To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what resources will be available to National Air Traffic Services to ensure that it is able to carry out the airspace work in time to meet the Aviation White Paper's timetable for new runways at (a) Stansted, (b) Heathrow and (c) Birmingham; and what reports he has received of difficulties with National Air Traffic Services which might hinder this work; [178481](2) what further steps he will take to ensure the robustness of the air traffic control system in the light of the construction of the new runways envisaged by the Aviation White Paper. [178482]

The Government are satisfied—and the National Audit Office has confirmed—that last year's re-financing of NATS has put the company on a robust financial footing and that it is able to make further vital investment to expand capacity to meet future growth. Work on the investment programme has re-started and NATS will invest some £1 billion in the national air traffic control system over the next 10 years.I have received no reports of difficulties within the company that might hinder NATS in carrying out the airspace work envisaged for it in the Aviation White Paper. The skills and experience necessary to carry forward airspace and procedure design work in support of such initiatives are, however, highly specialised, and NATS and the BAA are currently scoping the extent of the additional work required. This will identify the specific expertise and resources required, and whether NATS will need to seek additional skills as a result of this work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent assessment has been made of potential change in the number of road traffic accidents as a result of moving to Central European Time. [178864]

The most recent is a Government commissioned report, by the Transport Research Laboratory, published in October 1988, which concluded that if the UK adopted Central European Time (CET) i.e. GMT + one hour in the winter from October to March and GMT + two hours in the summer from March to October, thereby making the evenings lighter, there could be a saving of over 100 deaths per year, and taken together with serious injuries, save well over 400 such casualties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Minister for Roads will reply to the letter from Mrs. Mich Bingham of Cumberwell Drive. [179048]

There have been several letters from Mrs. Bingham, each of which were addressed to officials of the Highways Agency. All those received up to 8 June and requiring a response have been replied to.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many thefts were committed on (a) the railways and (b) buses in each year since 1997. [175453]

The British Transport Police (BTP) have provided the following information on the number of recorded thefts on the railways within Great Britain since 1998; information is not readily available for earlier than 1998.The offence of theft on the railway includes theft from the person, theft of personal property and theft of luggage. In April 2002 BTP adopted the National Crime Recording standard, which makes the reporting of crime more victim focused, and crime is assessed on the probability of such offences having taken place. A crime will be recorded if on the balance of probability:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of new cycle lanes have been provided using public funds in Rochdale since 1997.[178559]

A total of 10 miles of new cycle lanes in Rochdale have been provided using public funds since 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people were informed by the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency that they are required to resit their driving test because they failed to apply for a full licence within two years of passing their original test in each year since 1997. [177491]

Information is not collected showing the number of drivers who have failed to claim their full entitlement within two years and have needed to retake their driving test. The Agency has tackled this in varying ways, including the issuing of reminders to drivers with unclaimed entitlement and more recently by adjusting the fee structure to allow updated licences to be issued free of charge.DVLA and DSA will introduce a scheme later this year to streamline the process and remove the problem of unclaimed test passes. In most cases, the system will allow the updated licence to be issued automatically following a successful test, without the need for a separate application.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his letter reference MC/015200/03 of 25 September 2003, what his latest assessment is of the value of the Flight Time Limitations Requirements; and if he will make a statement. [177822]

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, North and Leith (Mr. Lazarowicz) on 14 June 2004, Official Report, columns 696–97W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what grants the Department has given to the research and development of Intelligent Speed Adaption Systems; and if he will make a statement. [177992]

The Department for Transport has not given any grants for the research and development of Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) systems.Research into ISA is being carried out as part of the Department's managed vehicle safety research programme. The project began in 2001 and is expected to conclude in the autumn of 2006 at a cost of £1,951,525. An advanced digital map supporting the on-road ISA trials is funded by a separate contract at a cost of £158,383.The main aim of the current project is to study drivers' behavioural adaptation over time. A trial of 20 ISA equipped cars is currently under way in Leeds.A further project supports the main research and the general development of ISA nationally and internationally by providing expert advice on an ad hoc basis.The Government currently has no plans to make the use of intelligent speed limiters compulsory. We hope that industry will take up the technology in response to public demand.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much income has been derived by local authorities from parking (a) charges and (b) penalties in each financial year since 1997–98 (i) in total and (ii) broken down by local authority; and what proportion was collected through penalty charge notices in each of these years. [177661]

Separate statistics on income derived by local authorities from parking charges and penalties are not collected centrally. Total income and expenditure on parking by local authorities in England since 1997–98 is shown in the following table. I have arranged for tables giving a break down by authorities for each year to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

£000
	Total income	Total expenditure net	Current expenditure
1997–98	638,483	415,659	-222,824
1998–99	654,685	407,503	-247,183
1999–2000	725,184	438,277	-286,907
2000–01	782,210	465,921	-316,287
2001–02	861,152	518,453	-342,699
2002–03	966,350	586,101	-380,249

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many pedestrians were injured as a result of collisions between pedestrians and cyclists on footpaths and pavements in each of the past three years; [178773](2) what research his Department has undertaken into problems caused by cyclists using footpaths and pavements; [178774](3) what research his Department has undertaken into the concerns of older people about cyclists using footpaths and pavements; [178775](4) what guidance he has offered to police forces about

The statistics on casualties in accidents between cyclist and pedestrian on a footway between 1999 and 2002 (the latest figures) are set out in the following table:

Casualties
Severity	1999	2000	2001	2002
Killed	1	0	0	0
Serious	25	17	16	14
Slight	61	48	38	37
All	87	65	54	51

Cycling on the pavement is an offence under section 72 of the Highways Act 1835 as amended by section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1888. Enforcement is a matter for the police. Guidance on matters relating to police enforcement is a matter for the Home Secretary and for individual Chief Constables to issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether foreign vessels that have not complied with the International Ship and Port Facility Security code will be denied entry to British ports after the internationally agreed implementation date of 1 July; and if he will make a statement. [178731]

