To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what has been the total amount received by the UK under the European Union structura1 funds in each of the last five years. [124743]

The total European Union Structural Funds allocation to the United Kingdom for the period 1995–99 is 12,590 million Euros, which is £8,229 million in 1999 prices. The table breaks this total into the yearly sums. This figure includes the European Social Fund allocation.

	Euro million	£ million
1995	2,341	1,530
1996	2,455	1,604
1997	2,552	1,668
1998	2,569	1,679
1999	2,673	1,748

The figures in the table are for allocations rather than receipts. Some receipts are not recorded centrally and, in any case, receipts in one year include reimbursement of some claims submitted in respect of previous years, while some claims submitted during the year in question will not be paid in that year. Programmes have until the end of 2001 to spend and claim the amounts allocated and committed for the period 1994–99.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of when the OPEC member countries' decision to restore their production to pre-March 1999 levels will be reflected in petroleum prices in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [124205]

OPEC production increases, agreed in March 2000, led to a significant fall in crude oil prices, which has subsequently been reversed due to low stock levels and high product demand.In recent months, historically low product stocks and significant European refinery maintenance have reduced the supply of petroleum to the market, putting pressure on prices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to limit the provision of export credits for non-productive exports. [124660]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to a question from the hon. Member for South-West Devon (Mr. Streeter) on 8 February 2000, Official Report, column 216–18WThere are no plans at present to extend this initiative to other countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received calling for the undergrounding of the proposed Lackenby to Shipton overhead transmission line to prevent damage from lightning storms. [124227]

Other than the hon. Member's letter of 24 May 2000 to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, to which I am replying separately, I am aware of no such representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the current economic impact of assisted area status on the Scottish Highlands; and if he will make a statement. [124775]

Assisted area status is widely considered to have a positive economic impact on those areas—such as the Scottish Highlands—covered by the assisted area map.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which representatives of the UK Government will be attending the World Petroleum Congress in Calgary this month. [125015]

The Department will be represented by senior officials.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Energy Council on 30 May. [125577]

The Council considered several matters of interest to the United Kingdom.The centre-piece of the Council was a structured debate on energy liberalisation where the Commission presented a paper outlining progress on building a single energy market with proposals for accelerating liberalisation. Ministers were asked to comment on measures needed to monitor progress, further harmonisation requirements, social implications and public service obligations. The UK welcomed the Lisbon agreement on accelerating liberalisation, called for 100 per cent. liberalisation by a specific date and supported further structural measures including unbundling and regulated third party access. The UK circulated a report on the UK's experience of the social effects of energy liberalisation aimed at providing the Council with a balanced analysis of social effects of energy liberalisation. Also the UK/Netherlands circulated preliminary results of a joint study providing both qualitative and quantitative data on the development of competition in gas and electricity markets across Europe and urged the Commission to take this work forward. The Commission and most member states welcomed this work. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Council adopted conclusions welcoming progress on implementation of the electricity directive and the agreement of the European electricity regulatory forum on a cross border transmission pricing mechanism, effective from 1 October, and acknowledged that further work was needed on congestion management. On gas the conclusions noted the work of the European gas regulatory forum.In addition, the Commission presented a draft proposal on access for renewables to the internal electricity market and an energy efficiency action plan. The UK welcomed both dossiers identified as priorities in the UK Presidency. The first is a particularly important single market measure and both are key elements of the energy/environment integration strategy developed as part of the EU's response towards our Kyoto targets. The Council agreed conclusions on the energy efficiency action plan which recognised the need for Community policies and measures to complement, coordinate and add value to national actions, and invited the Commission, working in cooperation with member states, to come forward with specific proposals quickly.The Council agreed conclusions on gas security of supply which invited the Commission to continue to monitor the supply position in Europe and to establish a group on an informal basis to discuss mutual areas of interest to improve coordination between member states.Also, the Council adopted a decision enabling the European Community to sign an agreement with the United States on the coordination of energy-efficient labelling programmes for office equipment—energy star—and reached political agreement on a draft regulation for implementation of the energy star scheme.Finally, the Council noted reports on Euro-Med Cooperation including conclusions and the Energy Charter Treaty.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the (a) number and (b) locations are of grace and favour residences not within royal palaces. [118871]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Baker) by the Prime Minister on 5 June 2000, Official Report, columns 50–51W.

To ask the President of the Council if she will list (a) the Bills since May 1997 that have been subject to a guillotine and (b) the date of each guillotine motion, indicating which were all-party programme motions. [124847]

The information requested is as follows:

	Date
Session 1997–98
Bills subject to allocation of time (guillotine) motions:
Referendums (Scotland and Wales)	3 June 1997
	30 July 1997
Finance Bill	14 July 1997
	23 July 1997
European Communities (Amendment)	17 December 1997
Bills subject to allocation of time (programme) motions:
Scotland Bill	13 January 19981
Government of Wales Bill	15 January 19981
Regional Development Agencies Bill	27 March 1998
Northern Ireland (Elections) Bill	22 April 1998
Teaching and Higher Education Bill [Lords]	19 May 1998
Human Rights Bill [Lords]	1 June 19981
	21 October 1998
Northern Ireland (Sentences) Bill	11 June 1998
Crime and Disorder Bill [Lords]	16 June 1998
Landmines Bill	9 July 1998
Northern Ireland Bill	17 July 1998
Bills subject to Allocation of Time (Business of the House) Motions
Criminal Justice Bill (Terrorism and Conspiracy)	2 September 1998
Session 1998–99
Bills subject to allocation of time (guillotine) motions:
European Parliamentary Elections Bill	2 December 1999
Local Government Bill	24 March 1999
	26 July 1999
Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill	20 May 1999
	3 November 1999
Health Bill [Lords]	15 June 1999
Immigration and Asylum Bill	15 June 1999
	9 November 1999
Tax Credits Bill	22 June 1999
Access to Justice Bill [Lords]	22 June 1999
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill [Lords]	8 July 1999

