To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the regulatory impact assessment for the EC Directive for Access to Ports; and if he will make a statement. [16326]

Our initial regulatory impact assessment of this draft Directive has been passed to the Scrutiny Committee of both Houses, and a summary has now been published on the Department's website.

Our assessment concludes that the Commission's initial proposal would probably have an adverse impact on the continued efficiency and effectiveness of UK ports which would not be adequately balanced by any compensating advantage to the sector or its stakeholders. It is the Government's view, therefore, that significant improvements are needed in many aspects of the directive if it is to benefit UK ports and a thorough assessment of potential impacts across Europe will be needed before the European Parliament and Council are in a position to adopt a text.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many of the (a) London Heathrow airport, (b) London Luton airport and (c) London Stansted airport standard instrument departure and arrival routes pass over the Hornsey and Wood Green constituency; and if he will make a statement. [17002]

No standard instrument departure route from any of the three airports crosses directly over Hornsey and Wood Green, although the edge of one noise preferential route lies approximately three kilometres to the west. This is used when aircraft take-off to the east from Heathrow. There are no fixed routes for arriving aircraft as Air Traffic Control require considerable operational flexibility to maintain safe separation between landing aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the number of airplanes using the Biggin Hill stack for Heathrow in each of the last five calendar years. [16406]

This information is not held by my Department. I have asked the Chief Executive of National Air Traffic Services Ltd. to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the rules governing low level flying above residential areas in North London; and what measures are in place to monitor and enforce the rules. [16992]

Low flying is governed by the Rules of the Air (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/1110). The prohibitions which are relevant to flying above residential areas in North London are:

The 1,000 feet rule: except with the permission in writing of the CAA, an aircraft flying over a congested area of a city, town or settlement shall not fly below a height of 1,000 feet above the highest fixed obstacle within the horizontal radius of 600 metres of the aircraft.

The land clear rule: an aircraft flying over a congested area of a city, town or settlement shall not fly below such height as will permit, in the event of a power unit failure, the aircraft to land clear of the congested area.

Any reported breach of these regulations is investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority, who are responsible for the enforcement of aviation legislation within the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been undertaken to determine whether the Government should restrict the speed or power of cars that newly qualified drivers may use. [17089]

I refer to the hon. Member to my answer of 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 90W about graduated licensing.

The on-line reference to the report mentioned in that reply has changed following recent revisions to the TRL Ltd. website. It is now:

http://217.118.128.203/store/report list.asp?pid=211 &pno=4&searchtext=

The scheme in Northern Ireland which requires new drivers to display an "R" plate and restrict speed to 45mph for their first year of driving has been evaluated. This concluded that there is little firm evidence of effectiveness in relation to accident prevention, compliance or offence rates.

The consultation document and decision letter mentioned in my answer of 10 October also considered options for restricting the speed of newly qualified drivers or the power of cars that they may use. The Department concluded that the disadvantages of a lower speed limit for new drivers outweighed the advantages and that it would not be effective to restrict newly qualified drivers to low-powered cars. Even small-engined cars can be driven at speeds well above 70mph and certainly faster than is suitable for many road conditions. The Department considered that the way forward was to focus on improving the educational environment so that learners were better trained and that driver training services were of high quality.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effects of allowing private car park companies access to vehicle keepers' personal details held by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency; and what checks are in place to ensure practice is consistent with the Data Protection Act 1998. [17146]

There is no statutory obligation on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to assess the effects of the release of information to private car parking enforcement companies. These companies have a right of access to the information under regulations because they are able to demonstrate "reasonable cause" to receive it.

Companies that receive vehicle keeper information have a duty to comply with the guiding principles of the Data Protection Act. They are also invited to sign-up to the Agency's voluntary code of practice which encourages best practice in the use of adequate signs and ticketing arrangements. The code is currently under review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the viability of re-opening passenger rail stations at (a) Desborough and (b) Burton Latimer in Kettering constituency. [17247]

My Department has made no such assessment. Any assessment made by the promoter of a reopening scheme would need to take account of a number of factors including any impact on franchise costs and the availability of network capacity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the rates of overcrowding on (a) South East trains, (b) Network Southeast and (c) national network trains were in each of the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [15269]

The latest figures available are those from 2004. South Eastern Train's count shows that the am peak figure was 2.4 per cent., and the pm peak figure 0.4 per cent. Both results are well below the acceptable 4.5 per cent. level of PIXC. The overall total for all London commuter TOCs was 2.9 per cent.; again this was within the acceptable levels.

Percentage

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to use revenue from road safety cameras to fund advanced driver training and education; and if he will make a statement. [17080]

Drivers should continue to develop their skills after they have passed the test and we recommend that they consider taking refresher training, particularly if they need to drive as part of their job.

The Safety Camera Programme however has a specific purpose, provided for in the Vehicles (Crime) Act 2001, Section 38 "Unified power for the Secretary of State to fund speed cameras etc". The programme provides police forces and highway authorities with extra resources to support the deployment and operation of safety cameras, from the fines for speeding and red light offences detected, over and above their main funding. The resources provided through the programme cannot be used for other purposes, not provided for in the Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the proportion of seats occupied by passengers on peak time Midland mainline train services to and from London (a) at the latest date for which figures are available and (b) at the end of the current franchise. [17679]

As the train operator, Midland Mainline monitors the passenger usage of its services and predicts future levels of demand. Current usage levels, as measured between 1 September 2005 and 6 October 2005, on peak services (defined as any train departing for London before 9 am and all trains leaving London between 4 pm and 7 pm) are 64 per cent. on southbound services and 61 per cent. on Northbound services.

The current Midland Mainline franchise is due to end in April 2008.

The closest estimate to the end of the franchise for peak usage figures is at September 2007 and the estimate is 71 per cent. for southbound services and 68 percent. for Northbound services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the regulatory report on financial protection for UK air travellers will be published. [17575]

The Civil Aviation Authority published its assessment of the case for modernising the financial protection of air travellers on 22 September 2005. It is available on its website (www.caa.co.uk).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the platforms at Waterloo made available by the Eurostar move to St. Pancras will be used to accommodate South West train services. [15893]

The SRA has recently completed a study into the future use of Waterloo International Platforms. This has been placed in the Libraries of the House and is available on the DfT website. The Study has concluded that there is a strong case to use the platforms for domestic train services once Eurostar have stopped using the station.

A decision on which specific services should use the platforms will be informed by the SRA/DfT Southern Regional Planning Assessment (to be published in spring 2006) the Network Rail Route Utilisation Study for the South West Main Line routes (which will go to consultation in spring 2006) and further work to be carried out by the Department.

