To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many nightclubs in England and Wales have had alcohol licences revoked in circumstances where the persistent sale of alcohol to persons under 18 years of age has been demonstrated in the last 12 months. (312087)

The Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing Statistical Bulletin collects the number of licences revoked, but does not indicate why or the type of premises involved. Licences may be revoked following a review by the licensing authority for a number of reasons, including persistent selling of alcohol to children. However, the persistent sale of alcohol to children is a specific criminal offence under section 147A of the Licensing Act 2003.

Where a premises licence holder admits the offence and accepts a closure notice issued under section 169A of the 2003 Act, the licence may be suspended for up to 48 hours. The number of such suspensions under section 169A between April 2008 and March 2009 was 54, based on replies from 97 per cent. of licensing authorities. However, where the holder of a premises licence is convicted by a court of an offence under section 147A (in respect of the sale or supply of alcohol, following an offence of persistently selling to underage children) to which the licence relates, the court may order that the licence, so far as it authorises the sale by retail of alcohol, be suspended for a period not exceeding three months.

The number of suspensions ordered by the courts between April 2008 and March 2009 was 12, based on responses from 98 per cent. of licensing authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps his Department is taking in respect of the public perception of Arts Council England. (309619)

Arts Council England is responsible for maintaining the reputation and knowledge of the organisation.

The Department is confident that Arts Council England’s public perception is good and is continuing to improve. Recent research found that while 47 per cent. of members of the public who have heard of the Arts Council held no strong view of ACE, of the remaining 53 per cent.; 36 per cent. held a favourable opinion and 8 per cent. held an unfavourable opinion¹.

Among the arts sector, 74 per cent. responded favourably and 10 per cent. unfavourably.

A further breakdown of this information is detailed in the tables:

¹ Arts Council’s Stakeholder Focus research programme 2009-10.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment he has made of any link between the number of machines allowed in casinos and the extent of problem gambling. (311951)

My Department has not made a specific assessment of the link between the number of machines allowed in casinos and the extent of problem gambling. However, the Gambling Commission has undertaken research into what can be done to understand the impact of high stake, high prize gaming machines on problem gambling in general, the results of which were reported to me in July 2009. Among other things, this work commented on the availability and accessibility of gaming machines in gambling venues across Britain.

Subsequently, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board’s initial recommendations and priorities for research, education and treatment into problem gambling published on 14 October 2009, has highlighted that early priority should be given to developing a programme of work around high stake, high prize gaming machines building on the initial work undertaken by the Gambling Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport whether he has plans to increase the number of machines allowed in casinos. (311955)

My Department has no specific plans at present in relation to numbers of gaming machines allowed in casinos.

A number of representations have been made by the casino industry with regards to the ongoing review of category B gaming machines, which are being given due consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what guidance the Gambling Commission has produced on the practice of adult gaming centres without a casino licence branding themselves as casinos. (311835)

The Gambling Commission has advised that it has not published guidance on the practice of adult gaming centres without a casino licence branding themselves as casinos.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps he is taking to encourage the development of indoor cricket. (312017)

Sport England has advised that over the period 2009-13 Sport England will invest a total £38,003,357 in the English Cricket Board (ECB) for their Whole Sport Plan. A key part of this funding agreement is for the ECB to increase participation in the sport.

One aspect of this will be to increase participation in indoor cricket, with indoor cricket playing a key role in the ECB’s wider club network intervention. In addition to this the ECB is currently working with the organisation Indoor Cricket England to look at the ways they might be able to work together to increase access and participation in the indoor version of the game.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will undertake an investigation into (a) the appropriateness of the appointment of the Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission to the Commission’s Board of Commissioners and (b) the effect on levels of transparency and accountability of the separation of both roles. (311640)

I have no current plans to review this appointment.

The current chief executive of the Gambling Commission was appointed as an ex-officio Commissioner of the Gambling Commission by the then Secretary of State in October 2005. We continue to believe that this is a positive arrangement which is consistent with arrangements in place for similar regulatory bodies, and we believe that there is no detrimental impact on levels of transparency and accountability as a result.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions the Gambling Commission has had with regulators outside the European Economic Area and the white list of countries permitted to advertise gambling services in the UK on the effectiveness of the regulation of operators providing gambling services to customers in the UK. (311641)

The information requested is not held by my Department and relates to matters that are the responsibility of the Gambling Commission.

Accordingly, I have asked the chief executive of the Gambling Commission to write direct to the hon. Member.

Copies of the reply will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many violent incidents were recorded at properties operated by ClearSprings Ltd. under the Bail and Accommodation Support Service in each of the last three years. (310960)

The number of violent incidents recorded at properties managed by ClearSprings for the bail accommodation and support service in the last three years is;

These data include one incident of aggravated burglary by a member of the public against a ClearSprings property in 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much the Land Registry has spent on the refurbishment of its head office in Lincoln's Inn Fields in each of the last three financial years. (310712)

Land Registry has refurbished its head office in Lincoln’s Inn Fields to address health and safety risks, including legionella, to address the risk of electrical and heating systems failure, and to bring the building, which was built in 1913, up to date. The project included not only internal redecoration and remodelling, but full replacement of the heating system, replacement of the hot and cold water services and installation of a dedicated electrical sub-station (in the light of advice from consultants following a number of blackouts in the building). The cost of refurbishment in the last three financial years was:

The total for the last three financial years is £7,489,207. These costs are off-set by a consequential increase in value of the building of £5.25 million based on a Valuation Office report on 15 December 2008 (compared with the previous valuation on 8 January 2008).

