To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what time restrictions apply with respect to making an application to the Employment Tribunal following consideration of a complaint under Army redress procedures relating to (a) sexual harassment, (b) racial harassment, (c) parental leave directive, (d) pay and (e) religion. [201838]

The standard time limit for an application to an Employment Tribunal is six months from the most recent occurrence about which the claim is being made. There is no requirement for an Army complainant to wait for an outcome of the internal complaints procedure before taking their case to Employment Tribunal. However in such a case the Army procedures are usually put on hold pending the completion of the Employment Tribunal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the balance sheet value of the Atomic Weapons Establishment in the books of his Department was as at 31 March; what the carrying charge and applicable depreciation for that establishment is in the current year; and for what reasons his Department is investing a further £467 million in that establishment. [206603]

As at 31 March 2004, the Gross Book Value of the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Balance Sheet was £552.8 million and the associated carrying depreciation was £55.3 million resulting in a Net Book Value of £497.5 million. The projected depreciation to 31 March 2005, for AWE, is £28.0 million. Investment at AWE is directed towards the maintenance of the effectiveness of the nuclear deterrent and enables AWE to meet safety, environmental and operational requirements. It is also in accordance with the Government's policy of keeping options for maintaining a nuclear deterrent capability, in line with the policy set out at paragraph 3.11 of the 2003 Defence White Paper (Cm 6041–1).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the deployment of British troops as part of combined European forces under EU leadership; and if he will make a statement. [207710]

As stated in the 2003 Defence White Paper, the Government expects United Kingdom forces to conduct operations alongside and integrated with a range of multinational groupings—US, NATO, European, UN or other forces—under various command arrangements. The most appropriate command arrangement will depend on the prevailing circumstances. Decisions on whether to deploy British forces as part of an EU operation are taken by the Government on a case-by-case basis, as with NATO and all other multinational operations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether Mark 77 firebombs have been used by Coalition forces (a) in Iraq and (b) in or near areas in Iraq where civilians lived; whether this weapon is equivalent to napalm; whether (i) the UK and (ii) the US has signed the UN convention banning the use of napalm against civilian targets; and if he will make a statement. [207246]

The United States have confirmed to us that they have not used Mark 77 firebombs, which are essentially napalm canisters, in Iraq at any time. No other Coalition member has Mark 77 firebombs in their inventory.

The United Kingdom is bound under Protocol III to the 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) not to use incendiary weapons (which would include napalm) against military targets located within concentrations of civilians.

US policy in relation to international conventions is a matter for the US Government, but all of our allies are aware of their obligations under international humanitarian law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on activities planned by his Department involving Gibraltar as part of the Trafalgar commemorations. [207078]

A programme of events is planned to take place in Gibraltar during the weekend of 28–30 October 2005 to commemorate the close historic links between Gibraltar and Nelson's victory. In addition to a traditional service of remembrance at the Trafalgar cemetery, these will include a Nelson exhibition, Beating the Retreat and reception, and a Royal Navy Ceremonial Guard Mount at His Excellency the Governor's residence. The Royal Navy will also be invited to exercise their Freedom of the City privileges. In the United Kingdom, the Royal Navy is organising a special programme of events for this year, which is being coordinated with other events as part of the SeaBritain and Trafalgar Festival initiatives to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date he decided to change his decision on not disbanding or amalgamating infantry battalions. [202197]

I refer the hon. Member to my statements to the House on 21 July 2004, Official Report, column 343, and, more recently on 16 December 2004, Official Report, column 1195, about the future of the Infantry. The decision to restructure the infantry was taken in response to the evolving strategic environment. In our judgment, it is needed to ensure that the Army is best suited to meet present challenges and those of the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his oral statement of 16 December 2004, Official Report, columns 1195–1218, on the future structure of the infantry, how he plans to retain the separate identities of the King's Own Scottish Borderers and the Royal Scots within the proposed Royal Regiment of Scotland. [206538]

As I announced on the 16 December, the First Battalions of the Royal Scots and the King's Own Scottish Borderers will merge to form a new battalion within the future Royal Regiment of Scotland. This new regiment will have a common capbadge, uniform and a common tartan. There will, however, be scope for battalions to retain a degree of individual identity within these large regiments. For example, antecedent names will be maintained at battalion level prior to the new regimental name. How this can be achieved in other ways will be for the new regiment to decide in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his statement of 16 December 2004, Official Report, columns 1195–1218, on the structure of the infantry, what definition he uses of regimental identity. [206539]

There is no single definition of regimental identity that can be applied across all the regiments of infantry.

As I made clear in my announcement on 16 December 2004, Official Report, column 1795W, there will be scope for all infantry battalions to retain a degree of individual identity within the new large regiments. For example, antecedent names will be maintained in some form in new titles. How identities can be preserved in other ways will be for all the new regiments to decide in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether cap badges will continue to have a role to play in defining regimental identity. [206540]

The new regiments will have individual cap badges.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether recruitment to the new Yorkshire regiment will be conducted on an exclusively county-wide basis. [206541]

The new Yorkshire Regiment will adopt the recruiting areas of its antecedents, those being The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, The Green Howards and The Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

As before, residents of other areas of the United Kingdom will also be able to volunteer for service in The Yorkshire Regiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received concerning the use of napalm gas in Falluja. [203538]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received concerning the use by coalition forces of toxic chemical agents on (a) military and (b) civilian targets in Iraq. [206030]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution his Department has made to counts of civilian casualties and fatalities in Iraq; and which organisations including the Iraqi Government it has assisted. [206820]

The Iraqi Government produces its own estimate of Iraqi casualties, based on Ministry of Health statistics for hospital admissions. The Ministry of Defence has not assisted Iraqi Government efforts to collate casualty numbers.

