for deep-water species which are now subject to separate management arrangements. The hailing in and out arrangements contained in the previous regime have been removed except in a newly created biologically sensitive area off the south-west coast of Ireland. The Council will agree new effort ceilings for Member States later this year. The new arrangements do not affect the ability of UK registered vessels over 15 metres to fish in western waters. Fisheries Departments will monitor overall fishing effort against the ceilings set by Council. Where an effort ceiling is in danger of being breached licences will be varied to prohibit fishing in the relevant area. No such licence variations have proved necessary since the previous regime was introduced in 1995.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1148W, on fish stocks, what assessment she has made of the accuracy of scientific assessments of the levels of fish stocks. [162019]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 23 February 2004, Official Report, column 136W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1148W, on fish stocks, what scientific investigations have been carried out to determine the migration patterns of North Sea cod. [162021]

There has been extensive tagging of cod to determine their migration and movements. These data form the basis for the current assessment and management areas for cod.Since 1999, CEFAS has released cod tagged with electronic tags that allow more detailed information to be derived. The work has recently been expanded under a joint Defra/EU funded program (CODYSSEY) that is investigating movements and behaviour of cod over a wide part of the NE Atlantic including the North Sea. The technology is also being used in a current R&D programme which will help to show how cod respond to variations in food supply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) pursuant to her answer of 10 February 2004, Official Report, column 1300W, on fisheries, what assessment she has made of the reason for the reduced cod recruitment in the North Sea since the 1980s; [162023](2) pursuant to her answer of 23 February 2004,

Two key factors are affecting recruitment of cod. First, the size of the cod stock itself, as fewer adult cod give fewer young. Secondly, the environment, through the planktonic food chain, affects the survival from eggs to "recruits". Sea temperature is often used as an index of such environmental changes. Defra are funding research into the links between the environment and recruitment, as illustrated in the recently publicised article in Nature. However, it is the first we have to manage. ICES advice is that if the environment is also causing reduced recruitments then managers have to be even more cautious.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 23 February 2004, Official Report, column 135W, on fisheries, on what evidence scientists have based their advice that over the last 20 years the fishing rate on cod has been five times that required to promote optimal use of the cod stock. [162026]

ICES assessments show that recent fishing rates on cod have been about 60 per cent. per annum ("F of 1.0"). This is over three times the rate needed to achieve the maximum sustainable yield per recruit (MSY) (F = 0.3) and five times that needed to achieve the bioeconomic optimum F0.1 (F = 0.2).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 12 January 2004, Official Report, column 496W, on fisheries, in what direction in the vertical plane cod seek to escape towed trawl nets; and what the equivalent behaviour is of haddock. [162035]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 9 February 2004, Official Report, column 1152W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what changes have been made to the criteria used by the Environment Agency to determine priorities for investment in flood defences in each of the last five years; and on what basis these changes were made. [154914]

For grant-aided capital investment the Environment Agency uses Defra's priority scoring system, which applies to all flood and coastal defence operating authorities. The system was introduced on a pilot basis in 1997 and, following a review and wide ranging consultation, a revised system was announced in 2002 to come into effect in April 2003. The revised system ranks projects on three components in a ratio of 20:12:12 respectively: benefit:cost ratio, the number of people to be protected (as measured by number of residences over cost) and environmental assets protected. In order to be approved for grant aid from Defra proposals must meet a minimum threshold score, which is reviewed annually.For investment in other flood management expenditure the Agency issued guidance to Regional Flood Defence Committees (RFDCs) on priorities in 1998. From 1 April 2004 Grant in Aid from Defra will replace levies on local authorities for financing the bulk of RFDC expenditure and this gives the Agency a greater direct role in deciding on priorities and distribution between regions. For 2004–05, allocations reflected the assumptions made in regional business plans for the previous levy-setting round. The Agency is now working with Defra on a more robust prioritisation system for the allocation of Grant in Aid based on new performance measures in relation to flood risk reduction, for application from 2006–07. In the meantime the Agency will be expected to meet the targets published in their 2004 Corporate Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of the slaughter-only market on (a) farms and (b) auction marts; and if she will alter her Department's ruling so that livestock may return to farm of origin with the proviso that it triggers a 20 day standstill on that farm.[162470]