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 26 April 2004, Official Report, column 782W, to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Carmichael).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a decision on whether to hold a public inquiry into the Potters Bar train accident; and if he will make a statement on progress to date of the investigation. [177812]

I understand that the Health and Safety Executive's investigation team is expected to report to the Investigation Board in September or October 2004. The relevant prosecuting authorities will then review all the evidence to determine whether criminal prosecutions should be commenced. When that has happened, the Secretary of State expects to be in a position to take the decision on whether or not to hold a public inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to his answers of 12 May 2004, Official Report, columns 399W and 408W, on crime prevention and railway crimes, what method he used to calculate a fall of 32 per cent. in vandalism on the railways in 2002–03. [178072]

The 32 per cent. reduction in vandalism on the railways in 2002–03 was calculated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board. This was based on the number of malicious acts on the Network Rail controlled infrastructure recorded by Railway Group members using the Safety Management Information System (SMIS). The percentage reduction was calculated by comparing the previous year's total for the number of malicious acts against the total for 2002–03.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the percentage change in (a) deaths and (b) serious injuries on roads in Rochdale has been since 1997; and what the percentage change was in each case regarding people of Asian origin. [178558]

The available information relates to local authority areas. In the Rochdale local authority area there were 16 deaths in road accidents in 1997 and 11 deaths in 2002, the latest year for which information is available. The number of serious injuries rose by 1 per cent. from 83 in 1997 to 84 in 2002.Information on the ethnic origin of casualties in road accidents is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the road schemes (a) in the Targeted Programme of Improvements and (b) submitted for funding through the Local Transport Plan Process between 1999–2000 and 2002–03, giving for each (i) the cost of the scheme when it was first submitted for approval and (ii) the most recent estimate or final cost of the scheme. [176797]

The information requested has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and is listed in the tables which have been split by (1) Targeted Programme of Improvement schemes and (2) local transport major road schemes.Differences in scheme costs between first submission and most recent estimate can be due to differences in the basis on which costs have been calculated as well to underlying increases in-the cost estimate. As a result direct comparisons between these cost estimates may not be meaningful.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list in tabular form the relative changes since 1974 in the cost of (a) motoring, (b) travelling by bus and (c) travelling by train, measured against changes in average disposable income. [178706]

The following table shows the changes in the cost of transport and household disposable income. Indices are shown in real terms and based to 1974 = 100.

£
	All motoring1	Rail	Bus	Household disposable income
1974	100.0	100.0	100.0	100.0
1975	104.4	109.2	104.9	101.2
1976	101.2	124.3	114.9	100.6
1977	99.9	125.0	114.1	98.6
1978	99.7	132.0	119.4	105.8
1979	104.0	128.8	118.4	112.0
1980	103.8	135.6	127.0	114.0
1981	103.9	138.6	125.6	113.4
1982	101.0	146.5	133.3	113.0
1983	103.2	148.5	134.7	115.4
1984	100.7	142.0	131.1	119.6
1985	99.4	142.4	128.9	123.8
1986	94.7	147.0	135.2	128.9
1987	96.3	148.4	137.4	133.5
1988	95.9	151.3	140.1	140.9
1989	93.9	153.2	140.2	147.5
1990	91.0	152.2	135.1	152.7
1991	92.3	158.8	145.5	155.7
1992	95.0	164.2	150.2	160.1
1993	97.6	173.0	154.3	164.5
1994	98.5	176.3	154.6	166.9
1995	97.0	178.1	155.0	170.7
1996	97.5	180.3	156.9	174.9
1997	99.6	178.9	157.6	182.2
1998	99.3	180.1	157.3	182.8
1999	100.2	183.8	160.6	188.6
2000	101.0	181.6	162.3	200.4
2001	98.7	185.3	166.1	209.6
2002	96.3	186.5	168.5	213.2
2003	94.3	184.3	170.6	218.2
1 'All motoring' includes the cost of purchase, maintenance, fuel, tax and insurance.
Source:
Retail Price Index and National Accounts, Office for National Statistics.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when (a) he and (b) the Permanent Secretary of his Department first became aware of allegations that a member of the Saudi armed forces project of the Ministry of Defence was provided with free holidays and gifts by BAE Systems between 2000 and 2002. [176053]

The Permanent Secretary was made aware of the allegations on 5 April 2004 and the issue was brought to my attention later that month.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reasons the Permanent Secretary in his Department decided that no investigation was required after he received a letter from the then director of the Serious Fraud Office on 8 March 2001 regarding allegations of fraud involving BAE Systems; and if he will make a statement. [176068]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr. Ingram) on 3 November 2003, Official Report, column 429W, to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton and Wanstead (Harry Cohen) and to the hon. Member for North Norfolk (Norman Lamb).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date (a) he, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) the Permanent Secretary in his Department held discussions with Sir Richard Evans, the chairman of BAE Systems, on the provision of free holidays and gifts by BAE Systems between 2000 and 2002 to a civil servant in the Saudi armed forces project of the Ministry of Defence; and if he will make a statement. [176072]

There have been no discussions with Sir Richard Evans on the allegations of misconduct involving a former, but now retired member of the Saudi armed forces project. The allegations are properly under investigation by the Ministry of Defence Police, and the MOD and we will consider what further action is necessary if any once the results of this investigation are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his latest estimate is of the amount spent by his Department on entertainment in each year from 1996–97 to 2004–05 [169002]

