To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills

(1) what changes are planned to the budget for further education colleges in England for the academic year 2005/06; [742]

(2) what provision is being made for colleges of further education in England to maintain existing part-time adult courses. [760]

On 15 November 2004 the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) received its grant letter for 2005/06 from the Department. The letter reiterated our key priorities for 2005/06 to meet the needs of young people, those lacking literacy, numeracy and English language skills and those without a foundation of skills for employment. It also allocated an additional £630 million for the financial year 2005–06 when compared to 2004–05 planned expenditure—an increase of over 7 per cent. The LSC allocates funds to providers to deliver our priorities which are set out annually in the grant letter. Individual colleges and providers agree plans with the LSC and funding is allocated accordingly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether cull dairy cows destined for the beef market after the end of the over-30-months scheme will be subject to dual inspection by milk and meat inspectors. [149]

I have been asked to reply.

I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that dairy hygiene inspectors carry out hygiene inspections focusing on facilities and equipment on production holdings. When the restrictions imposed by the over-30-months scheme are eventually lifted, dairy cows, which are no longer required to produce milk for human consumption can be slaughtered for meat for human consumption in licensed slaughterhouses. All such animals would be subject to ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections in licensed slaughterhouses by an official veterinary surgeon.

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

(1) under what circumstances motor sports can take place on land eligible for single farm payments; [37]

(2) if the Government will grant a general exemption to motor sports taking place on land eligible for single farm payments on the same basis as other activities that are allowed on such land; [38]

(3) if she will include motorcycle trials in Section B of the Guidance on Single Farm Payment Scheme and Non-Agricultural Use as an activity with restriction and remove them from Section C. [39]

Land used in support of claims for payment under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) must be at claimants' disposal for the 10-month period nominated on their claim forms. Under recently updated guidance issued by the Department, motor sports have been moved to Section B from Section C. This means such may take place on up to 28 days during the nominated 10-month period, in addition to all of the remaining two months of the year. It remains the case that all claims for payment are subject to observance of set cross-compliance conditions, which apply for the whole calendar year. There are no immediate plans to further update the guidance, but it will be reviewed for the 2006 scheme in the light of experience of this first year of operation of the SPS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on whether motor sports are an activity which is consistent with land being considered as remaining in agricultural use. [40]

The Department has drawn up guidance on the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and non-agricultural use of land which balances the need for diversification opportunities with the necessity to abide by the EU rules on eligibility of land under the scheme. That guidance is built around the degree to which non-agricultural use impedes or is inconsistent with normal farming activities and has recently been updated to provide for more flexibility in respect of motor sports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the impact of the Single Farm Payment Scheme on farm land being used for motor sports. [148]

Land used in support of claims for payment under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) must be at claimants' disposal for the 10-month period nominated on their claim forms. Under recently updated guidance issued by the Department, motor sports may take place on up to 28 days during the nominated 10-month period, in addition to all of the remaining two months of the year. It remains the case that all claims for payment are subject to observance of set cross-compliance conditions, which apply for the whole calendar year. The updated guidance takes on board representations made by motor sports interests and, overall, we would expect the impact of the SPS on farmland used for such sports to be limited.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to define motorcycle trials as an activity with greater restriction for the purposes of the guidance on the single payment scheme and non-agricultural use. [830]

holding answer 24 May 2005

Land used in support of claims for payment under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) must be at claimants' disposal for the 10-month period nominated on their claim forms. Under recently updated guidance issued by the Department, motor sports, including motorcycle trials, may take place on up to 28 days during the nominated 10-month period, in addition to all of the remaining two months of the year. It remains the case that all claims for payment are subject to observance of set cross-compliance conditions, which apply for the whole calendar year. There are no immediate plans to further update the guidance, but it will be reviewed for the 2006 scheme in the light of experience of this first year of operation of the SPS.

To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the reasons for the attrition rate in rape prosecutions. [593]

Research indicates a number of reasons for the attrition rate in rape cases. Victims may withdraw for fear of not being believed; others are fearful that judgments will be made about their behaviour; some withdraw through fear of the process, particularly the court system; and victims can be scared of reprisals.

In 2002, the Government implemented the Rape Action Plan (RAP) in order to address these issues. There will be an audit of its implementation later this year. HMIC and HMCPSI will then review again the manner in which the police and the CPS deal with rape cases. This review work will enable the Government to determine what is working and what remains to be done in tackling attrition in rape cases.

To ask the Solicitor-General what the Crown Prosecution Service's policy is on dealing with defence applications to admit previous sexual history in rape cases which were not made in accordance with rules of court prior to trial. [597]

The Crown Prosecution Service's policy is that advocates must be robust both in dealing with such applications and in ensuring that the correct procedure is followed. This applies to applications made before the trial and at trial. The policy also provides that, if the court grants leave to cross-examine a complainant about previous sexual history, the prosecuting advocate should review the position relating to special measures, and in particular should consider whether it is necessary to make an application to the court for one more of the special measures provided by the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, or to apply to vary a pre-existing direction.

To ask the Solicitor-General

(1) what monitoring is carried out by (a) the Law Officers and (b) the Crown Prosecution Service on the timing of applications by the defence to admit previous sexual history in rape trials, in relation to the trial date; [598]

(2) what monitoring is carried out by (a) the Law Officers and (b) the Crown Prosecution Service of defence applications to introduce previous sexual history into rape trials. [599]

The joint inspection of rape cases carried out in 2002 by HMIC and HMCPSI made a large number of recommendations to improve the investigation and prosecution of rape cases, nearly all of which the Government accepted. It was not recommended that either the Law Officers or the Crown Prosecution Service monitor applications to admit previous sexual history or the timing of such applications, and no such monitoring is carried out. But the Home Office has commissioned research into the operation of section 41 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, which it will publish in due course.

To ask the Solicitor-General what quality control the Crown Prosecution Service carries out on barristers instructed to prosecute rape trials. [600]

The Crown Prosecution Service instructs experienced and committed advocates to prosecute cases involving allegations of rape. This involves seeking to instruct advocates of the necessary skill, competence and sensitivity to prosecute rape cases. In London and the south-east advocates are instructed from a specialist list. In other parts of the country, Grade 4 advocates are instructed where possible. CPS Areas have been advised in guidance issued in August 2003 that local monitoring is appropriate. Examples of local monitoring carried out by CPS Areas include the monitoring of the performance of counsel at trial by experienced caseworkers; monitoring by rape specialists for part of the trial and the raising of performance issues with local Heads of Chambers and at Joint Advocates Selection Committee as appropriate.

