asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have studied the conflict prevention in Mali since the "Pacte Nationale" peace agreement of 1992; and whether they will draw attention to the work of the United Nations in that country in disarming and resettling combatants, in sustainable development and in restoring civil society, as a mode for other regions of conflict.

We are aware of, and commend, the UN's work on conflict prevention in Mali. We welcome the recent progress in implementing the Pacte Nationale, which has helped bring a degree of stability to Northern Mali. Malian refugees are returning to the area.We shall draw attention to the UN's work in Mali as a model for other areas whenever it is appropriate to do so.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the United States government have discussed with them their decision to appoint Mr. Richard Holbrooke to conduct part-time negotiations within Cyprus, and whether they welcome this development.

We have discussed Mr. Holbrooke's appointment, which we welcome, with both him and the United States government.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is the present state of affairs in Bosnia and the extent to which (a) the military, and (b) the political, aspirations enshrined in the Dayton Agreement, negotiated by Mr. Richard Holbrooke, have been secured.

The military aspects of the Bosnian Peace agreement have been implemented. On the civilian side, elections have been held and common institutions established. Reconstruction is under way. A quarter of a million refugees and displaced persons have returned to their homes. The international community is pressing Bosnia's leaders to intensify their efforts to meet their obligations under the Peace Agreement in full.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the governments of Greece and of Turkey have discussed with fellow members of NATO their reported decisions to undertake naval exercises with Israel, and if so what is Her Majesty's Government's understanding about who is to pay for these exercises.

We have not held such discussions ourselves, and are not aware of any with other NATO allies.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Secretary General of NATO has been correctly reported as proposing that, having decided to expand eastwards, NATO should next expand southwards and into the Middle East, and if so whether this development has been agreed within the NATO Council.

No. But the Secretary General has acknowledged the importance of the dialogue between NATO and a number of Mediterranean countries which has been under way for some time, and which we also support.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the United States Administration wants NATO to have a formal or informal "strategic relationship" with Israel, and if this has been discussed either bilaterally between them and the US Administration, or within NATO.

It is for the US Government to comment on its views on the relationship between NATO and Israel, and any discussions it has held with the Government of Israel. There has been no discussion of this matter within NATO.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether it is the case that the public funding of the Millennium Exhibition at Greenwich is conditional upon 50 per cent. of the cost being met by private sponsorship; and, if the necessary private sponsorship is not raised, whether they will seek to move the exhibition to Birmingham, where the required private sponsorship may be forthcoming.

Funding of the Exhibition at Greenwich from National Lottery proceeds is not conditional upon 50 per cent. of the cost being met by private sponsorship, although we are confident that the private sector will contribute substantially to the costs of the exhibition.The recently completed review did not consider moving the Millennium Exhibition to Birmingham or any other site. In announcing his support for the exhibition on 19 June, the Prime Minister said that the exhibition must be a truly national event, with links across the whole of the UK.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What research is now being done to establish whether a causal link exists between low level exposure to electromagnetic fields and cancer

A number of universities and research institutes are undertaking electromagnetic field (EMF) and health related research. Among these is an investigation of any possible radon-EMF link by researchers at the University of Bristol. The Department of Health is funding four projects and considering others in its current programme of applications for funding. In addition, the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) has its own programme of research.The department will continue to monitor the results of all research closely, and to maintain its support for research in these areas, consulting NRPB and the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment as necessary.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they have studied the system of curfews for children in Germany; if so, whether they agree that these curfews are effective; and whether they will introduce such curfews in the United Kingdom.

We have no detailed information about the curfew arrangements in Germany. In England and Wales, curfew orders for people aged 16 years and older already exist, and operate using electronic monitoring in three trial areas: Berkshire, Greater Manchester and Norfolk. An interim evaluation report published in December 1996 showed that the use of electronic monitoring had been effective. Section 43 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 provides for the extension of these orders to 10 to 15 year-olds and we are currently considering whether, and if so when, this provision should be brought into force. We are also developing proposals for a child protection order which will allow the introduction of child protection curfews on a local basis so as to protect children who are on the streets at night without supervision and to ensure that parents face their responsibilities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to bring into force Section 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997; and, if they are considering doing so, when they expect to reach a decision.