It is for market operators to take a commercial decision as to whether they choose to operate as a dedicate d slaughter market. These markets can be beneficial to auction markets because of the revenue received from livestock originating from farms that are under a movement standstill.Dedicated slaughter markets can also be beneficial to livestock farmers because they are able to take animals there whilst their farm is under a movement standstill.The standstill arrangements are based on a scientific Cost Benefit Analysis of the disease risks associated with various standstill lengths. I do not propose to amend the standstill regime, which represents the best available balance between minimising disease risk and the needs of the farming community to trade livestock.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the welfare implications for suckler herds of the proposed pre-movement testing regime, with particular reference to the sufficiency of grazing to support animals retained on farm as a result of movement restrictions. [158602]

None. Any welfare implications of this proposal will be estimated as part of the consultation process, which will involve discussions with veterinary and farming interests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her best estimate is of the number of cattle movements made annually in the United Kingdom to which pre-and post-movement testing will apply. [158628]

The Cattle Tracing System in 2002 recorded approximately 2.8 million cattle movements in GB to which pre and post movement testing could apply dependent upon the option and area selected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will break down by (a) year and (b) scheme how the £66 million allocated to the pig industry restructuring scheme was spent; and if she will list unspent funds. [155593]

The £66 million provisionally allocated to the Pig Industry Restructuring Scheme was spent as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many(a) solely state-financed and (b) public-private partnership and private finance initiative projects for which her Department is responsible have been launched in each region in each of the last 10 years; [160963](2) how much was spent by

Details on the Department's Private Finance Initiatives are in the Signed Project List on the Treasury Website http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ documents/public private partnerships/ppp pfi stats. cfm. The remainder of the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what alternative land uses she has considered for land vacated in severely disadvantaged areas resulting from lower payment made to livestock producers in those areas. [161539]

Recipients of the single farm payment will be required to respect the cross compliance conditions. These will include a requirement to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition. Subject to these requirements, it will be for individual farmers to decide how best to organise their businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her assessment is of the impact on wildlife in severely disadvantaged areas of the payment regime in those areas. [161540]

Defra will publish shortly an analysis of the economic impact on the English farming industry of the decoupling of CAP direct payment and the decision to allocate entitlement on the basis set out in the statement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the House on 12 February. Defra will monitor future changes in farming practices, markets and the environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with farmers' representatives on the single farm payment to livestock farmers in severely disadvantaged areas. [161541]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made her decision on the basis for allocating entitlements to the single farm payment in England in the best interests of the farming industry as well as the wider public interest. Ministers and officials have had frequent meetings with representatives of farming organisations, before and since the announcement on 12 February, including with organisations with members in the Severely Disadvantaged Areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what estimate she has made of the number of livestock farmers in severely disadvantaged areas who will cease farming over the next 10 years; [161542](2) what assessment she has made of the effects on livestock farmers in severely disadvantaged areas of competition with livestock farmers in receipt of different levels of payments under the single farm payment scheme; [161543](3) what her assessment is of the effect on farmers' incomes in severely disadvantaged areas of differentials in single farm payments between producers in these areas and other livestock producers in the rest of England. [161536]

Defra will publish shortly an analysis of the economic impact on the English farming industry of the decoupling of CAP direct payment and the decision to allocate entitlement on the basis set out in the statement of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the House on 12 February 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) pursuant to her oral answer of 11 March 2004, Official Report, column 1640, on single farm payments, what the nature of Mr. Dring's memorandum was; for what purpose it was written; for what purpose it was submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and whether the memorandum was requested by senior officials in MAFF; [162111]

Mr. Dring wrote a personal statement during the summer of 2001 on his own initiative to document events in the light of the prospect of a court case against Robert Waugh and because he believed the information might be of help to any inquiry after the outbreak. It was not a formal report. He sought advice from his senior manager on 29 October 2001 who discussed the handling of the statement with the Department's Inquiry Liaison Unit. The statement was passed to them on 13 December 2001. The Inquiry Liaison Unit was responsible for passing to the Inquiry teams information on behalf of the Department. Individual officers retained the right to submit personal submissions, but Mr. Dring did not make a submission to the Anderson Inquiry. His personal statement is now in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the support programmes for small businesses that (a) her Department and (b) its agencies have financed, including Common Agricultural Policy payments in each of the last five years; how much money was allocated for each scheme in each year; how much money has gone unclaimed under each scheme; and how many small businesses have benefited from each scheme. [161255]