The MOD has not assisted other organisations with independent counts of civilian casualties and fatalities. We have no methodology which would enable us to produce accurate estimates.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance is being provided by British troops to locate and make safe any unexploded armaments in and around Falluja resulting from recent Multi-National Force actions. [202137]

None; there are no UK units in Falluja.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much the Department spent on lawyers in each year since 1997; how many (a) actions, (b) settlements and (c) court cases there were in each year; and what the costs of each settlement were. [206456]

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what occasions he has flown to and from Basra; what type of aircraft was used on each occasion; how his entourage was comprised on each occasion; how many vacant spaces were available on each flight home; and if he will make a statement. [207134]

My right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary (Mr. Hoon) has flown to Basra on four occasions; April 2003, October 2003, June 2004 and December 2004. On each occasion, for security reasons, he has used military aircraft to fly in to and out of Basra. He was accompanied by a member of his outer office and appropriate MOD military and civilian officials.

Each military flight out of Basra was subject to a formal operational tasking and any vacant seats were made available to other MOD or military personnel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Principal Warfare Officers have not fired naval munitions since 1 January. [206928]

All Principal Warfare Officers (PWO) in training and serving in PWO billets at sea will have conducted live firings since 1 January 2004 as part of their requirement to remain at Operational Performance Standard.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Royal Navy has met its target for the firing of shells and missiles in 2004. [206929]

The Royal Navy met its mandated targets for firing shells and missiles in 2004, except when operational priorities/tasking dictated a change in programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) establishment and (b) current strength is of each of the three battalions of the Parachute Regiment. [200998]

As at 1 November 2004, the establishment and strength of each of the three battalions of the Parachute Regiment was as follows:

The establishment figures include only the infantry posts (officers and soldiers) and exclude attached personnel of other Arms and Services such as chefs, clerks, etc. The figures are rounded to the nearest five.

The strength numbers were collected on 1 November and have been rounded to the nearest five. They do not include officers and soldiers in the Parachute Regiment that are serving outside the battalion, or personnel from other cap-badges who are attached to the battalion. We cannot be precise about the strength in each battalion as the means by which this data is collected does not allow for separate attribution. The split is therefore derived from an estimate based on strength by Unit Identity Number.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information his Department places in the public domain on the extent to which those working at defence establishments that use nuclear materials are exposed to radiation; what independent assessment is made of the dosimetry statistics; and what research is being conducted to reduce radiation exposure. [206273]

Since 1990 the Ministry of Defence has placed in the Library of the House copies of the annual dosimetry statistics for workers who receive exposures from radiation sources and radioactive materials used by the Ministry of Defence and its contractors. These annual dosimetry statistics include all personnel monitored by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory Radiological Protection Services (DRPS) Approved Dosimetry Service.

AWE employs its own dosimetry laboratory which is subject to regulation and scrutiny by the HSE. AWE dosimetry statistics are published in AWE plc annual reports, a copy of which is also available in the Library of the House, and on the AWE plc website. The doses reported in the DRPS statistics are very low when compared with the regulatory dose limits. The annual dose limit for workers aged 18 and over is 20 mSv. The average dose in 2003 for all personnel monitored by the DRPS Approved Dosimetry Service was 0.35 mSv and the maximum dose to any individual in 2003 was below 5 mSv. The DRPS report includes dosimetry information based on all DRPS customers and this includes an element of commercial work for organisations such as NHS trusts and HM Customs and Excise.

The Ministry of Defence provides radiation dosimetry information to the National Radiological Protection Board for inclusion in the National Registry of Radiation Workers (NRRW). The NRRW is used to support independent epidemiological analysis of workers exposed to radiation during the course of their work.

The Ministry of Defence is bound by Regulation 8 of the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 that places a duty on employers, in relation to any work with ionising radiation that they undertake, to take all necessary steps to restrict, so far as is reasonably practicable, the extent to which their employees and other persons are exposed to ionising radiation. Compliance with this duty is enforced by the Health and Safety Executive and HM Nuclear Installations Inspectorate together with the Ministry of Defence's internal Regulators.

The Ministry of Defence and its contractors carefully consider the need to reduce worker doses when designing, operating, maintaining and decommissioning plant and equipment that involves exposure to radiation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the spectrum price paid by his Department for the bands which it managed was in financial years (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02, (d) 2002–03 and (e) 2003–04; what his estimate is for 2004–05; and what estimate he has made for financial years (i) 2005–06, (ii) 2006–07 and (iii) 2007–08. [203929]

The price paid by financial year was as follows:

⁽⁰⁰¹⁾ Approx.