	Date
Food Standards Bill	22 July 1999
	8 November 1999
Employment Relations Bill	22 July 1999
	26 July 199
Greater London Authority Bill	8 November 1999
Bills subject to Allocation of Time (Programme) Motions
Greater London Authority Bill	13 January 1999
	30 April 1999
Northern Ireland Bill	13 July 1999
Session 1999–2000
Bills subject to allocation of time (guillotine) motions:
Representation of the People Bill	20 January 2000
	8 March 2000
Nuclear Safeguards Bill [Lords]	22 May 2000
Sea Fishing Grants (Charges) Bill	22 May 2000
Royal Parks (Trading) Bill	22 May 2000
Television Licences (Disclosure of Information Bill)	22 May 2000
Bills subject to allocation of time (programme) motions:
Northern Ireland Bill	8 February 2000
Financial Services and Market Bill	9 February 2000
Transport Bill	9 May 2000
1Indicates programme motion subsequently amended. For details see Sessional Returns 1997–98)142), pp 10–12.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 2000, Official Report, column 581W, on opinion research, what steps have been taken to ensure that his Department makes such results publicly available as required by paragraph 19 of the Cabinet Office May 1999 Guidelines on Research into Public Attitudes and Opinions. [124903]

Officials in the Department and its agencies and staff in our NDPBs are aware of their obligations under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, to which paragraph 19 of the Cabinet Office Guidelines refers, and I expect them to ensure that the Code of Practice is followed. A senior official in my Department wrote to all chief executives of DCMS NDPBs on 10 December 1999, drawing their attention to the publication of the Freedom of Information Bill and reminding them of the need to comply, until a Freedom of Information Act is brought into force, with the Code of Practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will list the (a) health and (b) education projects that have been funded from the National Lottery in each of the last two years; and how much each has received. [123634]

Lottery funding for health and education projects is primarily distributed through the New Opportunities Fund, although some awards made by other distributors, such as Sport England, the Arts Council and the National Lottery Charities Board, will certainly have educational or health benefits.Over the past two years, the New Opportunities Fund has made nearly 1,000 separate awards distributing £75 million to its educational and health programmes. These awards have included nearly £65 million to 980 out of school hours child care and learning schemes, and £10 million to create six Healthy Living Centres. The Fund is about to begin distributing to NHS Trusts over £90 million worth of equipment for detecting and treating cancer.I have asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to write to the hon. Member with full details of all of the health and education awards. Copies of this letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the level of funding granted by her Department for reproductive health projects in (1) 2000–01 will be set at 85 per cent. for the entire duration of such projects; [124901](2) 2001–02 will be set at 70 per cent. for the entire duration of such projects. [124902]

The levels of funding granted by my Department, under the Civil Society Challenge Fund for new reproductive health projects funded in the following fiscal years, are:

funded in 2000–01—up to 85 per cent. funding available

funded in 2001–02—up to 70 per cent. funding available

funded in 2002–03—up to 50 per cent. funding available.

The funding level agreed in the first year of each project will be set for the entire duration of the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many times her Department has accessed the Treasury's central reserve to fund humanitarian emergencies this year; and if she will make a statement. [124998]

My Department has not accessed the Treasury's central reserve during the 2000–01 financial year. During 1999–2000, DFID accessed the central reserve on two occasions to help fund humanitarian emergencies in Kosovo and East Timor.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of the United Kingdom's assistance to Kosovo is paid from her Department's conflict and emergency fund; and how much is met from Her Majesty's Treasury's central reserve. [125001]

I refer the hon. Member to page 86 (Box 6d) of the Department for International Development's Departmental Report 2000, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the humanitarian effects of the recent earthquake in Sumatra. [125019]

The worst affected areas are Bengkulu and Lampung Provinces and the island of Enggano. Over 100 people are confirmed as dead and a further 700 people have been injured. These figures are likely to rise. There has been extensive damage to housing and public buildings, including Bengkulu city hospital. Communication with the Bengkulu area is extremely difficult as the telephone system is down and access has been restricted due to damage to the airport, major roads and bridges. However, initial reports indicate that the damage was not as devastating as might have been expected, given the size of the earthquake.The Indonesian authorities have rapidly mobilised civil and military assets to respond to the disaster and are supported by the local Red Cross Society. A six-person United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team has been deployed to the region to assist with the relief effort.My Department has contributed £250,000 for the purchase and distribution of relief items, such as shelter, blankets and the provision of clean water and first aid. This support is being channelled through the Red Cross and will target 140,000 of the worst affected people. We will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to respond further to assessed needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian impact of the drought affecting the Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat. [125018]

A team from my Department has recently returned from India where they made a humanitarian assessment of the impact of the drought and the likely needs of the population. The team found Rajasthan and Gujarat to be among the three states in India worst affected by the drought. The principal humanitarian impacts of the drought include a significant reduction in household income; an increase in temporary migration; death of livestock; weakening of remaining herds; and health problems associated with scarcity of water and reduced food intake.The Government of India have launched a large-scale drought relief effort which appears to be reaching a significant proportion of the affected population. United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations are also active in providing humanitarian assistance to those suffering as a result of the drought.We have committed nearly £3 million for relief projects in response to the drought regionally, including Pakistan and Afghanistan which are also badly affected. £500,000 of this support is being channelled through Oxfam for their relief programme in Rajasthan and Gujarat. We are considering what further assistance to provide.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress has been made with the implementation of the EU's initiative on prevention of trafficking of light weapons in southern Africa launched in 1998. [125020]

