To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on whether poultry kept in a control area as pets or for a hobby and which have been vaccinated against H5N1 avian influenza should be culled. [55413]

No birds in the UK have been vaccinated against avian influenza. Although vaccination offers potential disease control benefits, at the current level of risk, available vaccines are too limited to provide a fully effective or efficient solution.

In the event of an avian influenza outbreak, we would control the disease by culling all birds on any infected premises and dangerous contacts. Depending on veterinary risk assessment advice, additional strategies could include a cull of flocks in the immediate area to prevent the spread of disease. These arrangements are described in Defra's published Animal Disease Contingency Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the wild mammal species where mycobacterium bovis has been found in each of the last 10 years; and if she will make a statement. [57607]

The main wildlife reservoir of bovine tuberculosis in the UK is in badgers. Wild deer are the other significant wildlife reservoir though experts believe they generally present less of a disease risk to cattle than badgers do.

The status of Mycobacterium bovis infection in British wild mammals: a review" contains detailed information on the prevalence mycobacterium bovis in wild mammals. A copy of this has been deposited in the House Library.

Further information can be found in the Central Science Laboratory report: the risk to cattle from wildlife species other than badgers in areas of high herd breakdown risk. This is available on the Defra website at: http://www2.defra.gov.uk/research/project_data/More.asp?I=SE3010&M=KWS&V=se3010&SCOPE=

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of (a) cetacean strandings and (b) cetacean by-catch (i) inside and (ii) outside the 12 mile zone following the 12 mile fair trawl prohibition. [28004]

holding answer 11 November 2005

We have recently published on the Defra website a report on Defra-funded research conducted by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) on by-catch observations and mitigation work in the UK bass pair trawl fishery. A copy of this report will also be placed in the Library of the House. Since the introduction of the 12 mile pair trawl prohibition, no pair trawl activity has taken place within-12 miles. As the SMRU report outlines, common dolphin by-catch in this fishery has reduced from 429 animals in the 2003–04 season to 139 in the 2004–05 season.

In addition, we have in place observer schemes to monitor by-catch in other fisheries which may be responsible for by-catch both inside and outside 12 miles. The first report from this work also being conducted on our behalf by SMRU is due in spring 2006.

Strandings data is obtained under the Defra-funded Cetacean and Turtle Strandings Scheme, carried out by the Natural History Museum in partnership with the Institute of Zoology and Scottish Agricultural College. Cetacean strandings have shown a steep decline this year in the area covered by the 12 mile pair trawl prohibition. Between 1 January and 18 July 2005, there were 68 common dolphin strandings in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset compared with 178 for the same period in 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether she plans to review the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; and if she will make a statement. [59108]

There are no plans to review the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

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

(1) if she will estimate the total amount in tonnes of illegal meat imports that have entered the EU from countries with (a) foot and mouth disease and (b) avian influenza in each year since 1997; [58618]

(2) if she will estimate the total amount in tonnes of illegal meat imports that have entered (a) the UK and (b) the EU in each year since 1997; [58619]

(3) what estimate she has made of the total amount of illegal meat seized at each UK (a) seaport, (b) airport and (c) border crossing point between 1997 and 2003; [58664]

The estimates requested have not been made. However, since April 2001, seizures of illegal meat imported into the UK have been recorded and are shown in the following table:

We do not have figures on the amount of illegal meat imports entering the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many hazardous waste landfill sites are available for use in each region of England. [58408]

The following table shows the number of permitted hazardous landfill sites and separate cells for stable, non-reactive hazardous waste available for use in each of the seven English regions of the Environment Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps have been taken since 1997 to promote the use of reusable nappies amost new parents. [56453]

The Strategy Unit Report Waste Not Want Not" published in 2002 recommended that the Waste and Resources Programme (WRAP) should take forward a programme of work to increase awareness about re-usable nappies.

WRAP received funding for a period of three years from April 2003 to March 2006. The aim of the WRAP initiative was to provide support to schemes run by local authorities and re-usable nappy businesses. In addition it provides information about re-usable nappies to parents and health professionals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the rat population in England in each year since 1997. [57440]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 19 November 2003, Official Report, column 906W.

The only recent objective national survey of rat presence is within the English House Condition Survey (EHCS). The 2001 survey revealed that 0.3 per cent. of properties had rats indoors and 2.9 per cent. had rats present outside.

A copy of the report can be found at the following weblink: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates/reports/English-house-survey-rodent-report. pdf.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether Herefordshire council has achieved its target of reducing the amount of waste produced per person, per year to 2000–01 levels. [56724]

The target referred to is locally set, part of the joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, 2004–34, and Defra cannot comment on this. However, results taken from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Audit Commission Best Value Performance Indicator 84 show that 538 kg of household waste was produced per person in 2000–01 for Herefordshire. The latest available corresponding results for 2004–05 show 528 kg of household waste was produced per person.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the cost was of completing the A47 Norwich to Peterborough multi-modal study. [59619]

The cost of the A47 Norwich to Peterborough multi-modal study funded by the Department for Transport was £0.9 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the (a) East of England Regional Assembly and (b) East of England Regional Development Agency on improvements to the (i) A47 and (ii) A11. [59628]

We have recently received the advice from the East of England Regional Partnership Group on their transport priorities, including improvement schemes on both the A47 and A11. The Regional Partnership Group includes both(a) the East of England Regional Assembly and (b) East of England Regional Development Agency within its membership.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on how many occasions since 1 January 2001 registered aircraft (a) N2189M, (b) N8183J, (c) N970SJ, (d) N129QS, (e) N368CE and (f) N85VM have landedat British airports; and what their (i) origin and (ii) destination was in each case. [57681]