Thereafter the pricing is expected to be reviewed by HM Treasury.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list mobile and fixed linked bands that (a) were and (b) were not subject to spectrum pricing in financial years (i) 1999–2000, (ii) 2000–01, (iii) 2001–02, (iv) 2002–03 and (v) 2003–04. [203930]

The application of pricing to Ministry of Defence managed bands by the Radiocommunications Agency up to December 2004 and thereafter by Ofcom is given in the following table:

Except as indicated in the remarks there has been no change in the application of pricing in the financial years 1999–2000 to 2003–04.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department paid for use of spectrum for ground-based radar in financial years (a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01, (c) 2001–02, (d) 2002–03 and (e) 2003–04. [203931]

The fees paid by the Ministry of Defence for radar frequency bands are as follows:

It should be noted that these Radiolocation bands are not exclusively allocated to ground use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list mobile and fixed linked bands that have been released for civil use in financial years (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99, (c) 1999–2000, (d) 2000–01, (e) 2001–02, (f) 2002–03 and (g) 2003–04; and what plans he has to release spectrum for civil use in (i) 2005–06, (ii) 2006–07 and (iii) 2007–08. [203932]

Records with the necessary detail to ascribe the release of spectrum to particular financial years are not held centrally by Ministry of Defence or Ofcom. However, significant cases of release of spectrum by MOD in the period from 1997 for civilian use are listed. Both spectrum that has been released for civilian use and spectrum that has been shared between military and civilian users has been included in the following list.

10.125—10.225 GHz and 10.4 0 10.5 GHz shared

8 MHz of the 410—415/420—425 MHz bands shared

856—860 MHz released

3480—3500/3580 and 3600 MHz leased back to the Radiocommunications Agency for 15 years

8400—8500 MHz released

2290—2300 MHz released

39.5—40 GHz released

This list indicates the results of close co-operation between the MOD and the Radiocommunications Agency/Ofcom and does not include all cases of sharing arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the information that his Department has released to commercial operators about its prospective spectrum utilisation. [203933]

The MOD has released no information to commercial operators in respect of its prospective spectrum utilisation. Such information is only discussed with companies bidding to supply MOD with equipment on a Commercial in Confidence basis and with Ofcom to shape future policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the means by which the Staffords will retain their separate regimental identity once they have been integrated into the new Mercian Regiment. [206900]

As I announced on 16 December 2004, the Cheshires, the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and the Staffords will amalgamate to form the Mercian Regiment which will have three regular battalions. There will be scope for battalions to retain a degree of individual identity within the new large regiments. For example, antecedent names will be maintained at battalion level in brackets after the new regimental name. How this can be achieved in other ways will be for the new regiment to decide in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what financial support has the Department given to Swan Hunter shipyard in each of the last 30 years. [206391]

The Ministry of Defence does not provide financial support to the defence industry.

The lead Department for policy relating to Government financial support to industry is the Department of Trade and Industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the annual training requirement is for Principal Warfare Officers; and whether it has been fulfilled this year. [206930]

In Financial Year 2003–04, 40 Principal Warfare Officers (PWO) were required and 40 trained. It is anticipated that 39 will be trained in FY 2004–05 and in 2005–06. This is expected to meet the Navy's presently forecast requirements.

To ask the Leader of the House if he will make proposals to the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House to enable Select Committees to introduce legislation. [207402]

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. It is, of course, already open to any Member to introduce legislation. The question is whether bills initiated by Select Committees should have priority over other non-Government Bills.

To ask the Leader of the House if he will make a statement on changes to sitting hours of the House. [207406]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Leader of the House, to the Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Ms Munn) earlier today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it the policy of the Government that bicycle lights which flash, pulsate or comprise light emitting diodes shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement that bicycles ridden at night should have lights. [207636]

holding answer 10 January 2005

Bicycle lights which comprise light emitting diodes and that conform to British Standard BS6102:3 are already deemed to satisfy the requirement for bicycles ridden at night to have lights. My Department is currently considering a change in legislation to allow the use of flashing lights on pedal cycles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the Government's policy is towards the use of cats eyes on unlit roads; what the reasons are for the policy; and if he will make a statement. [207215]

The Department for Transport's advice on the use of cats eyes is set out in section 6 of Chapter 5 of the Traffic Signs Manual. A new edition was published last year. Because they remain effective in wet weather and particularly in areas prone to fog, when reflectorised road markings perform less well, they are recommended on all high-speed roads. Their use is compulsory with double white line systems, when the normal spacing is closed up to 4.5 metres, because it is essential for safety reasons that drivers recognise the lines in all weather conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) what steps he has taken to promote dial-a-ride bus services; and what assessment he has made of the take-up of these services; [207729]

(2) if he will list those areas in which dial-a-ride bus services are in operation; and if he will make a statement. [207730]

In February 2004 regulations were introduced to make it easier to run registered local bus services in England and Wales for the general public whose routes and timings vary subject to passenger demand. The Department undertook a series of seminars across the regions to highlight the new flexibilities and encourage take up of this new type of service.

Bus Service Operators Grant (BSOG) was also extended to cover flexibly-routed local bus services in England and Wales. Bus registration and BSOG in Scotland are devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

96 services have been registered with the Traffic Commissioners to date.

This is in addition to the specialised dial-a-ride services provided by the voluntary transport sector which have long operated in many areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects domestic passengers from North Kent rail stations to be able to use Eurostar to and from London. [207031]

The future of services in North Kent announced will be announced shortly, when the Invitation to Tender for the new Integrated Kent Franchise is issued to bidders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to develop hybrid engine cars. [206921]

holding answer 10 January 2005

The Government provides a number of incentives to encourage the purchase and use of clean, low carbon vehicles, including hybrid vehicles. The Vehicle Excise Duty regime, for example, rewards the purchase of the most fuel-efficient vehicles, with additional discounts for hybrid vehicles. The company car tax system introduced in April 2002 provides very large incentives to encourage the purchase of clean, fuel-efficient cars, with hybrid vehicles enjoying a significant additional discount.

