To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what help is given to the Exmoor area to secure the highest possible payments in respect of EU funding for farmers. [161881]

EU co-financed funds are available under the England Rural Development Programme across England, including the Exmoor area. Schemes under this programme help farmers and foresters to become more competitive, diverse, flexible and environmentally responsible as well as providing help to rural communities to adapt and develop. Exmoor is a designated Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and the Exmoor area was paid a total of £5.4 million under this scheme in 2003, a significant proportion of which was co-financed by the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to protect the Anton Dohrn and Rosemary Bank Seamounts. [166924]

[holding answer 17 May 2004]: Seamounts are not one of the habitats listed on Annex I to the Habitats Seamounts Directive for which Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) can be designated. However, seamounts can support habitats such as reefs, which are listed on Annex I. At present, there is little biological information about these two areas, and therefore there is insufficient information to be able to assess whether they meet the site selection criteria for SAC.Seamounts are one of the habitats on the initial list of threatened and/or declining habitats and species agreed by Ministers in June 2003 under OSPAR (The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic) Annex V. Work is progressing during 2004 to identify and agree among contracting parties to OSPAR appropriate management measures (which may include marine protected areas) for a selection of the habitats and species on this list.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Government will set a timetable for coming to a conclusion about the issue of TB in badgers; and if she will make a statement. [174207]

The question of what to do about a wildlife reservoir of bovine tuberculosis is a complex one. The Government are determined to base its future TB policy on sound scientific evidence. The Randomised Badger Culling Trial (RBCT), due to be completed in 2006, should help decide whether culling badgers can form part of a cost-effective, sustainable and practical TB control policy.On 9 February, Defra launched a consultation on the key principles on which a new long-term strategy for tackling bovine TB will be developed. This consultation asks questions on a wide-range of issues, including how the Government can establish targets, balance costs, benefits and risks, work in partnership with all the key interest groups and how policy can be developed in the light of emerging scientific evidence. That will include evidence from the ongoing RBCT and elsewhere (including the Four Areas badger culling trial in the Republic of Ireland, when published).On 6 April, Defra announced the publication of a report from an independent scientific panel chaired by Professor Charles Godfray FRS. The report reviewed the progress of the RBCT and associated Defra research, as part of a wider review of Defra's science. The Government are giving careful consideration to the complex recommendations of the report, and the review's conclusions will inform Defra's wider review of TB strategy. Defra has extended the deadline for the public consultation on the TB Strategy review until 4 June, to allow sufficient time for this report to be assimilated and commented on.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the decision of Barnet council to terminate its LA21 partnership scheme. [173929]

The Government want to see sustainable development become a mainstream issue for local authorities, their partners, and local communities. We believe that the most effective way to achieve this is to build upon the experience of partnership working and community engagement gained through Local Agenda 21 (LA21) and subsume LA21 strategies within statutory community strategies. These are required, by law, to promote sustainable development. Many councils have already done this, and we encourage others to follow suit. It is for authorities to decide whether to have additional plans or a dedicated partnership to support the delivery of sustainable outcomes, but we would expect them to ensure these are in place if LA21 is to end.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans to bring forward secondary legislation to implement section 307 (Enforcement of Legislation on endangered species) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. [175236]

[holding answer 24 May 2004]: Securing these Criminal Justice Act provisions was a major step forward. New secondary legislation will give effect to the provisions to strengthen police powers and to provide for tougher penalties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects the Fallen Stock Company to be up and running; and if she will make a statement. [174205]

The National Fallen Stock Company has been up and running for some months now. It announced its proposals for a National Fallen Stock Scheme to start autumn this year on 13 May. Further details are available on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by-prods/default.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what EU rules apply to Common Agricultural Policy funds held by member states which choose to (a) place a ceiling on payments to larger farm holdings and (b) taper support payments to farm holdings degressively according to size; and what constraints this places upon the member state in respect of the impact of the redistribution of funds otherwise withheld. [172485]

There are no such EU rules.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she will take to ensure that the EU involves developing countries in future allocations of greenhouse gas emissions on an equitable per capita basis. [174043]

[holding answer 20 May 2004]: The UK has had initial discussions on future action with a number of developing countries, both at official and ministerial level. For any future climate regime to be effective, it must be as inclusive as possible, and must certainly cover the main developing countries. We are committed to ensuring that developing countries are included in the early stages of the discussions on future action, not only to ensure that the outcome is acceptable to the largest emitting developing countries and we achieve as near universal acceptance as possible, but also to ensure that equity concerns are addressed.We will continue to engage with developing countries at all levels, both through the formal channels that exist in the UNFCCC and through informal channels. We are currently considering how to build on this dialogue and stimulate further discussion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the report on the Survey of Health and Pesticide Exposure, being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and funded by her Department, is due to be published. [174664]

Last July the Organophosphate Information Network informed Defra of its concerns over the conduct of the clinical phase of the study. The Department took these concerns seriously and decided to commission an independent audit of this phase of the study. On the recommendation of the Association of British Neurologists, Professor Kerry Mills from King's College Hospital London, was asked to carry out the audit. Professor Mills' prior commitments and correspondence between the physicians involved, resulted in the audit being started on 19 April this year. This process may take six months to complete.During the past few days my Department has asked both the hon. Member for North Cornwall and Mrs. Elizabeth Sigmund, the Chair of the Organophosphate Information Network (OPIN), for their opinions on this matter. Following this consultation, I have decided that an interim report should be published pending the completion of the audit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what monitoring takes place to ensure that seasonal fruit pickers are not paid below the minimum wage. [175442]

Seasonal fruit pickers are entitled to be paid at least the appropriate Agricultural Minimum Wage set by the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales, for each hour they work. Payment of the Agricultural Minimum Wage is enforced by Defra officials of behalf of the Secretary of State. Enforcement activity is complaint led and workers can register a complaint about their pay by telephoning the Defra Agricultural Wages Team on 0845 0000 134.Pay rates in agriculture are surveyed on a sample basis through the Defra Earnings and Hours Survey. This survey is conducted on a quarterly basis and a summary of results is available on the Defra website (www.defra.gov.uk).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the mobile phones and walkie-talkie communications units issued to emergency personnel who would be called upon to deal with a terrorist incident on the London Underground have the capability to work underground. [175081]