Details of cash expenditure on entertainment by the Ministry of Defence in each year from 1996–97 to 2001–02 were provided in the answer I gave the hon. Member on 20 March 2003, Official Report, column 885W. Final outturn on a resource basis, which is not directly comparable with previous cash figures, for 2002–03 was £7.32 million. The provisional outturn for FY 2003–04 is £7.99 million. Expenditure on entertainment and hospitality will vary for a number of reasons, but has been rising in line with the Strategic Defence Review intention to increase engagement with other countries through defence diplomacy, aimed at preventing conflict and increasing international stability. Planned expenditure for this financial year, after allowing for the effect of inflation, is expected to be the same, or lower, than the outturn in FY 2003–04.Expenditure incurred on entertainment is strictly for official purposes only, and is made in accordance with departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in Government Accounting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence why secondary monitoring for all those leaving nuclear submarines is not mandatory at HM Naval Base Clyde Faslane. [178868]

Comprehensive arrangements, which comply fully with legal requirements and have been approved by the Health and Safety Executive's Nuclear Installations Inspectorate, are in place to ensure the safety of all personnel working on nuclear submarines. Personnel exiting the reactor compartments must be monitored before they are permitted to leave the submarine (by suitably qualified and experienced workers) using hand-held instrumentation capable of detecting very low levels of radioactive contamination. This monitoring is precautionary as work procedures and protective clothing are designed to minimise the chance of becoming contaminated. Secondary monitoring (using a walk-through monitor), which takes place after the worker has completed primary monitoring and removed his protective clothing, is compulsory when contamination is suspected or found.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the oral statement of the Minister of State of 4 May 2004, Official Report, column 1211, if he will make a further statement to the House on the Special Investigation Branch inquiries into alleged abuse of Iraqi civilians. [177587]

I refer the hon. Member to the written statement I made on 8 June 2004, Official Report, columns 4–5WS.Since then it has been announced in another place that one case, involving four soldiers, will be brought to trial. A further case is now pending a decision on prosecution.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his statement of 8 June 2004, Official Report, columns 4–5WS, on Iraq, what the names are of the individuals whose deaths are among the cases where a decision whether to prosecute is pending. [179031]

[holding answer 15 June 2004]: In my statement of 8 June 2004, Official Report, columns 4–5WS, I referred to seven cases pending a decision to prosecute on 4 May. Since then a further case has come under consideration as referred to by my noble and learned Friend the Attorney-General in a statement in another place on 15 June. Of the eight cases now under consideration, five cases involve deaths. The names of the individuals are: Hassam Abbad Saied, Baha Musa, Zaher Sabti Zaher, Ali Salaam and Nadhem Abdullah.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what design studies have been commissioned to find a replacement for Trident nuclear submarines. [179006]

As set out in paragraph 3.11 of the 2003 Defence White Paper (Cm 6041–1), decisions on whether to replace Trident are likely to be needed in the next Parliament. In the meantime, we will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure that the range of options for maintaining a nuclear deterrent capability is kept open until that decision point. This will include appropriate design studies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many employees in his Department have (a) signed a formal opt out from and (b) are exempt from the Working Time Directive; and how many employees in his Department have recorded hours, including any accruing on a flexitime basis, in excess of the maximum allowed under the Working Time Directive in the last month for which figures are available. [178366]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will list, for each English local education authority, in each of the last five years, the costs of the administration of (a) primary and (b) secondary school (i) admissions and (ii) appeals. [177607]

The Department does not collect this information. The administration of school admissions and admission appeals is the responsibility of individual admission authorities. LEAs must delegate funding for the administration of admissions and admission appeals to governing bodies of schools that are admission authorities or carry out the administration on their behalf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the disadvantages to students whose schools do not have access to broadband services. [178928]

My Department is well on the way to achieving the ambitious Government target of making broadband available to over 23,000 schools in England by 2006. This is a substantial and complex task.Excellent progress has been made during the last two and a half years. As at March 2004, 60 per cent. of schools (98 per cent. of secondary schools and 53 per cent. of primary schools) have access to broadband. We are on schedule to connect the remainder by 2006 as planned.In the meantime, those schools that don't yet have broadband have access to a narrower, but still significant, range of resources and collaborative opportunities through standard Internet connections. They also have access to off-line multimedia resources as can be found on Curriculum Online and funded using eLearning Credits. We are supporting teachers in the use of such resources through the National Strategies.We are encouraging schools not scheduled to be upgraded to broadband until towards the end of 2006, and which have expensive ISDN connections, to adopt more cost-effective, interim solutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what mechanism his Department has put in place to monitor the roll-out of broadband to schools. [178929]

My Department works with the 10 Regional Broadband Consortia (RBCs) to procure and roll out broadband connections to schools. Becta (the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency) collects LEA broadband connectivity statistics, supplied by the RBCs, which are compiled and released on a quarterly basis.As at March 2004, 60 per cent. of schools (98 per cent. of secondary schools and 53 per cent. of primary schools) have access to broadband. The Government's target is to connect all schools to broadband by 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action he proposes to take in response to the letter to him by Mr. John Wright, of the Independent Panel for Special Education Advice, of 6 February. [177437]

The Department wrote to Mr. Wight on 17 February confirming that the complaints against five local education authorities made in his letter would be taken up individually with each of the authorities concerned. The Department wrote to Mr. Wright again on 30 March, having concluded its investigations of East Sussex local education authority, to confirm that the complaint against the Authority had not been upheld. Further information is awaited from the remaining authorities to enable the Secretary of State to reach decisions on the outstanding cases. We expect to receive this shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to reform the food technology curriculum taught in schools; and if he will make a statement. [177646]

