To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many incidents regarded as sufficiently serious to be investigated by the Civil Aviation Authority occurred during 2005 involving aircraft at (a) Belfast International, (b) Belfast City and (c) Londonderry airports. [64907]

holding answer 24 April 2006

During 2005 the Civil Aviation Authority investigated 23 incidents at Belfast International airport, 18 incidents at Belfast City airport and two incidents at Londonderry airport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the rail companies to seek agreed policies on the transportation of bikes on trains. [65789]

As part of our ongoing commitment to bike and rail journeys I am discussing with our advisory body on cycling, Cycling England, how we might further encourage such journeys and will be reviewing this issue with the TOCs later this year.

In addition, the franchise replacement process provides an opportunity to improve cycle facilities at stations, and to address the requirements of cyclists who wish to use trains. Bidders for new franchises will be asked to consider cycle-rail integration matters in their bid submissions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce temporary parking exemption Blue Badges for those suffering short-term impairment; and if he will make a statement. [65910]

The Department for Transport has accepted a recommendation made by the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), the Department's statutory advisers on the transport needs of disabled people, that the Blue Badge scheme should be extended to people with temporary mobility impairments which severely affect their walking ability and are likely to do so for at least 12 months. We intend to consult on draft regulations later this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what guidance his Department has issued on the requirement for local highway authorities to erect cycle route signs on highways; and on what date the guidance was published. [66271]

There is no specific requirement for authorities to erect cycle route signs. However, the Department issued a Local Transport Note LTN 2/87 Signs for Cycle Facilities" in November 1987.

General guidance on the complete range of traffic signs is contained in the Traffic Signs Manual.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many and what proportion of (a) staff and (b) new staff employed in (i) his Department and (ii) each of the agencies for which he has responsibility, were registered as disabled in each of the last three years for which data are available. [61385]

The information requested is shown in the following tables as far as it is available.

2005–06

2004–05

2003–04

⁽¹⁾ The Government Car and Despatch Agency became part of the Department for Transport as of 8 November 2005.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 9 March 2006 Official Report, column 1650W, on Metrolink phase 3, whether the matters discussed included (a) reducing the number of lines, (b) shortening the route on any of the three lines and (c) a timetable for work to commence on building phase 3; and if he will make a statement. [59060]

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive have recently submitted a draft business case seeking Government funding, from the Regional Funding Allocation. Discussions are ongoing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the (a) demand and (b) required capacity on the (i) London transport network, (ii) national rail network and (iii) road network for the 2012 Olympics; what timetable he envisages for delivering increased capacity to meet demand; what budget will be made available; and if he will make a statement. [65701]

The Olympic Delivery Authority and the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) are responsible for developing and delivering the plans for transport for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

These plans, which included estimates of spectator demand and transport network capacity, were initially set out in the candidature file submitted to the International Olympic Committee in November 2004. This document is available in the House of Commons Library.

Table 14.14 set out the predicted spectator demand for each venue and table 14.8 set out the predicted 2012 capacity of the public transport fleet which would serve the Games.

On average the total demand for spectator transport for the Games is predicted to be some 500,000 per day, peaking at 770,000 on the busiest day. This includes regional events such as sailing at Weymouth and Olympic football matches.

Peak demand for the Olympic Park in Stratford is around 300,000 spectators per day. The 10 railway lines which will serve the Olympic Park will be capable of transporting some 240,000 passengers per hour during the peak, ensuring that there will be adequate capacity for both spectators and normal transport users.

Both transport capacity and spectator demand will be kept under review by LOCOG and the Olympic Delivery Authority as the work preparing for the 2012 Games progresses.

Transport specifically for the 2012 Games will be paid for from the Olympic Public Sector Funding Package agreed between the Government and Mayor of London, which is funded from the National Lottery, the London Development Agency and London council tax.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what date (a) Prestwick and (b) Stansted Airports were designated as bases from which to deal with security alerts over UK airspace involving terrorist threats. [64893]

holding answer 24 April 2006

All UK airports are required to maintain contingency plans for dealing with security alerts. Beyond that it would not be appropriate to comment on specific security matters at individual airports.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport by what means he assesses the work of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch; what assessment he has made of its performance to date; whether he plans changes to the methods of assessment; and if he will make a statement. [65702]

The RAIB produces reports on all its investigations and copies are provided to the Secretary of State. These reports are also put into the public domain.

The reports enable the Secretary of State to assess, on an ongoing basis, the work of the RAIB. This is in addition to meetings that the Secretary of State holds with the Chief Inspector of the RAIB.

There are no plans to change the methods of assessment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation governs the use of (a) private hire vehicles and (b) unlicensed drivers and vehicles as transport for rail replacement; and if he will make a statement. [65494]

s40 of the Railways Act 2005 provides for where a railway passenger service is temporarily interrupted or has been discontinued, the Secretary of State (or Scottish Ministers in the case of Scotland) may secure the provision of a substitute service for the carriage of passengers by road by means of public service vehicles (i.e. buses) or private hire vehicles.

