To ask the Solicitor-General what guidance has been issued to Crown prosecutors about securing international football banning orders in respect of persons convicted of violence associated with football matches. [126869]

Detailed internal guidance on the Football (Offences and Disorder) Act 1999, which widened the circumstances in which the courts can prevent those convicted of football-related offences from attending matches abroad, was issued to all Crown Prosecutors on 14 September 1999. This guidance stressed the importance of the legislation in relation to the Euro 2000 tournament, and advised prosecutors that the courts should be reminded of their duty to impose international football banning orders, whenever appropriate.Further guidance was circulated on 16 June 2000 informing all Crown Prosecutors of two statutory instruments which now allow criminal offences committed by English and Welsh football supporters in Belgium and the Netherlands to be used as the subject of international football banning orders imposed in our domestic courts.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the dates on which the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment has met to discuss the contamination by GMOs of rape seed. [123833]

[holding answer 25 May 2000]: Advanta were unable to give sufficient information at the meeting with officials on 17 April for ACRE to be consulted at that stage. Advanta were initially unable to state for certain what type of GMs were found, the level of GM presence (and how reliable the information was) or which seed batches were involved.When this information was available the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment were consulted through correspondence with the DETR on 10 May. This is normal procedure for seeking their views on issues outside their normal meeting schedule. The advice was clear on 17 May, prior to the Government's announcement, and ratified at their meeting on 25 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the percentage changes in grants to local authorities, including revenue support grant, in each of the last three years, broken down by (a) London boroughs, (b) Metropolitan councils, (c) counties, (d) unitary authorities and (e) shire districts. [124989]

The table sets out the percentage change in the amounts of grants made by my Department to local authorities in each of the last three financial years. It has not been possible to provide the requested breakdown by local authority class, because information is not held in that form for all the grants concerned. In addition, local government reorganisation during this period means that any data provided on a local authority class basis would not be comparable year on year.

Percentage
Description of Grant	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000
Disabled facilities grant	2.2	4.5	13.2
Housing investment programme (private sector renewal grant)	-27.7	-10.3	-3.8
Housing revenue account subsidy (rent rebate element)	-4.8	-11.8	1.0
Estates renewal challenge fund	124.3	-45.0	-75.3
Housing defects grants	-64.6	-53.6	-38.5
Gipsy site grant	-68.1	-76.3	-33.3
Home improvement agencies	15.8	18.2	17.3
Estates action	-22.3	-36.1	-43.6
European regional development fund	7.1	11.0	31.8
LA social housing grant	4.1	-8.0	-2.0
Loan charges: defective housing	-2.4	-2.5	1.9
Overhanging debt
Rural bus challenge grant	—	2—	176.2
Rural bus subsidy grant	—	2—	26.7
Public transport facilities grant	-12.7	-84.6	-77.7
Transport supplementary grant	-17.4	-20.2	1.6
Metropolitan railways passenger services grant	3—	-11.7	-9.1
Industrial Development Act 1982 grant	-66.2	53.1	-20.0
Planning redevelopment grant	261.7	16.6	4—
Air quality grant	-98.3	-93.8
Revenue support grant	3.4	4.6	2.1
National non-domestic rates	-4.6	5.8	8.8
Bellwin scheme of emergency financial assistance3	-82.6	74.4	-15.2
SSA reduction grant	-45.8	-11.5	-39.4
PFI special grant	—	6—	185.4

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the value of grants made through the single regeneration budget in (a) Kensington and Chelsea and (b) Westminster boroughs for (i) 1999–98, (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000; what is his estimate for 2000–01. [125420]

The following grants were paid in respect of single regeneration budget schemes in the boroughs of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster:

£
	Kensington and Chelsea	Westminster
1997–98	435,718	9,000,000
1998–99	1,411,816	5,900,000
1999–2000	1,522,352	2,843,933
2000–01 (estimate)	1,376,500	5,894,267

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many strikes have been recorded on low bridges (a) over and (b) supporting railway lines from 1998–99 to 1999–2000. [125589]

The numbers of bridge strike incidents over and under railway lines are as follows:

Year	Overbridge	Underbridge	Total
1998–99	96	1,332	1,428
1999–2000	104	1,533	1,637

