To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many abandoned vehicles were removed by local authorities in England in (a) 2001–02 (b) 2002–03 and (c) 2003–04. [173407]

[holding answer 18 May 2004]: The number of abandoned vehicles removed by local authorities in England was as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 6 May, Official Report, column 1658W, on disposable nappies, whether the Waste Implementation Programme Manager met representatives of the Nappy Alliance at Ashdown House on 23rd March; and if she will make a statement on the outcome of the meeting. [174743]

[holding answer 20 May 2004]: I can confirm that the Waste Implementation Programme (WIP) Manager met with representatives of the Nappy Alliance on 23rd March. The meeting was a useful opportunity to discuss the work WIP is already taking forward through the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to promote re-usable nappies. This work stream forms an essential part of Government's renewed drive to minimise the amount of household waste generated in England.One of the issues raised in the course of the meeting was the need to ensure that this element of Defra's waste strategy has full support across Government. In particular, this means working closely with the Department of Health to ensure that hospitals are in a position to encourage the supply of re-usable nappies, and that healthcare professionals give new parents the facts they need to make their own informed choice. Following the meeting on 23 March and the subsequent publication of the Women's Environmental Network's report 'Nappies and the NHS: Waste Prevention and a Fair Choice for Parents', I have written to the Under-Secretary at the Department of Health to make the case for a strong lead from hospitals and health trusts on this important initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the (a) crops, (b) vegetables, (c) fruit and (d) plants the growing of which will not qualify for single farm payment. [166026]

Under the Single Payments Scheme, farmers will be allocated 'entitlements' against which they may make an annual claim for payment. Such claims must be supported by an equivalent number of hectares of agricultural area, except those used for forestry, permanent crops (eg fruit trees) or used for non-agricultural activities.In addition, the amount of land used in support of a claim on which horticultural crops (those referred to in Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC) No. 2200/96 and Article 1(2) of Regulation (EC) No. 2201/96 and potatoes other than those intended for manufacture of potato starch) are grown will be limited by authorisations allocated to individual growers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received regarding the recent increased assessment of flood risk in the South East; and if she will make a statement. [170837]

The Government welcome the report "Foresight Future Flooding" by Professor Sir David King published through the Office of Science and Technology on 22 April.Currently nearly two million properties are at risk of flooding in the UK from rivers and the sea and a further 80,000 are at risk from heavy downpours that overwhelm drains in urban areas. Under future scenarios in the report and assuming our approval to flood risk management does not change then annual damages could rise substantially by the 2080s. The areas at greatest risk include the South East Coast. We therefore face major challenges in managing these potential risks and associated costs.The Government are considering the implications of the report and we intend to address the findings in an initial response through a consultation document for a new flood and coastal defence strategy that I hope to publish in the summer.Each major stakeholder is committed to delivering a number of actions and my Department will oversee progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will request the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Subsidiary Bodies to undertake an exploratory study of contraction and convergence as a potential basis for the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. [171229]

[holding answer 17 May 2004]: The UK, as part of the EU, sought to open a technical dialogue on possible approaches to long-term action to tackle climate change at the UN climate change negotiations in Milan last December. The aim was to begin technical discussions on different methodologies, including contraction and convergence, to promote better understanding of the challenge facing the international community.We achieved recognition of better access to data and analytical tools relevant to implementing commitments under the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol, plus a scoping phase to develop a shared data interface to help with this, and a process to exchange further views on these issues in July 2004. The UK will continue to press for technical discussions relevant to the assessment of different methodologies.Negotiations on climate change action beyond the end of the first Kyoto Protocol commitment period in 2012 are due to commence in 2005. In the meantime, we will continue to exchange views informally with other countries on how to promote further action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to use BSE and foot and mouth disposal facilities for the handling of hazardous waste. [1712871287]

