To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the steps his Department is taking to improve the treatment of workers in developing countries. [25991]

Implementation of proper labour standards can play an important part in reducing poverty. DFID is supporting a range of activities to improve the treatment of workers in developing countries, including the elimination of child labour and trafficking for forced labour. Our support is primarily given through the International Labour Organisation. But we also support the work of non-governmental organisations, trade unions and business, for example through the Ethical Trading Initiative.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the UK's relief effort following the Kashmir earthquake. [25992]

To date, we have allocated £33 million for the immediate relief effort. We are prepared to do more to help ensure the survival of the affected population through the forthcoming winter months. Our immediate assistance has included search and rescue, provision of priority relief materials, funding of air transport including helicopters and support to the United Nations, Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. In addition the European Commission has pledged €93.6 million for relief and reconstruction. The UK's share of this is £11 million.

I will continue to update the House of the details on what we are doing through our regular Situation Reports. These are also available to the public on the DFID website at: www.dfid.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the urgent unmet humanitarian need in Kashmir following the earthquake. [25998]

The situation remains critical. More and continuing assistance is needed. The United Nations has developed a priority plan targeting assistance to an estimated 200,000 individuals in the high valleys, as well as 150,000 people expected to settle in both spontaneous and planned camps. The focus of the plan is an emergency shelter programme, medical evacuations, pre-positioning of food assistance for 700,000 and the maintenance of mobile health units and vaccination services. Additionally, site planning and construction of 30 camps, repair of vital damaged water supply systems and installation of latrines, establishment of temporary schools, and provision of heating and cooking supplies for 150,000 in camps.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the interests of developing nations are taken into account in the current World Trade Organisation negotiations. [25993]

Working with DTI and other Government Departments, and in line with the aims and objectives set out in the 2004 Trade and Investment White Paper, we are actively pursuing an outcome to the WTO talks which delivers real development gains. DFID works with the poorest group of developing countries to ensure their views are represented in the WTO by providing technical assistance and policy research, and through direct engagement with Least Developed Countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government are taking during its presidency of the EU to encourage other EU countries to support a fair deal on trade for developing countries at the World Trade Organisation talks. [25996]

The Government have had regular contact with EU member states about securing a good development outcome to the current WTO round of trade negotiations. Most recently I held discussions with European Development Ministers at the Informal Council of Development Ministers on 24 October in Leeds, also attended by the European Commissioner for Trade. Specifically we discussed the concept of Aid for Trade, which would help developing countries adjust to new trading conditions as well as support their supply side needs so that they are better able to benefit from the increased opportunities which trade liberalisation could bring.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to promote the needs and interests of developing countries at the current round of World Trade Organisation negotiations. [25999]

Working with the DTI and other Government Departments, and in line with the aims and objectives set out in the 2004 Trade and Investment White Paper, we are actively pursuing an outcome to the WTO talks which delivers real development gains. DFID works with the poorest group of developing countries to ensure their views are represented in the WTO by providing technical assistance and policy research and through direct engagement with least developed countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions the Government plans to have with the Chinese President during his visit to the United Kingdom to encourage humanitarian reform in China. [25994]

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be discussing a range of issues with President Hu. China's response system to humanitarian emergencies is developing fast and we welcome China's readiness to offer its expertise in responding to international humanitarian disasters such as the tsunami and earthquake in Pakistan.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact on health services in developing countries of recruitment to the UK of medical and nursing staff from the developing world. [25995]

The Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals prevents the NHS from actively recruiting health workers from developing countries.

International migration is one course contributing to the shortage of health workers in developing countries. Other causes include chronic under-investment and the affects of HIV and AIDS.

Tackling health worker shortages must include increased investment and strengthening of health services and its human resources. That is why, in addition to implementing ethical recruitment practices which help to address factors pulling health workers out of their communities, the UK is supporting developing country governments to build stronger health services which effectively recruit, train, deploy and retain health workers in the public sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many full-time equivalent employee reductions (a) were achieved in 2004–05 and (b) are expected to be achieved in 2005–06 as a result of the Gershon review in his Department; what (i) cost savings relating to IT projects and (ii) total efficiency savings (A) were achieved in 2004–05 and (B) are expected to be achieved in 2005–06 as a result of that review; and if he will make a statement. [25914]

As a result of the Gershon review, DFID agreed to reduce the home civil service headcount to 1610 by the end of 2007–08. The programme was due to start in April 2005, at the start of which the DFID headcount was 1883. Plans are in place to reduce this to 1820 by the end of 2005–06 and 1715 by the end of 2006–07. Progress so far this year will be reported in DFID's autumn performance report 2005.

It is not possible to give an exact figure for efficiency savings from IT projects, however, forecast administration costs savings of £2 million by 2007–08 include savings from IT projects. Administration costs savings will begin in 2006–07.

Savings so far from DFID's efficiency programme will be reported in DFID's autumn performance report 2005. DFID has an efficiency target of £420 million by the end of 2007–08. The 2004 spending review did not set intermediate targets.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department paid to external consultants in each year since 1997. [25478]

DFID's expenditure on consultancy services was as follows:

Source:

Statistics on International Development—3 November 2005

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid the Government has allocated to (a) Niger and (b) other countries in the region in relation to the current famine. [25865]

In response to the current food crisis in the Sahel, DFID has allocated £3.25 million to Niger, £550,000 to Mali and £110,00 to Burkina Faso.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the international aid for Iraqi reconstruction. [25339]

The international community is providing support to the Iraqi Government to help rebuild Iraq and improve the quality of life for its people. At the Madrid Conference in October 2003, 37 bilateral donors, the European Community, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pledged a total of US$32 billion for Iraq's reconstruction. Since 2003, the amount pledged for Iraq's reconstruction has risen to over $40 billion. As of October 2005, over US$14 billion of these pledges has been spent.

The UK pledged £544 million for humanitarian and reconstruction work in Iraq, of which more than £350 million has been spent to date. DFID's programme of assistance this year, focuses on macro-economic reform, strengthening Iraqi institutions at the centre of government and in the south, improving power and water supplies in the south, strengthening Iraqi civil society and encouraging broad participation in the political process. Reconstruction activities in Iraq are also funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and the Global Conflict Prevention Pool for Iraq (jointly funded by MOD, FCO, and DFID).

The following table provides details on the other major international aid programmes in Iraq.