British Transport Police (BTP) are responsible for policing on London Underground and would be amongst the first to respond to a terrorist incident on the Underground network. BTP officers have two hand-held radios, one for below ground and one for above.Metropolitan Police radios work on two thirds of the London Underground network. In responding to a terrorist incident, or other emergency, on the Underground, the Metropolitan Police would work closely with BTP, and most of its responsibility would be at the surface. In the event that Metropolitan Police officers were required to operate on the sections of the Underground network where their radios do not work, they would be able to communicate from below ground through BTP's radios. They would also receive communications support from London Underground staff.London Fire Brigade officers carry hand-held radios that work on the London Underground by means of fixed extension aerials in place in all deep level Underground stations. If required to work underground in environments where such fixed aerials are not installed, London Fire Brigade officers are able to deploy portable cable aerials enabling the radios to operate underground.All London Ambulance Service command vehicles carry portable cable aerials enabling London Ambulance Service radios to operate on the London Underground and other below ground environments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are to provide training for all public transport workers in case of a serious emergency. [174680]

This is primarily a matter for each operator. London Underground, the rail and bus industries have already circulated advice to all front line staff. In addition, the Department requires London Underground to have contingency plans to deal with situations that could effect the security of its operations. These must be accessible at all times to staff at stations, so that they are fully aware of what to do in such situations, and be exercised regularly. We have made similar recommendations to all Train Operating Companies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his assessment is of the ability of bus operators to maintain current service levels following the increase in the price of oil. [175438]

Fuel costs represent only 6.5 per cent. of total local bus operating costs, after account is taken of support given by means of Bus Service Operators Grant, and it is not expected that recent changes in world oil prices will of themselves have a significant impact on service levels. We will however continue to monitor trends in overall bus industry costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many assaults and attacks where knives or firearms were used were committed on London Underground in each year since 1997. [175459]

The British Transport Police (BTP) have advised me that this information is not readily available and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many crimes involving firearms or knives were committed on (a) buses and (b) the railways in each year since 1997. [175462]

The British Transport Police (BTP) have advised me that this information is not readily available for crimes committed on the railways and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost. No data is held centrally regarding the number of crimes on buses since 1997 which have involved firearms or knives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff were employed in the Department to work in the communications field, and what the total expenditure on communications for the Department was, broken down by (a) Government Information and Communication Service staff and (b) other staff, broken down by (i) press officers, (ii) special advisors and (iii) others, in (A) 1994–95, (B) 1996–97, (C) 1997–98 and (D) 2001–02. [168677]

(A) 17 permanent press officers, all members of the then Government Information Service (GIS), were employed by the former Department of Transport (central)'s Information Division in 1994–95. Further information for this financial year about numbers of other staff and salary costs of these and press officers is not available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 22 March 2004, Official Report, column 513W, on disabled parking, what progress has been made on (a) taking forward the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee's new recommendations, (b) revised guidance to local authorities, (c) research on the feasibility of a national database of Blue Badge holders and (d) consultation on secondary legislation for extending the scheme. [176032]

Work is continuing across all the areas of work I outlined in my previous answer in March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list visits made by each Minister in the Department between December 2003 and April 2004, broken down by (a) date, (b) constituency visited and (c) cost. [171566]

Ministerial visits on official business within the United Kingdom for the period from 1 December 2003 to 30 April 2004 are given in tables 1 to 4. The visits were not made to specific constituencies and a number of visits would involve travelling to or through more than one constituency. Details of the cost of each visit could only be provided at disproportionate cost.The Government publishes on an annual basis the total costs of all ministerial overseas travel and a list of all visits by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500. Information for 2003–04 is currently being collected and will be published as soon as it is ready.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Parliamentary Questions to his Department in the last year took (a) two to four weeks and (b) over four weeks to answer. [174868]

At 21 May 2004, the Department for Transport had answered 3,052 written questions tabled since 18 May 2003. This comprised 2,567 written ordinary questions (98.2 per cent. of which were answered within 10 sitting days) and 485 named day questions (98.8 per cent. of which were answered within 10 sitting days).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the performance of train operating companies to date in complying with their duties under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 section 21(2)(d) to take reasonable steps to provide disabled persons with a reasonable alternative method of accessing their services where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled persons to make use of those services; [175684](2) what assessment he has made of the performance of train operating companies to date on revising and implementing new Disabled People's Protection Policies in line with the Strategic Rail Authority's Code of Practice on Train and Station Services for Disabled Passengers and Guidance on Disabled People's Protection Policies; [175685](3) what assessment he has made of the performance of train operating companies to date on conducting access audits and making changes to physical features to prepare for the new duties on physical access coming into force under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 on 1 October. [175686]

It is the responsibility of each train operator to comply with the requirements of Section 21 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. All operators have been required by the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) to review their Disabled People's Protection Policy (DPPP). As part of the review each train operator has undertaken access audits of the facilities it operates. Train operators have a commitment to meet the services, standards and guidance defined in the SRA's Code of Practice when refurbishing rolling stock, providing new or enhanced facilities at stations and for the provision of services at stations and on trains. All train operators either have a revised DPPP approved by the SRA or are seeking such approval. Twenty Train Operating Company Disabled People's Protection Policies have been approved to date. Each revised DPPP places an obligation on the operator to provide a 'reasonable alternative means' of making a journey accessible to disabled passengers where physical barriers preclude them from doing so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) deaths and (b) injuries in road traffic accidents there were on the A49 between Shrewsbury and Ludlow in each of the last five years. [174983]

The following information is taken from figures provided by West Mercia Police and incorporates the A49 from Baileys Roundabout to the Herefordshire/Shropshire County boundary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answer of 1 April 2004, Official Report, column 1576W, on South Hampshire Rapid Transit Project, if he will ensure that a decision on the future of the project is made before the 23 July deadline for using compulsory purchase powers. [175436]

A decision will be made in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United States Administration, and with whom, on the cases of abuse that have taken place against Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [173074]

I have regular discussions with senior members of the US Administration on a wide variety of issues concerning Iraq. It is not our practice to make public the detail of those discussions under exemption 1 (b) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Commander of the United States forces in Iraq has had with (a) the current British representative or his predecessor to the Coalition Provisional Authority and (b) the Commander of British Forces in Iraq about the allegations made in respect of the abuse of detainees at (i) the Abu Ghraib prison and (ii) other prisons in Iraq; and what the outcome has been of communications on the matter. [173338]