Ultimately if South Western train services are to use the platforms then this could be incorporated into the new franchise specification (as an option). It is likely that the earliest that domestic services could use the platforms would be the middle of 2008, following the transfer of Eurostar services and any necessary infrastructure works at Waterloo.

It should also be recognised that other (significant) infrastructure investment may be required on the rail network to fully utilise these platforms given the existing constraints on the approaches to Waterloo which are not impacted upon by the withdrawal of Eurostar. Any infrastructure changes will of course be subject to the normal investment process and subject to a value for money assessment and tests on affordability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether members of (a) her Department, (b) UK Sport and (c) Sport England discussed the election of a new chairman of the British Olympic Association with (i) candidates for the post, (ii) potential candidates for the post and (c) voting members of the association. [17369]

holding answer 13 October 2005

I can confirm that prior to the election of the new chairman, I was approached by both a candidate for the post and a voting member of the association who asked for my opinion on the nature and scope of the role.

I can also confirm that the chair of UK Sport was approached by a potential candidate for the post and that they discussed the nature and scope of the role.

No member of Sport England has discussed this matter with any of the identified categories of person.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport

(1) what steps she is taking to ensure that local communities are consulted by local authorities on plans to introduce casinos in their areas; [17430]

(2) what steps she is taking to ensure that local people are consulted at the earliest opportunity on the possibility of a casino being built in their area. [17431]

We have established an independent Casino Advisory Panel to advise the Secretary of State on her powers under Section 175(4) of the Gambling Act 2005 to specify which local authorities may issue the new casino premises licences created by the Act. The panel will consider submissions from local authorities. We envisage that local authorities will wish to take account of the views of local people, to whom they are accountable, when considering whether to make a submission to the panel.

Under section 166 of the Gambling Act 2005, local authorities may also resolve not to issue casino premises licences in their area. Again, we envisage that local authorities will wish to take account of local views when considering whether to make such a resolution. It is currently anticipated that the Gambling Commission will publish draft guidance to local authorities on the exercise of their functions under the Act, including the use of section 166, later this year.

Under sections 158 and 161 of the Act, people living close to premises which are the subject of an application for a premises licence are interested parties, and may make representations on the application.

Consultation with local people will also take place during both the process of the preparation of land use plans and in relation to planning applications for casinos. Public consultation forms an integral part of the process of preparation of both Regional Spatial Strategies and, at a local level, Local Development Frameworks. If any proposals at a regional level to identify broad locations or, at a local level specific sites, for casinos are included in emerging plans, then they will be subject to public consultation. Similarly, where a planning application is received for a new casino, this will also be subject to the normal statutory requirements for publicity and consultation on planning applications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans there are to include Northern Ireland in the regions that will be asked to host (a) the teams of participating countries and (b) events as part of the 2012 Olympics. [15263]

holding answer 10 October 2005

Decisions on staging pre-Games training camps for visiting teams will be for individual National Olympic Committees. However, the Government and the British Olympic Association will work to attract visiting teams to the UK before the Games in 2012, and will be providing advice and support to the UK's nations and regions to help them secure the agreement of visiting teams to stage preparation camps in the UK.

At present no Olympic or Paralympic sporting competition is planned to take place in Northern Ireland. If Northern Ireland builds its planned national stadium, we will consider incorporating this venue as a location for the Olympic football competition.

However, the torch relay, and other events as part of the cultural Olympiad are planned to take place in Northern Ireland to help ensure the people of Northern Ireland can be part of and share in the excitement of the 2012 Games.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received on the route the Olympic Torch should take when it comes to London in 2012; and if she will make a statement. [15589]

The Olympic Torch Relay is an important part of our plans for 2012. We intend that the Olympic flame will pass through every town and city in the UK—ending up at the Olympic stadium in time for the opening ceremony. The precise route of the torch relay has not yet been finalised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the likely impact of the 2012 Olympic Games on Brent; and if she will make a statement. [15590]

We expect the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 to have significant sporting, social and economic benefits for London and the UK. With the finals and semi finals of the Olympic football competition taking place at Wembley, the people of Brent will be able to share in the excitement of Olympic competition on their doorstep.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much the 2012 Olympics are expected to cost the average Band D council tax payer in London; and over what period these costs are expected to be borne. [16352]

On the basis of a planned precept of £550 million the 2012 Olympics are expected to cost the average Band D council tax payer £20 per year over a period of around 10 years. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Mayor of London provides for this period to be extended should it be necessary to raise the further £75 million for which the agreed public sector funding package allows, to take the total precept to £625 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what expenditure was made by the public sector on promoting the successful London 2012 Olympic bid. [16410]

The Government and the London Development Agency (LDA) provided, in equal part, up to £30 million to promote the successful bid for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what expenditure is budgeted by the public sector for delivering the London 2012 Olympics. [16411]

The public sector funding package, agreed with the Mayor, specifically to deliver a successful London 2012 Olympics is £2.375 billion. However, as the published "Candidate File" explains, the further regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley, including remediation, and the underlying infrastructure, services and utilities, will be met by other contributions from both the public and the private sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has made of the cost of increased security measures needed for the 2012 Olympics in light of the recent terror attacks on London; and whether (a) the Government and (b) council tax payers in London will meet the extra costs if the 2012 Olympics makes an overall loss. [16678]

Our security planning and budgeting for 2012 has been thorough and detailed. However, we cannot predict at this stage what the security situation will be in 2012. For this reason we are keeping the position under review, advised by the Home Office, the Metropolitan Police and our security services and we have made an allowance for additional security measures.

In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Mayor of London, the cost of any increase in funding over and above the public sector funding package will be met by a sharing arrangement to be agreed, as appropriate, with the Mayor of London and through seeking additional National Lottery funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what progress has been made on decisions on the (a) location, (b) size and (c) organisation of the National Sports Foundation. [15631]

holding answer 10 October 2005

The Government, along with Sport England and the national governing bodies for Football, Cricket, Tennis, Rugby Union and Rugby League, are currently examining options on how most effectively to deliver the National Sports Foundation. A further announcement will be made in due course.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what timescale has been set on consultation on the core cities plan by the cities themselves. [17811]

The city summits currently taking place in England's core cities are intended to forge a dialogue between central government and localities to realise their full potential and put them in the premier league of cities across Europe. These summits have involved a wide range of stakeholders from the public, private and voluntary sectors. Consultation on the business plans individual cities are being invited to prepare is a matter for the cities themselves and we are not aware that any specific timescale has been set for this. Most business plans are likely to draw on existing plans and programmes at city and city-region level which have already been subject to consultation, so further consultation may not be required.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list each departmental working group within his Department. [17228]

To facilitate cross-departmental working there are a number of standing and ad hoc departmental working groups. However, there is no centrally held list of these and to compile one could be done only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many vacant domestic properties there are in England in the (a) public and (b) private sectors. [16399]

The total number of vacant domestic properties by tenure in England at 1 April 2004 is given in the table.

