asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, if the United Nations Development Programme plan for land redistribution in Zimbabwe is implemented, the finance provided by the international community and the United Kingdom, when used as compensation to those being dispossessed, will be paid in Zimbabwean currency or in external hard currency. [HL4713]

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is discussing with the Government of Zimbabwe the conditions for a land resettlement programme which development agencies might be willing to support. Her Majesty's Government has made clear since 1997 that it would support land reform that was transparent, designed to improve the life of the poor, complied with the rule of law and was part of a responsible economic policy focused on the reduction of poverty.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How they monitor progress towards the international development targets year on year, both bilaterally and multilaterally; and where they publish the results. [HL4517]

Responsibility for monitoring progress towards the International Development Targets (IDTs) lies with the World Bank, which collates relevant data from the other international agencies and publishes them annually in World Development Indicators. The Department for International Development reproduces these data for each IDT by country in its annual publication Statistics on International Development. The next edition will be published in December 2000.There is widespread agreement in the international community, including the United Nations, the World Bank and the OECD's Development Assistance Committee, on the uses of a core set of some 21 indicators to monitor progress towards the IDTs. In many countries, statistical capacity to collect the necessary data is weak. DFID and others are providing support to strengthen national statistical services.Monitoring annual progress is not possible in all circumstances as in some cases data are collected only every few years. For example, data on the proportion of a nation's population subsisting on less than US$1.00 per day are collected only every third year. Estimates of maternal mortality rates are mostly based on surveys which collect data on maternal deaths over several previous years, and in some cases the previous 10 or 12 years.DFID's Public Service Agreement (PSA) provides a framework for monitoring the contribution of DFID's activities towards achievement of specific IDTs. Progress against PSA objectives is reported in DFID's annual departmental report.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How much funding has been allocated to research into the hypothetical link between BSE or vCJD and exposure to (a) organophosphates (OPs), either as warble fly dressing alone or in combination with grain or other feed that has been dressed with OPs, or with OP or synthetic pyrethroid insecticides; (b) vaccines or injectibles where bovine material has been used in the manufacturing process; (c) other environmental factors; and (d) any combination of these factors. [HL4702]

Total spend by Her Majesty's Government on these three research areas are: (a) the Department of Health provided £30,000 to study occupational risks which included an assessment of the risks of exposure to OPs. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has spent £2 million on research to investigate the epidemiology of BSE and vCJD. The study of BSE epidemiology has not indicated that there is a link with exposure to OPs. MAFF has also invited a leading proponent of the link between exposure to OPs and BSE to submit a proposal to investigate this theory; (b) no research has been funded by the DH or MAFF into vaccines or injectibles where bovine material has been used, Again epidemiological studies have failed to implicate biologicals or pharmaceuticals in the epidemiology of BSE; (c) the persistence of BSE in the environment (soil) is being funded by MAFF at a total cost of £2.3 million and the possible role of bacteria in feed and the environment in triggering BSE is being studied at a total cost of £230,000 to MAFF.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What proportion of the rails currently being replaced by Railtrack were laid down in the last five years. [HL4609]

Railtrack have advised that on information currently available, approximately 11 per cent of the rail identified as having "gauge corner cracking" is five years old or less.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How the quality and reliability of public service in the privatised railways compare with the nationalised railways which preceded them. [HL4697]

Before the recent problems with broken rails and flood damage, in general, the performance of the privatised train operating companies exceeded that of the nationalised British Rail. Overall punctuality has increased from 89.5 per cent in 1995–96 to 91.9 per cent in 1999–2000. Reliability has remained constant at 98.8 per cent. Since 1995–96, there has also been a 24 per cent increase in passenger journeys and there are 1,463 more trains running daily in the winter 2000 timetable compared with British Rail's winter 1995 timetable.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What proportion of the resources of the Children's Fund, amounting to £450 million over three years, will be allocated to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales respectively; and who will administer such resources in those jurisdictions. [HL4633]

The Children's Fund, announced in the Spending Review 2000, will support activity in England only. It is a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly, the National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish Parliament to decide whether and how to establish their own Children's Fund within their overall provision.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 15 November (

We are currently finalising the report. It will be published as soon as possible following its completion.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their estimate of the annual sum that would need to be invested during the remaining normal working lifetime of men and women aged (a) 16, (b) 20, (c) 25 and (d) 30 to accumulate a capital sum on retirement that would secure the equivalent income from investments as is promised by the basic state pension after taking account of the recent announcements on increased payment levels, and assuming future uplifts in line with inflation. [HL4662]