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many warrants magistrates have issued for the courts to enter premises by force under section 78 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. (311480)

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost by manually interrogating court records.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the answer of 7 January 2010, Official Report, columns 546-7W, on prison accommodation, how many cells are not included in the certified normal accommodation of the prison estate for (a) operational reasons relating to cell (i) heating, (ii) lighting, (iii) ventilation and (iv) size and (b) other reasons relating to cell maintenance. (311241)

As at the end of November 2009 and based on information from central records, about 500 places in the prison estate’s baseline were not included in in-use certified normal accommodation because of centrally programmed maintenance projects. Cell certification records do not systematically identify the nature of each maintenance project.

These figures have been drawn from central administrative/recording systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many mother and baby units for female prisoners there are in England and Wales; and what the capacity of each such unit is for (a) female children and (b) babies. (311242)

There are seven mother and baby units (MBUs) in England providing an overall capacity of 75 places. Each unit can normally accommodate one set of twins. However, the number of places available at any one time can fluctuate for operational reasons, and currently stands at 69.

For young women under 18 years of age there is a MBU at Rainsbrook Secure Training Centre that has a capacity of three places. One set of twins can be accommodated on the unit.

To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission pursuant to the answer of 12 January 2010, Official Report, columns 825-6W, on bars, when staff assigned to duties in Bellamy's Bar, Bellamy's Club Room and the Astor Suite were informed of the proposed closure of these facilities; and whether the House of Commons has consulted associations representing those staff on the matter. (311891)

The director of catering and retail services met staff employed in the Bellamy's catering facilities on Wednesday 16 December 2009 to announce the Commission's decision on Monday 14 December to convert Bellamy's Bar, the Club Room and the Astor Suite into a children's nursery.

Staff trade union representatives were present at the staff meeting at the invitation of the director. Formal consultation between management and trade union representatives will be commenced as soon as an outline timetable for the closure of the affected facilities has been drafted.

To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission what the cost to the public purse was of the residence on the parliamentary estate occupied by (a) the Serjeant at Arms and (b) Clerk of the House in the last financial year; and what arrangements are in place for the payment of tax on those residences. (311417)

The identifiable direct costs in 2008-09 of the official residences for the Clerk of the House and Serjeant at Arms were £11,989 and £8,464 respectively. This includes maintenance costs and utilities. Both individuals pay towards utility costs. The House pays an income tax and national insurance charge on these residences.

To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission pursuant to the answer of 13 January 2009, Official Report, column 959W, on Members: allowances, how many days work Sir Thomas Legg undertook on his review; whether he was required to declare other remunerated positions which he may have held during the course of the review; and if he will make a statement. (311741)

The information requested on number of days worked is commercially confidential. The standard contractual terms on which Sir Thomas was engaged required him to notify the House Administration of any directorships, conflicting interests or any interests in contracts or other transactions which may be relevant.

To ask the Minister for the Olympics what steps she is taking to ensure the west midlands obtains a legacy from the London 2012 Olympics. (309660)

The Government and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games established the Nations and Regions Group to ensure UK-wide engagement and to maximise the legacy of London 2012. This group works directly with representatives from each of the nations and English regions to maximise the sporting, commercial, cultural and other benefits of the 2012 Games.

So far 193 tenders for services relating to the 2012 Games have been won by companies based in the west midlands via CompeteFor, the electronic brokerage service which enables businesses to compete for contract opportunities linked to London 2012, and facilitates access to focused business support.

Over £6 million has been secured to support an extensive programme of events and cultural activity across the west midlands in the run up to 2012. There are over 845 schools registered on ‘Get Set’, LOCOG's domestic education programme for London 2012.

The west midlands has also identified opportunities to host a range of pre-Games training camps and has confirmed that both the American and Jamaican athletics teams will be based in Birmingham in the run-up to the Games.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure the recycling of waste industrial and automotive batteries. (310832)

I have been asked to reply

The Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (SI 2009 No.890) transpose certain provisions of the Batteries and Accumulators and Waste Batteries and Accumulators Directive (2066/66/EC), including measures that relate to the recycling of waste industrial and automotive batteries. The Regulations place responsibility on producers of such batteries, from 1 January 2010, to ensure that they are recycled when becoming waste, but also allow other licensed operators to continue to carry out this function if they so choose.

Waste industrial and automotive batteries may only be recycled by approved battery treatment operators, or exported for recycling by approved battery exporters. The Regulations also prohibit the disposal of waste industrial and automotive batteries by landfilling or incineration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the quantity of food waste generated by his Department in each year for which figures are available. (310819)

DEFRA endeavours to send as much of its biodegradable waste as possible for environmentally-friendly treatment (generally, composting) rather than to landfill, although we do not keep a separate record of the component of this that is made up of food. The total amount of biodegradable waste (food and garden waste) sent for treatment in this way, reported as part of the Sustainable Operations on the Government Estate reporting process is presented in the following table.

The increase year on year is largely due to the introduction of the food waste recycling scheme across the London Estate. This has diverted food waste from landfill and increased the volume of waste sent for composting.

Additional food waste, which has not been quantified, may have entered the residual waste stream and been sent to landfill.

A case study highlighting DEFRA’s food waste composting programme was published by the OGC in July 2009 and can be found on the OGC website:

http://www.ogc.gov.uk/case_studies_sustainable_ procurement_and_operations_case_studies.asp

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether it is his policy to identify waste streams that should not be disposed of (a) in landfill and (b) by incineration. (311182)

The Government consider that landfill should be the last resort for most wastes where more sustainable options are available but recognise that landfill may continue to have a role in the disposal of certain hazardous wastes and as a means of restoring exhausted mineral workings.