We are working with colleagues across Government to tackle key health issues, including bringing together all aspects of food education, such as nutrition, diet, cooking, food hygiene and safety for pupils of all ages. Food education is taught through science, food technology, and Personal, Social and Health Education and we will consider any curriculum implications in the light of our cross government work on this important area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions his Department has had with the Learning and Skills Council on the recently issued guidelines to limit college franchising arrangements with work-based learning providers; what steps he is taking to ensure that the provision of high quality training is safeguarded; and if he will take steps to ensure the early substitution of direct contracting between local learning and skills councils and the affected providers. [178232]

[holding answer 14 June 2004]: My officials have not had detailed discussions with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) about the guidelines to local LSCs concerning the funding of franchised further education provision. The LSC is responsible for establishing and developing a robust and diverse network of providers to meet the needs of communities, learners and employers. My ministerial colleagues and I, with the support of officials, ensure the LSC carries out its responsibilities through regular meetings, reporting and review arrangements. As contracting decisions are the operational responsibility of the LSC, Mark Haysom, the LSC's Chief Executive, will write to my hon. Friend detailing the arrangements adopted to ensure changes to franchised activity are handled smoothly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations the Government have received from students in year 12 and their parents planning to take a gap year who will pay tuition fees if they secure deferred places at universities; and if he will make a statement. [178903]

[holding answer 14 June 2004]: My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from students, their parents and others about the tuition fee; to be paid by students who choose to defer their entry from 2005 to 2006.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which planning decisions were overturned by his Department in (a) 2001, (b) 2002 and (c) 2003; and which of these concerned development on brownfield sites. [178532]

The table details the number of recovered appeals allowed by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and its predecessor department in 2001, 2002 and 2003, and the number of these which concerned development on brownfield sites.

Type of development	Number of recovered appeals allowed	Number on brownfield sites
Appeals allowed in 2001
Retail	5	4
Residential	9	7
Vehicular Access	1	1
Offices	2	0
Minerals	2	0
Footbridge	1	1
Waste incinerator	1	1
Gypsy/showmen site	4	1
Listed Building	6	n/a
Other	1	0
Totals	32	15
Appeals allowed in 2002
Retail	1	1
Residential	7	5
Hospital	1	0
Offices	1	0
Wind turbine	1	1
Rail freight terminal	1	1
Waste disposal	1	1
Gypsy/showmen site	2	0
Water booster station	1	0
Listed building	4	n/a
Totals	20	9
Appeals allowed in 2003
Residential	12	4
Offices	1	0
Minerals	1	0
Footbridge	1	1
Gypsy/showmen site	18	0
Warehousing	1	0
Laboratory	align="right"1	1
Menage	2	0
Aircraft hanger	1	0
Educational	2	0
Subway	1	1
Electricity substation	1	0
Agricultural development	1	0
Gas regulator	1	0
Listed building	14	n/a

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the process is for reimbursing local authorities for the extra costs of conducting all-postal pilots in the June 2004 elections. [176249]

The process is set out in Schedule 3 of the European Parliamentary and Local Elections (All Postal) Pilots Order. Regional and local returning officers will be able to claim reimbursement for services properly rendered, or expenses properly incurred, for or in connection with the European election by submitting an account to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister within six months of the el action. Insofar as the local elections in principal areas or parishes within the pilot regions are concerned, returning officers will be able to claim "local election pilot expenditure" from my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister. That will include any expenditure which is apportioned to the local election under section 15(4) of the 1985 Act, which exceeds the expenditure which he would have incurred if the electoral region within which the election (and any election the poll at which is combined with that election) is held had not been specified in section 1(3) of the 2004 Act i.e. had not been one of the pilot regions.Returning officers may claim advance payments prior to the election. In these cases, the balance is settled after the election when the final costs are submitted.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his plans for an interim permanent residence policy affecting the purchase of second homes. [178606]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recognises the need for affordable homes for local residents in supporting balanced and sustainable communities. It is not part of our policy to address this need by removing the basic right of willing sellers and willing buyers to sell and buy property.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people have left employment in his Department because of (a) anxiety, (b) stress, (c) depression and (d) other mental health reasons in each year since 1997. [175672]

The Scotland Office was established on 1 July 1999.No staff have left employment in the Office because of anxiety, stress, depression or other mental health reasons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many employees in his Department took early retirement in the last financial year; and at what total cost. [171730]

The Scotland Office incurred no costs in relation to early retirements in 2003–04. All staff in the Office are on loan from other Government Departments or other bodies, who remain their employers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many staff in his Department and its agencies were seconded from the (a) private and (b) academic sector in each of the last three years. [174824]

Two staff joined the Scotland Office on secondment from the private sector in 2002–03. No staff have been seconded from the academic sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on how many occasions Merseyside local authorities have issued a fixed penalty notice for noise disturbance in each year since 1996. [178326]

Merseyside local authorities have not issued any fixed penalty notices for noise disturbance since 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will make a statement about hauliers picking up animals in multi pick-up and drop-off sites; [178448](2) how many multiple

[holding answers 14 June 2004]: Any livestock vehicle taking livestock on to a farm and then off again as part of a multiple pick-up or drop-off movement risks spreading disease, either to the animals if disease is present on the farm, or to animals on the farm if disease is present in the animals on the vehicle.Each farm wishing to bring stock on as part of a multiple drop-off or to move stock off as part of a multiple pick-up is required to do so only from an approved point on the farm premises. The approved point has to meet standards designed to minimise the spread of disease.Approvals are not time limited; they remain in force until such time as the approved point ceases to meet the standards set. All approved points are approved both for multiple pick-ups and multiple drop-offs. As at 9 June 2004, there were 14,313 approved multiple pick-up and drop-off points in England and Wales.Given the need for continued biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of disease there are no proposals to amend the requirement that multiple pick-ups and drop-offs take place only from approved points.There are two approved methods for loading or unloading stock, one of which involves the use of trailers. These are set out in detail in each of the General Licences for the movement of livestock, and are available on the Department's website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/movements/sheep/sheepannexesa-c.pdfIt is for each haulier to satisfy himself that the points to which livestock is being delivered in a multiple drop-off, or from which they are collected in a multiple pick-up, are approved for the purpose. This might be done by checking with the keeper of the livestock at the time of agreeing the haulage contract. For these reasons, there are no data protection issues for this Department. My officials would be pleased to consider with the haulage industry how this information might be made more widely available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many hauliers have been prosecuted for picking up animals from farms in a multi pick-up vehicle without a licence approved by her Department; and if she will make a statement; [178449](2) how many drivers employed by hauling companies have been prosecuted in each of the last three years for failing to adhere to the requirements relating to multiple pick-up licences. [178450]