The Iraqi Government are leading on the reconstruction and development of Iraq and have presented a National Development Strategy outlining its reconstruction priorities. The Iraqi Government co-ordinates their own and international reconstruction funding by means of Sector Working groups that meet regularly in Baghdad, chaired by Iraqi Ministries with support from the United Nations, the World Bank and a range of donors. Iraq has huge potential, and increasingly, oil sales, tax revenues and foreign investment will be able to finance reconstruction costs, so that Iraq will rely less on external donors.

In spite of the obvious challenges, reconstruction is continuing and progress has been made. For example, there has been continued economic growth, power generation is higher than before the conflict, more Iraqis now have access to drinking water and sewerage systems, thousands of healthcare and education facilities have been rehabilitated, transport and telecommunications systems are improving and civil society groups and the media are flourishing and finding ways of engaging in the political process.

To ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on his Department's actions to help eradicate leprosy in developing countries. [25997]

Much of the remaining global leprosy burden is found in India where DFID provides specific targeted project support through the Leprosy Mission. DFID funds community based efforts to improve access to care, reduce stigma and rehabilitate those affected. Similar projects with other non-government organisations have recently ended in Brazil and Nepal. DFID provides substantial support to developing countries to implement their national health plans. Such plans address the major causes of illness, death and disability, including leprosy where it remains a problem.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much development aid the Maldives islands has received in each year since 1997. [25829]

The following table sets out how much development aid the Maldives have received each year since 1997, and how much aid they have received from the UK:

Total donor aid and UK aid to Maldives: 1997–2004

⁽¹⁾ not available

The UK also provides aid through multilateral institutions, some of which will benefit the Maldives. The following table sets out the UK's equivalent contribution to the Maldives as a share of our multilateral assistance.

£ thousands

Source:

DAC on-line and imputed multilateral shares—4 November 2005

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he expects the Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people without access to clean water to be reached by 2015; and how his Department is contributing towards this goal. [25990]

While the global target to halve the proportion of people without access to safe water by 2015 should be achieved, sub-Saharan Africa is not expected to meet it. The linked target for sanitation is likely to be missed.

DFID is working with governments and development agencies including the UN to increase access to water and sanitation. This year I announced a doubling of UK aid for water to Africa by 2007–08.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking towards education of the African population on the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, with particular reference to HIV. [25868]

Across Africa, DFID supports awareness raising and education about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV through our bilateral country programmes, funding to multilateral agencies and global initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

In this way, DFID supports awareness raising and education as an integral part of broader programmes to tackle STI and HIV prevention, which include other activities such as provision of sexual and reproductive health services and commodities (such as male and female condoms). We are also targeting groups such as vulnerable women and young people with appropriate forms of information in addition to sexual and reproductive health services and commodities and we help to reduce the financial and social barriers which can limit access to these services such as tackling stigma and discrimination.

For example, as a part of the Ugandan national HIV programme, DFID funds are used to raise awareness about STIs and HIV through AIDS information centres, youth clubs and schools, radio and newspapers.

DFID has committed to spending £1.5 billion on HIV and AIDS globally over the next three years. Raising awareness of STIs and HIV will remain an important part of the comprehensive approach we support.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking in international fora to ensure greater protection of refugees in Darfur. [23985]

The primary responsibility for the protection of vulnerable people lies with their Government. This was endorsed at the 2005 Millennium Review Summit, to which the Government of Sudan was party. The UK Government continues to press the Government of Sudan on its responsibilities in Darfur, and we press all parties to abide by their commitments they have made. We have done this both directly to the Government of Sudan, and in our role as EU presidency. The UK also played a leading role in securing six recent UN Security Council Resolutions on Sudan, including resolutions 1591 and 1593, which extended the Darfur arms embargo to cover the Government of Sudan, allowed targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for the worst abuses, and referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court.

The African Union (AU) mission in Darfur is also playing an important role in protecting the people of Darfur. Despite the recent worrying upsurge in violence in Darfur, including the attack on the Aro Sharow camp on 28 September, attacks on civilians have decreased where the AU is deployed. DFID welcomes the ongoing expansion of the force to more than 7,700. The UK has provided £32 million to support the AU mission since its inception. The EU has provided €92 million (£63 million) so far, and has recently committed a further €70 million (£48 million).

The humanitarian community also supports the protection of civilians. This year the UK channelled £45 million through the UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator in Khartoum for humanitarian operations across Sudan, £2.4 million of this was allocated for UN and non-governmental protection work in Darfur, such as advocacy on child protection, victim counselling, work on sexual and gender-based violence, and the monitoring of agreements preventing force returns.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what UK Government expenditure on TB control in developing countries (a) was between 2001 and 2004 and (b) is proposed in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006; how much of this total is accounted for by (A) multilateral and (B) bilateral aid; and how much of the bilateral aid is accounted for by (1) project support, (2) health-sector support and (3) direct budget support. [25898]

I refer the member for Enfield, Southgate to the response given to my hon. Friend for Cardiff North on 28 October 2005, Official Report, columns 632–33w.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when, on present trends, he expects the Sanitation Millennium Development target to be met in sub-Saharan Africa. [25910]

The most recent survey data (2002) from the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), shows that 440 million people (64 per cent.) in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to basic sanitation. The JMP analysis suggests that, based on progress between 1990 and 2002, it would take 90 years to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa.

In recognition of this bleak situation, DFID is giving a particular focus to sanitation and supporting a number of bodies working to achieve the target, including the African Ministers' Council on Water, UNICEF and WaterAid. DFID has also recently committed to doubling its expenditure on water and sanitation in Africa over the next three years

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance the UK Government have given to humanitarian projects in Zimbabwe since September 2001; and what types of project have been supported. [24973]

DFID has spent approximately £120 million in Zimbabwe since September 2001. Almost all of this relates to humanitarian assistance, tackling HIV/AIDS and emergency support to the health sector.

Approximately £65 million has been spent in response to the crisis of food insecurity, resulting from a combination of poor Government policies, adverse weather and the HIV/AIDS crisis. DFID has recently pledged a further £10 million to the UN World Food Programme's operations in Zimbabwe. DFID has been one of the major donors supporting the annual humanitarian appeals made through the United Nations. We also provide substantial resources through direct funding of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Activities which DFID has supported include monthly food distributions to food insecure families, food for families affected by AIDS through home based care programmes, school feeding programmes and supplementary clinic feeding for underweight children.

To date, some £25 million has been spent on health programmes, predominantly for HIV prevention and care. Other health-related support includes basic vaccinations for children, emergency obstetrics care for women, provision of water treatment chemicals, emergency response to cholera outbreaks, provision of commodities to the National Blood Transfusion Service and provision of insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria.

