To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many of the Higher Education Bill's (a) clauses and (b) schedules were (i) debated, (ii) partially debated and (iii) not debated during the recent committee stage. [162988]

[holding answer 23 March 2004]: 25 clauses of the bill were formally debated during Committee Stage. Debates over fourteen sessions were both wide-ranging and detailed. Debate on the fees provisions lasted for seven committee sessions, and ensured a very full exploration of the Government's policy on tuition fees. A similarly long debate on the Government's proposal to establish an Office for Fair Access lasted for three Committee sessions. 25 clauses and seven schedules were not debated. Among the clauses not debated are 10 clauses that cover technical, interpretative or commencement provisions. The wide-ranging discussion on several clauses meant that the debates touched on a number of issues associated with later clauses that were not formally reached.In order to ensure that the policies and legislation in the Higher Education Bill were debated in detail, the Government encouraged the extension of several Committee sessions into the evening and added an extra day to the time allotted for Committee stage.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have to make an additional submission to the European Court of Justice regarding the level of excise duty levied by the Greek Government on ouzo. [163308]

Officials from Customs, DTI and DEFRA are in the process of considering the legal and practical implications of such an approach to the European Court of Justice.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue was collected from the (a) import and (b) sale of bicycles in the last year for which figures are available, broken down by (i) country of origin and (ii) number of machines in each case. [163124]

The number of non-motorised bicycles and other cycles (including delivery tricycles)¹ imported in 2003 from non-EU countries and the value of the revenue declared, broken down by country of origin, is shown in the following table:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the level and nature of taxes and other charges made by the Government relating to the (a) import and (b) sale of bicycles in the UK. [163125]

The full rate of Customs Duty for bicycles imported from non-EU countries is 15 per cent. of total value.Reduced rates of duty varying from zero to 10.5 per cent. are applicable to particular countries of origin. Full information on these rates is contained in the Customs and Excise Tariff.EU Anti-Dumping duties at a rate of 30.6 per cent. of value are currently imposed on importations of bicycles from the Republic of China. Similar duties at a rate of 18.2 per cent. were in force during 2003 on importations from Taiwan. These expired on 26 February 2004.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what effect the proposed merger of HM Customs and Excise with the Inland Revenue and reduction in staffing levels will have on the number of frontline uniformed customs officers in (a) the UK, (b) Scotland, (c) the Highlands and Islands and (d) Orkney and Shetland; and if he will make a statement. [163268]

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which posts will be lost in HM Customs and Excise service under his plan to reduce numbers of civil servants. [163174]

[holding answer 23 March 2004]: The Chancellor has announced in this year's Budget the creation of a new Department, integrating the work of HM Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue.The new Department will be tasked with delivering the benefits of improved customer service, in particular reducing compliance costs, and improved compliance with tax law, as well as greater efficiency.The reforms announced dovetail with the work conducted by the Gershon efficiency review. The integration of the departments, along with existing plans and proposed efficiency reforms, will create scope for overall savings equivalent to 14,000 posts by 2008. On the basis of policy commitments and plans to increase front line staffing in some areas, this will result in an overall reduction equivalent to 10,500 posts by 2008.The location and nature of staffing changes will be determined in detailed business planning to be undertaken by the revenue departments and their new Executive Chairman, when appointed, who will be consulting as appropriate with all key stakeholders including trade unions.Customs expertise in working at the borders to protect national security, collect revenue, facilitate trade and prevent smuggling will continue to play a vital role in the new integrated department.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the systems which are available to (a) control and (b) prevent (i) waste and (ii) fraud within the European Union; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of those procedures. [161698]

[holding answer 25 March 2004]: The Paymaster General made a full statement on these issues on 23 February in the debate in European Standing Committee B on the European Court of Auditors annual report and the Commission's Fight Against Fraud report. A further detailed assessment is provided in the Government's annual White Paper on the EC Budget and measures to counter fraud and financial mismanagement, the latest version of which was published in April 2003 [Cm 5800].

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library the guidance provided to Departments on how they should report progress and achievement against their Public Service Agreement targets. [162930]

A copy of the guidance issued for the spring 2004 departmental reports has been placed in the Library. This includes guidance on reporting against Public Service Agreement targets.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the level of overpayment in the year to April 2004 of the child care element of the Working Tax Credit due to (a) fraud,(b) claimant error and (c) departmental error. [163695]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Northavon (Mr. Webb) on 5 February 2004, Official Report, columns 1003–1004W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will amend the regulations on free television licences for those under the age of 75 in care homes. [163611]

Television licence fee regulations laid before Parliament on 11 March this year and due to come into force on 1 April include amendments to the rules governing the £ Accommodation for Residential Care concessionary scheme, principally in response to changes in care homes legislation or for the clarification of entitlement. These amendments are not intended to make any changes of substance to the scope of the scheme's coverage. The Government have no plans at present for any wider changes to the concessionary scheme, but have made clear that the future funding of the BBC will be considered as part of the Charter review process. This will include a detailed examination of the concessionary arrangements.

To ask the Minister for Women what recent discussions the has had with the (a) Lord Chancellor and (b) Law Officers on the role of women professionals in the criminal justice system. [163456]

My colleagues and I agree that the more our Criminal Justice System reflects the society it serves, the better it will be.I was delighted when Dame Brenda Hale was appointed the first women Law Lord in this country.