Vacant dwellings by tenure at 1 April 2004, England

Note:

The total figure has fallen by around 10 per cent. since 1997.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which functions carried out by local fire control centres will not be carried out by the proposed South East Regional Fire Control Centre; and if he will make a statement. [16874]

Currently, highly trained and experienced control staff spend a considerable proportion of their day on administrative duties rather than taking calls and dealing with incidents. This is an inefficient use of resources. Under the new system, these activities will be handled by administrative staff outside the regional control centres. The activities essential to the running of the control centres are included in a comprehensive document on scope that has already been widely reviewed within the Fire and Rescue Service. A questionnaire on out-of scope activities is currently on circulation to individual fire and rescue services. Analysis of the responses when completed will fully define those activities which are not in the scope of the control centres. It will identify those which are related to the running of the fire and rescue service but not to the control centres, and those which are not related to FRS activity at all.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what (a) anticipated costs, (b) estimated savings and (c) changes in response times he expects following the introduction of a South East Regional Fire Control Centre; and if he will make a statement. [16875]

No detailed costs and savings for the South East are available at present as the FiReControl business case exists at national level only. Nationally, over a 15 year period (2004–05 to 2018–19) running the control service and implementing the FiReControl project will cost £988 million at 2005 prices. Leaving the control service in the existing 46 controls would cost £1,090 million. After the final control centre goes live, there will be annual savings of over £20 million (30 per cent. reduction in annual running costs) which will be available for spending on other local initiatives such as community fire safety. The criteria for the project include ensuring that response times will be as good as or better than those achieved at present, and the project includes features that will help to reduce response times. These include the creation of a national network and dynamic mobilising of appliances i.e. mobilising direct to the vehicles which are closest to the incident, wherever these may be.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will place a copy of the full business case for a South East Regional Fire Control Centre in the Library. [16876]

The business case for the FiReControl Project has been drawn up on a national basis. The Outline Business Case for the project, which is detailed enough to allow an assessment of the strength and structure of the case for the project, is available on the project website at www.firecontrol.odpm.gov.uk. The full national business case can only be produced after completion of the infrastructure services procurement, as it needs to include the actual costs arising from that procurement rather than estimates. Information from the business case as it is updated is being shared with representatives of Fire and Rescue Authority treasurers, including a representative from the South East, in the FiReControl Finance Working Group.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the costs of the (a) Global Positioning System and (b) providing a secondary high data bearer for use by FireControl will be attributed to (i) the FireControl Project and (ii) the FireLink Project. [16877]

The cost of the Global Positioning System will be met by the FireLink Project. The provision of a secondary high speed data bearer (for England only) will be provided under the FiReControl Project.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether either of the remaining bidders for the FireLink Project have met the original user requirements for the project. [16878]

The outcome of the FireLink procurement will be announced shortly.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the provisional timetable is for the FireLink Project. [16879]

The ODPM currently expects to award the FireLink contract in November 2005 with roll-out completed in Great Britain by 2009.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many acres of undeveloped green belt there have been in (a) the County of Bedfordshire and (b) the parliamentary constituency of Mid-Bedfordshire in each year since 1997. [16621]

The ODPM holds insufficient data to provide yearly estimates of the extent of undeveloped green belt in Bedfordshire or in the parliamentary constituency of Mid-Bedfordshire. In 1997 the extent of green belt in Bedfordshire amounted to 28,240 hectares of which 630 hectares are estimated to be built-up land. Therefore undeveloped green belt land in Bedfordshire in 1997 was around 27,610 hectares. The extent of green belt in 2003 remained the same as in 1997.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the state of readiness of public utilities to provide service to the planned growth areas in southern England and the South Midlands. [16527]

Depending on its scale and pace, growth will require potentially major upgrades to utilities infrastructure with significant lead-in times (often three to five years). Our objective is to encourage adequate long-term planning by the utilities to avoid delivery of growth being constrained or prevented by the late programming of investment. The role of the public sector is principally to help ensure that the utility companies are properly equipped with the information needed to plan for growth, as well as providing maximum certainty around the magnitude, timing, and location of growth.

Public consultation and examination of growth plans for the Milton Keynes/South Midlands sub region involved a number of the major utilities or their representatives and the sub regional growth strategy was published in March this year. To follow this up local authorities and delivery agencies in the growth areas liaise with the utility companies to ensure that, as sub regional plans and Local Development Framework information becomes available, the utility companies can update their plans for investment.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the timetable is for the implementation of the Barker Report. [15225]

The Government will set out its final response to Kate Barker's recommendations by the end of 2005.

Progress in implementing Kate Barker's recommendations has already been made:

In the pamphlet "Extending Home Ownership", launched by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Chancellor on 25 May, we confirmed that the merger of regional planning bodies and regional housing boards would go ahead. We also said that we would shortly announce further details about how independent evidence and analysis to support regional planning bodies would be strengthened.

In the 2004 Spending Review, we made a start on infrastructure investment in creating a Community Infrastructure Fund, as recommended by Barker. An extra £50 million in 2006–07 and £150 million in 2007–08 will be available to finance transport projects needed to sustain housing growth.

The Chancellor also allocated funds which, with additional PFI funding and efficiency gains, aim to provide an extra 10,000 new homes for social let annually by 2007–08.

Consultation on changes to planning policy guidance on housing (PPG3) ended on 9 September and responses are currently being collated.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many new houses will be built through housing renewal pathfinders in each of the next five years. [17808]

Funding for the nine housing market renewal pathfinders has only been allocated up to the end of March 2006. In total the programme is planned to deliver 3000 new homes by that date.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many shared ownership schemes were provided by housing renewal pathfinders in the last year for which figures are available. [17810]

Five shared ownership schemes have been part funded by the housing market renewal pathfinders in the last year.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the residential housing density per hectare has been in (a) London, (b) the South East and (c) England in each of the last 20 years. [16558]

The available estimates are for densities of new residential dwellings, from Land Use Change Statistics, and are shown in the table attached.

Density of new residential dwellings built:London, South East and England, 1985–2004

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister

(1) what estimate his Department has made of future residential housing density per hectare in (a) London, (b) the South East and (c) England; and if he will make a statement; [16559]

(2) what assessment his Department has made of the optimal housing density for environmental sustainability; and if he will make a statement. [16560]

Planning Policy Guidance Note 3, "Housing (PPG3)", sets out the Government's aim of making the best use of land, by encouraging housing developments of between 30 to 50 dwellings per hectare (dph) and a greater intensity of development in highly accessible locations. For the purposes of Public Service Agreement 6, the Government have set the target that average density of new housing development in each English region should reach at least 30dph, and in London at least 50dph, by 2006.

