To ask the Leader of the House from which Government agencies letters in response to Parliamentary Questions are (a) published in Hansard and (b) placed in the Library; and what criteria are applied in deciding which answering mechanism should be used. [190581]

The responsibility for deciding answering mechanisms for all Parliamentary Questions rests with individual Ministers. Where a written Parliamentary Question is about a matter assigned to an Executive Agency under the terms of its Framework Documents, Ministers normally ask the Chief Executive to provide a substantive response to hon. Members. The text of the Chief Executive's letter is reproduced in theOfficial Report under the Minister's formal reply that he or she has commissioned such a response. Copies are also placed in the Library of the House.

Where a letter is confidential (for example, if it contains personal information about a constituent), or where it is excessive in length, the Official Report will make a decision on whether to print the letter or to place it in the Library of the House.

I would also like to refer the hon. Member to my Written Ministerial Statement of 21 July 2004, Official Report, column 35WS, on the new policy for handling "I will write" replies.

To ask the Leader of the House what progress he has made in his assessment of options for representation of minority parties on departmental select committees; and if he will make a statement. [192219]

I am aware that the minority parties have concerns about their representation on the departmental Select Committees, but believe that it would be inappropriate to seek to address these at this stage in the Parliament. Meanwhile, the Government are ensuring that the interests of the minority parties are accommodated in the nomination of Standing Committees and ad hoc Joint Committees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he has made in reducing the impact of traffic signs and street furniture in areas of high environmental value; and if he will make a statement. [191144]

The management of traffic signs and street furniture is mainly the responsibility of local authorities. The Department for Transport recognises that over-provision or poor design of signs can have an adverse effect on the street scene. Our published advice on the design and use of traffic signs is intended to help local authorities provide adequate information for road users while avoiding sign clutter and other adverse environmental impacts. In particular, Chapter 4 of the Traffic Signs Manual (TSM), published in June 2004, stresses the importance of using warning signs sparingly, not cluttering signposts with more information than drivers can assimilate, not using yellow backing boards unnecessarily, and removing signs when they are no longer needed. Chapter 7 of TSM gives advice on sign layouts to avoid wasted space and reduce the overall size of signs. The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges includes advice on limiting the number of destinations shown on directional signs to minimise environmental intrusion.

The Department is also working with English Heritage to develop regional street design manuals, primarily for conservation areas, which are expected to be published later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information the Aviation Health Unit has collated on symptoms from acute exposure to decomposition products in confined spaces. [192443]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions in the past year National Air Traffic Services and the Ministry of Defence Airfield at Boscombe Down communicated in respect of incidents relating to airspace under Boscombe Down surveillance; and if he will make a statement. [191771]

NATS has a close working relationship with the Ministry of Defence at Boscombe Down and the two organisations communicate on a daily basis. NATS is not aware of any incidents within airspace operated by Boscombe Down in the past year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) what steps he is taking to ensure British holiday-makers travelling abroad are covered by the Air Traffic Organisers Licence scheme; and if he will make a statement; [191557]

(2) what advice he offers to British holiday-makers who are stranded abroad when an airline fails and their holiday booking does not include Air Traffic Organisers Licence protection; and if he will make a statement; [191558]

(3) if he will give effect to the recommendations of the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure that the Air Traffic Organisers Licence scheme applies to cover direct purchase flights; and if he will make a statement; [191559]

(4) what estimate he has made of the number of British holiday-makers who will be protected by the Air Traffic Organisers Licence scheme in each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [191560]

The ATOL scheme protected 27.6 million people in 2003. The Civil Aviation Authority estimates that the number of people protected in the next three years will be as follows:

The figures for 2005–06 and 2006–07 reflect different scenarios concerning the trend for customers to make their own travel arrangements rather than buy traditional package holidays. The Government are assessing the advice provided by the CAA on options for financial protection of air travellers. Officials are working closely with the CAA and the aviation industry to improve information on financial protection and advice on travel insurance to those booking flights via the internet and call centres. British embassies, high commissions and consulates are able to provide consular advice and assistance to UK citizens who find themselves in difficulties while abroad.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) if he will commission a study by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Health and Safety Executive into the prevalence of Organophosphorus Ester-Induced Chronic Neurotoxicity induced by low-level inhalation of organophosphates present in lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids in aircraft; [191552]

(2) pursuant to the answer of 27 April 2004, Official Report, column 888W, on aviation, whether he has received a report from the Aviation Health Unit on the presence of organophosphate fumes in aircraft cabins and their effect on passengers and crews. [191768]

As part of its research commissioning process, the Aviation Health Working Group has invited the British Air Line Pilots Association to give a presentation at its meeting on 27 October 2004. This will cover concerns on cabin air quality, including chronic neurotoxicity related to organophosphates. On the basis of this presentation, and with the advice of the Aviation Health Unit, the group will decide whether to commission further research into this issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is his policy to proceed with the introduction of market mechanisms to reflect the contribution of aviation to global warming if such measures are opposed by the United States. [192243]

The Government are committed to taking a lead in tackling the problem of climate change. We are pursuing vigorously our commitment in the "Future of Air Transport" White Paper to press for aviation joining the EU emissions trading scheme in 2008, or as soon as possible thereafter. We will make this a priority during the UK Presidency of the EU in 2005 and beyond. And we intend to pursue similar action at the global level.

We will continue to explore and discuss options for the use of other economic instruments, building on the work in the March 2003 report, "Aviation and the Environment: Using Economic Instruments". We reserve the right to act alone or bilaterally with like-minded partners if progress towards agreements at an international level proves too slow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how bus usage in (a) England, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber, (c) the City of York and (d) London has changed in percentage terms since 1997; and if he will make a statement. [192416]

Since 1997, local bus patronage has changed as follows:(a) England, a rise of 4 per cent.;

(b) Yorkshire and the Humber, a fall of 11 per cent.;

(c) City of York, a rise of 17 per cent. (since 2000–01 period, see the following) and;

(d) London, a rise of 24 per cent.