None of the information held by my Department provides evidence that these flights were involved in rendition. The British Government is not aware of any cases of rendition through the UK since May 1997, apart from the two cases in 1998 about which the Foreign Secretary has informed Parliament. Since before 9/11 we have worked closely with the US to achieve our shared goal of fighting terrorism. As part of that close co-operation, we have made clear to the US authorities, including in recent months:

(i) that we expect them to seek permission to render detainees via UK territory and airspace (including Overseas Territories);

(ii) that we will grant permission only if we are satisfied that the rendition would accord with UK law and our international obligations, and

(iii) how we understand our obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture.

I refer to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's written ministerial statement of 20 January 2006, Official Report, columns 37–8WS and written answer of 6 February 2006, Official Report, column 784–5W.

Foreign aircraft are required by the Chicago Convention to seek the prior permission of the state before operating commercial flights into another country. Aircraft operating commercial flights to and from UK airports need operating permits from my Department. Our database shows that three of these six aircraft have operated commercial flights in the UK since 1 January 2001. Details are given as follows.

There is no requirement for operating permits for non-commercial flights. However, a flight plan must be filed for all flights that cross international borders. Flight plans are filed with Eurocontrol and I agreed that they should release data to Dick Marty, Chair of the Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee of the Council of Europe, in order to contribute to the inquiry into rendition and 'secret prisons' undertaken by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Eurocontrol released data from all its member states to the Parliament on a confidential basis on 23 January. In agreeing to release I asked for a copy of the UK data which I received in late January. The data shows that four of the six aircraft have also landed in the UK as non-commercial flights. Details are as follows.

The information we hold on these flights does not include details of passengers or purpose of flight, as this information is not routinely collected.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions (a) he and (b) his officials have had with (i) Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and (ii) Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive on (A) congestion charging and (B)road user pricing in Greater Manchester. [58868]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 28 November 2005, Official Report, column 3WS, that the authorities of Greater Manchester had been awarded development funding to consider how local demand management and better public transport could together improve travelling conditions for local people. As with the other six areas to receive this funding, local road pricing forms part of Greater Manchester's consideration of demand management options.

In this context, officials and Ministers are having regular meetings with the Greater Manchester authorities, including representatives from the Passenger Transport Executive and Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is his policy to fund the Mersey Gateway project. [59187]

Officials are currently considering Halton borough council's proposals for the Mersey Gateway. We hope to make a decision on the scheme in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what subsidy was given to (a) all train operating companies and (b) train operating companies running to and from Staffordshire in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what he expects the subsidy to be in the next three years; and if he will make a statement. [58075]

Please see the following table and notes.

⁽¹⁾The current Central Trains franchise expires on 31 March 2006. Discussions continue over future provision of services.

⁽²⁾Negotiations are continuing with Virgin West Coast and Virgin Crosscountry over the level of subsidy they will receive in future years.

⁽³⁾Primary responsibility for the Arriva Trains Wales and First ScotRail franchises now rests with the National Assembly for Wales and Transport Scotland (an executive agency accountable to Scottish Ministers) respectively.

Note:

The answer identifies train operating companies (and their predecessors) currently operating rail services in Staffordshire. First ScotRail operates through Staffordshire but has no scheduled station stops within the county.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the levels of passenger satisfaction for each train operating company; how this information informs decisions on (a) the shape of railway franchises and (b) the assessment and award of franchises; and if he will make a statement. [56492]

The National Passenger Survey (NPS) provides an assessment of passengers' satisfaction with rail travel across all current Train Operating Companies. The fieldwork for this survey is carried out by Passenger Focus, who publish the results on their website www.passengerfocus.org.uk.

While the overall standards of service passengers wish to see (or experience) illustrated by NPS will form part of the overall specification for a franchise, bidders proposals for each franchise are judged against their ability to deliver the specification for the franchise being tendered.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what restrictions he has placed on increases in the number of trains run by train operating companies; and which of these restrictions apply to trains running to and from Gloucestershire. [56515]

The Department for Transport (DfT) encourages franchised train operators to operate additional trains, above the minimum specified in the contract for the franchise.

The additional trains can only operate if Network Rail is able to accommodate them on the rail network without detriment to other operators, if the relevant Track Access Agreement is approved by the Office of Rail Regulation, and that the additional trains have no subsidy payment implications for DfT. This position applies in Gloucestershire and elsewhere on the rail network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport

(1) for what reasons the Government target for Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation in 2010 is 0.75 per cent. below the target in the EU biofuels directive; [58367]

(2) for what reasons the UK did not meet the EU target of 2 per cent. biofuel inclusion for 2005; [58368]

(3) what steps he is taking to ensure that the capacity of domestic biofuels industry will be sufficient to meet the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, which comes into force in 2008. [58370]

The EU Biofuels Directive allows member states to set their own indicative targets for biofuel sales. Starting from a low base, total UK sales in 2005 were equivalent to 0.24 per cent. of overall road fuel sales, representing a six fold increase on 2004. Some other member states with an established biofuels production industry were able to meet higher targets, but many are in a similar position to the UK.

The Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation will provide the long-term market certainty industry requires in order to commit the necessary investment in the domestic biofuels industry. In addition, the Government will introduce enhanced capital allowances for the cleanest biofuels production plants from next year, subject to state aids approval.