"Land Use Change Use Statistics", published in July 2005, indicate that in 2004, new house-building was built at an average density in the Government Office Regions of London and the South East of 83 and 43dph respectively, and 40dph nationally.

Local planning authorities should have regard to the density policies set out in PPG3 in formulating their development plan policies and in determining planning applications for housing development. If there are local circumstances which justify a departure from national policy at the local level, these should be set out in the plan. There is no optimal density for environmental sustainability as this will depend on the particular circumstances of a local authority's area, such as the location and accessibility of potential development sites and the potential for improving such accessibility.

In the autumn, the Government intend to publish for consultation a new draft Planning Policy Statement 3, which will set out a new national policy framework for planning for housing and will replace existing PPG3.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many dwellings have been built as a result of section 106 agreements between local authorities and property developers in each year since 1990. [15582]

The number of dwellings built in England as a result of section 106 agreements is table below. The numbers include social housing for rent and other types of affordable housing such as share ownership. Information has only been collected centrally since 2000–01.

Social housing

Source:

Local authority Housing Strategy Returns to ODPM

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister

(1) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of his Department's circular letter of 19 April 2004 to chief planning officers in assisting local authorities to deal with the problem of small sub-plot sales of rural land; [17669]

(2) if he will make a statement on his Department's review of Article 4 Directions in respect of the Town and Country Planning Acts (General Permitted Development) Order; [17670]

(3) how many representations his Department has received since 1 January 2004 from (a) hon. Members, (b) local authorities and (c) others on the sale to speculators of small sub-plot sales of rural land. [17671]

The letter to which the hon. member refers was a reminder to local authorities of their existing powers in this area. It also alerted them to forthcoming guidance on the use of section 215 notices, which ODPM published in January. The letter was advisory only, and information about representations is not kept in the manner requested.

We expect to consult later this year on two changes to Article 4 Direction procedure, and also on some new guidance to replace that issued in DoE Circular 9/95, General Development Order Consolidation 1995. The proposed legal changes will increase a local planning authority's power to make directions without having to wait for the Secretary of State's approval, and enable them to bring directions into immediate effect where it is difficult to trace owners of all the land covered by a direction.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many written parliamentary questions tabled in this session to him for which the date for answer has passed and have not yet been answered. [15247]

In the current session of Parliament, 1,363 parliamentary questions have been tabled to my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister. At 10 October 2005, 11 questions that were due for answer before that date were awaiting a reply, but all of them will receive an answer.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the financial position of the London borough of Haringey council pension scheme. [16993]

The most recent actuarial valuation of the London borough of Haringey council pension fund, carried out on 31 March 2004, showed that its assets represented 69 percent. of accrued liabilities. Following the valuation, contribution rates for all the participating employers in the fund were set by the actuary for the triennial period ending 31 March 2008 to ensure its ongoing solvency. The next valuation takes place on 31 March 2007.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

(1) how many vehicles were purchased by the Government Car and Despatch Agency in 2004–05, broken down by country of manufacture; [15152]

(2) if he will establish an inquiry into the procurement policies of EU governments for ministerial vehicles, with particular reference to the purchase of domestically-produced vehicles. [15153]

The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the framework document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive Mr. Roy Burke to write to the right hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the ombudsmen set up by the Government to administer complaints against Government Departments or agencies. [17668]

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration (the parliamentary ombudsman) investigates complaints relating to injustice caused by maladministration on the part of central government departments, including their agencies.

In addition, there are a number of independent complaint-handling bodies set up to investigate complaints relating to specific areas of Government business. A detailed list of these bodies is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what estimate he has made of the proportion of transactions conducted online in respect of (a) company registrations, (b) first-time vehicle registrations, (c) vehicle licence renewal, (d) university applications, (e) income tax returns and (f) crime reporting in (i) 2000 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available. [16929]

The Cabinet Office does not hold centrally figures for the year 2000.

The figures, where available, for the proportion of transactions made online or via other electronic channels are as follows:

(a) Company registrations. Figures for 2005 show 80 per cent. take up of electronic services.

(b) First time vehicle registrations. Figures for 2005 show 79 per cent. take up of electronic services

(c) Electronic applications for vehicle tax disks. Figures for 2005 show 16 per cent. take-up of applications eligible for the electronic service.

(d) University Applications. Figures for 2005 show 73 per cent. take-up of electronic services.

(e) Online self assessment tax. Figures for 2005 show 17 per cent. take-up of electronic services.

(f) Crime Reporting: There were 23,453 notifications of crime complaints from the public via the internet using the Police Portal for the last full year for which figures are available. ¹

¹ Figure provided by the Home Office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimates her Department had access to in respect of the costs of major climate-related natural disasters across the world in each year from 1980 to date. [17184]

Annual estimates of climate-related natural disasters across the world are produced by major re-insurance companies. Munich Re, for example, has been tracking the economic and insured losses as a result of natural and weather-related catastrophes since the 1970s. In the last few years, it has published annual reviews of natural catastrophes. Estimates for 2004 suggest that economic losses due to weather-related natural catastrophes amounted to over US$100 billion.

Such work was also reported by the IPCC in its third assessment report (2001), which showed that the costs of ordinary and catastrophic weather events exhibited a rapid upward trend in recent decades. Yearly global economic losses from catastrophic events increased from US$4 billion in the 1950s to US$40 billion a year in the 1990s.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the merits of introducing minimum standards for energy efficiency across the full range of appliances and lighting. [18394]

The Government remains fully committed to raising product standards and encouraging consumers to use the most efficient products available.

As a member of the European single market the Government cannot, by itself introduce mandatory minimum standards in the UK which would prevent the free trade of products on the basis of their energy efficiency. In order to do this we need to persuade the European Commission and other member states that this is necessary across the EU.

The recently agreed eco-design for energy using products (EUP) framework directive will provide a streamlined and effective route for setting EU-wide environmental requirements for traded goods such as boilers, fridges, air-conditioning and consumer electronics. EUP will provide the forum for considering options and priorities and for establishing energy efficiency standards for these products.

Based on evidence gained from the use of existing directives aimed at removing inefficient fluorescent lighting ballasts, hot-water boilers and refrigeration products which will now be incorporated into EUP it is estimated that by 2020 EUP alone could save around 10 percent. of the EU's total annual energy consumption.

The UK is working proactively with the Commission and other member states to influence and speed the delivery of measures under EUP.