Information is available from DfT surveys of bus operators for 1996–97 to 2002–03 in at regional level. For the City of York, data are from York UA's Annual Performance Report to DfT for the period 2000–01 to 2002–03.

The information for England and the government office regions is published in Tables 10 and 13 in "A Bulletin of Public Transport Statistics GB: 2003 edition." A copy is in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much central government subsidy was paid directly to the five largest bus companies in Great Britain in the form of bus service operators grant in (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04, broken down by area. [191708]

Bus service operators grant is usually claimed at operating subsidiary or depot level and payment records are not kept in the form requested.

However, we have estimated in the following table the total payments to the five largest bus operators (Arriva, First, GoAhead, Travel West Midlands, and Stagecoach) based on estimates of their share of total bus mileage in each region.

Estimated BSOG payments (m) to largest 5 operatorsby English region £ million

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many rural bus services are supported by rural bus grants, broken down by local authority area. [192191]

The table that follows shows by local transport authority and region the number of bus services supported in 2003–04 by means of the Department's Rural Bus Subsidy Grant. This information has been supplied by the authorities concerned in the annual monitoring return of the grant's use.

Our Rural Bus Challenge scheme has also provided £110 million for 301 projects involving many new services for the communities involved. A list of these projects is in the Library of the House and on the Department's website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the level of bus patronage has been in each year since 1997 (a) in total and (b) broken down by region. [192192]

Information on the number of local bus passenger boardings by Government Office Region is published in Table 13 of "A Bulletin of Public Transport Statistics GB: 2003 edition", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bus lanes have been created since 2000 (a) in total and (b) broken down by region; and what the total length was in each case. [192193]

Information on bus lanes implemented in each Government Office Region for the financial years 2001–02, 2002–03 and 2003–04 is shown in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the report commissioned from Napier university on Container Transshipment and Demand for Container Terminal Capacity in Scotland. [189138]

This was a report commissioned by the Scottish Executive which addressed the potential benefits to the Scottish economy of specific port development proposals. The Scottish Minister for Transport has already commented on the report in publishing it on 19 August.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of cycle lanes there are in the Greater London area. [191959]

Transport for London estimates that within the London area there are approximately the following lengths of cycle routes:

300 km of on-road cycle lanes;

200 km of off-road, traffic free routes (fully segregated from traffic) and typically through parks and alongside waterways;

1,500 km of on-road, signed cycle routes, much of this on quiet residential roads.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on energy efficiency in his Department's buildings. [186402]

The Department for Transport estate comprises some 1,170 diverse properties of varying size, use and nature of occupation. The best available information on energy usage in the Department is shown in the following table although there is some estimation involved and not all Department for Transport properties are able to provide data.

Although there is some variation the overall trend is 2.2 per cent. down. The 3.8 per cent. increase in 2003–04 for energy use in the Department's headquarters building, Great Minster House, was primarily due to a rise in electricity consumption in the summer of 2003 for additional air conditioning to cope with the high temperatures during the period. It was necessary to provide comfortable working conditions for staff and protecting heat sensitive plant and equipment. Other increases were largely the result of better collection of data from additional sites (DVLA), the acquisition of additional accommodation (MAIB) and significant energy consuming refurbishment works outside normal working hours (MCA).

All the electricity used in Great Minster House was obtained from 100 per cent. renewable sources. Some of the agencies such as DSA, MCA, VOSA and DVLA also purchase green energy.

The Department and its agencies are currently considering what needs to be done to enable it to meet the energy targets set out under the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many meetings of the Ministerial Sub-Committee of Green Ministers were attended by the Department's Green Minister in (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04. [190856]

As my Department's Green Minister, I am a member of ENV(G) Committee.

It has been established practice under successive Governments not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees. This practice is now formalised by Exemption 2 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of journeys in (a) England, (b) Yorkshire and the Humber and (c) the City of York were taken by (i) walking, (ii) bicycle, (iii) private vehicle, (iv) bus, (v) other public road vehicle, (vi) rail and (vii) other means at the latest date for which figures are available. [192420]

The National Travel Survey provides the data requested for 2002–03 shown in the following table for the main method of transport used for residents of(a) England and (b) Yorkshire and the Humber. Data are not available for residents of York.

Percentage/trips

⁽¹⁾ Negligible (less than half the final digit shown).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the proposed tram network in Leeds. [191448]

The Secretary of State announced on 20 July 2004 that the current proposal for the proposed tram system in Leeds can no longer be approved, on the basis of cost escalation. The scheme was originally approved for government funding in March 2001. The public sector contribution was capped at £355 million (present value), however the estimated costs increased to more than £500 million. The promoters are now developing revised options and the Department for Transport has been assisting them in that work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for what reason all lanes on the northbound carriageway of the M1 motorway other than the hard shoulder were closed on the evening of 30 September between junctions 24 and 25; why such closure was allowed to take place before midnight; when he expects this stretch of motorway to be free of roadworks; and if he will make a statement. [192271]

On the 30 September 2004 the northbound carriageway of the M1, between Junctions 24A and 25, was closed and the hard shoulder opened to traffic to enable essential maintenance works to be carried out to the River Trent bridge. The work required was extensive and took place from 27 September for five nights between the hours of 2200 and 0500, in order to avoid peak periods and minimise disruption to road users.

This stretch of motorway is currently free from roadworks. Routine maintenance will be undertaken as required.

The closure was facilitated under the provisions of a temporary Traffic Regulation Order and there was advance publicity in local newspapers and on the Highways Agency's website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much the Department spent on (a) maintenance, (b) renovation, (c) council tax and (d) running costs of residential properties used by Ministers and officials in each year since 1997. [191396]

The Department for Transport has no residential properties used by Ministers or officials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much has been spent by the Strategic Rail Authority on running the South Eastern franchise; and how much expenditure is projected for future years. [192229]

In the period from taking over the South Eastern franchise in November 2003 until the end of September 2004 the cost of the franchise was £85.6 million and the estimated expenditure for the period October 2004 to the end of March 2005 is £41.4 million. The budget beyond that has not yet been formulated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the rail passenger partnership schemes put forward to the Strategic Rail Authority (a) which have not been given funding approval and (b) in which construction has not taken place, broken down by (i) year of submission and (ii) cost of scheme. [192239]

The information requested is not readily available in the form requested. The following table lists the Rail Passenger Partnership scheme proposals that have been rejected since 1999.