Information is available in the form requested only at disproportionate cost, but I hope the following will be helpful.The Cross-Cutting Review of Government Services for Small Business, published by the Small Business Service in December 2002, recorded that Defra and its agencies provided support to small businesses through over 120 schemes offering:

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the level of credit card debt. [163186]

I have been asked to reply.Last year, the Department for Trade and Industry published a White Paper on consumer credit that looked at credit card debt in the UK, suggested ways of tackling unmanageable level of debt and offered advice to consumers looking for credit. The Government are working with the credit industry to ensure responsible lending and to increase access to free debt advice. I am also aware that the Bank of England publishes monthly statistics on credit card debt.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has set targets for reducing car usage over the next 20 years. [162040]

The Government have not set targets for car usage. The Government's strategy is to reduce congestion and to reduce the environmental effects through investment in public transport, better traffic management and support for cleaner motoring.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 15 January 2004, Official Report, column 40W, on ships (dangerous cargoes), how many incidents resulted in (a) court actions and (b) fines; and what the (i) nature of the conviction and (ii) financial penalty was in each case. [162971]

None of the incidents referred to in 2001 and 2002 resulted in court actions. In all of these cases it was either not possible to ascertain which vessels had lost the dangerous cargoes, or the spill occurred within harbour limits. In the latter case, it would be for the appropriate harbour authority to take forward court action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the accident records for each speed camera site in Essex. [156315]

Safety cameras in Essex are operated by the Essex Safety Camera Partnership. My Department will shortly publish collision and casualty information for all Safety Camera Partnerships in England and Wales.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach across Government Departments to (a) the reduction in civil service jobs (i) announced in the Budget Statement and (ii) that may follow from the Gershon Review and (b) the proposals to relocate employment of civil servants contained in the Lyons report; and if he will make a statement. [163266]

[holding answer 23 March 2004]: Sir Peter Gershon will be working with Departments to help them prepare efficiency submissions as part of their overall spending plans to the 2004 Spending Review. These proposals will take account of departments' relocation plans submitted to the Lyons Review. Departments will be expected to integrate their plans on efficiency and relocation.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on (a) the circumstances in which an accounting officer should seek a direction from a Minister before authorising expenditure, (b) the number of occasions since 6 June 2001 that such directions have been sought by accounting officers and (c) the Department and sum involved and the purpose of the expenditure for which a direction was sought in each case.[162894]

The circumstances in which an accounting officer should seek a direction from a Minister before authorising expenditure are set out in paragraphs 15–18 of the Treasury document, "The Responsibilities of an Accounting Officer", as updated in March 2004. This document is published as annex 4.1 of the Treasury guidance, "Government Accounting". It may be viewed online at www.government-accounting.gov.uk.The number of occasions since 6 June 2001 when such directions have been sought by accounting officers is four. The Departments concerned, together with general subject matter of each direction, were detailed in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Twickenham (Dr. Cable) on 30 October 2003,

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will (a) raise the figure below which pensioners may retain the full benefit of age-related allowances and (b) reduce the effect of the taper above that figure. [163342]

The purpose of the age-related allowances is to give extra help to those aged 65 and over who have to rely on relatively modest incomes. They are therefore subject to an income limit, which is reviewed as part of the Budget process. The Government have no plans to alter the rate of the taper where income exceeds the limit.Age-related personal allowances will increase in line with earnings rather than prices in April 2004 and will continue to do so for the remainder of this Parliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessments his Department has made of the costs to the economy as a whole caused by poor consumer understanding of the (a) financial services and (b) consumer credit industries. [163360]

Poor consumer understanding of financial services can arise through imperfect information and low levels of financial literacy.The Financial Services Authority, as part of its statutory objective to promote public understanding of the financial system, has published research (Occasional Paper 19) looking at how much a typical consumer would lose depending on their lifestage, reflecting the financial products held. For a typical young family this would equate to £268 per annum. No aggregate figure for financial services is available.The White Paper "Fair, Clear and Competitive: The Consumer Credit Market in the 21st Century" (Cm 6040) estimates that informational problems associated with unsecured lending in the credit market give rise to complaints of consumer detriment approaching £40 million per annum. The White Paper estimates that increasing the transparency of agreements could save consumers a total of £381 million per annum as consumers are better able to shop around for the best deals.Raising standards of financial literacy is an important part of the Government's wider strategy to reduce social and financial exclusion, and promote appropriate participation in the financial services industry, while tackling over-indebtedness, and promote saving.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will commission research to assess consumers' understanding of the different regulatory systems for equity release and home reversion schemes once the new Financial Services Authority's regulation comes into force.[163380]