Progress has been made in a number of areas. Key organisations such as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO) have made significant efforts to take forward components of the agreed agenda in order to better address small arms questions, and are playing a growing role in bringing together a regional approach. The regional action programme has itself been an important mechanism around which the actions of donors can be co-ordinated with the needs and priorities of partner countries.We have continued to provide support through non-governmental organisations such as Saferworld and the South African Institute for Security Studies (ISS) to take the regional action programme forward. In addition, we are also supporting a number of relevant police and customs service development projects which increase security and thereby decrease the need for, and availability of, small arms.We are committed to continuing support for the regional action programme and to working closely with other UK Departments to ensure that this important initiative remains a priority activity for the EU.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many questionnaires have been compiled by his Department since 1 May 1997 for public distribution; and what has been the response rate for each. [123611]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to previous answers given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Europe about the questionnaire attached to the "Your Britain, Your Europe" leaflet on 10 April 2000, Official Report, column 77W; on 2 May 2000, Official Report, column 67W; and on 15 May 2000, Official Report, column 28W. In addition, at two FCO Open Days in October 1999 we distributed just under 720 questionnaires to canvass reactions from visitors. We received 227 replies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the support for the Government forces in Sri Lanka from Israel. [124357]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 8 May 2000, Official Report, column 259W, on the inter-Governmental conference, in what manner applicant states will be permitted (a) to operate fisheries within community waters and (b) otherwise to participate in execution of common policies. [124373]

(a) Negotiations on Fisheries have started with six applicant countries (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia). The EU Common Positions agreed for these negotiations will make clear that all new member states will be expected to apply the Common Fisheries Policy in full and that access to fisheries resources within. EU waters will be based on the principle of relative stability, which allocates national quotas according to historic catch levels. In their position papers, these countries have accepted the principle of relative stability and are only seeking to maintain access to stocks and waters which they already fish.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which published documents relating to the Court of the European Communities contain the (a) required qualifications for persons appointed to it as judges and decision makers concerning its preliminary proceedings including those conducted by the advocate general and the Court of First Instance, (b) procedures for their selection and appointment and the names of the persons appointing them and their staff; together with the names and previous experience and qualifications of the current judges and advocates general, together with the dates of their appointment and the expiry of their terms of office. [124638]

The criteria for nomination and the appointment procedure for judges and advocates general at the European Court of Justice are set out in Article 223 TEC. The criteria for judges at the Court of First Instance are set out in Article 225.3. Profiles of the judges can be found on the Court of Justice website at www.curia.eu.int.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the differences between the commitments (a) made in the final declaration of the Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, held in New York in April-May and (b) entered into in 1970 by nuclear weapons states in respect of Article VI of the Treaty. [124794]

The unequivocal undertaking to the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals contained in the final document of the 2000 NPT Review Conference is the most explicit pledge ever made by the Nuclear Weapon States to work for complete global nuclear disarmament. It is an important statement of intent which we hope will provide a timely boost to international non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. The UK played a key role in securing agreement with the New Agenda Coalition for this important achievement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the forthcoming business in the Council of the European Union to June and also list the major European Union events for the next six months. [125576]

The information is as follows:

European Calendar: June-November 2000

This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.

Date	Venue	Event
June
6	Luxembourg	Social Affairs Council
8	Luxembourg	Education Council
13–14	Luxembourg	General Affairs Council
13–16	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
15	Luxembourg	Research Council
16	Luxembourg	Fisheries Council
19–20	Luxembourg	Agriculture Council
19–20	Sta. Maria da Feira	European Council
21–23	Cyprus	3rd Euro-Mediterranean Conference of the Ministers of Industry
22–23	Luxembourg	Environment Council
26–27	Luxembourg	Transport Council
28	Lisbon	EU/India Summit
July
3–7	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
7–8	Paris	—
10–11	Brussels	GAC
15–16	Paris	Environment Council (Informal)
17	Brussels	ECOFIN Council
17–18	Brussels	Agriculture Council
17–18	Brussels	Agriculture Council
20–21	Lille	Culture Council (Informal)
27	Bangkok	ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial
28–29	Bangkok	ASEAN Post Ministerial
28–29	Marseilles	Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal)
20	Tokyo	EU/Japan Summit
August
There are no Councils scheduled for this month
September
1–2	Evian	Gymnich
3–5	Biarritz	Agriculture Council (Informal)
15	Paris	EU/Ukraine Summit

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Step Change Project, listing its aims, objectives and methods. [124332]

Following Britain's Presidency in 1998, the Prime Minister called for a "Step Change" in Britain's relations with its European partners. The initiative is intended to increase ministerial and official contacts across Europe and thereby promote British interests in the EU. As Minister for Europe, I co-ordinate Whitehall's "Step Change" efforts through the "Ministerial Group for European Co-ordination" (MINECOR).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the rules concerning use of British embassies overseas by (a) Ministers and (b) hon. Members for party political activities. [124333]

It is established policy that Government property should not be used for party political activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when (a) he, (b) other Foreign Office ministers and (c) officials were informed of statements made by Mr. Ahmad Behbahani, in respect of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103. [124946]