[holding answers 14 June 2004]: Vehicles do not require a licence from this Department before being used in multiple pick-ups of livestock. Any prosecution relating to failure to comply with the provisions relating to multiple pick-ups or drop-offs is a matter for the local authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the bathing water quality statistics were for beaches in the UK in each of the last 20 years, broken down by region. [178428]

Comparable bathing water quality statistics for beaches are only available from 1987 after the number of bathing waters within the scope of the EC bathing water directive was substantially increased. Percentage compliance with the directive's main microbiological standards was as follows:

Percentage
	England	Scotland	Wales	Northern Ireland
1987	56	65	57	64
1988	65	52	77	88
1989	75	70	83	100
1990	79	52	70	94
1991	74	65	88	100
1992	79	65	76	94
1993	79	78	82	94
1994	83	70	76	94
1995	89	83	88	94
1996	89	91	91	100
1997	88	78	94	88
1998	90	52	94	94
1999	90	88	99	100
2000	94	85	99	100
2001	98	85	93	81
2002	99	92	100	94
2003	99	95	99	100

A more detailed summary of bathing water quality statistics has been produced every year since 1986 and placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on recent deaths of cattle from unidentified viral brain diseases. [178674]

[holding answer 14 June 2004]: Following a post-mortem examination of a suspect case of botulism in a Holstein yearling heifer in September 2003 on a farm in Cumbria, the Veterinary Laboratory Agency (VA) identified a viral-type encephalomyelitis on histological examination. Examination for the most common neurotropic viruses in the UK proved negative. It was decided that veterinary practitioners should be informed by a letter to the Veterinary Record that suspect botulism cases in cattle might be viral in origin. As background for the letter an examination of VLA records with similar histological findings was carried out. This revealed 21 similar cases of polioencephalomyelitis in cattle and sheep (20 ovine 1 bovine) but with different clinical presentations from 13 premises in England over the past 10 years. The Cumbrian case was reported to the UK Zoonoses Group (UKZG) which considers possible public health action with regard to existing and emerging zoonotic infections. The UKZG suggested that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) be asked to use its recently developed risk assessment algorithm to assess public health implications once more information on the case has been collated. In the light of this decision and the 21 other cases Defra has now asked the HPA to lead a risk assessment to human health on the new condition.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will urgently provide to the ceramic industry the data on individual installation carbon dioxide allocations needed to assist them in their decisions on Phase I of the European Emissions Trading Scheme. [177453]

[holding answer 7 June 2004]: In the National Allocation Plan published on 6 May 2004, we explained to stakeholders that installation-level allocations would be made available in late July/early August, once we have had an opportunity to incorporate comments received during the recent consultation. However, in response to a direct request from the European Commission, the UK has provided additional information relating to its NAP, including a list of provisional installation-level allocations to the Commission. This information has been provided to allow the UK NAP to be considered with the first group of NAPs later in the summer and so assist the Commission in adopting a rigorous approach when scrutinising other member state's NAPs.This list of provisional installation level allocations has been prepared on the basis of information available at the time of submission. We have explained to the Commission that the allocations are likely to be subject to technical revision following the outcome of our consultation exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to reduce the emissions of mercury from crematorium chimneys; and if she will make it her policy to ensure that the emission of mercury from cremation ceases at an early date. [178669]

The Department consulted on a review of the technical issues relating to emissions of mercury from crematoria in May 2003 and published a summary of responses and initial conclusions in November 2003. These can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria/index.htm. We propose to issue a further consultation paper containing proposals to address mercury emissions from crematoria shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much mercury is estimated to have been released into the atmosphere in the UK each year as a result of cremating mortal remains containing mercury-based tooth fillings since (a) 1979 and (b) 1997; what assessment she has made of the environmental impact from these releases; and if she will make a statement. [178705]

Based on monitoring and expert advice, the amount of mercury emitted per cremation ranges between 0.9 g and 3 g. We are currently attempting to achieve more precision, but based on these figures, total UK mercury emissions from crematoria in 2002 will have been between 0.4 and 1.34 tonnes. We do not have estimates for other years: the mercury content might have varied according to the differences in the dental situation of those cremated, and account would have to be taken of any changes in the numbers of cremations.Total UK mercury emissions have declined from 44.9 tonnes in 1970 to 8.8 tonnes in 2000. The Department consulted on a review of the technical issues relating to emissions of mercury from crematoria in May 2003 and published a summary of responses and initial conclusions in November 2003. These can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria/ index.htm. We propose to issue a further consultation paper containing proposals to address mercury emissions from crematoria shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to integrate the delivery of biodiversity action plans into river basin management plans under the EC Water Framework Directive. [176916]

Demonstrating how biodiversity targets can be integrated into river basin management has been allocated top priority for the Water and Wetlands implementation programme of the England Biodiversity Strategy. The Environment Agency and English Nature will shortly be commisioning a project to take this work forward, with results scheduled for March 2005. The River Ribble will be used as a test-bed for the work, reflecting its role as a pilot catchment for public participation aspects of the Water Framework Directive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to draw up a register of existing and potential wetlands to help meet the requirements of the EC Water Framework Directive. [176917]