Some types of waste are already banned from landfill under EU legislation. The EU Landfill Directive bans the landfilling of liquids, wastes which are explosive, corrosive, oxidising, highly flammable or flammable, hospital and clinical wastes and whole or shredded used tyres.

The Landfill Directive further limits the waste that may be disposed of at individual landfill sites by classifying them into one of three types, inert, non-hazardous or hazardous.

The Government are assessing the case for introducing further restrictions on the landfilling of biodegradable and recyclable wastes. DEFRA and the devolved Administrations have commissioned further research on the environmental, economic and practical impacts of introducing further restrictions. We aim to consult on the options for introducing further restrictions early this year.

In addition, the EU Batteries Directive introduced a ban on disposing of automotive and industrial batteries both via landfill and incineration.

In line with the waste hierarchy set out in the Government’s Waste Strategy 2007 and the Revised Waste Framework Directive, it is preferable to prevent, reuse and recycle waste. However, recovering energy from residual waste via a combination of complimentary processes, including incineration, is preferable in both environmental and economic terms to landfill. The waste must be treated in a facility compliant with the Waste Incineration Directive. This applies stringent regulations to emissions from incineration to protect health and the environment. Landfill sites and incinerators are subject to the requirement for an environmental permit, the terms and conditions of which may further restrict the types and quantities of waste that may be handled.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Environment Agency on amendments to Section 1.1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007, with particular reference to recognition of the end-of-waste concept. (311867)

In recent months DEFRA officials have discussed the possible amendment of Section 1.1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 with Environment Agency officials. This was in the context of the development by the Environment Agency of draft end-of-waste protocols which, if finalised, might justify further consideration of amendment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils in Northern Ireland were found to be in illegal possession of (a) a weapon and (b) drugs on school premises in 2008-09. (312317)

That is an operational matter for the chief constable. I have asked him to reply directly to the hon. Member, and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what his estimate is of the number of terrorist sleeper cells in Northern Ireland. (311954)

It has been the policy of successive Governments not to comment upon matters of national security.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of invoices from suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt in December 2009. (311263)

The Scotland Office paid 98.8 per cent. of invoices from suppliers within 10 days of receipt in December 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been spent on (a) strategy and planning, (b) design and build, (c) hosting and infrastructure, (d) content provision and (e) testing and evaluation for his Department’s websites in each of the last three years; and what budget has been allocated for such activities in 2009-10. (309907)

We do not hold the information in the format requested.

Figures are only available for each year as a total amount spent on web maintenance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 January 2010, Official Report, column 182W, on Afghanistan: reconstruction, what the purpose of the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan project is; for what reason his Department decided to fund the project; how much it received from his Department in its first year of operation; for what reason its funding was reduced in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10; and how much it received from his Department in each such year. (310157)

The Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) project is intended to support the CNPA's development as an effective counter narcotics law enforcement institution through the provision of training, mentoring and equipment.

The project received UK funding of £601,732 in 2006-07, £1,333,000 in 2007-08, £593,629 in 2008-09 and we expect to contribute £300,000 in 2009-10. We assess that the project has had a positive impact in increasing the CNPA's operational capacity and effectiveness. In Project evaluations in 2007-08 and 2008-09 showed that, given the CNPA improvements achieved, continued expenditure at the respective level each year would not have had the same impact as earlier on in the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 January 2010, Official Report, column 182W, on Afghanistan: reconstruction, what the purpose of the Criminal Justice Task Force project is; for what reason his Department decided to fund the project; how much it received from his Department in its first year of operation; for what reason its funding was reduced in (a) 2008-09 and (b) 2009-10; and how much it received from his Department in each such year. (310158)

The aim of the Criminal Justice Task Force (CJTF) project is to support the development of an Afghan-owned system for dealing with serious narcotics cases in Afghanistan that deters involvement in the industry through the handling and prosecution of a sustained number of influential individuals. The CJTF received £1.63 million of funding in 2006-07, £2,142,180 in 2007-08, £1,375,532 in 2008-09, and we expect to contribute £1,275,600 in 2009-10.

The CJTF project required significant investment in one-off start-up costs in financial year 2007-08. Costs were lower in subsequent years as Afghan capacity increased, allowing Afghans to take on more of the roles and better value for money. This ongoing project is meeting its programme goals and is contributing to UK strategic objectives. It has seen a year on year increase in quality convictions, and last year successfully prosecuted its first high-level trafficker, who was sentenced to 20 years, imprisonment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 January 2010, Official Report, column 182W, on Afghanistan: reconstruction, what the purpose of the Support to Afghan National Police project is; for what reason his Department decided to fund the project; how much it received from his Department in its first year of operation; for what reason its funding was reduced in 2009-10; and how much it has received from his Department in that year to date. (310163)

The Afghan National Police project is intended to support the development of a disciplined body of people with professional policing skills in order to win the confidence of the people of Afghanistan. The funding pays for the recruitment and deployment of credible experienced officers to strategically important mentoring posts in Afghanistan. Securing these key posts will enhance our ability to influence and drive police reform.

This project is part of the UK's strategy of supporting the development of the Afghan National Police, and to increase its capacity and effectiveness in law enforcement. This is consistent with our broader strategy of ultimately enabling the International Community to transfer responsibility for security to the Government of Afghanistan. In the project's first year (2007-08) we provided £687,061. We provided £699,723 in 2008-09, and we currently estimate that we will spend approximately £1,160,000 in 2009-10.