Officials were informed of Mr. Behbahani's remarks on 5 June 2000. Ministers were informed on 6 June 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will obtain and assess the text of the statement made in the USA on 4 June by Mr. Ahmed Behbahani in relation to the Lockerbie bombing; and if he will make a statement. [124897]

Since Mr. Behbahani's alleged remarks relate to the current trial at the Scottish Court in the Netherlands, it would be inappropriate to comment on them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what scent discussions he has had with the United States counterparts concerning the use of Fusarium Oxysporum in drug eradication strategies in Colombia and Peru. [124999]

Field trials on Fusarium Oxysporum have not yet been conducted by UNDCP in Colombia. Before these take place further research would need to be carried out inter alia to confirm that it is specific to coca and would not harm agricultural crops and other plant species. Field testing and any subsequent eradication campaign would also have to be approved by the Colombian Government.Her Majesty's Government are not funding UNDCP research into Fusarium Oxysporum. The Foreign Secretary has not discussed it with the US Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his UN counterparts about the effectiveness of the UN Drugs Control Programme's drug reduction strategy for drug-producing regions. [125017]

The UK is an active participant in UN drugs policy forums and is a key supporter of the United Nations Drugs Control Programme. In co-ordination with the United States and EU partners, the UK is supporting improved evaluation and management procedures in UNDCP drugs assistance projects. Examples of UK contributions include support for effective action by the UNDCP in reducing the cultivation of coca bush in Bolivia.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with the return of East Timorese refugees from West Timor. [125016]

More than 162,000 refugees have now returned to East Timor. The UK continues to press the Indonesian authorities to resolve outstanding issues (eg civil service pensions) to allow those refugees who still wish to return to do so safely and speedily.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts concerning the implementation of the 1999 EU resolution on combating the excessive and uncontrolled accumulation and spread of small arms. [125021]

None, but officials regularly discuss small arms issues with EU counterparts and the Commission. These issues include the implementation of the resolution and the related December 1998 Joint Action on small arms proliferation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Government plan to ratify the protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child prohibiting states from allowing children under the age of 18 years to fight in armed conflicts. [125022]

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 25 May 2000. It is expected to be opened for signature and ratification later this year. The Government welcome adoption of the Optional Protocol. We are looking closely at the implications for the UK Armed Forces and the measures that would be required to allow the UK to ratify.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 17 April 2000, Official Report, column 394W, if he will make a statement on progress made in the hosting of an international gathering to discuss the details of Plan Colombia before the donors conference in July. [125013]

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will host a preparatory meeting of senior officials and technical experts on Colombia on Monday 19 June. The Colombian Government will be represented as well as the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, selected NGOs and the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Colombia. We have invited all EU member states, the Commission, Japan, Canada, the US, Norway and Switzerland.On 5 June I hosted a meeting in the FCO with academics and NGOs in order to hear a wide range of views of academics, NGOs and officials prior to the London and Madrid meetings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current security situation in Pristina and its effect on the safety of returning refugees. [124906]

The security situation in Pristina is described as generally calm by the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). There is no general threat to Kosovo Albanian refugees returning to Pristina. In the case of Serb refugee returns, UNMIK and KFOR are doing their utmost to facilitate their return, offering protection where necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of total capital spending Government spending on housing and construction represented in each of the last 10 years. [123007]

Central Government capital expenditure on housing in England as a percentage of total capital public spending for England over the last 10 years is set out in the table. Expenditure consists mainly of grants and subsidies provided through local authorities and the Housing Corporation. By 2001–02, the Government will have doubled the annual level of capital expenditure on housing that it inherited from the previous administration.

Year	Percentage
1990–91	12.9
1991–92	14.7
1992–93	16.0
1993–94	14.8
1994–95	11.9
1995–96	10.1
1996–97	11.4
1997–98	9.7
1998–99	10.5
1999–20001	10.7
1Provisional

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which EU legislation governs direct expenditure by London Underground Ltd. and its successors, in undertaking or supervising by a combination of direct and contracted operations, measures necessary to ensure the standards of operational performance required by the long-term contracts proposed by the Government. [124637]

All arrangements will need to be compatible with the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty and associated legislation.

Site operator	Site location	Type of facility	Waste planning authority area	Annual input (tonnes)
Shanks & McEwan	Brogborough	1—	Bedfordshire	2,235,514
Cory Environmental	Mucking	1—	Thurrock	983,427
Cleanaway	Pitsea	1—	Essex	324,659
Shanks & McEwan	Stewartby	1—	Bedfordshire	766,707
Cleanaway	Ockendon	1—	Thurrock	627,848
Greenways Waste Management	Aveley	1—	Essex	381,867
Viridor	Gt. Blakenham	Suffolk	1—	264,244

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 12 May 2000, Official Report, column 485W, how many prosecutions under section 59(8) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have been made concerning waste left by unauthorised camping. [124746]

The Department holds no central records of prosecutions made under this provision.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the result of the trials on the effects of mobile phones on flight safety carried out by the CAA; what recommendations have been made by the CAA as a result of these trials and what changes will be made to flight safety rules as a result. [124783]

The CAA carried out tests on the level of interference from passengers' mobile phones on the avionics systems of two aircraft parked at Gatwick Airport in February. These tests confirmed that mobile phone transmissions (including those made when a phone is on standby) made near an aircraft's flight deck or avionics equipment will produce interference that exceeds certification levels for some equipment. Consequently, the CAA will maintain their policy of prohibiting the use of mobile phones by passengers while an aircraft's engines are running.The CAA is also consulting airport operators and airlines about the viability and value of additional measures to further minimise the risks of inadvertent operation of portable telephones. Such additional measures could include reminder notices in airport departure lounges and at aircraft boarding points and the introduction by airlines of detection equipment and related procedures to ensure telephones are switched off.The full report of the tests is available on the CAA's web site: www.srg.caa.co.uk/srg/srg—news.asp.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 2000, Official Report, column 570W, concerning the main waste disposal facilities in the East of England, if he will list the quantity of waste dealt with at each facility in 1998–99 or the nearest available year. [124804]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: The quantity of waste dealt with, in tonnes of waste for 1998–99 (or the nearest available year), at the main waste disposal facilities in the East of England, is shown in the table.