The bidding process is often iterative—involving detailed project development between the Strategic Rail Authority and the project sponsors—and it would therefore be difficult to be consistent about the exact date on which the submission of the scheme was formalised. Similarly it is difficult to provide final cost estimates for schemes as this would only be quantifiable when a project had reached the contractualisation stage.

Schemes might be rejected for a number of reasons including failure to meet the SRA's value for money and affordability criteria or failure to secure adequate third party sponsorship.

Rejected Rail Passenger Partnership Schemes

Transpennine to Redcar

Clyst Hayes Station

Robin Hood Line

STRP-Manchester-Clitheroe

Heart of Wales Winter Sundays

Provision of portable ramps on ATN train units.

Leeds-Windermere Sunday Services

Southminster Branch Line—Security Project

Poulton—Dedicated Bus Link

Wherry Line Station Improvement

Stourbridge—Trial of Parry People Mover System

Halesworth

Hastings, Early Bird Service

Ryde St. John's Park and Ride

Penistone Line Partnership

Stansted—Coachlink

Southminster (Additional Security)

Bedford Station Link

Bristol Temple Meads

Improvements to 5 stations in Plymouth area

Kings Cross Fac"ade Renewal

Watlington Car Park

Cheshunt Interchange

Wembley Central

Diss Station Interchange

Coast to Coast Sleeper services-Penzance-Edinburgh

Additional Security Staff-Valley Line Wales

Burnley-Station Improvements

Plus Bus-Add on rail tickets for bus travel

Airdrie Bathgate Bus Link

Grazely Consortium-New Station

Markinch-Rail/bus Interchange

Taunton and Minehead

Stourbridge—Trial of Parry People Mover System (2)

Connex Stations—Improvements at four stations

Conwy

Bristol area frequency—Additional services

Warwick Parkway

Cheshunt Station (Bay Extension)

Larkhall to Milngavie—Re-open for passenger services

West Anglia—Customer Information Services at Stations

Alloa to Glasgow—New station and additional Services

Coleshill—Interchange

Wales and West—Mark 11 Trains for Special Events

Manchester airport

Weardale Railway

Wrexham to Bidston

Paddington

Windermere Branchline Upgrade

Braintree Branch Line

London Crosslink (Phases 1 and 2)

Keswick to Penrith

Sheffield Barnsley Leeds

Newcastle Interchange

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money was allocated from the Rural Bus Challenge to Buckinghamshire in (a) 2001–02, (b) 2002–03, (c) 2003–04 and (d) 2004–05. [191064]

Buckinghamshire county council has been awarded funding for three Rural Bus Challenge projects and has received grant for these as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) how much money was allocated from the Rural Transport Partnership for (a) dial-a-ride services, (b) car sharing schemes and (c) an internet based alternative transport guide for socially excluded groups in Buckinghamshire in (i) 2002–03, (ii) 2003–04 and (iii) 2004–05; [191063]

(2) how much was allocated in (a) 2002–03, (b) 2003–04 and (c) 2004–05 for the Rural Transport Partnership in Buckinghamshire. [191087]

Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes are served by a single Rural Transport Partnership. The funding allocated to the Partnership between 2002–03 and 2004–05 is set out in the following table.

⁽²⁾ Funding for these schemes ended in early 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on progress on the Salisbury Transportation Package. [191758]

In February 2004 the Government agreed to increase their contribution for this scheme by over £8 million, to £21.928 million, and currently there are two park and ride schemes under construction, at Wilton, due to be completed in February 2005, and Britford, due for completion by the end of March 2005.

In addition, the Real Time Passenger Transport Information System, which is partially funded through this package, is undergoing system trials and it is hoped to be fully operational by the end of the year. This system will embrace bus routes radiating out from Salisbury that go as far a field as Trowbridge.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance he has issued in respect of the trigger level for speed cameras in the past 12 months; and what changes have been made. [192628]

Enforcement of the law is the responsibility of individual Chief Constables, who determine the speed at which their forces enforce speed limits, including the level at which speed cameras are triggered. This is not a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. The Association of Chief Police Officers has recommended a minimum enforcement speed of 10 per cent. plus 2 mph above the speed limit, in its "Speed enforcement guidelines" to forces. The Department for Transport's current "Handbook of rules and guidance for the operation of the national road safety camera programme for England and Wales October 2003" notes this, but emphasises that the decision is a matter for individual Chief Constables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans the Government have to introduce tram networks in cities which have poor public transport systems. [191487]

In London, the introduction of tram networks is a matter for the Mayor. Elsewhere, in England, it is for local transport authorities to consider where tram schemes provide the best option, in the context of their Local Transport Plans. They would submit a major scheme bid to the Department for Transport following discussion with the Department. Any scheme would be considered on the basis of its value for money, including its wider benefits, and affordability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress her Department is making in promoting British beef exports into the countries of the European Union; and if she will make a statement. [191960]

British beef prepared under the Date-based Export Scheme is being exported to a number of EU countries. In the light of recent positive Opinions from the European Food Safety Authority, we will continue to work with the EU Commission to ensure that restrictions on UK beef exports are eased as quickly as possible. Promotion of beef exports is undertaken primarily by the Meat and Livestock Commission, as well as the beef industry itself.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what account was taken of the Government research on bird predation published in 1999 when the amendments to the licensing system for the control of the cormorant population announced by the Parliamentary Secretary for Nature Conservation and Fisheries on 16 September were being drawn up. [191473]

holding answer 15 October 2004

Over £1.5 million has been spent on research and development relating to fish-eating birds since the mid 1990s, covering population estimates, bird movements, feeding behaviour, impact studies and management techniques.

