To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many Government organisations are involved in the administration of the Thames Gateway regeneration scheme. [56650]

The delivery and development of the Thames Gateway programme is lead by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and its agencies in partnership with other Government Departments including Department of Health, Department for Transport, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Department for Education and Skills.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will list local planning authorities in the Thames Gateway which have in place an urban capacity study which meets his Department's standards. [54612]

The Secretary of State, my right. hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister does not keep records of local planning authorities which have undertaken urban capacity studies.

Planning Policy Guidance Note No 3: Housing", requires regional planning bodies to coordinate the programme of capacity studies undertaken by local authorities in their area and maintain consistency of approach in terms of the methodology used.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proportion of local government expenditure was (a) raised locally and (b) provided by grants in the 2005–06 financial year. [56653]

Some 25 per cent. of local government revenue expenditure in England in 2005–06 is estimated to be financed from council tax and 74 per cent. from Government grants.

The data are as reported by local authorities on their Revenue Account Budget returns.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what recent meetings he has had with local authority chief executives on the potential abolition of district and county councils. [56654]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has a programme of meetings involving local authority chief executives and Members to hear their views and ideas about future governance arrangements for places. There have been two county dialogues to date, in Shropshire and Gloucestershire, and a Roundtable in the West Midlands for council leaders. Officials in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have also held six meetings with council chief executives.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what uses his Department proposes to make of the 2021 to 2031 housing projections for North Northamptonshire contained in the Milton Keynes and South Midlands sub-regional spatial [0]

Question number missing in Hansard, possibly truncated question.

The Milton Keynes and South Midlands sub-regional strategy contains a provisional planning assumption about levels of housing growth in the towns of Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough for the period 2021 to 2031. These figures will be reassessed through future reviews of the regional spatial strategy.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he is taking to ensure that all new homes are environmentally sustainable. [56656]

The Government are committed to building environmentally sustainable housing. From this April building regulations are being strengthened to deliver a 40 per cent. increase in energy efficiency compared to 2002. This is part of a wide range of measures to improve the environmental sustainability of new homes.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what level of earnings a single person can have before they start paying council tax if they are (a) under 25 years and (b) over 25 years; and if he will make a statement. [56891]

Council tax does not take account of earnings. However, entitlement to council tax benefit is based on a number of factors including income, capital and number of persons per household. Also, some properties may be exempt from council tax, for example if they are occupied solely by students or people under the age of 18.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff work in the Local Government and Fire Group; how many are based in (i) London and (ii) each region and nation of the UK; how much was spent on their salaries in the last year for which figures are available, broken down by area; and what estimate he has made of the administration costs associated with the group. [50030]

As at 31 December 2005 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister had 550,72 staff on full-time equivalent (FTE) basis working in the Local Government and Fire Group, of which 463.97 (FTE) staff were based in London and 86.75 (FTE) staff elsewhere.

The total salary costs for the 2004–05 financial year was £23.762 million and total administration costs was £29.825 million.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not monitor regional or central London administration costs separately.

The figures above refer to England only.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff work in the Corporate Strategy and Resources Group; how many are based in (i) London and (ii) each region and nation of the UK; how much was spent on their salaries in the last year for which figures are available, broken down by area; and what estimate he has made of the administration costs associated with the Group. [50031]

The Corporate Strategy and Resources Group brings together strategy and the resources to deliver it. The group includes a strategy and performance unit, provides analytical services to the rest of the Department and delivers key corporate junctions including finance, HR, workplace services, IT, procurement, business systems, corporate change and information management.

As at 31 December 2005 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister had 652.8 staff on full-time equivalent (FTE) basis working in the Corporate Strategy and Resources Group, of these 494.99 (FTE) staff were based in London and 157.81 (FTE) staff elsewhere.

The total salary costs for the 2004–05 financial year was £23.624 million and total administration costs was £26.626 million.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister does not monitor regional or central London administration costs separately.

The figures above refer to England only.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister by what medium the press notice issued on 16 February 2006 by his Department regarding funding for infrastructure projects in Milton Keynes was distributed to (a) the hon. Member for North-East Milton Keynes, (b) the hon. Member for Milton Keynes, South-West and (c) the press. [56739]

holding answer 7 March 2006

The press notice was issued on the 16 February on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website, electronically through the Central Office of Information and hard copies were sent to the House of Commons Lobby.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when he will reply to the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Brent East, dated 2 December 2005, regarding Mr. Brian Barker. [54693]

I replied to the hon. Member on 1 March.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what (a) discussions he has had with and (b) guidance he has given to Ordnance Survey on the exclusion of mapping products and services that have been wholly or partly funded via the National Interest Mapping Service Agreement from bids for the Pan Government Agreement; and if he will make a statement. [56955]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not discussed this with Ordnance Survey, nor provided guidance to Ordnance Survey on these matters.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much was spent on education and training within the New Deal for Communities programme on (a) pre-16-year-olds, (b) 16 to 19-year-olds and (c) 19 years plus in (i) 2004–05 and (ii) 2005–06; and how much is planned to be spent in (A) 2006–07 and (B) 2007–08. [54843]

New Deal for Communities (NDC) expenditure information on education and training is not held centrally for the age categories required in the question. In order to avoid over-bureaucratic dictates.

Total NDC education spending in 2004–05 was £25.2 million (9.5 per cent. of total spend), and for 2005–06 the forecast figure is £27.4 million (10 per cent.). Forecast education spend for future years is not available centrally.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2006, Official Report, column 1627W, on the Northern Way Strategy, whether (a) Ministers and (b) Government Offices for the Regions have responsibility for (i) approving and (ii) signing off the Northern Way Strategy. [54525]

The Northern Way arose as a response to a challenge from the Deputy Prime Minister to the three northern Regional Development Agencies to show how the North could use its assets to allow it to become more prosperous, more competitive and more dynamic.