A private hire vehicle means a vehicle licensed under s37 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847, s6 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act 1869, s48 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 or s7 of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 (or additionally in the case of Scotland taxis or private hire cars licensed under s10 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is his policy to replace rail services with bus services on the (a) Par to Newquay, (b) Liskeard to Looe, (c) Totnes and Ivybridge to Plymouth, (d) Chippenham to Frome and (e) Severn Beach routes. [64774]

Other than the continuation of existing arrangements whereby buses provide some services between Avonmouth and Severn Beach, there is no policy to replace rail services with buses on any of these routes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of previously closed branch lines have been re-opened since May 1997. [62373]

In England and Wales, approximately 17 miles of former freight line have been re-opened for passenger use since 1997.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether funding has been allocated to the Scottish Executive in respect of Railways for All. [59328]

Following the enactment of the Railways Act 2005, responsibility for the funding and specifying the outputs of the rail network in Scotland transferred to Scottish Ministers on 1 April 2006. Over £360 million per annum has been transferred from the Department for Transport to Transport Scotland to enable Scottish Ministers to discharge these new responsibilities. The operation and funding of the Access for All programme in Scotland is under discussion between the Department and Transport Scotland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times nuclear flasks have been transported by rail in each of the last five years. [65521]

This information is available in a report commissioned last year by this Department entitled Survey into the Radiological Impact of the Normal Transport of Radioactive Material in the UK by Road and Rail", reference NRPB-W66. Copies of this report have been placed in the House Library and are available on the internet at the following address:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/w_series_reports/2005/nrpb_w66.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates the Department has made of the amount of nuclear waste that has been transported by rail in each of the last 10 years; and how much he expects to be transported by rail in the next five years. [65522]

This Department does not hold detailed information on quantities of radioactive waste transported.

Information on shipments of radioactive waste by rail is available in a report commissioned last year by this Department entitled Survey into the Radiological Impact of the Normal Transport of Radioactive Material in the UK by Road and Rail", reference NRPB-W66. Copies of this report have been placed in the House Library and are available on the internet at the following address:

http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/publications/w_series_reports/2005/nrpb_w66.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to (a) review and (b) vary the regulations which (i) modified and (ii) performance vehicles are required to meet to be classified as road-legal. [65776]

There are no specific plans to review the regulations relating to modified or performance vehicles. All road vehicles are required to comply with the appropriate construction requirements, irrespective of whether they have been modified or are performance vehicles. These types of vehicles may, however, be affected by changes that could arise from revisions currently being negotiated for the European type approval regime, but at present it is too early to say one way or the other.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money was spent on building new roads in (a) Romford and (b) Havering in each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [63003]

This information is generally not held centrally and would only be obtainable from the relevant local highway authorities, Transport for London (TfL) and the London borough of Havering respectively.

The Highways Agency is not responsible for any roads in the Romford area.

None of the roads for which the Highways Agency is responsible within the London borough of Havering have been built in the last 10 years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what timetable he envisages for the redevelopment of London Waterloo station to facilitate the implementation of the Route Utilisation Strategy; and if he will make a statement. [65514]

holding answer 25 April 2006

The major redevelopment of Waterloo is being considered by Network Rail and a master plan proposal is currently under evaluation by them. Elements of the Route Utilisation Strategy are being taken forward through the franchising process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about newly-produced cars being fitted with a seat belt reminder system. [65105]

Further to my answer to the hon. Member of 19 April 2006, , I have received no further representations about newly-produced cars being fitted with a seat belt reminder system.Official Report, columns 708–9W

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether it is mandatory for the speed camera partnerships to corroborate their cameras radar measurements of speed with the cameras photographic evidence before sending out a notice of intended prosecution to those accused of speeding offences; and if he will make a statement. [65857]

I have been asked to reply.

This is a matter for the individual police forces within safety camera partnerships. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has issued a Code of Practice for the Operational use of Road Policing Enforcement Technology (available on the ACPO website www.acpo.police.uk). This deals in part with the use of approved secondary check procedures to verify the continuing accuracy of the device.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effect on traffic volumes of the strict enforcement of (a) existing 60 mph and 70 mph speed limits and (b) a 55 mph speed limit on all extra-urban roads, broken down by (i) class of road and (ii) type of vehicle. [65665]

Speed limits are in place for road safety reasons, and enforcement of them is a matter for the police.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what criteria the Department used in deciding to specify in the Greater Western Franchise (a) a reduction in the frequency and (b) an increase in the journey time of trains between (i) London and Exeter and (ii) London and Plymouth; how many trains under the new schedule will reach (A) Exeter in two hours or under and (B) Plymouth in three hours or under from London; and how many did so under the (1) current schedule and (2) 1994 schedule. [60179]

holding answer 21 March 2006

The Great Western Franchise specification was designed to improve the overall operational and financial performance of the train service and to ensure resources were used to best meet market needs.

Under the proposed timetable for December 2006, which has been consulted on by First Group, the fastest journey time between London and Exeter will be two hours eight minutes, with the average journey time for daytime trains being two hours 31 minutes. No trains made the journey in two hours or under in 1994. The position for Plymouth is that in the proposed December 2006 timetable the fastest journey will be three hours; in the present timetable two trains arrive in three hours or less, while in 1994 no trains made the journey in three hours or under.

First announced a series of changes to their proposed December 2006 timetable on 3 April, including the reinstatement of two London and Exeter trains in each direction, which will allow improved journey times to Plymouth.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the efficacy of the methodology used in collecting samples for testing for avian influenza. [64711]

Regular assessments are made of the methodologies used for sample collection and any changes in methodology are robustly validated to international standards prior to adoption. The procedures used for UK programmes of avian influenza surveillance in wild bird populations conform to international protocols. These are specifically endorsed as part of a mandatory European Union wild bird surveillance programme and ratified by all member states.

As the service provider for Al surveillance testing, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) has a commitment to ensure that any modifications to procedures are fully validated before new methodology is adopted. This ensures a high degree of quality assurance, critical for detection and diagnosis, especially with respect to a listed pathogen of zoonotic potential such as avian influenza.

In January 2006, the VLA launched a project studying virus survival. The results from this study will be formally linked, where required, to any review process.