The level of obligation has been set at 5 per cent. for 2010 because this is currently the maximum permitted blend of biofuel allowed under EU fuel quality standards for petrol and diesel. We will look to move beyond 5 per cent. as soon as these standards allow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he plans to take to mitigate the impact of rises in sea level and dramatic weather events on the Severn Tunnel. [58873]

This is an operational matter for Network Rail. I have asked Network Rail to reply directly to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what checks are undertaken by his Department to ensure that displayed speed limit signs conform with actual speed limits. [58953]

Individual traffic authorities are responsible for ensuring that displayed speed limit signs conform with actual speed limits.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on UK military aviation of the European Commission's proposals to harmonise air traffic control charges. [57471]

Under the existing Eurocontrol Multilateral Agreement for Route Charges, the United Kingdom has exempted all military flights flown in UK airspace. The current draft text of the Single European Sky (SES) Implementing Regulation on air navigation charges reflects the existing Eurocontrol policy and UK intends that this exemption will remain. However, as a result of the SES Implementing Regulation, where a member state chooses to exempt a class of aircraft, the state is responsible for reimbursing the air navigation service provider for the service they provide.

The Ministry of Defence has contributed to an impact assessment of the effect of the SES Regulation carried out by the Department for Transport. This has identified that the cost of providing air navigation services to military users in the UK is approximately £9.9 million (2004 prices). Work is under way to identify a cost neutral solution for military aviation based on the contribution made to UK air navigation services by military air traffic control.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the manning shortfall is at each of the operational pinch points identified by the Armed Forces Pay Review Body in their report of February 2006, Cm 6740, for (a) officers and (b) other ranks in each of the Services. [58304]

The pinch points lists and data that was supplied as evidence to the Armed Forces' Pay Review Body dates from April 2005. The current lists, that were supplied recently to the House of Commons Defence Committee, are shown in the table. They cover all ranksand additionally show the manning level of the Manning Pinch Point (MPP) trade as a percentage of the requirement. Officer branches are shown in italics.

Naval Service

⁽⁴⁾Some trades are manned at over 100 per cent. yet appear as MPP trades by virtue of over-commitment on operations or to fill shortfalls elsewhere.

Army

RAF

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the failure rate of cluster munition BL755; and if he will end its use by UK forces. [58611]

The RAF currently operates two variants of the BL755 cluster bomb. The original BL755 and the Radar BL755 (RBL755). Recent statistics for both variants show an overall failure rate of approximately 6 per cent. which is in line with expectations.

On current plans both the BL755 and the RBL755 cluster bomb will be withdrawn from service with the RAF before the end of this decade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) total cost and (b) cost per aircraft was of the Fleet Apache helicopters. [57988]

holding answer 15 March 2006

67 Apache AH Mk1 helicopters were procured for the Army. The total procurement cost for these aircraft, which includes some support equipment and a two and half year contractor logistic support package but excludes the supporting PFI training contract, was £2.5billion. This equates to approximately £37 million per aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the disposal value was of Fort Halstead near Sevenoaks, Kent when it was sold to QinetiQ; what priceQinetiQ obtained for Fort Halstead; and what consideration he has given to renting Fort Halstead from its owners to accommodate the Defence Scientific and Technical Laboratory. [58891]

holding answer 16 March 2006

The overall agreement for the privatisation of the former Defence Evaluation and Research Agency included £38 million to cover the value of Fort Halstead.

This figure was based on advice from independent valuers. The site forms part of a sale and leaseback arrangement with QinetiQ, which allows the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) to remain at Fort Halstead for the time being. However, the lease structure allows QinetiQ to rationalise its land holdings at Fort Halstead and provide funding for the eventual re-provision of facilities for DSTL.

The price obtained by QinetiQ for land at Fort Halstead is a matter for them as a private company; any questions should be referred to the Chief Executive at the following address:

Graham Love

Chief Executive

QinetiQ Ltd.

Cody Technology Park

Building A1

Ively Road

Farnborough

Hampshire GU140LX

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence

(1) how much of the (a) beef, (b) pork and (c) lamb consumed by the armed forces in the last period for which figures are available was (i) British and (ii) non-British in origin; from which countries the non-British meat was obtained; and how much in each category came from each country; [58878]

(2) how much (a) beef, (b) pork and (c) lamb the Ministry of Defence was purchased for consumption by the armed forces in each of the last three years. [58879]

The approximate annual quantity of beef supplied to UK based armed forces in each of the last three years was 1,550 tonnes. Some 800 tonnes of pork and 500 tonnes of lamb (including mutton) were also supplied in the same period.

In the last financial year, 42 per cent. (approximately 650 tonnes) of the beef supplied to the UK based armed forces was of British origin, while non-British beef (approximately 900 tonnes) was obtained from South America.

In the same period, 100 per cent. of pork and 5 per cent. of lamb was of British origin. Non-British lamb (approximately 460–490 tonnes) was obtained from South America and Australasia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defencewhat the (a) total cost and (b) cost per aircraft was of the Royal Navy's fleet of Merlin Mark 1 helicopters. [57954]

The Royal Navy Merlin Mkl helicopter was acquired through a combined development and production contract which did not specify a unit production cost. However, for internal resource accounting purposes we have estimated the attribution of the contract prices between development and production.