By the time UK officials were aware of the specific allegations the US authorities had already begun detailed investigations. We have had a number of discussions with US military and civilian authorities about the need to improve detention procedures. The US authorities have been taking measures to improve those procedures. The US military established a high level military inquiry under General Antonio Taguba in late January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his Belgian counterpart concerning Belgium's decision to double its military commitment to Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [175710]

We warmly welcome the announcement by the Belgian Prime Minister on 20 May that Belgium will double the size of its troop contingent in Afghanistan to around 600. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had the opportunity to discuss this with the Belgian Foreign Minister in the short time since the announcement was made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the number of EU troops stationed in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement. [175755]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary attended the Berlin Conference on Afghanistan in March and the meeting of G8 Foreign Ministers in Washington on 14 May. Military support in Afghanistan was discussed at both these meetings, which were attended by a number of EU Foreign Ministers. Most recently, on 20 May the Foreign Secretary discussed the need to support the NATO mission in Afghanistan with the Spanish Foreign Minister. EU member states provide around three-quarters of the troops in the International Security Assistance Force and this is likely to increase later this year. In addition, the UK and Germany lead Provincial Reconstruction Teams in northern Afghanistan, to which EU partners and other nations contribute personnel. EU Member States also contribute forces individually to combat missions in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent guidance he has produced for diplomatic posts on the issue of overseas bribery; and what plans he has to update that guidance. [171395]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office issued its latest guidance to diplomatic posts on bribery overseas on 5 April 2004. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office plans to update this guidance annually. The update may be brought forward should a change in circumstances warrant it. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will place a copy of this guidance in the Library of the House. We will also place a copy of the new UK bribery and corruption law leaflet in the Library, as soon as it is republished.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which individual cases were included in the list provided by the EU to the Chinese Government during the EU and China Human Rights dialogue in Dublin on 26 to 27 February. [165265]

The EU considers the list to be confidential. I cannot, therefore, independently put the list into the public domain. There were, however, 76 names on the list.The individual cases raised with the Chinese in connection with last year's UK China Human Rights dialogue were: Wang Youcai; Li Wangyang; Jampel Changchub; Phuntsog Nyidron; Qin Yongmin; Zhang Shanguang; Gedhun Choekyi Nyima; Tenzin Deleg Rinpoche; Sonam Dondrub; Zhu Ruixiang; Lu Genjun; Xu Zerong; Jiang Shurang; Bishop James Su Zhimin; Shi Enxiang; Huang Qi; Yang Zili; Xu Wei; Zhang Honghai; Jin Haike; Li Jiaqing; Wang Yulan; Li Haihe; Luo Gang; He Ping; Jiang Weiping; Liu Jingsheng; Shan Chengfeng; Yan Peng; Mu Chuanheng; Zhu Baolian; Qi Yanchen; Yao Fuxin; Xiao Yunliang; Chadrel Rinpoche; Namdrol; Jiang Qisheng; Jelil Turdi; Rebiya Kadeer; Abitjan Obulkasim; Nurhahmat Yusup; Tohti Tunyaz; Jelil Turdi; Tursunjan Emet; Ablat Pasar; Iminjan; Abdushukur Abliz (Abdushukur Haji); Ahmed; Rahmatjan; Karim Sadiq; Yasim Kari; Abla Karim; Liu Weifang; Yeshe Gyatso; Liu Di; Yin Lirong; Ning Shuncheng; Zhou Yudan; Zhou Guicheng; Fan Xiaohong; Tang Ren'er; Choi Yonghun; Rev. Choi Bong-il; Kim Hee-tae; Nima Choedron; Champa Chung-lags; Li Dexian; Wang Zhiwen; Phuntsok Legmon; Jigme Yangchen.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are in place for (a) information sharing and (b) joint decisions between Paul Bremer and his American staff at the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and the United Kingdom representation in the CPA. [173346]

Formally Ambassador Bremer, the Administrator, is responsible for all CPA decisions. There is close daily contact and regular consultation, however, between the American and British staff at the CPA and the Office of the United Kingdom Special Representative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 18 May 2004, Official Report, column 872W, on Colombia, if he will list the projects (a) currently run by the Child Protection Alliance in the Gambia and (b) run by the Child Protection Alliance in the Gambia in the last three years; what funding was provided by his Department through the High Commission in Banjul in each case; and if he will make a statement. [175524]

Since the Child Protection Alliance (CPA) was founded in 2001 it has undertaken the following projects, some of which are still continuing:

• Radio/Television programmes to discuss issues related to Child Protection.
• Printing and distributing a quarterly newsletter.
• National HIV/AIDS writing competition for children.
• An assessment of all member organisations.
• A monthly "Bantaba" (Talking/Meeting Point) for relevant organisations/children.

• Printing and dissemination of the National Training Manual on Child Protection.
• Production of information materials on child protection issues.
• Sensitisation workshops on Child Sex Tourism and Commercial Exploitation of Children for stakeholders in the tourism industry.
• Training workshops for journalists on developing an ethical code of conduct for reporting issues involving children.
• Training workshop on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children for managers of hotels, guesthouses and tour operators.
• Training workshop on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children for front desk staff of hotels etc.
• Sensitisation workshop for hotel security guards on HIV/AIDS and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.
• Summer camp for children on Child Rights, HIV/AIDS and Life Skills.
• National Membership Workshop on Child Rights promotion and protection in The Gambia.
• Development of a Resource Centre for CPA member organisations and researchers.
• Sensitisation workshop for Health and Social Workers on HIV/AIDS and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he expects the changes made to the draft Constitutional Treaty to give the Commission strategic control over oil supplies; how he interprets strategic control in this context; and what he estimates the effect will be on the British oil industry. [174948]