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

(1) what plans she has to ensure that her Department's progress in meeting domestic climate change targets is effectively monitored; [64972]

(2) what additional measures she is planning to enable the Government to meet their domestic climate change targets; and if she will make a statement. [64973]

holding answer 24 April 2006

The new Climate Change Programme, published in March 2006, sets out a range of policies to support our national climate change goals. These include measures to support increased electricity generation from renewable sources, to encourage energy efficiency measures in households, and to provide more reliable consumer product information. The Programme will also support more sustainable transport choices, introduce higher standards for energy efficiency in buildings, and finance energy efficiency measures for public sector organisations.

Defra is also consulting on the draft of the UK's National Allocation Plan for the second phase of the EU emissions trading scheme. The Scheme is a central element of the energy supply and business sectors' contribution to our policies to tackle climate change.

Existing and new policies set out in the Programme are expected to reduce the UK's carbon dioxide emissions to 15 to 18 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010. This would take the Government close to their domestic target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2010.

The Government issue annual updates on the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. The final emissions estimates for 2004 were published on 23rd January 2006, and can be viewed at:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2006/06Q123b.htm

The Government will also be reporting annually to Parliament on emissions levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2005, Official Report, column 651W, on the Cuckmere Valley, if she will break down the figure of £394,000 into (a) consultants costs, (b) internal staff costs and (c) other costs; and whether the allowance for internal staff costs reflects the total estimated costs applicable to the project internal staff. [65544]

holding answer 25 April 2006

The Environment Agency confirms that the figure of £394,000 reported as spent to date on the Cuckmere Esturary Project in the parliamentary answer given on 1 December 2005, , was split as follows:Official Report, column 651W

All costs for the project are included in the totals shown.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 1 December 2005, Official Report, column 651W, on the Cuckmere Valley, how much has been spent to date; and how much it is anticipated will be spent on the next stage following the completion of the preparatory stage of the project. [65545]

holding answer 25 April 2006

I understand from the Environment Agency that the total expenditure to date on the Cuckmere Estuary Project is £440,000. This figure is split as follows:

The principal outputs from this project, namely the flood risk management business case and the environmental report, are complete in draft and are undergoing internal review within the Agency. These reports have determined the preferred flood risk management and environmental policy options for the future management of the Cuckmere Estuary. When these options have been approved, it is intended that a scheme will be developed by a Partnership of English Nature, the National Trust, the South Downs Joint Committee and the Environment Agency. It is not possible to give an estimate of the costs of developing the scheme at this time.

The current 100-year construction cost estimates for the three main policy options considered are:

Development costs are included within the figures. The costs of a public inquiry are not included in the figures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people have been on sick leave suffering from stress in her Department in each of the last three years; and what percentage of the total staff number this represents. [63544]

During 2005 there were 180 members of staff in DEFRA (including State Veterinary Service, Government Decontamination Service and Marine Fisheries Agency) who were absent sick, giving stress" as the reason. This represents 2.4 per cent. of the 7,573 staff.

Figures for preceding years are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

The Department takes the management of stress seriously and has recently changed the way in which employees and managers are supported, by introducing an employee assistance programme (EAR) to ensure employees have 24-hour access to professional support services as required.

In terms of education and prevention, the Department's Occupational Support and Advisory Team has been undertaking mini-audits of business units against the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Management Standards for Stress.

The team also maintain a website dedicated to stress related issues, and present a series of road-shows (including regional offices) to provide practical advice on the subject directly to staff.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will carry out an investigation into the use of electric shock collars as a training aid for dogs. [65250]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 18 April 2006, .Official Report, column. 23W

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research her Department has undertaken to compare energy efficiency rates in the UK with other European Union countries. [64970]

holding answer 24 April 2006

Only recently has work begun to develop proper" indicators of energy efficiency changes, rather than using energy intensity as a proxy. Existing information on whole economy energy intensity is published on a consistent basis across the 25 member states and is available at:

http://epp.eurostat.cec.eu.int/portal/page?_pageid=1996,3914 0985&_dad=portal&_schma=PORTAL&screen=detailref& language=en&product=EU_strind&root=EU_strind/strind/enviro/en020

However, energy intensity does not paint an accurate picture of efficiency gains as it includes structural changes as well as efficiency improvements.

Defra has already developed an efficiency indicator for UK housing, as a contribution to the work of the interdepartmental Joint Working Group on Energy and the Environment. Information is available at:

http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/environment/jwgee/0422.pdf

Work is also under way on similar types of indicators for the UK industry and service sectors, although a lack of suitable data are delaying progress.

In parallel, EU-wide work on energy efficiency across the EU-15 member states is being taken forward through the 'ODYSSEE' project. Defra and DTI jointly fund a consultancy to represent UK interests. Information on energy efficiency performance to 2003 for each member state is available at:

http://www.odyssee-indicators.org/Publication/country_profiles.html

Note:

ODYSSEE data are not official statistics compiled and checked by the national statistical offices of member states.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to ensure European governments promote energy efficiency in domestic appliances. [64971]

holding answer 24 April 2006

The Government are fully committed to raising product standards and encouraging consumers to use the most energy efficient domestic appliances. Progress is being made by a combination of policy measures including product information (energy labels), minimum standards, and the promotion of best practice. These are taken forward by the Market Transformation Programme (MTP).

The UK continues to work closely with the European Commission to influence and speed up the delivery of both mandatory and voluntary measures under the recently agreed Eco-Design for Energy Using Products (EUP) Framework Directive. We are encouraging the Commission to bring forward formal proposals for revising the EU Energy labelling Scheme, and we are supporting the work of the Energy Saving Trust in promoting efficient domestic appliances.