The Water Framework Directive requires that a register of protected areas is drawn up to help determine management of water bodies. This register will include protected wildlife sites of wetland character such as those designated as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive and candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the Habitats Directive. The Environment Agency, in its role as competent authority for the Water Framework Directive, English Nature and others are actively exploring ways of how best to incorporate wetlands into integrated river basin planning and management. The River Ribble catchment is being used to test such an approach, which if successful, could be applied more widely in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether radioactive forcing will be taken into account in plans to incorporate aviation within the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. [177953]

I assume that the hon. Member intended to ask about radiative forcing.It is the Government's intention to address the radiative forcing of aviation in fulfilling its Air Transport White Paper commitment to ensure that the aviation industry takes account of, and where appropriate reduces, its contribution to global warming. A decision on how the radiative forcing of aviation should be taken into account when designing the sector's participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme has yet to be made. Our adopted approach on this issue will reflect the need for consensus within the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will list (a) hunt kennels, (b) knacker's yards, (c) renderers, (d) maggot farmers and (e) others approved to collect fallen stock under the EU Animal By-Products Regulations; [176296](2) how many

Although information regarding the location of fallen stock collection and disposal premises is available, this is not kept in a format which would allow their relationship to county and constituency boundaries to be ascertained However, the State Veterinary Service is currently working on a national Geographic Information System database which will, on completion, be capable of providing such information.To allow premises to continue operating whilst individual inspections for approval were being carried out by the State Veterinary Service (SVS), animal by-product premises, including hunt kennels, knackers yards and rendering plants are subject to a series of general approvals.The general approvals do not apply to premises which have been granted or refused an individual approval under these Regulations since 1 July 2003. For other premises the general approvals cease to apply either when the premises are inspected and an approval is either granted or refused, or on 1 August 2004, whichever is the earlier.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion of hunt kennels (a) charge for provision of a fallen stock service and (b) provide a fallen stock service free of charge to the livestock farming industry. [176297]

This information is not available to the Department. although we are aware that a number of hunt kennels may provide a free service, normally disposal of calves which die on farm, in return for farmers allowing hunts to use their land.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the oral answer of 20 May 2004, Official Report, columns 1079–80, on fallen stock, what evidence her Department has received to support the statement that the role of hunt kennels in collecting fallen stock is small. [176303]

Many hunt kennels traditionally dispose of calves, which are the most suitable livestock for feeding to hounds, although some may take small numbers of horses, sheep and other livestock. As hunt kennels do not operate in all areas of the UK and calves are estimated to form only a small percentage of the overall quantity of fallen stock that requires disposal the role of hunt kennels in collecting and disposing of fallen stock under the National Scheme is likely to be small.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the postal address for the National Fallen Stock Company is. [176307]

The postal address is the registered office for the Company which is the National Fallen Stock Company Ltd., c/o Saffery Champness, Stuart House, City Road, Peterborough, Cambs, PE1 1QF.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the oral answer of 20 May 2004, Official Report, column 1080, on fallen stock, what evidence she has received from the Chairman of the National Fallen Stock Company in support of his assurance that a ban on hunting would have no impact on the industry's capacity to dispose of fallen stock. [176308]

In discussions that my Department has had with the Chairman, he has stated that in the Company's consultation with the knacker and rendering industries it was made clear that they have the capacity to deal with additional quantities of fallen stock likely to arise under the National Fallen Stock Scheme. It is true that the Company has registered a substantial level of interest in the Scheme from hunt kennels. Although they will be permitted to continue their current practice of feeding material to hounds, their presence in the Scheme will otherwise be on the basis that they have made the necessary investment to operate in a similar way to knackers yards for the collection and disposal of fallen stock.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many carcases were collected by (a) hunt kennels, (b) knackers yards, (c) renderers, (d) maggot farmers and (e) others in (i) 2002 and (ii) 2003. [176309]

This information is not held by the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her estimate is of total expenditure by her Department on (a) focus groups and (b) opinion polls in each year from 1995–96 to 2003–04; and if she will make a statement. [162760]

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs came into being in June 2001 and information, prior to that period, could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.While information is not held in the format requested, centrally-held records show that we have spent in the region of £345,000 on external market research and focus group research since Defra's creation in June 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what date she expects compensation to former fur farmers to (a) begin and (b) be completed. [178287]

We are currently, consulting on a draft Order that will enable us to set up the new compensation scheme. The Order sets out a timescale for payment. We expect to have made the majority of compensation payments by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with the Department for Trade and Industry regarding the exclusion of drinking water from the General Agreement on Trade in Services. [168019]

[holding answer 27 April 2004]: The Department has been fully consulted by the Department for Trade and Industry at all stages of the GATS negotiations in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), including the EU draft offer and requests on services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to announce emissions reductions targets for greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide; and if she will make a statement. [177952]

The UK has a target under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of a basket of six greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2008–12. The six gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride.The Government has also set itself a domestic goal of moving towards a 20 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions below 1990 levels by 2010 and is putting the UK on a path to a 60 per cent. reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.The Government has no current plans to set itself targets to reduce emissions of other greenhouse gases. The UK's domestic goals focus on carbon dioxide, as it is the most important greenhouse gas in the UK, accounting for 85 per cent. of the direct global warming potential of emissions in 2002. Although we have not set a target beyond 2008–12 for non-CO

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research she has evaluated on the Irish bovine TB experiment. [177961]

The Republic of Ireland Department of Agriculture has not yet published scientific papers on the findings a four-year badger culling trial (the "Four Area" Trial). The trial involves eliminating badgers over large areas to ascertain the effect on the incidence of bovine TB.We will look closely at the Irish results once published to establish what we can learn and apply to the situation in Great Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the geographical incidence of grey squirrels in England; and what data is held by her Department on the spread of populations of grey squirrels since the species' introduction. [178082]