On this basis, the 44 Merlin Mkl aircraft procured for the Royal Navy cost an estimated £1.7 billion. This figure includes the production and integration costs for the mission avionics system and Aircraft Support and Servicing Equipment (ASSE). The average cost per aircraft was approximately £39 million. The engines for the Merlin MK1 were contracted for separately at a cost of £1.7 million per aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the UK plans to seek an extension of the deadline under the Ottawa Convention in relation to clearing mines from the Falklands Islands. [58614]

Under the Ottawa Convention, the UK is required to clear all anti-personnel mines from its territory by March 2009. The only UK territory affected is the Falkland Islands.

Under Article 5, State Parties are entitled to submit a request for an extension of the deadline for a period of up to 10 years provided they have good cause.

Discussions are taking place with the Government of Argentina to agree a joint feasibility study on clearance of anti-personnel mines in the Falkland Islands, including a field survey of the islands. Decisions on the time scale for clearance will be made once the results of the feasibility study are known.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 10 March 2006, Official Report, columns 1801–02W, on call centres, how many and what proportion of calls to his Department and its agencies in (a) 2003–04, (b) 2004–05 and (c) 2005–06 to date were (i) handled by an adviser, (ii) received but abandoned and (iii) received an engaged tone in each year, broken down by contact centre. [59417]

The breakdown of information requested is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much the Government paid to (a) the Isle of Man and (b) Northern Ireland in respect of UK Continental Shelf receipts in each year since 1976. [58292]

I have been asked to reply.

The following table shows how much the Government have paid to(a) the Isle of Man and (b) Northern Ireland in respect of UK Continental receipts since 1976.

Payments to Isle of Man and Northern Ireland -- £000

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans his Department has to implement the recommendations of the Obstacles to Mobility Study commissioned by the North-South Ministerial Council. [55870]

I have been asked to reply.

The report of the Obstacles to Mobility Study was published in November 2001. The NSMC considered the report in June 2002 and its conclusions on the consultants' recommendations were published on the NSMC website www.northsouthministerialcouncil.org. At that time, NSMC decided that no further action should be taken on 8 of the 50 recommendations. Of the remainder, 13 recommendations have been implemented to date and work is ongoing to progress 29.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average amount of working tax credit entitlement is, broken down by age of claimant. [57962]

The average finalised annualised entitlement to working tax credit, for 2003–04, is tabled as follows.

£

⁽⁵⁾The calculation of annualised 2003–04 entitlements includes awards that stopped or started during the year as they were contained in the snapshots taken throughout the year, which were used to produce the average entitlement per family. (For further details see introduction of 'Child and Working Tax Credit Statistics Finalised Annual Awards 2003–04').

Note:

Working tax credit will also include the child care element.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to encourage support for the implementation of the Global Plan to Stop Tuberculosis 2006 to 2015. [59334]

The UK fully supports the Global Plan to Stop Tuberculosis for 2006–15, which sets out a strategy to treat 50 million people and prevent 14 million deaths over the next 10 years. At the launch of the plan at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, the Chancellor called for G8 countries to designate tuberculosis a top priority at the St. Petersburg summit in July, and to pledge new funding to implement the Global Plan. At Davos, the Chancellor also announced £41.7 million of funding for India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme.

Throughout the preparations for the G8 meeting the UK will continue to encourage G8 partners fully to fund tuberculosis control as part of the comprehensive package of measures agreed at the Gleneagles summit in July 2005. In addition, the UK will push for long-term adequate financing to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM), as well as the development of innovative financing mechanisms to scale up the resources available for development. Last year the UK doubled its funding to the GFATM, and will provide £100 million in both 2006 and 2007.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a commitment was made at the meeting of G8 Finance Ministers in February on funding for the Global Plan to Stop Tuberculosis 2006 to 2015. [59344]

There was no specific agreement or commitment at the G8 Finance Ministers' meeting in Moscow in February on funding for the Global Plan to Stop Tuberculosis for 2006–15, which sets out a strategy to treat 50 million people and prevent 14 million deaths over the next 10 years. The UK fully supports the plan and at its launch plan at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, the Chancellor called for G8 countries to designate tuberculosis a top priority at the St. Petersburg summit in July, and to pledge new funding to implement the Global Plan. At Davos, the Chancellor also announced £41.7 million of funding for India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme.

Throughout the preparations for the G8 meeting the UK will continue to encourage G8 partners fully to fund tuberculosis control as part of the comprehensive package of measures agreed at the Gleneagles summit in July 2005. In addition, the UK will push for long-term adequate financing to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM), as well as the development of innovative financing mechanisms to scale up the resources available for development. Last year the UK doubled its funding to the GFATM, and will provide £100 million in both 2006 and 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what independent assessment of the performance of the English Institute of Sport has been undertaken; and if she will publish the findings. [58478]

An external review of the English Institute of Sport was conducted by KPMG in June 2003. No independent performance assessment has been carried out but a service level agreement exists between Sport England and the English Institute of Sport which includes Key Performance Indicators.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many cases of financial irregularities have been recorded in her Department in each of the last five financial years; and if she will make a statement. [57549]

The available information for the Department and the Royal Parks Agency (RPA) is set out in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what research her Department has conducted into the impact of the introduction of regional casinos. [59639]

Our intention is to ask the Gambling Commission to make an assessment of the impact of the introduction of all three categories of new casino permitted by the Gambling Act 2005 no earlier than three years after the award of the first premises licence. We will ask the Commission to advise on whether the introduction of the new types of casino has led to an increase in problem gambling or is increasing that risk. We will also want to assess what the regeneration and other economic outcomes have been.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has received on cultural and sporting sanctions against Iran. [58872]

The Department has received no such representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she has taken to improve the UK's cultural links with the Iranian people. [59041]

A number of UK cultural institutions have good working relations with their counterparts in many countries in the world, including Iran.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to ensure that her Department is kept fully informed of proposed public library closures and the reasons for them. [59142]

holding answer 16 March 2006

The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) are DCMS' lead advisors in this area and, through their regional office network, take a strong interest in the activities of the 149 library authorities in England.