As President of both the EU and the G8 in 2005, the UK together with the European Commission hosted an International Energy Efficiency Conference (2 to 3 November 2005) to deliver a roadmap for global energy efficiency improvements. Details of the conference aims and outcomes can be viewed at:

http://host5.oliveserver.co.uk/df/ee/conferenceobjectives.aspx

We will also host the 2006 Energy Efficiency in Domestic Appliances and Lighting Conference (EEDAL 06) to advance international co-operation and new initiatives on energy efficient domestic appliances. Further details can be found at:

http://www.livegroup.co.uk/EEDAL

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Government's policy on the reduction of energy consumption in its offices; and if she will make a statement. [63608]

The Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government estate is the main vehicle for systematically assessing, reporting and improving Government performance in managing its own land and buildings in a sustainable way. It sets cross-Government targets in all key operational areas, including energy consumption.

The Sustainable Development Commission's report, 'Leading by Example? Not Exactly ... ' was published in December 2005. This reported on departmental performance against a range of sustainable operational targets within the framework.

The Government accept that more needs to be done to improve its overall operational performance including its own energy consumption. The UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy (Securing the Future, March 2005) included a commitment to review the framework and make proposals for achieving a significant change in operational performance. We are currently taking forward work in this area, and challenging new departmental energy targets will be published this summer.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to reduce energy consumption in its offices; and if she will make a statement. [63609]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 18 April 2006, .Official Report, column 24W

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are being taken taken to ensure there are sufficient levels of water supply to cope with the levels of house building in West Chelmsford constituency. [64722]

holding answer 24 April 2006

All water companies have water resource management plans which look ahead 25 years and include projections of current and future demands for water. These are regularly updated to take account of factors including projections of household numbers, occupancy rates, and the implications of climate change. The management plan for Essex and Suffolk Water includes proposals for an extension to the Abberton reservoir by 2014.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Answer of 18 April 2006, Official Report, columns 31–2W, on mobile telephones, what the timescale is for the implementation of the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Directive. [65947]

I have been asked to reply.

The Department is currently engaged in conversations with key stakeholders on the best way to implement the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive. I will be announcing a new timetable before the parliamentary recess in July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many new applicants have sought to register land for single farm payments; and how much land not previously registered under the integrated admission and control system has been registered. [63500]

Since December 2004 some 50,000 customers have registered land for the purposes of the Single Payment Scheme and the Environmental Stewardships schemes. The increase in land is 0.95 million hectares.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many applications for registering land for single farm payment have been made in total from North Essex. [63501]

78 applications have been made to register land in North Essex from customers who were not registered under the old IACS (integrated administration and control system).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment her Department has made of the requirements of (a) professional and (b) amateur sporting facilities in the event of the introduction of drought orders; [64721]

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to exempt (a) county cricket clubs and (b) community sports facilities from drought orders; and if she will make a statement. [65112]

holding answer 24 April 2006

I recognise that any drought order made to restrict use of water may impact on how sporting facilities and clubs maintain their grounds. However, serious drought is an exceptional event and provisions must be in place to allow water companies to fulfil their duty to supply water to domestic customers.

Drought orders can be made only after careful consideration of all the issues raised by objectors to an application. A hearing will normally be held by an independent Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. Objectors have the opportunity to be heard by the Inspector. In determining the application the Secretary of State will take into account the objections raised and the Inspector's recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which villages have received vital villages funding; when each received such funding; and which villages have applied for funding but have been unsuccessful. [65952]

Between 2001 and March 2005 the Countryside Agency's Vital Villages programme met its target to help over 1000 rural communities to help themselves by assisting them in identifying service needs, piloting the adoption of alternative approaches to addressing these needs and having a greater say In their own affairs.

We do not keep central records on all the information you have requested but I have placed in the Library of the House the following information provided by the Countryside Agency which I hope will be of interest:

Annex 1—A list of all agreed and between 2001 and 2005, including which each is located. Unfortunately the projects received their funding is not completed Vital Villages projects details of the Parish/District in year when each of these recorded on this list.

Annex 2—A list of unsuccessful applications for Vital Villages grants. Unfortunately the Parish/District location been recorded of each of these has not been recorded.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to build new water storage capacity in the South East of England. [64974]

holding answer 24 April 2006

Water companies rather than Government are responsible for considering new reservoirs as part of their duty to maintain adequate supplies of water. Water companies serving customers in the South East have identified a number of schemes to build new reservoirs or expand existing ones in their 25-year water resources plans prepared in 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the role of the Jaguar aircraft in Royal Air Force service will be after April 2006; and if he will make a statement. [64794]

The role of the Jaguar Force from April 2006 is to continue to contribute to any UK or NATO commitments which require its capability, especially in the role of ground attack or reconnaissance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his Answer of 18 April 2006, Official Report, column 12W, on the army, when he expects the full Territorial Army strength of 45,590 to be attained based on current levels of recruitment. [65524]

The current strength of the Territorial Army (TA), excluding the Officer Training Corps (OTC), stands at some 31,950 against an establishment of approximately 38,500, excluding OTC. This represents approximately 83 per cent. of the manning requirement. Achieving full manning of the TA is dependent not only upon recruitment levels but also retention. Major efforts are under way to address both issues and recent increases in TA recruitment are encouraging. It is not possible at this time to predict when full manning of the TA might be achieved.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many and what proportion of (a) staff and (b) new staff employed in (i) his Department and (ii) each of the agencies for which he has responsibility were registered as disabled in each of the last three years for which data are available. [61373]

Departmental records of disabled staff are solely based on voluntary declarations of disability under the Disability Discrimination Act and not connected to a formal register of disability.