It is an independent initiative directed by the Northern Way Steering Group and being taken forward by the three Regional Development Agencies. The Northern Way's First Growth Strategy Report, published September 2004, was produced by the Steering Group, which contains Government representatives in its membership. The Steering Group is responsible for the approval and sign off of their strategy, though Ministers continue to follow the progress of the Northern Way closely.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister pursuant to the answer of 8 February 2006, Official Report, column 1247W, to the hon. Member for Pendle, on the Press Complaints Commission, what the substance was of the complaint in each case; and what the outcome was in each case. [54533]

A complaint against theSunday Express was adjudicated by the Press Complaints Commission in September 2004. A complaint against The Sun was resolved in August 2005. Details are already in the public domain and are available to the hon. Member on the PCC website.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how he is contributing to the Respect agenda. [49819]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is making a very significant contribution to the Respect agenda through the £39 billion Sustainable Communities Plan. The ODPM is in particular making key contributions on the specific themes of housing, family support and working to make neighbourhoods cleaner, safer and greener.

For example:

ODPM, along with the Respect Task Force and Department for Education and Skills (DfES), are key players in a cross departmental initiative aimed at establishing family support projects in up to 50 areas during 2006–07. This will help prevent and reduce homelessness. The projects will be delivered through the Local Area Agreement (LAA) framework.

ODPM is co-funding the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund which will contribute to reduced crime, reducing the harm caused by illegal drugs, addressing antisocial behaviour, empowering communities and improving the condition of streets and public spaces in disadvantaged areas. And the successful Neighbourhood Managers and Wardens programmes will be rolled out more widely.

We have allocated £1.5 billion over 2005–08 to the 86 most deprived local authority areas in England. Local Strategic Partnerships use these funds alongside their main programmes—usually concentrating on crime and antisocial behaviour, educational underachievement, worklessness, housing/environment and health issues—to improve public services and aid long term regeneration.

Our proposed Neighbourhood Charters will provide formal, agreed, identification of the rights, duties and responsibilities between citizens, public services and others at a local, neighbourhood, level.

The Supporting People programme will contribute to the Respect agenda by providing housing related support to vulnerable people and helping them improve their quality of life through the provision of a stable environment.

We are also developing a Respect Standard" for housing management which will set out the core elements of a good service. We are also working to strengthen the links between enforcement tools and support packages to address the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour while simultaneously acting on the needs of the community.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether he expects master planning to be undertaken for all major developments in the Thames Gateway; and if he will make a statement. [54681]

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister would normally expect masterplans to be compiled for all major development locations in the Thames Gateway, for example London Riverside and Ebbsfleet.

Masterplanning has already been undertaken for several areas of the Thames Gateway including Greenwich Peninsula, Stratford and the Lower Lea and Canning Town.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many additional new jobs have been created in the five strategic planning locations in the Thames Gateway since July 2003. [54687]

The information requested is not currently held centrally. A monitoring and evaluation strategy is being formulated and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister plans to publish a baseline report in the summer.

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will publish a regular report of progress towards the aspirations and commitments set out in his strategy Creating sustainable communities: Delivering the Thames Gateway". [54691]

Creating sustainable communities: Delivering the Thames Gateway", published in March 2005, set out progress to date and outlined the Government's plans for the future development of the Thames Gateway.

Later this year, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister will publish a Strategic Framework for the Gateway, which will cover latest progress and form the basis of a delivery plan for the future.

To ask the Prime Minister when he expects British troops to leave Iraq. [56640]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Mr. Moore) on 28 February 2006, Official Report, column 619W.

To ask the Prime Minister when he will reply to question 54463 tabled by the hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak, on 16 February 2006 on Guantanamo Bay. [57294]

I replied to my hon. Friend on 6 March 2006, Official Report, column 1076W.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners if he will make a statement on the policy on Israel of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group of the Church of England. [56241]

The Church does not have a blanket policy on investment in Israel. The Commissioners are advised by the Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory Group. The recent resolution of the General Synod was to review investments in certain companies involved in the Middle East. General Synod however has not resolved to disinvest and the Synod's resolution does not alter the fact that the Church Commissioners have legal responsibility conferred by Parliament to make their own investment decisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to ensure that badgers (a) killed as part of a cull and (b) otherwise found dead are disposed of in a way which does not represent a potential notifiable disease hazard. [53448]

holding answer 27 February 2006

We are currently consulting on both the principle and method of a badger culling policy, including what methods of disposal would be suitable to minimise risk of disease transmission, assist in monitoring a cull of badgers and be practical. Decisions on whether to introduce a culling policy and, if so, how to implement it will be taken only once the consultation period has ended.

It is unlikely that it would be possible to tell whether a badger otherwise found dead was infected with bovine TB. The presence of the bovine TB causative organism (M. bovis) is established by post-mortem examination and the bacteriological culture of samples.

The EU Animal By-Products Regulation requires that wild animals suspected of being infected with diseases communicable to humans and animals, such as bovine TB, are disposed of at an approved plant using one of the following methods:

(1) incineration;

(2) rendering followed by incineration; or

(3) pressure rendering followed by landfill.

Information on the disposal of animal carcasses is available on the Defra website, at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by-prods/default.htm, and from local Defra animal health offices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effects of the ban on burning carcases; and if she will make a statement. [55652]

holding answer 3 March 2006

The EU Animal By Products Regulation (EC) No. 1774/2002 prohibits the 'open burning' of animal carcases. It is there to protect public and animal health from any potential risks associated with the burning of fallen stock.

A number of disposal routes for fallen stock are permitted by the regulation including rendering, incineration or sending the carcasses to a knackers yard or hunt kennel. The National Fallen Stock Scheme, aimed at reducing the cost to farmers of disposing of their fallen stock, was launched in November 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the expected commencement date is for sections 69 to 76 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, on alarm notification areas. [56222]

The sections on alarm notification areas under Part 7 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 will be commenced on 6 April 2006.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the operation of the Coast Protection Act 1949. [55862]

Defra has policy responsibility for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England and provides most of the Government funding for managing that risk. Flood and coastal defence operating authorities (the Environment Agency, local authorities and internal drainage boards) are Defra's delivery partners. Operating authorities have permissive powers" which means that while they may undertake flood and coastal erosion risk measures, they are not generally obliged to do so.