Some £20 million has been allocated to agricultural support to small-scale farmers in communal areas, aimed at increasing productivity and food security at the household level. Other smaller humanitarian programmes include support for displaced people, including those made homeless and destitute by the Government of Zimbabwe's recent slum clearances, and those in danger of HIV/AIDS, exploitation and abuse through irregular migration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to prevent local abattoirs from closing; and if she will make a statement. [23921]

The overall number of abattoirs has declined dramatically in Britain in the last few decades, reflecting an increase in slaughtering capacity in fewer and larger abattoirs. Much of this has been due to logistic requirements of the major supermarket chains. Regulatory impacts of measures to improve food safety have also played a part. Some businesses, particularly in older premises, may be faced with investment costs if they are to continue to comply with EU-wide standards for hygienic production.

The Government are nevertheless keen that an appropriate network of abattoirs and cutting plants continue to support sustainable livestock production in Britain. To this end we are encouraging our Regional partners (Government Offices, Regional Development Agencies, Rural Development Service) to develop Regional Red Meat Strategies which recognise the importance of an appropriate red meat infrastructure (abattoirs, cutting plants and marketing).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with HM Revenue and Customs regarding the compliance with CE markings of imported agricultural and horticultural machinery. [23801]

I have been asked to reply.

Most agricultural and horticultural machinery, whether imported or not, is regulated under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 as amended (SI 1992 No. 3073). My officials periodically discuss regulatory issues with HM Revenue and Customs. However the lead enforcement authority for these regulations is the Health and Safety Executive, HM Revenue and Customs has no powers under this legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will propose to ministerial colleagues that poultry auctioneers who are closed down as a result of Government measures to prevent an outbreak of avian influenza be exempt from council tax and rates on their auction sites for the period of their closure. [25034]

Government policy is not to compensate for consequential losses resulting from a disease outbreak.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government plans to introduce a standstill policy for poultry movements in the event of an avian influenza outbreak. [25053]

In the event of a disease outbreak, current legislation restricts movements within the infected area.

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

(1) what advice she has given to the poultry production and retail sectors on the possible effect of avian influenza on their business; and if she will make a statement; [27107]

(2) what representations she has received from the chicken and turkey retail sector on the influence of avian influenza on the market; and if she will make a statement; [27108]

(3) what discussions she has had with the chicken and turkey production industry on avian influenza. [27109]

The Department is actively engaging with key stakeholders, including representatives of the production and retail sectors, in order to provide advice and discuss their concerns regarding both the possible effect of avian influenza on their industries and Government policies and plans. This is to keep the industry aware of the risks and potential actions required by a potential outbreak of avian influenza.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the primary mechanisms are for the spread of H5N1 avian influenza virus. [23906]

The primary mechanisms for the spread of avian influenza are by movement of infected birds or by contact with their excreta either directly or through objects, clothes or vehicles contaminated with excreta.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how long the H5N1 virus retains its infectivity in the ambient atmosphere. [23907]

The survival of avian influenza viruses in the environment will be influenced by the strain of the virus, whether they are held in water or faeces, the host from which the faeces came, the physical properties of the faeces and the ambient temperature. The scientific literature gives a range, with different strains of virus from 12 to 36 hours at 37o C for chicken faeces artificially infected with Low Pathogenic H7N2 to at least 105 days in wet faeces under field conditions with High Pathogenic H5N2.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research the Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on (i) whether mechanically extracted exhaust air from intensive poultry sheds can carry viable H5N1 virus and (ii) over what distance viable virus transmission may occur. [23908]

The Department have not commissioned any research on this topic as the evidence is that this potential means of transmission can only occur over short distances and is unlikely to be significant in transmission between flocks under conditions prevailing in Great Britain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the risks that random mutation of an existing H5N1 strain may give rise to a new pandemic virus. [23912]

To date the H5N1 avian influenza assessment made by the World Health Organisation has assisted policy formation. A cross-departmental group will be commissioned to assess this risk as part of its remit.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what courses have received Government funding to train engineers and builders in understanding, selling and installing combined heat and power boilers in each of the last three years. [22082]

We have provided training on community heating with CHP, delivering four workshops in 2002–03 and two in 2003–04. These covered skill shortages and CHP installation. Over the past three years we also provided general training to bidders to our Community Energy programme.

We are additionally funding training for heating installers to help them sell and install high efficiency condensing boilers. During the financial year 2004–05 22,000 installers were trained. So far this financial year a further 9,000 have been trained.

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

(1) how many smuggled birds were seized by HM Customs and Excise entering the UK (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and what checks were made for avian influenza among these birds; [23814]

(2) what information she has received on the number of smuggled birds seized entering the European Union (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and whether checks were made for avian influenza among these birds. [23815]

There is little hard evidence on the volume of illegal trade as by its nature only an uncertain proportion is detected. We do not have EU figures for seizures of illegally imported birds.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seize imported live birds where import is in contravention of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). In 2004 HMRC seized 2,922 live birds. The provisional figure so far for 2005 is 313 birds. These figures include birds that are seized as a result of regulatory breaches as well as those which are smuggled.

Rare species of birds which are seized by HMRC are normally donated to zoos or other conservation groups. These birds are quarantined and tested for disease including the avian influenza virus.

Any other live birds found would be detained by HMRC and handed over to the relevant competent authorities (the state veterinary service/local authority) at points of entry. They too would be quarantined and tested.

I can assure you that in the current heightened disease situation, all enforcement bodies are being more vigilant for signs of illegal trade or movement of birds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many chickens have been imported from Thailand in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement. [24194]

holding answer 3 November 2005

There have been no imports of live chickens into the UK from Thailand in the last three years as recorded by the overseas trade statistics.

The importation of fresh poultry meat produced on or after 1 January 2004 and cooked poultry meat which has not been heat treated to at least 70⁰ C was banned in January 2004. Poultry meat products which have been cooked to 70 ⁰ C or more are not considered to be a risk. Chicken meat imported from Thailand in the last three years is shown in the following table.

UK Imports of chicken and chicken offal from Thailand for 2002–04

Source:

H M Revenue and Customs.