The Government was content with the amendments to the Energy Chapter (Article III. 157) put forward by the Italian Presidency in document CIG 60/04 ADD 1 (published on 9 December and placed in the Library of the House). These made it clear that the member states retained the right to choose how to exploit their natural resources and to ensure security of supply during emergencies. The Irish Presidency's latest package of amendments (in document CIG 76/04 published on 13 May and placed in the Library of the House) proposed the deletion of the Energy Chapter and removed energy from the list of shared competences in the draft Constitutional Treaty. The Government are also content with this approach which would reflect the position in the existing Treaties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution the Government is providing to the search for the ferry stranded off the West African coast since 18 May carrying Liberian refugees from Nigeria and Ghana; and if he will make a statement. [175499]

None. The French navy rescued the stranded ship 'Dona Elvira', 250 kms off the Ivorian coast on 20 May. The ship contained over 300 returning Liberian refugees who are now in the care of the UN High Commission for Refugees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his counterpart in the United States concerning the disapplication of the Geneva Convention in respect of the detainees held in Guantanamo Bay. [173004]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has regular contact with his US counterpart on a wide range of issues, including Guantanamo Bay.The focus of the Government's discussions with the US authorities about Guantanamo Bay has been on how to resolve the position of the British nationals held there, as well as their welfare.The Government's position is that the British detainees should either be tried fairly in accordance with international law or they should be returned to the UK. Our hope, however, is that the issues we have raised will be reflected in the treatment of other countries' nationals detained at Guantanamo Bay too.We have made very clear to the US that the British detainees at Guantanamo Bay are entitled to be treated humanely. British officials have visited Guantanamo Bay on seven occasions to check on the welfare of the British detainees, most recently in March. We have raised any concerns we might have about their welfare with the US authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who within the Iraqi Coalition Provisional Authority has responsibility to monitor and ensure that Geneva Convention requirements are met by coalition forces; how often such monitoring is conducted; and to whom the individual or individuals report their findings. [173451]

The Coalition Provisional Authority itself is not responsible for monitoring the application of the Geneva Conventions. Instead, it is coalition military commanders in theatre who are responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the Geneva Conventions are met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of the oral and written concerns made by the International Committee of the Red Cross Coalition forces during 2003 were received by his Department; and what action was taken. [173201]

Throughout 2003, once it was clear that there was a possibility of UK troops becoming involved in Iraq, there were regular and co-operative discussions between Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Ministers and officials and the ICRC on Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he was informed that the International Committee of the Red Cross report of February 2004 had been received by his Department; and when he asked to see it. [173220]

As I said in the House on 11 May, I was made aware of the ICRC report during the weekend of 8–9 May 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken by the Coalition Provisional Authority to investigate the allegations of brutality and illegality by Iraqi police, contained in the International Committee of the Red Cross report of February 2004. [173221]

As part of its responsibilities the Coalition Provisional Authority created within the Iraqi Ministry of Interior an internal affairs department that is tasked with leading on all such investigations. A team of international police advisers supports and monitors the progress and work of this department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United States Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell, concerning the International Committee of the Red Cross report of February 2004. [173222]

I have regular discussions with Secretary Powell during which a wide variety of issues concerning Iraq are discussed. It is not our practice to make public the detail of those discussions under exemption 1 (b) of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions took place, upon receipt of the International Committee of the Red Cross report of February 2004, between British and US officials of the Coalition Provisional Authority. [173244]

British officials attended a meeting between Ambassador Bremer and the ICRC on 26 February at which the ICRC report was handed to Ambassador Bremer. Follow-up discussions with US officials confirmed the previous US announcement that the US military investigation had begun as soon as the allegations about mistreatment at Abu Ghraib were brought to light in January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for what reason Sir Jeremy Greenstock's Office did not immediately forward to his Department the International Committee of the Red Cross report of February on receipt. [173264]

The ICRC report was formally presented to the Coalition Provisional Authority Administrator in Baghdad by a representative of the ICRC at a meeting on 26 February. UK officials attended. A report of the meeting was sent to London by telegram within 24 hours. A copy of the report had already been passed to Permanent Joint Headquarters. The Office of the UK Special Representative was assured that investigations had already been launched into allegations involving US forces. The office sought and received confirmation that allegations involving misconduct by UK forces were also already under investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) instruction and (b) guidance his (i) officials and (ii) Ministers were following prior to the decision not to make the February International Committee of the Red Cross report available to him as soon as it became available to his Department. [173572]

[holding answer 19 May 2004]: Ministers and officials follow standard procedures to ensure that the UK's obligations under international law are fully respected. As has been made clear, action was already in hand on the allegations concerning UK forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) written and (b) oral briefing was provided by officials in his Department to inform (i) him and (ii) his Ministers of the contents of the International Committee of the Red Cross report and actions taken (A) as a result of officials having read the report and (B) prior to the full report being made available to him. [173575]

[holding answer 19 May 2004]: Officials in Baghdad took appropriate action as soon as the report was received in February to pass it back to Permanent Joint Head Quarters for confirmation that action on all those areas concerning UK forces was already in hand. Officials in Baghdad were also assured that investigations had already been launched into allegations involving US forces.My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs was made aware of the report (though not given a copy) at a meeting in Geneva on 18 March with Dr. Kellenberger, President of the ICRC. On his return to London, Mr. Rammell discussed the concerns raised by Dr. Kellenberger with officials, and was satisfied that action was in hand to deal with the allegations concerning UK troops. I became aware of the ICRC report on the weekend of 8–9 May.My noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, Minister of State at the FCO, was briefed in general terms on detainee issues on 27 April in advance of taking a question in the House of Lords on the Amnesty International report "Iraq: One Year On". The ICRC was not covered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which member of the Government was first informed of the International Committee of the Red Cross Report on the treatment by coalition forces of prisoners of war in Iraq and its contents; and when this was. [173424]

[holding answer 17 May 2004]: I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Ministry of Defence, was the first Minister to be made aware of the report which as he has already made clear was in February. My right hon. Friend had already been aware for some months of two substantive issues raised in respect of UK forces, and of the action taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his oral answers of 11 May 2004, on Iraq, when the International Committee of the Red Cross Report was received at the Foreign Office; and what action was taken. [173426]

[holding answer 17 May 2004]: A copy of the ICRC report was obtained by a Foreign and Commonwealth Office official during a visit to Baghdad on 19 March. It was not marked for Ministers' attention as MOD action was already in hand on the allegations concerning UK forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his letter placed in the Library on 11 May concerning the handling of the International Committee of the Red Cross report and the telegram sent to London by the office of the UK Special Representative for Iraq on 27 February, which office received the telegram; to which Department and to which Ministers and senior officials the telegram was subsequently distributed; and when the telegram was distributed. [173677]