Estimates of the annual amounts that would need to be invested in order to generate a private pension equivalent to the basic state pension are in the table below.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their estimate of the total annual funding in £ billion that would be required if all working men and women aged under 30 made an annual pension investment sufficient to accumulate a capital sum on retirement that would secure the equivalent income from investments as is promised by the basic state pension after taking account of recent announcements on increased payment levels; and what that annual funding requirement would be after 5, 15, 25 and 35 years if all new entrants into the workforce were funded on the same basis. [HL4663]

From April 2001, the basic state pension will be £72.50 for single people and £115.90 for couples. From April 2002, the figures will be £75.50 and £120.70 respectively. The table below shows the estimated total expenditure that would be needed to provide people under 30 and currently working with a private pension equivalent to the basic state pension on retirement. The table shows that shifting from the existing pay-as-you-go state system to a funded private system in this way would cost £5 billion in 2000 rising to £14 billion in 2035.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What level of National Insurance contribution rebate they plan for those contracting out of the new second state pension when introduced; and whether they intend that those earning £9,000 or less with an existing stakeholder pension would benefit from contracting out of the second state pension. [HL4664]

The Government Actuary is currently considering the responses to his consultative note on the level of National Insurance Rebates for those contracting out of the state additional pension for the period 2002–2007. He will make his recommendations to the Secretary of State in due course. Early next year, when the Secretary of State has considered the Government Actuary's recommendations, he will lay a report before both Houses setting out the proposed level of the rebates.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many pensioners have formally claimed income support since the start of the current take-up campaign; how many of those claims have been decided; and how many have succeeded. [HL4683]

The effect of the Minimum Income Guarantee take-up campaign will not be known until it comes to a conclusion. We will provide further details of the campaign in due course.

asked Her Majesty's Government:By how much the Minimum Income Guarantee will be increased in April 2001 for pensioners aged (a) under 75, (b) 75–79 and (c) 80 or over. [HL4684]

Minimum Income Guarantee rates for pensioners of all ages are being aligned into a single rate from April 2001 of £92.15 for a single pensioner and £140.55 for couples.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What proportion of pensioners will be entitled to the proposed pension credit in 2003–04, 2020–21 and 2050–51 if the credit is introduced in the form proposed in the consultation paper (CM4900). [HL4685]

The information is not available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many pensioners entitled to the proposed pension credit will he liable for income tax in 2003–04. [HL4687]

The proposed pension credit will not be taxable.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the proposed pension credit will be subject to a means test. [HL4688]

The Government's proposals for the pension credit are set out in Command Paper 4900.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will reconsider their policy on the uprating of national insurance retirement pensions earned by United Kingdom citizens now resident in Commonwealth countries in the light of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recently announced size of the surplus on Government Accounts for the year 1999–2000 and the likelihood of continuing surpluses. [HL4681]

No.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the draft protocol on primary legislation procedure, discussed at the National Assembly for Wales on 2 February, has yet been formally agreed between the Assembly and the Government. [HL4608]

The protocol which the National Assembly for Wales has debated has not been formally agreed. It addresses an important issue with a proper regard for the roles of the UK Government and the National Assembly. The Government wish their reponse to be fully informed by the experience of the current session.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will clarify the comments made by the Lord Hunt of Kings Heath on local authority enforcement [H.L. Deb., 23 November 2000; col 944]. [HL4818]

I regret that my Answer on 23 November 2000, col. 944 was not factually accurate. Local authorities undertake enforcement action on the 30-month rules in meat processing plants and retailers, not "licensed slaughter houses and cutting plants" as I stated in my Answer to the Question.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital, Alton, will be considered as a potential site for the provision of specialist orthopaedic facilities in the forthcoming study of future orthopaedic provision in Hampshire. [HL4699]

Expert advice indicates that specialist orthopaedic facilities should be based on the sites of district general hospitals. The scoping study will consider how to make better use of existing orthopaedic capacity and, if required, how to increase this capacity on the sites of existing district general hospitals in line with this advice. The Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital site is not therefore being considered as part of this study.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will seek the release by the study's authors of the data on which the epidemiological study of a possible association between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and autism, commissioned by the Medicines Control Agency and published in the