To ask the Minister for Women what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health on women and alcohol. [163457]

None. However the analysis that underpins the Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England, published by the Government last week, highlights some key issues for Women. Nearly one in five women now exceed 14 units of alcohol each week; on one in five occasions when women drink they do so to excess. The strategy will help tackle alcohol-related harm and its causes.

To ask the Minister for Women what assessment she has made of the career opportunities open to women in the south-east of England. [163458]

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Department is concerned to promote women's economic participation nationally.The major changes my right hon. Friend has introduced to support flexible working and work-life balance—rights to request flexible working, increased maternity leave and pay, and paternity leave—are all making a real difference to women's participation.I have tasked the Regional Development Agencies in the south-east, as elsewhere, to develop economic strategies that focus, among other things, on women's jobs and careers. The Government have increased funding to the RDAs in order to deliver these strategies.

To ask the Minister for Women if she will make a statement on equal opportunities for professional women in appointments to senior positions in (a) 1997 and (b) 2003. [163459]

This Government are committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for professional women in appointments to senior positions. The precise figures asked for are not available but since 1999 the number of women directors of a FTSE 100 company has increased from 6 per cent. to 9 per cent. In public appointments 36 per cent. of posts are held by women, an increase of 4 per cent. from 1998; and in the Civil Service, women hold 23 per cent. of the 600 top posts compared with 13 per cent. in 1998.

To ask the Minister for Women what steps are being taken to ensure that women in the Civil Service do not suffer from a gender gap in pension entitlement. [163460]

The Civil Service pension scheme is a final salary scheme. Benefits are worked out as a proportion of final pensionable earnings multiplied by years of service. Steps are being taken to ensure the Civil Service provides equal pay, to help women who want to maximise their years of service, and to remove barriers to progression. These will all help to ensure that women in the Civil Service do not suffer from a pension gap in pension entitlement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to expand the mandate of the provisional reconstruction teams in Afghanistan to enable them to respond to (a) human rights abuses, (b) factional clashes and (c) drugs production. [162967]

The objectives of the British-led Provincial Reconstruction Team are to help the Afghan Transitional Authority extend its influence, to stimulate the development of Security Sector Reform and the reconstruction effort and so to facilitate the development of a stable and secure environment in the Afghan regions. We have no plans to revise these objectives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long the ALARM missile will remain in service. [162645]

Under current planning assumptions, ALARM is due to remain in service until around the end of the next decade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many armed forces personnel have been posted to new locations in each of the last five years; and how many service families were required to move house within the UK and abroad in each year. [153829]

The Naval Service are unable to provide accurate figures on postings to new locations as their information system does not distinguish between drafts of a week and longer tours of duty. The information could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.Information on Army postings could also be provided only at disproportionate cost.The number of RAF personnel posted to new locations is shown in the following table.

Financial year	Officers	Ground Airmen
1998–99	3,636	8,805
1999–2000	3,822	8,587
2000–01	4,156	8,105
2001–02	3,511	7,943
2002–03	3,601	7,783

The table details the number of postings for both officers and ground airmen. No statistics are held for Non Commissioned Aircrew as they tend to remain at the same unit for a number of years and therefore are likely to move around less often.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 14 October 2003, Official Report, column 317W, on Army Personnel (self-harm), if he will make a statement on progress in the collection and analysis of the existing information on incidents of deliberate self-harm in the army. [163148]

The Department is considering whether it is feasible to collect information on incidents of self-harm that would be reliable and consistent between the three Services. The work in hand is looking at the identification and recording of such incidents, reporting systems, analysis and data protection. This is, however, a complex area and an early conclusion is unlikely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent work his Department has carried out to assess the security implications for the UK of climate change; and if he will make a statement. [162884]

The Ministry of Defence is reviewing the implications of climate change for national security as part of its wider assessment of strategic trends which might impact on the United Kingdom's interests.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which military bands will be attending commemorations for the 60th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings; of these bands, how many are being funded by (a) his Department and (b) other sources; and at which venues they each will be performing. [160248]

Musical support will be provided by six bands, those of the Royal Marines (Scotland), the Normandy Band of the King's Division, the Royal Irish Regiment, the Parachute Regiment, the Army Air Corps and the Rifle Volunteers (Devon and Dorset). All are being funded by the Ministry of Defence: two centrally and four by unit budgets.Currently there are 18 separate events which will be supported by one or more bands. The main events for each band are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment hay been made since the publication of the Hutton report of the right of employees of his Department to the protection of the Data Protection Act 1998 in relation to the disclosure of their names and identity to third parties without their consent. [163651]

Lord Hutton makes no reference to the Data Protection Act in his report. No assessment has therefore been made of the rights of MOD employees to the protections of the Data Protection Act following the Hutton report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 16 September 2003, Official Report, column 704W, on Deepcut and Catterick Barracks, with reference to the conclusion of the investigations by Surrey police, if he will order an independent inquiry into the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch; and if he will make a statement. [163146]

The Surrey police, who retained primacy for investigating the deaths at Deepcut Barracks, have made no recommendation to the effect that an independent inquiry into the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch should be undertaken, and the Ministry of Defence has no plans to order one.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list the external recommendations made by Brigadier Evans in his 1995 review of the Phase 2 training system at Deepcut barracks; how many of these recommendations were accepted; and what action was taken as a result; [162270](2) if he will list the internal recommendations made by Brigadier Evans in his 1995 review of the Phase 2 training system at Deepcut barracks; how many of these recommendations were accepted; what action was taken as a result; and what assessment was made of the applicability of these measures to other barracks. [162269]