[holding answer 18 May 2004]: According to records in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Communications Centre the telegram referred to was received on 27 February 2004 in the FCO and other relevant Government Departments. Records indicate that it was distributed at official level to private offices. It was not marked for ministerial attention. Action was already in hand on the allegations concerning UK forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) his United States counterpart and (b) the United States Secretary of Defence in respect of the use by the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq of private contractors to (i) conduct interviews and (ii) otherwise manage detainees. [174013]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Tom Cox) today (UIN 173074).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether funds generated from oil assets in Iraq are ring-fenced for that country's domestic use; and if he will make a statement. [174018]

United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1483 of 22 May 2003 decided that all proceeds from sale of Iraq's oil should go into the Development Fund for Iraq to meet the needs of the Iraqi people and the costs of economic reconstruction and civilian administration.UNSCR 1483 also decided that Iraq's oil wealth should be ring-fenced from external attachment and legal proceedings and calls upon member states to take all necessary steps to assure this protection.The only exception to this is that 5 per cent. of proceeds from oil should be deposited in the United Nations Compensation Fund for Kuwait established in accordance with UNSCR 687 of 1991 and subsequent relevant resolutions. As outlined in UNSCR 1483 this latter requirement will be binding on an internationally recognised sovereign government of Iraq unless that government and the Governing Council of the United Nations Compensation Commission decide otherwise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 11 May 2004, Official Report, column 199W, on Iraq, how many Iraqis are being consulted through the process being led by UN Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi; and what the UK Government's policy is on his recommendations on (a) the structure and personnel of the Interim Government and (b) the best method of selecting delegates to the planned National Conference. [174103]

The UN Secretary General Adviser on Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi continues to consult a large number of Iraqis in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq in his efforts to help forge Iraqi consensus on the formation of the Interim Government. We warmly welcome Brahimi's initial proposals and look forward to Iraqi agreement on the way forward by the end of May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from what source of funds the money for bounties for the capture of wanted individuals in Iraq comes; and if he will make a statement. [174189]

Her Majesty's Government does not offer bounties for the capture of wanted individuals in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) between what dates the September 2002 source upon which the Government based its claim that Iraq sought to procure uranium from Africa indicated that the attempted procurement took place; [175478](2) whether the documentary evidence reported in June 2002, referred to in Paragraph 89 of the Intelligence and Security Committee report, Cm 5972, upon which the Government did not rely to back up its claim that Iraq sought to procure uranium from Africa, was found to be

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave on 6 May 2004, Official Report, column 1733W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Intelligence and Security Committee (a) requested and (b) saw the intelligence (i) upon which the Government based its claim that Iraq sought to procure uranium from Africa and (ii) considered by the International Atomic Energy Agency to be forged which was released to the Secret Intelligence Service by the third party in question and referred to in paragraph 92 of the ISC report, Cm 5972. [175479]

I have nothing to add to the Intelligence and Security Committee's account of their inquiry into this matter, given in paragraphs 87–93 of their report (Cmnd 5972).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the International Cricket Council regarding the rules operated by the ICC in respect of cricket tour cancellations. [175486]

There have been no such discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the report by Amnesty International, "Israel and the Occupied Territories—Under the rubble: House demolition and destruction of land and property", published on 18 May. [175287]

We share Amnesty International's concerns about deteriorating housing conditions in the Occupied Territories and the wider human rights and humanitarian consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a press statement on 17 May I expressed my concern at the demolition of Palestinian homes in Rafah. These actions are contrary to Israel's commitments under the roadmap and are unacceptable. And on 19 May, I expressed my profound concern about the deaths of Palestinian civilians demonstrating against house demolitions. Copies of both my statements are available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/policy/news/press-releases. Demolitions are provocative, exacerbate tension and undermine ongoing efforts to bring about an end to violence and a return to negotiations. Israel must act within international law and refrain from using excessive force and taking actions which amount to collective punishment. The UK voted for UNSCR 1544 which condemned Israel's actions on 19 May 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with the new Kenyan Government since the general election in Kenya in December 2002; and what issues were discussed. [175168]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met the Kenyan Foreign Minister, Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka in February 2003. Issues discussed were the priorities for the new Kenyan government, Iraq, Zimbabwe and terrorism.On 29 April 2004, I met the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Kiraitu Murungi, to discuss Constitutional and other reforms, including anti-corruption, and Julie Ward. In June 2003 I met the then Vice-President, Michael Wamalawa, and in October 2003, Foreign Minister Musyoka and a delegation of Kenyan Ministers. In October 2003 I visited Kenya, meeting President Mwai Kibaki and members of his government.My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and I met President Kibaki on 9 October 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will support the freezing of assets owned by Mr. Victor Bout; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for the UK removing Mr. Bout's name from a list of individuals to be targeted by United Nations sanctions. [175566]

[holding answer 25 May 2004]: The UK has consistently supported international efforts to end Victor Bout's illegal activities, and UK Ministers have publicly welcomed action taken against his sanctions-busting activities. Our commitment to dealing with arms traffickers/sanctions busters is second to none, and a matter of public record.I am unable to comment on specific nominations under discussion in the United Nations Security Council for the asset freeze imposed by UNSCR 1532. To do so would risk capital flight.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what investigations the Department has carried out intro the activities of Victor Bout. [174769]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) does not have investigative authority/powers. We pass any information we receive concerning alleged breaches of arms embargoes and sanctions regimes to the appropriate investigative authorities.FCO Ministers have publicly stated our position on Victor Bout and his sanctions-busting activities. On 7 November 2000 my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State at the FCO said in the House that Victor Bout is "the chief sanctions buster, and is a merchant of death…"

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions when the UK has been outvoted when Qualified Majority Voting in the European Council has applied in every year since 1992, stating in each case the issue concerned; and if he will make a statement. [175286]

The European Council does not take decisions by Qualified Majority Voting (QMV), but agrees Presidency conclusions by consensus. The Council of Ministers does take decisions by QMV on legislation where the legal base so provides. Since January 2001, details of voting in the Council of Ministers have been published by the Council Secretariat in its monthly summaries of Council acts. These can be accessed on the Council's internet site at: http://ue.eu.int/cms3_applications/showPage.asp?id = 551 &lang =:en&mode=g.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have taken place between the UK Government and the Government of Sudan regarding reports of ethnic cleansing in the Darfur region of Sudan; and if he will make a statement. [175905]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my right hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham Ladywood (Clare Short) on 25 May 2004 (UIN 175841).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the travel costs incurred (a) by his Department and (b) by each Minister within his Department, for each of the last 10 years. [175645]

I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's answer on 16 July 2003 Official Report, column 328W. A figure for the financial year 2003–2004 will be published as soon as possible.In addition, since 1999 the Government has published an annual list of all visits undertaken by Cabinet Ministers costing £500 or more during each financial year. Details for the financial year 2003–2004 will be published as soon as possible. Copies of these lists can be found in the Library of the House.