The epidemiological study published in the Lancet in June 1999 was an independent study commissioned by the Medicines Control Agency to investigate a possible association between measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and autism. A copy has been placed in the Library. The study was accepted for publication in the Lancet following a process of rigorous independent peer review in the normal manner. It is not usual for peer-reviewed data to be subject to re-analysis by third parties. The data are not owned by the Medicines Control Agency or the Department of Health. It is the decision of the authors as to whether they choose to make their data available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What progress has been made with their views of the commissioning of specialised services in the National Health Service and of the neurosurgery for Parkinson's Disease; and whether they are now in a position to implement their proposals relating to long-term service agreements and regional consortia. [HL4652]

The eight recently published Regional Specialised Commissioning Groups' Annual Reports for 1999–2000 show that good progress has been made, with longer term commissioning plans being put in place, service agreements being drawn up and regional consortia being established for many specialised services.With regard to neurosurgical treatment for people with severe Parkinson's Disease, the National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) is to oversee an evaluation assessing the effectiveness of Deep Brain Stimulation compared to current best medical therapy. NSCAG will designate approved providers. A recognised research-funding body will support the evaluation, while the service itself will be commissioned via regional specialised commissioning arrangements.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Since the last general election, what policy announcements have been made by (a) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; (b) the Department for Culture Media and Sport; and (c) the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which specifically mentioned the Third Way; and, on what dates. [HL4318]

I refer the noble Lord to my Answer of 25 October, Official Report, col. WA 34.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Strategic Communications Unit has its own website: and, if not, why not. [HL4665]

No. One of the responsibilities of the Strategic Communications Unit is maintaining the 10 Downing Street website, which can be found at www.pm.gov.uk.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was asked by the Secretary of State, for Northern Ireland to investigate the circumstances of the murder of Rosemary Nelson; and, if so, what was its response. [HL4419]

No. It would be inappropriate for my Rt Hon Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to ask the Human Rights Commission to investigate Mrs Nelson's murder, as this is the statutory responsibility of the Chief Constable.There is currently a major criminal investigation being undertaken into Mrs Nelson's murder. This is being led by Deputy Chief Constable Colin Port, and both he and his team continue tirelessly to track down and bring before the courts those responsible for this cowardly murder.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was invited by the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to investigate the murder of Rosemary Nelson; if so, on what date; and what was the response. [HL4463]

No. However, in March 1999 the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary invited the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to assume an advisory role in relation to this investigation and in that capacity to receive regular briefings as to the progress of the inquiry into Mrs Nelson's murder. The Commission did not feel it was appropriate to accept this invitation.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Which members of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are also members of the Committee for the Administration of Justice; for how long each has been a member of the Committee; and whether those making the appointments to the Commission were aware of this information when they made those appointments. [HL4542]

There was no requirement on applicants to declare membership of the Committee for the Administration of Justice (CAJ) when applying for appointment to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). The following Commissioners are currently members of the CAJ: Prof B. Dickson; Prof C. Bell; Prof. T. Hadden; Ms A. Hegarty; Ms P. Kelly; Ms I. McCormack. Information on how long each has been a member of the CAJ is not held by either the NIHRC or the Government.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will be in a position to write to Lord Laird concerning the criteria for the appointment of committees as promised in the Written Answer HL4240 of 25 October. [HL4596]

I understand that the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission wrote to the noble Lord on 16 November 2000. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission will be in a position to write to Lord Laird concerning investigations undertaken by the Commission as promised in the Written Answer HL4241 of 25 October. [HL4597]

I understand that the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission wrote to the noble Lord on 16 November 2000. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their view of Professor Clifford Shearing's criticism of the Police (Northern Ireland) Bill in the

As the Secretary of State made clear immediately after the article was printed, the Government fundamentally disagree with Professor Shearing's analysis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 16 October (

I refer the noble Lord to my Answer of 14 November 2000 (WA 27).

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they expect to announce the names of the members of the new Police Board for Northern Ireland. [HL4630]

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has indicated that it is his intention to appoint, in shadow form, the new Policing Board in January 2001. In doing so the Secretary of State will announce, in both Houses of Parliament, the membership of the board. A date for that announcement has not to date been decided.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What rules are in place governing the use of public funds to publish material or to commission advertising to promote or describe the perceived achievements of the Government; and [HL4545]What publications they have sponsored, and what advertising programmes they have commissioned, since May 1997, which have described the perceived achievements of the Government; and what has been the cost to public funds of these initiatives; and [HL4546]Whether they have any plans to sponsor further publications or to commission further advertising which will describe the perceived achievements of the Government; and, if so, what are the anticipated costs of these proposals. [HL4547]