We assess that this ongoing project is meeting its programme goals of developing a better trained and more accountable ANP, that is able to carry out basic policing functions, and is contributing to UK strategic objectives in Afghanistan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 January 2010, Official Report, column 183W, on Afghanistan: reconstruction, what the purpose of the Ministry of Counter Narcotics Communication project was; for what reason his Department decided to fund the project; how much it received from his Department in its first year of operation; for what reason his Department ceased to fund the programme in 2006-07; and what assessment has been made of its effectiveness. (310166)

The Ministry of Counter Narcotics Communication Project (MCNCP) supported capacity building in the Afghan Ministry for Counter Narcotics to engage with the media. Specifically, the project enabled the Ministry for Counter Narcotics to oversee a national public awareness campaign, broadcasting on Kabul and provincial radio stations.

MCNCP supported the delivery of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's Departmental Strategic Objective 6, to Prevent and Resolve Conflict.

MCNCP received £820,000 in Financial Year 2006-07. Capacity building support for the Afghan Ministry for Counter Narcotics is now conducted under another project with a wider scope. The MCNCP was regularly reviewed and met its programme goals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 January 2010, Official Report, column 183W, on Afghanistan: reconstruction, what the purpose of the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan Mobile Detection Teams project was; for what reason his Department decided to fund the project; how much it received from his Department in its first year of operation; for what reason his Department ceased to fund the programme in 2008-09; and what assessment has been made of its effectiveness. (310170)

The Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan Mobile Detection Teams project was intended to provide training, mentoring and equipment for the creation of Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) mobile drugs detection teams. The aim of the project was to increase the Afghan Government's drug interdiction capacity. The project received £7.8 million in its first year (2005-06).

The project delivered by enabling the CNPA to achieve some substantial narcotics seizures. In 2007 and 2008 the teams seized drugs with a UK street value of more than £100 million, including half a ton of heroin. In 2008-09 the UK's priorities shifted to focussing on interdicting trafficking networks further up the supply chain and at targets with stronger links to the insurgency. Funding for the project was discontinued in 2008-09 after it was assessed that it would not have delivered sufficiently against the new priority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department provided travel advice to the organisers of the (a) Plymouth-Dakar Challenge and (b) Adventurists Africa Rally prior to those events. (311876)

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) officials from the Counter Terrorism Department met organisers of the Plymouth-Dakar Challenge and the Adventurists Africa Rally on 9 December 2009. Both teams agreed to end their rallies in Morocco after discussing the travel advice, which is available on the FCO website, and their planned routes which passed through areas to which we advise against all travel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Chinese government on its policy towards practitioners of Falun Gong. (311426)

We have serious concerns about the mistreatment of Falun Gong adherents and regularly raise this issue with the Chinese Government. We last raised our concerns about Falun Gong practitioners at the UK/China Human Rights Dialogue on 12-13 January 2009. We asked how many re-education through labour detainees there were and what proportion were Falun Gong. The Chinese responded saying that reforms of the system of re-education through labour were taking place. We will raise this issue again at the next round of our human rights dialogue. We are yet to confirm a date for this but we are pressing for it to be in early 2010.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent representations has he made to the government of Iran regarding the number of Baha'is in prison or awaiting trial; whether he has discussed with that government his policy on the death penalty; and if he will make a statement; (311620)

As of 13 January 2010, according to the Baha'i International Community some 50 Baha'is were believed to be in detention in Iran. At least 236 cases were still ongoing with the Iranian authorities—including individuals in prison, released awaiting trial or free pending appeal.

We have made clear to the Iranian authorities on several occasions our concerns at the large number of Baha'is in detention, and the conditions in which they are detained. We have expressed explicit concern at the charges of ‘espionage’ and “corruption on earth” levelled against the seven Baha'i leaders imprisoned for over a year without trial. Alongside EU partners we expressed our serious concern about the start of their trial on 12 January 2010, as the charges against them appear to be motivated by their belonging to a minority faith.

We also make regular representations concerning the application of the death penalty in Iran, including its use against juvenile offenders. Our position on the death penalty is clear: we oppose it in all its forms. Many of the most basic minimum standards surrounding the use of capital punishment are absent. Executions are often carried out in public and sentences we are concerned that many handed down as the result of an unfair trial. Alongside EU partners we have reiterated our firm and continued opposition to capital punishment, and urged the Iranian authorities to abolish the death penalty completely and, in the meantime, to establish a moratorium on executions as urged by United Nations General Assembly resolutions 62/149 and 63/168.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role he expects the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to play in negotiations with Iran over its nuclear policy. (311293)

The EU High Representative has played a key role on the Iran nuclear dossier since 2003, both as the lead interlocutor with the Iranians and in leading EU discussions. I expect Baroness Ashton and her office to continue playing this role in negotiations, and hope that Iran decides to take the opportunity to seek productive and sensible dialogue on their nuclear policy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his Mongolian counterpart on the recent announcement of a moratorium on the use of the death penalty in that country; and what assistance he can provide to encourage the government of Mongolia to abolish the death penalty. (311889)

As I said in my statement of 14 January 2010, I welcome President Elbegdorj's announcement to establish a moratorium and the decision to move to full abolition in 2011.

We will maintain in close contact with the Mongolian Government over the abolition of the death penalty and are ready to assist if requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the alleged use of European banks to launder money by (a) the President of North Korea and (b) other senior members of the North Korean regime; what recent discussions he has had with his (i) European and (ii) US counterparts on this matter; and if he will make a statement. (310426)

I have been asked to reply.

The Government do not comment on matters of intelligence. However, the Government play a leading role in international efforts against money laundering, notably through its membership of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The risk of money laundering posed by certain jurisdictions, and the global response to this, is the subject of ongoing work in the FATF.