Coast Protection authorities (district or unitary councils) have permissive powers to carry out works to manage the risk of coastal erosion or encroachment by the sea under the Coast Protection Act 1949. Subject to conditions determined by the Treasury, Defra may make grants towards any expenditure. To satisfy conditions, proposals must satisfy essential technical, economic and environmental criteria and achieve a relevant priority.

The Act also includes provisions for the safety of navigation. Sections 34 and 35 refer to consents to undertake a broad range of marine works in the sea around the coasts of England and Wales. Defra is responsible for administering these provisions on behalf of the Secretary of State. Defra expects to make proposals for improving the regime for regulating works at sea, of which these controls are a component, in a Marine Bill to be introduced later in this Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what baseline figures she is using for assessing progress on her Department's targets to (a) deliver step-change improvements to the way common agricultural policy schemes are administered, (b) rationalise delivery programmes, (c) implement the Modernising Rural Delivery plan, (d) implement the England Rural Development ICT programme, (e) implement the EA Efficiency programme, (f) generate efficiencies in flood defence provision in the Environment Agency, (g) place a greater emphasis on the provision of online services in the Environment Agency, (h) make back-office improvements at the Environment Agency, (i) streamline policy-making, (j) rationalise back-office functions in her Department, (k) improve procurement and (l) work with local authorities to deliver efficiency gains on waste services; what progress has been made towards these targets to date; and what the total efficiency savings achieved to date are for these targets. [52928]

The response is set out in the following table. Baseline figures are provided at programme level where available, although these are mostly held in detail at project level with efficiencies reported through local governance processes. Stated efficiency savings are as reported to OGC in January 2006, at which time quarter 3 information from Executive agencies and non departmental public bodies had yet to be approved by their management boards.

⁽¹⁾ Full-time equivalent.

⁽²⁾ No other delivery programmes within DEFRA efficiency portfolio.

⁽³⁾ 2004–05 resource figures set out in DEFRA's Annual Report 2005 for Natural Resources and Rural Affairs (NRRA) Directorate General, and the Rural Development Service (RDS); and in the 2004–05 corporate plans of the Countryside Agency and English Nature.

⁽⁴⁾ Productivity savings measured annually against a calculation of time taken to process number of applications received using previous methods.

⁽⁵⁾ Staff complement in 2005–06 RAE.

⁽⁶⁾ 2004–05 expenditure.

⁽⁷⁾ Determined in detail at project level.

⁽⁸⁾ Plus 6.5 non-sustainable in 2004–05.

⁽⁹⁾ Defined by local authorities previous year spend. Data reported on Annual Efficiency Statements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many miles of permissible bridleways exist under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme; how she expects this figure to alter by the end of the scheme; and if she will make a statement. [56514]

Presently, there are just under 1,100 miles of permissive bridleways in existence under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS). The CSS closed to new applications in March 2004; therefore the number of bridleways under CSS should not increase in the future.

It is too early to obtain meaningful data on the uptake of bridleways under the new Environmental Stewardship scheme, as the first Higher Level Stewardship agreements have only recently started.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many (a) incidents of fly-tipping were reported and (b) prosecutions were made following such incidents in (i) Cambridgeshire and (ii) Peterborough constituency in each year since 1997; and if she will make a statement. [55589]

Defra has worked with the Environment Agency to establish a national database on fly-tipping (Flycapture) which has been operational since April 2004. No national data were previously available on illegal waste disposal or fly-tipping. Flycapture collects data at local authority level only.

It is important to note that the data are probably an underestimate and will increase as authorities get better at collecting and reporting the data.

Peterborough city council reported 3,515 incidents of fly-tipping between April 2004 and March 2005 (average of 293 per month) and 5,828 between April 2005 and January 2006 (average 583 per month). During the same time periods all Cambridgeshire authorities reported 8,037 (average of 690 per month) and 9,883 (average of 988 per month) respectively.

No prosecutions have been reported to Flycapture.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which institution carried out each piece of research commissioned by her Department into the effectiveness and reliability of varietal genetic use restriction technologies (V-GURTS); what the expected duration of the work was in each case; and if she will place a copy of the report of each project in the Library. [56443]

My Department has not commissioned research specifically on this issue. Reading university was however asked to undertake a desk study to review and assess effective current and practical, as well as timely and potentially viable, technologies aimed at reducing the dispersal of transgenes into the environment from GM and non-GM crops. The study was undertaken from June to November 2005 and aimed to review all aspects of technologies for biological containment of GM and non-GM crop plants, including evaluation of industrial research effort in this area. The report is currently being peer-reviewed and will be published on Defra's website. I shall place a copy in the Library when it is published.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to reduce noise levels at night. [54786]

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 extends the night noise provisions in the Noise Act 1996 to licensed premises. Local authorities will be able to fine those responsible for excess noise from licensed premises between 11 pm and 7 am. Those found responsible for exceeding the permitted level of noise will be liable to a fine of up to £5,000 upon summary conviction. A local authority will be able to offer the responsible person the option to discharge liability to conviction with the payment of a fixed penalty notice of £500 within 14 days. It is planned to bring these provisions into force in the autumn. They will complement the power to close licensed premises on noise grounds introduced by the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 also gives local authorities new powers to designate alarm notification areas in which it will be a requirement for those with intruder alarms to register key-holder details with the local authority. Local authorities will be able to contact key-holders in the event that an alarm sounding for 20 minutes continuously or one hour intermittently causes annoyance to those in the vicinity. Local authorities will also be able to enter premises without force, where possible, to deactivate an alarm, and to obtain a warrant to force entry where this is not possible. Silencing misfiring intruder alarms as quickly as possible is particularly important at night. These new powers, which will be commenced in April, are additional to the existing statutory nuisance powers under Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The Government is also taking steps to reduce environmental noise at night. The Department for Transport has responsibility for controlling aircraft noise at night at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports. Restrictions, comprising a movements limit and supplementary noise controls, are set on a seasonal basis for a 5–6 year period. The Department has recently consulted on a night restrictions regime to apply from October 2006 at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

At regional airports noise restrictions are set by the Airport Operator, in accordance with any planning conditions which may apply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations her Department has received from industry bodies on PG5/2(04) in the last three years; and if she will place copies in the Library. [56221]