[holding answer 10 May 2004]: We have no plans to use such facilities for the handling of hazardous waste. Sites for handling hazardous waste would have to have the appropriate authorisations under the Waste Framework Directive and the Landfill Directive. The disposal by burial of animal carcases during the FMD epidemic was subject to control under the Animal Waste Directive which has now been superseded by the EU Animal By-Products Regulation. BSE infected carcases are disposed of by incineration in approved incinerators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will impose a statutory obligation on local authorities to ensure weekly collections of household waste. [174088]

[holding answer 18 May 2004]: We have no plans to require local authorities to collect household waste on a weekly basis.Decisions on the frequency of collection are a matter for each local authority, which needs to have in place a collection regime which enables it to meet its statutory duties in a way which is consistent with Best Value and takes full account of local circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what research the Department is undertaking into the impact of land used for hunting under the single farm payment; [169742](2) what discussions she has had with the

I am not aware of any research or discussions with any organisations on an inter-relationship between hunting and the new Single Payment Scheme. Hunting is not an activity that would attract payment under the Scheme, but agricultural land on which hunting takes place may be used by a farmer in support of a Single Payment claim if that activity does not lead to a breach any of the Scheme's conditions, including the obligation on the farmer to maintain the land in good agricultural and environmental condition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in what ways she proposes that agri-environment schemes will contribute to maintaining the UK's biodiversity, with particular reference to insects. [165305]

We regularly monitor our existing Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) schemes to assess their environmental benefits. This has demonstrated substantial benefits for many Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats and species, including mammals, birds, plants and insects.Recent Defra-sponsored research has shown that simple measures such as planting a seed mix of flowers in field margins to provide pollen and nectar can attract huge numbers of insects (bumble bees, butterflies, and others) relative to the in-field crop. Full details are available at http://www.f-e-c.co.uk/Buzz/index.htm.Defra has also sponsored specific research on butterflies. This has shown that ESAs and CS schemes are slowing, and in some cases reversing, the long-term decline in numbers of England's rarer butterflies. Further details are available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2002/020806a.htm.Recent Defra-funded reports on 'Managing priority habitats for invertebrates' will help inform targeting and formulating of future agri-environment agreements. `Environmental Stewardship' (ES) will rationalise and replace ESAs and CS in 2005. ES will be divided into two levels: an Entry Level (ELS) and a Higher Level (HLS). ELS should include measures beneficial for biodiversity, including insects, in the wider countryside. The HLS Scheme will continue the work of ESAs and CS by targeting management on the most valuable and vulnerable farmland habitats. The options available under these new schemes will also have the advantage of having greater generic benefits for insects. Further details of these schemes can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/reviews/agrienv/entrylevel.htm and http://www.defra. gov.uk/erdp/reviews/agrienv/higherlevel.htm.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the policy of Her Majesty's Government is on the use of methyl bromide in farm and food production. [166574]

Methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance and its production and supply are controlled under the Montreal Protocol. Its production is due to be phased out in developed countries after 31 December 2004, except for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the progress of the Oil Care Campaign in halving the number of oil pollution incidents in the United Kingdom by 2005. [166052]

The Oil Care Campaign is a voluntary initiative which brings together the oil industry, regulators, local authorities and other stakeholders with an interest in reducing the number and severity of oil pollution incidents affecting inland waters in the UK. It does not have any specific target for the reduction in incidents.In relation to oil pollution incidents in England and Wales, figures for the last three years provided by the Environment Agency were deposited in the House of Commons Library in January 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which (a) Government Departments and (b) external organisations are responsible for the long-term management of high-level radioactive waste. [159026]

High-level waste (HLW) is held and managed by British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) at its Sellafield site and by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at its Dounreay site. Responsibility for this HLW is due to be taken over by the new Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) when it comes into being in April 2005. Government sponsorship of both the nuclear industry and the NDA is the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Radioactive waste management policy is the joint responsibility of The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and the devolved Administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The main nuclear site regulators are the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the environment agencies (the Environment Agency (EA) in England and Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland) and the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs what quantity of (a) chlorofluorocarbons, (b) hydrochlorofluorocarbons and (c) hydrofluorocarbons have been recovered from equipment other than domestic refrigerators in each year since 1995. [169582]