The Government also funds two grant programmes, run by the Energy Saving Trust, which are designed to encourage the development and market uptake of more environmentally friendly (lower CO₂ and/or air pollutant-emitting) vehicles and vehicle technologies, including hybrids. The New Vehicle Technology Fund provides grants for projects to develop demonstration vehicles for new technologies which reduce the CO ₂ emissions and/or air pollutant emissions such as NOx and particulates. During 2004–05 18 projects have been funded, of which 11 involve hybrid technology. The grant allocation for the New Vehicle Technology Fund in 2004–05 is £4.6 million.

The Powershift grant programme is also funded by Government, to provide grants to individuals and undertakings to purchase vehicles which are proven to have reduced CO₂ and/or air pollutant emissions, in order to encourage their uptake. So far during 2004–05, grants have been awarded towards the purchase of 1,053 hybrid cars, which represents 42 per cent. of the total number of vehicles funded.

As we announced on 21 December 2004, following our recent consultation exercise, we intend to revise the grant programmes so as to incentivise the cleanest cars regardless of the technology or fuel type, while ensuring that grant levels are also consistent with European rules on state aid. A full copy of the press release can be accessed on the Department for Transport's website, at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pns/displaypn.cgi?pn_id=2004_0164

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the effect of European Court of Justice case C-483/02, as detailed in OJ C300 volume 47 of 4 December, on UK implementation of railway directives; what measures he will take to comply with the ruling; and what estimate he has made of the costs which will be incurred in so complying. [207168]

We currently expect to transpose the Directives concerned (2001/12/EC, 2001/13/EC and 2001/14/EC) by the end of 2005. In reality, these Directives will have little effect on the railways which already comply with the vast majority of the Directives' requirements which aim to open up the European rail market to competition. The estimated costs and benefits of complying with these requirements will be set out in a Regulatory Impact Assessment produced to accompany consultation later this year on the draft regulations to transpose these Directives into domestic law.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many pedestrians have been (a) injured, (b) seriously injured and (c) killed in collisions with (i) car drivers, (ii) drivers of all motor vehicles and (iii) cyclists in each of the last five years. [207719]

The information requested is shown in the following table. Figures are taken from the annual publication "Road Casualties Great Britain" copies of which can be found in the House of Commons Library.

Pedestrian casualties by vehicle hit in accident: GB 1999–2003

⁽⁰⁰²⁾ Excludes vehicle type not reported.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) pursuant to the answer of 14 December 2004, Official Report, column 1014W, on road noise, when the Highways Agency will announce the outcome of its review of the programme for quieter surfaces; [206694]

(2) which schemes detailed in the announcement have not yet been completed; on what date work began or is due to begin on each; and what the expected dates of completion are; [206695]

(3) on which roads quieter surfaces have now been introduced; and, in respect of each road where the difference between actual noise levels and those predicted is significant, on what date quieter surfaces will be introduced. [206696]

holding answer 21 December 2004

The Highways Agency is currently reviewing its programmes of work for 2005–06 in line with the Spending Review settlement. Works programmes for 2005–06, including resurfacing, should be known by the time of publication of the Highways Agency's Business Plan for 2005–06 to 2007–08, expected in March 2005.

The following schemes which were included in the indicative forward programme issued on 17 October 2001, Official Report, column 1229W, have not yet been completed:

A12 Hatfield Peverel

M42 J9–10

Al Winthorpe to North Muskham

Al Winthorpe to Coddington

Al Coddington to Balderton

A46 Widmerpool to Willoughby

A46 Willoughby to Six Hills

A180 Harbrough to Stallingborough

A180 Great Coates to Pyewipe

M62 Gilberdyke to Newport

A47 East Dereham Bypass

M5 J26–27

M11 J6–7NB

M25 J16–17

Al Carlton to North Muskham

M69 Con 2 J21 to flexible section

Of the schemes listed, the following will be completed in financial year 2004–05:

M5 J26–27

M11 J6–7NB

M25 J16–17

Al Carlton to North Muskham

M69 Con 2 J21 to flexible section

Start of works dates for the remaining schemes have not yet been confirmed. Due to other competing and pressing maintenance needs, it has not been possible to progress the schemes within the indicative timetable originally provided.

Of the 17 concrete roads that have been opened since June 1988, one scheme (A27 Chichester-Havant) will be resurfaced with quieter surfacing in this financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions between 31 March 2002 and 31 March 2003 his special advisers travelled abroad in an official capacity; what places were visited; and how much each visit cost. [207176]

The Department was formed on 29 May 2002. Between that date and 31 March 2003, a departmental special adviser accompanied the Secretary of State to Strasbourg at a cost of £675.31. All travel by special advisers is undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Ministerial Code and Civil Service Management Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) what the average 24 hour traffic volume has been in each month since January at the (a) Norton Canes to A34 Great Wyrley, (b) Shenstone to Chasetown and (c) Wishaw to A38 automatic traffic counters on the M6 Toll road on (i) Mondays to Fridays, (ii) Saturdays and (iii) Sundays; [206535]

(2) what the average 24 hour traffic volume was in each month since January at the (a) J3-J4E, (b) J4A-J5, (c) J9-J10, (d) J10-J10A, (e) J10A-J11, (f) J12-J13, (g) J6-J7 and (h) J9-J10 automatic traffic counters on the M6 on (i) Mondays to Fridays, (ii) Saturdays and (iii) Sundays; [206536]

(3) what the average 24 hour traffic volume has been in each month since January at the (a) J6-J7 and (b) J9-J10 automatic traffic counters on the M42 on (i) Mondays to Fridays, (ii) Saturdays and (iii) Sundays. [206537]

holding answer 21 December 2004

Tables which contain the information requested have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Figures for the M6 and M42 have been provided from data collected by the Highways Agency's automatic traffic counters. Although some of this information is not available, most is in the format required.