Site operator	Site location	Type of facility	Waste planning authority area	Annual input (tonnes)
Cory Environmental	Stanway	1—	Essex	248,378
SITA	Godmanchester	1—	Cambridgeshire	240,510
Shanks & McEwan	Arlesey	1—	Bedfordshire	224,203
Lafarge Redland	Radlett	1—	Hertfordshire	2—
Shanks & McEwan	Dogsthorpe	1—	Peterborough	212,052
Fenside Waste Management	Warboys	1—	Cambridgeshire	197,995
Star Quarry Products	Hertford	1—	Hertfordshire	2—
Anti Waste	Milton	1—	Cambridgeshire	148,383
Greenways Waste Management	Ongar	1—	Essex	147,962
Cory Environmental	1—	Barling	Essex	144,722
Anti Waste	Buckden	1—	Cambridgeshire	139,980
Pioneer Aggregates Ltd.	Ware Quarry	1—	Hertfordshire	2—
Hales	Ugley	Essex	1—	118,028
Greenham Construction Materials	Elsenham	1—	Essex	115,780
Anti Waste	Feltwell	1—	Norfolk	113,055
Mick George Haulage Ltd.	Southorpe Quarry	1—	Peterborough	108,766
Hales	Attlebridge	1—	Norfolk	97,633
Lafarge Redland	Roxwell	1—	Essex	96,300
St. Albans Sand and Gravel	Ware	1—	Hertfordshire	2—
St. Albans Sand and Gravel	St. Albans	1—	Hertfordshire	2—
Suffolk Waste Disposal Co.	Lackford	1—	Suffolk	92,624
M Dickerson	Hemingford Grey	1—	Cambridgeshire	92,218
1Landfill
2Not available

The data for landfills in Hertfordshire is missing. This is because the Environmental Protection Act 1990 makes provision for licensees to request that such information be kept off the public register on the grounds of commercial confidentiality. The Agency is in the process of reviewing these cases.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions his Department has had with Central Railway in relation to the company's plans for a high speed freight rail link with particular reference to the part of the route adjacent to or in the vicinity of the M25; and if he will make a statement. [124844]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: None.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what contacts have taken place between (a) officials, (b) special advisers and (c) Ministers in his Department and representatives of the Central Railway. [125062]

Officials met representatives from Central Railway in 1998 to discuss its revised proposals for a freight railway between Liverpool and Lille. Ministers have received further representations from the company from time to time, including copies of its consultation documents.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he takes to ensure that Government subsidies to privatised railway companies are not passed on to shareholders. [124805]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: Government subsidies to privatised railway companies take two forms: payments under franchise agreements to passenger train operating companies, and grant payments to rail freight operators under the track access and freight facilities grant schemes.Franchise subsidies are agreed by the Franchising Director following competitive tender. Franchise payments are for specific contractual obligations, including minimum service levels, which the operator must fulfil.Grant payments to rail freight operators are available on application in accordance with the published terms of the grant schemes. The grant payments are calculated at the lower of the environmental benefit gained, the economic need of the business, and, where applicable, the level of track access charge. Grant is paid only where the service or investment in question is actually delivered.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 23 May 2000, Official Report, column 436W, which external consultants the Franchising Director used to satisfy himself of the validity of the Virgin rail study on electrification of the North Wales main line; and what their terms of reference were. [124802]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: The Franchising Director commissioned MVA Ltd. in connection with the Virgin study. Their terms of reference were to make an assessment of the study to allow the sSRA to reach a view on the robustness of methodology and the merits of the proposed North Wales electrification scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to ensure that rail passengers are not overcharged when buying tickets. [124800]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: A condition of station operators' licences from the Rail Regulator is that accurate and impartial advice on ticket pricing must be given to passengers.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many bus monitors have been employed by the Vehicle Inspectorate in each year from 1997 to date. [124909]

The Vehicle Inspectorate employed 12 bus monitors in a successful pilot project in 1999. The same number will be employed in 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent assessment he has made of the sufficiency of the personnel available to the Traffic Commissioner within the South Eastern and Metropolitan traffic areas. [124908]

The level of resources, including the number of staff, required to support the Traffic Commissioner for the South Eastern and Metropolitan Traffic Area is assessed each year as part of the normal budgeting process. More generally, the Traffic Area Network is engaged in a major modernisation programme—called TAN 21—designed to equip all the Traffic Area Offices across the country with up to date management and business systems. This has involved a fundamental review of all the business processes carried out in the offices. The aim is to provide improved support to the Traffic Commissioners and a better customer service to the commercial transport industries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities which do not include in their codes of conduct the 15 principles of conduct set out in the White Paper, "Local Government: In Touch with the People". [125101]