The information requested is not available, as the data on the recovery of these substances do not distinguish the equipment from which they were recovered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what basis the single farm payment will be established for farmers who were in the dairy sector prior to the foot and mouth disease outbreak whose flocks were slaughtered because of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease and who restocked with (a) dairy cows and (b) beef and sheep. [169465]

Dairy farmers whose flocks were slaughtered because of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease, and who restocked with:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what definition of sustainable development has been agreed for application across Government; and what mechanism is in place to ensure that the term is applied and claimed appropriately. [169856]

[holding answer 30 April 2004]: The UK Government's current sustainable development strategy "A better quality of life", launched in May 1999, describes sustainable development as 'ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come'. It also refers to a widely used international definition, from the Brundtland Report of the 1987 World Commission on Environment and Development, of

'development which meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list (a) the works and (b) the cost of works on (i) Canvey Island's sea defences and (ii) Two Tree Island which are envisaged; and if she will make a statement. [170826]

Decisions on which projects are promoted and their timing rests with the operating authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the increased risk of flooding to Canvey Island; and what (a) research and (b) action she plans to take in the light of the increased assessment of flooding risk. [170827]

Decisions on which projects are promoted and their timing rests with the operating authorities.The Environment Agency has been researching the need for capital renewal of the internal flood defences on Canvey Island and a draft Project Appraisal Report is due to be presented to the Agency's National Review Group during this summer.Works will include the upgrading of all 12 land-drainage pumping stations on the Island. The works programme will take approx. 3 years and cost up to £6 million.Since the 1980s the Department has provided guidance to operating authorities to make allowance for climate change in the planning and appraisal of new and replacement flood and coastal defence works. This guidance has been regularly reviewed in the light of the latest research findings and supplementary guidance was most recently issued in 2003. The aim is to take a suitably precautionary approach while not diverting funds unnecessarily from the solution of problems that affect people today. The approach and guidance will be further reviewed for the new Strategy for Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she has assessed the case for closing beaches in the vicinity of Two Tree Island as a result of the pollution from the old waste dump. [170828]

The closure of beaches is a matter for local authorities. Local authorities are advised by the Environment Agency on prevailing water quality levels. The nearest designated bathing beach is at Leigh Bell Wharf which met the EU guideline standards in 2003 and is classed as 'excellent' quality.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding has been allocated in (a) 2004–05, (b) 2005–06 and (c) in total to Warm Zones. [163648]

The Government provided £1 million funding for the pilot programme of five Warm Zones to run from 2001–04.An independent evaluation of the pilots is being carried out by the Energy Saving Trust on behalf of the Department to assess the effectiveness of Warm Zones.No additional funding has been allocated to Warm Zones by the Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department will be taking to mark World Oceans day on 8 June. [168469]

Around the time of World Oceans day Defra plans to publish an updated delivery plan setting out the steps that the Government are taking to achieve the conservation and sustainable management of marine and coastal biodiversity and to promote better oceans governance and partnership initiatives, in line with the commitments made at the World Summit on Sustainable Development.To help progress this delivery plan the UK, together with EU partners, will be calling for the United Nations to take urgent action to protect vulnerable marine biodiversity in areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction at the forthcoming meeting of the United Nations Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. World Oceans day coincides with this meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent on branding the Department between 1997–98 and 2003–04, broken down by (a) consultancy fees, (b) design and orders for new stationery, (c) website design and (d) other material featuring new logos. [154064]

The Home Office logo has not been subject to redesign in 2003–04, but in the previous years you refer to, work was undertaken. The logo was redesigned to ensure the Home Office work was clear to the public and stakeholders.Costs involved were as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average length of time was for a substantive response his Department to (a) written questions, (b) hon. Members' written correspondence and (c) public correspondence in 2003–04. [1705291]