Figures for the M6 Toll have been taken from information provided on the website of Midlands Expressway Ltd., operators of the toll road. The company is not able to readily break down the figures into the lengths of road specified, nor separate them into northbound and southbound directions as with the M6 and M42.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) how many and what proportion of trains in operation in each year since 1995 have been wheelchair accessible, broken down by train operator; and if he will make a statement; [207708]

(2) what his estimate is of the number of trains that will have to be scrapped to meet the accessibility end date of 2020, broken down by train operator; and if he will make a statement. [207709]

The powers in Part 5 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) allow the Government to make regulations requiring all new land based public transport vehicles—trains, buses and coaches, and taxis—to be accessible to disabled people, including those who need to remain in wheelchairs.

The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) came into force on 31 December 1998, and have applied to all new rail vehicles coming into service in England, Scotland and Wales after that date. Northern Ireland has its own separate regulations. The RVAR, which were the first regulations to be made under Part 5 of the DDA, considerably improve access for disabled passengers to new rail vehicles. The Regulations were drawn up in close consultation with the Government's statutory advisers on transport issues as they affect disabled people, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC).

The regulations cover wheelchair accessibility and accommodation, including the design of on-board accessible toilets for those trains in which toilet facilities are provided. They also specify the size and location of handrails and handholds, and control devices as well as covering the provision of audible warnings and other equipment. In addition, a requirement for both visual and audible passenger information assists passengers with sensory impairments to use rail services with confidence.

Over 3,800 new fully accessible rail vehicles are now in service—which represents almost one third of the national heavy rail fleet. A further 700 vehicles will be entering service over the next 12 months. In addition, many older trains, while not meeting full RVAR standards already had wheelchair accommodation and other features to assist disabled passengers prior to 1998.

The Department does not record which vehicles are in use by which train operator, as they are frequently swapped between operators, according to operational needs.

The Government are proposing to take powers in the Disability Discrimination Bill to enable it to set an end date by which time all rail vehicles must comply with the RVAR. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State announced in November that the Government's preferred end-date is 2020. We also intend to require access improvements to those features which are included in refurbishment plans for older rail vehicles.

Using figures from the Strategic Rail Authority, we estimate, that fewer than 2200 non-compliant vehicles would still be in service by 2020. The decision as to whether to refurbish older trains to RVAR standards or replace them with new, RVAR compliant trains by then is a matter for the rolling stock leasing companies and train operators. The Government will be publishing for consultation a Regulatory Impact Assessment to accompany draft regulations, during the passage of the Bill through Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which licensing authorities are not operating taxis that are accessible to disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [207727]

The following list is based on the latest statistical data on wheelchair accessible taxis, compiled by the Department for Transport and based on returns provided by local licensing authorities in England and Wales, as at 31 March 2004. This showed that the authorities listed did not license accessible vehicles as taxis at that time.

We recognise that the current generation of accessible taxis do not meet the needs of all disabled people although they do provide a good level of access for many wheelchair users. The Department for Transport is therefore currently looking into the ergonomic requirements of taxi design that would enable as many disabled people as possible to use taxis.

The results of that research will form the basis of the technical specifications to support the Government's proposals to introduce Taxi Accessibility Regulations under part 5 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). The proposals, which were announced in the House on 26 October 2003, would see the phasing in of regulations in specified licensing areas from 2010 (for all new vehicles), with full compliance by 2020. The 2010 date has been proposed to accommodate a full public consultation process, to give sufficient time for vehicle manufacturers and converters to produce new models that meet the regulations, and to give the trade sufficient time to adapt to the change. In the period before regulations are introduced, local licensing authorities remain free to introduce their own accessibility policies and we encourage them to do so in consultation with disabled people locally.

Licensing Authorities in England and Wales not licensing accessible taxis at 31 March 2004

Alnwick

Babergh

Barrow-in-Furness

Blaby

Bolsover

Broadland

Copeland

Cotswold

East Northants

Eastleigh

Elmbridge

Gedling

Hambleton

Havant

Malvern Hills

Mendip

Mid Bedfordshire

Mid Suffolk

Monmouthshire

Rutland UA

South Bucks

South Cambridge

South Norfolk

Tewkesbury

Uttlesford

Waverley

West Lindsey

Source:

DfT survey of licensing authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the percentage of buses with faulty ramps in (a) England and (b) each local authority in the last period for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [207728]

The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations require new buses over 22 passengers first used on or after 31 December 2000 to be accessible to wheelchair users. The requirements include the availability of a boarding aid (generally a ramp). An operator who does not comply with these regulations is guilty of an offence.

Buses are subject to annual roadworthiness inspections, spot checks and roadside inspections to ensure their safety and accessibility. Information on the reliability of individual components such as ramps is not collected separately but we are aware of a number of complaints from disabled people about poor reliability of power operated ramps.