To ask the Solicitor-General how many specialist rape prosecutors there are in England and Wales. [601]

The CPS has appointed 520 specialist rape prosecutors across England and Wales. In addition, each area appoints a rape co-ordinator, whose function is to provide guidance on good practice to specialist rape prosecutors.

To ask the Solicitor-General what advice the Crown Prosecution Service gives to police about the inclusion of details of a rape complainant's previous sexual history in a witness statement made for trial. [602]

It is the duty of the police to investigate allegations of rape and to obtain evidence. The relevance, and so the admissibility, of a complainant's previous sexual history has to be resolved according to the particular circumstances of the case. Accordingly, there is no general advice given by the Crown Prosecution Service to the police about the inclusion of details of a rape complainant's previous sexual history in a witness statement.

To ask the Solicitor-General what proportion of applications to admit previous sexual history into rape trials was opposed in the last period for which figures are available; and what proportion was not opposed by the Crown Prosecution Service. [606]

The Crown Prosecution Service does not keep statistical records of applications to admit previous sexual history in rape trials, and so there are no figures available to ascertain the proportion of applications that were opposed and not opposed.

The Home Office has commissioned research into the operation of section 41 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, which it will publish in due course.

To ask the Solicitor-General what training the Crown Prosecution Service provides for barristers instructed for the prosecution in rape cases. [607]

In November 2004, the CPS provided training to the Criminal Bar Association on its legal guidance on the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and in particular on the exercise of prosecutorial discretion and charging under the 2003 Act. On a local level, some CPS Areas have provided training to their local bar on the Sexual Offences Act 2003 as well as circulating to them the CPS public policy statement on rape.

The CPS is presently in discussion with the Head of Education and Training for the Bar and the Criminal Bar Association on the best way to deliver, accredit and evaluate training to prosecution advocates on sexual offences.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence why IVF treatment is not available to service personnel or their spouses in Germany through (a) his Department, (b) the British Forces Germany Health Service and (c) primary care trusts. [743]

A number of options are available to Service personnel and their dependants requiring IVF treatment while posted to Germany:

Although the British Forces Germany Health Service (BFG HS) is not funded for the provision of full IVF and equivalent treatment, it does fund the investigation of infertility and the provision of drug treatments following IVF. This takes place in our primary care facilities or our regional contracted German hospitals. It will also fund correction of any anatomical abnormality that may be causing infertility. In addition Artificial Insemination by Husband (AIH) is available at one of our contracted German hospitals.

A patient can seek private treatment in Germany bearing the full cost themselves. In unusual cases presenting strong medical/social reasons for IVF treatment, BFG HS may pay for treatment.

If a patient has embarked on investigation or treatment in the United Kingdom on a NHS programme and is then posted to Germany, they receive full administrative support, including the provision of transport by air trooper. The Ministry of Defence also takes a sympathetic view with regard to the posting of personnel while they are undertaking a course of treatment in the UK by deferring the posting if it is the individual's wish and if it is possible to do so.

For patients wishing to return to the UK to begin treatment for IVF, the BFG HS makes use of the excellent facilities offered by a charity based service which is provided at Hammersmith hospital in London at no cost to the patient or the MOD. In these cases BFG HS authorises transport by air trooper. In other instances where personnel wish to be posted back to the UK and this is supported by their posting authority, they can be referred to their local primary care trust (PCT) in the UK for the duration of the treatment.

The Department is currently reformulating its policy on IVF treatment to ensure it is consistent with the standards contained in the current National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the cost was of producing 'Air Publication 3003: A Brief History of the Royal Air Force'; and how many copies of this book were produced. [671]

The total cost of producing 'AP3003: A Brief History of the Royal Air Force' was £100,668.00. 60,000 copies were produced.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much public money British Energy Ltd. has received since 1996. [754]

The Government have provided rescue and restructuring aid to British Energy during and as a result of the company's financial restructuring which started in September 2002 and was completed in January 2005. The rescue aid took the form of a loan facility to British Energy which has been repaid in full with interest. Payments made to date by Government in relation to restructuring aid relate to the funding of historic liabilities. The following documents, which are in the public domain, provide the relevant information:

Trade and Industry Departmental Report 2003 and 2004 (the Departmental Report 2005 is due to be published before the recess); and

Department of Trade and Industry Consolidated Resource Accounts 2002–03 and 2003–04.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish recent analyses carried out by his Department on the opportunities provided by nuclear power. [64]

There has been no recent analysis carried out by the Department of Trade and Industry on opportunities provided by nuclear power.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to undertake emergency repairs to ensure security of supply in the gas sector. [41]

This is a matter for National Grid Transco. NGT has responsibility for maintenance, investment and operation of the high pressure National Transmission System (NTS) system and for keeping the gas network in balance. NGT currently also has responsibility for the low pressure regional gas distribution networks.

Similarly, the repair and maintenance of facilities for offshore production, on shore gas storage and gas importation is a matter for the owners of this infrastructure.

The 0800 111 999 national gas emergency service remains the same and will be managed by Transco even after the impending sales of four of the regional gas distribution networks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on security of supply (a) from UK energy sources and (b) to the UK gas system. [43]

As required by Section 172 of the Energy Act 2004, I will report to Parliament on the security of energy supplies later this year, and annually thereafter.

National Grid Transco's preliminary winter outlook report will be published shortly. This will consider the supply and demand position on electricity and gas for the forthcoming winter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will discuss with Ofgem halting their reform of the gas exit regime. [44]

This is a regulatory matter for the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority. The authority plans to introduce new exit arrangements as part of the regulatory, commercial and operational framework necessary to protect customers in a divested industry structure following the potential sale of Transco's gas distribution networks.

These arrangements will be necessary as both distribution networks and shippers will be competing to secure transmission system exit capacity from Transco. Ofgem have undertaken a public consultation on its proposals, which should also improve the operation of the gas market by providing investment signals to Transco that would assist it in ensuring that pipeline capacity for GB is delivered on an economic and efficient basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his Department will respond to the recommendations made to his Department in December 2004 concerning a strategic framework for hydrogen technology; when he expects the UK to have a hydrogen energy strategy; and if he will make a statement. [578]

In 2004, the Department for Trade and Industry commissioned E4Tech, Element Energy, and Eoin Lees Energy to prepare a report of how the UK might develop a strategic framework for hydrogen energy activities in the UK. The report has been published on the Department's website and can be found at: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sepn/hydrogen.shtml.