The last published performance figures for the Home Office showed that 37 per cent. of all parliamentary questions and 56 per cent. of Members written correspondence were answered within parliamentary deadlines. I have been very clear this is not acceptable and needs to he substantially improved.As a result, last year the Department introduced a new correspondence tracking system and in the last few months our performance in meeting the targets for answering Members written correspondence to Ministers increased substantially. In relation to parliamentary questions, we are currently in the process of introducing a new system, the electronic Parliamentary Questions System (ePQS) to better monitor and manage the Department's performance.In relation to public correspondence, we are currently looking at how to improve the tracking and monitoring of performance across the Department. Figures are not currently available except at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the consequences of delays in dealing with cases of appeals against withdrawal of United Kingdom nationality before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. [169803]

To date only one appeal against withdrawal of United Kingdom nationality has been lodged with the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The administrative process for such appeals is subject to continuous review to ensure compatibility with both the public interest and the independent appeals process.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to his answer of 10 May to Question reference 169812, what the reasons are for the delay in making progress with appeals over the exercise of his powers concerning removal of nationality and indefinite leave to remain. [174144]

I have been asked to reply.The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) has one appeal before it in relation to Deprivation of Citizenship proceedings. Such cases involve significant and complex evidence and require due consideration of public funding applications. Importantly, as with any appea1, parties need to be available and prepared to proceed. The timetable for the resolution of cases is necessarily a function of all these factors The administrative processes for appeals against Deprivation of Citizenship proceedings are subject to ongoing review to ensure compatibility with both the public interest and the independence of the judicial process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2004, Official Report, column 651W, how many of the Department of Transport's PFI projects listed on the Treasury website met the criteria for special purpose vehicles set out in the Strategic Rail Authority's strategic plan. [171521]

None of the Department for Transport projects listed on the Treasury website falls within the remit of the Strategic Rail Authority. The Highways Agency is responsible for the strategic roads, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency for the MOT privatisation, Transport for London for London Underground and the Docklands Light Rail projects and the relevant local authority for the other light rail, local roads and street lighting PFI projects.The selection criteria used to assess special purpose vehicles tendering for transport projects varies to take account of the nature of the work, the project size and duration.The legal, economic, financial and technical information required is set out in the contract advert in the Official Journal of the European Union. The information requested complies with Office of Government Commerce advice, departmental procedures and Treasury guidance on Private Finance Initiative practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Network Rail Volume Incentive; and if he will make a statement. [174075]

The 'Volume Incentive' was first introduced by the Rail Regulator in his Access Charges Review 2000. The SRA set out its views on the continuing effectiveness of a Volume Incentive for Network Rail as part of its response to the Initial Consultation Paper of the Access Charge Review 2003. The SRA's view was that for a number of reasons, the Volume Incentive would no longer be cost effective or appropriate given the changes to the industry since it was first introduced. The Rail Regulator considered this view and the supporting reasons, along with the views of other consultees, in the course of the Access Charge Review 2003. His view was that the Volume Incentive would continue to be an effective way of encouraging Network Rail to make efficient use of a constrained network so that additional traffic could be accommodated. He therefore retained the Volume Incentive, with a number of modifications (including only rewarding Network Rail for growth above a certain threshold level) in the Final Conclusions to the Access Charge Review published in December 2003. This decision is entirely for the Rail Regulator, taking into account his statutory duties as set out in the Railways Act. 1993.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the (a) Strategic Rail Authority's submission to the rail regulator in December 2002 that the Network Rail Volume Incentive be removed and (b) the Rail Regulators' response. [1174076]

The documents referred to are available from the Office of the Rail Regulator's website at the following address:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2004, Official Report, column 410W, on railways, what operational performance trajectory was set for the train operating companies between December 2003 and November 2004; and what the current performance is against that target. [174239]