The majority of power operated ramps are fitted to buses in London, and Transport for London has carried out detailed monitoring of the reliability of ramps fitted to these buses and has discussed performance with the operators concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in encouraging the use of yellow school buses as a means to cut traffic congestion. [207731]

We know from our evaluation of various small-scale yellow and other dedicated school bus schemes that well-designed schemes have the potential to reduce car dependency for journeys to school and the traffic congestion that results from this. However, care needs to be taken to ensure that schemes do not reduce levels of walking or cycling or undermine the viability of important commercial bus services.

We therefore want to encourage individual local authorities to consider school bus schemes as part of broader local transport planning and to decide whether or not they would be appropriate to their area. We will give capital bids for such schemes careful consideration, taking account of value for money, regional priorities and affordability. We approved £18.7 million funding for a yellow bus scheme serving 100 schools in West Yorkshire as part of the local transport settlement for 2004–05. Funding for this project is to be released in three phases—the second and third phases of funding are to be released subject to the first phase meeting its objectives with respect to modal switch from car.

In addition, the School Transport Bill will enable a small number of local authorities to develop innovative proposals to reduce car dependency on the school run. We expect pilot authorities to use the new legislation to support arrangements that offer a range of good quality, cost effective arrangements to the family car on the home to school journey which may include yellow or other dedicated school bus schemes.

To ask the Advocate-General what recent devolution issues have been raised with her in connection with the seizure of the assets of convicted drug dealers. [207426]

I received intimation of six cases involving the seizure of assets of convicted drugs dealers in 2004. Three were civil actions for the recovery of proceeds of crime under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and three were applications for confiscation orders in criminal proceedings, following conviction, under the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995.

To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues she has considered since 30 November 2004. [207427]

I would refer the hon. Lady to the answer I gave to questions numbers 16 to 19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the impact of the Lyons Review in areas of Scotland not named in the King Sturge report; and what role his Department is playing in public sector job relocation to Scotland. [207433]

The King Sturge report was intended to be used as a guide to departments when considering relocation away from Whitehall and is not definitive. My right hon. Friend has made the advantages of Scotland as a location clear to other Departments and has encouraged them to consider Scotland when they assess relocation options. My hon. Friend will be aware that we are scheduled to meet to discuss this matter further.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the implementation in Scotland of the child trust fund. [207434]

My right hon. Friend discusses a wide range of issues with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In June last year my right hon. Friend launched the Child Trust roadshow in Scotland for potential financial providers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the roll out of the child trust fund in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [207438]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for West Renfrewshire (Jim Sheridan).

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he next expects to meet representatives of Scottish small businesses to discuss central Government regulation. [207435]

The Scotland Office maintains contact will all key business organisations in Scotland at both ministerial and official levels. Furthermore, I am a member of the Small Business Consultative Group that is convened and chaired by the Scottish Executive. This group last met on 13 December 2004 and a specialist sub group looking in greater depth at regulation will meet on 12 January. Representatives from small businesses will be present as well as officials from the Scotland Office at this meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the First Minister to discuss cross-border health issues. [207437]

My right hon. Friend regularly meets with the First Minister to discuss a range of matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on economic growth differentials between Scotland and other parts of the UK. [207436]

I have regular discussions on a range of matters with my right, hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Growth in Scotland has closely matched that of the UK in recent years and was higher as recently as 2003, while future prospects are good.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the renewable energy industry in Scotland on energy issues. [207439]

I have discussed the prospects for renewable energy in the course of various meetings and visits over recent months and saw a range of developments during my visit to Islay in November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking in conjunction with the Scottish Executive to help alleviate fuel poverty in Scotland. [207440]

Tackling fuel poverty is one of the Government's and Scottish Executive's key priorities within their wider policies on energy and social inclusion.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to discuss the level of ferry subsidies with the Scottish Executive. [207441]

Assistance for ferry services within Scotland and the level of subsidy provided is a devolved matter for the Scottish Parliament and Executive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the First Minister on improving links between industry and universities. [207442]

I have frequent discussions with the First Minister on a range of topics. Enhancing links between industry and universities is recognised by both the Government and the Executive as means of helping to unlock competitive advantage.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what role UK officials had in the IMF monitoring exercise in Angola; and what advice they have offered to the Government of Angola. [207694]

The Government of Angola and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have been engaged in talks for over a year about a staff monitored programme (SMP). Under an SMP, Angola would reach broad agreement on its macroeconomic policy approach, but without any linked IMF lending programme. An SMP is normally used by countries to demonstrate their track record of sound macroeconomic management in order to assist in achieving an international financial and investment standing. A key issue for Angola will be to ensure that all its revenues are captured in their budgets.

It is not yet clear that the political will exists in Angola to come to terms with the IMF. In the recent past, two programmes failed shortly after they had been agreed. The IMF is keen to avoid this happening again. A further IMF mission to discuss the Angola SMP will probably take place in January.

UK officials have no direct involvement in the IMF missions although we are strongly encouraging the Government of Angola to do all it can to respond to the IMF's requests, and reach agreement on a programme. DFID has funded some work on oil revenue transparency in coordination with the World Bank which the IMF have found useful in their discussions on the fiscal position. Furthermore, DFID has advised the Government of Angola that DFID is willing to provide technical assistance to ensure the successful implementation of an IMF programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much private investment capital CDC/Actis Capital has attracted for private sector businesses in developing countries in (a) 2002, (b) 2003 and (c) 2004 as a result of its own investment activities in these countries. [206846]

Details of the third party funds raised by CDC, Actis and Aureos in 2002–04 are shown in the following tables.