Sales of mortgage-based equity release schemes, also known as lifetime mortgages, will be regulated by the Financial Services Authority as from 31 October 2004. The Government are considering responses to the consultation on whether home reversion equity release schemes should also be regulated by the FSA. An announcement will be made in due course. The Government therefore have no plans to commission research to assess consumers' understanding of the different regulatory systems once the new FSA regulation comes into force.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of real personal disposable income was in Greater London in each year since 1980; and what the percentage change was in each year compared with the previous year. [163062]

[holding answer 22 March 2004]: 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 the outcome was of the ECOFIN Council held on 9 March; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement. [161441]

I was unable to attend ECOFIN on 9 March. The UK was represented by John Grant, (the UK permanent representative to the EU) and Jon Cunliffe, (Managing director of Macro Economic Policy and International Finance Directorate, HM Treasury).At the breakfast discussion, the Presidency invited Ministers to comment on a draft programme of future work, prepared by the Economic Policy Committee (EPC), to take forward the four Presidency initiatives on regulatory reform. Ministers reached a common understanding on the need for a work programme along the lines of the EPC paper, and that this should be reflected in the Key issues paper and the Spring Council Conclusions.ECOFIN adopted a Key Issues Paper for the Spring European Council.The Commission gave an assessment of national contributions to the Growth Initiative to date and Council conclusions were adopted.The Council examined the stability programmes for Belgium, Spain. Germany and Portugal and Council Opinions were agreed.ECOFIN gave its approval for the Commission to conclude a monetary agreement with Andorra.On the Savings Tax Directive, the UK updated the Council on progress with the UK dependent and associated territories. All eight have now made commitments to apply the same measures as member states. The Netherlands reported good progress on their model agreement for the Antilles and Aruba. The Commission updated on progress with Switzerland and the micro-states. Council reiterated its full determination to come to a satisfactory and timely conclusion of the negotiations with negotiating partners.On VAT Reduced Rates, the Presidency outlined its intention to consider the matter further at working group level in preparation for discussion at a later ECOFIN.The Council agreed its Recommendation that the Commission should be granted discharge for its management of the 2002 budget. The UK joined the Netherlands and Denmark in expressing regret at the ninth successive negative Declaration of Assurance (DAS); in calling on the Commission to speed up its financial improvements; and in calling for ECOFIN auditors in member states and EU institutions to work more closely to improve external controls.The Council agreed a set of conclusions on the budget guidelines for 2005, which are consistent with the principles of budget discipline and UK policy on the community budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the EU budget will be in 2004–05; what (a) proportion and (b) sums will be spent on (i) the Common Agricultural Policy, (ii) the Common Fisheries Policy, (iii) structural operations and (iv) overseas aid; and what estimate h has made of expenditure in each category for the remainder of the current multi-annual financial framework. [161462]

I refer the hon. Member to the following documents:

General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2004 (Document reference: Official Journal L 53 of 23 February 2004)

Preliminary Draft Amending Budget number 1 to the budget for 2004 (Document reference: SEC 2004 105)—page 9

Annual Policy Strategy for 2005—pages 18–19 (Document reference: COM 2004 1333)

Technical adjustment of the financial perspectives for 2005 in line with movements in GNI and prices—page 6 (Document reference: COM 2003 785)

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will meet Mr.Kenneth Norden to discuss the loss of his final salary pension scheme. [163593]

If the hon. Gentleman or his constituent would kindly write to me with full details of the issue that is of concern to him, I will lock into it.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths from ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome have been reported since 1991. [163165]

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 the cost was of the (a) preparation and (b) distribution of the "What the Pre-Budget Report Means For" series of documents specific to each English region. [162816]

The total cost of the preparation and distribution of the regional 2003 Pre-Budget Report leaflets was £2,100. This covered the production of 1,500 leaflets for each of the nine Government Office English regions, as well as for Scotland. Wales and Northern Ireland. The total cost included distribution of the leaflets to the Government Offices and the Devolved Administrations.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many same-sex couple households there are in England and Wales according to the 2001 Census; and how many same-sex couple households there are in Great Britain according to the Labour Force Survey. [163070]