The following table gives the civilian staff headcount strength and details of disabled staff, employed by the Ministry of Defence, as recorded at 1 April 2004 and 1 April 2005. Comparisons between agencies should be treated with caution due to the different response rates for self declaration. Data prior to 1 April 2004 has not been published and are not available due to insufficient quality.

Headcount

Headcount

⁽²⁾ Army Training and Recruitment Agency was formed in July 1997 by absorbing AITO plus recruiting.

⁽³⁾ Known as the Defence Postal and Courier Services Agency until 1 July 1999.

⁽⁴⁾ Defence Analytical Services Agency formed July 1992.

⁽⁵⁾ Defence Bills Agency was formed in December 1996.

⁽⁶⁾ Defence Communications Service Agency formed April 1998 and absorbed lots of bits from DGIC, CHOTS, RAF Comms, RAFSEE and LISA.

⁽⁷⁾ Defence Dental Agency was formed February 1996. Ceased Agency status on 1 April 2005.

⁽⁸⁾ Known as the Defence Estates Organisation until 1 March 1999 and subsequently merged with Defence Housing Executive on 1 April 2005.

⁽⁹⁾ Level 1 is defined as civilian permanent and casual personnel employed by the department and the Royal Fleet Auxiliaries. Level 0 all those at Level 1 plus staff in the Trading Funds and Locally Engaged Civilians. The revised definitions of civilian personnel are used throughout, full details of which are available on the DASA website at www.dasa.mod.uk

Notes:

1. Figures quoted are headcount.

2. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10, as a result totals may not always equal the sum of the parts. For visibility rounding has only been applied to figures of 10 and above.

3. Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency was formed in April 1997.

4. Defence Geographic Imagery Intelligence Agency formed April 2000 and included JARIC and Mil Survey. In April 2005 was absorbed into the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).

5. Defence Intelligence and Security Centre was formed October 1996. In April 2005 was absorbed into the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).

6. Defence Medical Education and Training Agency was launched on 1 April 2003, and subsumed the Defence Medical Training Organisation and the Defence Secondary Care Agency.

7. Launched on 1 April 1999 assuming responsibilities of the Specialist Procurement Services Agency.

Disability data for new staff employed in the department are given as follows. Only the full financial year 2004–05 is currently available.

Number and proportion of new staff employed within Ministry of Defence

Notes

1. Data relate only to staff who have declared a disability and whose disability was recorded centrally at the time of commencing employment with the department.

2. New staff to the department have been classified to include recruited, reinstated/re-hired, loaned and transferred from other Government Departments.

3. The proportion of staff with disabilities is calculated only from the numbers where a disability status declaration has been made by the individual.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funding has been received by the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme in each year since 1993. [64762]

Information on the funding of the Gulf Veterans' Medical Assessment Programme (GVMAP) from 1993 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, for the financial year 2005–06 the cost of running the GVMAP was in the region of £150,000. This figure included accommodation, staffing and patient travel costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his planned land quality assessment programme is for sites within the Cotswold District. [64649]

The Ministry of Defence is committed to a programme that will achieve a minimum of a phase one desk-top land quality assessment for all of the defence estate in the United Kingdom by the end of 2007.

There are no sites of particular concern in the Cotswold area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many of his Department's sites within the Cotswold District land contamination assessments have been undertaken; and what the findings were in each case. [64650]

This information is not held centrally and will take time to collate. I will therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his communication strategy is for providing information to the public on sites of concern in the Cotswold District, with particular reference to Aston Down; and what steps his Department has taken to prevent public access to such sites. [64651]

As the Ministry of Defence does not have any sites for concern in the Cotswold District there is no need for a communication strategy for any site in the area.

With regards to Aston Down a communication strategy was developed by MOD together with the current site owners. This reflected specific public interest in the site.

There is a presumption in favour of public access to the defence estate, wherever this is compatible with operational and military training uses, public safety, security, conservation and the interests of our tenants. Aston Down was sold in February 2002 and public access is a matter for the new owners.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2006, Official Report, column 1650–1W, on Ministry of Defence stores, why no financial recoveries were received in the first half of the financial year 2000–01. [65219]

holding answer 24 April 2006

From October 1999, the process for pursuing such financial recoveries was de-centralised within the Ministry of Defence. During a period of transition to the new process, no recoveries were notified centrally as being attributable to the first half of 2000–01. To gather the information on recoveries made during this period could only be done at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 18 April 2006 to Question 63392, on Mr Nick Pope, if he will list the persons employed since 1994 to investigate unidentified aerial phenomena. [65363]

Mr Pope was succeeded in post in July 1994 by Miss Kerry Philpott who filled the post until October 1998. This post was vacant for a period and the task of examining reports of unidentified aerial phenomena to establish whether they contained anything of defence significance was covered by a member of support staff, Miss Gaynor South, until the post was filled by Mr Adrian Nash in January 1999. Mr Nash left the post in October 1999 and these duties were again covered by Miss South until the present incumbent of the post, Mrs Linda Unwin, took up office in February 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 19 December 2005, Official Report, column 505W, on Southampton Docks, what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of the Z berth in Southampton hosting a visit from a Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarine, with particular reference to reactor cooling water discharges; and if he will make a statement. [64785]

The discharge of reactor coolant water from RN nuclear-powered submarines at Z berths is not permitted. These submarines are operated in accordance with the relevant environmental protection legislation, national and international treaties and protocols. The environmental impact of their presence at a Z berth is therefore no greater than that for a commercial ship.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) Environmental Sciences Department monitors the level of radioactive pollution on foreshores close to the locations of Z berths as part of its wider marine environmental survey programme, and the findings are published annually.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make the Trial Bishop report available to members of the Defence Select Committee; if he will place a copy of the report in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [65099]

The Trial Bishop report contains information that if released could prejudice the safety and security of UK armed forces. Therefore it would not be in the public interest for a copy of the report to be placed in the Library of the House at this time. I will consider a separate request from the Defence Committee in the usual way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consider establishing a fund to support the widows and children of Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers who lost their lives as a result of terrorist violence in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [65930]

holding answer 25 April 2006

The possibility of establishing an Ulster Defence Regiment (UDR) widows' fund on the basis that they were disadvantaged compared with similar RUC widows was examined by the Ministry of Defence, culminating in a comprehensive analysis in July 2005.