[holding answer 10 June 2004]: The first documented release of grey squirrels into the UK was in 1876 in Cheshire, with subsequent introduction to sites ranging from Glamorgan to Kent totalling more than 350 individuals. Grey squirrels are now present in every English county and absent only from parts of Cumbria and Northumberland, a small area of the Sefton coast, the Isle of Wight and Poole harbour islands.Numbers of grey squirrels fluctuate considerably between years. However, the population was estimated at 2.5 million in the 1990s and it is likely to have increased since then as their range has expanded. Through the Tracking Mammals Partnership, funding has been secured from both Joint Nature Conservation Committee and Peoples' Trust for Endangered Species for a scoping study to investigate monitoring strategies for squirrels to address these issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of grey squirrels on indigenous flora and fauna; and what recent research studies into the ecological effects of grey squirrels her Department has carried out. [178083]

[holding answer 10 June 2004]: The impact of the introduced grey squirrel on the native red squirrel is well known. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the spread of the grey has been closely linked with the decline and disappearance of the red squirrel from most of England. Although the two species may co-exist in some areas for many years, it seems that sooner or later the greys will dominate and the reds disappear. The exact mechanism for this replacement is not entirely clear; some recent work confirms the importance of interspecific competition, but a disease, parapox virus, which is harmless to greys but fatal to reds, may also be involved.Squirrel presence surveys carried out by the Forestry Commission since the 1950s recorded the presence of bark stripping damage to individual tree species in woodlands. During 2000 a survey of private and state owned woodlands within the distribution range of grey squirrels in Great Britain further investigated damage levels by recording damage severity. Current studies are investigating the effect of grey squirrel bark stripping damage to oak in terms of tree growth rates.The review "Possible effects of grey squirrels on birds and other wildlife", published in British Wildlife in February 2004, reviewed evidence of predation published in

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect of grey squirrels on the geographical incidence of the indigenous red squirrel population in England. [178084]

[holding answer 10 June 2004]: Historical data show red squirrels to have been ubiquitous throughout England until the 1920s. Since the grey squirrel was released in the late 19th and early 20th century and their subsequent spread, the red squirrel has suffered a concurrent range contraction.The red squirrel seems to have made some small gains in the Yorkshire Dales, where it has been able to expand into plantations that are now maturing and producing good crops of the pine cones that it needs.The continuing expansion of the grey squirrel is to be expected and red squirrel conservation is focused on limiting that expansion in areas where the two species overlap. Some significant progress has been made in developing more effective and targeted ways of defending healthy populations of red squirrels against replacement by the grey squirrel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will support the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) sponsored project to study the behaviour of whales in the sea off the West Coast of Iceland; and if she will make representations to the Icelandic Government to persuade them to accede to IFAW's request to undertake this research. [178797]

The request by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to the Government of Iceland for permission to study the behaviour of whales in the sea off the West Coast of Iceland was made through our embassy at Reykjavik. Our ambassador has since raised the application in contacts at senior level at both the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister. The Government of Iceland can be in no doubt of Her Majesty's Government's full support for this request and the aims and objectives of the IFAW sponsored project. We will continue to press for a favourable response.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many cases, where the sentence was judged to be unduly lenient were referred, (a) Crown Prosecution Service HQ Directorate, (b) Treasury Counsel and (c) to the Legal Secretariat of the Law Offices and to himself, in each of the last three years; how many cases were accepted by her for review by the Court of Appeal and how many were rejected; and in how many cases the Court of Appeal accepted that the sentence was unduly lenient and (i) increased the sentence and (ii) did not increase the sentence. [168819]

Set out in the following table are details of the data held by the CPS Casework Directorate and the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers which represent figures for the last three calendar years. The figures in line one represent the total defendants whose sentences were referred to Casework Directorate. The figures in line two onward represent the total defendants whose sentences were referred to LSLO by the CPS and by other prosecuting agencies. Figures are not kept regarding whether cases were referred to Treasury Counsel for advice.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office (1) what provision has been and will be made for publicising (a) the decision by the Panel for Regulatory Accountability whether or not to clear a given regulatory proposal and (b) the grounds on which the decision was made; [178832]

It has been established practice under successive Governments not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees, under exemption 2, of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what funding central Government will make available to pay for the restoration of the Royal Hall in Harrogate; and if she will make a statement on Government support for the restoration. [178660]

Central Government funding for the historic environment is channelled through English Heritage. Both English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund run a number of grant schemes that provide assistance for the preservation of listed buildings of historical and architectural importance. These organisations are responsible for the allocation of funds within these schemes at arms length of Government. In the case of the Royal Hall, Harrogate, the Heritage Lottery Fund is discussing with Harrogate borough council how best to secure the building's future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport under what powers the TV Licensing Authority is permitted to demand access to people's homes to check whether or not they possess a television; and if she will make a statement. [179058]

TV Licensing officers may enter a person's home only with their consent or under a warrant issued under section 366 of the Communications Act 2003 by a justice of the peace, or, in Scotland, a sheriff. Such a warrant may be issued only if there are reasonable grounds for believing that an offence related to the installation or use of a television receiver has been or is being committed.

To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee what further steps are to be taken by the Parliamentary Communications Directorate to limit the amount of spam e-mails received by hon. Members, peers, and their staff; and if he will make a statement. [178005]

Plans to introduce a new improved spam management system are well advanced. The Parliamentary Communications Directorate aims to introduce the new system, which will offer a more comprehensive service than at present, before the summer recess.