Brigadier Evans'Review of the Phase 2 Training System within Deepcut made 30 detailed recommendations not all of which were accepted or adopted. I will write to my hon. Friend in more detail and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the full costs will be of moving the Equipment Support (Air) Group from RAF Wyton to (a) Abbeywood and (b) the other possible locations being considered; [155554](2) in relation to the announcement made to staff at RAF Wyton on 26 January regarding the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) re-structuring, on what date the consultation ends; what flit likely costs of this re-organisation are; what options of her than a move to Abbeywood have been considered; and whether it is an option for other MOD centres for DLO to be moved to RAF Wyton; [155553](3) why the Defence Logistics Organisation Equipment Support (AIR) is Changing its name to Domain 2*; and on what date the change will take place. [155552]

The Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) began formal consultation with the Trades Unions on 26 January about proposed changes to its structure. Detailed proposals, including possible changes of location, title or role, and associated costs, will flow from this initial consultation period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on Fire Study 2000; and what plans he has for a further study. [162592]

I have received a number of representations concerning Fire Study 2000 from Members of Parliament, trade unions, and members of the Defence Fire Service. In particular these have concerned its relationship to the Airfield Support Services Project where the recommendations contained in Fire Study 2000 have also been used to inform the Public Sector Comparator.There are no plans for a further study.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to implement the recommendations of Fire Study 2000.[162593]

The recommendations contained in Fire Study 2000, identifying Fire Service efficiencies, also forms part of the Public Sector Comparator for the Airfield Support Services Project which is seeking to establish the most cost-effective method of maintaining a full airfield support service, without compromising operational effectiveness. No decisions have yet been made. However, should it be decided that a public-private partnership is not the best option then the Public Sector Comparator, including the recommendations contained in Fire Study 2000, would be implemented within two years. In the meantime we continue to examine what Fire Study efficiencies can be implemented pending the completion of the Airfield Support Services Project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his policy to require Fire Study 2000 to be subject to an independent specialist review to test its manpower and financial assumptions. [162671]

Fire Study 2000 was commissioned in order to review the Ministry of Defence's fire services and develop an optimum organisation in line with the Government's Strategic Defence Review. The results of the study have also been used to inform the Public Sector Comparator for the Airfield Support Services Project (ASSP). All Public Private Partnership Projects such as the ASSP are subject to independent review by MOD scrutineers supporting the Department's Investments Approvals Board and, in some cases, by Her Majesty's Treasury. The underlying assumptions in Fire Study 2000 are therefore being reviewed as part of the overall ASSP evaluation process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is planned that Royal Navy fisheries protection vessels will operate under the control of the Fisheries Control Agency; and if he will make a statement. [162964]

We have no plans to change the existing arrangements between the Ministry of Defence and DEFRA for the operation of RN Fishery Protection vessels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions were reached by Lieutenant Colonel R. Haes report of 24 April 2001 concerning the exercise by the Army of the duty of care; what recommendations were made; how many of these have been acted upon; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [162274]

Lieutenant Colonel Haes' report on Army Training and Recruiting Agency Duty of Care and Supervision 98–01 made a significant number of wide-ranging recommendations. I will write to my hon. Friend and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.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 how many (a) military and (b) non-military interpreters have been deployed to Iraq in each month since the beginning of hostilities in the country. [161281]

Currently there are 15 UK-based civilian and 17 UK military interpreters in Iraq. The number deployed in each month is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 4 March 2004, Official Report, column 1050W, on Iraq, if he will list the complaints against UK troops that have been upheld which have been recorded centrally; and if he will make a statement. [160506]

[holding answer 16 March 2004]: We record centrally cases in which the Special Investigations Branch of the Royal Military Police investigates Iraqi civilian fatalities allegedly caused by United Kingdom forces. As at 17 March the SIB had investigated 21 alleged cases. 10 investigations have been completed. In three the SIB concluded that the soldier had acted within his Rules of Engagement; in four—of road traffic accidents—the fatality was found to have been a genuine accident; and in three it was concluded that there was no case to answer. The remaining 11 investigations are on-going.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make public the report of the Special Investigation Branch into the deaths of six members of the Royal Military Police killed in Iraq in June 2003. [163218]

In line with usual practice on the release of Service Police reports, we have no plans to make public the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) report into the deaths of the six RMPs who were killed in Al Majarr Al Kabir.On 22 January 2004, the SIB provided an extensive briefing to the families of the soldiers who died and have undertaken to provide them with further updates should significant further information come to light as the investigation continues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bombing missions were aborted by RAF pilots during Operation Telic (a) in total and (b) owing to faulty target selection; and if he will make a statement. [163410]

Royal Air Force aircraft aborted about 350 missions. 55 of these attacks were aborted due to inability to positively identify the target for example because it was obscured by smoke.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bombs were exploded in mid-air before reaching their targets during Operation Telic; and if he will make a statement. [163411]

None. The RAF does not possess in its inventory any weapons that can be detonated by the pilot after launch.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the contribution of UK forces towards the re-opening of schools in the southern Iraqi provinces. [143742]

Work on schools is one of the Coalition's highest priorities in the reconstruction of Iraq. From the earliest weeks after the end of major combat operations on 1 May 2003 Coalition forces worked closely with UNICEF and other Non-Governmental Organisations to assess need and distribute packages of equipment. Since then a major refurbishment programme has been under way.As at 25 February, within the Multinational Division (Southeast) area, coalition forces have refurbished and/or granted financial aid packages to 1,824 schools. A large amount of school equipment has also been distributed, including over 15,000 chalkboards, 200,000 student kits and 23,000 desks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff were employed in the last year in administering manning control reviews in the Army; how much money was spent; and if he will make a statement. [162729]