The performance trajectory, developed by the National Task Force on behalf of the rail industry, consists of Network Rail's performance forecasts and Train Operating Companies (TOC) performance plans. The trajectory is the industry's own internal performance monitoring process and will be reviewed in October 2004.TOC performance statistics are published quarterly by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) in "National Rail Trends", the most recent edition of which was published in March 2004. Copies of "National Rail Trends" are placed in the House of Commons Library and published on the SRA's web site.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what international models of railway safety he has considered in the context of the Rail Review. [174815]

The rail review is considering several international models of railway safety in the course of its work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria his Department is using to evaluate options for reorganising the structure of the railways as part of the Rail Review. [173798]

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport said in his statement to the House on 19 January2004, the principles for the review are that railways must operate in the public interest, maintain commitment to public and private partnership and maintain commitment to independent economic regulation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he will ensure that rail safety continues to improve following changes arising from the Rail Review. [173799]

The European Railway Safety Directive requires that member states ensure that railway safety is generally maintained and, where reasonably practicable, continuously improved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that the recommendations from Lord Cullen's public inquiry following the Ladbroke Grove rail accident are fully delivered following changes arising from the Rail Review. [173800]

Lord Cullen recommended that the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) should review compliance with his public inquiry recommendations and publish the outcome of such reviews. The safety regulator will be expected to continue to review compliance following the rail review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the regeneration effects of (a) proceeding and (b) not proceeding with the proposed upgrade of the Blackpool tram system. [173914]

The regeneration impacts of proceeding and not proceeding with the tramway upgrade were assessed in an Economic Impact Report provided by the promoters. The Department has not made its own assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on proposals to expand the capacity of Bristol airport. [175098]

The Air Transport White Paper stated that the main potential for growth in the South West would be at Bristol Airport. We support the Airport's development to around 12 million passengers per annum to include a runway extension and new terminal south of the existing runway, when these are required, having due regard to the environmental impacts that would accompany its expansion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the socio-economic breakdown of bus users in London. [174715]

The National Travel Survey provides the information for people aged 16 and over living in households in Great Britain for the period 1998–2000, according to their area of residence.The table shows the percentage of users in each socio-economic group, both inside and outside London. Note that tourists are not included in this breakdown:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research his Department has undertaken into the (a) growth and (b) popularity of formal car-sharing through online systems. [173314]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 13 May 2004, Official Report, column 490W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much clay will be produced as a result of excavations to build the new Channel Tunnel link station at Stratford; and how it is proposed to dispose of it. [175030]

About 270,000 cubic metres of clay have been excavated to form the station box at Stratford. The clay was deposited on the Stratford Lands, where the surface is being raised by about 6 m for the redevelopment of the lands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many civil servants were employed by communication division in his Department on the last date for which figures are available. [174326]

As at 1 May 2004, the number of staff employed in the Department's Communication Directorate was 73.1 (full time equivalents). This figure breaks down as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much his Department and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies spent on external consultants and advisers in each of the last three years. [172434]

Details of spend on external consultants and advisers by the central Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies is shown in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the levels of private sector investment in (a) commercial and (b) housing property along the lines of light rail routes in each year since 1997; [171947](2) what assessment he has made of the effect that light rail systems have had on urban regeneration since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [171948]

The Department makes no annual assessment of the levels of private investment along light rail routes. The Department part funded a programme of research on the regeneration impacts of Sheffield Supertram which concluded in 1997. This showed little effect, however the tram only became fully operational in 1995 and any significant changes would be more gradual.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) annual capital lease charge and (b) annual heavy maintenance charge made by rolng stock companies to train operators are for (i) a two carriage class 142 Pacer train, (ii) a two carriage class 143 Pacer train, (iii) a two carriage class 156 Sprinter train, (iv) a two carriage class 150 Sprinter train and (v) a four car class 333 train. [173467]