The Government produce a large number of publications which explain and inform the public about government policies and the progress of these policies, and will continue to do so where appropriate. Advertising is used only to support specific programmes. The conventions governing the production of all publications and advertising are laid out in the Guidance on the Work of the Government Information Service [Cabinet Office 1997]. This Guidance can be found as part of The GICS Handbook, copies of which are in the Library of the House and on the GICS website www.gics.gov.uk/handbook.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What contribution to the reform of policing Mr. Tom Constantine has made since 31 May, when he was appointed Oversight Commissioner in Northern Ireland. [HL4629]

The Commissioner has carried out a series of familiarisation visits to Northern Ireland during which he conducted meetings with representatives from the political parties, the RUC and other interested bodies.He has also been considering, ahead of legislation, how best he can fulfil the terms of reference of his appointment and the practical arrangements he needs to put in place.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the Devon and Dorset Regiment took part in the annual Remembrance Day in Bessbrook, County Armagh; and whether they were allowed to sell poppies for the British Legion at their base. [HL4703]

Four officers from the 1st Battalion the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment were present at the annual Remembrance Day in Bessbrook. Poppies were on sale at their base from the beginning of November and the proceeds will be pooled, as usual, with collections from other regiments to form the Army's contribution to the Poppy Appeal.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 8 November (

As the final decision has not yet been taken on the preferred purchaser for the Millbank site, the professional advice provided to the Ministry of Defence by our term consultants, Hillier Parker, in relation to this disposal remains commercially confidential. I am therefore witholding this information under exemption 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the economic and strategic factors of relocating the Meteorological Office from Bracknell to Shinfield Park, Reading, next to the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts, determine this to be the best option for the United Kingdom and Europe. [HL4573]

As announced by my honourable friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Dr Moonie) in the other place, on 9 November 2000, (Official Report, col. 326W), the Met Office has chosen Exeter Business Park as the preferred site for its new operational and administrative headquarters. In making this choice the Met Office took full account of the strategic issues both as they relate to its own future and as they affect the UK more generally.While there are some attractions of being close to the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at Shinfield Park, Reading, this is by no means essential in order to derive maximum benefit for the UK and Europe. What is important is that the Met Office should continue to develop its Numerical Weather Prediction capability in concert with ECMWF, thereby placing the UK in a strong position within Europe. With modern communications and the undoubted desire of both parties to strengthen the already close relationship, this can be achieved very well indeed from Exeter, and without raising concerns amongst our European partners which would have almost certainly been the case had the Met Office relocated to Shinfield Park.With regard to economic factors, reducing the Met Office's operating costs—so that, among other things, it can fund its future research and development programmes—is vital, as is ensuring that it can continue to recruit and retain the very best staff. This is better achieved by relocating to an area where the costs of living are lower and where there are excellent opportunities for further development.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What consultations have been undertaken with the public and private sector customers of the Meteorological Office on its planned relocation from Bracknell, due to be announced shortly. [HL4572]

As announced by my honourable friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, (Dr Moonie) in the other place, on 9 November 2000, (Official Report, column 326W), the Met Office has chosen Exeter Business Park as the preferred site for its new operational and administrative headquarters.Whilst no direct consultation has taken place on the choice of preferred site itself, this choice was taken by the Met Office in the best interests of its customers, both in the public and private sectors. These customers have repeatedly made it clear that, whilst forecast accuracy and service quality are high and continually improving, they remain concerned about the affordability of the Met Office's services and the costs of maintaining and developing its underpinning core capability.Part of the reason for choosing Exeter as the preferred site was the opportunity to reduce costs significantly without compromising quality, so that the benefits could be passed on to customers.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotand of Asthal on 9 November (

The two statements are consistent. The EU is already obliged to respect fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the ECHR and resulting from the constitutional traditions common to the member states; and the ECJ is responsible for ensuring that this happens. That obligation to respect fundamental rights was first given treaty status at Maastricht.The ECJ can and does look at all kinds of sources. It does not follow that the charter will itself become legally binding as a result. The fact that there is language in the charter does not mean that the ECJ has to take it into account. It would only become manadatory for the ECJ to take account of the charter if it were incorporated into the treaties or otherwise made legally binding. We and others have made our opposition to that clear.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What is their evaluation of any negative relationship between the development of a United States national missile defence system and the willingness of China to work constructively with other nuclear weapon states on strategic arms control measures; and what representations they are making to the United States Government in this respect. [HL4649]