The Department has been in regular dialogue with organisations representing the cremation sector throughout the last three years concerning regulation of air pollution from crematoria and PG5/2(04). This has included meetings, telephone discussions, and many exchanges of correspondence with representatives of the National Federation of Cremation Authorities, Institute of Cemetery and Cremation Management, National Association of Funeral Directors, and the Cremation Society. A particular focus of the dialogue has been action to reduce mercury emissions from crematoria. We issued two consultation papers on this subject which can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria-two/index.htm and http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria/index.htm

I am placing a copy of the representations received in response to the consultation undertaken by the Department as part of finalising statutory guidance note PG5/2(04). The responses to the two consultation papers can be found at the above-mentioned web addresses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 30 June 2005, Official Report, column 1644W, on rats, if she will place in the Library a copy of the relevant section of the English house condition survey. [55928]

Copies of both the 1996 and 2001 English House Condition Surveys are already available on the ODPM website at: http://www.odpm.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1155278

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the national targets are for recycling (a) household waste and (b) corporate waste over the next five years. [53844]

In Waste Strategy 2000, published in May of that year, the Government set national targets to recycle or compost:

25 per cent. of household waste by 2005

30 per cent. of household waste by 2010

33 per cent. of household waste by 2015.

There are currently no national recycling targets for corporate waste. Waste Strategy 2000 was reviewed in 2005 and a report published on 14 February 2006. This report forms the basis of a public consultation document and following that consultation a revised strategy is due to be published late in 2006; this may include recycling targets for corporate waste.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to encourage recycling. [53845]

In addition to setting national targets to recycle household waste, all local authorities in England have been set statutory recycling targets Waste disposal authorities have also been set landfill diversion targets for biodegradable municipal waste which will drive them to maximise the recycling of this material.

The Household Waste Recycling Act 2003 requires waste collection authorities to provide separate collection of at least two recyclates to all households receiving a general waste collection by 2010.

Funding for establishing recycling infrastructure has been provided, initially through the Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund (£294 million) and now the Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant (£260 million).

Having established markets for recycled materials the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) now has additional roles in encouraging recycling. Since 2002,1ocal authorities have been provided targeted support and advice and it has established the Recycling and Organics Technical Advisory Team to spread best practice on recyclate collection methodologies.

This is the third year of WRAP's £30 million three-year waste awareness raising programme; this included a national campaign and advertising local authority initiatives. Work continues on WRAP's £1.45 million research project with Tesco, Sainsbury and local authorities to pilot upgraded supermarket bring banks and undertake an evaluation of their impact on householder behaviour and recycling rates.

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997 (as amended) oblige businesses in the packaging chain to recycle a specified amount of packaging waste.

A voluntary agreement is being negotiated with the construction and demolition industries to raise their use of recycled materials and the amount of construction material they recycle. Voluntary agreements are in place with the Newspaper Publishers Association that will increase the recycled content of newsprint to 70 per cent. in 2006. The Government are negotiating a similar agreement with the Periodical Publishers Association to increase the recycling of magazines.

To help improve the economics of recycling as well as better reflect the true environmental impact of landfill, the Government have committed to an annual increase on landfill tax of at least £3/t until it reaches £35/t.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the proportion of landfill waste which was recyclable in each of the past five years. [53846]

Below are estimates for the recyclable proportion of municipal waste sent to landfill in England in the past five years:

Percentage

⁽¹⁰⁾ Estimate based on household waste management figures.

These estimates assume that about 75 per cent. of all municipal waste could reasonably be recycled, with the best infrastructure and schemes in place, and total participation in those schemes. This figure of 75 per cent. is derived from compositional studies of our waste, and is supported by best practice in Europe. These figures cover municipal waste only, and work to assess the recyclable proportion of other waste streams is currently in progress through the Department's research programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance her Department makes available to local authorities with regard to street cleaning. [54954]

This Department has developed several forms of guidance to local authorities in relation to street cleansing services. Guidance covering sections of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, as amended by the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, relating to street cleaning will be issued to all local authorities in March of this year. A revised Code of Practice for Litter and Refuse will be issued at the same time. Defra produced a document titled 'Achieving improvements in street cleansing and related services', which was sent to all local authorities in November 2005. Further practical guidance on street cleaning services and enforcement will be available through an updated and enlarged 'Knowledge Bank' CD which has been developed in partnership with EnCams, the environmental charity. This will be available from April this year.

Further information and guidance is available at www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/index.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to introduce legislation (a) limiting the amount of packaging that can be used for products sold in supermarkets and (b) to require supermarkets to use easily recyclable packaging. [56119]

We have no plans to introduce further legislation on packaging.

There are two sets of Regulations which cover packaging in the UK and which encourage businesses (including supermarkets) to minimise packaging and to manufacture packaging which can be recycled.

The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 (as amended) include a requirement that packaging should be manufactured so that the volume and weight are limited to the minimum adequate to maintain the necessary level of safety, hygiene and acceptance for the packed product and for the consumer. These Regulations also require that

packaging . . . be designed, produced and commercialised . . . to permit its . . . recovery, including recycling, and to minimise its impact on the environment . . .".

The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2005 are intended to increase the recovery and recycling of packaging waste. Because the amount of packaging waste recycling businesses have to do is determined, in part, by the amount of packaging they handle, they can cut costs if they reduce the packaging used around their products.

Legislation is one way of reducing packaging, but consumers have a part to play. For example, if consumers made a point of choosing goods that are not heavily packaged, or bought 'loose' food rather than pre-packaged, or used their own shopping bags or boxes, manufacturers might be encouraged to reduce the quantity of packaging on their products.

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

(1) what the estimated level of waste in the Thames Gateway is for (a) 2006, (b) 2010, (c) 2015, (d) 2020 and (e) 2025; what the estimated available capacity is for each year; and if she will make a statement; [54688]

(2) what estimate the Government have made of the likely additional waste arising from population expansion and building programmes in the Thames Gateway. [54698]

Estimates of the type sought are not normally made or held by Government. National policy set out in Planning Policy Statement 10 Planning for Sustainable Waste Management" expects regional planning bodies to prepare regional spatial strategies which aim to provide sufficient opportunities to meet the identified needs of their areas for waste management for all waste streams. In turn, planning authorities are expected to prepare local development documents that reflect their contribution to delivering the regional spatial strategy. At the regional level, regional technical advisory bodies support the work of regional planning bodies and have a key role in assembling data and information on waste including from the Environment Agency.