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he plans to take to make schools safer for children with asthma. [125390]

The policies we are pursuing generally to improve air quality are set out in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that we published in January. The Strategy sets objectives for driving down levels of the most common air pollutants. This is an important step in protecting health, particularly of those most vulnerable to air pollution, such as children with asthma.My Department set up the School Travel Advisory Group in 1998 with colleagues in DfEE and DH, to advise on work to reduce car use, improve air quality and develop safer journeys to school.In addition in October 1999 colleagues in DH and DfEE launched a National Healthy School Standard as part of the Government's Healthy Schools Programme. Many activities related to this programme will help make the school environment safer for children with asthma.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research has recently been undertaken by his Department on the relationship between driving and diabetes; and if he will make the research available to the public. [125709]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: No research has recently been undertaken by the Department. Projects will be initiated during this financial year. The specifications for the projects are currently being developed and they will address issues raised by The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee report on Diabetes and Driving. Tendering for this work is expected to take place in the early autumn.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what funding he is making available for research into the relationship between driving and diabetes. [125710]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, in its report on Diabetes and Driving, recommended that the scope and depth of the fitness to drive research programme be enhanced and adequately funded. Provision has been made for £160,000 to cover the cost of the research projects on diabetes and driving which are being set up during this financial year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will indicate (a) when a public inquiry is likely to be set up into Land Rover's proposed rail link to the West Coast main line and (b) the likely venue of such an inquiry; and if he will make a statement. [125869]

On 10 February the Secretary of State announced his decision to hold a public inquiry into the application under the Transport and Works Act 1992 by Rover Group Ltd. for an Order to authorise a rail link from Land Rover's Solihull factory to the West Coast Main Line. At that time, Rover Group Ltd. owned the Land Rover business.Following the disclosure in March that BMW intended to dispose of the Rover Group and to sell the Land Rover business in a separate transaction, the application has been held in abeyance pending the outcome of the proposed sale. I understand that BMW and Ford have now signed an agreement for the sale of the Land Rover business.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what representations he has received about the delayed funding from Advantage West Midlands for the Flaxmill project in Shrewsbury; and if he will make a statement. [125942]

As my hon. Friend will no doubt be aware, there have been several representations in connection with the funding package from Advantage West Midland (AWM). I refer him to my response of 13 June 2000, Official Report, column 548W, which states that the project has received an approval for a grant from AWM towards restoration of the building, to be given when funds are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to visit the Flaxmill project in Shrewsbury to view progress in saving the building; and if he will make a statement. [125944]

I currently have no plans to visit the Flaxmill project.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the significance of the Flaxmill building in Shrewsbury to the United Kingdom's national heritage. [125941]

I understand that the former Ditherington Flax Mill and attached former malt kiln were designated Grade 1 listed buildings on 10 January 1953. The cast iron framed building dates from 1797. The mill also includes several Grade II buildings at risk. All buildings appear on the English Heritage register as Grade A—buildings at risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric with no solution agreed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with (a) Childline, (b) the NSPCC and (c) Bamardo's about the repeal of section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988; and if he will make a statement. [126166]

The Government have had no discussions with Childline, the NSPCC or Bamardo's about the repeal of section 28. I understand that the organisations do not hold official positions on the repeal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects the M60 from Denton to Middleton to be open for public use; and if he expects it to be opened as a whole or in sections. [126094]

[holding answer 15 June 2000]: I have asked the Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Mr. Peter Nutt, to write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 June 2000, Official Report, columns 195-96W, what assessment he has made of the possible occurrence of potential health risk to small children using the bridleway and allotments listed as having received toxic ash from the Byker Heat Station. [126006]

[holding answer 15 June 2000]: Following discussions involving senior officials of the City Council and the Environment Agency, and having received advice from the Food Standards Agency, the Director of Public Health for the Newcastle and North Tyneside Health Authority and the Head of Public Health and Environment Protection for Newcastle City Council jointly issued precautionary advice on 6 April 2000 which included the recommendation that children aged two and under should not play in the named allotments to avoid contact with the ash.This precautionary advice is expected to remain in force until further investigations have been undertaken to enable proper assessment as to whether or not there has been any exposure to the dioxins and heavy metals, and therefore a potential risk to health. This will include further testing on eggs, soil and vegetables.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 2000, Official Report, column 311W, concerning EU legislation relating to direct expenditure by London Underground, for what reason his answer did not list the legislation concerned. [126205]