The earlier research has contributed significantly to our understanding of the problem of fish-eating birds at inland fisheries and potential methods of resolving such conflicts. This research has demonstrated that cormorant conflicts at fisheries are site specific and this forms the basis for both the previous and new licensing strategies.

The Department is continuing to research the potential of fish refuges. However, like all management tools—refuges have some limitations and it is unlikely that they will be the answer to all cormorant predation problems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the proposals at the 13th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species from Namibia and South Africa to increase their export quotas of (a) black rhino and (b) leopard. [189217]

Proposals concerning export quotas for black rhinoceros and leopard were considered by the 13th Conference of Parties on 4 October. The UK Government's agreed common position, along with the other EU member states, was as follows:

(a) Black rhinoceros—We supported the amended Namibian proposal on condition that only adult males could be exported and that all hunting trophies would be marked with the country of origin, species, quota number and year of export. Similarly, following South Africa's amendment of their proposal reducing the annual quota from 10 to 5 animals, we supported it on the same basis. The amended proposal and draft resolution were adopted.

(b) Leopard—Namibia and South Africa—The EU supported these proposals which were adopted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the total area of commercial woodland and forestry in England that is owned (a) by Forest Enterprise and (b) by private landowners and public limited companies. [190918]

holding answer 18 October 2004

Details of woodland ownership in England are collected as part of the National Inventory of Woodland and Trees, which was last completed in 1999. Estimates for a range of ownership types are shown in the following table:

Area of woodland in England by ownership type⁽³⁾

⁽³⁾ National Inventory of Woodland and Trees, Forestry Commission 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to protect ocean-bed corals, with particular reference to bottom-trawling. [191137]

The UK secured permanent protection for the Darwin Mounds cold water corals from bottom trawling through a Council Regulation agreed at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in March 2004. This made permanent the emergency protection that was put in place from August 2003 under the revised Common Fisheries Policy.

At the meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in February, the UK and EU were instrumental in calling for urgent action to protect vulnerable marine biodiversity from destructive practices in areas beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. We are pressing for this year's United Nations General Assembly resolution on "Oceans and the law of the sea" to set out how this can best be achieved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many cormorants will be licensed to be killed each of the first five years under the amendments to the licensing system for the control of the cormorant population announced by the Parliamentary Secretary for Nature Conservation and Fisheries on 16 September; what procedure will be used to judge what alternatives are available to the culling of cormorants; and what evidence will be used to authorise the culling of cormorants where damage to fish stocks has not occurred but is likely to occur. [191472]

holding answer 15 October 2004

The number of cormorants licensed to be killed will depend on the number of applications received. The objective of the new licensing policy is not to reduce the cormorant population but to reduce damage caused by cormorants while protecting the conservation status of the cormorant population.

Reports available on the Defra website at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates/Reports.htm have explored the limits within which the licensing system may operate without risking the conservation status of the cormorant population. They do not recommend levels of population reduction.

These reports predict that restricting the maximum number of birds killed in the long-term to below 2,000 per annum would, at most, suppress the population to a level lower than currently observed, but that this would be stable and unlikely to lead to long-term declines. The full effects of such a policy would take around five years to be fully apparent. Raising this figure in the first two years of a new policy would have little effect on long-term cormorant numbers.

The intention is to review the maximum permissible number of licences on an annual basis, based on monitoring of licence numbers and the cormorant population. This will ensure that the maximum number of licences issued does not lead to unexpected or serious reductions in cormorant numbers beyond those predicted.

The licensed removal of cormorants will only be considered where the applicant can demonstrate that they have considered alternative management measures and, where appropriate, have tested them.

They will need to provide information on deterrents and measures currently being used to protect the stock (e.g. scaring devices, proofing) and methods tried and found to be ineffective or which are impracticable.

The applicant will also need to demonstrate that significant numbers of cormorants are present at a site, that these are actively feeding and not just loafing or roosting at a site and that the site contains a resource at risk of significant damage by them. If the applicant can demonstrate these points, the new licensing system will presume that serious damage is occurring or there is a risk of serious damage.

Where a site has recent past evidence that cormorant damage is likely to occur, for example, where they have previously been issued with a licence to remove cormorants to aid scaring under the previous system, their licence applications will be considered and assessed on the basis of protecting the site against the risk of cormorant numbers returning to the level that justified the previous licence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the (a) net deficit and (b) change in capital and reserves from Forest Enterprise was in (i) 2002–03 and (ii) 1998–99; and what the projected sums are for (A) 2003–04 and (B) 2004–05. [190916]

holding answer 18 October 2004

The net deficit and the change in capital reserves for Forest Enterprise across Great Britain are set out in the following table for 1998–99 and 2002–03 together with projections for 2003–04. The projected net deficit for 2004–05 is also shown. £ million

⁽⁴⁾ Figures are provisional estimates pending completion of audit procedures and will be included as part of the Annual Accounts laid before Parliament by the Commission.

⁽⁵⁾ The figure for 2004–05 is the latest forecast and may be subject to revision should circumstances change.

⁽⁶⁾ The change in capital and reserves is calculated after the end of each financial year when the revaluation of the Commission's estate has been completed. It is not therefore possible to provide a forecast for 2004–05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

(1) if she will break down the information submitted on the ACU1 forms returned to the Inland Revenue Agricultural Compliance Unit in each of the last three financial years by (a) the number of gangmasters and employment agencies engaged for the first time by those using the services of a gangmaster or an employment agency and (b) the company name of each gangmaster or employment agency engaged for the first time by those using the services of a gangmaster or employment agency; [192579]

(2) if she will break down the information submitted on the ACU2 forms returned to the Inland Revenue Agricultural Compliance Unit in each of the last three financial years by (a) the (i) number and (ii) company name of gangmasters and employment agencies engaged by those using the services of a gangmaster or employment agency and (b) the total number of workers for whom the details required by the ACU2 form were provided. [192580]

I have been asked to reply.