The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many AFB6848 forms have been signed in each year since 1995; and if he will make a statement. [162730]

Statistics on how many AFB6848 are signed are not held centrally for longer than one year. During the period 1 March 2003 to 29 February 2004, some 28,000 AFB6848 were signed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 15 October 2003, Official Report, column 244W, on Iraq, with reference to the conclusion of the Navy Board of Inquiry into the Death of Marine Maddison, if he will order an independent inquiry into the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch; and if he will make a statement. [163147]

The facts surrounding the first Special Investigation Branch investigation of the death of Marine Maddison have been established by a Naval Board of Inquiry. All the lessons to be learned from this fatality are being vigorously pursued, and we await the independent verdict of a Coroner's Inquest. A further independent inquir would serve no purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what factors underlay the decision of his Department to claim, originally, that the death of Marine Maddison was caused through enemy action; at what level the decision was made to support and publicise this claim; and if he will make a statement. [163167]

The Department's initial position reflected the conclusion of the early, in-theatre investigation of Marine Maddison's death. When its conclusion that he Was killed by enemy forces was found to be in error, this new information was conveyed at once to his next of kin with our deepest regrets. The error has also been fully acknowledged in public since the relevant Board of Inquiry was completed in December 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many (a) solely state-financed and (b) public-private partnership and private finance initiative projects for which his Department is responsible have been launched in each region in each of the last 10 years; [160949](2) how much was spent by

Information relating to solely state-financed projects is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Information regarding public-private partnership and private finance initiative projects is published in the Signed Projects List which can be found on the Treasury website at: http://www.hm-treasury.gov. uk/documents/public_private_partnerships//ppp_pfi_stats.cfm.Additional and supplementary information can be found on the MOD website at:http: //www .mod.uk/ business/ppp/database.htm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the assessment of whether there are alternative defence uses for (a) RAF Brampton and (b) RAF Wyton to be concluded. [157311]

No decisions have yet been made to relocate any existing function from either of the two sites. In any case, RAF Brampton and RAF Wyton are seen as having potential to accommodate a variety of other defence activities. It is, therefore, too early to say when final decisions on continued or alternative uses will be made. Any specific proposals will be subject to full consultation in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recommendations were made by the Board of Inquiry into the death of Grenadier Guardsman Richard King; how many of these recommendations have been implemented; what further actions were taken against the 10 non-commissioned officers identified by the Special Investigation Branch and reported for neglect of duty; and how many of these officers have been promoted since the incident. [162258]

The Board of Inquiry into the death of Guardsman King concluded that appropriate remedial measures had been put in place since the incident and therefore made no recommendations.Investigations were conducted by both the South Wales Police and the Royal Military Police and the case was examined separately by both the Crown Prosecution Service and the Army Prosecuting Authority, neither of whom decided to prosecute any individual.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of Re-launching the image of the Royal Navy—A three-year communication strategy, published in November 2001. [152241]

I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions were reached by Brigadier Mountford in his 1993 review of the single entry system; what recommendations he made; how many of these were acted upon; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [162266]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the programme for fitting Sonar 2087 to Type 23 frigates has changed since 16 September 2003. [162670]

There has been no change since the answer I gave on 16 September 2003, Official Report, column 709W, to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what help will be given to QinetiQ to dispose of ordnance in the UK. [161872]

The Ministry of Defence funds the 25 year Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) with QinetiQ under which the company provides a capability for ordnance disposal. The LTPA includes financial provision for infrastructure improvement which could be drawn upon by QinetiQ to provide more cost effective disposal or in order to meet environmental legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the basis was of the decision to decommission HMS Ark Royal in 2013. [162805]

The replacement of the Invincible class aircraft carriers (CVS) by the future aircraft carriers (CVF) will be achieved through a phased programme. This will see CVF introduced prior to the full withdrawal of the CVS. It is intended that HMS Ark Royal will be the last CVS to be withdrawn from service in 2013.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what engine problems have been experienced by HMS Albion; and if he will make a statement. [162951]

The engines on HMS Albion have proved to be extremely reliable in service. There have only been a small number of defects, none of them significant. While there have been defects affecting the supporting cooling systems and electrical control systems, these have been rectified by the shipbuilder and the systems have generally performed to a level consistent with any First of Class vessel entering service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) for what reasons HMS Triumph is being laid up prior to her refit; and for how long the vessel will have been laid up before refit work commences; [162953](2) what the basis was of the decision to decommission HMS Triumph 12 months before its refit was due to commence; and what functions the ship will undertake prior to decommissioning. [162806]

HMS Triumph will begin her refit in summer 2005, as originally planned. She arrived in Devonport at the end of January 2004 and her further operation will not be possible until essential refuelling and safety justification work has been undertaken. Once HMS Talent, currently in refit, vacates her dock, the dock-dependent refit work on HMS Triumph will begin. In the meantime, to make optimum use of the facilities and resources at the dockyard, the Department is seeking to reduce the overall length of the refit by identifying that work which is not dependent on a dry dock and may be undertaken ahead of the main refit and refuelling work. In addition, a reduced ship's company, in conjunction with dockyard employees, will conduct trials to inform the content of the refit package.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what the operational status is of HMS Ark Royal; and whether she is being put out into extended readiness; [162974](2) how many Royal Navy aircraft carriers are operational. [162978]