Although the focus of the directive is on setting mandatory standards, a clear intention is to encourage voluntary action by manufacturers to improve their products, which would make regulatory action unnecessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what position he has adopted in respect of Article 13 of the draft EU directive on energy end-use and energy services. [17267]

Article 13 of the draft EU directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy services sets out a number of requirements relating to the metering and billing of energy consumption. We believe that these provisions, where they can be shown to be both technically feasible and cost-effective, will act as an important driver for delivering significant improvements in the information available to UK consumers about their own energy consumption. Under our presidency of the EU, we are working closely with other member states, the European Commission and the European Parliament to take forward negotiations on this important dossier with the aim of securing early adoption.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what monitoring is being carried out on the levels of fluoridation in drinking water in the Greater London area; and if she will make a statement. [16964]

Water companies supplying drinking water to consumers in London carry out routine monitoring for fluoride as set out in the water supply, water quality regulations 2000. Consumers have access to this information about the drinking water supply to their home or workplace through water company public registers. The information is also published by the Drinking Water Inspectorate in their annual report.

Note:

Natural levels of fluoride in the London area vary from zone to zone but typically the amount is 0.2 mg per litre and the maximum recorded in recent years is 0.5 mg per litre.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many meetings of the British-Irish council (a) she has and (b) her Ministers have attended since 1 January 2000; on how many occasions the issue of Sellafield and associated radioactivity matters was raised; and if she will make a statement. [17176]

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, has not attended any of the meetings of the British-Irish council since 1 January 2000. My predecessor and I have attended six meetings of the British-Irish council environment sectoral group. The issue of Sellafield and associated radioactivity matters has been raised at five of those meetings.

Ireland and the Isle of Man tabled a revised version of a joint discussion paper on Sellafield and radioactive waste at the fifth meeting of the British-Irish council on 8 July 2004. Detailed consideration of the paper has been deferred until the legal action initiated by Ireland under the UN convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) against the UK over Sellafield has been resolved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills

(1) what factors she took into account in deciding to bring forward proposals to hold back a proportion of university places for offers based on actual rather than predicted A-level grades; [17315]

(2) if she will make a statement on proposals to reform university admissions in respect of predicted and actual A-level grades. [17318]

Over the years, there have been consistent calls for the introduction of a system of applications to higher education based on students' actual achievements rather than predicted grades. These include, in 1997 Sir Ron (now Lord) Dearing's National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education, and Sir Mike Tomlinson in his Inquiry into A Level Standards in 2002. Most recently, in his report on Fair Admissions to Higher Education, Professor Steven Schwartz concluded that the current system, relying on predicted grades, more than half of which are inaccurate, cannot be fair. That is why, in September 2004, the then Secretary of State for Education and Skills asked for work to be carried out to identify ways to resolve the practical issues associated with implementing a new system based on known examination results.

On 9 September 2005, after detailed work with key stakeholders, the Department launched a public consultation making a number of proposals for changes to the higher education applications system including a proposition that predicted exam results should play no part in applications and admissions decisions. Analysis confirming the extent to which predicted grades are inaccurate was provided in a report prepared for the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) ("Estimating the Reliability of Predicted Grades"). This analysis confirmed that only 45 per cent. of predicted grades are accurate and that they are most inaccurate for students from lower socio-economic groups.

The consultation document proposes a number of changes to the existing higher education applications process that could be made by the academic year 2008/09. In the longer term, it also acknowledges that there can be more than one way of achieving the objectives of a post-qualification applications system and sets out two possible approaches on which it is seeking views. One would involve institutions making no formal offers of places until after exam results; the other would see some places offered before results and a proportion of places reserved until afterwards. The consultation also welcomes the idea that new approaches may appear as a result of the discussion it will stimulate. The consultation runs until 5 December, after which there will be a period to analyse the responses and post a summary on the consultation website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether the Permanent Secretary approved her Department's presentation of and press release on Dr. Hayward's report on the University and College Admissions Service. [17208]

holding answer 13 October 2005

The Permanent Secretary was not personally involved in clearing the press release, nor in the arrangements for announcing the consultation on Improving the Higher Education Applications Process which drew on Dr. Hayward's report to UCAS on the reliability of predicted examination grades. These functions were carried out by departmental officials. In so doing, there was a genuine and regrettable mistake in the press release that referred to a finding that was not supported by the UCAS report. I have apologised for this publicly. This inaccuracy however should not be allowed to obscure the important fact that the majority of predicted results are inaccurate and that they are most inaccurate for students from lower socio-economic groups. The intention is to develop a fair system for all students. Different groups over time have argued that predicted results should play less of a role in higher education applications and admissions decisions.

To ask the Prime Minister what restrictions exist on former Ministry of Defence Ministers taking up employment with companies which they may have dealt with during their periods in office; and if he will make a statement. [17889]

The rules for Ministers on the acceptance of appointments after leaving ministerial office are set out in section 5.29 of the Ministerial Code.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the adaptability of Astute class submarines for carrying a nuclear missile system. [17213]

holding answer 13 October 2005

As my predecessor made clear previously on 30 June 2004, Official Report, column 318W, work has been undertaken to keep options open in considering platforms to carry the Trident D5 missile in the longer term pending future decisions on any replacement for Trident. However, while decisions on any replacement for the Trident system are likely to be required in the current Parliament, they are still some way off and Ministers have not yet begun to consider the position on this issue in any detail. It is therefore too early to speculate on the merits of any particular option.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence

(1) what steps he will take to ensure a full debate on the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent; and whether these will include the publication of a White Paper; [17211]

(2) whether a final decision on the replacement of Trident will be subject to a vote of the House; and whether he expects that the decision will be made during this Parliament. [17212]

holding answer 13 October 2005

While decisions on the long term future of the UK nuclear deterrent are likely to be necessary in the current Parliament, they are still some way off. It is therefore too early to say what formal or informal procedures might be used to underpin future decision-making by the Government in this area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the viability of an aircraft delivery platform for nuclear missiles. [17214]

holding answer 13 October 2005

Decisions on any replacement for Trident have not yet been taken. While decisions are likely to be required in the current Parliament, they are still some way off and Ministers have not yet begun to consider the position on this issue in any detail. It is therefore too early to speculate on the merits of any particular option.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work has been undertaken by his Department on an extension of the service of Trident D5 missiles. [17210]

holding answer 13 October 2005

Work by officials is ongoing within the Ministry of Defence preparatory to consideration by Ministers of options for the future of the UK's independent nuclear deterrent. Alongside other options, these studies have looked at the possibility of extending the service of Trident D5 missiles in the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much has been spent on AIDS and HIV (a) prevention and (b) treatment in developing countries in each year since 1997. [16996]

DFID's AIDS expenditure data is not collected according to whether spending is on prevention or treatment activities. DFID's system for assessing the policy focus of all bilateral expenditure—the "Policy Information Marker System" (PIMS)—measures the extent to which projects are targeted to achieve the millennium development goals.