The information sought is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Inland Revenue is statutorily debarred from disclosing information relating to the tax affairs of individuals or public and private sector bodies and cannot divulge the details requested in section(b) of each question. Exemption 15 of the Code of Practice on Access on Government Information applies in this instance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many meetings of the Ministerial Sub-Committee of Green Ministers were attended by the Department's Green Minister in (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04. [190874]

Lord Whitty is Defra's Green Minister and is a member of the Ministerial Sub-Committee of Green Ministers. However, it has been established practice under successive Governments not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees. This practice is now formalised by Exemption 2 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Consequently, I am unable to comment on meetings of the Sub-Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many hunt kennels have applied for registration in each of her Department's regions; and how many have been licensed. [190713]

Hunt Kennels, which are collecting and treating animal by products for the purpose of supplying other premises, will require authorisation as a 'collection centre' under EU "Animal By-Products Regulation" (Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002). Such premises will also need to be authorised as a 'final user' if they feed on the premises as well as supplying.

Those premises receiving feed obtained from a collection centre will require approval as a 'final user'.

Information specifically relating to 'hunt kennels' is unavailable. Nationally as of 15 October 2004, 597 collection centres and final users had sought approval under the Regulation, 18 have been rejected, 451 have been approved and 128 are awaiting assessment by the State Veterinary Service as to whether or not an approval can be issued.

Note:

Not all of the animal by-product premises referred to are hunt kennels.

The breakdown by the Department's Region's is as follows:

Annex 1

Note:

The information was obtained from the Animal By-Product Regulations Information System (ABPRIS), which is currently undergoing development. This information will be subject to change as/when the database has undergone a full and complete data cleansing exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many intermediate collection centres have so far been licensed under the Animal By-Products Regulation in each of her Department's regions; and how many have applied for registration. [190712]

87 intermediate plants have sought approval under the Regulation, three have been rejected, 76 have been approved and eight are awaiting assessment by the State Veterinary Service as to whether or not an approval can be issued. The breakdown by region is as follows:

Intermediate plants

Note:

The information contained in the table was obtained from the Animal By-Product Regulations Information System (ABPRIS), which is currently undergoing development. This information will be subject to change as/when the database has undergone a full and complete data cleansing exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Government are taking to ensure that the UK complies with the European Commission's Water Framework Directive. [191806]

The Water Framework Directive sets out a staged timetable up to 2015 for member states to transpose it into national law and implement its requirements.

The Directive has been transposed throughout the UK, and notification of the UK competent authorities was sent to the European Commission on 22 June 2004.

The next key stage is the characterisation of river basin districts. The competent authorities must complete an analysis of the pressures and impacts of human activity on the water environment by 22 December 2004, and a report on each of the river basin districts must be sent to the European Commission by 22 March 2005. The Environment Agency, the competent authority for England and Wales, is working hard to ensure timely delivery of this analysis. They published initial characterisation results for public review on 1 September 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Government plans to transpose the EU's Water Framework Directive into UK law. [191807]

The Government laid the regulations to transpose the Water Framework Directive in England and Wales in December 2003 and they entered into force on 2 January 2004. Two further sets of regulations covering the two river basin districts which cross the Scottish border (Northumbria and the Solway Tweed) came into force on 10 February 2004. The directive has also been transposed by the relevant administrations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and most recently in Gibraltar.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer

(1) what percentage of all households in England were sharing the use of a WC according to the (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census; [192031]

(2) what percentage of all households in England were sharing the use of a bathroom according to the (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census; [192033]

(3) what percentage of all households in England were living at a density of (a) more than two persons per room, (b) one and a half persons per room and (c) one person per room according to the (i) 1981, (ii) 1991 and (iii) 2001 census; [192034]

(4) what percentage of all households in England were lacking the use of a bathroom according to the (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census; [192035]

(5) what percentage of all households in England had the use of central heating in their dwelling according to the (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census; [192036]

(6) what percentage of all households were lacking the use of a hot water supply according to the (a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census. [192037]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

Letter from Len Cook to Ms Karen Buck, dated 20 October 2004

As National Statistician and Registrar General for England and Wales I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking:

1. what percentage of all households in England were sharing the use of a WC according to the(a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census (192031)

2. what percentage of all households in England were sharing the use of a bathroom according to the(a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census (192033)

3. what percentage of all households in England were living a density of(a) more than two persons per room (b) one and a half persons per room and (c) one person per room according to the (i) 1981, (ii) 1991 and (iii) 2001 census (192034)

4. what percentage of all households in England were lacking the use of a bathroom according to the(a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census (192035)

5. what percentage of all households in England had the use of central heating in their dwelling according to the(a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census (192036)

6. what percentage of all households were lacking the use of a hot water supply according to the(a) 1981, (b) 1991 and (c) 2001 census (192037)

Questions relating to household amenities vary between the Censuses. The percentages provided relate to the questions as asked at the time of each of the three Censuses. Where there are differences in definition the closest equivalent has been provided.

1. Shared use of WC—England

Sources:

Table 7 Census 1981 Housing and households for England and Wales, Table 8 Census 1991 Household Composition for Great Britain and Table UV60 Census 2001 Census Area Statistics for England and Wales

2. Shared use of Bath—England

Sources:

Table 7 Census 1981 Housing and households for England and Wales, Table 8 Census 1991 Household Composition for Great Britain and Table UV60 Census 2001 Census Area Statistics for England and Wales

3. Number of people per room—England

⁽⁷⁾ Please note the census does not produce figures for over 2 persons per room.

Sources:

Table 5 Census 1981 Housing and households for England and Wales, Table 5 Census 1991 Household Composition for Great Britain and Table UV58 Census 2001 Census Area Statistics for England and Wales

4. Lacking the use of a Bath—England

Sources:

Table 7 Census 1981 Housing and households for England and Wales, Table 8 Census 1991 Household Composition for Great Britain and Table UV60 Census 2001 Census Area Statistics for England and Wales

5. Had the use of central heating—England

⁽⁸⁾ This question was first asked in 1991

Sources:

Table 8 Census 1991 Household Composition for Great Britain and Table UV60 Census 2001 Census Area Statistics for England and Wales

6. Lacking the use of a hot water supply

This question was not asked in any of the three Censuses and consequently no figures are available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the duty is on a litre of (a) diesel, (b) leaded and (c) unleaded petrol; and how much it would have been if the fuel price escalator had not been abolished. [192418]

The current duty rate on a litre of(a) ultra low sulphur diesel, (b) leaded petrol and (c) ultra low sulphur petrol is 47.10p per litre, 56.20p per litre and 47.10p per litre respectively.