This study indicated that post-1974 UDR widows were no worse off than their RUC counterparts and most are somewhat better off. The pre-1974 widows of part-time soldiers were slightly worse off when their main pension and compensation benefits are compared to that of their counterparts. However, the comparison did not take into account a number of other factors. For example, armed forces occupational widows pensions are paid for life and war widows pensions and special payments are paid tax-free and disregarded when calculating income-related and housing benefits. If these factors were taken into account case by case, the UDR widows would generally not be worse off than their RUC counterparts.

Should there be any individual hardship cases, those concerned would be eligible for assistance either from the UDR Benevolent Fund or through the Royal Irish Regiment Welfare Staff, but there are no plans to establish a separate fund on the lines suggested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) funding for on-site assessment and training in construction will be subject to the full oversight of the committees and board of the CITB; and if she will make a statement. [65753]

CITB-ConstructionSkills funding for the On-Site Assessment and Training Programme (OSAT) is provided through its annual grants scheme which I can confirm is subject to the scrutiny of CITB Board and its relevant sub-committees.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what discussions her officials have had with officials of the Construction Industry Training Board on future initiatives on on-site assessment and training. [65754]

The On-Site Assessment and Training Programme (OSAT) underpins the construction industry's drive to qualify the whole of its site work force and is a key component of the Sector Skills Agreement published in 2005 by CITB-ConstructionSkills, the Sector Skills Council covering the construction industry.

The aim of the programme is to qualify 250,000 adults to Level 2 through this route, with almost 62,000 achievements to date and over 29,000 registrations in 2005. Future projections are stretching, and to achieve the aim of a fully skilled construction work force it is important that OSAT remains a key focus for the industry and for the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), who plan and fund all post-16 provision of publicly funded training.

OSAT is one of only a small number of LSC funding priorities, and my officials have recently been in discussion with colleagues from both the LSC and CITB-CS to ensure that OSAT remains central to LSC planning and that the programme is effectively supported and funded.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when her Department will reply to the letter of 16 February 2006 from the right hon. Member for Warley regarding Mr. McKenzie-Ward of Oldbury. [66062]

I expect to respond to my right hon. Friend's letter on 26 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Enterprise Adviser Service. [55666]

The delivery of the Enterprise Adviser Service has been implemented by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). The LSC is also responsible for the assessment of the Service. Mark Haysom, chief executive of the LSC, has written to my hon. Friend and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.

Letter from Mark Haysom, dated 25 April 2006

I write in response to your recent Parliamentary Question about the effectiveness of the Enterprise Adviser Service. Initial evaluations from the Lead LSCs responsible for the delivery of the service have been very positive. The first two years of the service involved Enterprise Advisers working with nearly 1000 secondary schools in the most disadvantaged areas. This work was subsequently built on with the 2005–06 re-focus of the service which brought more schools within its remit. Initial evaluations suggest that over 2000 schools are now within the scope of the service.

Evaluations from the Lead LSCs and the Regional Enterprise Advisers all suggest that this service has had significant impact and is valued by the Head teachers and staff with whom they are working. The Enterprise Advisers were recruited from a largely private sector back-ground and as such have brought a significantly different perspective and skills set to schools. The knowledge, skills, experience and enthusiasm of the Enterprise Advisers has been a positive addition to the field of enterprise in education. Specific DfES resources for the service are due to end at the end of this academic year and the LSC is looking at how best to embed the good practice that has been fostered through this service into local and regional enterprise activity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she has taken to broaden the prison education curriculum key and basic skills as recommended by the Education and Skills Select Committee report, HC114–1 on Prison Education. [65570]

Improving the literacy, numeracy and English language skills of offenders continues to be a high priority, and underpins success in vocational and employment training. We have introduced a much broader curriculum through the Offender's Learning Journey which is being tested in three development regions in England. This new offer includes a focus on work-related learning as well as the arts curriculum and personal and social development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the cost is per child of a placement in a speech and language unit run by Hillingdon local education authority. [65293]

This information is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many statemented children there are in each (a) ward in West Lancashire constituency and (b) Lancashire; and what percentage of all children in each area these figures represent. [64118]

The requested information is given in the following table.

All schools: number and percentage of pupils with statements of special educational needs (SEN) as at January 2005^{(10) (11)}

⁽¹⁰⁾ Includes maintained nursery, primary, secondary and all special schools, city technology colleges, academies, pupil referral units and independent schools.

⁽¹¹⁾ Excludes dually registered pupils.

⁽¹²⁾ The number of pupils with statements expressed as a percentage of the school population.

⁽¹³⁾ 1 or 2 pupils, or a rate based on 1 or 2 pupils.