To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 12 May, Official Report, column 385W, on Iraq, whether the employment of civilian contractors and interpreters in Abu Ghraib prison was (a) known to and (b) sanctioned by the Coalition Provisional Authority. [174329]

The employment of civilian contractors and interpreters in Abu Ghraib prison is a matter for the US authorities.

To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will list the travel costs incurred by his Office for each of the last 10 years; [175657](2) how much his Office spent on ministerial travel by

For travel costs prior to 2002, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend, the Minister for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) gave to the hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs (Mr. Flight) on 13 November 2003, Official Report, columns 397–398W.For information for 2002–03, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Plaskitt) on 16 July 2003,

To ask the Prime Minister how many journeys he made by helicopter in each of the last 10 years; and what the journey length was in each case. [175739]

On average, I have made around twenty trips by helicopter in each year since May 1997, all of varying length.I travel making the most efficient and cost-effective arrangements. My travel arrangements are in accordance with the arrangements for official travel set out in chapter 7 of the Ministerial Code, and the accompanying guidance document, "Travel by Ministers".

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the amount of public money spent by his Department since 1998 on the promotion of (a) Irish culture and language and (b) Ulster Scots culture and language. [174926]

Under the arrangements for North South Bodies the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure is providing £1,277,000 to the Ulster Scots Agency and £3,224,000 to the Irish Language Agency. This does not include additional funding provided from the Department's mainstream programme to projects which may have an Irish or Ulster Scots cultural or language dimension.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to tackle organised crime in Northern Ireland. [174927]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on measures to combat organised crime in Northern Ireland. [174935]

The Organised Crime Task Force continues to set the strategic direction for a multi agency approach to tackling organised crime in Northern Ireland. The 4th annual Threat Assessment and Strategy which was published by the Task Force on 11 May describes in detail both the extent of the problem, the successes that the law enforcement agencies have had against organised criminals, and the objectives of the Task Force.I pay tribute to the PSNI, HM Customs and Excise and the Assets Recovery Agency for their on-going commitment and effectiveness.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many representations he has received since January 2002 concerning the trafficking of people in Northern Ireland. [174928]

I am aware that the hon. Gentleman has shown an interest in this matter. The UK Immigration Service continues to liaise closely with the PSNI and the authorities in the Republic of Ireland with a view to apprehending offenders and prosecuting those who facilitate the entry of immigration offenders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had recently with the Irish Government on the provisions of the Belfast agreement on the early release of prisoners. [174929]

I have not discussed the issue in recent weeks with the Irish Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to tackle racism in Northern Ireland. [174930]

The Government have frequently put on record their abhorrence of all forms of intolerance and racism.We have published draft legislation to give courts stronger sentencing powers for "hate crimes". Enforcement action by the PSNI will be the key to tackling racism alongside our Community Safety Strategy and measures being taken through education, housing, health and social policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the peace process. [174931]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Bracknell (Mr. Mackay).

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on changes in the Northern Ireland economy since the Good Friday Agreement. [174932]

Official statistics show that since 1998, when the Good Friday Agreement was signed, the Northern Ireland Economy has performed remarkably well. Employment is at record levels, increasing by 61,540 jobs since March 1998 and the current unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent. is 2.8 percentage points below the EU 15 average. Since 1998 growth in Gross Value Added of 19.1 per cent. makes Northern Ireland one of the fastest growing UK regions.While these headline figures are encouraging, manufacturing employment has declined and the levels of economic inactivity remains high relative to other UK regions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with political parties in Northern Ireland on restoring the Good Friday Agreement institutions. [174933]

Discussions with the parties took place on 27 April and 4 May as part of the Review of the Belfast Agreement. There is now a break in formal Review talks for the period of the European election campaign, although informal contacts continue with the parties. Formal Review activity will recommence after 10 June, and we hope to engage soon after in a period of intensive dialogue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further action he intends to take against Sinn Féin in the light of the Independent Monitoring Commission's finding that Sinn Fein has responsibility for paramilitary violence. [174934]

We have already taken steps to implement the IMC recommendation in respect of both Sinn Féin and the PUP by suspending their entitlement to block financial assistance for a period of 12 months. Clearly we will wish to see significant progress by the time of the next IMC report in October. If there is not, we shall need to consider what steps might then be appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the average earnings in Northern Ireland are; and if he will make a statement. [175639]

Average gross weekly earnings of all full-time adult employees in Northern Ireland was £404.50 at April 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of beef sold in Northern Ireland in 2003 was (a) locally produced and (b) imported from Great Britain. [175916]

Trade in beef is governed by EU single market principles. Statistical information is therefore not available to distinguish beef sales in NI between locally produced and imported beef. Discussions with the industry, however, have indicated that the majority of such sales would be from locally produced animals, with only a small amount relating to GB imports or imports directly from Third countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the (a) average waiting time and (b) longest time an individual has been waiting for a mammogram is at each of the Province's cancer units. [175167]

This information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many dentists commenced practice in the province in each year since 1990; how many were full-time in each case; and if he will make a statement. [175221]