The study considers the costs and environmental benefits of a number of possible hydrogen energy chains, and concludes that by 2030 six hydrogen energy transport chains could provide, for the UK, cost-competitive CO₂ reductions and greater energy security. The Government are currently considering the report's recommendations, and will publish these, together with a considered response soon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria his Department used in making the decision to refuse compensation claims for surface workers employed by British Coal in coal prep plants. [474]

holding answer 23 May 2005

The Department's medical advice is that the levels of dust in coal preparation plants were insufficient to cause disabling lung disease. The Claimants' Solicitors Group withdrew their court action in December 2004. It would be inappropriate for the Department to make any payment where there is no liability to do so. However, the Department would investigate any detailed claim brought by a surface worker in compliance with the relevant pre action protocol for industrial disease claims.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will place in the Library papers prepared in relation to the signing of the agreement with Vendside Ltd. for miners' industrial disease compensation. [475]

holding answer 23 May 2005

The Department have held discussions with the Union of Democratic Mineworkers with regard to the signing of claims handling agreements for both respiratory and vibration related disabilities for former miners. The Department will not be disclosing the content of background papers relating those discussions as the release of such information would inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purpose of deliberation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many new businesses have been established in Coventry since 1997. [623]

There were 453,000 business start-ups in England and Wales in 2004 according to Barclays bank's latest survey of business creation includes non-VAT registered firms. This is the highest number since the survey started in 1988.

Barclays data show that there were 1,600 business start-ups in the Coventry local authority area in 2003 and a further 2,200 in 2004. Data for local authorities are not available for before 2003.

DTI figures based solely on VAT registrations for the Coventry local authority area are shown below for 1997 to 2003. Data for 2004 will be available in autumn 2005.

Coventry

Source:

Business Start-ups and Closures: VAT Registrations and De-registrations 1994–2003, Small Business Service, available from the Libraries of the House and also at http://www.sbs.gov.uk/vats

VAT registrations do not capture all start-up activity. Businesses are unlikely to be registered if they fall below the compulsory VAT threshold, which has risen in each year since 1997. Only 1.8 million out of 4 million enterprises were registered for VAT at the start of 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. is involved in the proposed building of a uranium enrichment facility in New Mexico; whether his Department has been consulted on the project; and if he will make a statement. [470]

British Nuclear Fuels has a 100 per cent. interest in Westinghouse, the business focus of which is front end nuclear fuel services. Westinghouse has a minority interest of 24.5 per cent. in Louisiana Enrichment Services II partnership (LES). LES is currently going through a licensing application process for the potential construction of a new uranium enrichment facility in New Mexico, based on Urenco's technology. Clearly no construction has yet commenced. Urenco own the remaining controlling interest (75.5 per cent.) in LES. Urenco is one third owned by British Nuclear Fuels with the remaining two thirds being owned by Dutch and German organisations.

Officials have been kept informed regarding this project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding from the Phoenix Fund has been invested in (a) sole traders, (b) small business and (c) social enterprises through community development finance initiatives in each year since its inception; and if he will make a statement. [761]

As at 31 March 2005 community development finance institutions supported by the DTI's Phoenix Fund have made 2,560 loans with a value of £16,826,070. These figures can be broken down as follows:

As at 31 March 2005 1,572 loans worth £6,873,718.27 have been made to sole traders and 988 loans worth £9,952,351.73 have been made to SMEs and social enterprises. Lending to social enterprises is aggregated within the SME figures and is not available separately. However, a number of CDFIs supported by the Phoenix Fund specifically identify social enterprises as part of their customer base. The in-year breakdown is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research the Department commissioned on the levels of interest rates charges by community development finance institutions supported by the Phoenix Fund; and if he will make a statement. [764]

The Department commissioned GHK Consultants to undertake a wide-ranging evaluation of the first two rounds of Phoenix Fund support for Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). GHK published its findings and recommendations in May 2004.

The evaluation looked at many issues facing CDFIs in the provision of debt finance to enterprises in disadvantaged communities. This included the assessment of risk in relation to loan management. (The GHK report can be down-loaded from the "Research and Statistics" (Improving Access to Finance) section of the SBS website at: http://www.sbs.gov.uk).

Through the Department's core funding of the Community Development Finance Association (CDFA), the trade association for CDFIs, more recent and specific research has been conducted into CDFI interest rates. A summary of this can be found in this year's "Inside Out", the CDFA's report on the industry for 2004. (Copies available through the CDFA website at: http://www.cdfa.org.uk).

The CDFA's research concluded that CDFI interest rates vary, generally depending on the market being served, client type, loan size and term. Social enterprise lenders continue to operate with the lowest average rates at 9.22 per cent. static and +3.07 per cent. above base rate. A number of CDFIs targeting for-profit micro-enterprises use static rates with an average of 12.95 per cent., with others using variable rates with points above base rate at an average of +4.23 per cent.

CDFIs serve a diverse range of customers unable to access all the finance they need from more conventional sources and their rates reflect the risks and cost bases of the particular circumstances in which they operate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what public funds have been made available for economic development in the Yorkshire and the Humber region in each of the last three years from (a) national sources and (b) EU funds. [31]

Figures are grant only to avoid double counting of match funding as many of the projects used other national funds as match funding.

European funding works on calendar years.

Yorkshire Forward has made available a total of £136.30 million towards economic development in Yorkshire and Humber over the last three years (excluding European funding) Yorkshire Forward works on financial years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she will reply to the letters from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to (a) Tarquin Crirst dated 8 March and (b) Ms Gill Wright dated 30 March. [69]

I replied on 19 May 2005 to my right hon. Friend's letter of 30 March and shall reply shortly to his letter of 8 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what percentage of the Arts Council England's budget was spent on financial support for gospel choirs in the last year for which figures are available. [566]

Arts Council England's total funding for gospel music for the financial year 2004–05 was £879,956 and was allocated through the Grants for the Arts programme. This accounted for 0.76 per cent. of the total amount spent through Grants for the Arts. While the final figure for total Arts Council England spend in 2004–05 has yet to be confirmed officially, we expect it to be around £367 million.