To ask the Prime Minister when he last requested a review of the requests to award an Arctic Medal; and what process was followed. [175051]

Earlier this year, my hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Caplin) reviewed all the recent claims from veterans for new medals, including the campaign for an Arctic Medal. Those who served in the Arctic convoys were awarded the Atlantic Star in respect of their service.However, the Government are keeping medals for various groups of veterans under review

To ask the Prime Minister what recent review has been undertaken concerning the prioritisation and distribution of documents that are marked for Ministers' attention by their private offices. [179067]

I refer the right hon. and learned Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 14 June 2004, Official Report, column 621W.

To ask the Prime Minister what plans the Government have to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War; and if he will make a statement. [178899]

I refer the hon. Member to the announcement made by my hon. Friend the Minister for Veterans Affairs (Mr. Caplin) on 9 June 2004, Official Report, column 309.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the outcome of the negotiations conducted at Stormont on 8 June between representatives of the Democratic Unionist Party, Sinn Fein and Mr. Jonathan Powell. [178900]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Murphy) had made it clear that informal discussions with all parties would continue during the European election campaign. The review of the operation of the Agreement resumed on 15 June and the outcome we are working towards remains the restoration of the institutions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the extent of state support for the aerospace industry in (a) the United States, (b) European Union member states and (c) Brazil in comparison with Government support for UK aerospace. [177142]

The Government are aware of various forms of support provided by a number of other governments to their civil aerospace industries (e.g. basic R&D, product development capital or export sales financing). International comparisons are complicated by the way in which that support is focussed and whether it is repayable.The Government have provided strong support for the aerospace industry in the UK over many years—including support for R&D projects, repayable launch investment (almost £l billion since 1997) and export sales financing. We are also working with the industry to improve its productivity and competitiveness through the implementation of the Aerospace Innovation and Growth Team Report's recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the volume of trade was between the United Kingdom and Afghanistan in each year since 1979. [178032]

The volume of trade between the United Kingdom and Afghanistan since 1979 is contained in the following table.

UK Trade with Afghanistan
£000
	UK Exports	UK Imports
1979	9,570	20,274
1980	6,831	20,159
1981	7,725	22,892
1982	9,341	20,619
1983	10,310	19,836
1984	11,891	20,775
1985	13,882	52,060
1986	11,443	11,913
1987	10,735	11,288
1988	12,109	11,501
1989	5,376	4,813
1990	7,816	9,194
1991	6,956	5,207
1992	4,926	4,676

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the need for reduced, simpler regulation expressed by her Ministers at the Competitiveness Council of 17 to 18 May refers to (a) deregulation or a cutting back of the Community Acquis and (b) the removal of legal texts that are obsolete without changing their legal status. [178730]

The UK attaches great importance to improving and simplifying EU legislation. Simplification can contribute to reducing the negative economic impact of regulation through consolidation and codification of legislation, and through removing obsolete measures. In addition, it is concerned with identifying areas of legislation where burdens may arise from unnecessary complexity, duplication or cross-impacts, and seeking to eliminate these.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she has had with representatives of the European Commission about the possibility of investigations into the implications for state aid of provisions contained in the Energy Bill. [178667]

The main state aid implication in the Energy Bill arises from the creation of the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency (NDA). DTI officials have had a number of informal meetings with the Commission services on this case.

Imports of goods	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003
UK imports from Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories (£ million)	1,041	1,062	975	911	882
Defence-related imports, as a percentage of total imports	0.9	1.7	1.2	0.6	0.5
Imports from Occupied Palestinian Territories as a percentage of total imports	0.004	0.000	0.012	0.026	0.050
Source:
Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom, HM Customs and Excise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the value of UK exports to Israel was in each of the last five years; what proportion of total exports were

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total value of surplus or deficit accruing to the European Union from trade with Japan was in each of the three latest years for which figures are available. [178101]

Figures on the European Union's crude trade balance in goods with Japan for the period 2001–03 are given in the table.

£million
2001	-19,505
2002	-16,248
2003	-18,483
Source:
Eurostat Intra and Extra EU Trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the value of the surplus or deficit accruing to the European Union from trading with (a) India and (b) China was in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [178128]

Figures on the European Union's crude trade balance in goods with India and China for the period 2001–03 are given in the following table:

£million
	India	China
2001	-187	-28,488
2002	588	-29,945
2003	599	-38,269
Source:
Eurostat Intra and Extra EU Trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the value of UK imports from Israel was in each of the last five years; what proportion of total imports were defence-related; and what proportion of total imports were from the Occupied Territories. [178585]

According to statistics compiled by HM Customs and Excise, the information is as follows:defence-related; and what proportion of total exports were destined for the Occupied Territories. [178586]

The information is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps she is taking to implement the concordat agreement for funding for Medical Research Council clinical trials. [178823]

I have been asked to reply.The concordat is a long standing agreement between the health departments of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Medical Research Council (MRC). It has recently been renewed, now to be called a partnership agreement and a copy will be posted on the websites of the Department and the MRC shortly. Implementation is done through normal operational arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many employees of the Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary are members of a trade union. [R] [178318]

As far as I am aware, no members of the UKAEA Constabulary are members of a trade union. About 80 per cent. belong to the UKAEA Police Federation.About 55 per cent. of the civilian staff of the UKAEA Constabulary are members of a trade union.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what mechanisms she adopts to monitor the compliance by Post Office Ltd. with its agreement with her that 95 per cent. of the urban population will be within one mile of a post office at the completion of the Urban Reinvention Programme when it is implementing stages of that programme in urban areas; [177698](2) what action she intends to take to ensure that 95 per cent. of people in Birmingham will be within one mile of a post office at the completion of the Post Office Urban Reinvention Programme. [177699]

Compliance with the commitment that at least 95 per cent. of the urban population nationally will still live within one mile of a post office at the end of the urban reinvention programme is an operational responsibility of Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to respond direct to the hon. Member.