Data prepared by trade statistics food chain analysis 3, DEFRA

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made in having Protected Geographical Indication status granted to the Colchester Oyster. [26130]

The completed application to register Colchester Oysters as a Protected Geographical Indication was finalised earlier this year and sent to interested parties within the UK to allow them to comment or object. This is a necessary stage of the application process to ensure that all views are considered before a decision is taken by Defra on whether the application is justified and meets the requirements of the relevant regulation. Objections were received and sent to the applicant group in July for it to consider. Their reply was received in October and is being considered by officials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency, the effects in Gateshead, East and Washington, West of changes to her Department's policies since 1997. [22283]

Since its establishment in 2001 Defra has put in place a comprehensive programme of action on issues including sustainable development, climate change and energy, sustainable consumption and production, natural resource protection, sustainable rural communities, and a sustainable farming and food sector. A summary of some our achievements to date can be found on the Defra website (www.defra.gov.uk) I am confident that the Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency will have benefited from these.

For example, we are committed, through our national strategy for waste, to achieving a massive shift in sustainable waste management, including tough national targets to recycle or compost 25 per cent. of household waste in 2005–06. To help contribute towards this target, each local authority in England was set a statutory recycling target for household waste in 2003–04 and 2005–06. In 2002–03, the recycling rate for Gateshead and Sunderland was just 5 per cent. and 2 per cent. respectively. They are now both expected to reach or exceed their statutory targets set for them of 18 per cent. by the end of 2005–06. In total over the past three years, Defra has given Gateshead over £2.5 million and Sunderland over £2 million for waste management and recycling. Many north-east councils have recently made significant progress on recycling from historically low levels, through the support of Defra's Waste Implementation Programme and Waste and Resources Action Programme. Defra's Municipal Waste Management Survey 2003–04 records that the north-east region quadrupled the amount of household waste recycled from 3.8 per cent. in 1996–97 to 12.3 per cent. in 2003–04.

Through English Nature, we have provided £76,000 to Gateshead council for a 'Wildspace' project, including a community liaison officer, which has resulted in five new local nature reserves (LNRs) being designated in the east of the borough, and the project has involved local people in caring for and enjoying the sites. Regular litter removal and maintenance of entrances and paths has ensured they appear well managed and welcoming. Along with management plans for the sites, this is maximising biodiversity, and there is a strategy to secure long term gains for local people. Due to the success of the project, Gateshead council have continued to employ the officer to carry on the good work.

We also provide grants through our agencies to voluntary groups such as the Friends of Princess Anne Park in Washington and have provided funding for a wildlife survey to identify potential for enhancing wildlife and creating habitats. This has drawn in additional funding from Sunderland city council for a park ranger. The park runs along the Oxclose and Biddick Burns, and Environment Agency field teams are carrying out targeted pollution prevention work with relevant local businesses, advising them on managing environmental risk, so improving water quality and associated habitats to prevent pollution through run off.

In my hon. Friend's constituency, forestry grants to the Woodland Trust, the local councils and a private company have created around 10 hectares of new woodland, including screening for Springwell Quarry. Altogether over £16,000 has come through the Forestry Commission for woodland maintenance and improved public access.

We have invested £10,000 in Durham Wildlife Trust, whose area includes Gateshead and Washington. The trust use this Environment Agency money to employ a community wildlife officer to work directly with communities in Washington, encouraging residents to prevent pollution in household drains and to recycle more, and speaking to schools and community groups around pollution hot spots. The aim is to reduce or prevent fly tipping and other contamination in watercourses, and enable other habitat improvements.

Defra provides comprehensive statistical information. The following web address will take my hon. Friend directly to the service: http://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/default.asp.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on items of art in 2004–05. [23472]

The Department spent no money on items of art in 2004–05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons the Environment Agency telephone helpline is unable to process calls without the name and address of callers. [24840]

The Environment Agency operates three main contact lines. All of these are able to process calls without the name and address of the caller except in the situations set out as follows:

1. Customer Contact Centre (08708 506506)

This centre receives most of the general telephone enquiries from external customers and delivers some specific business services.

(a) General enquiry calls—The agency normally asks the customer for their name only so that it can personalise the call as a matter of courtesy and so that if it cannot resolve the customer's enquiry, the call can be transferred effectively to another member of staff.

There are some situations where the agency asks for an address:

where it is going to send a publication or application form to the customer;

where it needs to ensure it transfers the customer to the correct area team—the agency normally just ask for postcode so that they can locate the correct area;

where the customer actually needs to talk to their local authority rather than to the agency, it normally asks for the postcode so that it can provide the correct local authority contact details.

(b) Flood risk/property search enquiries—To be able to respond to these enquiries correctly, the call centre needs full address details—a postcode is not specific enough.

(c) Hazardous waste producer registrations

The Agency needs full address details to be to deliver this business service.

2. Floodline

This service provides flood warning information and flood risk awareness services.

Full address information is required in order to inform customers about flood risk related to their property, but not for general advice on flood awareness/protection.

3. Incident hotline

This service is used for recording pollution/flooding incidents. Although the name and address of the customer is requested so that the agency can update how the incident is being managed and resolved, it is however entirely acceptable for customers to report incidents anonymously.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what farm plastic collections are made in (a) Dacorum and (b) Hertfordshire; and if she will make a statement. [26379]

At present I am aware of at least one specialist farm plastics collection service that can arrange collection from anywhere in the UK, and I know that there are other collection schemes being established.

The Environment Agency is currently completing an on-line Waste Recycling Directory that will allow businesses to identify recyclers, disposal sites and waste management companies that deal with specific wastes in their areas using a simple postcode search. The website www.wasterecycling.org.uk will be available late November 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to encourage the creation of farming co-operatives; and if she will make a statement. [23923]

Support and encouragement for collaboration and co-operation among farmers is one of the elements of the Government's Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food. As part of the Strategy we actively supported the establishment of English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP) which was set up to promote and encourage co-operation and collaboration between farmers and between farmers and the rest of the food chain, We have also undertaken to provide EFFP with funding of £0.5 million per annum for five years from 2004–05.

In addition, co-operation and collaboration benefiting primary producers is one of the Government's stated priorities for the award of grants under the Agricultural Development Scheme. EFFP is one of the beneficiaries of this scheme having been awarded five grants totalling approximately £1.2 million for projects to support its mission. A number of other projects concerned with collaborative activity have also been awarded grant.

Grants for collaborative projects are also available under the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme and the Rural Enterprise Scheme.

In 2004 Defra commissioned and funded research into possible legislative and fiscal barriers to the development of co-operatives. The report of this research was published earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many incidents of fly-tipping have been recorded in each of the last five years. [25297]

No national data were previously available before Flycapture, the national database for fly-tipping incidents, was launched in April 2004.