My Department and the MLA are in contact with individual authorities as and when appropriate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what research she has (a) commissioned and (b) assessed on the financial contribution made by sport to the UK economy. [59663]

No such research has been commissioned on a UK-wide basis. In June 2003, Sport England published the report, The Value of the Sports Economy in England", which presented a summary of the value of the sports economy to the economy in England. The data in the report relates to 2000, the last year for which comprehensive data was available. The report found that sport generated more than £9.8 billion in value added to the economy in England, approximately 1.5 per cent. of total gross value added (GVA) for England. The breakdown according to sector is as follows:

Sport England has commissioned its Research Collaborating Centre for Sport and the Economy at Sheffield Hallam university to prepare an updated report of the economic value of sport in England and the English Regions to be published later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in (a) Fife and (b) Glenrothes are in receipt of (i) income support and (ii) disability benefit. [57738]

holding answer 10 March 2006

The information is in the table.

Income support and disability living allowance claimants: Fife council area and the Glenrothes parliamentary constituency; August 2005

Notes:

1.Figures have been rounded to the nearest hundred.

2.Disability living allowance totals show the number of people in receipt of an allowance, and excludes people with entitlement where the payment has been suspended, for example if they are in hospital.

3.People can claim both income support and disability living allowance so the figures will contain an amount of overlap.

Source:

DWP Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what (a) benefits and (b) other assistance is offered by the Government to those who act as carers for ill or disabled relatives; what measures are in place to encourage higher levels of take-up of this support; and if he will make a statement. [55828]

Depending on their personal circumstances, carers have access to the full range of social security benefits. Those who provide regular and substantial care of at least 35 hours a week for a severely disabled person receiving attendance allowance or the equivalent rates of the disability living allowance care component can be entitled to a carer's allowance and if on a low income, to the carer premium in the income-related benefits or the carer's additional amount in pension credit.

Information and advice about entitlement to carer's allowance and other benefits are available from a range of outlets including social security offices, Jobcentre Plus offices, DWP and other helplines, DWP and other internet sites, local authorities, Citizens Advice and welfare benefit offices, public libraries, health clinics, doctors' surgeries and health visitors. Officials from the Department's disability and carers service also discuss carer's allowance at outreach events throughout Great Britain.

This Government has recognised the contribution and concerns of carers through the National Carers' Strategy published in 1999. We have increased the funding available to support carers from £20 million in 1999 to £185 million in 2005–06, providing an extra £635 million for carers. We have announced our intention to continue the funding at £185 million a year until at least 2007–08. This means that, by 2008, we will have invested just over a billion pounds in support for carers.

Local authorities should be taking the needs of carers into account when planning and commissioning all services. Their role is crucial in promoting independence in individuals wishing to remain in the community both as part of the care team and as individuals in their own right.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were receiving carers allowance in the latest period for which figures are available; and how many (a) adult dependants and (b) children there were in each claimant's family. [56289]

At 31 August 2005, the latest date for which information is available, carer's allowance was in payment to around 441,400 carers, of whom 14,600 received an increase for a dependent adult and 12,900 received an increase for a dependent child 6 April 2003.¹ . Details of the numbers of adult dependants and children in the families of carer's allowance recipients are not available. Increases for dependent children were replaced by the child tax credit for new claims from

¹ Source:

DWP Information Directorate

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost has been of lowering the qualifying age limit for the mobility component of disability living allowance from five to three years of age in each year since the change was made. [56279]

The estimated cost of lowering the age limit for entitlement to the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance was £14 million in 2001–02 and £15 million in each of the subsequent years¹ . The lower age limit for entitlement to the lower rate mobility component remains at five years of age because all children under that age need guidance or supervision from another person when walking out of doors on unfamiliar routes.

¹ All estimates are based on data from the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study, except for August 2001 to February 2002, which are based on 5 per cent. samples.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Wales who live in special accommodation receive (a) disability living allowance care component at the (i) lower rate, (ii)middle rate and (iii) higher rate and (b) attendance allowance at the (A) lower rate and (B) higher rate; and if he will make a statement. [56495]

The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for the chief executive of the Disability and Carers Service, Mr. Terry Moran. He will write to the hon. Member.

Letter from Terry Moran

You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in Wales who live in special accommodation receive(a) disability living allowance care component (i) lower rate (ii)middle rate and (iii) higher rate and (b) attendance allowance (A) lower rate and (B) higher rate.

The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, promised you a reply from the chief executive of the Disability and Carers Service.