It is not yet a statutory requirement for local authorities to have their own code of conduct. The obligation on local authorities to adopt a code of conduct, based on the general principles of conduct, is contained within Part III of the Local Government Bill, currently in Committee in this House.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the local authorities which have not yet established formal whistleblowing arrangements in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998. [125103]

My Department collects no information on whether local authorities have such procedures in place. While many employers, including local authorities, will wish to introduce procedures that facilitate internal whistleblowing, the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 does not require them to do so, nor to inform the Government of their actions in this respect.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry regarding projected passenger numbers and numbers of flights into airports in the south-east of England. [124488]

None. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) report, "Options for Growth—meeting demand at London's airports", was received by my Department after it had been published and the contents widely reported.The work was commissioned independently and there were no discussions between my Department and the LCCI regarding the report.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received regarding new runways in the south-east of England. [124490]

The commissioning of the South East and East of England Regional Air Services (SERAS) study, and the consultation on the proposed appraisal framework to be used in that study, has resulted in a wide range of organisations making representations about new runways in the south-east of England.These are being carefully considered as part of the ongoing SERAS work. We are currently in the early stages of assessing options, both at existing airports and possible new sites. We will proceed through successive sifts to narrow down options to a final shortlist, on which there will be a full public consultation before Ministers come to decisions.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many representations he has received in respect of the possible demolition of houses in Broad Lane, Liverpool; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement. [125106]

I have received a total of nine representations regarding the concerns of tenants and residents in Broad Lane, Liverpool. I have been assured by Liverpool City Council that tenants and residents will continue to be consulted throughout the development of proposals for the area, and my responses have reflected this.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the outcome of the recent United Nations meeting on the oceans. [125404]

The United Nations Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and Law of the Sea met for the first time in New York last week. This is a new initiative to provide a global forum where we can identify ways to improve co-ordination at a national and international level, in order to ensure effective implementation of the framework provided by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and Chapter 17 of Agenda 21 (Oceans and All Seas). Participants include states, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations.The first meeting succeeded in providing a forum both for a general debate on oceans issues and for a more detailed discussion of particular topics. The scope for further action to counter piracy and armed robbery at sea, and improving co-ordination of global oceans management, particularly by making use of the Secretary General's annual report on all aspects of oceans use, were among the issues covered by the general debate.The two issues given special consideration at this meeting were improved fisheries management, particularly to counter the problem of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing, and the economic and social implications of marine pollution.On fisheries, one of the main priorities to emerge was the need for early adoption by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of an International Action Plan on IUU fishing. There was also support for the newly agreed co-operation between the FAO and the International Maritime Organisation on developing control measures. Regional fisheries organisations were recognised as pivotal instruments through which states can manage particular fisheries, taking account of scientific stock assessments and balancing priorities, including food security and the need for sustainable economic base for fishing communities.On marine pollution, the meeting acknowledged the recent progress that had been made in implementing the 1995 Washington Global Programme of Action to Protect the Marine Environment against Land-Based Activities (GPA), but urged states and inter-governmental agencies to do more in this regard. It was also suggested that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) might identify what international support is needed to overcome the obstacles to the implementation of the GPA at national and local levels. The need to integrate action on marine pollution and degradation into mainstream investment programmes, as well as the need for capacity building to facilitate the integrated management of the coastal zone, were both highlighted.The report of the meeting will be submitted to this Autumn's UN General Assembly debate on Oceans and Law of the Sea, where I hope it will help produce a focused General Assembly resolution covering the priority areas for action.There will be a further meeting of the new process next year. A number of possible issues for special discussion have already been identified. These include improved development and use of marine science, and capacity building in developing countries.Particularly today, World Oceans Day, I am pleased to confirm that the UK will continue to support and encourage this new informal consultative process. As well as participating in the meeting, this year we helped to shape the agenda and were able to help broaden participation by funding the attendance of a number of experts from developing countries. I hope that others will follow this lead.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if there is an exemption order for the fleet of new Class 170/5 and 170/6 trains to be introduced into service by Central Trains Ltd. in respect of any of the provisions of the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998; and if he will make a statement. [125526]

We have received an application from Central Trains Ltd. relating to the new Class 170/5 and 170/6 trains they wish to introduce into service. The exemptions have been discussed with our statutory advisers the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. An exemption order relating to the exemption of these trains was laid in Parliament on Thursday 1 June. Copies are available from the Library.The exemptions will not prevent disabled people from using the new trains. Indeed, we believe that the introduction of the new trains will make a significant contribution to improving mobility opportunities for disabled people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have claimed under the Sure Start Maternity Grant scheme; what steps his Department is taking to make sure that people eligible for this grant are aware of it; and if he will make a statement. [124548]

Sure Start Maternity Grant was introduced on 27 March of this year for babies due or born on or after 11 June. The Maternity Payment scheme remains in operation for babies due or born on or before 10 June. Both schemes will continue to run concurrently during the transitional period. In the first full month of the new payment's operation (up to 30 April), there were an estimated 5,224 claims. During the same period there were 8,430 claims for Maternity Payments. The number of claims made for Sure Start Maternity Grant will inevitably be lower now than they will be when claims for Maternity Payments finally come to an end.To raise awareness of the new grant a special leaflet and poster have been produced jointly by this Department and the Department of Health. These are being distributed to outlets likely to be used by lower income families with newly born babies. The leaflet is included in a free pack that expectant mothers can obtain from Mothercare. The leaflet and a poster are being distributed through a number of major retail and pharmaceutical chains. They are also available through doctors' surgeries, through advisory organisations, through key Employment Service offices offering ONE and departmental local offices.The leaflet and poster are available in Welsh as well as in English and are available in Braille and cassette versions. Information on Sure Start Maternity Grant is also included in departmental leaflets "Expecting a Baby?" and "Babies and Children". These are available in English, Welsh and eight ethnic languages. To coincide with the launch of the new payment, articles were placed in women's magazines. Advice on the grant can also be accessed through the departmental website pages.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will extend maternity benefit to those lower-paid women who are excluded from receiving payment; how many people will be beneficiaries of this payment; and if he will make a statement. [124550]