2002

2003

Aureos East Africa Fund

Aureos Southern Africa Fund

2004

Aureos South East Asia Fund

Actis China Fund

At project level, companies in which CDC invests will typically attract greater private co-investment and have enhanced access to commercial borrowing.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development

(1) if he will list investments CDC/Actis Capital has made in (a) 2002, (b) 2003 and (c) 2004 by (i) amount, (ii) country and (iii) percentage of the total CDC/Actis Capital portfolio; [206847]

(2) what percentage of its disbursements CDC/Actis Capital has invested in (a) least developed, (b) other low-income, (c) low and middle-income and (d) upper middle-income countries in (i) 2002, (ii) 2003 and (iii) 2004. [207138]

CDC's investments in 2002–04 by country, amount and percentage of the portfolio were as follows:

2002

2003

2004

Under its Investment Policy, a copy of which I placed in the Library last year, CDC is required to invest solely in, or for the benefit of, the countries included in the "CDC Universe". This is made up of the countries classified as low-income or middle-income by the World Bank. It is required to report against two investment targets, to make at least 70 per cent. of its new investments each year in countries with an annual GNI of US$1,750 pc or less and at least 50 per cent. of its new investments in sub Saharan Africa or South Asia. On a 5-year rolling basis, CDC's performance against these targets is as follows:

⁽⁰⁰³⁾ Estimated—final figures not yet available

Although CDC does not routinely report on investment by the country groups that you mention, the data given above shows that CDC's annual investments may be attributed as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions his Department has had with the Indian Government concerning sex discrimination in India. [206088]

holding answer 21 December 2004

The Government of India (GoI) recognises that gender discrimination limits the prospects for development progress in India. It has a well-articulated policy and clearly mandated institutional structures, including the current tenth plan, for addressing gender discrimination. India has also played a lead role in ratifying gender-related UN conventions and international covenants.

However, a falling ratio of girls to boys, in rich and poor states, and among better off and poorer households, reflects continuing discrimination against women and girls. Violence against women and girls persists. The GoI recognises this in its reporting under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The GoI has included several Bills related to improving the status of women in its forthcoming parliamentary session.

Over the last two years, the Department for International Development (DFID) has engaged closely with the GoI on the design of the large national Sarva Shikshya Abhyan (Education-for-All) and reproductive and child health programmes, developing their focus on the most vulnerable and hard to reach people in India, especially those who suffer multiple discrimination and social exclusion, particularly girls and women among marginalised groups. Approaches to improving outcomes for women and girls are explicitly included in the agreed designs. The GoI measures success in these programmes against progress towards gender equality.

DFID also engages with Governments in its focus states on issues of discrimination and ensuring that women participate in design and monitoring of programmes. This state level work includes focused programmes that empower and address the practical needs and priorities of women and other marginalised groups, such as through micro-credit, development of gender policies, awareness raising and livelihood improvements, e.g. through the Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods and the Western Orissa Rural Livelihoods programmes. In 2003, DFID supported analysis of the Orissa budget from a gender perspective; key sectors, including the Orissa state health strategy and water and sanitation reforms, now seek to take account of the particular needs of women and girls.

DFID worked with the United Nations Development Programme in India to include gender analysis in their support for state Human Development Reports. Discussions of access to justice and support for police reforms have both paid particular attention to the needs of women. In all programmes with the GoI that DFID supports, we seek to have monitoring and evaluation data disaggregated by gender in order to inform policy decisions. DFID also supports civil society to work with government to reduce gender discrimination.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action he has taken since his letter of 24 August to the hon. Member for Linlithgow to help restoration of the marshes of southern Iraq. [206895]

DFID maintains close contact with the United Nations Environment Programme on a range of environmental issues in Iraq. United Nations agencies are providing support for environmental management in the Iraqi marshlands and for Iraqi refugees returning to marshland areas. Other bilateral donors are also offering assistance for marshland restoration. DFID's own programme in southern Iraq focuses on employment generation, infrastructure rehabilitation and support for local government.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid has been provided in support of heritage protection in Iraq; and what form that aid has taken. [207077]

DFID spent £80,000 to fund a Culture and Tourism adviser to work with the Coalition Provisional Authority in southern Iraq from January to May 2004. The adviser took forward projects to protect archaeological sites and re-establish traditional festivals in the southern governorates of Iraq. He also produced a sector report on tourism and culture which has now been adopted by the Iraqi Interim Ministers for Tourism and for Culture.