The information is not available/held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

I am sorry I cannot be more helpful.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in the (a) 18 to 24, (b) 25 to 39, (c) 40 to 54 and (d) 55 to 65 years age band were in receipt of (i) disability allowance, (ii) invalid care allowance, (iii) carer's allowance, (iv) incapacity benefit and (v) other health-related benefit in each year since 2000; and what percentage of the total population of the Crosby constituency this represented in each case. [56994]

The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service, Mr. Terry Moran. He will write to the hon. Member

Letter from Terry Moran

You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in the(a) 18 to 25 (b) 25 to 40 (c) 40 to 55 and (d) 55 to 65 years age band were in receipt of (i) disability allowance (ii) invalid care allowance (iii) carer's allowance (iv)incapacity benefit and (v) other health-related benefit; and what percentage of the total population of the Crosby constituency this represented in each case in each year since 2000.

The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, promised you a reply from the Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service.

As this Information has previously been supplied, may I refer you to the written answer I gave on 15 February 2006, Official Report, volume 442, columns 2166 to 2171.

I hope this is helpful.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps the Government are taking to ensure that people with hearing disabilities are not discriminated against when trying to find employment; and if he will make a statement. [59025]

A person who has a hearing impairment which meets the definition of disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is already protected by the employment provisions in part 2 of the Act. These provisions provide comprehensive protection against disability discrimination in recruitment and employment. They make it unlawful to discriminate directly against a disabled person because of their disability, or to treat them less favourably for a reason related to their disability.

Furthermore, they require an employer to make reasonable adjustments to job application or selection processes, and to premises, practices or procedures, if these would otherwise put a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage.

On 1 October 2004, we extended the employment provisions to include small employers and to all previously excluded occupations except service in the armed forces. We have been undertaking a series of wide-ranging awareness-raising campaigns to help employers to understand and fulfil their duties under the Act. The current campaign was launched in December 2005 and runs to May 2006. The campaign brochure and website include examples of adjustments which it might be reasonable for an employer to make to assist a hearing-impaired person.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost of disregarding for all benefits earned income up to the value of £80.80 from therapeutic work activity undertaken by claimants of incapacity benefit. [56281]

The information necessary to make such an estimate is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in Mid Sussex parliamentary constituency were claiming incapacity benefit in the latest period for which figures are available. [58167]

As at August 2005, there were 2,100people in claiming incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance in the Mid Sussex parliamentary constituency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many incapacity benefit claimants in Putney constituency have been in receipt of the benefit for (a) less than six months, (b) between six months and one year, (c) one to three years, (d) three to five years and (e) five years or more; and if he will make a statement. [57182]

The available information on the number of people claiming incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance is in the table.

Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants in the Putney parliamentary constituency; by duration as at August 2005

Notes:

1.Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

2.'Claimant' figures include all incapacity benefit (IB) and severe disablement allowance claimants, including IB credits only cases.

Source:

Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent. data

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will list the most common medical conditions for which incapacity benefit claimants in Stroud constituency receive the benefit. [57227]

The available information on the primary diagnosis for incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants is in the table.

Incapacity benefit and severe disablement allowance claimants in the Stroud parliamentary constituency; by primary diagnosis, August 2005

Notes:

1.Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

2.—" denotes nil or negligible.

3.'Claimant' figures include all incapacity benefit (IB) and severe disablement allowance cases, including IB credits only cases.

4.All diagnoses are coded using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, published by the World Health Organisation.

Source:

DWP Information Directorate, Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100 per cent. data.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of job losses in Jobcentre Plus offices in Dewsbury constituency which may result from his Department's modernisation and efficiency programme. [51935]

The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to my hon. Friend.

Letter from Lesley Strathie

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has asked me to reply to your question asking what estimate he has made of the number of job losses in Jobcentre Plus offices in Dewsbury constituency which may result from his Department's modernisation and efficiency programme. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.

As announced in the 2004 Spending Review, the Department has plans to reduce overall staff numbers by 30,000 by 31 March 2008. Our staffing plans for Dewsbury take account of the challenging headcount targets Jobcentre Plus has to meet annually up to 2008 as part of the wider DWP Efficiency Challenge.

The number of Jobcentre Plus full-time equivalent staff in Dewsbury reduced from 120.5 at the end of April 2005 to 105.8 on 31 January 2006, an overall reduction of 12 percent.

The budget allocation 2006/07 for the West Yorkshire District, which includes Dewsbury, has yet to be finalised. At the moment planning assumptions are that staffing in West Yorkshire will reduce further by approximately 5 per cent. by the end of 2006/07.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) claimants and (b) volunteers participated in each phase of each Pathways to Work pilot in the most recent year for which figures are available. [51975]

The information requested has been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what advice he received from the Government Actuary on the reduction of national insurance contributions for those contracted out of the state second pension; what rebate the Treasury allows; and if he will make a statement. [59047]

A report by the Government Actuary setting out his recommendations on the reduced rates of national insurance contributions, rebates and minimum contributions that should apply from April 2007 was laid before Parliament on 1 March 2006. Decisions on those reduced rates, rebates and minimum contributions are for the Secretary of State and his report together with a draft Order setting out his proposals was also laid before Parliament on 1 March. There will be an opportunity for both Houses to debate the details set out in the draft Order before it is made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether UK citizens who have paid the necessary national insurance and taxes in the UK and are resident in Spain are entitled to receive a full state pension; what other benefits and services they are entitled to; and if he will make a statement. [59421]

Under EC law on the co-ordination of social security, UK citizens residing in Spain:

(a) receive their entitlements to UK State pension, including annual up-ratings, in full;

(b) are eligible for winter fuel payments if aged 60 or over provided they became entitled before leaving the UK;

(c) if entitled to bereavement benefits, receive them at the same rate as if they were living in the UK;

(d) can receive incapacity benefit (payable to people under pension age who are incapable of work) if they became entitled before leaving the UK or, in certain circumstances, if the incapacity began after they have moved to Spain

(e) can receive industrial injuries disablement benefit for an industrial accident or disease contracted in the UK;

(f) are entitled to Spain's health care on the same basis as Spanish nationals, at the UK's expense, if they receive a state pension, bereavement benefit, incapacity benefit or industrial injuries disablement benefit only from the UK;

(g) can receive child benefit and, depending on their income, child tax credit if they are receiving UK State pension, bereavement benefit, or incapacity benefit;

(h) can, if under state pension age, receive contributory jobseeker's allowance on the basis of recent national insurance contributions for up to three months if they are looking for work in Spain;

(i) can receive maternity allowance on the basis of recent earnings in the UK.