DFID has a commitment to spend at least £1.5 billion on HIV and AIDS over the three years, 2005–2008.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the average number of people in developing countries born with AIDS or HIV each day in the last 12 months. [16997]

The UK relies on the Joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to provide AIDS statistics. There are currently no estimates of the numbers of people born with HIV each day in the past 12 months. According to the UNAIDS 2004 AIDS Epidemic update, it is estimated globally that 2.2 million children under 15-years were living with HIV in 2004. The estimated number of new infections globally amongst children aged under 15, in 2004 was 640 000.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate he has made of the average number of children in developing countries orphaned by AIDS or HIV each day in the last 12 months. [16998]

The UK relies on the Joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to provide AIDS statistics. There are currently no estimates of the number of children being orphaned by AIDS each day. According to the UNAIDS 2004 Report on the global AIDS epidemic, it is estimated globally that there were 15 million orphans due to AIDS living in 2003. Of this number, it is estimated that 12.1 million orphans due to AIDS were living in sub-Saharan Africa in 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what actions are being taken by his Department to help developing nations to manage their own economies effectively. [17033]

Countries can only eliminate poverty, and make lasting improvements in delivery of basic services, if they generate sustainable economic growth. Supporting good economic management is therefore a top priority for development assistance.

Donor assistance is most effective when it supports policies which are developed by the partner government. DFID and other donors therefore encourage partner countries to develop national poverty reduction plans, with a strong focus on growth and on good management of public finances. 70 countries now have plans, or are in the process of preparing them. DFID supports such plans with financial aid, and through the provision of expert advice where countries request this.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support his Department has given (a) Mali, (b) Bukina Faso and (c) Mauritania for famine relief in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [16908]

175,000 children under the age of five in Mali, and 57,000 vulnerable people in Burkina Faso are receiving emergency feeding with DFID support. DFID sent a humanitarian assessment team to both countries in the second week of August to complement our close monitoring of the regional nutritional crisis and to identify how DFID might best respond. As a result, we have provided $1.2 million (£675,000) to support the relief efforts in the two countries. $1 million is supporting the World Food Programme's (WFP) emergency operation in Mali, and $200,000 to support the Catholic Relief Services' work in Burkina Faso.

These allocations bring the total amount of DFID funding for the countries of the Sahel region, including Niger, to £3.925 million. In Mauritania, nutritional surveys undertaken by partners have not revealed a significant crisis. The WFP has a three year feeding operation there which is funded sufficiently well to cope with the immediate and imminent need. We are actively verifying whether current responses continue to be sufficient in the countries of the region. If we find that this is not the case, we will respond.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development

(1) what discussions he had with the Government of (a) Mexico, (b) Guatemala and (c) El Salvador about providing assistance (i) to the relief operation and (ii) reconstruction to those who have been affected by the recent mud slides; [18251]

(2) what assistance the UK Government has provided to the countries of Central America following the recent mud slides. [18252]

The impact of hurricane Stan, bringing heavy rains affecting the entire region from Mexico to Costa Rica has led to overflowing rivers, flooding of low-lying areas as well as landslides creating loss of life and severe difficulties for many rural communities in Guatemala and El Salvador. Some communities in El Salvador were also affected by the eruption of the Santa Ana volcano on 1 October 2005.

The worst affected countries are Guatemala and El Salvador. In both countries the National Emergency Response agencies are providing food, water and basic relief items. The European Community Humanitarian Office has already contributed approximately £1.2 million for emergency relief in El Salvador and Guatemala. At present, our focus is in supporting the immediate relief effort. DFID is providing some £460,000 to this, including our share of the European Community assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact on developing countries of the extraction of oil in those countries, in terms of (a) their economies and (b) climate change; and if he will make a statement. [17888]

Some developing countries highly dependant on the revenues from oil exhibit high levels of corruption, conflict, environmental degradation and poverty. But this is not inevitable. Oil can and should make a major contribution to poverty reduction and sustained economic growth, if it is managed wisely and the revenues earned used properly and fairly. For this reason, the UK Government set up and now takes the lead on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). This provides assistance to countries and companies seeking to increase the transparency of payments by oil, gas and mining companies and revenues received by host governments. Progress has already been made, for example, in Azerbaijan, the first audited reports have been published and are being discussed by the Azeri people.

The causes of climate change are largely due to the use of fossil fuels in industrialised countries. These countries have the primary responsibility to reduce their own emissions of energy related, greenhouse gases and lead by example. The UK is acting to reduce emissions, both nationally and internationally. We have set demanding domestic targets to cut emissions and expand the use of renewable energy and are also working to promote international agreement on a global framework to tackle climate change to follow the Kyoto protocol in 2012. Through our G8 and EU presidency initiatives on climate change, we are promoting a new international dialogue on climate change, clean energy and sustainable development and agreed a range of measures to help developing countries adopt more efficient, lower carbon energy technologies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what land value per acre was assumed by North Bristol NHS Trust for (a) the Frenchay site and (b) the Southmead site in preparing its plans for a new acute hospital in North Bristol; and if she will make a statement. [17035]

holding answer 13 October 2005

The Department does not hold this information. This is a matter for the trust.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many inpatient beds there were at (a) Frenchay hospital and (b) Southmead hospital in each of the last five years; and how many in-patient beds will be provided at the proposed new acute hospital on the Southmead site. [17036]

holding answer 13 October 2005

The Department does not hold figures for in-patient beds by hospitals. However, figures for North Bristol National Health Service Trust are available on the Department's website at:

www.performance.doh.gov.uk/hospitalactivity/data_requests/beds_open_overnight.htm

Figures for in-patient beds to be provided at the proposed new acute hospital on the Southmead site are not held centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice she has received from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence concerning the availability of drug treatments for Alzheimer's disease on the national health service; and what cost benefit analysis underpinned that advice. [16984]

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published its initial advice on drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in 2001. NICE is currently reviewing this guidance. Details of the methodologies used by NICE, including the cost benefits analysis methodology, are available on its website at www.nice.org.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to improve cancer treatment waiting times in East Sussex; and what Government targets have been set for cancer treatment in East Sussex for 2005–06. [17289]

holding answer 13 October 2005

The NHS Cancer Plan sets out our strategy to improve cancer services throughout England, including East Sussex. There are two Government targets for cancer treatment, both concerning waiting times. They are that there is a maximum 31-day wait from diagnosis of cancer to start of treatment, and a maximum 62-day wait from urgent referral for suspected cancer to first treatment. These targets must be achieved from the end of December 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the reason was for the failure of Chiron to supply diamorphine to the NHS at the end of 2004; how much warning was given by Chiron of their imminent failure to provide the expected supplies; and what assessment she has made of the prospects for Chiron's supply of the product to be restored. [16343]

On 16 December 2004, Chiron, the major supplier of diamorphine injection in the United Kingdom, informed the Department that its supplies of this product were limited. This was due to production problems experienced at its manufacturing plant. Chiron has recently resumed production, but can only supply limited quantities, and the product is likely to remain in short supply for the coming months.