We intend to implement Section 2 as soon as possible. The Government are currently considering the relevant provisions of the Crime (Sentences) Act against the need to ensure that sufficient provision is available within the Prison Service. We will announce which provisions we intend to implement, and when, as part of a wider package of measures reflecting our approach to sentencing.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether there are any plans for police forces to be allowed to recoup some of the costs they incur in operating speed cameras from motorists caught by these cameras.

There are no such plans. Hypothecating the revenue from speeding fines would result in expenditure on traffic enforcement being determined by the income generated, rather than the relative priority of the activity.In the light of the Home Office's study of the cost benefit analysis of traffic light and speed cameras we have decided to examine the funding arrangements for the cameras and consider what more might be done.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are aware that a quarter of young offenders surveyed in the Audit Commission report

The Question relates to a survey of 103 young people on supervision orders undertaken by the Audit Commission for its report Misspent Youth, which the Government has had the opportunity to study. The survey sought to determine, among other things, the main reasons young offenders gave for their behaviour. The survey showed that 24 per cent. gave "no money" as a reason, while a further 9 per cent. said they offended because of "greed and excitement", but it did not comment on destitution.Other research (Graham and Bowling,

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they plan to reconstitute the Bookmakers' Committee.

After careful consideration we have decided to implement the proposals for reconstituting the Bookmakers' Committee previously consulted on.My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Mr. Howarth, today made regulations under Section 26 of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 which will come into force on 24 July.We consider that the new make-up of the committee strikes a reasonable balance between the different bookmaking interests.The committee will continue to consist of 12 members. The main change is to give representation to a new body, the British Betting Office Association, which will be invited to appoint two members to the committee.The Betting Office Licensees Association (which previously appointed five members) is to appoint six members of the committee as a consequence of its merger with the National Sporting League (which previously appointed one member).The National Association of Bookmakers is to appoint three members of the committee (previously five); and the Scottish Starting Price Bookmakers Association will continue to appoint one member.My honourable friend will keep the position under review.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many soldiers from ethnic minorities are serving in each regiment of the Household Division.

The number of soldiers from ethnic minorities serving in each regiment of the Household Division is as follows:

Household Division	Ethnic Minority Numbers
Household Cavalry	1
Grenadier Guards	1
Coldstream Guards	0
Scots Guards	1
Irish Guards	2
Welsh Guards	0

The Army is committed to Equal Opportunities, and to providing genuine equality of opportunity, within the limits of the law, for all servicemen and servicewomen, in an environment free from harassment. The Army places great importance on teamwork and on the creation of an environment in which individuals are valued for their contribution to the team.We are well aware that ethnic minorities are not adequately represented within the Army, and we are working in close conjunction with the Central Staffs and the Commission for Racial Equality to redress this situation as quickly as possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will publish the review report on compensation for prisoners of war.

The detailed report of the review of pay deductions from officer prisoners of war and protected personnel in German and Italian hands during the Second World War has been submitted and is now being studied with care. The result will be announced as soon as is possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they are contemplating the removal of debris from the bed of Holy Loch; and, if so, whether they have established that the benefits of doing justify the cost.

This matter is under consideration. We expect to be in a position within the next few months to decide whether the clearance of the loch, which was originally requested some time ago by various local agencies, should proceed. In reaching a decision, we will of course ensure that all factors are taken into account, including likely costs, benefits and the views of the local community.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to continue unchanged the current scheme under which serving members of the regular Armed Forces may claim an allowance to cover the cost of fees incurred in sending their children to independent boarding schools.

The Government intends to continue with the current scheme for Service education allowances; and, in addition, to continue with the implementation of the recommendations relating to these allowances which were outlined in the Information Document, published in February 1997, and entitled The Armed Forces of the Future—A Personnel Strategy.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the "Sea Base" 1.6 km floating runway recently ordered by the United States Navy will, in international law, count as a ship, and if not, how will it be classified.

I have asked the Chief Executive of the Marine Safety Agency, Mr. Robin Bradley, to write to my noble friend.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the outcome of the Environment Council on 19 and 20 June 1997.