The information requested is not readily available for historic dental practitioner registrations prior to October 2002 when the dental list database was replaced. For the 2003 calendar year the figure was 58. There is no split available by full-time and part-time for dental practitioners. The figure includes new fully qualified dentists, dentists who have moved/returned to the province from Great Britain/Republic of Ireland and dentists who have returned to work after a career break. The figure excludes assistants who are employed directly by a dentist and work under the dentists' contract.During a year there are also 24 Vocational Dental Practitioners who serve a year working with an established dental practitioner prior to starting working under their own contract within Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the Crest recommendations on diabetes care (a) have been implemented and (b) will be implemented within the next 12 months. [175215]

The Crest Taskforce report on the development of services for people with diabetes contains a wide range of recommendations covering the full spectrum of the condition, from screening for people with a higher risk of developing the disease to the prevention and treatment of diabetes. The report acknowledged that implementation of the framework would require a time frame of 5–10 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many equal opportunity complaints have been lodged with industrial tribunals in Northern Ireland in the last five years; and how many of these were (a) rejected initially, (b) settled, (c) heard and upheld and (d) heard and rejected. [175903]

This information is not readily available and will take some time to collate. I will write to the hon. Lady with details as soon as possible. A copy of the letter will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to fund alternative treatment of fibromyalgia in the national health service in Northern Ireland. [175528]

There are no specific plans to fund alternative medicine for the treatment of fibromyalgia in the HPSS. Alternative medicine and therapies may be provided within available HPSS resources if the clinician considers that these are the most appropriate treatments for an individual patient.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact of Agenda for Change on the private sector in health care in Northern Ireland. [175212]

The new HPSS pay system, Agenda for Change, has been designed around jobs within the NHS across the UK, and when implemented it will only directly be applied to jobs that are within the range of NHS organisations. It is acknowledged however, that any amendment to the terms and conditions of employment of HPSS personnel could have implications for the terms and conditions of staff employed within the private or voluntary health sector.While the setting of pay rates and defining of terms and conditions for such employees is a matter for the individual independent employers concerned, my Department recognises the financial pressures facing independent sector nursing and residential homes and has made provision for above inflation increases in the regional tariffs over the past three years. This has meant for example an increase of almost 20 per cent. in the weekly fee paid by Trusts for a nursing home place for an elderly person since 2001–02.The Department has also commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers to undertake research into the specific costs of providing nursing, residential home and domiciliary care in Northern Ireland. The consultants are expected to present their final report in June 2004, in time for the research to inform budget decisions from April 2005

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people on Northern Ireland waiting lists have had medical treatment in other parts of the United Kingdom in each of the last five years. [175532]

The following table shows the number of patients from Northern Ireland who have received medical treatment in other parts of the United Kingdom, in the years 1999–2000 to 2003–04, as part of waiting list initiatives.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many trained nursing staff from outside the United Kingdom are working in Northern Ireland's hospitals. [175533]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Strangford (Mrs. Robinson) on 18 May 2004, Official Report, column 943W, Question Reference 173742.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on (a) the frequency of epidural use in deliveries in Northern Ireland and (b) changes in that frequency in the last 30 years. [175175]

The information is as follows.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress on neighbourhood renewal; what the timescale is for each stage of the process; and when money will be released for each stage. [175233]

The Department for Social Development launched the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy, "People and Place" in June 2003. The Strategy did not specify detailed implementation arrangements, indicating instead that an engagement process would be undertaken to agree implementation arrangements for Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Regional Towns and Cities. This exercise is now complete and the findings from these consultation exercises will be published in the near future.In addition, interim funding arrangements have been put in place from 1 April 2004 to ensure the continuation of over 100 community projects, which are deemed important to the implementation of Neighbourhood Renewal.To support the Strategy a Ministerial Working Group on Neighbourhood Renewal was established to oversee the implementation of the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy. This group has met on two occasions.The Ministerial Group has approved the timetable for the establishment of the Neighbourhood Partnership Boards. The Department's aim is to have Neighbourhood Partnership Board, established in the selected areas, by July 2005, with the majority in operation well before this. Funding will be made available to these groups to enable them to develop their Neighbourhood Action Plans. It is the intention of the Department to have all Neighbourhood Action Plans approved by May 2006, again with the majority approved well in advance of this date.I am also pleased to say that, in March 2004, Department for Social Development launched a scheme under the Neighbourhood Renewal banner, to provide financial assistance to Post Offices in deprived urban areas, which are under the threat of closure.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in Northern Ireland during the last three years to reach Government recycling targets. [175530]

The Waste Management Strategy for Northern Ireland set targets for the recovery of household waste (25 per cent. by 2005–06) and a reduction in the landfilling of industrial and commercial waste (to 85 per cent. of 1998 levels by 2005).The household waste recovery rate has increased steadily since 1998–99 when it was 4.9 per cent. The following table shows year on year figures. The 2003 figures are still being collated and will be available in June 2004. These however are expected to show a further improvement. The 2002 survey of industrial and commercial waste arisings indicated a 36.8 per cent. reduction in landfilling of industrial and commercial waste since 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on changes in the cost of care at residential homes. [175211]

Residential homes may charge individual residents different amounts based on the type and extent of care needed and the standard of facilities and accommodation provided. For those residents who are not self-funding, Health and Social Services Trusts will normally pay agreed regional tariffs for the appropriate standard placement for each class of resident. In recognition of the increased pressures faced by the independent care home sector, the Department has made significant additional resources available to provide for increases above inflation. Above inflation increases have been made in each year since 2001–02 and the additional money this year has enabled Health and Social Services Trusts to increase rates paid for an elderly residential home place from £230 in 2001–02 to £273 in 2004–05, an increase of around 16 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the costs of educating every child currently in a special school in Northern Ireland in a mainstream school. [175222]

I have not made an estimate of this kind. The forthcoming Special Educational Needs and Disability Order aims to strengthen the right of children with special educational needs to be educated in mainstream schools. Any costs arising from this will be dependent on the nature and extent of the exercise of this right over time, and will depend on the needs of the individual child. Educational provision will continue to be tailored to meet these needs, whether in mainstream schools, special units attached to mainstream schools, or special schools. I anticipate that special schools will continue to play a vital role in supporting pupils with significant and complex needs, in accordance with parental wishes and professional advice, and that they are likely to develop their role further in the future in the provision of specialist advice and support to mainstream schools.The Government's investment of significant capital funding in the schools estate will continue to improve disabled access. In particular, all new and recently built or refurbished schools will comply with the requirements for physical access contained in the draft Special Educational Needs and Disability Order.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what plans he has for youth development programmes to reduce teenage pregnancy rates; [175158](2) if he will introduce a young people's development programme similar to that launched by the Departments of Health and Education and Skills. [175170]