[holding answer 15 June 2000]: The arrangements are, in principle, subject to a wide range of treaty provisions including, notably, Title V (Transport) and Title VI (Common rules on competition, taxation and approximation of laws). Specific legislation which may be relevant includes the state aid rules, the EC Merger Regulation and the Utilities Directive. Ultimately, it would, of course, be for the European Court of Justice to rule on the applicability of treaty provisions and associated legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will amend the road traffic regulations so that a formal road closure order is not required by the police to close roads for carnivals and parades organised by charities. [126204]

[holding answer 15 June 2000]: Local authorities have powers under section 21 of the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 to close roads for the purposes of local carnivals and fairs. Additional powers in the Road Traffic Regulation (Special Events) Act 1994 enable authorities to make orders to close roads for any sporting event, social event or entertainment which is held on a road. The police's powers to close roads are to enable them to deal promptly and safely with emergencies and public order matters.It is a matter for the local authority to decide whether to support a request to close a road for a carnival or parade organised by a charity and, if so, whether use of their powers under the 1847 Act or 1994 Act would be appropriate.We have no plans to amend the requirement on local authorities to make orders before they close roads. There are no Regulations governing the procedures local authorities must follow under these Acts. It is therefore entirely for the local authority to decide, in the light of the likely impact of the event on the community, the procedures to follow, including the level of publicity and notices in the press.We have no information on the numbers of parades and carnivals held every year on the road and consequently cannot estimate the cost to charities if local authorities charge, as they can do, for orders under the 1994 Act.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to promote home ownership. [126405]

Our policy on home ownership is set out in the Housing Green Paper "Quality and Choice: a Decent Home for All", launched by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister on 4 April.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the costs of switching from the pound to the euro for his Department. [126401]

Should the UK decide to join the euro, the cost of a changeover would depend on the detailed approach taken to a changeover.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for East Worthing and Shoreham (Mr. Loughton) of 24 May 2000, Official Report, column 539W, on dioxin, if he will list the research programmes which assess and monitor the levels of dioxins in the environment which have been sponsored by his Department, stating in each case the level of sponsorship, for each of the last five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [126262]

Since 1995 DETR has sponsored the following research programmes to assess and monitor the levels of dioxins in the environment. Many are co-sponsored with other Departments and/or Agencies and include a range of organic contaminants in addition to dioxins. A year by year breakdown of costs is not readily available for all the projects but the overall contribution by DETR is indicated in brackets:

Monitoring of hazardous air pollutants programme (HAPs) (around £250,000 per year);

Compilation of EU dioxin exposure and health data (in kind support through HAPs programme);

National air emissions inventory includes dioxins among many other pollutants (around £250,000 per year);

Organics in sewage sludge (£123,000 over three years);

Modelling of Persistent Organic Pollutants on a national and global scale (£160,000 over two years);

Modelling human exposure to dioxins and PCBs: projection of future UK exposures (£30,000).

Further programmes to begin this year include:

Chemical contaminants in human milk: a pilot study towards establishing an archive of samples from the UK (around £80,000); UK soil and herbage pollutant survey (around £100,000)

The results of these and additional programmes sponsored by other Government Departments and Agencies will feed into a UK position paper on dioxins and PCBs which is currently being drafted by DETR. The paper will estimate the effectiveness of abatement measures already taken to reduce emissions of dioxins and assess what further action is required.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the percentage of waste produced by his Department which was (a) re-used and (b) recycled during the last year for which figures are available. [126635]

My Department is at present compiling and validating the figures for the annual greening operations report—published in November. The percentage of total office waste separated (and collected) for recycling in our headquarters buildings over each of the past two years was 37 per cent. and 46 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his Department's policy on the proximity principle relating to planning applications and permissions for new waste incinerators. [126466]