Source:

Annual Schools Census

Provisional figures, taken as at January 2006, relating to the number of pupils with statements of SEN will be available at the end of April.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what is the average expenditure per child was in Sure Start schemes in each year since 2001–02; what the average expenditure planned for each year to 2009–10; and if she will make a statement. [63985]

524 Sure Start local programmes were opened on a rolling programme between 1999 and 2003, reaching around 400,000 children aged under four years. In their first two to three years programmes were building up their services and, generally, did not operate at peak levels until the third or fourth year. The average expenditure per child for every year for which grant has been paid or allocated is in the following table. With effect from the current financial year, the earliest programmes' grants are beginning to taper to a level consistent with delivering the children's centre offer. We expect that local authorities will be in a position to make savings through economies of scale, for example on administration, finance and evaluation arrangements, now that the grant for programmes is paid directly to them.

The Government have announced its intention to conduct a Comprehensive Spending Review in 2007 and we will await the outcome of that review before decisions are taken on the level of funding from April 2008. The Government have indicated on many occasions in the past the high priority it attaches to improving outcomes for children, including in the early years.

Source:

1. Departmental expenditure figures for Sure Start Local Programmes.

2. 2005 Population figures provided by Sure Start Local Programmes for under 4s in the programme area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many television sets are in operation in the Department (a) in total, (b) in Ministers' private offices and (c) in each office building in the Department; and how many television licences are held by the Department. [62796]

The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, there are 24 TV sets in Ministers' offices.

To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what representations she has received regarding the gender pay gap (a) in the private sector and (b) in the public sector. [65625]

I have ongoing dialogue with trade unions, employers from both the public and private sector, and others including the Equal Opportunities Commission concerning the gender pay gap. I recently supported the launch of Opportunity Now's Benchmarking Report, which was a culmination of 159 in-depth assessments of UK organisations in the private, public and education sectors. The report contains case studies, advice, action plans and recommendations on how employers can address gender equality and diversity in the workplace, including tackling the gender pay gap.

The Government also warmly welcomes the report Shaping a Fairer Future from the Women and Work Commission and is in discussion with key stakeholders with a view to issuing an action plan to take forward recommendations on tackling the gender pay gap later this year.

To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what services to the House are provided by Capita; at what cost; and for what periods. [65771]

Services provided to the House over the last two years by companies within the Capita group have included staff recruitment, training, pensions administration and other specialist advice. The total cash costs were:

The only specific long-term contract with Capita is for pensions administration at a cost of some £45,000 per year over five years. Recruitment, advertising and response handling contracts are in the process of being tendered.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development pursuant to the Answer of 21 March 2006, Official Report, column 182W, on abortion and poverty,

(1) how (a) hon. Members, (b) Members of the House of Lords and (c) members of the public are able to obtain copies of the booklet Death and Denial: Unsafe Abortion and Poverty; and if he will make a statement; [64623]

(2) what terms and conditions were set in requesting the International Planned Parenthood Federation to produce the booklet Death and Denial: Unsafe Abortion and Poverty; how many copies his Department obtained; to whom they were sent; how much was spent on (a) postage and packing and (b) officials' time in dealing with the publication; and if he will make a statement; [64622]

(3) whom he consulted before requesting the International Planned Parenthood Federation to produce the booklet Death and Denial: Unsafe Abortion and Poverty; what views were expressed; and if he will make a statement; [64758]

(4) when the statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the foreword to the booklet Death and Denial: Unsafe Abortion and Poverty was drafted; by whom; and if he will make a statement. [64759]

I asked the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) to survey the global scene on unsafe abortion, which resulted in the report Death and Denial: Unsafe Abortion and Poverty". No specific terms and conditions were set in making this request. The report provides an overview of the current situation regarding unsafe abortion around the world. Without stopping unsafe abortion, which causes over 13 per cent. of all maternal deaths, the Millennium Development Goal to lower maternal mortality by 2015 is unlikely to be met.

DFID was not involved in the production or printing of the booklet which was undertaken by the IPPF. I agreed to write the foreword given the pressing need for an open and informed discussion on this issue. The foreword was written by officials and agreed by Ministers. No outside consultation was undertaken or required as the DFID policy position with regard to abortion is already established.

DFID obtained 150 copies of the booklet for internal distribution only. DFID is not involved in the distribution which is the responsibility of the IPPF from whom copies of the booklet can be obtained. I have arranged for copies of the document entitled 'Death and Denial; Unsafe Abortion and Poverty' which has been produced by the IPPF, to be placed in the Libraries of the House. I am sure that the IPPF would provide copies of the report to interested members of the public requesting it.

It is not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of officials' time in dealing with all aspects of the production of the booklet, from advice to Ministers, responding to correspondence and parliamentary questions, without incurring a disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the United Nations Population Fund's (a) country programme document and (b) sixth country programme in its application to China. [65356]

The United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA)'s country programme document (also known as the sixth country programme) guides the UNFPA's work in China.

UNFPA have successfully demonstrated that non-coercive family planning methods can be effective in China. The UNFPA's policy of constructive engagement with the Chinese Government should help further improve this. We look to the UNFPA to take forward its work with the Chinese Government within the framework of the new programme.

The UNFPA's activities in China, as in the rest of the world, are in strict conformity with the unanimously adopted programme of action at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will discuss with the United Nations Population Fund the statements made by its spokesman in China that the government of China has solved its population problem; and if he will make a statement. [65357]

We have been advised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) representative in China that they have not made any statements to the effect that the UNFPA consider that the Government of China had solved its population problem.

The UNFPA's rationale for their presence in China is to help the Government of China to live up to its international commitments, such as the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether the United Nations Population Fund's (a) standard service delivery protocols and (b) quality of care principles include the right of individuals to refuse the use of contraception (i) in China and (ii) elsewhere without penalty; and if he will make a statement. [65359]

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) assistance in China and other developing countries abides by the principles of the 1994 Cairo International Conference on Population and Development, which says that family planning should enable individuals and couples to exercise their human right to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children and to have the information and means to enjoy that right. The principle of informed choice is essential to the long-term success of family planning programmes. Any form of coercion has no part to play.