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 steps he has taken to enhance science in his Department since the publication of the Government's science strategy, Investing in Innovation. [162246]

HM Treasury works with the Office of Science and Technology, the DTI and the DfES on the implementation of the Government's science strategy, Investing in Innovation. HM Treasury's own direct expenditure on science and research is relatively small and is limited to economic advice, analysis and statistics: for example, during 2002–03, around £250,000 was spent on some 15 projects funded from the Macroeconomic Research Budget.A 10-year investment framework for science and innovation, on which a consultation document was published recently

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecast he has made of the tax take for stamp duty on residential property for each band at which it is charged for 2004–05; and how much was raised in this way in each tax year since 1997–98. [163597]

Estimates of receipts from stamp duty on residential property at each of the tax bands, from 1997–98 to 2002–03, are given at http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/stats/stamp duty703IR153.pdf. Estimates of receipts at each tax band for 2003–04, and projections for 2004–05, are not available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received in support of his proposal to introduce strip stamps. [161484]

Since the Chancellor's announcement in the Pre-Budget Report that the Government were considering introducing tax stamps for spirits, Treasury Ministers and Officials have received a wide range of representations on this and on the spirits industry's alternative package of measures. Those representations acknowledge that spirits fraud is a serious problem and needs to be addressed but differ in their views on how to tackle this effectively. The main concerns highlighted related to the impact and compliance costs of tax stamps. In making his decision that tax stamps are necessary to tackle spirits fraud, the Chancellor took account of concerns raised and announced on Budget Day that he will help the trade financially with the cash-flow costs and capital investment associated with the introduction of tax stamps. He also announced that there would be a further freeze on spirits duty—for the seventh Budget in a row and, indeed, that spirits duty will be frozen for the remainder of this Parliament.Officials are working with the industry to consider how the offsetting measures can be effectively targeted and applied and to develop the detailed arrangements for tax stamps in a way that minimises additional burdens on business and causes minimal disruption to the trade's operations.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of options for the elimination of spirits duty evasion other than the introduction of strip stamps. [161485]

This Government have given exhaustive consideration over recent years, in close consultation with the alcohol industry, to finding ways to tackle the serious problem of spirits duty fraud.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has conducted on fraudulent production of strip stamps in other countries; and what security measures he proposes to guard against the fraudulent production of strip stamps in the UK. [161486]

Officials from HM Customs and Excise have contacted forty countries which operate tax stamps to discuss their regimes and experience of fraudulent strip stamps. From the twenty-five detailed responses received it is clear that fraudulent production can be limited by the use of anti-counterfeiting measures.In addition, Customs have conducted a series of discussions with security printers and other experts in anti-counterfeiting technology. This has revealed a wide range of overt, covert and forensic features which could be used to protect UK tax stamps from counterfeiting.Customs will continue detailed discussion's with the industry and continue to draw on a wide range of expert opinion's in their work on implementation of tax stamps for spirits in the UK.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many (a) UK distilled and (b) imported products will be affected by the introduction of strip stamps. [161637]

Subject to certain exceptions, to be determined following further discussions with the industry, tax stamps will apply to retail containers of spirits, and to wine and made wine with a strength exceeding 22 per cent. alcohol by volume.The requirement for UK retail containers of spirits to bear a tax stamp will, however, apply equally both to imported and to home produced goods.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the total tax take has been in each of the last five financial years for which figures are available. [162455]

Historic data on net taxes and social security contributions are available in table C4 of the public finances databank on the HM Treasury website www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/economic_data_and_tools/pubfinance/data_pubfinance_databank.cfm

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many unclaimed deposits in banks and building societies have remained so for more than (a) 50 years and (b) 100 years; and what estimate he has made of the total value of such deposits. [162222]

[holding answer 24 March 2004]: There is currently no official estimate of the number of unclaimed deposits in banks and building societies or their total value.