PPG10 "Planning and Waste Management" advises that waste management decisions should in part be based on the proximity principle. It should therefore be taken into account by waste planning authorities alongside other issues in deciding planning applications for all waste management facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on his policy on land value taxation and brownfield development. [126105]

The Government are considering the potential role which fiscal instruments could play in helping to regenerate our towns and cities and protect our countryside. Our forthcoming Urban White Paper will take forward the Government's programme for achieving an urban renaissance and our response to Lord Rogers' s Urban Task Force.The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions has no plans to make a statement. Final decisions on taxation are a matter for the Chancellor.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authority private finance initiative schemes (a) are in progress, (b) have been completed and (c) are currently awaiting approval by region, what is the (i) average cost per scheme and (ii) overall cost of approved schemes to date; how many of each type of scheme (1) have been approved, (2) are awaiting approval and (3) have been turned down; and what type of scheme has been approved in each region. [126106]

The information is as follows:

(a) 126 local authority PH schemes have been endorsed by the inter-departmental Project Review Group. This means that they have been awarded central government financial support and that the local authorities concerned can proceed with the procurement for their schemes.

(b) 38 schemes have reached contract signature and of these, 23 are in operation.

(c) About 35 schemes are currently awaiting approval. The breakdown of these schemes by region is:

Region	Number
Eastern	3
East Midlands	3
London	4
North East	3
North West	7
South East	6
South West	1
West Midlands	5
Yorkshire and The Humber	3

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many local authorities have initiated PH schemes; and if he will make a statement. [126107]

86 local authorities, including fire, police and waste authorities and one passenger transport executive, have initiated PH schemes that have been endorsed by the inter-departmental Project Review Group. The total number of endorsed local authority PH schemes is 126. It should be noted that these figures exclude PFI schemes that are financially free standing or which do not require central government revenue support.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the estimated annual percentage change in motor vehicle traffic was in (a) Great Britain and (b) each region for each year since 1984. [126108]

Regional estimates of traffic are not available for the years requested. The annual percentage changes for all GB roads for each year from 1984 to 1998 are shown in the table.

Road traffic in Great Britain
Year	Percentage change
1983	—
1984	5.2
1985	2.2
1986	5.1
1987	7.7
1988	7.2
1989	8.3
1990	1.0
1991	0.2
1992	0.1
1993	0.0
1994	2.5
1995	2.0
1996	2.7
1997	2.3
1998	1.5

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) the north-east regional development agency and (b) other regional development agencies; and if he will make a statement. [126497]

My Department has commissioned consultants to undertake an evaluation of the strategies and action plans produced by all eight RDAs, including One North East. Research is also being carried out by consultants into partnership working by RDAs in the development and production of their strategies. It is the aim that both pieces of research will be published and that the findings will contribute to a report on the RDA's performance in their first year of operation.The 2000–01 research programme of my Department's Local and Regional Government Research Unit also includes provision for a long-term evaluation of the operation and effectiveness of RDAs.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the relationship between the north-east regional development agency and local regeneration partnerships; and if he will make a statement. [126498]

One North East sees the four sub-regional partnerships in the north east as having a key role in delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy, and is giving high priority to developing and supporting those sub-regional partnerships.My Department has employed consultants to undertake research on partnership working by RDAs in the development and production of their regional economic strategies. This will examine the extent and form of partnership working by all the RDAs, including One North East, with sub-regional and local partnerships, including those with a regeneration remit. We hope to publish this research in the autumn.The 2000–01 research programme of my Department's Local and Regional Government Research Unit includes proposals to undertake a review of the nature and form of governance relationships at the regional and sub-regional level, including partnership working with, and ownership by, local and regional stakeholders and the wider community.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of Cabinet governance in (a) Teeside area and (b) local authorities across the country; and if he will make a statement. [126493]

We have made no general assessment of initiatives individual councils are currently pursuing. These initiatives are being carried out under the existing legislative framework which is not designed for cabinet governance. The Local Government Bill [Lords] provides a framework tailor made for executive arrangements, including cabinet governance and directly elected mayors. There is considerable international experience of the benefits that these forms of governance can bring, particularly of the benefits directly elected mayors can bring for their local communities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if representatives of Central Railway attended his recent Rail Summit. [126533]