Initial data from the first year's Flycapture reports have indicated that local authorities and the Environment Agency dealt with 923,977 incidents of fly-tipping between April 2004 and March 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to local authorities of clearing up fly-tipping in each of the last five years. [25298]

No national data were previously available before Flycapture, the national database for fly-tipping incidents, was launched in April 2004.

Initial data from the first year's Flycapture reports have indicated that local authorities and the Environment Agency spent an average of £44 million on clearing and disposing of fly-tipping between April 2004 and March 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was imposed in fines for fly-tipping in each of the last five years. [25299]

No national data were previously available before Flycapture, the national database for fly-tipping incidents, was launched in April 2004. Flycapture gathers summary data on the numbers of fly-tipping incidents dealt with by local authorities and the Environment Agency as well as data on the actions taken to deal with fly-tipping.

However, the 'Actions Taken' section of Flycapture only became compulsory in April 2005 so reliable national data from the first year is not yet available.

The Environment Agency, which deals primarily with the larger, more serious fly-tipping incidents, has been recording information on the total fines per year resulting from agency prosecution of persons depositing waste without authorisation since 1 January 2000.

⁽²⁾ To date.

In addition, the following data illustrates the average fines issued at all courts in England and Wales between 1999 and 2003 for various 'fly-tipping' offences under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts found guilty and sentenced at all courts for certain offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, sections 33 and 34, England and Wales, 1999–2003⁽³⁾

⁽³⁾ These data are on the principal offence basis.

⁽⁴⁾ Staffordshire police force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates' courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table.

Source:

Criminal Justice Systems analysis, RDS-OCJR.

IOS: 366–05

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on recent price changes for (a) beef, (b) lamb, (c) milk and (d) cereals. [23167]

The following tables show trends in the UK producer (i.e. farmgate) prices of beef lamb, milk and cereals. The price trends are in index form based on 2000=100.

United Kingdom index of producer prices of agricultural products (2000=100)

Monthly index

Source:

Defra: API, Food Statistics Branch

(a) Beef prices have risen over the last few years. Prices were stable in first half of 2005, but have fallen slightly over the last few months due to increasing domestic supplies and imports coinciding with weaker consumer demand.

(b) Lamb prices rose by more than 30 per cent. between 2000 and 2004. Lamb prices are seasonal. In the early part of 2005 prices were lower than in 2004 as increased supplies met with static demand. Prices rallied as new season lambs started to reach the market. However, since June prices have fallen again due to the increased supplies and the poor value of sheepskins.

(c) Farmgate milk prices in 2005 have been broadly similar to last year, despite the price support cuts for butter and skimmed milk powder agreed as part of the CAP reform package, for which dairy farmers have been partially compensated.

(d) Cereal prices are affected by a range of factors, including conditions on domestic and international markets and changes in exchange rates. The high prices of 2004 reflected the substantially lower EU harvest in 2003, but have subsequently fallen back to more normal levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many full-time equivalent employee reductions have been made as a result of the Gershon review; what (a) cost savings relating to IT projects and (b) total value of efficiency savings (i) were achieved in 2004–05 and (ii) are expected to be achieved in 2005–06; and if she will make a statement. [23991]

holding answer 2 November 2005

Data on headcount and financial efficiencies delivered to the end of financial year 2004–05 are reported in the departmental report 2005 published at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/deprep/default.htm.

None of the programmes and projects contributing to DEFRA's efficiency targets is an exclusively IT related programme. A number of programmes have elements of IT-enabled change but also involve organisational and culture change elements.

Information about yearly targets for financial and headcount efficiencies are set in the Efficiency Technical Note (which can be viewed on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/busplan/efficienynote-0410.pdf). This is being updated at present and will be published on the DEFRA website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has made (a) directly and (b) through the EU to the Government of (i) Brazil and (ii) Argentina regarding illegal logging; and what steps she has taken to ensure that illegal timber is not imported into the UK. [24693]

Although the my right hon. Friend, Secretary of State, has not made any recent representations to Brazil or Argentina on illegal logging, the UK Government are involved with a number of initiatives in Latin America.

The UK has contributed £14 million to the multi-donor Pilot Programme for the Preservation of Brazilian Rain Forests and is a major contributor to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which is creating and maintaining protected areas in the region through the Amazon Region Protected Areas Programme. The managers of the GEF have approved or endorsed funding for 29 projects in Brazil, with a value of approximately £150 million. The UK also continues to support projects in the Amazon through multilateral organisations, including the European Commission and the World Bank.

On steps taken to ensure illegal timber will not be imported into the UK, under the UK's Presidency of the EU, unanimous Political Agreement was achieved on the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) dossier. This will allow the EU to enter into agreements with developing countries and provide them with assistance to tackle illegal logging. This assistance will include a licensing system designed to identify products and license them for export to the EU. It will be reinforced by powers for Customs to take a range of actions relating to unlicensed products from partner countries. This will allow illegal timber to be prevented from importation to the EU for the first time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Environment Agency takes (a) to inspect, (b) to regulate and (c) to set targets for local authorities. [24596]

The Environment Agency does not generally inspect, regulate or set targets for local authorities. However, civic amenity sites (waste) run by local authorities are permitted and inspected by the Environment Agency. Local authorities may require licences for other operations that need their consent, for example, abstraction or discharge, and the Environment Agency would inspect and regulate these consents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people in her Department (a) were relocated in 2004–05 and (b) are expected to be relocated in 2005–06 following the Lyons review; where they have been relocated; and if she will make a statement. [23710]

holding answer 2 November 2005

124 posts were relocated from London and the South East in response to the Lyons review in 2004–05. A further 86 are expected to move in 2005–06; of these seven have already relocated.

The following table below the breakdown of these posts:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to ensure that the Government's response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution report on the impact of pesticide use on human beings is coordinated with the Department of Health. [26073]

holding answer 8 November 2005

The Department has already put in place arrangements to ensure that all relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Health, are fully involved in formulating the Government's response to the RCEP report.

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

(1) what estimate the Government has made of the cost to local authorities of the implementation of Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/2(04); [24589]

(2) what estimate the Government has made of the cost to local authorities of implementing Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/2(04) setting higher emissions standards for municipal crematoria. [26928]

In accordance with the two consultation papers issued by the Department in May 2003 and September 2004 http://www.defra.gov.uk/CQrporate/consult/crematoria/index.htm and http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria-two/consultation.pdf the estimated total cost of fitting mercury abatement to cover 50 per cent. of all cremations is between £90 million and £100 million. About 90 per cent. of crematoria are currently owned and operated by local authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish a regulatory impact assessment for Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/2(04). [24594]

The two consultation papers referred to in my reply to UIN 24595 contained an assessment of costs and benefits.