The ODPM published in December 2005 a sustainability study that assessed across England the environmental, social and economic impacts of additional housing growth scenarios developed in response to the findings of the Barker Review. This study considered the implications for waste management but did not focus down to specific growth areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the leakage rates were for each water company in the latest period for which figures are available. [56254]

The Director General of Water Services publishes leakage figures annually in the Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water" reports. Total water company leakage for 2004–05, in megalitres per day, was reported as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what change there has been in each water company's leakage rate in the last five years. [56255]

The Director General of Water Services publishes leakage figures annually in the Security of supply, leakage and the efficient use of water" reports. Total water company leakage for 2000–01 and 2004–05 and the difference in these figures, in megalitres per day, was reported as follows:

Megalitres per day

⁽¹¹⁾ In 2003–04, Anglian Water calculated leakage using 2001 census population data for the first time. If the 2000–01 leakage figure was calculated using the same population data as used from 2003–04, leakage would follow a stable trend.

⁽¹²⁾ In spring 2003 Severn Trent Water revised its water balance data. The company attributed most of the increase in leakage to methodological changes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has commissioned into methods of purifying water; and what conclusions she has drawn from the research. [56124]

The most relevant area of publicly funded research is the Drinking Water Quality and Health Research programme, managed by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Such research can provide credible and authoritative information and help to ensure that regulations and standards for water quality provide adequate safeguards. Much of this programme touches upon issues related to water purification and summaries of all the reports can be found on the Foundation for Water Research website at www.fwr.org.

Treatment of the public water supply is an issue for the water companies themselves, although the Research Councils and the European Union's Framework research programmes contribute significant funding to the development of new technologies. Consequently, Defra does not normally fund research into water treatment technologies for drinking water, unless the research is needed to inform new regulations, or where there may be a perceived risk to health.

One example of research that includes methods of purifying water derived from private sources, is the production of the Manual on treatment for small water supplies systems". This was produced to help local authorities to discharge their statutory duties and functions relating to private water supplies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of water (a) provision and (b) usage in Kent for 2006 to 2017; and if she will make a statement. [55105]

holding answer 2 March 2006

Kent is supplied by a number of water companies: Mid Kent Water; Thames Water; Folkestone and Dover Water Services; South East Water, and Southern Water Services.

In common with the other water companies in England and Wales, these companies maintain 25 year water resource plans which seek to reconcile supply with anticipated demand. These water resource plans are produced voluntarily every five years at present but will become a statutory requirement under the provisions of the Water Act 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the new (a) reservoirs, (b) treatment plants and (c) sewerage systems that might be needed to accommodate proposals for new house building up to 2016. [55456]

holding answer 6 March 2006

Water companies are already factoring new house building into their water resources plans, using projections from ODPM and local authorities. Ofwat has already assumed in its current price limits that almost 1 million new properties will be connected to the water and sewerage service by 2010.

To fulfil their duty to maintain adequate supplies of water, several water companies propose to enlarge existing reservoirs (three in total) or construct new ones (five in total). These proposals are set out in the 25 year water resources plans they prepared in 2004. The Environment Agency has advised Ministers about the appropriateness of these proposals and other measures to ensure security of supply in its report Maintaining water supply", which was published in July 2004.

Planning for new sewerage systems should be carried out in close and transparent co-operation between planners and water and sewerage companies. The provision of water and sewerage services are key factors in ensuring the sustainability of new housing developments. New sewers are usually laid by developers or requisitioned from the water and sewerage companies.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the productivity of business in Coventry South. [56763]

Official productivity statistics are published at the national level and Government Office level. Therefore data on the productivity performance of business in the Coventry, South constituency is not available.

At the regional level, the West Midlands has improved relative to the UK average. Between 1996 and 2004, the region enjoyed the fastest increase in productivity of all the regions relative to the UK average.

Data on the Coventry, South constituency shows that since 1997, claimant count unemployment has fallen by over 35 per cent. long-term unemployment has fallen by 92 per cent. and long term youth unemployment has fallen by over 66 per cent. Available statistics on employment show that employment has risen by over 25 per cent. since 1999 in the Coventry, South constituency.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many members of staff employed by his Department are on temporary contracts. [56947]

HM Treasury currently has 18 staff on temporary contracts. These staff are engaged from Agencies to fill short-term gaps in cases of sickness or unplanned leave taken by permanent staff.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average life expectancy is for people in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. [56418]

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

Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 8 March 2006

The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your question regarding the average life expectancy for people in(a) England; (b) Scotland; (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland. I am replying in her absence. (56418)

The table shows life expectancies at birth for males and females for the four countries requested. These are 'period' expectation of life figures, which are calculated from the mortality rates actually experienced in the years 2002 to 2004. They do not allow for possible changes in mortality in future years.

Period expectation of life at birth by country 2002–04 -- Years

Source:

Interim Life Tables 2002–04, http://www.gad.gov.uk/Life_Tables/Interim_life_tables.htm

'Cohort' life expectancy figures, which do allow for projected changes in mortality in later years, are available from the Government Actuary's Department's website at: http://www.gad.gov.uk/Life_Tables/Period_and_cohort_eol.htm

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer

(1) whether the relocation plans for the London site of the Office for National Statistics meet the requirements of the impact assessment conducted under the terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000; [56507]

(2) what funds have been allocated by the Department for (a) redundancy, (b) relocation, (c) recruitment, (d) training and (e) travel costs in connection with the relocation of Office for National Statistics London-based staff; [56508]

(3) whether options to retain skilled London-based staff were considered when deciding on the relocation of staff from the Office for National Statistics; [56509]

(4) how much the Office for National Statistics has spent on modernisation in the last five years; and what assessment has been made of the impact of such modernisation; [56510]

(5) what estimate the Office for National Statistics has made of the number of people it requires to deliver key outcomes in (a) 2006 and (b) 2007; and at what (i) grades, (ii) salary and (iii) sites. [56511]

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

Letter from Dennis Roberts, dated 8 March 2006

The National Statistician has been asked to respond to your recent Parliamentary Questions on the relocation and modernisation plans of the Office for National Statistics (ONS). I am replying in her absence (56507, 56508, 56509, 56510 and 56511).