No.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 8 June 2000, Official Report, column 315W, on Central Railway, if officials of his Department have met representatives of Central Railway within the last two months; and if he will make a statement. [126564]

Officials from the Government Office for the South East and the Highways Agency held discussions earlier this month with representatives of Central Railway about its proposed rail project.Central Railway also took part in a seminar in May hosted by the Government Office for the West Midlands as part of its transport Multi-Modal Study.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much has been spent on New Deal for Communities; and what projects qualify for funding under New Deal for Communities. [126545]

The New Deal for Communities (NDC) fosters the intensive regeneration of some of our poorest neighbourhoods, supporting projects that tackle such problems as poor job prospects, high levels of crime, educational underachievement, and poor health. To get funding, community based partnerships in eligible areas must first develop a long-term strategy for delivering sustainable change. Since November 1999, 16 pathfinder partnerships have received offers of long-term support and made a start on implementing their strategies. As at April 2000, spending under the NDC had reached £4.9 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the matters currently decided by the Department of (a) the Environment, Transport and the Regions, (b) of Health and (c) for Education and Employment which would be decided by the EU if the present Draft Treaty of Nice is agreed. [126578]

The current Intergovernmental Conference, which will lead to the Treaty of Nice in December, is about reforming the European institutions in preparation for enlargement. It is not envisaged that this will entail any transferring of competence.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has for schemes enabling tenants of social housing to convert their rents to mortgages. [126793]

There is already such a scheme called "Rent to Mortgage". It was introduced by the previous administration in 1993 and was publicised at a cost of £414,000. Yet to date there have only been 51 sales. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Because of this lack of demand there are no plans to extend or expand such schemes.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action he proposes to take following the House of Lords judgment in the case of Shimizu (UK) Ltd. v. Westminster City Council in 1997. [126967]

My Department and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have today jointly issued a consultation paper inviting views on whether any further action should be taken by Government following the House of Lords ruling in this case. The paper proposes that an application for planning permission should in future be required for certain works of partial demolition within conservation areas, such as the demolition of boundary walls and fences.The proposals issued today are designed to address problems that have been identified as arising as a direct result of the Shimizu judgment. They are separate from, and do not prejudge, the broader review of heritage policy which my hon. Friend the Minister for the Arts announced in November 1999.Comments are requested by 14 August 2000. Copies of the consultation paper have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what assessment his Department has made of the advantages and disadvantages of changing the planned end date of the Millennium Experience exhibition at the Dome. [125931]

There are no plans to close the Millennium Experience before 31 December 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate he has made of the total public subsidy that will be paid to live theatre in England, and its total audience, in each of the last five years. [126322]

I have asked the Arts Council of England, as the national body responsible for supporting live theatre, to provide this information. When it is available, I will write to my hon. Friend, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what recent representations he has received from the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, about its funding. [126868]

My right hon. Friend has received no recent representations from the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, about its funding.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures Her Majesty's Government proposes to ensure that those British contractors who have been debarred by the World Bank from future funding on grounds of fraud and corruption in the procurement of goods and services are restricted in access to UK bilateral aid funds, ECGD credits and funds from other multilateral development banks. [125781]

We welcome the action by the World Bank to investigate cases of alleged corruption. We have asked the Bank to make available to national authorities the information on which they have taken a decision to debar firms from procurement. We understand that the Bank is in discussion with other multilateral development agencies about corruption cases. It is up to the Board of each agency to reach its own conclusions based on the evidence, but we would support a robust line against corruption within their programmes. There are no procedures to limit access to ECGD facilities by any company debarred by the World Bank from receiving funds, but ECGD are looking at how to tighten up their anti-corruption procedures.We will consider information on the World Bank's and others' lists of debarred contractors, along with other commercial data, about any company or individual bidding for DFID work, before awarding a contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will give details of the Brazilian Government's land reform initiatives supported by her Department since 1997. [126019]