The rate to be paid for a particular type of rolling stock for use on a particular franchise is a commercial matter between the rolling stock owner and the train operator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public money was spent on education in Chorley in each year between 1992 and 1997. [164183]

The information requested is submitted according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area. Chorley is a district of Lancashire Local Education Authority. The information for Lancashire LEA is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was spent per pupil in Heywood and Middleton in each of the last seven years. [168580]

The information requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area. Heywood and Middleton is a district of Rochdale local education authority. The information for Rochdale LEA is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was spent per pupil in Stalybridge and Hyde in each of the last seven years. [168759]

The information requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area. Stalybridge and Hyde is a district of Tameside local education authority. The information for Tameside LEA is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public money was spent on education in the constituency of West Derbyshire between (a) 1992 and 1997, (b) 1997 and 2001 and (c) 2001 and 2004. [163736]

:The information requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area West Derbyshire is a district of Derbyshire Local Education Authority. The latest information for Derbyshire LEA is contained in the following table. Information on the current year 2004–05 will not be available until the end of 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was spent per pupil in Birkenhead in each of the last seven years. [166300]

The information requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area. Birkenhead is a district of Wirral local education authority. The information for Wirral LEA is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was spent per pupil in Wirral, South in each of the last seven years. [166624]

The information requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area. Wirral, South is a district of Wirral local education authority. The information for Wirral LEA is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public money was spent on education in the constituency of Sittingbourne and Sheppey between (a) 1992 and 1997, (b) 1997 and 2001 and (c) 2001 and 2004. [159487]

The information requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area. Sittingbourne and Sheppey is a district of Kent local education authority. The latest information available for Kent LEA is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was spent per pupil in Burnley in each of the last seven years. [167917]

The information requested is submitted to the Department according to local education authority areas rather than districts within an area. Burnley is a district of Lancashire local education authority. The information for Lancashire LEA is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much public funding was spent per pupil in the Lancashire Local Education Authority in each year since 1997. [165541]

The information requested is contained in the following table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many teachers were employed in state schools in (a) the County of Essex in each year from 1980 to 1997 and (b) the County of Essex and the unitary authorities of Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock in each year from 1998 to 2003. [173323]

The information is shown in the following tables. The first table shows the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) regular teachers in maintained schools in Essex LEA in each January between 1980 and 1998¹. Data for 1987 are not available. The second table show s the number of FTE regular teachers in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock LEAs after local government re-organisation in April 1998, in each January between 1999 and 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much it cost to educate a pupil in (a) primary and (b) secondary schools in Essex in 2003–04. [172462]

The latest date for which this information is available is 2002–03 and is given in the table. The information requested for 2003–04 will not be collected by the Department until October 2004 but I will write to the hon. Member when it is available.

Notes:

1. The financial data are taken from Essex LEA's Section 52 Outturn Statement submitted to the DfES. 2002–03 data is subject to change by the LEA. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

2. The outturn 2002–03 tables captured the data in a fundamentally different way to the previous years. Categories were aligned with the Consistent Financial Reporting framework and the spending by LEAs was no longer split by school sector. Consequently the unit costs per pupil in 2002–03 are not strictly comparable with earlier years as they include an apportionment of LEA expenditure based on pupil numbers.

3. Net current expenditure (NCE) includes expenditure within schools and also that incurred centrally by the LEA.

4. The NCE per pupil figures for primary relate the net current expenditure (after recharges) in the maintained primary schools to the total number of financial year pupils who are educated in the maintained primary schools sector.

5. The NCE per pupil figures for secondary relate the net current expenditure (after recharges) in maintained secondary schools to the total number of financial year pupils who are educated in the maintained secondary schools sector.