In 2009 the UK implemented further sanctions against North Korea under UN Security Council Resolution 1874, placing restrictions on financial institutions providing services to North Korea and requiring enhanced vigilance by member states. While aimed at reducing the threat from the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, such measures also serve to strengthen international anti-money laundering controls.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aims and objectives he has set for UK foreign policy in respect of Pakistan. (311407)

The UK is committed to help Pakistan achieve its vision of becoming a stable, economically and socially developed democracy and meet its poverty reduction targets. The Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy announced by the Prime Minister on 29 April 2009 in the House of Commons set out objectives for UK policy towards Pakistan. They focus on counter-terrorism, regional stability, governance, counter-proliferation and economic development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the proportion of essential supplies which have been able to enter Gaza through Israeli-controlled checkpoints; and if he will make a statement. (311489)

The UK continues to be concerned by the current humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to a recent UN report, the weekly total of truckloads of goods entering Gaza through Israeli checkpoints for the week of 10-16 January 2010 was 534. This constitutes less than 23 per cent. of the average number of truckloads entering Gaza per week pre-2007. We are unable to establish the total number of truckloads actually attempting to enter Gaza, but it is clear that imported truckloads remain below needs. We continue to press the Israeli authorities to lessen restrictions on access into Gaza and allow the legitimate passage of humanitarian aid, reconstruction materials, trade goods, and people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is the policy of the Government that linking access for aid and reconstruction materials to Hamas's refusal to renounce violence constitutes collective punishment of the people of Gaza within the meaning of the Fourth Geneva Convention; and if he will make a statement. (311586)

We have serious concerns about the Israeli restrictions on Gaza and the impact they have on the lives of Gazans. Although there is no permanent physical Israeli presence in Gaza, given the significant control that Israel has over Gaza's borders, airspace and territorial waters, Israel retains obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention as an occupying power. The Fourth Geneva Convention is clear that an occupying power must co-operate in allowing the passage and distribution of relief consignments. The restrictions currently imposed on the passage of relief supplies are, as we see it, a disproportionate response to the security threat.

The extent of Israeli restrictions, and the threat to Israel from militants in Gaza, varies constantly. Rather than focus on whether the restrictions at any given time amount to collective punishment, we have consistently pressed the Israeli Government to comply with their obligations under international law and allow passage of relief supplies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of restrictions on access into Gaza via Israel for representatives of the international media; and if he will make a statement. (311404)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office's travel advice clearly states that we advise against all travel to Gaza. We are aware that a number of British journalists and aid workers visit Gaza, but we have not facilitated their entry via Israel.

To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what criminal offences have been (a) created and (b) abolished by primary legislation sponsored by the Government Equalities Office since 1 May 2008. (312102)

No primary legislation sponsored by the Government Equalities Office has been enacted since 1 May 2008.

To ask the Minister for Women and Equality whether an assessment has been made of the effects of the employment provisions of the Equality Bill on the Roman Catholic Church's prohibition of women priests. (311806)

The Equality Bill will not alter the scope of the current law which allows an exception in the case of employment for the purposes of an organised religion which includes Ministers of Religion. Therefore the Roman Catholic Church will still be able to require priests to be male.

To ask the Solicitor-General who chose the subject of the lecture by the Attorney-General at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, on 5 January 2010. (311937)

The subject for the lecture was chosen by the Attorney-General.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the 9,120 other birds used in scientific procedures in 2008 were (a) passerines (songbirds) and (b) taken from the wild; and whether his Department plans to provide details of species used in future such statistical releases. (311020)

Passerines of a wide range of species are thought to account for a significant proportion of the 9,120 ‘other birds’ based on the information received as part of the data collection, however exact numbers are not available.

Information is not collected as part of the data collection on the source of such animals which are not Schedule 2 listed, however it is believed that few if any were taken from the wild.

The large majority of these 9,120 animals were used in studies where the primary field of research was indicated as ‘Zoology’ (4,837 animals) or as ‘Ecology and environmental studies other than toxicology/safety evaluation’ (3,043 animals).

There are no plans at present to provide details of the species used within the ‘Other birds’ category. However the data collection and publication is kept under review to meet user needs and legislative requirements, in line with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics, and is subject to assessment by the UK Statistics Authority under the Statistics and Registration Act 2007.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many reported incidents of (a) burglary, (b) thefts from cars, (c) assault and (d) offences involving the carrying of an offensive weapon there were in Gloucestershire police force area in each year since 1997. (310983)

There have been some changes to recording crime practices over this period which mean that the data for these offences codes cannot be compared for every year between 1997 and 2008-09.

Since 1997, there have been two major changes to the way crime is recorded. The effect of extending the coverage and changing the counting rules in 1998 was to artificially increase total recorded crime nationally by 14 per cent.

It is estimated that the effect of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard (NCRS) in April 2002 caused a further artificial increase of 10 per cent. in total recorded crime in its first year.

For these reasons data between 1997 and 2008-09 are not directly comparable.

Additionally, the Home Office does not hold data for the offence categories of assault and offences involving the carrying of an offensive weapon for 1997.

The data for 1997 are shown in table A. Those for 1998-99 to 2001-02 are shown in table B and those for 2002-03 to 2008-09 are shown in table C.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent on programmes to tackle the misuse of drugs in Preston in (a) 1997-98 and (b) 2008-09. (310999)

The Home Office made a grant of £35,000 to Preston in 2008-09 towards a Positive Futures project. The Positive Futures programme was launched in 2001. It aims to prevent young people from becoming involved in substance misuse, crime and antisocial behaviour by engaging them into sport and arts based activities, and to support them access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities.

Other sources of central funding are available to Preston through Lancashire county council for allocation across the partnership's areas as they see fit in order to deliver local, regional and national strategies. For example, the Home Office made a contribution of £1,136,278 to Lancashire county council towards the delivery of the Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) in 2008-09. DIP was introduced in 2003 to direct offenders into an assessment for their drug use, and as a route into effective treatment. This funding was allocated by the Lancashire Drug Action Team to commission services required across Lancashire areas, including Preston.