Depending on what provision Spain makes for its residents, UK citizens living there may receive some benefits or services from Spain.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what effect he expects the new employment and support allowance proposed in the Green Paper A New Deal for Welfare: Empowering People to Work" to have on the number of claimants subject to means testing in each year from 2008 to 2018. [51985]

Analysis on the number of claimants subject to means testing is not currently available up to 2018. Claimants will be able to access either the contributory or income related strand of the proposed employment and support allowance depending on their contribution history and personal circumstances.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of oil exploration and extraction in Africa. [58844]

The Government works with African Governments, international oil companies and other partners to mitigate some of the negative impacts associated with oil exploration and extraction. We continue to encourage producer countries within Africa to set clear and rigorous environmental standards by which the oil industry must operate. Similarly, we continue to promote the requirement for international oil and gas companies to operate to international standards across Africa.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of oil exploration and extraction in (a) Tanzania, (b) Uganda, (c) Cameroon and (d) Chad upon (i) poverty reduction, (ii) good governance, transparency and corruption and (iii) human rights. [58839]

Tanzania and Uganda have relatively low levels of activity in the oil sector and it is too early to judge what future impact there may be of increased activity in the sector.

We judge the prospects for economic growth and prosperity through oil exploration and extraction in Chad as positive. We are committed to ensuring that poverty reduction, good governance, transparency, corruption and human rights are addressed through the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) mechanism, which Chad has signed up to but is yet to implement. We encourage the Government of Chad to work with the World Bank in relation to current differences in order to address its current financial crisis, while protecting its poverty reduction programmes.

We welcome the Government of Cameroon's commitment to the EITI process and encourage full implementation to ensure that oil revenues are committed to the betterment of the people. Cameroon is also heavily committed to a Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility programme and starting debt relief. As a part of this process and in support of good governance targets, the international financial institutions carefully monitor Cameroon's revenue and expenditure records.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the government of (a) Tanzania, (b) Uganda, (c) Cameroon and (d) Chad regarding (i)good governance and (ii) corruption. [58840]

Our High Commission in Dar es Salaam has had recent discussions with, among others, the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Tanzania. On each occasion, High Commission officials commended the high priority given by the new Tanzanian Government to the promotion of good governance, notably on Zanzibar, and the fight against corruption.

On 7 March, our High Commissioner in Kampala took part in discussions with President Museveni which covered the conduct of the recent elections and the need to promote good governance. The UK is a leading member of the anti-corruption donor group which has regular discussions with the Government about corruption, including on the recent problem of financial mismanagement of Global Fund resources.

My noble Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Africa, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, met with Prime Minister Inoni of Cameroon on 7 March. He praised the Government of Cameroon's recent commitment to tackling corruption and encouraged them to continue the progress they have made towards improved governance.

The focus of our discussions with Chad is through the EU and the Heads of Mission of member states who are resident in N'Djamena. Governance and corruption issues are an important part of the EU/Chad agenda.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of oil exploration and extraction in (a) Equatorial Guinea, (b) Sao Tome", (c) Congo-Brazzaville, (d) Gabon and (e) Madagascar upon (i)poverty reduction, (ii) good governance, transparency and corruption and (iii) human rights. [58842]

We encourage Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome, Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon and Madagascar to adopt and implement the principles enshrined in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which will help promote poverty reduction, good governance, transparency and human rights.

We welcome the fact that Gabon and Equatorial Guinea have committed themselves to EITI. We encourage all states with extractive industries to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the estimated value is of central Government's stock of alcoholic beverages; and how many bottles of (a) wine, (b) beer, (c) spirits and (d) other alcoholic beverages are held by the Government for entertainment and other purposes. [59039]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is responsible for the administration of the Government Hospitality wine cellar. The cellar contains a mixture of fine and beverage wines, spirits, liqueurs and beers. The current estimated value is approximately £640,000, based on cost price. The cellar contains just under 35,000 bottles, of which fewer than 300 are spirits and liqueurs. Beer is not held in large quantities, and is bought on an ad hoc basis, depending on requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to help defend democracy in Chad. [58904]

The Foreign Minister of Chad, Allam-mi Ahmad, called on our Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York on 9 January 2006. They discussed the security situation on the Chad/Darfur border and the negative impact it is having on the fragile democracy within Chad. We encouraged the Government of Chad to act with restraint.

There is no resident UK mission in N'Djamena so our main engagement in-country is through resident EU Heads of Mission. Governance is part of the EU/Chad dialogue.