Process guidance notes, such as PG5/2(04), are produced to provide advice to local authority regulators on what constitutes the Best Available Techniques under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. The Act was subject to a regulatory impact assessment. The statutory Best Available Techniques concept enshrines a balance between costs and benefits. It is not practice for my Department or the Environment Agency to produce a separate regulatory impact assessment for each sector or process guidance note.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the Government has made of the effect of Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/02(04) on fees charged to the public for municipal services. [24595]

The consultation paper issued by the Department in May 2003 http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria/index.htm contained an estimate that new requirements to abate mercury from all crematoria would increase costs by £55 per cremation. This compared with the average cost of a funeral assessed by the Office of Fair Trading in 2001 of £1,215 (for cremation) and £2,048 (for burial).

The second consultation paper issued by the Department in September 2004 http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria-two/consultation.pdf proposed that only 50 per cent. of cremations should be subject to mercury abatement. This was adopted in the form of PG5/2(04), as amended. If the system of burden sharing enabled by the guidance is taken up by the cremation sector, this should mean an increase of between £25 and £30 per cremation. I understand that the Federation of British Cremation Authorities, which represents the majority of all crematoria operators, has arrived at a figure of £25.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of household waste in Milton Keynes was recycled in 2004–05. [27183]

Information on recycling from individual local authorities for 2004–05 is not yet available.

Local authority Best Value Performance Indicators for 2004–05, which include information on household waste recycling rates will be available on 15 December from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website at: www.bvpi.gov.uk

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what quantity of CFCs has been recovered from refrigerators and freezers since the implementation of EU Regulation 2037/2000; and what percentage this represents of the total amount contained in those refrigerators and freezers. [25022]

The information is not available in the form requested, as the data on the recovery of CFCs does not identify the equipment from which they were recovered. The total amount of CFCs recovered from all equipment, including commercial equipment, was:

387 tonnes in 2002

494 tonnes in 2003

427 tonnes in 2004

It is not possible to calculate the percentage of CFCs recovered from the total amount contained in the equipment. This is because it is not known how much refrigerant fluid is in the equipment on arrival at licensed waste management sites, as many units are damaged in use or transit, and some fluid will have escaped before the equipment is received for disposal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the conditions for cross-compliance for the single farm payment which are imposed by EU other member states. [23802]

Cross-compliance conditions involve two main elements: specific requirements in relation to 19 EU directives and regulations that apply in all member states, with many of these having been law for a number of years; and keeping agricultural land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) as defined at member state, or as the case may be, regional level within an EU framework. Given the requirement in the EC regulations to define GAEC to reflect the specific character of the areas concerned including the condition of the land, environmental conditions and agricultural activity, it is to be expected that a variety of standards will have been set within the EU. Whether those standards fulfil member states' EU regulatory obligations will be considered by the European Commission, which has already begun a programme of audits covering cross-compliance. In the meantime, DEFRA officials continue to liaise closely with the European Commission and other member states, both to ensure a common understanding of the EU regulatory obligations and to share practical experience of implementation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Single Payment Scheme will be implemented; and whether her Department plans to propose further reform of the common agricultural policy. [22733]

Ministers regularly assess the likely timing of Single Payment Scheme awards with officials at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), which is responsible for the administration of the scheme in England. RPA remains on course to commence payments in February 2006 and complete 96 per cent. of payments by the end of March, in line with announcements made at the start of the year.

The UK Government has called for a fundamental review of the whole EU budget, including the common agricultural policy (CAP), to report during the next EU financial perspective (2007–13). We have held detailed discussions with every member state about the budget and remain committed to working for a deal in December.

As part of that process, we have called for a proper debate about the budget and stressed that we must begin making the necessary changes, including to CAP expenditure, before the next budget period begins in 2014. We have also been clear that any change to the CAP must take account of the legitimate business planning needs of farmers and happen over time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements she has made for releasing data on individual recipients of farm support payments under the Single Payment Scheme. [23552]

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will be releasing details of payments made under the Single Payments Scheme (SPS).

We will publish an annual aggregate figure for payments to each recipient under the SPS drawn from our financial records. The regional analysis will be produced using the Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS). NUTS was established by Eurostat more than 25 years ago in order to provide a single uniform breakdown of territorial units for the production of regional statistics for the European Union. We will use NUTS levels one and two to provide the regional analysis. The information will be extracted, calculated and published on the RPA website after the closure of the payment window on 30 June 2006, probably by end September 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of statutory instruments laid before the House by her Department arose as a direct consequence of European legislation in each of the last three years. [23001]

It is possible to extrapolate from existing data sources a broad estimate of the percentage of SIs which came into force for each of the last three years that arose as a direct consequence of European legislation. The figures are:

Archived data is stored depending on the date of entry into force of specific measures and not the date on which the implementing statutory instrument was laid before Parliament. Therefore, information in the precise form requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Furthermore, the data provided relates only to measures which have a relatively significant or wide-ranging impact on business. Minor technical or updating amendments to existing regulations, which may have arisen as a consequence either of EU or domestic policies, are not included in the data source.

The total number of SIs covered on this basis for EU and domestic policies, and which came into force in each of the three years, is: 2004 70 SIs; 2003 92 SIs; and 2002 57 SIs. The total number of SIs in any given year will be higher once minor, technical and amending measures are included.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received about online applications to the entry level stewardship scheme; and if she will make a statement. [26256]

holding answer 8 November 2005

No representations have been received recently at a national level concerning the introduction of the ELS On-Line facility. However, we are aware that local RDS offices continue to receive informal enquiries from farmers and their agents on this subject.

The ELS On-Line system remains under development and our aim is to thoroughly test it before release to ensure that it is robust and fit for purpose. It is our intention to make it available early in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on EU proposals for reform of the sugar regime. [20426]

Defra has conducted a full public consultation exercise on the Commission's proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime. Thirty-seven written responses were received and copies of these are available for inspection in the Defra library. A summary of views expressed will be published shortly. In addition, Ministers have received a large number of letters on this subject outside the formal consultation exercise reflecting a similar range of concerns.