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is working with the Iraqi National Museum and the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities on projects to protect Iraqi cultural heritage amounting to over $2 million. UNESCO is conducting training courses for Iraqi officials on archaeological protection and Iraqi cultural heritage preservation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the plans are for the replacement of food rationing in Iraq by cash subsidy; what the reasons are for the proposed change; what measures are proposed to protect the vulnerable from the potential adverse effects of such a change; what assessment has been made of the possibility of changes in the crime rate resulting from the proposed change; and if he will make a statement. [207199]

The Government of Iraq has said that it is committed over the medium term, to enhancing the effectiveness of social safety nets in Iraq by moving from a food ration system, which handed out virtually free food to the entire population of Iraq, to a cash distribution system targeted at the poor and unemployed. The aim will be to help domestic agriculture, encourage private trade and remove price distortions, at the same time as ensuring that families in need are properly safeguarded. The details have yet to be determined, and are expected to be followed up by the Iraqi Transitional Government after the forthcoming elections. We support the reform in principle. DFID staff and advisers will continue to maintain contact with the Iraqi authorities, and with interested international organisations including the IMF, the World Bank and the World Food Programme, to ensure that the interests of poor and vulnerable families in Iraq are protected. A well-managed reform process should not have any adverse impact on levels of crime in Iraq.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Tooting (Tom Cox) of 13 December 2004, Official Report, columns 819–20W, on Iraq, where the interim Iraqi Government and United States forces stockpiled the supplies of water, food and medicine prior to the military operation. [207277]

The Iraqi Interim Government (IIG) and United States Marines report that they had stockpiled essential supplies in the city of Fallujah prior to military action. The Marines also kept supplies at a nearby base which were brought into the city as necessary. The IIG ministries also report that extra supplies were available in Baghdad, for transfer to Fallujah in trucks by the Iraqi Ministry of Health; they also positioned essential supplies in the area surrounding Fallujah.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development

(1) what assessment he has made of the joint proposal of the Iraqi Interim Authority and the International Monetary Fund to replace the food ration to Iraqi families with a conditional cash payment; [207522]

(2) what discussions he has had with (a) the Iraqi Interim Government and (b) the International Monetary Fund on their joint proposal to replace the food ration to Iraqi families with a conditional cash payment. [207521]

I will write to the hon. Member for North-West Leicestershire shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the nature of European Development Fund support for Namibia. [207126]

The current European Development Fund programme in Namibia is worth a total of £91 million over the six year period 2002–07. A country strategy, focussing on rural development and human resource development, was agreed between the European Commission and the Government of Namibia in June 2002.

A review of the programme, carried out last year, concluded that the size and focal areas of the programme remained appropriate. The review was approved by the European Development Fund Committee in October 2004.

A new €53 million Rural Poverty Reduction Programme was also approved by the Committee in October 2004.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what the cost is of storing the paintings and works of art held by the House. [207403]

Items from the House collection not on display are kept in two basement storerooms, at no additional cash cost to the House. When works are displaced during the summer works programme, larger paintings are occasionally stored with specialist companies for which the House pays a fee.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans he has to support the expansion of the Parliamentary Education Unit to cope with demand for educational visits. [207404]

The Commission agreed in November to fund an additional staff post within the Education Unit to focus on outreach to young people, with a principal focus of the job being on building links with local education authorities, as recommended by the Modernisation Committee. The Commission looks forward to considering well founded proposals for the expansion of the Unit's work. It has also asked for further exploration of the possibility of extension of the current autumn visits programme run by the Unit to run all year round.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans he has to support the expansion of the Parliamentary Education Unit to cope with demand for educational visits. [207405]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today to the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. Whitehead).

To ask the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission pursuant to his Answer of 16 December 2004, Official Report, column 1225W, on kettles, whether a comparative assessment was made of the health and safety risks posed by kettles and cisterns of boiling water; and if he will arrange for the issue of rubber gloves to all kitchens in the Parliamentary Estate to protect against the danger of scalding. [207704]

An assessment has been made of the comparative health and safety risks posed by kettles and hot water boilers. Boilers are considered to be safer. It is not considered practical to issue rubber gloves in all kitchens, but the option of new cool touch taps is being investigated.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his Department's policy is in relation to the storage of documents and the use of shredders; and whether this policy has been reviewed in the past 12 months. [206757]

Documents are stored either close to where they are used or by an off-site storage contractor. Material of no value as a record is disposed of, preferably by recycling, as soon as it is no longer required. Documents that form part of the official record are stored until they reach the end of their retention periods or they are selected for permanent preservation and transferred to The National Archives. When they are no longer required, official records are disposed of by shredding or other appropriate means and paper is recycled where practicable. Retention periods are determined on the basis of business need and guidance issued by The National Archives. Further details can be found at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/recordsmanagement/. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's policy on the storage and disposal of records has not changed in the past 12 months.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the relationship between the change in the number of emergency fire controls and the Government's policy on regional government. [207300]

There is no relationship. The plan to replace the existing 46 control rooms in England with nine regional control centres is being implemented for reasons of resilience and public safety.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister

(1) at what point he intends to use his reserve powers to impose a national negotiating structure for fire service pay; [206069]

(2) what progress is being made towards agreement on a new national negotiating structure for fire service pay. [206070]

Government hopes that reform of negotiating machinery for the Fire and Rescue Service can be achieved by agreement between the employers and the Fire Brigades Union (FBU). I understand that negotiations about reform were re-opened by the employers late last year. As stated at Committee stage of the Fire and Rescue Services Bill (now Act) 2004, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not want to put an arbitrary time limit on these difficult and complex discussions. Government will seek an up-date on the negotiations later this month.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff in his Department have (a) received official warnings and (b) faced disciplinary procedures following breaches of IT policy in each year since 1997. [205803]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister was established following Machinery of Government changes in May 2002.

Since then the number of staff who faced disciplinary procedures for breaches of IT policy in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, its Agencies and Government Offices was as follows:

Official warnings are included in and form part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's disciplinary procedures.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much total Government grant per capita has been given to each local authority in England, including fire authorities, in each year since 1997. [207336]

The available information has been made available in the Library of the House.