In addition to this, Youth Music, the national music charity funded by Arts Lottery money, has awarded £2,896,640 to projects that incorporate a gospel singing element since it was launched in 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the impact of the Licensing Act 2003 on (a) travelling circuses, (b) village halls and (c) village shops. [61]

The Licensing Act 2003 does not fully come into effect until November 2005. My Department has been working closely with a wide range of stakeholder groups and representatives including:

(a) The Association of Circus Proprietors of Great Britain, Circus Arts Forum and the Arts Council of England;

(b) Action with Communities in Rural England;

(c) Association of Convenience Stores (representing the Rural Shops Alliance).

We are continuing discussions with these organisations so they can help their sectors adapt to the new licensing system.

The deregulatory nature of the Act will significantly reduce bureaucracy by combining six existing licensing regimes into one integrated scheme. It is estimated that a total of £1.97 billion will be saved by those affected by the new regime over its first 10 years of operation.

My Department will continue to discuss relevant issues with affected stakeholder groups as implementation proceeds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much public money has been given to Norfolk Sport in the last five years. [471]

The information requested is shown in the following table:

£

⁽¹⁾ The figure £112,675 consisted of grants as follows: £21,775 for Step into Sport, £87,000 for Community Sports Coach Scheme and £3,900 for Club.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much public money has been given to Sport UK in the last five years. [472]

The information requested in shown in the following table:

£ million

⁽²⁾ £1.3 million relates to additional lottery funding to UK Sport from Sport England.

⁽³⁾ £5.2 million relates to additional lottery funding to UK Sport from Sport England.

Note:

Figures are rounded to the nearest £0.1 million and include investment earnings on the NLDF balance. The 2004–05 figures is unaudited.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the (a) role, (b) function and (c) budget of the Office of Public Sector Information. [870]

The Office of Public Sector Information (OPSI) provides a wide range of services to the public, information industry, government and the wider public sector relating to finding, using, sharing and trading information. OPSI has been formed from the resource of Her Majesty's Stationery Office (HMSO). It has an extended remit to advise on and regulate the operation of the re-use of public sector information. HMSO continues to exist and fulfil its core activities including responsibility for the publication of legislation and the management of Crown copyright operating from within OPSI.

The OPSI handles a range of information management policy:

leads on the UK implementation of the European Directive on the re-use of Public Sector Information which will be implemented into UK law on 1 July 2005

provides an Information Fair Trader Scheme (IFTS) founded on the principles of openness, transparency, fairness, compliance and challenge. This helps re-users of public sector information to know that they will be treated reasonably and fairly by public sector information providers

provides the Click-Use system for obtaining a licence to re-use Crown copyright material through an online licensing process

manages the Information Asset Register (IAR) that lists information assets held by the UK Government with a focus on unpublished material

provides a secretariat to the Advisory Panel On Public Sector Information (APPSI), which advises Ministers on how best to encourage the re-use of public sector information

The net budget for OPSI for 2005–06 is £2,014,616 which represents an increase of 3 per cent. over the costs of HMSO during 2004–05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implementation of the document "A Shared Future". [452]

"A Shared Future—The Policy and Strategic Framework for Good Relations in Northern Ireland", was launched on 21 March 2005 by way of a Written Ministerial Statement.

My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Northern Ireland, Lord Rooker, will be taking forward the implementation of the policy through the publication of the triennial action plan. This is scheduled to be launched in the autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many letters (a) supporting and (b) opposing the findings of the Costello Report have been received by his Department; how many can be identified as pro forma letters in each case; and whether each pro forma letter received by his Department is treated as a single letter of support or opposition. [324]

The Department has received over 200 letters on the new Post-Primary arrangements since the publication of the Report of the Post-Primary Review Working Group on 26 January 2004. It would not be appropriate to record these letters on the basis of whether they are supportive of or opposed to the new arrangements, due to the complexity of the various issues involved. The Department is aware of a number of letter writing campaigns. However, each letter is dealt with and responded to individually.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the Government will publish their recommendations on domestic rates reform. [369]

A report was published on 23 March setting out the consultation outcomes and next steps for reform of the domestic rating system in Northern Ireland. A copy of this report is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his Department's policy is towards publicising methods of paying benefits that do not require the recipient to hold a bank or similar account. [766]

Direct payment into an account is now the normal method of payment for benefits and pensions, with more than 95 per cent. of customers being paid this way. Direct payment is a modern, secure and efficient way of making payments. It gives customers more choice and security and the taxpayer better value for money.

We have always recognised that there are a small number of customers who we cannot pay into an account. These customers are paid by cheque, which they can cash at the Post Office. While cheque payments are a suitable way of paying those people who genuinely cannot operate any sort of account, we do not believe they are appropriate for the vast majority of our customers (over 90 per cent. of whom have access to an account suitable for direct payment).

Customers are provided with all the information they need to choose the account which best meets their needs and circumstances. Those customers who do not think they can use an account are asked to contact the Department, where they can be given further advice and support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions by what date the Government expect to meet their target to reduce the number of people on incapacity benefits by 1 million; and if he will make a statement. [884]

Reducing the numbers of people on incapacity benefits by 1 million is a challenging and long-term aspiration. The Department is preparing proposals to support this aspiration and intend to publish a Green Paper shortly.

The Department has already made progress with existing policies and since 1997:

new claims are down by 30 per cent.;

growth in the case load has slowed significantly; and

in the last year, the caseload has stabilised with a statistically significant fall of 22,000 in the year to November 2004.

Further progress will require continued macroeconomic stability and further radical welfare reform to build on the success achieved to date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he will publish his proposals for reform of incapacity benefits; and if he will make a statement. [886]

We plan to publish a Green Paper setting out our proposals for incapacity benefit reform shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he will make a statement on the Pathways to Work pilots; by what date the schemes will be rolled out to cover (a) one-third and (b) the whole country; and if he will make a statement. [818]

Our Pathways to Work pilots aim to improve opportunities for people on incapacity benefits to get back to work by offering intensive help and support to address personal, health, employment and financial barriers to working, through a balance of rights and responsibilities.