Funding data for 1997-98 are not readily available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many publications have been held to breach laws against incitement since 1997. (311459)

Information relating to the number of individual publications which have been held to breach terrorism legislation is not held by the Home Office.

The terrorism statistics that are published by the Home Office focus on persons only. The current edition of the terrorism statistics bulletin “Operation of police powers under the Terrorism Act 2000 and subsequent legislation: arrest, outcome, and stops & searches, Great Britain, 2008-09” is available online at:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs09/hosb1809.pdf

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer of 5 January 2010 to Question 307245, which stakeholders were involved in the meeting in (a) October 2008 and (b) January 2009; and if he will publish the minutes of those meetings. (310269)

Since the ISA was responsible for producing the guidance notes and for the consultation meetings in respect of that guidance, I have asked the chief executive of the ISA to respond to your question.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance has been provided for applicants for vetting by the Independent Safeguarding Authority. (310865)

Guidance has not yet been issued to applicants to the new Vetting and Barring Scheme as applications to the scheme will not commence prior to July 2010. Relevant guidance will be provided in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much funding his Department provided to the Police Negotiating Board in each of the last five years; how much such funding it expects to provide in 2010-11; for what purposes such funding was allocated in each such year; under what statutory powers such funding was provided; what the membership is of the Police Negotiating Board; by whom that board is appointed; when each member of that board was appointed; what discussions he has had with the Police Negotiating Board since January 2009; and if he will make a statement; (303913)

Funding for the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) for the last five years is given in table 1; a decision has not been made on funding for 2010-11. As set out under section 61 (4)(a) and (b) of the Police Act 1996 the funding is provided to pay the fees of the Board's Chair and Deputy Chair and to defray any expenses incurred by Board members.

The Chair and Deputy Chair of the PNB are appointed by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister after consultation with Scottish Ministers and the current Chair and Deputy Chair were appointed on 11 February 2009 and 12 February 2009 respectively. The Chair is currently paid a daily fee of £429. The position does not attract a bonus. The PNB membership is given in table 2.

I have had no discussions with the PNB since January 2009. However, Home Office officials meet with the PNB on a regular basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what capital funding has been allocated to Thames Valley Police in each year since 2005. (311249)

The information requested can be found in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department with reference to the contribution of Lord Brett, 7 December 2009, Official Report, House of Lords, column 907, on the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 Order 2009, what guidance is being given to local authorities on the use of new powers to collect unpaid (a) parking and (b) congestion charge fines. (311554)

As Lord Brett said in a written ministerial statement on 14 December 2009, Official Report, House of Lords, column WS211, the Government will be drafting a circular to be issued to all accredited financial investigators to clarify how the statutory powers in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 should be used.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his Department's planned (a) comprehensive generic and (b) sector specific guidance on the Vetting and Barring scheme will make reference to (i) parish and (ii) town councillors. (310982)

It is intended that sector guidance on the vetting and barring scheme will include information relating to parish and town councillors.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what plans he has to reduce the Government stake in UK Air Traffic Control; and if he will make a statement. (312064)

[holding answer 19 January 2010]: On 8 December the Government published the Operational Efficiency Programme: Asset Portfolio.

The portfolio includes a section on NATS which notes that in light of the impending expiry of the restrictions on the transfer of shares for NATS, it is appropriate for Government to engage with other shareholders who are likely to consider the shareholding options available to them.

No decision has been made by Government with regard to reducing its shareholding. Any options considered would be required to best meet the needs of the Company and its workforce, as well as shareholders.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what the cost to his Department was of the provision of free off-peak bus travel to pensioners in the last 12 months. (312012)

Following the extension of the statutory bus concession in April 2008, to provide free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England to older and eligible disabled people, the Department for Transport has provided additional special grant funding to local authorities of £212 million in 2008-09, and £217 million in 2009-10.

This is in addition to the funding that the Department for Communities and Local Government provides each year for concessionary travel through the formula grant process. Local authorities spent £990 million on concessionary travel (including their own discretionary enhancements) in 2008-09.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what his Department’s policy is on the retention of (a) electronic and (b) paper correspondence sent and received by Ministers and officials in his Department; how long such electronic communication is retained on IT hardware; whether such files are (i) archived and (ii) backed up; and at what point such files are deleted. (312096)

The Department for Transport’s policy on the retention of electronic and paper correspondence follows the records management standards set by The National Archives.

Specifically, the Department’s records management guidance states that all electronic documents that form part of the official record keeping system should be placed in Approved File Plans (AFPs). AFP files must have an agreed retention period, approved by the departmental records officer. Only business critical papers that cannot be saved electronically in AFPs or records marked with a security or privacy classification should be stored on registered paper files.

The guidance also states that information that does not need to be kept as part of the Department’s formal record keeping system should be disposed of as soon as possible in a manner appropriate to its contents.

A back-up of the Department’s electronic communications servers is produced each day. These back-ups are kept for three months.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how much has been spent on (a) strategy and planning, (b) design and build, (c) hosting and infrastructure, (d) content provision and (e) testing and evaluation for his Department's websites in each of the last three years; and how much has been allocated for each such category of expenditure in 2009-10. (310759)

Tables have been placed in the Libraries of the House showing websites operated over the last three years and their operating costs. Costs provided are total external costs and do not include internal staff costs. It is not possible to provide categorised costs as requested without incurring disproportionate costs. Costs provided for 2009-10 are anticipated operating costs.