(56507)—To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the relocation plans for the London site of the Office for National Statistics meet the requirements of the impact assessment conducted under the terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

ONS carried out a Race Equality Impact Assessment (REIA) on the proposed relocation prior to the final decision being taken. The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has confirmed that it welcomes the actions that have been taken by ONS with regard to the General Statutory Duty under s.71(1) of the Race relations Act 1976, as amended, in respect of employees who will relocate to Newport and Titchfield. CRE has asked ONS to consider whether there need to be further specific measures in place to support ethnic minority staff who choose not to relocate. ONS is currently consulting its Trade Unions and Diversity Groups on these issues.

(56508)—To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what funds have been allocated by the Department for (a) redundancy, (b) relocation, (c) recruitment, (d) training and (e) travel costs in relation to the relocation of Office for National Statistics London-based staff.

Appropriate funds are being held within ONS budgets for all of these purposes. These funds are not measured separately and are held within a number of operating budgets as part of the ONS spending baseline. However, ONS received agreement from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to provide up to £5 million of extra funding in each of the next two years to match funding already provided for by ONS. This was mainly provided in recognition of the fact that ONS needed to reduce staff numbers quicker than could be achieved through natural wastage in order to deliver the efficiency savings we have identified.

(56509)—To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether options to retain skilled London-based staff were considered when deciding on the relocation of staff from the Office for National Statistics.

ONS aims to meet targets for relocation in a way that protects our ability to deliver our business and achieves cost savings in order to fund future work. We are providing assistance to staff who wish to relocate. Where staff choose not to relocate we are helping them to move into other skilled roles, often elsewhere within ONS or within Government. Where specific skills are key to the continuity of ONS business, we aim to retain those skills in London until such time as we can replace them on our Newport or Titchfield sites.

(56510)—To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much the Office for National Statistics has spent on modernisation in the last five years; and what assessment has been made of the impact of such modernisation.

ONS has spend £54.5 million on the Statistical and Technical Modernisation Programme begun three years ago. The Programme has delivered a working prototype for a new statistical database, re-engineered methods and business processes for key statistical systems, new standardised tools and software and a modernised IT infrastructure.

(56511)—To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate the Office for National Statistics has made of the number of people it requires to deliver key outcomes in (a) 2006 and (b) 2007; and at what (i) grades, (ii) salary and (iii) sites.

As indicated in our Departmental Report 2005, the planned number of full time equivalent persons to be employed by ONS in future years is:

1st April 2006—4310

1st April 2007—4000

1st April 2008—3610

Machinery of government changes, since publication of the Departmental Report 2005, are expected to result in some small upward revisions to these figures.

Estimated full time equivalent persons by site:

⁽¹³⁾ Estimate.

All civil service and senior civil service grades will be represented at a range of salaries. Business areas are currently working out the detail in light of confirmed budget allocations and targets.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the population of (a) each Gloucestershire district and (b) each ward in the Stroud district was according to (i) figures from the 2001 census, (ii) most recent electoral rolls and (iii) most recent figures for health services users; and what projections he has made for the next five years. [55426]

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

Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 8 March 2006

The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your question regarding the population of(a) each Gloucestershire District and (b) each ward in the Stroud district according to (i) figures from the 2001 Census, (ii) most recent electoral rolls, and (iii) most recent figures for health service users; and what projections have been made for the next five years. I am replying in her absence. (55426)

The tables attached provide the information you have requested. Data for Gloucestershire Districts are shown in Table 1 and Table 2. Data for wards in Stroud district are shown in Table 3.

ONS publishes annual mid-year population estimates. The latest estimates are for mid-2004 and are given in Table 1. These mid-year population estimates are the best estimates of the resident population in an area. They are based on Census data taking into account ageing of the population and are adjusted for births, deaths, and net migration. Further information on the methodology can be found at: www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk=575.

Population projections for each district in Gloucestershire, for mid-2005 to mid-2011, are also given in Table 1. These projections are based on the mid-2003 population estimates and are the latest population projections available. They assume that trends in fertility, mortality and migration at the time of the mid-2003 population estimate will continue into the future.

Electoral rolls provide counts of the number of people registered to vote. Local/European electorate and Parliamentary electorate counts for districts in Gloucestershire can be found in Table 2. The 2004 figures are given for comparison with population estimates and the 2005 figures are the latest available data. It should be noted that the number of people eligible to vote is not the same as the resident population aged 18 and over. There are a number of reasons for this. For example not everyone who is usually resident is entitled to vote (foreign citizens from outside of the EU and Commonwealth, prisoners, etc. are not eligible), some people do not register to vote and people who have more than one address may register in more than one place.

Further, there is inevitably some double counting of the registered electorate as electoral registration officers vary in how quickly they remove people from the registers after they have moved away from an area or after they have died. These factors have a differential impact from area to area.

The number of people registered with a GP, living in each district in Gloucestershire, in July 2004, can also be found in Table 2. It should also be noted that patient register counts differ from estimates of the usually resident population for a number of reasons.

Patient registers include people who are in the country for at least three months, whereas population estimates are based on a usual residence definition requiring a stay of 12 months or more. The patient registers exclude individuals who are ineligible to be registered with a GP. People may be on a patient register after having left the country and not deregistered with their GP; similarly people may have moved to another area and not re-registered. Some patients may have more than one NHS number e.g. they may have been issued a temporary number for a short period. Again, these factors have a differential impact from place to place.

Ward data are shown in Table 3; the points set out above also apply to wards. However, there are some further points to note for wards.

The most recent population estimates for wards are for mid-2002. The closest available geography to current electoral wards, for which population estimates are available, is Census Area Statistics (CAS) wards. This geography was created for outputs from the 2001 Census and is based mainly on 2003 electoral wards. The CAS ward level population estimates have been published with the status of experimental statistics". Therefore, the estimates, and figures derived from them, should be treated with some care. The margin of confidence for population estimates is proportionately larger at ward level than at local authority level.