The early successes of the pilots have encouraged us to go further. From October this year we will extend the pilots in three phases to cover one third of the country to be completed by October 2006. Further expansion to the whole country is dependent on additional resources being made available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the need for greater flexibility in the operation of the rule preserving benefits for two weeks of work experience. [699]

holding answer 24 May 2005

To introduce greater flexibility, the Department introduced work trials to help people move into work by giving them the opportunity of trying out a job while remaining on benefit. With some exceptions, they are open to people unemployed for six months or more and claiming a qualifying benefit such as jobseeker's allowance. A work trial allows a jobseeker to check whether a job is likely to work out before leaving the security of benefit. It also gives employers the opportunity to test a person's suitability for a job. A trial can last up to 15 working days for jobs of 16 hours or more a week and which are expected to last for at least 13 weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what restrictions she intends to place on the recruitment of staff from the NHS by the private diagnostic and treatment centres which she has recently announced. [481]

holding answer 23 May 2005

For the first wave of our independent sector procurement programme we applied a policy of strict additionality to all contracts. This prevented independent sector providers from recruiting any staff who had worked in the national health service within the last six months. For the next phase of our procurement we are currently finalising the contract terms which will include appropriate additionality arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total (a) hospital expenditure, (b) expenditure on community services, (c) expenditure on ambulance services and (d) total hospital and community health services expenditure was in each year since 1990–91 in (i) nominal terms and (ii) real terms. [233]

Information on the expenditure on hospital and community services in England has been provided previously. I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Mr. Hutton), on 9 March 2005, Official Report, columns 1911–12W and 18 March 2005, Official Report, columns 518–19W.

Expenditure figures for ambulance services expenditure are obtained from the financial returns of the service providers and are shown in the table.

It is not possible to provide comparable figures prior to 1996–97 and 2003–04 is the latest year for which data is available.

Expenditure by national health service ambulance trusts

Sources:

Annual financial returns of NHS trusts 1996–97 to 2003–04.

Her Majesty's Treasury gross domestic product deflator.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many finished consultant episodes of care have had as their primary diagnosis (a) sunburn, (b) heatstroke and sunstroke and (c) other hot weather-related diagnoses in each year since 1991. [258]

The information requested is shown in the table.

Count of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) for selected diagnoses, national health service hospitals, England 1995–96 to 2003–04⁽⁴⁾

⁽⁴⁾ Selected diagnoses:

(a) Sunburn defined as the following ICD-10 codes in primary diagnosis:

L55.0 Sunburn of first degree

L55.1 Sunburn of second degree

L55.2 Sunburn of third degree

L55.8 Other sunburn

L55.9 Sunburn, unspecified

(b) Heatstroke and Sunstroke defined as the following ICD-10 codes in primary diagnosis :

T67.0 Heatstroke and sunstroke

T67.1 Heat syncope

T67.2 Heat cramp

T67.3 Heat exhaustion, anhydrotic

T67.4 Heat exhaustion due to salt depletion

T67.5 Heat exhaustion, unspecified

T67.6 Heat fatigue, transient

T67.7 Heat oedema

T67.8 Other effects of heat and light

T67.9 Effect of heat and light, unspecified

(c) Other hot weather-related diagnoses defined as the following ICD-10 codes in primary diagnosis:

L59.0 Erythema ab igne [dermatitis ab igne]

L74.0 Miliaria rubra (prickly heat)

Notes:

1. A FCE is defined as a period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one healthcare provider. Please note that the figures do not represent the number of patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the year.

2. The primary diagnosis is the first of up to 14 (seven prior to 2002–03) diagnosis fields in the hospital episode statistics (HES) data set and provides the main reason why the patient was in hospital.

3. Figures are grossed for both coverage and missing/invalid clinical data, except for 2002–03 and 2003–04, which are not yet adjusted for shortfalls.

Source:

HES, Health and Social Care Information Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health

(1) when she expects the sale of the former Severalls hospital site at Colchester to be completed; and what the reasons are for the length of time taken; [209]

(2) when she expects the sale of the former Turner Village hospital site at Colchester to be completed. [210]

Part of the Severalls hospital site in the ownership of the Secretary of State for Health was transferred to English Partnerships on 6 April 2005, as part of a wider agreement with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Part of the Turner Village hospital site that is no longer required for national health service use will also be transferred. This transfer is expected to be completed shortly and the future of the site will then be the responsibility of English Partnerships.

English Partnerships will be working with North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Colchester borough council in order to bring the Severalls hospital site to market. The timetable reflects the complex redevelopment issues affecting this land.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has commissioned on the effects on human health of hydrogenated vegetable oil; and if she will make a statement. [660]

The Government are concerned about the possible health effects, in particular on coronary health, from consuming certain fats. The Government as part of delivering its "Choosing Health" White Paper is developing a strategy for tackling fat intakes, which will include opportunities to reduce intakes of both saturated and "trans" fatty acids. There are currently no plans to commission research on the health effects of consuming hydrogenated vegetable oil.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of MRSA have been identified in hospitals in (a) England and (b) Devon in each of the last five years; and what guidance the Department has issued to (i) staff and (ii) visitors to reduce levels of MRSA. [109]

holding answer 23 May 2005

The Department has issued a number of guidance documents, available on the Department's website, which are relevant to the control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Key documents include, "Winning Ways—Working together to reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England", "The epic project: developing national evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare associated infection; Phase 1: guidelines for preventing hospital-acquired infections", and the "National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Infection Control: prevention of healthcare associated infection in primary and community care".

The Department does not provide information for visitors, but the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines provide information on advising patients, their carers and the public. The Department has also produced a generic toolkit for creating patient information. This is available in the Library and is also available on the internet at http://www.nhsidentity.nhs.uk/patientinformationtoolkit/.

The Department's mandatory surveillance system for MRSA blood stream infections in acute trusts in England began in April 2001. The information requested is shown in the table.

MRSA blood stream infections: mandatory surveillance scheme, April 2001 to September 2004

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether NHS Direct is to be franchised out to the private sector. [479]

holding answer 23 May 2005

The Department does not have any plans to franchise NHS Direct to the private sector. A new organisational form for NHS Direct is being sought as part of the Department's review of arm's length bodies, of which NHS Direct is one. This will meet the needs of patients and the national health service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reported violent incidents against NHS staff there were in (a) England, (b) each strategic health authority area, (c) each NHS trust and (d) each primary care trust, in each year since 1997. [228]

The information requested was not collated centrally for the period 1997–99.

Reported violent or abusive incidents for 2000–01, 2001–02 and 2002–03 are shown in the following table.

Source:

Department of Health.

There are no published figures for strategic health authorities (SHAs).

The total figures for England differ from those by NHS trust and PCT, as these have been estimated and rounded to take into account nil returns.

A new national reporting system for physical assaults against NHS staff has been put in place. Information from this reporting system is expected to be available from summer 2005.