More women will be able to qualify for Maternity Allowance (MA) under new rules which apply to women expecting babies on or after 20 August 2000. The improvements will extend MA to low-paid women who earn at least £30 a week on average, and who are employed or self-employed for 26 weeks in the 66 week period ending with the week before the week the baby is expected.Around 11,000 employed women and 2,000 self-employed women will receive a maternity payment for the first time. The changes will also increase MA by 15 per cent. for around 11,000 self-employed women who, until now, received less MA than employed women.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people (a) are eligible for and (b) claim the state pension in (i) Scotland, (ii) Dumfries and Galloway and (iii) Galloway and Upper Nithsdale parliamentary constituency. [124729]

The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is as follows.There were an estimated 919,600 people of pensionable age resident in Scotland in mid-1998. It is not known how many of these were eligible for the State Retirement Pension.31,800 people of pensionable age were estimated to be resident in Dumfries and Galloway unitary local authority in mid-1998 and 14,700 people of pensionable age were estimated to be resident in Galloway and Upper Nithsdale parliamentary constituency in 1991.An estimated 875,500 people were receiving State Retirement Pension in Scotland in March 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the amount of the basic pension would be if it had been uprated in line with hon. Members' salaries since 1987. [124247]

[holding answer 6 June 2000]: The basic State Pension for a single person in 1987 was £39.50 a week. By 2000 it would have been raised by a factor of 2.61, had it been increased in line with hon. Members salaries over this period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were recipients of winter fuel payments in 1999–2000; how many people who were eligible he estimates did not take advantage of these payments; and if he will make a statement. [124546]

In the winter of 1999–2000 around 10 million people in over 7.5 million households received winter fuel payments.In the first three winters of the winter fuel payment scheme, eligibility was based on receipt of one of a number of Social Security benefits. We were able to identify those eligible through the benefit computer systems, and then make payments automatically. There was therefore no need for anyone to claim their winter fuel payment, and all those eligible should have received the payment.As a result of changes to the winter fuel payment eligibility rules announced in December 1999, it has been necessary to introduce a claims process so that people aged 60 and over can establish whether they are eligible. The new rules are being backdated to the beginning of the scheme in the winter of 1997–98. The claims process will enable newly eligible people, many of whom are not in receipt of benefits and who will therefore not be identifiable through the benefit computer systems, to claim their winter fuel payments for past winters. It is too early to say what proportion of the newly eligible population will apply for such payments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people in (a) Scotland, (b) Dumfries and Galloway and (c) Galloway and Upper Nithsdale parliamentary constituency have claimed support under the minimum income guarantee. [124714]

Approximately 21,000 new claims have been made for the minimum income guarantee in Scotland since its introduction in 1999.

Current numbers of pensioners in receipt of the minimum income guarantee—February 2000
Parliamentary Constituency/Local Authority Area/Country	Number
Scotland	162,000
Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority Area	4,000
Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Parliamentary Constituency	2,000

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the ONE service operation currently piloted in 12 locations will be extended to other areas; when the Portsmouth area will be covered; and if he will make a statement. [124554]

The 12 pilots of the new ONE service are planned to run until March 2002. The pilots have been designed to test the effectiveness of work-focused interviews for all working-age clients and to develop appropriate models for the integration and improvement of welfare services. No decision has yet been made as to when ONE might be extended beyond the current pilot areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what percentage of children who had their first claim for Disability Living Allowance disallowed, appealed against the decision in (a) Halton, (b) the North West and (c) England and Wales in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999; [123927](2) what percentages of children under the age of five years making their first claim for Disability Living Allowance, had their claim

The administration of Disability Living Allowance is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what performance targets exist for the issue of pension books; [124234](2) what is the average length of time it takes for a widow to receive her pension book from the date of bereavement; [124233](3) how many pension books have been recalled due to errors by the Benefits Agency in each of the past three years. [124235]

The administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend. If he has a particular constituency problem then perhaps he will write to me.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what reciprocal agreement exists between the United Kingdom and Yugoslavia over the payment of social security benefit; which benefits it covers; if it applies to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [125033]

The UK has had a bilateral social security agreement with the former Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia since 1958. Following the break-up of the Republic, the UK continues to apply the agreement to the now separate independent states until such time as revised agreements are entered into with them individually.The agreement covers Retirement Pension, Widows Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Maternity Benefits, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and Child Benefit. Where a person does not fully satisfy the conditions for any of those benefits, the agreement can help them qualify if they have contributed to both countries' social security schemes. There is no special provision in the agreement for asylum seekers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those local authorities that have not introduced penalties for fraud under the Social Security (Fraud) Act 1997. [125100]

All local authorities have the power to offer administrative penalties to those shown to be claiming Housing Benefit fraudulently, as an alternative to criminal proceedings. From 1999–2000, local authorities have been asked to provide data on the number of penalties offered. These figures are not yet available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 25 May 2000, Official Report, column 619W, concerning market and opinion research, if he will list the title and purpose of each item of research. [124848]