To ask the Minister I for the Cabinet Office what recent cost-benefit analysis he has made of the Better Regulation Task Force; and if he will make a statement. [161958]

The chairman and members of the Better Regulation Task Force are unpaid. The total running costs of the Task Force amount to about £0.5 million a year.Since 1997 the Task Force has published 30 substantive reports and made around 400 recommendations to Government. All but 10 have been accepted.Major reforms currently under way or recently enacted, that follow earlier recommendations by the Task Force include the reform of planning law, liquor licensing and fire safety.The Task Force monitors the Government's implementation of its recommendations.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many cases of computer misuse there were in his Department in (a) 1997 and (b) 2003, broken down by category of misuse; and how many of those cases resulted in disciplinary action. [163275]

The information requested is not available for 1997. There were two cases of computer misuse in the Cabinet Office in 2003. Both cases involved inappropriate use of the internet and resulted in disciplinary action.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what powers the Head of e-Government will have to co-ordinate departmental database plans. [163156]

A key responsibility of the Head of e-Government will be to develop a Government wide IS/ ICT strategy, standards and technical architecture. Within that remit we would expect to define a data architecture to support all government operations.In addition, the Office of the e-Envoy is currently working closely with the Office for National Statistics, who are leading the development of the Citizen Information Project.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what expenditure is planned to be incurred in the establishment of the Permanent Secretary of Government Communications; and if he will make a statement. [161951]

The Permanent Secretary Government Communications will work to ensure a co-ordinated approach and interaction between government and citizens with regard to the development and delivery of the Government's communications strategy.The budget for this remit has been set at £3.4 million for 2004–05.This includes efficiency savings of £1 million by the centralising of communications functions from across Cabinet Office units; for existing GIGS central functions funding, and for expenditure linked to the establishment of the Permanent Secretary role.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many nominations for public office were made in (a) 2002, (b) 2003 and (c) 2004; and how many of these were made online. [162808]

This information is not held centrally. Individual departments are responsible for making appointments to their own public bodies.In order to provide greater access to information about opportunities to serve on the boards of public bodies, my Department launched a new public appointments vacancy website www.publicappts-vacs.gov.uk in March 2003. People can search the site by area of interest, Government Department and by location to find details of the vacancies of most interest to them, including how and where to apply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of students domiciled in Wales went on to university in each year since 1997. [160924]

The only figures available for Welsh domiciled students entering university are for students leaving Welsh school sixth forms following Year 13 who entered a University or College of Higher Education. Figures are not collected for students entering University from other routes, such as further education, or mature students.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had since 25 February with the National Assembly for Wales Government on NHS funding in Wales.[162552]

I regularly meet the Assembly Health Minister concerning the health service in Wales: funding for NHS Wales is one of the topics that we frequently discuss.The increased funding for health as a result of the Spending Review 2002 mean that in 2004–05 the Assembly Government have been able to allocate almost 95 per cent. more to the health budget than in 1996–97.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the First Secretary about the work of the Welsh Development Agency. [162553]

I have regular meetings with the First Minister to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest to us, including the work of the WDA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had on the (a) environmental and (b) health impact of wind farms in Wales. [162554]

I have regular discussions with a range of organisations on a wide variety of issues including on matters concerning the development of renewable energy projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has held with (a) ministerial colleagues and (b) the National Assembly for Wales Government (i) to promote and (ii) to enhance the Airbus project at Broughton. [162555]

I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues, the First Minister and other stakeholders about a range of issues including the aerospace industry in Wales.The launch investment aid of £530 million provided demonstrates the Government's practical and political support for Airbus to build the wings for the super jumbo project at Broughton and is a significant part of what is being done for the aerospace industry in Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the National Assembly for Wales Government and Cabinet colleagues on targeted help for the poorest pensioners in Wales. [162556]

Regular ones. We want all pensioners to have a decent and secure income in retirement and to share fairly in the rising prosperity of Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was raised from the National Lottery in Wales in each year since 1997. [160872]

I have been asked to reply.The available information is set out in a table prepared by Camelot that was placed in the Libraries of both Houses in response to a written parliamentary question from the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones) on 18 November 2003,

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met representatives from the Rail Passenger Council in Wales. [161647]

The Rail Passenger Council is the national body that co-ordinates the work of the regional committees. In Wales, the representative body is the Rail Passenger Committee.Andrew Davies AM, the Assembly Minister for Economic Development and Transport, last met with the Committee's Chair and Secretary on 29 July 2003. I hold regular discussions with the Minister on all transport issues affecting Wales.