Where annual operating costs are not available this is due to a number of reasons; either the site has not existed for the past three years; the costs are part of a much larger contract and cannot be itemised; or the costs cannot be calculated without incurring disproportionate costs.

The Department for Transport measures website costs in line with the guidance issued by the Central Office of Information, ‘Measuring website costs (TG128)’, starting in this financial year 2009-10, and will collate data at year end.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will list, and quantify, those items of expenditure which since April 2009 have been reallocated to be off balance sheet transactions, pursuant to advice received from HM Treasury. (311178)

Since April 2009, there have been no balances or transactions that were recorded on-balance sheet in the consolidated accounts for the year ended 31 March 2009 that have been reallocated off-balance sheet for the purposes of the Department for Transport's consolidated resource accounts, pursuant to advice received from HM Treasury.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many sessions of media training were organised for Ministers in his Department in each of the last three years. (311515)

Training is provided to Ministers on a range of issues including handling the media, as part of their induction and continuing development in order to carry out their duties effectively under the ministerial code.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport on what date and by what means the decision was taken to hold the Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation over a 14-week period; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the (a) minutes of meetings and (b) correspondence in which the duration of the consultation was discussed. (312097)

The Government’s Code of Practice on Written Consultation recommends 12 weeks as the standard minimum period for consultation, but notes this should take account of circumstances, including whether it spans a substantial holiday period. The 14 week period for the Adding Capacity at Heathrow Airport consultation in November 2007 reflected that guidance and was confirmed by the then Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Bolton, West (Ruth Kelly) and proposed in her letter to Cabinet colleagues on 1 October 2007 seeking clearance to the consultation. Clearance was given on 12 November 2007.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what role the Scottish Executive and Transport Scotland have in deciding on the provision of direct London to Glasgow rail services. (309030)

The level of direct train services between London and Glasgow is specified by the Secretary of State for Transport, taking into account non-binding advice provided by Scottish Ministers.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport when he expects the road widening works north of junction 25 on the M1 motorway to be completed and the temporary speed restriction removed; and if he will make a statement. (311732)

The M1 junctions 25 to 28 widening works are programmed to complete in October 2010.

The temporary speed restriction will be removed on completion of the works.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many people were on site and working on the roadworks taking place on the M1 motorway between junctions 25 and 28 on (a) 4, (b) 5, (c) 6 and (d) 7 January 2010; and if he will take steps to expedite the completion of these works. (311733)

The numbers of operatives working on the roadworks for the M1 junctions 25 to 28 project on the 4, 5, 6 and 7 January 2010 were as follows:

(a) 4 January—198 of which 65 were visible on work site;

(b) 5 January—149 of which 11 were visible on work site;

(c) 6 January—157 of which 11 were visible on work site;

(d) 7 January—158 of which 13 were visible on work site.

On the days mentioned above, the freezing weather conditions restricted safe access and exit within the work area. Much of the work was weather dependent and could not be done during freezing temperatures.

The project is making good progress and the Highways Agency expect to finish the work as planned in October 2010.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what cameras are scheduled to be installed on the M1 motorway in Nottinghamshire in the vicinity of junction 26; for what purpose such cameras will be used; on what date he expects such cameras to become operational; and if he will make a statement. (311734)

Consideration is currently being given to proposals for introducing variable mandatory speed limits on the M1 motorway between junctions 25 and 28.

A consultation exercise would be undertaken before a decision would be made to introduce the variable mandatory speed limits.

I expect to make an announcement on this in the near future.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many (a) Ministers and (b) officials from his Department are planning to attend the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in February 2010; and what estimate he has made of the cost of such attendance. (310845)

Since 1999 the Government has published on an annual basis a list of all overseas visits by Cabinet Ministers costing in excess of £500, as well as the total cost of all ministerial travel overseas. From 2007-08 the list was extended to include all Ministers. The list also provides information on the number of officials who accompany Ministers. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House. Information for 2009-10 will be published as soon as the information is available.

All travel by Ministers and civil servants is undertaken in accordance with the ‘Ministerial Code’ and ‘Civil Service Management Code’ respectively.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what discussions he had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer prior to his decision to reduce capital allowances for railway assets; and what assessment he has made of the effect of this decision on the railway industry. (311190)

The exemption for the rail industry from the long life assets regime for capital allowances has been in place since 1997 and was always time-limited. Thus, expenditure incurred after 1 January 2011 on railway assets which have a life of greater than 25 years will be subject to the normal long life assets' rate. The expiry of the exemption is not expected to have a significant effect on the rail industry, where long-term operating costs are factored into the long-term investment decisions that are typical in this sector.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will require train operating companies to take further steps to make readily available to the public accurate information on the definition of (a) off-peak and (b) variations to off-peak times, with particular reference to super off-peak times. (311471)

Train operators publicise their ticket restrictions on their websites. Most also take information feeds relating to fares from National Rail Enquiries who I understand are exploring possible solutions to providing this information. The train operators’ ticket office staff have access to systems that make these restrictions clear and sell the appropriate tickets to passengers for use on trains.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport if he will require National Rail Enquiries to take further steps to make readily available on its website information on the definition of (a) off-peak and (b) variations to off-peak times, with particular reference to super off-peak times. (311472)

National Rail Enquiries (NRE) is working to improve information services and recently released a revamped website. Enhancing information on off peak and super off peak validity is an agreed goal. However, work will be required to ensure precise ticket time restrictions are accurately selected to meet every passenger inquiry, and then be displayed in an understandable form.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how many and what proportion of drivers involved in road traffic accidents did not have (a) insurance, (b) a valid MOT certificate and (c) a driver's licence in each of the last three years. (311726)

The information requested is not collected centrally.

