asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the statement by the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 30 July (HC Deb., cols. 621–630), what progress has been made on genetically modified crops. [HL3508]

My honourable friend the Minister of State made a statement on 30 July. He reported fully on the background to MAFF's non-enforcement of Regulation 11(3) of the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982. He stated then that we intended to put in hand immediate action to remove the requirement in Regulation 11(3) to provide replicated trials data, which is redundant and serves no useful purpose. He also indicated that we were considering urgently how the position of varieties already added to the National List or currently in tests and trials without replicated trials data should be regularised.A formal consultation on the revocation of Regulation 11(3) was launched on 6 August, and a further consultation was launched on 17 September setting out proposals for the regularisation of varieties already added to the National List or currently in tests and trials. The proposals contained in the 17 September consultation would have regularised the position of varieties already added to the National List, but would have continued to require replicated trials data, albeit submitted after applications had been received, from tests and trials carried out prior to the date of application.However, in the light of representations received during the consultation process we concluded that there are no good reasons for differentiating between the treatment of varieties already on the National List, and those that are only part way through statutory tests and trials. Accordingly, we therefore issued revised proposals on 8 October which would revoke the requirement to submit replicated trials results (as already proposed in the 6 August consultation). They would also permit Ministers to determine all applications not yet determined by the date the regulations come into force, notwithstanding the absence of replicated trials data. These proposals are fully in line with the comments of the Court of Appeal that the position ought now to be resolved speedily and decisively across the board. The Court of Appeal also said that it would seem surprising if at least the possibility of retrospective amendment were not to be considered.This latest consultation will end on 30 October, following which Ministers will give careful consideration to the views expressed by respondents before deciding on the final form of the amending statutory instrument. In the meantime the data requirements of Regulation 11(3) are being operated. (Copies of all three consultation documents have been placed in the Library of the House).So far as genetically modified varieties are concerned, controls are addressed under separate legislation, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the regulations made under it. Genetically modified varieties are not accepted into National List tests unless they have been given the appropriate consents under this legislation.In my honourable friend the Minister of State's statement he also spoke of the need to ensure that organic farmers are not adversely affected by the introduction of GMO crops. He said that MAFF and DETR would be working with the farming community and representatives of organic farming to ensure that the expansion of organic farming was not compromised by the introduction of genetically modified crops. The Government's aim is to promote dialogue between the organic and GM sectors so that practical steps can be taken to avoid problems.This commitment is being taken forward in a number of ways. MAFF is commissioning research on the factors affecting the likelihood and consequences of gene transfer between genetically modified and organically produced crops and factors influencing the probability of such transfer. This research is being commissioned so that those concerned with defining and regulating organic crop production are able to draw on relevant data and information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their position on the safety of those who may be consuming salmon affected by Infectious Salmon Anaemia. [HL3532]

The question of the possible risk to human health from infectious salmon anaemia has been recently considered by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food. The committee concluded that there was currently no evidence of a risk to human health.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 19 and 20 October. [HL3571]

My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food represented the United Kingdom at a meeting of the European Union Agriculture Council in Luxembourg on 19 and 20 October 1998.The Council discussed the state of progress of negotiations on the Commission's Agenda 2000 CAP reform proposals, on which substantial technical level work has continued since May. My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food stressed the importance of continuing the pace of work so that the negotiations could be concluded by March 1999 in accordance with the timetable laid down at the Cardiff European Council. A further debate on this dossier will take place at the Council's November meeting with the aim of agreeing a political position for transmission to the Vienna European Council.The Council also discussed two proposals concerning the new agrimonetary arrangements which will apply after 1 January 1999. My right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food broadly welcomed the proposals in the budget as more transparent and workable for operators than the current system. He also welcomed an improved proposal governing the terms under which member states who are not joining the single currency on 1 January 1999 could choose to pay CAP subsidies in Euros. There was a large measure of support in Council for the proposals. However, several member states preferred final decisions to be deferred until December, when the likely monetary situation as at 1 January, and therefore the impact upon farm incomes, would be clearer.At Danish request, the Council held a brief debate on antibiotic resistance and the use of antibiotics in farming. It will return to the issue in due course on the basis of a Commission assessment of the scientific data.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What were the quantities of salmon imports during 1995, 1996 and 1997; and from which countries. [HL3533]

Imports of salmon (live, fresh, preserved and processed) in 1995, 1996 and 1997, as recorded by the Overseas Trade Statistics, are shown in the table below.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What changes will be made to the cash limits of the Department of Health in 1998–99. [HL3664]