To ask, the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Minister of the National Assembly on the effectiveness of the Supermarket Code of Practice; and if he will make a statement. [162510]

Responsibility for monitoring the Supermarket Code of Practice rests with the Office of Fair Trading. It published its first annual review of the operation of the Code on 20 February 2004. The review found a widespread belief among suppliers that the Code was not working effectively. However, suppliers did not provide any hard evidence to support their view. The Office of Fair Trading is therefore carrying out a further compliance audit to establish how supermarkets deal with suppliers under the Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Bowman radio system will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement. [162838]

The Bowman tactical communication system will achieve its full operational capability incrementally. Following the programme's planned delivery into service in 2004, the aim is for the first brigade converted to Bowman to undertake a further 15 months of unit and collective performance training to achieve warfighting operational readiness. Based on current progress, this will be in 2005.

To ask t re Secretary of State for Defence with what (a) short range air-to-air, (b) beyond-visual-range air-to-air, (c) precision anti-armour and (d) other stand-off weapons the Future Joint Combat Aircraft (JCA) will be equipped; and for what reasons the requirement for (A) advanced short range air-to-air missiles and (B) Brimstone systems was removed from the JCA programme. [162643]

No final decisions have been taken on the weapons fit for the Joint Combat Aircraft, beyond the requirement that it will have a precision bombing capability and an air to air capability when it enters service.Weapons systems that we are considering integrating on JCA as the requirement evolves include:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of Brigadier Evans 1995 review of Phase 2 training system at Deepcut barracks. [162271]

Yes. Arrangements are being made to place a copy of the report in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the recommendations were of the 3 December 2002 Final Report of the Deputy Adjutant General on the Deepcut investigation; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [162275]

The Deputy Adjutant General made the following recommendations in his Final Report:

the establishment at Deepcut should be revised in order to provide a supervisory ratio of approximately 1:38, and the resultant requirement for an increment of up to 12 officers and 50 NCOs be funded in the Short Term Plan 2003 (£2.2 million);

the supervisory ratios across the entire Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA) should be reviewed and brought to appropriate levels in line with a clearly defined and endorsed policy for all training establishments and which can be carried forward into the Defence Training Review;

performance Indicators and Targets placed upon the ATRA should be reviewed and reordered to prevent inconsistency with the best interests of the trainees and the reduction of Soldiers Awaiting Trade Training;

the routine security and guarding of the Deepcut site should be taken over by MPGS as soon as practicable at a cost of £1.7 million;

a common induction training package for ATRA Phase 2 instructors and supervisors should be implemented in order to raise standards towards those prevailing in Phase 1;

the detailed observations and taskings in the Joint Surrey Police/Army Learning Account should be implemented forthwith.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) Ministry of Defence civilian personnel and (b) servicemen and women were employed in bases and establishments in Essex (i) in 1992, (ii) in 1997 and (iii) on the latest available date.[162873]

Reliable data on civilian personnel are only available at Government Office region. The number of Ministry of Defence civilian personnel located in the eastern region in 1993, 1997 and January 2004 were as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department will determine its response to the End-to-End Review; and if he will make a statement. [162990]

[holding answer 23 March 2004]: The aim of the End-to-End Review was to find ways to improve logistics support to the armed forces, and to do this more efficiently. The End-to-End Study reported on 1 July 2003 and an 18 month Demonstration Phase commenced on 8 September 2003. A summary of the findings from the Review has been placed in the House Library.The Demonstration Phase is using pilots to test End-to-End principles and to reduce risk. In parallel, the efficacy of some of the recommendations are being assessed and subjected to thorough investment appraisals prior to full implementation. I will make a more substantive statement on the implementation of the End-to-End Review when appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the US Administration on whether Eurofighter could bring potential benefits to the United States Air Force. [162148]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make an announcement on the future of the Future Rapid Effects System before the Easter recess. [162772]

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the way ahead shortly, but this will not be before the Easter recess.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions were reached by Lieutenant Colonel Hawley in his October 1998 report that scoped the scale and nature of psychological morbidity among Army recruits; what recommendations were made; how many of these were acted upon; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [162273]

Lieutenant Colonel Hawley's paper on A Study of Attempted Suicide in the Army: 10 Years of Experience 1987 to 1996 came to the following conclusions:

a prospective cohort study should be undertaken over a period of five years to confirm the findings of this scoping study and to extend the analysis;

a review of the current selection criteria for entry into the Army should be undertaken in order to help select individuals appropriately;

a formalisation of the criteria for dealing and disposing of individuals who have attempted suicide should be completed;

training in the identification of individuals at risk should be introduced to all leadership courses.