Meetings with stakeholders have been conducted at both ministerial and official level on a regular basis and will continue to take place as the negotiations progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact on UK manufacturing industry of production quotas for sugar (a) over the last five years and (b) over the next five years. [23764]

By sustaining high sugar prices and inefficient sugar production, national sugar quotas have restricted competition and choice for UK and EU based food manufacturers for whom sugar is a crucial ingredient. The European Commission's proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime are expected to increase competition and trade across Europe. Further analysis of these impacts is provided in the Government's detailed Regulatory Impact Assessment of options for reform of the EU Sugar Regime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will accept the recommendation of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in its Twelfth Report of Session 2003–04, paragraph 52, that, if the reformed Common Market Organisation for sugar maintains the quota system, the competition authorities should conduct an investigation into the UK sugar processing industry. [23849]

This is a matter for the competition authorities themselves to consider. But the Government does believe that the European Commission's present proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime do represent a considerable step forward in the operation of the quota system, with the merger of A and B quotas, the abolition of C sugar and the possibility of some expansion for the most efficient producers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the base price would be on which payments of export refunds would be calculated under the European Commission's proposals for reform of the Common Market Organisation in sugar. [23850]

Export refunds for sugar are currently calculated as a function of the difference between the EU intervention price and world market levels. Under the European Commission's reform proposals the intervention system would be abolished and replaced with a number of different market management instruments, the need for which will be assessed in relation to representative prices on the EU market expressed as a reference level.

The question of how export refunds will be set in relation to this will be a matter for the Sugar Management Committee after the Agriculture Council has reached agreement on the main reform proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many households in Cleethorpes constituency have received assistance under the Warm Front scheme in each year since its introduction. [26573]

Between the launch of the Warm Front Scheme in June 2000 and the end of March 2005, the numbers of households assisted in each year in Cleethorpes constituency are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many landfill sites are operational in (a) England, (b) Tees Valley and (c) Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland constituency. [26497]

There are 561 operational landfill sites in England. This number is not constant given that the Environment Agency is currently undertaking the re-permitting of the landfill sector under the requirements of both the PPC and Landfill Regulations.

There are currently 13 operational landfill sites in Tees Valley and one in the Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the current capacity of landfill sites is filled. [26498]

The information is not available in the form requested at present. However, it is an area being addressed during development of the Waste Data Strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many incinerators are used in England to burn (a) household, (b) industrial and (c) other waste. [26499]

The Environment Agency regulates 64 incinerators in England under the Integrated Pollution Control Regime (Environmental Protection Act 1990, part 1) and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000 SI 1972. The breakdown is as follows:

⁽⁵⁾ Two merchant waste incinerators and the remaining 21 are in-house waste incinerators.

⁽⁶⁾ Clinical waste, sewage sludge and animal carcase incinerators

As regards smaller incinerators regulated by local authorities, data from our 2003–04 statistical survey for England and Wales (http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/lapc/survey0304/index.htm) shows 65 incinerators were regulated and a further 36 combustion plant. We do not have a breakdown of how many of the 36 combustion plant burnt waste.

Separate data collected for 2001–02 for England and Wales (http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/lapc/aqnotes/pdf/aq03(02).pdf) show that 19 installations were subject to guidance for waste combustion plant, 22 used clinical waste incineration guidance, 26 used animal carcase incineration guidance and seven used general waste incineration guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans there are to build additional incinerators to deal with refuse. [26500]

The Government are exploring options to support the delivery of additional energy generation from residual, post-recycling, waste as part of their current review of waste strategy.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the likely cost of the infrastructure necessary to support the proposed house building programme in the parliamentary constituency of Gravesham; and what percentage of this cost will be met from central funding. [24175]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is aware that for such an ambitious programme as the Thames Gateway, infrastructure is needed that will support the new homes and jobs envisaged for these areas.

ODPM is working closely with local partners in better defining and prioritising these costs. A proportion of these will be met by public sector as a means to enabling regeneration of the area, but it is also crucial that private sector contribute the necessary investment to make these areas sustainable.

There has been significant investment in Gravesham to date, some £40 million worth of projects in the area, as part of ODPM's Thames Gateway programme and some £210 million allocated to North Kent. These projects will help support new infrastructure and housing, for example through land remediation of brownfield sites, new greenspace and education provision.

Around £19 million are currently committed to Fastrack public transport system £4 million coming from ODPM and £15 million from DfT, which will run services connecting Gravesend, Dartford Bluewater and Ebbsfleet International Station.

In addition, significant investment has been made from across Government, and examples of this are the Gravesend and North Kent Hospital, and the road widening of the A2 between Bean and Cobham where the DfT has contributed with over £115 million.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact on (a) road and (b) rail infrastructure of the new housing proposed for the Eastern Region. [26342]

I have been asked to reply.

The draft Spatial Strategy for the East of England contains a regional transport strategy. This was developed by the region in consultation with its local authorities. The Examination in Public (EiP) for the draft strategy started on 1 November. It is the work of the EiP panel to hear the evidence and representations before it in order to make recommendations to the Government on the appropriate long-term strategy in the East of England. Once the scale and broad location of developments are known, transport requirements will be subject to refinement.

DfT Rail are finalising a Regional Planning Assessment for rail. This will help identify some of the medium to long-term requirements for the region. This work is in addition to the Route Utilisation Strategy for the region which will be implemented in December. This particular strategy seeks to maximise capacity on the rail network through measures linked with known and anticipated demand.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the system of writing off debt for local authorities which agree to large scale voluntary transfers of their housing stock has been approved by the European Union. [22256]

It is the view of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister that the system of writing off debt for local authorities which agree to large scale voluntary transfers of their housing stock is not a notifiable aid under article 87(1) of the EC Treaty, as it does not distort or threaten to distort competition.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the proposals to introduce whole council local elections every four years will be taken forward. [23208]

As part of our ongoing local:vision debate on the future of local government we will, over the coming months, be seeking views of the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders on how best to implement the Electoral Commission's recommendations that all local authorities should hold whole council elections every four years.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether there is a backlog of cases for proposed town councils for his consideration; what timescale he would expect for consideration of the establishment of a Brixham town council following a formal submission from the Torbay Unitary Authority; and if he will make a statement. [26265]

Local authorities submit to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) cases for the establishment, alteration and abolition of parish and town councils in accordance with the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 following parish reviews they undertake to their own time scale. These authorities are also required to forward to ODPM within three months valid local petitions from electors calling for the creation of a new parish and parish council. ODPM deals with its programme of such cases as they are received. It presently takes between six and nine months between ODPM receiving proposals and our making Orders to implement them in time for the first elections of new parish councils. Any proposal to establish a town council for Brixham would need to be submitted by Torbay council in line with these arrangements.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which organisations and individuals have been consulted during preparation of the Phase 2 Revision Draft of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. [26077]

The Phase 2 revision of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy was launched on Monday 7 November, when the West Midlands Regional Planning Body published a draft Project Plan for consultation. The Regional Planning Body has formally notified around 2,000 organisations and individuals of this consultation, which seeks views on the scope of the revision and the future participation arrangements. The full range of private and public bodies suggested in Annex D of PPS11 is being consulted and the consultation period ends on 31 December 2005. Further consultation is expected to take place on the options developed next summer, and on the preferred option in 2007.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the limits on the importation of (a) alcohol and (b) tobacco products into Britain by individuals who have bought them within the European Union and have paid the duty levied in the country of purchase have been in each year since 1992. [26358]

Since the introduction of the Single Market in 1993, travellers making journeys within the EU have been able to bring back as much duty and tax paid alcohol and tobacco products as they like, provided the products are for their own use and are transported by them.