A table outlining the estimated number of reported violent incidents for 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03 for each SHA, NHS trust and PCT in England has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the NHS takes to ensure the maintenance of adequate staffing levels. [568]

The national health service ensures the maintenance of adequate staffing levels through local delivery plans. "Delivering the NHS Improvement Plan: the Workforce Contribution" highlights strategic workforce issues, which primary care trusts and strategic health authorities are asked to ensure are considered in their local delivery plans. This includes maintaining adequate staffing levels as well as achieving greater productivity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether appraisals completed by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) are considered by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as evidence for the cost-and-clinical efficacy of a treatment; and whether approval of a treatment by the SMC which has not previously been approved by NICE can be used to fast-track the NICE appraisal so that the treatment can be recommended for use across England. [243]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) considers the full range of available evidence when conducting its technology appraisals. This is very likely to include evidence that has been considered by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC).

The prior consideration of a treatment by the SMC does not in itself affect the process by which NICE conducts an appraisal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many operations have been carried out at the Trafford Diagnostic and Treatment Centre since its opening; and what the unit cost has been. [182]

holding answer 24 May 2005

The Greater Manchester Surgical Centre began seeing patients on 9 May 2005 for pre-operative assessments. It carried out its first surgical list on 18 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Department has agreed local delivery plans with strategic health authorities to monitor waiting times for diagnostic tests; and if she will make a statement. [244]

The Department expects to agree local delivery plans with strategic health authorities in June 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to measure trends in numbers of complaints related to aircraft noise at the UK's major airports; whether the Government have commenced implementation of EU Directive 2002/49/EC on noise mapping; and what measures the Government introduced to promote research and development into new low noise engine and airframe technologies. [797]

Operational noise complaints (as distinct from representations about policy) are properly a matter for individual airports, many of which regularly publish their own summary statistics of complaints or enquiries. Any complaints received by the CAA or DfT are referred back to them. We do not operate a "complaints database". EU Directive 2002/49/EC relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise is being implemented separately in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Public consultation has occurred or is on-going in all the Administrations. It is expected that regulations will be in force early next year, whereupon noise mapping will commence to meet the requirements of the directive.

The Government's commitment to supporting technological developments to address the environmental impact of air transport is recorded in The Future of Air Transport White Paper. The Government, in conjunction with the industry, have adopted stretching European targets (from the EC Advisory Council for Aerospace Research in Europe) for environmental performance of new aircraft and engines by 2020. We continue to maintain pressure for technological development through national strategy research support and through work in international fora.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evaluation he has made of the reliability and quality of rolling stock on smaller branch lines. [432]

pursuant to the reply, 24 May 2005, Official Report, c. 553

We monitor rolling stock reliability on all routes, including branch lines, to ensure that train reliability improvements play their part in achieving our target of 85 per cent. on-time performance across the network by 2006 with further improvements by 2008.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy on the construction of bypasses; and which areas have submitted (a) proposals and (b) objections to proposals to him since 1997. [490]

The Government recognise the important role that bypasses can play in helping to reduce the volume of traffic passing through towns and villages and improving the quality of life for residents by relieving congestion, improving air quality and pedestrian safety, decreasing traffic noise and in some cases re-uniting severed communities. The programme of road schemes being taken forward by the Highways Agency and local authorities includes a number of bypass schemes which will bring real benefits to the communities that they relieve.

Between 1 January 1997 and 31 March 2005, the Secretary of State determined scheme orders for 45 bypasses which were submitted by local highway authorities to him for confirmation. These can be split into the following areas:

South-east (3),

South-west (4),

East Midlands (9),

West Midlands (11), Eastern (7),

North-west (3),

North-east (5), and

Yorks and Humber (3).

Of the 45, 38 were opposed and seven unopposed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of capacity on the East Coast route between Kings Cross and Thirsk. [889]

Route capacity is dependent on a combination of train service pattern, type and speed. At the operational level, it is for Network Rail to allocate capacity under its licence from the Office of Rail Regulation, which regulates track access for existing and would-be operators. The Strategic Rail Authority has been considering the medium-term availability of capacity on the East Coast route and plan to publish a report summarising the work to date when responsibility for rail strategy transfers to the Department for Transport in late June.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received regarding the proposed development of facilities at Nottingham East Midlands airport. [753]

None in recent months. The airport operator is currently preparing its master plan document, which will include an indication of its future development proposals. I understand that consultation on the draft master plan is to take place during the summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee for the establishment of conditions for the interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system, (ii) Committee on the adaptation to scientific and technical progress of legislation concerning the transport of dangerous goods and (iii) Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of recording equipment in road transport (tachographs) met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement. [572]

The information requested is as follows:

(i) During the period in question, there were seven meetings of this Committee, held in Brussels, in October and December 2003, and in March, April, July, November and December 2004. The meetings were all attended by the Director, European Technical, SRA, supported where necessary by one other person from the UK industry or Government.

(ii) This Committee met in November 2003, April 2004 and November 2004 in Brussels. The Department for Transport was represented by officials of its dangerous goods branch.

(iii) There were no meetings of this Committee during the period in question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation and (ii) Committee on application of the legislation on access to the groundhandling market at community airports met; when and where these meetings took place; what Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement. [628]

There were no meetings of either of these Committees during the period in question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee on the driving licence met, (ii) Advisory Committee on access for Community air carriers to intra-community air routes and (iii) Advisory Committee on the definition and use of compatible technical and operating standards and specifications for the procurement of air-traffic management equipment and systems met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement. [633]

The information requested is as follows:

(i) This Committee met four times during the period in question in Brussels, in July 2003, November 2003, March 2004 and November 2004. Officials from the Licensing, Roadworthiness and Insurance Division of the Department for Transport, and from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Driver and vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) attended as necessary.

(ii) This Committee met once during the period in question, in Brussels. The Department for Transport was not represented.

(iii) There were no meetings of this Committee during the period in question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times during the (a) Italian, (b) Irish and (c) Dutch presidency of the EU the (i) Committee on implementation of Protocol 9 to the Act of Austria concerning transport by road and rail and combined transport (Ecopoints), (ii) Committee for the adaptation to technical progress of roadworthiness tests of vehicles and (iii) Committee for a transparent system of harmonised rules for restrictions on heavy goods vehicles involved in international transport on designated roads met; when and where these meetings took place; what UK Government expert was present; and if he will make a statement. [636]

The information requested is as follows:

(i) This Committee met on one occasion during the period in question, in September 2003 in Brussels. The Department for Transport was represented by an official of its Road Freight Operations Policy Division.