The ONS does not produce projections of population at ward level.

Table 3 contains CAS ward electorate counts for December 2002 and 2004 as well as patient register figures for July 2002 and July 2004. The 2002 figures are given for comparison with population estimates and 2004 are the latest available data.

Finally, the local government electorate is definitionally closer to the population estimates; however these data are not available at ward level. Hence, the Parliamentary electorate is shown.

Table 1: Mid-2004 Population Estimates and mid-2005 to mid-2011 Population Projections (2003-based) -- Thousand

⁽¹⁴⁾ The population projections shown in this table are taken from the 2003-based subnational population projections, the latest set of projections currently available. Therefore they may not be consistent with the 2004 mid-year estimate presented in the first column.

Source:

Office for National Statistics

Table 2: Districts in Gloucestershire: Electorate counts and Patient Register counts

⁽¹⁵⁾ Local government electors are those people who are entitled to vote in local elections and who meet the residence qualification. These include Peers and European citizens but exclude overseas voters.

⁽¹⁶⁾ Parliamentary electors are those people who are entitled to vote in parliamentary elections at Westminster and who meet the residence qualification. Those include overseas voters but exclude Peers and European citizens.

Source:

Office for National Statistics

Table 3: CAS Wards in Stroud District: Population Estimates, Electorate counts, and Patient Register counts

Notes:

1. The mid-2002 ward population estimates are consistent with the published mid-2002 local authority estimates (September 2004 revisions), and have been rounded to the nearest hundred.

2. The electorate counts are taken from the statutory RPF 29 returns.

Source:

Office for National Statistics

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the level of nominal gross domestic expenditure on research and development was in each year since 1997 and how much of each sum was accounted for by (a) Government spending, (b) private spending and (c) overseas investment. [54739]

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

Letter from Colin Mowl, dated 8 March 2006

The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what the level of nominal gross domestic expenditure on research and development was in each year since 1997 and how much of each sum was accounted for by(a) Government spending, (b) private spending and (c) overseas investment. I am replying in her absence. (54739)

The attached table shows how research and development in the UK was funded, including from abroad and by EU programmes. Please note that the specified groups are made up of a number of sources as detailed. The period covered is 1997–2003; the 2004 data will be released 24th March.

Sector funding, Research and Development in the UK, 1997–2003 -- £ million

⁽¹⁷⁾ Funded by overseas inward investment and EU programmes

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to reduce British oil consumption; and if he will make a statement. [56839]

As part of the Government's Climate Change Programme, various policies are in place to promote energy efficiency across the economy, including in the road transport sector where most oil is consumed. These include EU level voluntary agreements with car manufacturers on the fuel efficiency of new cars and company car tax rules. In addition, the Government recently announced the creation of the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO) to introduce renewable fuels into the transport system. The RTFO announcement said that, by 2010, oil companies would be obliged to ensure that 5 per cent. of the fuel that they sell is made from renewable bio-sources.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which companies in the UK are registered suppliers of (a) gas and (b) electricity. [54888]

A list of those companies holding electricity and/or gas supply licences can be found on the Ofgem website at the following links:

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/temp/ofgem/cache/cmsattach/14111_external_gas_list.pdf

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/temp/ofgem/cache/cmsattach/13892_extemal_electricity_list.pdf

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry

(1) what assessment he has made of the impact of the relocation of the National Institute for Medical Research from Mill Hill to Euston on (a) the Institute's facilities for dealing with animals, (b) the Institute's ability to provide high level containment for dangerous pathogens and (c) the Institute's capability for dealing with the changing threats posed by emerging infections; [55854]

(2) what the original estimate was of the cost of moving the National Institute for Medical Research from Mill Hill to Euston; what the most recent estimate is of the cost of the relocation; and whether he plans to re-examine the question of relocation in the light of cost. [55855]

The proposed move of the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is a matter for the Medical Research Council (MRC). My noble Friend Lord Sainsbury of Turville has been briefed by MRC's Chief Executive, Professor Colin Blakemore, on MRC's plans for moving the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). I have asked Professor Blakemore to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from (a) Royal Mail, (b) Postwatch and (c) sub post offices in response to the Government's decision not to renew the Post Office Card Account contract after 2010. [56788]

I have received representations from the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to amend the Water Industry Act 1991 to prevent water companies from charging surface water drainage charges to those who do not receive the service. [56046]

I have been asked to reply.

This subject is dealt with by guidance under the Water Industry Act 1991.

The Secretary of State has issued guidance that customers should broadly only pay for the services received directly by them and their property. The Office of Water Services (Ofwat) requires companies to provide rebates to customers who can demonstrate that they are not connected for surface water drainage.

In billing customers, the companies assume that they are connected for surface water drainage. Customers are usually better placed to identify where that is not the case and the onus is on them to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his assessment is of the number of households that qualify for a rebate on their Surface Water Drainage Charge, but have not applied. [56047]

I have been asked to reply.

No assessment has been made of the number of households that may be eligible for a surface water drainage rebate, but have not applied.

The Government expect water companies to give surface water drainage rebates to qualifying customers whenever these are identified. However, companies do not have drainage records for every part of their area and some property owners and occupiers are unclear about how their properties are drained. It is up to customers to apply for a surface water drainage rebate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) what assessment he has made of the impact on the (a) environment, (b) economy and (c) regeneration of Portsmouth of not progressing the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme; [56717]

(2) what assessment he has made of the cost-benefit analysis of not proceeding with the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme; [56729]

(3) what assessment has been made of the impact on the number of accidents on the A3 at Hindhead if the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme is not progressed. [56787]

Evidence covering these matters was submitted to the Public Inquiry into the published scheme orders for the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme. It would not be appropriate to comment on the evidence submitted to the public inquiry while the inspector's report and recommendations remain under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he made of the south-east of England regional assembly's advice on the relative regional priority of the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme. [56728]