If the fuel duty escalator had been applied at every Budget since 2000 then the current duty rate on(a) ultra low sulphur diesel, (b) leaded petrol and (c) ultra low sulphur petrol would be 70.96p per litre, 79.48p per litre and 70.96p per litre respectively.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many deaths have been caused in the Greater London area as a result of people using class A drugs in the last year for which figures are available. [192617]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 20 October 2004

As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question asking how many deaths have been caused in the Greater London area as a result of people using Class A drugs in the last year for which figures are available. (192617)

Figures are readily available from death certification on deaths due to drug poisoning. The most recent year for which figures are available is 2002.¹ In Greater London ² in that year there were 160 deaths related to drug poisoning where a Class A drug was mentioned on the death certificate. ³

Figures are not readily available where death was indirectly related to the use of Class A drugs as the direct cause is generally selected as the underlying cause of death (e.g. HIV infection).

¹ Data are for deaths occurring per calendar year

² Usual residence of the deceased.

³ Defined using the following codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision for 2002: FII-FI6, X40-X44. X60-X64, Y10-Y14,X85,wherea Class A drug was also mentioned on the death certificate.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much the (a) housing cost and (b) general inflation indices changed in each of the last 10 years. [190974]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Robert Spink, dated 20 October 2004

As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question, by how much the(a) housing cost and (b) general inflation indices changed in each of the last 10 years. (190974)

The following table gives the annual average index numbers for housing costs and for the All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI) for the years 1994–2003, along with the corresponding annual percentage changes. The RPI provides the most appropriate basis for such comparisons because the Consumer Prices Index excludes most elements of owner-occupier housing costs. The figures for 2004 will become available with the release of the December figures on 18th January 2005.

⁽⁹⁾ Includes rent, mortgage interest payments, depreciation, council tax and rates, water and other charges, repairs and maintenance charges, do-it-yourself materials and dwellings insurance and ground rent.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money was allocated to the London borough of Wandsworth from the European Structural Fund in each of the last three years. [192676]

I have been asked to reply.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is responsible for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in England. The London borough of Wandsworth has not received any support from this European Structural Fund. However, £2,701,448 has been committed since October 2001 to date under the Objective 3 European Social Fund (ESF) programme to 13 organisations for 18 projects based in the London borough of Wandsworth.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many meetings of the Ministerial Sub-Committee of Green Ministers were attended by the Department's Green Minister in (a) 2002–03 and (b) 2003–04. [190871]

I am the Treasury's Green Minister and in this role I am a member of the Ministerial Sub-Committee of Green Ministers. It has been established practice under successive governments not to disclose information relating to the proceedings of Cabinet Committees. Exemption 2 of Part II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information applies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Department spent on outside information technology and communication specialist consultants and engineers in the 2003–04 financial year. [191911]

In order to secure value for money for public spending, the Chancellor's Departments procure consultancy services through a range of centrally negotiated framework contracts.

During 2003–04, Inland Revenue had major contracts with two strategic technology partners, EDS and Accenture, to provide its IT systems and support, including development and maintenance services.

£300-£400 million is spent annually through these contracts. Expenditure incurred with EDS specifically on IT consultancy could be provided only at disproportionate cost. No IT consultancy services were obtained through the Accenture contract (which is purely for operational services). During 2003–04, Inland Revenue obtained additional IT consultancy services through a number of contracts let by other Government Departments or agencies, including the Office of Government Commerce's S-Cat, and its own framework contract with Computacenter (for the supply of IT equipment, software and associated services). Expenditure through these contracts was in the region of £28 million.

HM Customs and Excise spend on IT consultancy in 2003–04 was in the region of £28 million. Information relating to HM Treasury could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many mobile phones were used by (a) Ministers and special advisers and (b) officials in his Department in each year since 1997; how many were (i) lost and (ii) stolen; and what their cost was. [191444]

The information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent changes have been authorised in relation to the publication of statistics concerning marriage in the Office of National Statistics neighbourhood statistics; and if he will make a statement. [191714]

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.

Letter from Len Cook to Mr. Paul Goodman, dated 20 October 2004

As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning what changes have been authorised in relation to the publication of statistics concerning marriage in the Office of National Statistics neighbourhood statistics recently. (191714)

There have been no recent changes in policy regarding the publication of marriage statistics through the Office for National Statistics Neighbourhood Statistics Service (NeSS). Census 2001 marital status statistics are already available through NeSS and registration service based marriage statistics would be made available if they could be produced at an appropriate geographic level and released in a non-disclosive manner. The issue is kept under regular review within the NeSS Programme.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the total number of residential property purchases in each year from 1990 to 2004; what his estimate is of the number of purchases in each year which were exempt from paying stamp duty as a consequence of the stamp duty threshold; and if he will make a statement. [192123]

The estimate of the total number of residential property purchases in England and Wales for each year from 1990 to 2003, along with the number of residential property purchases below the lowest stamp duty threshold, are given in the following table.

⁽¹⁰⁾ The lowest threshold of stamp duty was £30,000 from 13 March 1984, £250,000 from 20 December 1991, £30,000 from 20 August 1992 and £60,000 from 16 March 1993.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on payments to working tax credit claimants of overtime working; and if he will make a statement. [192629]

The working tax credit was introduced in April 2003 and the deadline for finalising 2003–04 awards (except for the self-employed) was 30 September. As a result data on the effects on awards of changes in income are not yet available. The tax credits system disregards income rises from the previous tax year of up to £2,500, so tax credit recipients whose overtime increases their pay by up to this amount will not see any reduction in their current year's award.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of pupils achieved GCSE grades A*-C in (a) English language and (b) mathematics in each of the last five years, broken down by local education authority area. [190784]

The information requested has been placed in the House of Commons Libraries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many language assistants are employed in primary schools in Coventry. [192155]

This information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students who applied for student loans (a) before and (b) after the deadline are waiting for (i) the loan to be finalised and (ii) the money to be issued. [192798]

Some 800,000 applications have been received to date, 521,000 of which were received on or before 2 July 2004 (which is the published deadline for new applications).