There are currently two operational Royal Navy aircraft carriers, HMS Invincible and HMS Ark Royal. HMS Ark Royal is currently operational, but will be moved to a state of extended readiness from April 2004. HMS Illustrious will return to operational service in 2005 following a period in refit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the financial consequences of reducing the 100-year census closure period for decennial population census records for Scotland. [160428]

None. Responsibility for such an assessment lies With the Scottish Executive as this is a devolved matter.The Minister responsible in the Scottish Executive is Cathy Jamieson, Minister for Justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the years in which each of the 1851 to 1901 decennial censuses were released for public inspection. [160655]

The General Register Office for Scotland (GRO(S)), an associated department of the Scottish Executive, is responsible for carrying out periodic censuses of Scotland's population.The Scottish Census returns for 1841–71 were opened to public inspection in 1923. The returns for 1881 and 1891 were opened to public inspection, though with some restrictions on copying, in 1955. The records for 1901 were opened to public inspection at the end of 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on energy policy in Scotland. [155909]

The February 2003 Energy White Paper "Towards a Low Carbon Economy" defines the Government's overall strategy for energy policy. Its four core objectives—cutting carbon emissions, maintaining reliability of energy supplies, promoting competitive markets to promote productivity and sustainable growth, ensuring every home is adequately and affordably heated—apply and will deliver benefits in Scotland as elsewhere. I take part in the work of the sustainable energy policy network in following through on the White Paper commitments. Scottish Executive Ministers are closely associated with this work.Core aspects of energy policy and related issues of competition and regulation are reserved. Devolved policy responsibilities in Scotland include promotion of renewables and of energy efficiency. Co-operation in devolved policy areas including planning, environmental protection, encouraging economic development and a skilled work force is crucial to the success of energy policy in Scotland. Good working relations at all levels between the Scottish Executive and UK Government Departments are therefore especially important.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to extend the remit of the Assembly Ombudsman to include further education colleges; whether he has met with representatives from further education colleges to discuss the issue; and if he will make a statement. [162703]

The Government have no current plans to extend the remit of the Assembly Ombudsman to directly include Further Education Colleges. The Offices of the Assembly Ombudsman and Commissioner for Complaints are currently subject to review. Following consideration of the outcome of that review any proposed changes to the remit of the Ombudsman will be matters for public consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the value of assets (a) recovered and (b) frozen is since the Assets Recovery Agency was formed. [161687]

The Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland is currently dealing with 22 cases with a total asset value of over £9.9 million. Of these, 16 are under active investigation. The Agency has frozen assets totalling £2.8 million in five of the remaining cases and is pursuing one case through taxation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what (a) research was; undertaken and (b) evidence was collected during the development of the recent further education strategy proposals, with particular regard to (i) the balance between full-time and part-time lecturing staff, (ii) the number of students taking vocational courses at further education colleges and (iii) the proportion of the 16 to 21 age cohort taking vocational courses at further education colleges. [162704]

The publication of the Draft Strategy for further education is the result of a wide range of consultations and research exercises conducted since autumn 2002. In addition to a public consultation on the future role of further education and an analysis of course provision, enrolments and performance by the 16 local further education colleges, new research was commissioned by DEL to supplement existing information on the work of the colleges. This new research addressed: the qualifications of further education staff; the qualifications of 16–19 year olds entering full-time education; the contribution of further education to economic development; and, an evaluation of the current funding mechanism The findings of this considerable body of information were augmented further by a number of study visits aimed at evaluating best practice in vocational education.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what annual salary will be paid to members of the International Monitoring Commission; and what he estimates Commission members' average annual expenses will be. [160587]

The Independent Monitoring Commission Commissioners will not be paid an annual salary. The Commissioners receive a per diem rate of £600, the Commissioners may also claim £25 per day and, in addition, their travel and subsistence costs are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the (a) cost of setting up and (b) annual running costs of the International Monitoring Commission. [160588]

I estimate the costs associated with establishing and running the Independent Monitoring Commission up to the end of financial year 2003–04 to be approximately £600,000. I estimate that the annual running costs will be approximately £2 million, up to half of which will be borne by the Irish Government. I intend to make IMC accounts available in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many emergency psychiatric bed spaces there are in Northern Ireland, broken down by location; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of this provision to deal with the demand. [163299]

The Eastern Health and Social Board has six acute psychiatric units providing a total of 224 beds. These are located at Belfast City Hospital, Mater Hospital, Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Lagan Valley Hospital, Ards Hospital and Downshire Hospital.The Northern Board has three acute psychiatric units providing 134 beds. These are located at the Ross Thompson Unit, Holywell Hospital and Whiteabbey Hospital.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many mental health trusts in Northern Ireland have fully established women-only day care facilities. [163048]

There are no fully established women-only day care facilities in any of the Health and Social Services Trusts in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in Northern Ireland have gained employment as a result of enrolling in the (a) New Deal for 18 to 24-years-olds, (b) New Deal 50 +,(c) New Deal for Disabled People,(d) New Deal for people aged 25 + and (e) New Deal for Lone Parents in each year since their introduction; and what steps he is taking to increase such figures. [161284]