A title and brief description of all research commissioned under the Department's Research Programme, including public opinion research, can be found in the Department's Research Yearbook published annually. A copy of the annual Research Yearbook is available from the House of Commons Library.In addition, the War Pensions Agency carries out an annual survey among its customers entitled "War Pensions Agency Customer Research Survey". The objective of this survey is to assist the Agency in determining the needs, expectations and satisfaction of current and future war pensioners.A list of research conducted by the Communications Directorate since 1 May 1997 is available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost of introducing the integrated child credit; what steps are being taken to ensure that the scheme is delivered at the planned time; and if he will make a statement. [124549]

I have been asked to reply.The integrated child credit announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget Speech will be introduced from 2003 and administered by the Inland Revenue alongside the employment tax credit.The Budget Paper "Tackling Poverty and Making Work Pay: Tax Credits for the 21st century" gives more details of the proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will make a decision on the future provision of acute services by the Surrey and Sussex Healthcare Trust. [124945]

Ministers are fully aware of the strength of local feeling about this issue. A final decision, which will be made as soon as possible, will only be made in the best interests of the local community.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will reply to the letter of 1 February from the hon. Member for Aylesbury about the case of Mrs. Sylvia Morgan. [125063]

Unfortunately, we do not appear to have received the hon. Members letter on behalf of Mrs. Sylvia Morgan. If he passes me a copy of the letter I will ensure that a response is forthcoming as soon as possible. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many intensive care beds there were at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on (a) 1 June 2000 and (b) 1 April 1997. [125059]

The Norfolk and Norwich Hospital had six intensive care beds at 1 April 1997 and 1 June 2000. However, as part of their planning for the 1999–2000 winter period, the trust made provision for two additional intensive care beds by transferring resources from its high dependency beds, which reduced in number from six to four.We have recently announced a significant investment of £150 million of additional resources to improve capacity of critical care services and the Eastern Regional Office of the National Health Service Executive is currently discussing with Norfolk and Norwich Health Care NHS Trust how the trust will improve its critical care services for the coming winter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent research his Department has carried out on the (a) composition and (b) impact on health of organic food. [118571]

The Department has not carried out any research on either the composition or impact on health of organic food.Responsibility for matters relating to the safety and composition of food now rests with the Food Standards Agency. I am advised by the agency that although it has not carried out any research into the composition of organic food it is aware that a number of studies on this subject have been carried out over the last 10 years. I am also advised that the agency has a programme of research assessing microbiological safety issues that are relevant to the production of both organic and conventionally grown fruit and vegetables.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Stewart Committee on Mobile Phones and Health. [122311]

The Stewart report published on 11 May includes over 30 wide-ranging recommendations. We issued our initial response on the same day and copies are available in the Library. We will implement the research in a comprehensive programme costing several million pounds. We plan to launch this programme by September. Further discussions have been held with the Stewart Group about the provision of information to the public about the use of mobile phone technology. Other recommendations are being taken forward by the appropriate Government Departments and agencies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned on the health risks of (a) mobile telephones and (b) telecommunication masts; and if he will make a statement. [122354]

The Department has funded two research projects on possible effects of radio frequency fields similar to those emitted by mobile phones and base stations. (i) a behavioural study of rodents and (ii) a human study involving psychological tests under simulated mobile phone use. The Department is also providing support for the World Health Organisation International Electromagnetic Fields Project and a multinational study of brain cancer and mobile phone use.Preparations are currently under way to set up a substantial programme of research funded jointly by Government and industry. Details will now be taken forward in the light of the recommendations of the independent group on mobile phones and health (Stewart Report). This report was published on 11 May and copies have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned into the possible links between proximity to mobile phone transmitter masts and the development of cancers; and if he will make a statement. [124095]

The Department has not commissioned any research into links between proximity to transmitter masts and cancers. The Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones (the Stewart group) was set up to investigate the broader public health implications of mobile phone technologies. The group's report was published on 11 May and copies are in the Library. The report includes a number of recommendations for research which are being taken forward by Government in a comprehensive programme of research costing several millions of pounds. It is planned to launch this programme by September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of paramedics in the Ambulance Service. [122583]

We have invested a further £21 million this year to support the ambulances in meeting the new national response time performance standards. Meeting the 75 per cent. response time target for immediately life threatening emergencies will require the recruitment and training of significant numbers of paramedics. All 32 ambulance services have presented their plans for improving performance to the National Health Service Executive including the necessary paramedic work force requirements. Currently every frontline ambulance carries a fully trained paramedic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the role of paramedics in the Ambulance Service. [122582]

Ambulance paramedics have made a very valuable contribution to pre-hospital patient care over the past 10 years. They are playing an increasingly important role in saving lives, particularly the lives of people with heart attacks. Their responsibilities include providing life saving care and drugs to people with immediately life threatening medical conditions. That is why we supported their registration as Professions Supplementary to Medicine last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people each year receive financial assistance after appealing for help with NHS costs using an HC1 form. [122783]

In England for the year 1999–2000, the Health Benefits Division of the Prescription Pricing Authority issued around 542,000 National Health Service charges certificates (HC2) for full help and around 299,000 NHS Charges certificates (HC3) for limited help following an HC1 claim. People named on an HC2 would be entitled to full financial assistance with NHS costs (e.g. free NHS prescriptions) when they received treatment. People named on an HC3 would have been entitled to financial assistance with health costs (excluding prescription charges) on a sliding scale when they received treatment. The number of people who receive financial assistance in this way is not recorded.