All applicants who submitted a fully and properly completed application form on or before 2 July should receive, shortly after their university or college confirms their attendance, either a fully assessed loan payment or an interim payment (under our contingency arrangements for continuing students). Some 12,000 interim payments have been made to date, and these students will receive full assessments and a further loan payment (if appropriate) within a few weeks. A further 1,000 interim payments are scheduled for release once confirmation of the relevant students' attendance is received from the appropriate institutions.

279,000 applications have been received since 2 July, of which fewer than 89,000 are still being processed. As is the case every year, a significant number of students have applied well after the published deadlines (some 94,000 applications have been received since early September). Local authorities and the Student Loans Company have never been able to guarantee payment at the start of term to late applicants. The Student Loans Company has paid over 530,000 loans to date, with a further 75,000 fully approved and scheduled for payment as soon as the students' attendance is confirmed by their institution.

As in previous years, the Department has written to higher education institutions asking them to be supportive of students who do not have loans in place at the start of term.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills

(1) what measures his Department is taking in conjunction with the Department of Trade and Industry to improve on-the-job training; [192022]

(2) what measures his Department is taking with other departments, to identify skill shortages and train up workers in those skills, with particular reference to (a) the Department of Trade and Industry and (b) the Home Office. [192018]

The Skills Strategy White Paper "21st Century Skills—Realising Our Potential" sets out our programme to tackle the skills gap between the UK and its main economic competitors. It commits the Government and their key partners to a radical strategy of demand-led provision of skills steered by the needs of employers as expressed through a new Skills for Business Network and given a sharp regional focus through new Regional Skills Partnerships. The Government reported progress with delivering the strategy in their report published in July, "Skills Alliance: Skills Strategy Progress Report".

The Skills Strategy is a cross-Government strategy, and not just a DfES one. A national Skills Alliance has been formed, bringing together the key Government Departments (DfES, DTI, Department for Work and Pensions, HM Treasury) with employer and union representatives in a new partnership, and linking the key delivery agencies in a concerted drive to raise skills. My right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry jointly chair the Skills Alliance Social and Economic Partners Group which brings Government together with CBI, TUC and Small Business Council to drive forward delivery of the Skills Strategy. A key element of this delivery agenda is a joint strategy for engaging with industry sectors across DTI and DfES. This includes the joint sponsorship of the Skills for Business Network of Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), to ensure that the network is the vehicle for both Departments to use in pursuing the sector skills agenda together. It will give a coherent employer voice into government and a coherent response back out again. For the first time the Skills Alliance brings together these key partners in terms of the customers of the skills and training systems—employers and employees—and all the key delivery agents.

The Skills Strategy is about improving the technological and skills base of our industry, and thereby supporting business success, employment and prosperity. The growing network of UK-wide, employer-led SSCs has a key part to play in taking forward the national skills strategy. SSCs are experts on their sector, one of their key goals is to identify and address skills gaps and shortages. SSCs will work to increase opportunities to boost the skills and productivity of everyone in the sector's work force, including taking action on equal opportunities.

We are working to improve the support to the low-skilled through the New Deal for Skills (NDfS) by creating a new intensive skills guidance service, co-located with Jobcentre Plus where possible, and improving mechanisms of financial support for those for whom training provides a route back to work.

We recognise that there are variations in the skills base of different regions. This is being addressed by Regional Skills Partnerships (RSPs) which are being established in each region, co-ordinated by Regional Development Agencies (sponsored by DTI). RSPs involve LSC, Jobcentre Plus, Small Business Service and Skills for Business Network. They are bringing together skills and work force development with support for innovation and business development and labour market services in an integrated approach to deliver Regional Economic Strategies.

For example, the DTI have recently implemented what we believe to be an excellent tool for business—Benchmark Plus—which enables business to understand better the link between the skills of its workforce and its overall performance. We will be piloting the use of Benchmark Plus within the Employer Training Pilots in preparation for a national programme.

We are also working with the Home Office, Department of Trade and Industry and other Departments across government on ways by which selective and controlled migration can also help address skill shortages in the UK. This includes specific migration schemes such as the Highly Skilled Migration Programme as well as sector based schemes and developing new avenues for MBA graduates. We are developing a broader understanding of the role that migration has to play within the wider context of upskilling the UK work force as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contracts awarded by his Department to consultants in each of the last five years, stating in each case (a) the name of the consulting company, (b) the value of the contract and (c) the purpose for which the contract was awarded; and if he will make a statement. [191739]

Summaries of the Ministry of Defence Expenditure on External Assistance, of which management consultancy is a part, are available in the Libraries of the Houses for the years 1995–96 to 2003–04.

Specific expenditure information by company, value and contract for each of the last five years is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence

(1) what recommendations were made by the Army Board of Inquiry held into the death of Cheryl James at Deepcut Barracks; [190197]

(2) how and when each recommendation made in the Board of Inquiry into the death of Cheryl James was implemented; what procedures and rules were altered as a result and what assessment the Army has made of each implementation; and if he will make a statement; [190198]

(3) what recommendations were made by the Army Board of Inquiry held into the death of Sean Benton at Deepcut Barracks; [190199]

(4) how and when each recommendation made in the Board of Inquiry into the death of Sean Benton was implemented; what procedures and rules were altered as a result; what assessment the Army has made of each implementation; and if he will make a statement. [190200]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what obstacles remain to the establishment of a board of inquiry into the death of Private Geoff Gray at Deepcut Barracks on 17 September 2001. [190265]