The US administration has repeatedly made clear that its proposals for national missile defence have not been designed with China in mind, and has engaged in dialogue with China on this and related issues. For our part, we have discussed the issue with both the US and China in numerous bilateral exchanges.The Government are keen to see early progress on the various nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation steps agreed at the 2000 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference, In particular, we want to see negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut Off treaty started without further delay at the Geneva Conference on Disarmament, and we continue to urge all states concerned to agree on a work programme to make this possible.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the projected manning state, in terms of quality and numbers, of UNAMSIL for the months of January and February is satisfactory. [HL4637]

The Secretary-General has plans in hand for the transition phase of UNAMSIL, as contingents from India and Jordan prepare for departure. It is expected that movements planned between December and February should leave UNAMSIL's overall strength unchanged, or enhanced, by the end of the period.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What recommendations they and the European Union will be making to Turkey following the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of

The implementation of these ECHR judgments is being considered by the Committee of Ministers (COM), which under Article 46 is responsible for supervising the execution of all judgments of the court. The Government accept that the COM must monitor all judgments and take the necessary measures to ensure they are implemented. It is not our practice to comment on the detail of cases at this stage of the process.The general issue of freedom of expression is included as a priority for action in the short term (2001) in the draft EU/Turkey Accession Partnership. The UK fully supports this, and looks to Turkey to take it forward in its National Plan for the Adoption of the Acquis.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 8 November (

The dates for the CPA visit were set after the Governor's arrangements to visit the UK for a number of duty calls and annual leave had been made. It was not possible for these to be rearranged, as the Governor was not able to leave the Cayman Islands until after my own visit and had to return in time to dissolve the Legislative Assembly and preside over electoral arrangements. The Governor informed the Cayman Island's UK Representative when the CPA visit was first proposed of his absence from the territory during August and early September. The CPA visit was organised by the Cayman Branch of the CPA, not the Governor's office, in the knowledge that the Governor would not be present. At the time of the visit the Governor was carrying out official duties in London.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What changes have been made to European Union sanctions in relation to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. [HL4606]

Following the election of Vojislav Kostunica as President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), European Union Foreign Ministers agreed at the General Affairs Council on 9 October to revise EU sanctions against the FRY and to retain specific targeted measures.The EU oil embargo and flight ban were lifted with effect from 9 October.On 10 November the Council of the EU adopted a Common Position to restrict financial sanctions and the visa ban to Milosevic and persons associated with him.The provisions on financial sanctions were implemented by an EC Regulation adopted on 10 November. This Regulation repeals EC Regulations 1294/99 and 607/2000 as well as Article 2 of EC Regulation 926/98. The Regulation will come into force this week with its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.The new Regulation provides that all funds held in the EU belonging to individuals listed in the annex to the Regulation shall be frozen and that no funds shall be made available, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of any person listed in the annex.Under the new Regulation, all EU financial sanctions in relation to FRY companies will be lifted. All EU restrictions on the provision of export credit support finance and on investment in the FRY will also be lifted.UK legislation providing penalties for breaches of the financial sanctions will be made to take account of the new Regulation.The individuals subject to financial sanctions are indentical to those subject to the EU visa ban, which is the subject of a Council Decision of 10 November.The EU arms embargo and embargo on the supply to the FRY of equipment which might be used for internal repression or terrorism are unaffected. The UN arms embargo against the FRY and Prohibition on the arming and training for terrorist activities there remain in force.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When they will announce funding allocations to police forces taking up the new police radio service "Airwave" in 2001–2002. [HL4817]

Earlier this year, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary announced that the Government were making provision of £500 million over three years to meet the costs of a new police radio service known as "Airwave". All police authorities which have signed their service contracts for the new service will benefit from this funding. This will relieve them of a significant burden that would otherwise have had to be met from their policing budgets.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What action will they take in respect of funding police authorities for the execution of warrants during 2000–01. [HL4816]

Transfer of responsibility for warrant enforcement, originally planned for 1 October 2000, has been rescheduled for 1 April 2001. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary is arranging for the relevant funding, £4.34 million, to be allocated to police authorities according to police grant/Standard Spending Assessment levels for 2000–01.The allocations are given in the table:

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, following the House of Lords ruling on the claim of Mr D Steed against the Home Secretary for interest on the delayed compensation for property confiscated under the Firearms (Amendment) Acts 1997, they will now pay interest on similar cases without the need for claimants to pursue the Home Secretary through the courts. [HL4625]