Chad is due to hold Presidential elections in May 2006. The UK calls upon the Chadian authorities to ensure that the elections are peaceful, free and fair.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received regarding the Chad-Cameroon pipeline; what assessment he has made of its operation; and what assessment he has made of its impact on (a) poverty reduction, (b) good governance, transparency and corruption, (c) human rights and (d) civil society. [58841]

We have received representations from the World Bank and Amnesty International on the Chad-Cameroon pipeline.

The UK supports the Chad-Cameroon pipeline project and believes it will offer developmental as well as energy security and strategic benefits to Chad; it will also bring economic benefit to Cameroon. We encourage both governments to deliver these benefits while ensuring respect for human rights, local governance, and the local environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of his Department's security staff will be licensed before the Security Industry Authority's licensing deadline of 20 March 2006. [59553]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office security guards are provided by an external contractor (Pegasus Security Group).

90 per cent. of guards applied for the Security Industry Authority licence in August/September 2005, and the remaining 10 per cent. applied subsequently to joining Pegasus after September. Approximately 7 per cent. of guards have received licences to date. 85 per cent. have received confirmation of the criminal record check and are waiting to receive the licence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what part the UK is playing in the peace talks between Eritrea and Ethiopia. [58741]

We strongly support the US initiative aimed at resolving the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea and are in close touch with the US as this proceeds. In our bilateral contacts with the parties, we have urged them to respond positively, most recently when my noble Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Africa, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, met the Ethiopian ambassador on 14 March. We welcomed the recent meeting of the Boundary Commission in London and the agreement to meet again in April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the deuterium-labelled compounds that are supplied by the UK to Iran under the humanitarian exemptions to UK sanctions on trade with Iran. [58230]

There have been none.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received on the provision by the BBC of a 24-hour satellite television service broadcasting to Iran in Farsi. [59046]

holding answer 16 March 2006

In October 2005, the BBC World Service announced that it intended to explore the development of a Farsi TV service as part of its 2010 strategy for a tri-media presence (radio, online and television) in its priority languages. The World Service maintains a regular dialogue with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about its priorities. This has included discussion of its aspiration to add TV to its radio and online services in Farsi.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the decision to withdraw the UK monitors from Jericho prison was made after notice had been given to the House on 13 March of a written ministerial statement on occupied territories to be made on 14 March. [59564]

The decision to withdraw was taken before notice was given to the House of a written ministerial statement. The letter to President Abbas on 8 March made clear that if the Palestinian Authority (PA) did not come into full compliance with the Ramallah Agreement; make substantive improvements to the security of the monitors; or come to a new agreement with the Government of Israel, we would have to terminate our involvement and withdraw with immediate effect. Our consul general in Jerusalem called President Abbas' office four times between the letter being delivered and the withdrawal of the monitors, noting the urgency and importance of this letter. No action was taken by the PA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any representative of the Government made contact with the Israeli (a) Government and (b) other agencies in the period between the decision to withdraw UK monitors was taken and the action taken by the Israeli Defence Force on 14 March 2006. [59565]

There was no collusion with Israel about the date of withdrawal of the monitors from the mission. As the Ramallah Agreement is between Israel and the Palestinian Authority we were obliged to inform Israel of the letter given to President Abbas. On 8 March, our ambassador in Tel Aviv informed the Israeli authorities that if the conditions laid out in the letter were not met, we would have to withdraw with immediate effect. No date or timing for withdrawal was provided to the Israeli authorities. We informed both the Palestinian and Israeli authorities immediately after we withdrew the monitors from the mission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) developments and (b) intelligence prompted the final decision to withdraw UK monitors from the Jericho Monitoring Mission on 14 March 2006. [59566]

As my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made clear in his statement to the House of Commons on 29 April 2002, Official Report, column661–69, it was the prime responsibility of the Palestinian Authority (PA) to ensure the personal security of the United States and United Kingdom monitors. Over the last months it became increasingly clear that the PA were unable to do this. While we are unable to comment on the specific nature of any intelligence, there were a number of developments which caused concern.

In 2005, we received two independent reports which noted that security for the monitors was not adequate. Towards the end of 2005 the risk to our monitors increased: the prison became overcrowded; there were riots inside and outside the prison; there were kidnaps of British nationals in Gaza and in December the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine kidnapped two teachers demanding the release of Ahmed Sa'adat, one of the prisoners. On 15 December 2005, we informed the PA that unless the safety of our monitors could be improved we would have to withdraw. We proceeded to raise this issue frequently with the PA leading to the letter being delivered to President Abbas on 8 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what indications of the timing of the withdrawal of the UK monitors at Jericho prison were given to the (a) Israeli authorities and (b) Palestinian Authority following the joint UK/US letter of 8 March 2006 to President Abbas. [59567]

The letter to President Abbas on 8 March, made clear that if the Palestinian Authority (PA) did not come into full compliance with the Ramallah Agreement; make substantive improvements to the security of the monitors; or come to a new agreement with the Government of Israel, we would have to terminate our involvement and withdraw with immediate effect. Our consul general in Jerusalem called President Abbas' office four times between the letter being delivered and the withdrawal of the monitors, noting the urgency and importance of this letter. No action was taken by the PA.

As the Ramallah Agreement is between Israel and the PA we were obliged to inform Israel of the letter given to President Abbas. On 8 March, our ambassador in Tel Aviv informed the Israeli authorities that if the conditions laid out in the letter were not met, we would have to withdraw with immediate effect. Both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities were informed immediately after the monitors left the mission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he made of the possible alternative measures to safeguard the lives and welfare of the prisoners detained at Jericho prison once the UK monitors had left. [59568]