We have not supported any Brazilian Government land reform initiatives since 1997. Our current Country Strategy Paper for Brazil (published December 1998) states our aim to pursue specific opportunities to support the Brazilian Government's land reform programme in order to assist the needs of the poorest. However, despite discussions with INCRA, the National Land Resettlement Agency, we have not yet been able to identify a suitable entry point into this highly politically sensitive and difficult area.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what proportion of her Department's bilateral country programme aid for Uganda is spent by the Government of Uganda. [126454]

Our programme of bilateral assistance to Uganda is set at £57 million in the current financial year. Of this we anticipate that £38 million will be disbursed as budget support, flowing directly through the Government of Uganda consolidated fund. Over the next two financial years the programme is expected to increase to £60 million and £70 million respectively. Of these amounts, £42 million and £53 million respectively will be channelled through the Government of Uganda's budget. Thus the proportion flowing through the budget will rise from 67 per cent. in 2000–01 to 76 per cent. in 2002–03.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what has been the total cost of opinion polls conducted by her Department since 1 May 1997. [126447]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 7 June 2000, Official Report, column 267W.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the need for programmes to promote good governance in (a) Ghana, (b) Rwanda, (c) Nigeria, (d) Uganda and (e) China; and what assessment she has made of the extent of Government corruption in each case. [126652]

The promotion of good governance is an objective of our published country strategies for Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda and China. The country strategy papers also explain the means by which we propose to address this. In Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria we are working with the World bank and other international development agencies on corruption assignments.We are also working with the World bank and other international development agencies to ensure that governance issues are properly reflected in poverty reduction strategies being prepared for decision on debt relief and for World bank and IMF lending.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what is the gap between aid provided and aid needs in 2000 for refugee return in Bosnia-Herzegovina. [126641]

The UNHCR's consolidated appeal for Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH) for 2000 is for $38 million to support 130,000 vulnerable displaced persons and refugees. $352,000 has so far been earmarked by donors for the appeal. We understand that UNHCR will transfer non-earmarked funds to the appeal. We do not have information on bilateral commitments separate from the UNHCR appeal. Our own bilateral commitment for 2000 is £800,000, bringing our total commitment to £1.6 million.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the extent of Government corruption in Sierra Leone. [126651]

We have made no specific assessment of the extent of corruption in Sierra Leone, but the Government there recognise the seriousness of the problem and requested help to deal with it. In response, we have helped the Government of Sierra Leone draft new anti-corruption legislation, and plan to help them set up the resultant Anti-Corruption Commission, which is due to become operational later in the year. We expect our support to continue over the next two to three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will meet the British parliamentarians and lawyers concerned with the case of Gary Graham to discuss the international obligations that apply to the planned execution in Texas of Gary Graham. [125983]

We have written to the hon. Member for Gainsborough (Mr. Leigh), who has made representations on behalf of a number of hon. Members, inviting him to arrange an appointment to discuss the case of Gary Graham.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last made representations to the Government of Iran concerning the conduct of the trial of 13 Jews accused of spying for Israel. [126441]

This Government and our EU colleagues have raised with the Iranians at every appropriate opportunity our concerns about the trial on espionage charges in Shiraz of 13 Jews and eight Moslems. Iran is aware of the importance that we and our EU partners attach to this issue.Most recently the Director for Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office raised the issue with the Iranian Ambassador on 1 June and the EU Presidency in Tehran presented demarches on behalf of all EU partners to the Iranian authorities on 29 April and 23 May.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the situation of members of the Jewish community in Shiraz who are undergoing the legal process in Iran; what recent representations he has made to the Iranian Government concerning this case; and if he will make a statement. [126522]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs. Ellman) today, Official Report, column 16W.In addition, it has been reported that all the defendants have now appeared before the court and that defence statements have been lodged. We understand that two legal questions need to be resolved, following which, according to Iranian law, verdicts should be pronounced within one week.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legal assistance was given via the British Consular staff in Cuba to Ms Rachel McGee, prior to her trial there in September 1999. [126767]

Our consular staff are not legally trained and are not able to offer legal advice. We are able to provide lists of English speaking local lawyers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of progress made in establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and National Human Rights Commission in Sierra Leone as envisaged by the Lome Peace Agreement. [126616]