The House of Lords ruled in the appeal case of David Steed v the Home Office that a firearms compensation claimant could bring proceedings against the Home Office in the County Court to claim for unpaid compensation. In line with the normal court procedures in such a case, a claimant would also be entitled to claim simple interest at the statutory rate if successful and if the payment of compensation was regarded as being "late". The House of Lords did not stipulate what a reasonable time for payment might be and, indeed, recognised that different periods would apply in different cases. The ruling in the Steed case does not therefore create a general entitlement to interest and there are no plans to make such payments.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What date electronically monitored curfew orders were made available to the courts in England and Wales as an additional community order; how many orders have been made in each year since introduction; and what have been the failure rates, either because the offender failed to conform to the terms of the order, or because of faults in the electronic equipment. [HL4704]

Curfew orders with electronic monitoring were made available to all courts in England and Wales on 1 December 1999. From this date up to 20 November 2000, a total of 4,693 curfew orders with electronic monitoring have been made. Of these, 424 (9 per cent) have been revoked. Figures on the reasons for revocation are not centrally available.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many convicted offenders have been sentenced under each of the three categories of mandatory sentence in conformity with the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997; and on what dates were the provisions brought into force. [HL4673]

Section 2 of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 (now Section 109 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000) provided for an automatic life sentence for a second serious sexual or violent offence. Section 3 of the 1997 Act (now Section 110 of the 2000 Act) provided for a minimum seven years' imprisonment for a person convicted for a third time of a Class A drug trafficking offence. These provisions were both implemented on 1 October 1997. Section 4 of the 1997 Act (now Section 111 of the 2000 Act) provides for a minimum sentence of three years' imprisonment. This was implemented on 1 December 1999.We have a record of 260 life sentences imposed under what is now Section 109 of the PCC(S)A. We only have reliable figures for sentences imposed under what is now Section 110 of the PCC(S)A for the period from December 1999 to June 2000 inclusive. During that period, four offenders were sentenced under that provision. There have been no sentences under what is now Section 111 of the PCC(S)A.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How many remands to custody have been made since 1 April in relation to males aged 15 to 16, broken down by age and ethnicity. [HL4553]

The requested information is set out in the table below.

asked Her Majesty's Government:When will they announce the allocations of police grant for individual police authorities in England and Wales for 2001–02. [HL4814]

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary has today put a copy of his proposals for the allocation of police grant for 2001–02 in the Library. He intends to implement these proposals subject to consideration of any representations he receives about them.The total provision for policing in 2001–02 is £8,495 million. This is an increase of 10.1 per cent over the initial provision for this year. He proposes to distribute the police settlement as follows.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What their objectives are for policing for 2001–02. [HL4815]

The Police Act 1996 allows my right honourable friend the Home Secretary to set objectives, or ministerial priorities, for policing. The objectives for 2001–2002 will be:

• to reduce local problems of crime and disorder in partnership with local authorities, other local agencies and the public; and
• to increase trust and confidence in policing amongst minority ethnic communities.

asked Her Majesty's Government:How they will allocate the money provided to enhance rural policing for 2001–02. [HL4813]

Spending Review 2000 made provision for the allocation of £30 million for rural policing in each year of the settlement period. The sums for 2001–02 have been apportioned on the basis of population weighted by a sparsity score. The allocations for 2001–02 are given in the table.

asked Her Majesty's Government:What provision will be made for police recruitment under the Crime Fighting Fund for 2001–02. [HL4812]

The total provision for police forces in 2001–02 for officers recruited under the Crime Fighting Fund (CFF) is likely to be £129 million. This includes funding for the continued employment of officers recruited during 2000–01 as well as funding for new recruits in 2001–02.The table provides an indicative breakdown of payments between forces, assuming that all forces recruit their full CFF allocation in 2000–01 and that they also recruit their full CFF allocations in 2001–02.Bids form forces to accelerate or to defer CFF allocations between 2000–01 and 2001–02 are presently under consideration. CFF allocations for 2001–02 are therefore provisional and depend upon forces meeting the continuation criteria set out in the CFF bidding guide. Decisions on acceleration/deferral and on compliance with the continuation criteria may affect the amounts payable to forces in 2001–02.Payments to forces for individual CFF recruits are made pro rata from the point at which the CFF officers are recruited. Payments due will change to reflect the actual pattern of recruitment if it is different from the even distribution assumed for the purposes of the table.In addition to payments direct to forces, National Police Training (NPT) will receive funding to train new recruits to provincial forces. The total CFF provision also includes a contingency to cover, for example, costs arising from any new allowances that may be introduced which affect CFF recruits.