The service delivery protocol used by the UNFPA office in China specifically provides free contraceptive choice and for clients to receive such service based on their informed consent. The UNFPA assistance in approximately 140 other developing countries is based on the same principle of free and informed decisions and consent.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make representations to the United Nations Population Fund that it refuse to operate in China if the Chinese government does not guarantee that all couples are free to determine the timing of child-bearing; and if he will make a statement. [65360]

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) works in a number of provinces in China, that have agreed to comply with the principles from the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), where it promotes the principle of voluntary family planning. Any developments which are contrary to ICPD in counties that receive UNFPA assistance would be reported to the UNFPA Executive Board, which makes decisions on whether to continue UNFPA assistance in China and any other developing country.

The UK supported the approval of the new country programme for China at the January 2006 Executive Board, which is based on the above principles. We believe that the UNFPA's work in China improves policy and practice through advocacy and assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo on addressing violence and abuse against children, with particular reference to those accused of sorcery. [65657]

I have been asked to reply.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him today (UIN 65706).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the financial situation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. [64718]

holding answer 24 April 2006

The UK recognises that the funding gap which exists for the 2006 and 2007 replenishment period poses a challenge. At present US$46 million is available for Round 6 of the Global Fund, but approximately US$1 billion is needed to enable new grants to be approved and fully funded in 2006. This is a substantial funding gap for the 2006–07 replenishment period.

There will be a mid-term review of the Global Fund's replenishment process in June. This will be an opportunity for the international community to review further, the Global Fund's performance and urge new and existing donors to put in more money. The UK has pledged £359 million to the Global Fund for 2002 to 2008. This exceeds our fair share" based on gross national income, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Global Fund. The UK will continue to encourage other donors to provide additional support to fill the funding gap. In particular, we will be encouraging support from the oil producing countries and calling for a greater effort by the private sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what position the UK will take regarding the launch of a Round 6 of grants at the Global Fund's next board meeting at the end of April; and if he will make a statement. [64719]

holding answer 24 April 2006

The UK will support the launch of Round 6 at the April board. At present US$46 million is available for Round 6, but approximately US$1 billion is needed to enable new grants to be approved and fully funded in 2006.

The UK has pledged £359 million to the Global Fund for 2002 to 2008. Last September, we doubled our commitment to the Global Fund for 2006 and 2007 to £100 million per year. This exceeds our fair share" based on gross national income, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Global Fund. Other donors need to do more to meet their share of Global Fund resources and the UK will continue to encourage them to provide additional support to fill the funding gap. In particular, we will be encouraging support from the oil producing countries and calling for a greater effort by the private sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps are being taken by his Department to support the implementation and enforcement of Nigeria's transparency code. [65720]

Nigeria does not have a single transparency code, but is in the process of implementing and attempting to enforce a range of transparency initiatives. DFID is involved at various stages in assisting the Nigerian Government in this as a key element of its support to improved governance, which is one of the three parts of Nigeria's poverty reduction strategy, the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS).

DFID has also provided support for Nigeria's leading role in implementing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to promote transparency in the use of oil revenue. DFID in Nigeria has also provided technical and financial support to a unit in the Nigerian Finance Ministry responsible for co-ordinating the audits of oil and gas revenue that have been recently published.

In the area of enforcement of transparency and other elements of anti-corruption codes, DFID and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are jointly providing technical support to the work of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of a number of high profile corruption cases in recent months which include the provision of evidence that led to the impeachment of the former Governor of Bayelsa State and his subsequent prosecution, as well as the conviction and imprisonment of the former Inspector General of Police. The UK's support to EFCC is designed to complement a much larger programme of support from the EC.

At the Federal level, DFID continues to support Nigeria's Federal Economic Reform Team, in implementing other reforms to promote transparency and improve accountability, including improving Public Financial Management, publishing Federal Government allocations of budget to state and local government level and supporting civil society involvement in the Federal Government's Medium-Term Sector Strategies.

DFID also provides support to increased transparency at a state level by making clear its assistance will go to those states that have shown the most commitment to transparency and other elements of improved governance.

DFID has been a leading partner in driving forward the G8 Transparency Compact with Nigeria. In response the Federal Government has recently created the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR), an inter-departmental Government initiative to measure and communicate the impact of various anti-corruption initiatives in Nigeria.

DFID is also implementing other programmes of assistance which include elements of support for increased transparency in the justice sector, policing, the electoral process and the National Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with particular reference to the availability of essential items of food. [65453]

Earlier this month, the closure of the Kami crossing caused food shortages in Gaza. Israel is now allowing sufficient food to be imported into Gaza. We are aware that humanitarian needs could increase. Gaza's economy is affected by the closure of the Kami crossing to exports. In the future, if the Palestinian Authority cannot pay salaries, livelihoods in Gaza may be further affected. DFID is working closely with the UN Office for the co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs to monitor the situation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the effects of the closure of the Karni crossing in Gaza on the humanitarian situation in that area; and if he will make a statement. [65454]

The closure of the Kami crossing in Gaza to imports of basic food commodities created considerable food shortages in early March. Israel is now allowing food to be imported into Gaza regularly. The ongoing restrictions on exports through the Kami crossing continue to have a damaging effect on the Gaza economy. This is contributing to an increase in humanitarian need in Gaza. DFID is working with the UN Office for the co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs to monitor the humanitarian situation, to ensure that the needs of the most vulnerable are met.