We are carefully reviewing the advice from the south-east region on its priorities for major transport schemes, including the proposed improvement of the A3 Hindhead scheme, and plan to announce our response later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received (a) opposing and (b) supporting the approval of the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme; and what representations he has received on this matter from (i) individuals and (ii) organisations in Portsmouth North constituency. [56776]

Over 50 representations have been received between 1 January and 3 March 2006 which have been overwhelmingly in favour of the scheme. We have not analysed which constituency the representations have been made from.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what role the (a) South East England Development Agency, (b) South East England Regional Assembly, (c) Highways Agency, (d) Environment Agency and (e) local councils will have in plans for the A3 Improvement Scheme at Hindhead. [56777]

These bodies explained their role at the Public Inquiry and presented evidence to the Inspector accordingly. In addition, the South East Region (which includes the South East England Regional Assembly, the South East England Development Agency and the Government Office South East working with a wide range of partners and stakeholders) has recently provided advice to Government on the timing and funding of the A3 Improvement Scheme at Hindhead as part of its overall advice on priorities for major transport schemes. The Environment Agency is one of four statutory environmental bodies which advise Government on the environmental impacts of road improvements. Improvement schemes which are approved for funding would be developed and delivered by the Highways Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice the Department will take when considering the approval of the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme. [56778]

I am currently considering the Inspector's report and recommendations in relation to the published scheme orders for the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme. If new information that is relevant to the decision and that relates to a matter considered at the Public Inquiry comes to my attention, this will also be considered but all those involved in the Public Inquiry will be given the opportunity to make representations on that information. I have also recently received, and am carefully considering, the advice from the South East Region on the prioritisation of this scheme within the indicative funding allocation for major transport schemes in the South East.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make the final decision on the affordability of the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme. [56779]

We are currently considering the Inspector's report into the A3 at Hindhead following the Public Inquiry which was held last year. We are also considering the advice from the South East Region on the priority it attaches to this scheme within the indicative funding allocation for major transport schemes in the South East. An announcement on the way forward will be made later in the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the earliest date is on which pre-works could commence on the A3 Hindhead Improvement Scheme if approval is granted. [56786]

If approval for the A3 Hindhead scheme is granted in spring 2006 then the earliest date on which pre-works could commence would be around the end of the year. However, the actual date would depend on the availability of funds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many compensation payments have been made to UK air passengers under EU Regulation 261/2004 in each year since it was introduced. [56477]

holding answer 6 March 2006

The Air Transport Users Council collects data on the number of complaints it receives in connection with this regulation, but no central record is kept of the number of compensation payments made to UK air passengers, as these are generally dealt with directly between the airline and the passenger.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek amendments to EU Regulation 261/2004 to improve the payment of compensation to air passengers. [56478]

holding answer 6 March 2006

The European Commission is due to review the operation of the regulation and report back to the European Parliament and Council by 1 January 2007. The Department for Transport, in concert with the Civil Aviation Authority, is monitoring the situation and will carefully consider any recommendations for change made in the Commission's review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much was allocated to research into alternative fuel options in each of the last seven years. [56840]

In the last three years the Department's research expenditure on the environmental performance of alternative fuels was as follows: £274,566 in 2003–04, £15,583 in 2004–05 and £54,500 in 2005–06. Details of research expenditure in previous years broken down by subject are not readily available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding a safety alert at Nottingham East Midlands airport on 4 February. [56732]

holding answer 7 March 2006

The Secretary of State has received one written representation dated 2 March regarding an alleged incident at East Midlands airport on 4 February, and has asked the Civil Aviation Authority to investigate as a matter of urgency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority to discuss safety at (a) regional airports and (b) Nottingham East Midlands Airport. [56610]

holding answer 7 March 2006

The Secretary of State and the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority meet regularly, approximately every three months, to discuss matters of current interest, including any matters relevant to civil aviation safety. Officials within the Department have more frequent regular meetings with the Chairman and with the Authority's Group Director for Safety Regulation, and there is day-to-day contact as necessary on a range of safety matters. No significant safety issues regarding regional airports have been raised in these meetings or discussions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) what investigations are under way on a new access road for Canvey Island; which body is responsible for undertaking the investigations; and what the budget for the investigations is; [55114]

(2) what the (a) terms of reference and (b) anticipated times of completion are for each investigation into a possible new access road for Canvey Island. [55115]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 16 January 2006, Official Report, columns 930–31W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from local authorities about the possibility of shortfalls in funding for statutory free bus travel for the elderly and disabled. [48221]

The Government are providing an extra £350 million for 2006–07 which is sufficient to fund the cost to local authorities.

Concessionary fares are funded through the formula grant system administered by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Local authorities were fully consulted on the distribution of the new formula which takes account of factors that reflect support for disabled people and the needs of areas where take-up is likely to be highest.

336 representations were received during the consultation period. The Government concluded, following careful consideration of the consultation responses, that the new formula was a fairer way to allocate the extra funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will provide a substantive reply to Mr. Roger Jobson of Tuckenhay, Chairman of the Riparian and Mooring Rights Owners Group. [54753]

Mr. Roger Jobson wrote to Mr. Christopher Garnett, the Managing Director of GNER on 26 October 2005 about the booking of tickets from Darlington to Totnes, copying his letter to my right hon. Friend. The operation of the network is a matter for the train operating companies and I have been informed that GNER has now made contact with Mr. Jobson and report that his query has been resolved to his satisfaction.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people were employed by the (a) Driving Standards Agency, (b) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, (c) Highways Agency, (d) Maritime and Coastguard Agency, (e) Office of Rail Regulation, (f) Department for Transport, (g) Vehicle Certification Agency and (h) Vehicle and Operator Services in each region in each of the last 12 months for which data is available; and how many and what percentage of posts were vacant in each month. [51166]

The figures requested are published in Civil Service Statistics. Departments should refer to table A which covers staff numbers (FTE and headcount basis) for each organisation. Civil service statistics are available in the Library and at the following address on the Cabinet Office Statistics website: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/management/statistics/index.asp

The number of vacancies available within each Department/agency for the past 12 months can be found in the following table. These figures are based on the available data.

Vacant posts for the last 12 months (by region where data available) -- 2005