EC law allows member states to set guidelines which, alongside a number of other factors, officials may take into account to determine whether goods are imported for own use or commercial purposes.

From 1 January 1993 the UK introduced the following guide levels-10 litres of spirits, 20 litres of fortified wine such as port or sherry, 90 litres of wine (of which not more than 60 litres of sparkling wine), 110 litres of beer, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 400 cigarillos, and one kilogram of smoking tobacco.

With effect from 29 October 2002, the UK introduced increased guide levels for cigarettes and some other tobacco products, 3,200 cigarettes and three kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has commissioned on the effects on take-up of biodiesel of a reduction in duty; and if he will reduce the duty on biodiesel. [26146]

We have monitored the take-up of biodiesel since the introduction of a duty incentive in July 2002. Over the last three years, the duty incentive has led to increased use of the fuel in the UK and biodiesel alone now accounts for more than 2.5 million litres of fuel released for consumption each month in the UK.

Duty rates for alternative fuels, including biodiesel, are set according to the principles of the Alternative Fuels Framework, published in the 2003 pre-Budget report. In line with the commitment to provide rolling three-year certainty set out in the framework, the current differential of 20 pence per litre is guaranteed until 2008.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many babies have been born in Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997. [26156]

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

Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 November 2005

As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question for the number of babies born in Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997. (26156)

The table below relates to babies born anywhere in England and Wales to women usually resident in Tamworth constituency area at the time of the birth. Counts are provided up to 2004, the latest year for which figures are available.

Live births to residents of Tamworth constituency, 1997 to 2004

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received from the construction industry on the timing of the introduction of the new Construction Industry Scheme. [26230]

Treasury Ministers receive representations on a wide range of issues, including the Construction Industry Scheme.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (a) land and (b) property his Department owns in Tamworth constituency. [26154]

The Treasury owns no land or property in the Tamworth constituency.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of new recruits to his Department do not have a level 2 qualification in English and mathematics. [23767]

HM Treasury uses competency-based recruitment and as such focuses on skills rather than qualifications. Therefore no records are kept on the specific qualifications which new recruits have achieved.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methods of assessment of (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills are used as part of the recruitment process by employees of his Department. [23800]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 25 October 2005, Official Report, column 308W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer

(1) what the duty free allowance per person was for (a) visitors to the United Kingdom and (b) British citizens in (i) 1975, (ii) 1977, (iii) 1979, (iv) 1983, (v) 1987, (vi) 1992, (vii) 1997 and (viii) each year since 2001; [26359]

(2) what recent discussions he has held with the European Commission about the current UK duty free allowance; and if he will make a statement. [26360]

European Council Directive 69/169/EEC sets a tax and duty free allowance for all travellers bringing goods for personal use (excluding wine, spirits, tobacco and perfume) from outside the EU into the UK. This allowance applies equally to visitors to the United Kingdom and to British citizens.

When the directive was first agreed in 1969, the allowance was set at 45 Euros (£36). In 1994 it was increased to 175 Euros (£136), and the UK conversion was revalorised from £136 to £145 in 1995 to reflect exchange rate fluctuations. Since then the allowance has not been revised.

In order to change the tax and duty free allowance, the European Commission would have to make a proposal and unanimous agreement among member states would have to be reached. The Chancellor of the Exchequer wrote to the Commission at Budget 2005 proposing that the allowance be increased to £1,000. The Commission has expressed support in principle for the Government's proposal that the allowance should be raised, and it is hoped they will soon come forward with draft legislation to increase the allowance and thereby reduce unnecessary restrictions on travellers bringing goods into the EU for their own use.

Separate quantitative limits apply for wine, spirits, tobacco and perfume. These have not been revised since the directive was first agreed and are listed as follows:

Quantitative limits for exemptions from tax and duty for travellers bringing goods for personal use from outside the EU into the UK:

200 cigarettes; or 100 cigarillos; or 50 cigars; or 250g of tobacco

60cc of perfume

Two litres of still table wine

250cc of eau de toilette

One litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22 per cent. volume; or two litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vehicles were confiscated by customs officers as a result of the driver carrying goods above the duty free allowance in each of the last 10 years. [26362]

HM Revenue and Customs records of the number of vehicles seized do not differentiate between the nature of the offences in each case. Details of the total number of vehicles seized across the UK in the years 1994–95 to 1999–2000 are as follows:

The number ofvehicles seized in 2004–05 will be published in the Customs Annual Report, published later this year.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methodology he uses to assess the UK's economic performance compared with other EU countries. [26237]

The Treasury paper on Long-term global economic challenges and opportunities for Europe" provides information on the economic performances of EU member states.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were (a) employed and (b) unemployed in each electoral ward in Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997. [26161]

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

Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 November 2005

As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment and unemployment. (26161)

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of employment and unemployment from the Labour Force Survey following International Labour Organisation definitions. Estimates of employment and unemployment are not available for wards as the survey sample size for such areas is too small.

Table 1, attached, shows the 2001 Census figures for numbers persons aged 16 to 74 in employment who were resident in the electoral wards of the Tamworth constituency.

ONS also compiles statistics for local areas of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. Table 2, attached, shows annual averages, for 1996 to 2004, for wards within the Tamworth constituency.

Table 1: Number of persons aged 16 to 74 in employment resident in electoral wards of the Tamworth parliamentary constituency

⁽⁷⁾ Electoral wards are defined on the basis of the boundaries as they were in 1991.

Source:

2001 Census

Table 2: Jobseeker's allowance claimants resident in electoral wards of the Tamworth parliamentary constituency