6. Pupil data are drawn from the Annual Schools Census adjusted to be on a financial year basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) what his projection is of funding for adult learning and skills provision by colleges of further education in rural areas; [175372](2) what funding provision is made for further education colleges in rural areas; and if he will make a statement. [175373]

The Department allocates funds to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for the provision of education and training in the post-16 learning and skills sector. The Department does not provide a specific budget to the LSC for further education colleges in rural areas. The LSC decides on allocations at individual college and regional levels from the funds allocated to it for learning participation. Information about these allocations is not collected by the Department. This is a matter for the LSC. Mark Haysom, the Council's Chief Executive, will write to the Honourable Gentleman on this matter. A copy of his reply will be placed in the House Library. The Government have set out its investment plans for 2003–04 to 2005–06 which should enable the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to increase funding for further education significantly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to his answer of 17 May 2004, Official Report, column 705W, on pre-schools, what plans he has to make a degree qualification essential for teaching under-8s; and if he will make a statement. [175173]

All qualified teachers in maintained primary schools or non-maintained special schools will hold a first degree or equivalent qualification. Adults who are not qualified teachers and who do not necessarily have a degree qualification may also teach in such schools in specific circumstances set out in the Education (Specified Work and Registration) (England) Regulations 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to equalise funding between schools and colleges for 16 to 19-year-olds in the Worthing area. [175448]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Rob Marris) on 14 May 2004, Official Report, column 623W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the schools in England that have a specialist status in primary musical education. [175428]

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much capital money has been allocated to schools in Warrington, North in each year since 1997. [174659]

Since 2001 the majority of capital support has been allocated to schools and local education authorities by formula, and they decide how to invest it in line with their asset management plans. The Department does not, therefore, have complete information about capital investment at constituency level. This should be held at local authority level. Table A sets out the capital support made by the Department to Warrington local education authority (LEA) and its schools since 1998–99, in total and by programme.

Specialist school status is available for secondary (but not primary) maintained schools in England. Of the 259 secondary schools designated as specialist Arts Colleges, 181 are Performing Arts Colleges, providing an enhanced curriculum in music, dance and drama. Following the launch of the new Music specialism last year, the first two specialist Music Colleges (one of which is a combined Music and Mathematics and Computing College) will become operational in September 2004.Specialist schools must spend at least a third of their specialist school funding on delivering community development plans. These plans require schools to work in close partnership and to share enhanced facilities and curriculum expertise with a minimum of five other local schools—including feeder primary schools.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what support his Department gives to UK citizens living abroad who would like to return to the UK in order to undertake teacher training. [174992]

Eligibility for support from public funds in respect of Bachelor of Education and Postgraduate Certificate in Education courses in England normally depends on whether or not a person is ordinarily resident in this country or the wider European Economic Area (EEA) Employment-based teacher training schemes, the largest of which is the Graduate Teacher Programme, offer an alternative route to Qualified Teacher Status which allows candidates to be employed in schools as unqualified teachers and paid accordingly while they train. Candidates who are not ordinarily resident in EEA country can take part in these programmes on exactly the same basis as those who are.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate the Government has made of the likely increase in salary costs of requiring all teachers to work up to the age of 60 years. [174846]

There is no existing or proposed requirement on teachers to work to the age of 60.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of the cohort of

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will list the 23 voluntary-aided projects which were successful in their bids to the 2004–05 Targeted Capital Fund. [174735]

The details are as follows:

The proportions of 16 to 21-year-olds to have commenced either a NVQ level 3 in Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funded further education, an advanced apprenticeship or an apprenticeship in 2001/02 and 2002/03 are shown in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of students at Watford Grammar School for Boys are selected by aptitude or ability. [175426]

This information is not collected centrally by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2003, Official Report, column 422W, on Iraq, whether the complete review of missing drugs and supplies has finished; what the findings were; whether new drug supply systems are now fully operational; whether supply accounting and reporting systems are in place; what the new national drug formulary comprises; whether shortages of medicine in Iraq are continuing; when he expects full medical supplies will get through to the Iraqi people; and if he will make a statement. [173385]