The New Deal programmes are a part of the Government's Welfare to Work Initiative and are aimed at assisting unemployed people from benefit into employment. All New Deal programmes are kept under review and developed to ensure that they meet the needs of their target groups. Independent evaluations are carried out on a regular basis as part of this review process.The number of people who have gained employment as a result of participating in the New Deals are as follows:

Numbers into sustained employment1,2
	New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds	New Deal 50+	New Deal for Disabled people	New Deal 25+
1998–99	2,165	30	40	307
1999–2000	3,296	30	40	4,114
2000–01	2,398	523	283	2,521
2001–02	2,010	529	177	1,697
2002–03	1,965	483	436	1,751
2003–045	1,455	—	511	1,036

Total number into empolyment—New Deal for Lone parents6
	Full-time	Part-time
1998–99	543	35
1999–2000	1,213	115
2000–01	1,601	234

Total number into empolyment—New Deal for Lone parents6
	Full-time	Part-time
2001–02	1,779	221
2002–03	1,967	249
2003–045	1,125	157
1 A participant is considered to have sustained employment if they remain in the same spell of employment for 92 days or more.
2 A participant is only ever counted once as starting employment.
3 New Deal 50+ Was introduced in April 2000.
4 New Deal Disabled people was introduced across Northern Ireland in April 2000.
5 Figures for 2003–04 Will be subject to revision as data on those Who moved into employment towards the end of 2003 and the beginning of 2004 and subsequently sustain that employment becomes available.
6 The Social Security Agency is responsible for the administration of New Deal for Lone parents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of 18 to 24-year-olds in (a) Northern Ireland and (b) the Foyle constituency entered paid employment within six months of completing New Deal programmes in the last 12 months for which figures are available. [162937]

During the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 the percentage of leavers from the New Deal for 18 to 24-year-olds entering paid employment within six months of completing the programme was:

(a) 31 per cent. in Northern Ireland; and

(b) 25 per cent. in the Foyle parliamentary constituency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what guidelines have been issued to each of the Northern Ireland health boards regarding the triple test for pregnant women. [162723]

No guidance has been issued to Health Boards in Northern Ireland on use of the triple test for screening pregnant women in relation to Down's syndrome.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the role of the Government's proposed Serious Organised Crime Agency will be in Northern Ireland. [161977]

The Serious and Organised Crime Agency will have a UK wide remit. However, because of the distinctive features of organised crime in Northern Ireland a regional focus will be maintained and the PSNI will continue to have a central role in tackling organised crime.A representative from the new agency will join the Northern Ireland Organised Crime Task Force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will publish the results of (a) surveys and (b) measurements of demand for the Ulster-Scots language in Northern Ireland. [159542]

The results of the 1999 Northern Ireland Life Times Survey are currently published on the internet (www.ark.ac.uk/nilt).My officials are currently finalising and preparing for publication the Dunne report, which includes research dating back to 2002. The published report will include the results of the 2000 and 2001 Omnibus Survey. I envisage that the report will be published before the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what provision has been made to extend funding for (a) the small arms and light weapons global conflict prevention pool beyond 2004 and (b) the United Nations development programme global weapons collection programme. [163368]

The Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP) Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Strategy allocation for 2004–5 is £6.0 million. It is expected that the allocation up to 2006–07 for all strategies including SALW will be agreed by Ministers towards the end of 2004.Support for the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Small Arms Project on Weapons Collection, Management and Destruction comes from the Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP), jointly managed by the Department for International Development, Ministry of Defence and Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The current phase of support is worth £7.5 million and runs for three years, ending in April 2004. We are currently considering a proposal to extend funding for a further period.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans he has to extend small arms and light weapons destruction projects. [163428]

DFID is keen to provide continued support to programmes which demonstrate their ability to reduce the availability of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) through stockpile management, collection and destruction initiatives.Support for United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP's) Small Arms Project on Weapons Collection, Management and Destruction comes from the Global Conflict Prevention Pool (GCPP), jointly managed by DFID, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The current phase of support is worth £7.5 million and runs for three years, ending in April 2004. We are currently considering a proposal to extend funding for a further period.The UK Government will provide on-going support in 2004–05 towards the development of a five year National Action Plan in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique and Namibia. These plans will provide a comprehensive approach to weapons control in these countries and will include disarmament, destruction and weapons management.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether his officials have discussed assistance to the Economic Council of West African States to combat small arms problems in West Africa with the ECOWAS secretariat. [163429]

DFID recognises that more needs to be done to combat small arms proliferation in West Africa. In recent months DFID, together with the FCO and MOD, and other donors have been working closely with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and is member states to take forward a number of emerging opportunities. An outcome of this is that the UK is part funding an ECOWAS conference on Combating illicit Small Arms Brokering during March. As well as focusing on arms brokering this Conference will also review the existing ECOWAS moratorium on small arms and the proposed roles and responsibilities of the ECOWAS Small Arms Unit. The UK contribution for the Conference will be financed through the Global Conflict Prevention Pool to which DFID, FCO and MOD all provide funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the total cost of new office space procured for (a) CDC and (b) Actis is; and what price per square foot has been paid for each of their new London offices. [157827]

The total costs and price per square foot of the new office space for both CDC and Actis are covered by confidentiality clauses in the contracts between the two companies and their respective landlords. The landlords have been asked to waive these restrictions but have declined to do so for commercial reasons. I am not therefore able to provide the information requested.However, achieving the best value for money has been a priority in the decision to move into the two new offices. CDC's old office was in need of expensive refurbishment to its ventilation and cabling. Furthermore, its 52,000 sq ft of floor space had become too large for a staff complement, which had fallen from some 270 to around 170 over the last few years. The combined floor space of the two new offices amounts to some 32,000 sq ft in comparison. By selling their old office, CDC have also realised the value of the property (some £24 million) which can now be used for CDC's mission of investment in the private sector in poorer developing countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to introduce legislation on the issuing of long-service awards by companies. [163442]