A multi-agency Implementation Group is overseeing and driving forward the 21 actions set out in the Teenage Pregnancy and Parenthood Strategy and Action Plan. One of the action points in the plan is the further development, particularly in areas of socio-economic deprivation and rural areas, of community based teenage personal development programmes that incorporate sexual health issues and risk taking behaviour. These programmes are being taken forward by Health and Social Services Boards and Trusts in partnership with the voluntary and community organisations and are tailored to the needs of our population.The young people's development programme in England is a three year pilot exercise which is the subject of on-going evaluation. The findings are unlikely to be available until April 2007. Officials here will be liaising with colleagues in the Department of Health to monitor developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many females aged between 11 and 19 years were fitted with contraceptive implants in Northern Ireland in each year since 2000, broken down by age. [175224]

The information requested is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what information he has collated in relation to health risks associated with the provision of transmitter masts in residential areas. [175527]

The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (IEGMP) published a report on the subject of mobile phone technology in May 2000. It concluded that the balance of evidence indicated that there was no general risk to the health of people living near the base stations on the basis that exposures were expected to be small fractions of the guidelines of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).This position has been confirmed through the ongoing random audit of base stations being undertaken by the Radiocommunications Agency (now part of the Office of Communications—Ofcom). In the course of this audit programme almost 20 surveys were conducted at sites here in Northern Ireland during 2001 and 2002, mainly at schools and two at hospitals. Measurement of emissions in every case showed these to be hundreds and sometimes thousands of times below the ICNIRP guidelines.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's policy is in respect of the computer file formats used for the (a) distribution and (b) archiving of publicly available documents. [173360]

All documents published on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website, both current and archived, are in either HTML and/or PDF format, with the exception of some statistical data which are available in Excel spreadsheet format.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff were employed in the Department to work in the communications field and what the total expenditure on communications for the Department was, broken down by (a) Government Information and Communication Service staff and (b) other staff, broken down by (i) press officers, (ii) special advisors and (iii) others, in (A) 1994–95, (B) 1996–97, (C) 1997–98 and (D) 2001–02. [168673]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was created on 29 May 2002. Information for periods prior to this date is not available.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what definition of extra care housing his Department uses in collecting Supporting People mapping data. [175249]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not issued a specific definition of extra care housing for the purposes of Supporting People mapping data. The relevant guidance does, however, include a definition of very sheltered housing for older people as:

"sheltered accommodation for physically or mentally frail older people, with on-site support and enhanced communal facilities, specialist design features and the capacity to offer a range of care and support services".

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the findings of the public consultation in England on the measures in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 dealing with high hedges will be published. [175550]

The public consultation on implementing Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 runs until 30 June. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister expects to report the results of the consultation and to bring the legislation into operation towards the end of 2004.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much his Department (a) expects to spend in this financial year and (b) spend in (i) 2002–03 and (ii) 2003–04 on writing off overhanging debt for local authorities that transfer their housing; and from which budget this sum is allocated. [176275]

Payments to meet local authorities' overhanging debt are made where the value of the housing stock is less than a local authority's associated housing debt. It is estimated that if all the housing transfers programmed to transfer in 2004–05 secure a positive ballot and transfer this financial year then the 2004–05 provision for making Overhanging Debt payments of £616 million would be used in full. £548.2 million was paid in 2002–03 and £90.9 million in 2003–04. The payment reflects the liability the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister would otherwise have to pay continuing subsidy on a local authority's housing attributable debt. It is not possible to use this resource for capital purposes.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his budget is for staff training in information and communication technology in this financial year. [173720]

Basic information and communication technology (ICT) training is given to all staff of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Specific supplementary courses of training are available depending on the needs of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and those of individual members of staff.Each business unit is responsible for its training budget, and the information technology (IT) element is not identified separately.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his targets are for improving the information and communication technology (ICT) skills base of staff within (a) his Department and (b) its agencies; and what method he uses to certify the competence levels achieved by staff receiving training in ICT. [173721]

To improve specialist skills and capability in information and communication technology (ICT), the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is establishing an e-Implementers Group to promote and disseminate and develop best practice to staff working on ICT and e-Business projects. We will also start piloting the European Computer Driving Licence in June 2004. This is an internationally recognised qualification that enables people to demonstrate their computer skills.The improvement of ICT skills forms part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Ministers Development and Training Strategy, providing the skills, knowledge and competencies needed for particular roles. This process is managed and monitored through the Performance Management process.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of whether local authority planning enforcement officers have sufficient (a) manpower resources and (b) funding adequately to control developers to ensure that the residents of communities are not put at risk by the acts or omissions of developers. [175880]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not made such an assessment. We have, however, received a number of responses to our consultation on the review of the Planning Enforcement system expressing the view that local authorities do not put sufficient resources into enforcement. We are making £350 million of additional funding available to local planning authorities through the planning delivery grant. The grant is not ring-fenced and local planning authorities may use it to make staff and financial resources available for planning enforcement.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the proposed siting of rail freight interchanges and freight villages in St. Albans and Park Street village green belt areas. [175347]

The Government have received no firm proposals concerning the siting of a rail freight interchange in St. Albans and Park Street village green belt areas. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is aware that a developer is considering putting forward such a proposal, but it would be inappropriate to comment on the proposal at this stage as it may come before the Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister for determination. Should such a proposal be brought forward it would need to go through the usual planning procedures relating to green belt areas.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he next intends to meet the Mobile Phone Operators Association to discuss the workings of their voluntary code in relation to the T-Mobile installation at Bardsey in the Elmet constituency. [174943]

It would be inappropriate for any Minister in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss an individual planning case in any circumstances because of the appellate function of the First Secretary of State, my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many staff in her Department and its agencies were seconded from the (a) private and (b) academic sector in each of the last three years. [175367]

There have been no secondments to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport or its Agency from the private or academic sectors in the last three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many people have left employment in her Department because of (a) anxiety, (b) stress, (c) depression and (d) other mental health reasons in each year since 1997. [175674]