(ii) This Committee met in July 2003. The Department for Transport was represented by an official from its Licensing, Roadworthiness and Insurance Division. An advisor from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) also attended.

(iii) There were no meetings of this Committee during the period in question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list items of legislation within his responsibilities that are being discussed at European Union level. [459]

The following legislative proposals, within the responsibility of the Secretary of State, are currently being discussed under the co-decision process:

Amended proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3922/91 on the harmonisation of technical requirements and administrative procedures in the field of civil aviation (EU-OPS)

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on a Community Air Traffic Controller Licence

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the rights of persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the information of air transport passengers on the identity of the operating carrier and on communication of safety information by member states

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) within the Community

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of seafarers' certificates issued by the member states and amending Directive 2001/25/EC

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of sanctions for infringements

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on harmonised River Traffic Information Services on inland waterways in the Community

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 82/714/EEC of 4 October 1982 laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 91/440/EEC on the development of the Community's railways

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the certification of train crews operating locomotives and trains on the Community's rail network

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on International Rail Passengers' Rights and Obligations

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on compensation in cases of non-compliance with contractual quality requirements for rail freight services

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No. 3821/85 and (EC) No. 2135/98

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum conditions for the implementation of Council Directive 2002/15/EC and of Council Regulations (EEC) Nos. 3820/85 and 3821/85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities

Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 1999/62/EC on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (Eurovignette)

Proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on market access to port services

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the second "Marco Polo" programme for the granting of Community financial assistance to improve the environmental performance of the freight transport system ("Marco Polo II")

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of the deployment and commercial operating phases of the European programme of satellite radionavigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list European Union working groups to which his Department sends representatives. [458]

Officials of the Department for Transport attend meetings of the following Council Working Groups:

Land Transport

Aviation

Maritime Transport

Transport (Intermodal Questions)

Technical Harmonisation (Motor vehicles)

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy on the removal of graffiti from motorway bridges. [487]

The removal of graffiti from motorway bridges is the responsibility of the Highways Agency. The agency's contractors make daily patrols to assess the problem and any obscene, blasphemous or offensive material is removed as soon as practicable after it has been observed. Non-contentious graffiti is removed at 12 month intervals or in combination with other work, where appropriate.

Where graffiti is persistent and widespread in environmentally sensitive areas, consideration is given to alternative solutions, other than frequent removal or obliteration. Possible strategies include involving local schools to raise awareness of the socially unacceptable nature of graffiti, and engaging with Neighbourhood Watch, local councils and the police more effectively in preventing graffiti. Physical measures include the use of anti-graffiti coatings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of motorway have been constructed in England and Wales since 1998; and at which locations. [405]

My Department holds the information for England only. The following table shows changes in the length of motorways in England that have been constructed since 1998. This excludes roads that have been reclassified as motorways and motorway widening schemes:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Regional Transport Board for the North East of England will be set up. [200]

In the consultation document "Devolving decision making: a consultation on regional funding allocations" the Government indicated that they do not intend to prescribe how regions should coordinate and prepare advice on regional priorities. It will be for regional bodies in the North East of England to decide if they wish to establish a Regional Transport Board or make other arrangements. In reaching their views, regions will be able to draw on the experience of the experimental transport boards which were established in the South East and Yorkshire and Humberside last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to improve enforcement procedures against overseas drivers who infringe British traffic laws. [67]

The Government are strengthening the enforcement of the law against overseas drivers. The Road Safety Bill, introduced into Parliament on Tuesday 24 May, includes provisions designed to make it easier to take action against drivers who do not have a licence counterpart, which includes most foreign licence holders, by allowing enforcers to issue them with fixed penalty notices in respect of endorsable offences. At present they can only be dealt with by a court. We also propose to introduce a scheme of financial deposits in lieu of fixed penalties where a traffic offender cannot provide a verifiable United Kingdom address.

A Framework Decision under Article 31 of the Treaty of the European Union for the mutual recognition of financial penalties has also now been adopted, and provides for the transmission between member states of fines imposed on foreign drivers and the mutual enforcement of such fines in the relevant member state.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the levels of (a) motorway and (b) trunk road congestion were in each year since 1997. [465]

The measure that has been used is derived from comparing actual traffic speeds with those that would be achievable in the absence of congestion. Full details of the methodology are available on the Department's website at www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft transstats/documents/page/dft transstats 021863.pdf

Under this measure, the estimated average congestion vehicle delay in 2000 in England was 3.8 seconds lost per vehicle kilometre (sec/vkm) on motorways, 4.5 sec/vkm on dual carriageway A roads and 4.7 sec/vkm on single carriageway A roads.

These are the latest figures currently available. The Department is currently developing new, more detailed data sources and new measures of traffic congestion which will provide the basis for new targets to be set in July 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list (a) historical and (b) archaeological sites that have been subject to (i) appeals against road construction and (ii) emergency excavation in road construction since 1997; and if he will list those where the road encroachment was authorised. [489]

There are no historical or archaeological sites on the motorway and trunk road network that have been subject to appeals against road construction or emergency excavation since 1997. Local roads are the responsibility of the respective local highway authority and we, therefore, do not retain records of this nature.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which counties in England and Wales do not offer motorists caught speeding the option of taking a speed awareness course; what plans he has to increase the availability of such courses; and if he will make a statement. [406]

The eight police forces in England listed as follows currently run speed awareness courses, offering them to drivers where they judge this to be an appropriate alternative to prosecution. The Association of Chief Police Officers is putting in place arrangements for a national programme, including guidance to ensure consistent and rigorous standards, and plans to launch this initiative later in the year. The Government welcome this move, which will help make drivers more aware of speed and its effects, rather than simply punishing them.