In 2003 the Department for Transport published a research report on unlicensed driving which included an estimate for the number of personal injury road accidents that involved a driver found guilty of driving without a licence. The report is available at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/research/rsrr/theme2/researchintounlicensedreport.pdf

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what his most recent estimate is of the amount of salt held by local highway authorities in (a) the West Midlands and (b) Coventry. (311451)

According to local authority salt audit returns at 10 am on 14 January, both Coventry and the West Midlands region estimate that they have between six and seven days of salt stocks without replenishment, assuming the economies requested by the Secretary of State in his statement of 12 January are implemented.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what steps his Department is taking to ensure effective gritting of roads in the West Midlands. (311452)

Following close monitoring of the situation, the Department for Transport convened on 6 January, a joint working body (the Salt Cell) with representatives from central Government, local government and the devolved administrations to provide an agreed approach to road salt prioritisation. Data is now being regularly gathered on UK local authority and Highways Agency salt stocks and predicted use based on weather forecasts. With this regular flow of information, the Salt Cell currently meets twice weekly to decide what advice should be given to salt suppliers regarding the prioritisation of salt deliveries to local highways authorities and the Highways Agency. It therefore ensures the salt suppliers have the best possible advice from the information available about where salt is needed most. The Department has also re-circulated County Surveyors Society advice which included consideration about where and when to use grit only rather that salt.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what his most recent assessment is of the damage caused to roads and highways in the West Midlands as a result of cold weather; and what his estimate is of the cost of repairing such damage. (311453)

It will be for each local highway authority to assess the damage to its network resulting from the severe weather, and to estimate the costs of repair.

The Department for Transport will consider any requests for financial assistance that local authorities may make, in line with its established criteria; and it will provide engineering consultancy support to local authorities formulating bids. It will be for each bidding authority to demonstrate that the damage is exceptional.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on responsibility for clearing pavements which are unsafe as a consequence of adverse weather conditions. (311587)

[holding answer 18 January 2010]: Local highway authorities have a duty, under s41 of the Highways Act 1980, to maintain the roads in their charge, including footways. This duty specifically includes

“a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice”.

The Department for Transport has not issued guidance on responsibility for clearing footways in adverse weather conditions, but it does endorse the UK Roads Liaison Group's code of practice, “Well-maintained Highways” (available from the House Libraries, or from the following website which contains guidance on winter service:

www.ukroadsliaisongroup.org

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what (a) forces and (b) equipment the UK has contributed to the security arrangements for the Kajiki dam in Afghanistan; what the expected duration of UK involvement in this operation is; and on what date the UK will hand over responsibility to other coalition forces. (311227)

A detachment from 3rd Battalion, the Rifles which is part of Battle Group (North) is currently based at Kajaki, along with elements of the Royal Engineers and other support groups. I am unable to give specific details of the number of forces and type of equipment contributed by the UK to this area as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

We anticipate that ISAF commanders will wish to review the disposition of forces across Helmand to make best use of the significant increase in ISAF and Afghan troops in the province. No decisions have yet been taken.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the 50 most expensive substitute (a) service family and (b) single living accommodation properties rented out in Scotland were in the last 12 months. (311895)

Substitute service family accommodation (SSFA) and substitute service single accommodation (SSSA) are only ever used as a last resort in cases where service accommodation either does not exist or is not available. SSSA properties may accommodate more than one entitled Service person of the same gender and of an equivalent rank. As part of the value for money programme that I chair, the entitlements of all MOD employees are being considered.

The 50 most expensive SSSA properties rented during 2009 were as follows:

The Department has only rented 46 SSFA properties in Scotland during 2009. Details are as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contracts his Department has with private hire taxi companies; and what expenditure his Department has incurred against each such contract in each of the last three years. (300834)

The MOD has incurred expenditure on contracts with private hire taxi companies as follows:

These contracts provide essential cover where official vehicles are not available for road journeys.

The costs for British forces Cyprus reflect the need to make increased use of contracted taxis following significant efficiency savings in MOD transport in 2005-06 resulting in net transport savings of £66,000 in 2005-06, £54,000 in 2006-07, £135,000 in 2007-08 and £29,000 in 2008-09. Further rationalisation of the provision of transport in Cyprus will lead to savings in the cost of contracted taxis from 2009-10.

Staff are instructed to use the most efficient and economic means of travel available to them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contracts his Department has with private hire taxi companies; and what expenditure his Department has incurred against each such contract in each of the last five years. (301552)

The MOD has incurred expenditure on contracts with private hire taxi companies as follows:

These contracts provide essential cover where official vehicles are not available for road journeys.

The costs for British forces Cyprus reflect the need to make increased use of contracted taxis following significant efficiency savings in MOD transport in 2005-06 resulting in net transport savings of £66,000 in 2005-06, £54,000 in 2006-07, £135,000 in 2007-08 and £29,000 in 2008-09. Further rationalisation of the provision of transport in Cyprus will lead to savings in the cost of contracted taxis from 2009-10.

Staff are instructed to use the most efficient and economic means of travel available to them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the letter of 7 January 2006 to the hon. Member for North East Hampshire, whether the comprehensive review of the board of inquiry report into the sinking of HMS Sheffield has been completed. (310995)

As my right hon. Friend the then Minister of State for the Armed Forces announced on 2 November 2006 and 25 January 2007, Official Report, columns 23WS and 1943W, the BOI report was published through the MOD’s Freedom of Information Publication scheme in November 2006, and other related documentation, including many of the annexes to the report, in August 2007. These documents are available at:

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FreedomOfInformation/PublicationScheme

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many students from Estonia have attended the UK Defence Academy at Shrivenham in the last five years; and if he will make a statement. (311354)