My right honourable friend the Minister for the Environment represented the United Kingdom at the Environment Council which took place in Luxembourg on 19 and 20 June.The Council reached a common position on two major directives which will reduce air pollution from vehicles. These two directives form part of the so called "Auto-oil programme" and will set new fuel and car standards for 2000 and prospectively for 2005. The Council also reached political agreement on a directive to tackle the problems caused by the emission of volatile organic compounds from industrial and commercial processes. This directive aims to reduce emission levels by 50 per cent. and was agreed unanimously. It will now go forward for a common position once the opinion of the European Parliament has been given.The Council further developed the Community's negotiating position for the preparatory meetings for the Third Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Kyoto, Japan, in December this year. Following the decision at the March Environment Council on a target for 2010, the Council agreed that the EU should propose that development countries should reduce emissions of the main greenhouse gases to at least 7.5 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2005. The Council also supported our call for action by the Commission to investigate and bring forward proposals for tackling the potential problems caused by self-chilling cans.The Council also agreed that at the 9th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Montreal in September the European Community should propose that consumption of methyl bromide in developed countries should be reduced to 50 per cent. of 1991 levels by 2001 and phased out in 2005, with exemptions for critical uses. The present phase-out date under the Protocol is 2010.In the debate about the strategy prepared by the Commission to reduce the problems of acid rain in the Community, we made it clear the UK strongly supported action on this, though more work was needed to clarify the benefits and costs—a view shared by the majority who spoke. We also supported the designation of the Baltic and North seas as areas where the emissions of sulphur dioxide by ships should be controlled; we also called for this control to be extended to the west of Britain. The Council expressed general support for the proposal for the Water Framework Directive, although greater definition of the objectives to be achieved remains a common priority for the further discussions to be held under the forthcoming Luxembourg Presidency.Conclusions were also agreed on several issues relating to the EU position for the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) in New York. The Council also agreed resolutions on the drafting, implementation and enforcement of Community Environmental Law and on Environmental Agreements. The Presidency concluded that there was insufficient support by member states for the proposal by the Commission for a Framework Agreement on Humane Trapping Standards (leghold traps) and therefore handed the dossier over to the Luxembourg Presidency.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What responses they have received to the proposals for changing the homelessness legislation contained in the consultation paper that was issued on 23 May.

There have been about 200 responses to the consultation paper, the overwhelming majority of which unreservedly welcomed our proposals. Today we have laid draft regulations that would add households owed a main homelessness duty to the groups of people to whom local authorities are required to give reasonable preference in their housing allocation schemes.This is the first step in our plans to rebuild a proper safety net for families and vulnerable individuals who lose their homes through no fault of their own. It means that, in allocating housing, local authorities will be taking into account the experience of homelessness alongside other indicators of housing and social need.While it is for each local authority to balance the priority for different groups of housing applicants, this measure gives authorities the potential for moving households accepted as homeless into permanent accommodation more quickly.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What proportion of the £60 million allocated from 1996–97 to defray high electricity charges in Northern Ireland is still unspent, whether the recommendations of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee that the money should be used for investment in energy efficiency will be followed; and which agencies other than Northern Ireland Electricity and the Office for the Regulation of Electricity and Gas will be involved in discussions about the most effective use of these funds.

Forty-five million pounds of the £60 million subvention remains to be spent. The Department of Economic Development has already engaged a very wide range of interests in considering how best the subvention might be used. In September 1995 it initiated extensive public consultation on the matter. The responses received from a broad spectrum of interest groups revealed consensus in using the funds to help all consumers meet rising electricity costs, and on energy efficiency measures.This outcome reflected the recommendation contained in the report of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Electricity Prices in Northern Ireland. Consistent with it, the department is now considering how best the remaining £45 million might be spent on measures aimed at reducing electricity prices and on energy efficiency schemes. It hopes to make an announcement in the near future.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Under what circumstances they would allow Northern Ireland beef to return to world markets.

The European Union ban on the export of beef and beef products from the UK prevents Northern Ireland beef from reaching the world markets. Her Majesty's Government are making every effort to have the ban lifted and will allow Northern Ireland beef to return to world markets as soon as the European Union removes the restriction.