Lancashire

Staffordshire

Humberside

Gloucestershire

Northamptonshire

Lincolnshire

Thames Valley

Avon and Somerset

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which organisation has responsibility for determining temporary speed limits in the event of a motorway accident; at what level of seniority in that organisation the decision is made; what monitoring is undertaken by his Department of the level at which such limits are set and the duration for which they apply; and if he will make a statement. [647]

In the event of a motorway accident the responsibility for determining temporary speed limits lies with the police. Temporary speed limits are normally set by the police control room but these speed limits, which are in any case advisory, are able to be changed by the senior officer at the scene of the accident, who may request that control room staff alter speed limits. On the M25 between junctions 10 and 16 the temporary speed limit signs are set automatically in response to sensors in the road which detect traffic speed. The signs, on this section of controlled motorway, are mandatory. Data on the level at which speed limits are set and the duration for which they are applied are recorded and available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future of Thameslink 2000. [746]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for North Southwark and Bermondsey (Simon Hughes) on 23 May 2005, Official Report, column 12W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the future franchise for Thameslink services serving Mill Hill and Hendon. [747]

Shortlisted bidders for the replacement Thameslink and Greater Northern franchise were announced on 1 April 2005. Invitations to Tender will be issued to bidders in June. The strategy for this route was set out in the Midland Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy which was published by the Strategic Rail Authority in March 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the new timetable for Thameslink services for Mill Hill, with particular reference to the ending of the fast train service from Mill Hill to central London. [748]

Thameslink has developed a new summer 2005 timetable that will be introduced in June. I understand that semi-fast trains on the route will stop at Radlett, Elstree and West Hampstead.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the size of the UK merchant marine was by (a) tonnage and (b) number of ships (i) in the last period for which figures are available and (ii) 20 years ago. [793]

The tonnage and number of trading vessels of 500 gt and over registered in the UK at the end of 1984 and 2004 were as follows:

⁽⁵⁾ Includes vessels registered in the Crown Dependencies

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) officers and (b) seamen were serving in the merchant marine (i) in the last year for which figures are available and (ii) 20 years ago. [794]

Estimates of the number of UK merchant navy officers and ratings are as follows:

Notes:

1. Officer and ratings estimates comprise deck, engine, technical and hotel/catering grades. Cadets are excluded.

2. Estimates for 1984 are from the Merchant Navy Establishment register of seafarers. They include some seafarers on the register who were not actively working at sea.

3. Estimates for 2004 are taken from "UK Seafarer Statistics", published by DfT.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the political situation in Burma. [875]

We remain deeply concerned by the situation in Burma, including the terrorist attacks on 7 May in Rangoon which led to at least 19 deaths and many more injured. The EU Troika, including the United Kingdom, expressed concern over the situation in Burma to the Burmese Foreign Minister in Kyoto on 6 May. On 16 May our ambassador in Rangoon drew the attention of the Burmese Foreign Minister to the level of concern in both Houses. We continue to believe that it is essential for the State Peace and Development Council to enter into a genuine and constructive dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy, other legitimate representative bodies and the ethnic groups to promote a peaceful, negotiated and democratic solution to the ongoing problems in Burma.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the condition of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience held in Burma. [876]

The UK and the EU have repeatedly called for the release of all political prisoners in Burma. When the EU Troika, including the United Kingdom, met the Burmese Foreign Minister in Kyoto on 6 May, they handed over a list of 19 political prisoners whose release the EU requested on urgent humanitarian grounds. On 16 May our ambassador in Rangoon reminded the Burmese Foreign Minister of the importance we attach to the release of prisoners on this list, and of the level of concern in both Houses over the situation in Burma and abuse of human rights.

We are concerned that, despite the release of a few political prisoners in recent months, arrests for political reasons have continued. In particular, we are concerned by the detention in February of a number of Shan leaders including Khun Htun Oo, Sai Nyunt Lwin and Sai Hsoten, who are being tried in secret in Insein Jail, without contact with their families, and who have been unable to appoint a lawyer of their own choosing. Furthermore we are concerned by the arrests during the last two months of elected representatives U Kyaw Hsan, U Kyaw Min, U Saw Hlaing and U Kyaw Khin, since these arrests all appear to be politically motivated.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the French Government regarding Total Oil's investment in Burma. [877]

There have been no recent ministerial discussions with the French Government on Total Oil's investment in Burma. Our embassy in Paris remains in regular contact with the French Government over the human rights situation in Burma.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

(1) what recent discussions have taken place at the United Nations regarding the situation in Burma; [878]

(2) if he will make representations for the situation in Burma to be made an agenda item for the next meeting of the UN Security Council. [879]

There are regular discussions in the United Nations on the situation in Burma. Most recently, the UK was centrally involved in the EU's negotiation of resolutions on the human rights situation in Burma at last year's UN General Assembly and this year's Commission on Human Rights. Adopted by the UN in December 2004 and March 2005 respectively, these resolutions condemned the many human rights abuses being committed in the country.

At present, there is no consensus for bringing Burma before the UN Security Council. But there is occasional informal discussion of the situation in Burma among security council members.

We will remain in close touch with all interested UN member states. We are also in close and frequent contact with the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Burma and his staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

(1) what discussions he has had with the Government of Burma regarding the use of chemical weapons against Karenni people in eastern Burma; [880]

(2) what assessment he has made of reports of the use of chemical weapons by the Burma Army against Karenni people in eastern Burma. [881]

Our ambassador in Rangoon raised the allegations of the use of chemical weapons with the Burmese Foreign Minister on 16 May 2005.

We treat any allegations of chemical weapons use with the utmost concern. We have examined the information that has been seat to us to date to support these recent claims and have also discussed them with international partners, but at this stage we do not believe that there is enough evidence to warrant further action. We continue to follow the situation carefully and remain ready to consider any further evidence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will (a) make representations to ASEAN to strip Burma of its chairmanship, (b) make it his policy not to participate in meetings with ASEAN under Burma's chairmanship and (c) urge ASEAN to suspend Burma. [887]

The terms of membership of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and decisions on its chairmanship are internal matters for its members. We are, however, concerned about Burma's forthcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006. This prospect makes the need for change in Burma all the more pressing.

The UK attends EU-ASEAN meetings as a member of the EU. Decisions on attendance are taken by consensus in the EU. It is too early for the EU to take a decision on the approach it will take in July 2006.

We will continue to take advantage of our regular bilateral and multilateral contacts with all ASEAN nations to encourage substantive change in Burma; most recently, we did so at the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Foreign Ministers meeting in Kyoto on 6–7 May. We have made clear that we wish to see real progress towards genuine democratisation in Burma, including the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which consultants have been employed by his Department in each of the last three years. [891]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Annual expenditure on external consultants is published in the Department's Annual Reports, copies of which are in the Library of the House. The vast majority of the work undertaken for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office by consultants was associated with our major Information Communication Technology and Estate construction programmes.