Long-service awards can benefit both employers and employees. Depending on the circumstances, such awards might amount to indirect age discrimination under the Article 13 European Employment Directive, which requires discrimination on the grounds of age in employment and vocational training to be outlawed by December 2006. We intend that our implementing legislation will provide for employers to be able to continue to offer justifiable long-service awards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of people benefiting from the recent uprating of the national minimum wage. [163443]

Based on the Office for National Statistics' Low Pay data released in 2003, the DTI estimates that between 1.6 million and 1.9 million people in the UK stand to benefit from the October 2004 uprating of the national minimum wage which was announced last week.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of people benefiting from the recent uprating of the national minimum wage. [163569]

Based on the Office for National Statistics Low Pay data released in 2003, the DTI estimates that between 1.6 million and 1.9 million people in the UK stand to benefit from the October 2004 uprating of the National Minimum Wage which was announced last week.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate she has made of the number of (a) adults, (b) 16 and 17-year-olds and (c) households in Leeds West that will benefit from the minimum wage rise in October 2004. [162606]

DTI analysis of low pay data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that between 180,000 to 210,000 workers in Yorkshire and the Humber stand to benefit from the October 2004 uprating of the national minimum wage. More detailed information by constituency is not possible using the data available. Information on 16 to 17-year-olds and on households is neither available by region nor by constituency due to small sample size.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will create an independent national body to oversee all mandatory recalls of defective products. [163444]

Having carefully considered the option of creating an independent national body we have decided not to pursue this course of action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the economic contribution of the music industry in the United Kingdom; and if she will make a statement. [163445]

Music is, and has been for many years, one of the most vibrant sectors of the UK economy. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, who have responsibility for the music industry, estimates that the UK is the third largest market in the world for sales of music and is second only to the USA as a source of repertoire. According to the DCMS sponsored report by the National Music Council on the economic contribution of the UK music business, "Counting the Notes (2002)", the music industry generated a total value added in excess of £3.6 billion in 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the way the Government consults small firms on new legislation. [163446]

The Government established a Small Business Council in May 2000 to advise and report on the effects that the Government have on small business, including regulation, William Sargent SEBC Chair acts as the 'voice' for small business across Whitehall—in this role he also has direct access to the Prime Minister and attends Ministerial Panel of Regulatory Accountability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps the Department is taking towards deregulation of the chemical industry. [163447]

The Government continually looks for ways to improve the regulatory regime, and we will be establishing a new chemical industry forum to discuss options for better regulation, as announced by the Chancellor in last week's budget. Appropriate regulation of the chemical industry is, of course, necessary to ensure proper protection of human health and the environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the balance of trade with the European Union was in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what the balance was (a) five and (b) 10 years ago. [163448]

In the year to the third quarter of 2003, the UK's balance of trade in goods and services deficit with the European Union was 2.5 per cent. of GDP. In 1998 and 1993 the deficits were 0.7 and 0.9 per cent. respectively. In 1988 it was 3.7 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make it her policy under the United Kingdom national allocation plan to exempt nuclear generation from the EU emissions trading scheme. [163449]

While nuclear generation does not produce emissions of carbon dioxide, the associated combustion installation which emits carbon dioxide and with a rated thermal input exceeding 20 MW is subject to the EU emissions trading scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will discuss with representatives of the Economic Community of West African States the Department's policy on extraterritorial export control legislation. [163450]

Yes my hon. Friend the Minister for Africa wrote last December to Dr. Ibn Chambas, Executive Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States, to explain the Government's policy on extra-territorial controls.The Minister discussed the issue again when he saw Dr. Chambas in New York this February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to improve productivity in Yorkshire and the Humber. [163451]

The Government are committed to raising the productivity of UK business in order to provide prosperity for everybody in our country. Within Yorkshire and the Humber, my Department works closely with Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency for the region, which has made improved productivity a key priority in then Regional Economic Strategy.Since its launch in may 2002, the Yorkshire and Humber Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) has contacted 691 companies. This has resulted to date in company improvements in productivity added value of £7.8 million per annum.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of how the level of internet access in the United Kingdom compares with that in other European countries. [163452]

The Office of the e-envoy published an independent international benchmarking assessment in Nov 2002—The Worlds Most Effective Policies for the e-Economy—which presents international comparisons of internet access and use across the G7. The assessment shows the UK to be ahead of other European G7 countries for household internet access.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures she is planning to ensure that beer drinkers receive a full pint when purchasing alcoholic beverages on licensed premises. [163469]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 17 March 2004, Official Report, column 321W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research the Department has undertaken on whether beer drinkers receive a full pint on licensed premises. [163470]

The Department's consultation document 'Draught Beer and Cider' of March 2002 reported the results of a number of surveys by local authorities.This consultation document has been placed in the Libraries of the House and can be viewed at www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/consultpdf/beer2.pdf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many fixed price contracts have been undertaken by BNFL in the USA in each of the last 10 years. [162875]