Departmental officials and the National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency remain in contact with the manufacturers of diamorphine and other opiates and continue to monitor the supply situation closely.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to exempt cystic fibrosis sufferers from paying prescription charges; and if she will make a statement. [17152]

We have no plans to extend the existing list of medical conditions that give exemption from prescription charges. The list has been reviewed on a number of occasions, but no clear cut case for extending it has emerged. There is no consensus on what additional conditions might be included in any revised list of medical exemptions, or how distinctions could be drawn between one condition and another.

The extensive exemption and change remission arrangements mean that 87 per cent, of prescriptions are dispensed free of charge. As a result, many people whose medical conditions are not on the exempt list already get free prescriptions on other grounds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been allocated to the Department in each year since 1975. [11521]

From 1975 to 1997, allocations made in the public expenditure survey were reported in the autumn statements with detailed breakdowns in the expenditure plans White Papers. Since 1997, allocations made in the spending review rounds are reported in Spending Review White Papers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health

(1) if she will expand the range of treatment available at Poole NHS Hospital Trust for Dorset patients with endometriosis; [18163]

(2) if she will make all types of laparoscopic treatment for endometriosis available at Poole hospital. [18164]

The Government sets the national agenda, puts in place national standards and provides the overall health service funding. Local trusts, in partnership with their health community, now have responsibility for local issues. It is therefore appropriate that they respond to issues concerning their services.

Dorset and Somerset strategic health authority, the local headquarters of the national health service has advised that Poole Hospital NHS Trust provides routine endometriosis services, including a limited range of laparoscopic procedures.

However, the hon. Member may wish to raise this issue with Mr. Lloyd Adams, chief executive at Poole Hospital NHS Trust directly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions she has had with (a) hon. Members, (b) Members of the House of Lords and (c) organisations concerning the development of policy on (i) assisted suicide, (ii) euthanasia and (iii) abortion; and if she will make a statement. [15491]

Departmental records have been checked and there is no record of my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health, meeting to discuss the development of assisted suicide, euthanasia or abortion policy with hon. or right hon. Members, Members of the House of Lords or organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether foundation trusts are required to sign up to the code of practice on ethical recruitment. [16645]

holding answer 10 October 2005

Ministers expect national health service foundation trusts to follow best practice guidelines in the provision of health care. This includes the code of practice for the international recruitment of health care professionals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2005, Official Report, column 974W, on GP practices, how many GPs are expected to reach retirement age in each year until 2015 using the same format as that given in the Department's 2002 Public Expenditure Questionnaire Memorandum to the Health Select Committee. [14212]

The estimated number of general practitioners (GPs) excluding retainers and registrars, projected to leave the national health service workforce at age 55 or above each year is shown in the table. This assumes the continuation of existing working patterns and that the proportion of leavers in each age group will remain the same as the average numbers of leavers over the period 1999–2004.

These leavers will include staff who take career breaks, or take up work outside England or outside the NHS. Some will return, these numbers are therefore not the same as retirements.

GP practices

These figures need to be seen in context: the number of GPs has increased by 3,601 (13 per cent.) since 2000 and we anticipate there will continue to be healthy recruitment into general practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many meals on wheels were distributed in each London borough in each year since 1997; what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the fair access to social care initiative; and if she will make a statement. [15815]

This information is not centrally available. Figures for the estimated number of meals provided by each London borough from 2000–01 to 2003–04 have been placed in the Library. No data is available for years prior to 2000–01.

An assessment of the effectiveness of the "Fair Access to Care Services" (FACS) initiative has not taken place. However, views on FACS were sought specifically as part of the Green Paper, "Independence, Well-being and Choice". These views are being considered as we take this forward as part of the development of the White Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what mechanisms are in place to ensure that the number of new graduates in (a) medicine, (b) nursing, (c) midwifery and (d) physiotherapy is matched by the number of junior posts. [14178]

holding answer 10 October 2005

The national health service has historically been funded to provide 12 per cent. more pre-registration house officer/foundation programme year one posts in England than the anticipated number of graduates from English medical schools and this is planned to continue in the future. A foundation programme workforce group, operating as part of the modernising medical careers implementation process, is overseeing the allocation of funding from the multi-professional education and training (MPET) budget that will enable the creation of the increased number of foundation programme posts required over the next few years.

In line with "Shifting the balance of power", the Government have devolved local workforce planning to strategic health authorities (SHAs). It is the responsibility of primary care trusts and SHAs to analyse their local situation and develop plans, in liaison with their local NHS trusts and primary care providers, to ensure that the number of junior posts matches the number of newly qualified staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the risk of developing acoustic neuroma as a result of using digital (GSM) mobile phone technology. [17922]

Through the mobile telecommunications and health research programme (www.mthr.org.uk) the Department is contributing to the 13-nation interphone study of mobile phone use and brain tumours including acoustic neuroma. Results from three relatively small parts of this study already published suggest there is no substantial risk of acoustic neuroma in the first 10 years of use although the authors state that an increased risk after longer term use could not be ruled out. The results to date are not entirely consistent but emphasise the need for continued high quality research. We will await the conclusions of the full study due next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many new posts the purchasing hubs that are being set up by the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency will create; whether the net result of these changes and the planned reduction in the complement of procured staff will represent a saving for the NHS in terms of (a) personnel costs and (b) administration; and if she will make a statement. [16582]

The collaborative procurement hubs are owned and governed by the trusts they serve. Three pathfinder procurement hubs are now formed and each has demonstrated through a robust business case a positive return on investment. This will result in the hubs saving at least £270 million by 2007–08.

While there have been some new appointments to the hubs, wherever possible they have utilised the capabilities of existing resources from within the trusts.

The net result is a significant saving to the national health service, which can be directed towards patient care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the work of the NHS Security Management Service. [16526]

In December 2003 a new strategy for the management of security in the national health service was published, entitled "A Professional Approach to Managing Security in the NHS". The introduction of local security management specialists provides NHS health bodies, for the first time ever, with professional skills and expertise to tackle security-related problems such as violence against NHS staff. This is reinforced by accredited training, advice and guidance from the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS).