Subject to Parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for Class XI, Vote 1 (Hospital, community health, family health and related services, England) will be reduced by £166,621,000 (from £31,392,213,000 to £31,225,592,000). This allows for a transfer of £220,000,000 following a reappraisal of drugs budget requirements and transfers of £5,000,000 to Class XI Vote 2 (Department of Health administration, miscellaneous health and personal social services, England) for children's services; £30,000 to Class XI, Vote 2 for the United Kingdom Co-ordinating Committee for Cancer Research and £20,000 to Class XIII, Vote 4 (Hospital, community health, family health, other health services and welfare food, Scotland) for general practice fundholders' cross border flows. The overall reduction is partially offset by an increase of £56,000,000 in respect of the take-up of end year flexibility, as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 14 July 1998 at cols. 131–136, and a transfer of £2,429,000 from Class XI Vote 2 for the Medical Devices Evaluation Service.The cash limit for Class XI, Vote 2 (Department of Health, administration, miscellaneous health services and personal social services, England) will be increased by £55,873,000 (from £1,096,377,000 to £1,152,250,000). This increase allows for a claim on the Reserve of £53,900,000 to support the persons from abroad children's grant; transfers totalling £5,030,000 from Class XI, Vote 1 as mentioned above; a transfer of £20,000 (running costs) from Class XVII, Vote 1 (Cabinet Office: Office of Public Service) for accommodation costs; a transfer of £11,000 (running costs) from Class XIV, Vote 4 (Hospital, community health, family health services and other health services (part), Wales) for the National Screening Committee. The overall increase is partially offset by transfers totalling £3,075,000 for the Medical Device Evaluation Service made up of transfers to Class XI, Vote 1 as mentioned above (£2,429,000), Class XIII, Vote 4 (Hospital, community health, family health, other health services and welfare food, Scotland) (£369,000), Class XIV, Vote 4 (Hospital, community health, family health services and other health services (part), Wales (£185,000) and to the Department of Health and Social Services, Northern Ireland (£92,000) and a transfer of £13,000 to Class IX, Vote 1 (Department for Education and Employment: programmes and central services) for their responsibility for childcare and early education.The non-voted cash limit for supplementary credit approvals for personal social services (DoH/LACAP) in England is to be increased by £602,000 from £14,700,000 to £15,302,000 in respect of the take-up of the end year flexibility entitlement as announced by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury on 14 July 1998 at columns 131–136.The Department's gross running cost limit will be increased by £31,000 from £262,915,000 to £262,946,000 as detailed above.All increases will either be offset by savings, increased receipts or transfers to or from other Votes or charged to the Reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

asked the Chairman of Committees:Whether he will make arrangements for telephone calls within the European Union to be possible from Peers' offices. [HL3560]

It is possible already for Peers to make direct calls to certain European institutions, whose telephone numbers are listed at the back of the internal directory. However, it is not the policy of either House of Parliament to provide free calls to other European institutions or individual people.

asked the Chairman of Committees:Whether research has been carried out into the reasons for people attending the House to see the proceedings in the Chamber; if so, what are the findings; and if not, whether he would consider commissioning such research. [HL3534]

A survey was undertaken earlier this year by both Houses into the satisfaction of visitors to Parliament. This survey revealed that the most frequently-cited motivation for visits was seeing what Parliament looks like inside, followed by experiencing the excitement of a live debate.

asked the Chairman of Committees:What is the average number of visitors to the Chamber, including Peers' guests, on each sitting day; and for how long on average individual visitors remain. [HL3536]

On a typical sitting day there are about 1,000 visitors. No records are kept as to how long they stay.

asked the Chairman of Committees:What is the maximum seating in the public and side galleries of the Chamber and below Bar for visitors. [HL3535]

One hundred and twenty-one.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the United Kingdom will sign the Unidroit Convention. [HL3384]

Her Majesty's Government are still considering whether we should sign the Unidroit Convention on the International Return of Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects. Consultation within Government is currently in progress. We would hope to consult publicly in the New Year.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will propose to other member states of the Council of Europe that an investigation be conducted into the jamming of satellite transmissions, contrary to the European Community's Television without Frontiers Directive. [HL3519]

The Television without Frontiers Directive does not include provisions on jamming. However, the European Convention on Transfrontier Television (to which the UK is party) includes such provisions. Under the terms of the convention, states parties may seek arbitration from the standing committee overseeing the convention in respect of any alleged violation. Her Majesty's Government have no plans to seek arbitration. As indicated in my reply to the noble lord, Lord Hylton, however, the Government will consider any action which may be appropriate in the light of independent verification of the jamming of Med-TV, including possible action under the convention.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will investigate the renewed interference, which began on 9 October, affecting news and discussion programmes on Med-TV which broadcasts to the Middle East in Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic and Assyrian, with a view to upholding the freedom of transnational communications. [HL3421]

The Government are concerned about any jamming of transmissions that have been authorised under the wireless telegraphy legislation of a member of the International Telecommunications Union and agreed internationally.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will set out their proposals on family policy. [HL3680]

On Wednesday 4 November, at 9 a.m. the Government will publish a consultation document, Supporting Families. Copies of the document will be placed in the Library and the Printed Paper Office.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, in light of recent reports relating to the harmful effects of the use of mobile phones, they will instruct that all such devices carry an appropriate health warning. [HL3523]

Advice on exposure to electromagnetic fields is given by the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB). They evaluate published and peer reviewed, sound scientific evidence on which their guidelines for exposure are based. The exposure guidelines at mobile communications frequencies are based on well established thermal effects. Mobile phones in use in the United Kingdom should comply with the guidelines.While there has been renewed media interest in this subject, there has been no new evidence recognised by the scientific community on which to base any changes to the guidelines. The NRPB Advisory Group on Non-ionising Radiation continues to review the published literature.There are no plans to require mobile phones to have a health warning.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What are their intentions regarding the location of ministerial responsibility for the Office of Science and Technology (presently in the Department of Trade and Industry), and for Foresight activity in general throughout the Government. [HL3545]

There are no plans to move the Office of Science and Technology or to change ministerial responsibility for it. There are similarly no plans to change responsibilities for the Foresight Programme, which will continue to be managed by OST and co-ordinated at ministerial level by an interdepartmental group under my chairmanship.