BNFL operates in several sectors in the US, principally environmental clean-up through its subsidiary BNFL Inc and fuel manufacture and reactor services through its subsidiary Westinghouse Electric Company. It would not be practical to list specific details of contracts.I would refer the hon. Member to an answer I gave to the hon. Member for North-West Norfolk (Mr. Bellingham) on 6 January 2004,

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2004, Official Report, columns 321–22W what estimates of further losses are envisaged by BNFL Inc; and what other potential losses in the USA BNFL Inc have informed the Department of. [163074]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker), on 22 March 2004, Official Report, column 517W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to her answer of 12 March 2004, Official Report, column 1775W, on conferences and seminars, for what reason she does not maintain a central register of the (a) number and (b) cost of conferences and seminars that have been cancelled since June 2001. [162603]

Responsibility for conferences and seminars rests with individual business units in DTI. Statistics on cancellation of such events with associated costs are not normally required for business reasons and are therefore not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the (a) resource budget, (b) administration costs and (c) staff numbers of the (i) Database Market Strategy Group (Patent Office), (ii) Small Business Investment Task Force, (iii) Small Business Council, (iv) Partnership Fund Assessment Panel, (v) Measurement Advisory Committee, (vi) Industrial Development Advisory Board, (vii) Council for Science and Technology, (viii) Committee on Cleaner Coal Technology, (ix) National Consumer Council, (x) Gas and Electricity Consumer Council and (xi) British Hallmarking Council are for 2003. [162421]

The resource budget set by DTI for the National Consumer Council for the financial year 2003–04 is £4,059,000. The forecast average staff numbers for the National Consumer Council is 51.2 full time equivalents.The resource budget set by DTI for the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council for the financial year 2003–04 is £12,300,000. The forecast average staff numbers for the Gas and Electricity Consumer Council is 296 full time equivalents.The resource provided by DTI for these bodies is funded from DTI's programme budgets. The amount of their expenditure, which would be regarded as administrative costs will be published in each body's audited annual accounts.The following bodies do not have separate resource budgets or staff. DTI provide the secretariat services in these cases and expenditure is met from within DTI's internal resource budgets.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department has a chief scientific adviser. [162479]

The Department of Trade and Industry appointed David Hughes as Director General of Innovation Group and Departmental Chief Scientific Adviser (DCS A) in October 2002. David Hughes is a member of the Department's Executive Board.Sir David King, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, reports direct to the Prime Minister and to Cabinet. He provides advice to the Government as a whole on science, engineering and technology (SET) matters. Sir David heads the Office of Science and Technology which is located in my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on progress in making cheaper generic drug treatments available to developing countries, pursuant to the World Trade Organisation agreement on trade related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and Public Health of August 2003. [162590]

The UK Government will be working with our European partners on incorporating the WTO Decision on TRIPs and Public Health into law at EU level. This will enable both the granting of compulsory licences for export of patented medicines in the circumstances laid down in the decision, and appropriate safeguards to ensure that medicines exported in this fashion are not diverted from their intended recipients.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the potential impact of closed e-auction policies by supermarket stores on the health and safety compliance rates of contracting companies. [160140]

I understand that the hon. Member may have information regarding a reduction in health and safety standards. This is a matter for the Health and Safety Executive who may be able to respond appropriately if provided with detailed information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether her Department conducted an impact assessment under its race equality scheme of its decision to cease production of hard copy prints of most employment rights advice booklets. [162650]

No. Employment rights information is available from the Department's website or, in paper form, from Acas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2004, Official Report, columns 1676–77W, on employment rights advice booklets, on what date the organisations listed were invited to join the practitioner group established as part of the review of her Department's information services; which of the organisations listed subsequently (a) became a member of the practitioner group and (b) attended meetings of the practitioner group; on what dates; and which organisations (i) declined to join the practitioner group and (ii) did not respond to the invitation. [162651]

A letter inviting organisations to join the group was sent on 28 May 2002. Membership was through attendance at the meetings. The letter did not ask for a response if the offer was declined. Records were not kept of organisations that did not respond.Following is a list of organisations represented at the meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps her Department is taking to promote an enterprise culture within educational establishments. [163312]

In encouraging entrepreneurial attitudes among young people, the DTI has supported Enterprise Insight in developing a national campaign to promote enterprise to young people and to those who influence them (including teachers, careers advisers etc). This campaign will have as its focal point an annual Enterprise Week, the first of which will be from 15 to 21 November this year. Enterprise Week will include national and regional activities and celebrations of entrepreneurial achievement.The DTI also supports the activities of Young Enterprise, in offering young people, practical experience of what enterprise entails through simulated entrepreneurial situations. Specifically, through the SBS it supports YE's Graduate Programme, Masterclass and Innovation Awards.The DTI is also working closely with the DfES and the Treasury in taking forward the recommendations of the Davies Review. From 2005–06 all Key Stage 4 pupils will receive the equivalent of five days enterprise activity, which develops enterprise capability—innovation, creativity, risk-management and risk-taking, and financial and business understanding. 151 Enterprise Pathfinder projects were launched last September, covering nearly 400 secondary schools in England, from which DfES will derive guidance for all schools prior to launching the £60 million enterprise education entitlement in September 2005. A second wave of Pathfinders will start in September 2004.The two Departments are also supporting the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship. Building on existing good practice, the aims of the Council will be to raise the profile of entrepreneurship and starting a business as a career option within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), including both universities and other higher education establishments, with the objective of increasing the numbers of students and graduates who give serious thought to this. It will therefore work with all interested parties to encourage and create an entrepreneurial culture among students and graduates.