The local security management specialists' work is underpinned by two national frameworks; the first deals with tackling violence against NHS staff, replacing the "Zero Tolerance" campaign, and the second deals with general security management measures. The first framework introduced a number of measures to proactively and reactively tackle the problem of violence against staff. As a result of this new framework, it is estimated that in 2004–05, 85,000 frontline NHS staff received training in how to prevent and manage violence and the number of criminal sanctions identified involving those who have assaulted NHS staff has risen fifteen-fold; from 51 in 2002–03 to 759 in 2004–05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what facilities are in place within her Department to examine cases of bullying of NHS staff when a complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of a trust's internal processes. [10288]

The Department is not responsible for resolving individual disputes between a national health service trust and its employees. Guidance is provided by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) health improvement plans and (b) service and financial frameworks include a programme to promote healthy ageing; and how many of these include complementary programmes to promote older people's mental health. [8018]

The information requested is not collected by the Department. Health improvement plans, and service and financial frameworks were replaced by local delivery plans from 2003–04. Current planning requirements are set out in National Standards, Local Action, Health and Social Care Standards and Planning Framework 2005–06 to 2007–08.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 10 October 2005, Official Report, to question 11537, who is responsible for ensuring the site at Consett is operational. [17477]

holding answer 13 October 2005

Following the review of the options appraisal paper, the County Durham and North Tees Valley Strategic Health Authority (SHA) has identified a location on the North Durham Trust's North Durham site. The Department continues to work with the SHA, which has overall responsibility locally, to ascertain when services can commence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 10 October 2005 to question 12199, who in the Department is responsible for ensuring that all radiologists are on the appropriate specialist register of the General Medical Council; and what sanctions the Department can impose on radiologists who are not registered. [17478]

holding answer 13 October 2005

Alliance Medical Limited (AML) is responsible for ensuring that all radiologists employed under their contract are on the appropriate specialist register of the General Medical Council. Details of prospective employees are available to the clinical guardian of the contract and AML's head of clinical governance. Specific sanctions imposed for breach of contract are commercially confidential, but the provider could incur financial penalties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals operate pay-for-view television; and in how many subtitles are available. [16569]

There are more than 155 national health service hospitals that provide an integrated pay-for-view television and telephone service to over 75,000 beds, as part of the patient power (bedside television and telephone) programme.

The majority of these televisions have the capability to provide subtitles.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health

(1) if she will place a copy of the Action Plan for physiotherapy graduates and the accompanying letter from Andrew Foster in the Library; [16641]

(2) whether the Action Plan for physiotherapy graduates is designed to address the difficulties faced by physiotherapy graduates seeking employment in the NHS in the (a) short-term and (b) long-term; [16642]

(3) to whom and when the Action Plan for physiotherapy graduates and the accompanying letter from Andrew Foster was distributed; [16643]

(4) what the status is of the Action Plan for physiotherapy graduates; [16644]

(5) pursuant to the answer of 5 July 2005, Official Report, columns 59–60W, to the hon. Member for North Cornwall (Mr. Rogerson) on physiotherapists, who was responsible for compiling the action plan for physiotherapy graduates. [16695]

holding answer 10 October 2005

The physiotherapy workforce action plan was compiled by the national health service workforce review team, in partnership with the Department, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and representatives from NHS organisations. It includes short, medium and longer-term strategies that local managers can use to help new graduates to secure posts.

The NHS workforce review team issued the action plan, with the accompanying letter from Andrew Foster, on 23 May 2005. It was sent to the attendees of a physiotherapy collaborative workshop held in March 2005, which included NHS service managers, representative from higher education providers of physiotherapy training and CSP representatives. They were asked to disseminate it within their organisations. It was also issued to workforce development directors in strategic health authorities.

The Department continues to work closely with the CSP, the NHS workforce review team and NHS organisations to help junior physiotherapists to find first posts. The NHS workforce review team held a review meeting of the action plan, which had representatives from the Department, CSP and NHS commissioners on 25 July 2005. A further meeting is planned for October/November.

A copy of the action plan and letter from Andrew Foster has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what physiotherapy workforce planning has been undertaken to support the implementation of the national service framework for long-term health conditions. [14177]

holding answer 10 October 2005

The workforce review team issues annual guidance on workforce planning to strategic health authorities and through them to national health service trusts and primary care trusts (PCTs). The guidance takes account of the implications of national service frameworks.

NHS trusts and PCTs are then responsible for their own workforce planning taking account of national guidance and local factors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is provided to local authority social service departments on the provision of sign language services for adults who have learning disabilities. [17805]

The Government recognise British Sign Language (BSL) as a language in its own right.

The Department of Health does not issue guidance to local authorities on the provision of sign language for adults who have learning disabilities. However, we would expect all local authority social services departments to take the communication needs of the population into account when providing services.

The Disability Rights Commission published guidance in 2004 on how social services should comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) in relation to communicating with deaf people who use BSL, including people who have a hearing impairment who also have a learning disability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total floor space is of buildings owned or leased by (a) his Department and (b) its agencies. [14533]

The total amount of space occupied by DWP and its agencies is 2,441,605 m² .

The vast majority of buildings occupied by DWP have been transferred, for value, to Land Securities Trillium under the terms of the PRIME PFI contract. Therefore DWP does not own or lease them, a unit price is paid for the provision of fully serviced accommodation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what changes have been made in the collecting of statistics to reflect changes in Scottish constituency boundaries for the Westminster Parliament. [15050]

While no changes have been introduced in methodology, the statistical presentation has been updated to reflect new Westminster parliamentary boundaries.

DWP will continue to publish National Statistics that reflect the Westminster boundaries in existence when the information was collected. Accordingly, for data based on May 2005 and planned for publication in October 2005, the National Statistics will be based on the new Westminster constituency boundaries. DWP will also produce similar statistical information based on the current constituency boundaries for the Scottish Parliament and make these available on request.

We are developing a time series of quarterly data on benefit caseloads and new deal participants back to May 1999 based on the new Scottish constituencies for the Westminster Parliament. This data is planned to be made available in October 2005 as part of the changes to the DWP National Statistics outputs announced via a press release on 15 July 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications of mobile phone use for security on the London Underground; and if he will make a statement. [15819]

I have been asked to reply.

The Department keeps the transport security measures we require under constant review. This process is informed by the work of the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre and includes consideration of terrorists' modus operandi and the practical constraints of an open, mass transit system. I understand that London Underground is considering a trial of technology to allow the use of mobile phones on stations that are underground. The Department will continue to assess whether there are any security implications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the outcome was of the Minister of State for Trade's discussions with the Thai Foreign Minister regarding the Thai ban on British beef at the EU/ASEAN meeting in Laos. [17462]