The Boards of Inquiry into the deaths of Privates Geoff Gray and James Collinson, who died at Deepcut on 23 March 2002, will be convened and run concurrently. Both Boards are being delayed so that their Terms of Reference may be informed by the conclusion of HM Coroner's investigation into the death of Private Collinson.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities of (a) intermediate and (b) low level nuclear waste are stored at (i) HMNB Clyde Faslane and (ii) the Rosyth Royal Naval Base. [192713]

Information about the stocks of intermediate and low level radioactive waste held in the UK, including that held at HMNB Clyde and the Rosyth Royal Dockyard, is regularly published in the United Kingdom Radioactive Waste Inventory. It provides periodic snapshots of waste stocks, including levels of waste, location and whether the waste is held in temporary or permanent storage. The latest edition was published in October 2002 and is available in the Library of the House. A new inventory is due to be published in 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many road vehicles are operated by the Department and its agencies; how many personal injury accidents involving road vehicles operated by the Department have occurred within each of the last five years; and what the Department's policy is for managing work-related road safety. [185914]

There are approximately 70,400 vehicles which use the road currently operated by the Ministry of Defence and its agencies. This includes both operational and non-armoured vehicles (B Vehicles) and the non-operational fleet (White Fleet). This figure does not however include vehicles that may have been purchased under local ad hoc arrangements and are consequently not managed by the Defence Logistics Organisation. The exact numbers could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

The following table shows the numbers of personal injury accidents involving road vehicles operated by the Department over the five year period from January 2000.

The MOD's policy for managing work-related road safety is set out in detail in the Joint Service Publication (JSP)—341 Defence Road Transport Regulations, (chapter 16). I will place a copy of this in the Library of the House. In addition JSP 485—The Defence Annual Road Safety Report for 2003–2004 is expected to be available early next year.

I also refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office on 22 July 2004, Official Report, column 490W, and the letter from Mr. Nick Matheson of the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which of the existing English regiments have never been amalgamated. [191870]

The following English Regiments have never been amalgamated:

The Royal Tank Regiment

Grenadier Guards

Coldstream Guards

The Green Howards

The Cheshire Regiment

The Parachute Regiment

Special Air Service Regiment

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what limitations there are on equipment usage for each type of operation. [188790]

The level of equipment usage in any particular operation depends heavily on the specific demands of that operation, the nature of any United Kingdom military contribution and other concurrent commitments. Where extra equipment support costs are incurred due to increased usage on operations, the net additional costs of such activity are met from the Treasury's Reserve. Where capabilities are required in addition to those already in service with UK armed force, the Urgent Operational Requirements (UOR) process can be used, for example, to advance equipment acquisition plans or to modify in-service equipment. The financial arrangements governing UORs are agreed with the Treasury for each operation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) manpower and (b) financial commitment has been assigned to Eurocorps. [191861]

Until March 2004, the United Kingdom's contribution to Eurocorps consisted of one Army Colonel and one Warrant Officer, 2nd Class, who were liaison officers within the Headquarters. In Financial Year 2003–04 the total cost of this contribution was £156,271.

Following the recent review of UK representation in NATO, the contribution was withdrawn. There are no current plans to renew the contribution.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rules govern officers and soldiers being in possession of non-authorised personal firearm and ammunition (a) within barracks and (b) on patrol or otherwise on duty in (i) Great Britain, (ii) Northern Ireland, (iii) Germany, (iv) Afghanistan, (v) Bosnia and (vi) Iraq. [176024]

Only authorised Service firearms and ammunition may be issued to personnel on security duties in situations other than operations (within barracks and on patrol or otherwise on duty in Great Britain and Germany). On operations (Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Iraq) the carriage of weapons and ammunition must be authorised by commanders in accordance with UK National Rules of Engagement. UK firearms legislation prohibits the possession and use, by servicemen, of unauthorised personal weapons and ammunition. UK law is applied to troops deployed on operations overseas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance he has given Army Personnel Services on monitoring assistance given for the recruitment of former soldiers as (a) mercenaries and (b) operatives in private and personal security companies. [183387]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the Whitley Committee Minutes of the Ministry of Defence Gibraltar Services Police for the past three years. [190364]

Copies of the Gibraltar Service Police Whitley Committee Minutes for the last three years have been placed in the Library of the House Commons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the establishment of the Ministry of Defence Gibraltar Services Police is at each rank. [190365]

The Gibraltar Service Police Establishment is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the governance and accountability mechanisms are for the Gibraltar Services Police; what arrangements allow for a statutory Police Federation; and if he will make a statement. [190366]

The Gibraltar Services Police (GSP) is a statutory police force established under the Police Ordinance (Laws of Gibraltar). The Chief Police Officer GSP is the competent authority appointed by His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar and is responsible to Commander British Forces Gibraltar, for the recruitment, training, supervision and general efficiency of the Force. The Gibraltar Trade Union Ordinance does not make provision for a statutory Police Federation but allows for the inscription of approved Unions and Associations. The Gibraltar Services Police Association is recognised by the Government as the representative body for Constables and Sergeants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will investigate the complaint made by Marrache and Co. Solicitors, on behalf of the representative body of constables and sergeants of the Gibraltar Services Police set out in their letter of 20 August to Northwood Headquarters; and if he will make a statement. [190367]

The Whitley committee remains the correct forum to address the issues raised by the Gibraltar Service Police Staff Association and Marrache and Co. Solicitors in their letters of 20 August 2004. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to constructive dialogue with the Gibraltar Service Police Staff Association, and the MOD management team in Gibraltar will continue to address their members' concerns locally through the Whitley process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who is responsible for negotiating pay and conditions of service for the Gibraltar Services Police; and if he will make a statement. [190368]

Following negotiations in 1979 between the Ministry of Defence and Gibraltar Service Police Staff Association, agreement was reached re-affirming their commitment to the analogue principle enunciated by Sir Jack Scamp in his report. The Gibraltar Services Police (GSP) analogue is the Ministry of Defence Police in the United Kingdom. Any pay conditions applicable to Ministry of Defence Police are automatically applied to GSP.