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recently presented a report to the Iraqi Ministry of Health (IMOH) assessing the national drug and supply system, which is currently being considered. In parallel, the IMOH have also been provided with essential drug policy and quality guidance and support to the assessment of the national drug regulations and registration systems. Plans for strengthening the IMOH National Drug Regulatory Authority have been agreed and guidelines for good storage practices are being prepared. Additional strategies for upgrading the Drug Information Centre have been finalised and procurement of equipment is underway. A new National Formulary, comprising over 1,000 medicines has been produced and is available from the IMOH.New procurement and distribution management teams have been set up by the IMOH, replacing the previous system under the corrupt, state-owned Kimadia Company. Procurement of essential medical supplies has been initiated and a delivery is expected in the next few days. Further shipments, including critical medical supplies for the Governorates, are on order.Significant progress has been made to improve national drugs supplies and systems: The WHO report that stocks of 23 drugs for chronic diseases out of the 32 commonly used, are in sufficient supply to meet patient demand. The IMOH, WHO and the CPA continue to work to further improve both drug supplies and systems in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid and assistance his Department is giving to the Iraqi people. [173932]

DFID has committed over £278 million for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq since March 2003, of which £70 million has been channelled through the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI). DFID has also provided a number of staff, filling a range of posts, to the Iraqi ministries and the Coalition Provincial Authority (CPA).On 19 February, I published DFID's plans to contribute to the reconstruction of Iraq over the next two years in our interim Country Assistance Plan. It has been placed in the House of Commons Library and can be found on the DFID website: www.dfid.gov.uk

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance his Department has (a) pledged and (b) delivered to assist Liberian refugees to (i) return to and (ii) re-integrate into society in Liberia; and if he will make a statement. [175475]

DFID's relief and reconstruction strategy for Liberia, in 2003 and 2004, has concentrated on helping to relieve the humanitarian crisis, provide security, and restore basic services so that both refugees and internally displaced persons can return to their places of origin. Over this period, DFID has committed a total of £10.6 million for these purposes and has so far disbursed £3.6 million for humanitarian programmes, £0.4 million in support of the UN security coordination agency and interim care centres for children, and £2.7 million for rehabilitation of basic services. For 2004, DFID is discussing with various agencies proposals totalling £1.7 million for humanitarian support, and £2.2 million for reactivation of health care, water supplies, and agricultural livelihoods.In addition, DFID has pledged a total of £6 million to support Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programmes over 2003–05, of which we have so far disbursed £1 million. These funds are intended to assist the re-integration into their communities of ex-combatants and others affected by war.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development for what reasons the Service Delivery Agreement target to have 3.3 per cent. of senior Civil Service posts filled with staff with disabilities has not been met. [174140]

DFID is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity. DFID's policy on recruitment is to stimulate and encourage applications from all sections of the community specifically including candidates with disabilities. We word our advertisements accordingly. Final selection, however, is on merit, and the composition of the Senior Civil Service group is a reflection of appointments made on this basis, through open competition or internal promotion.There are currently 79 members of the Senior Civil Service in DFID, so performance against the target is very sensitive to small changes in the actual number of staff with disabilities in post.In general, DFID is aware that there are more disabled people in the Department than declare their impairment and is actively pursuing a number of measures to develop a more open culture on disability. However, it will remain the individual's choice to define themselves as disabled or not.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many British citizens avoid paying child maintenance because they have left the country; and how many of these reside in the EU. [166728]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when the new Child Support Agency formula will be applied to all absent parents, irrespective of the date of claim; and if he will make a statement. [170823]

I refer the hon. Member to the written answer I gave him on 18 December 2003, Official Report, column 1092W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his Written Statement of 21 April, Official Report, columns 19–21WS on child support, for what reasons some new cases were unable to be progressed on the new system. [171098]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to his Written Statement of 21 April 2004, Official Report, columns 19–21WS on the child support scheme, when he estimates that reliable figures on (a) compliance and (b) throughput will be available. [171099]