Prior to the attacks mounted by the Revolutionary United Front in May, some limited progress had been made in the establishment of both Commissions. Britain has supported the efforts of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to prepare for the establishment of an effective Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list his officials who took part in observer missions during the negotiations in Lome between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front; [126609](2) what role was played by the British Chargè d'Affaires in Lome, at the Lome peace negotiations. [126623]

Britain has no diplomatic representation in Lome. A senior official from London, and a visiting official from the British High Commission in Accra accredited to Togo, observed these negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) which officials from his Department received representations from the Justice Minister of Sierra Leone during the Lome talks; [126622](2) what representations were made by the Sierra Leone Justice Minister to his Department regarding the progress of the Lome peace negotiations from April to July 1999. [126621]

The Minister of Justice led the Government of Sierra Leone delegation at the Lome peace negotiations. UK observers remained in close touch with the Minister of Justice throughout the negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the role played by his Department during the Lome negotiations on Sierra Leone. [126615]

Britain was among those present as observers during the negotiations in Lome between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he received from the UN Commissioner on Human Rights, on Sierra Leone, following her visit there in June 1999. [126624]

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and the then Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), met the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in London on 15 July 1999.Discussion centred on the High Commissioner's impressions of the prospects for lasting peace and long-term reconciliation in Sierra Leone following her visit, and on the importance of international support to sustain the peace process and to rebuild the country.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what role he envisages for the Revolutionary United Front in implementing of the Lome Peace Agreement. [126617]

The leader of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), Foday Sankoh, is now in detention. It is our view that he must remain so until he is brought to justice. Nor, after the attacks by the RUF on United Nations peacekeepers and the RUF's clear violation of the Lome Peace Agreement, can there be any role for members of the RUF in the present Government of Sierra Leone.For those RUF combatants willing genuinely to disarm and to commit themselves to peace, a revised Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme must quickly be established to help them, and other combatants, move back into civilian life and to help train them for civilian employment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the Lome agreement. [126614]

The provisions of the Lome Peace Agreement include: a permanent cessation of hostilities; disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of all former combatants; creation of effective and democratically accountable Sierra Leone armed forces to protect the country in the future; democratic elections; and an international peacekeeping force to supervise the process.All these elements remain essential for any lasting peace in Sierra Leone.At the same time, we have made clear that, in the light of recent events, there can be no place for RUF Ministers in the present government; and that the Revolutionary United Front leader, Foday Sankoh, must face justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assessment he has made of the possibility of bringing Foday Sankoh to justice; [126629](2) what assessment he has made of the proposals to establish an international war crimes tribunal for Sierra Leone. [126613]

We welcome the Government of Sierra Leone's determination to bring to justice those responsible for the horrific atrocities in Sierra Leone. There are various judicial processes by which this could be achieved. We are discussing the options with the Government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations and have offered UK assistance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations were made by his Department to (a) President Kabbah and (b) the Revolutionary United Front regarding granting of an amnesty to all the RUF members suspected of committing crimes in Sierra Leone prior to 7 July 1999; [126608](2) what factors influenced the decision of the parties to the Lome peace accord to accept the inclusion of a general amnesty for members of the RUE [126618]

This was one of the many difficult choices made by the Government of Sierra Leone in the interest of securing a negotiated solution to a brutal eight year conflict.The Government of Sierra Leone recognised that the conflict could not be solved by military means alone, not least because it had little capacity to fight the Revolutionary United Front rebels. We are now leading international efforts to help create effective, accountable armed forces, so that the Government of Sierra Leone can restore law and order throughout Sierra Leone.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received of illegal arms shipments to Sierra Leone. [126620]

I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman will understand that the reports that the Government have received are sensitive in nature. It would be inappropriate for me to comment other than to reassure the right hon. Gentleman that appropriate action is being taken wherever possible.We will be passing as much information on alleged violations as possible to the UN Sanctions Committee.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what research his Department has undertaken on ways of preventing British weapons from falling into the hands of child soldiers. [126625]

We rigorously assess all arms export license applications against UK and EU criteria. These include the need to consider the risk that exported arms might be diverted to undesirable end-users, such as child soldiers. Similar considerations apply to exports of arms by the Government. The FCO and our posts overseas consult a wide range of contacts—both official and non-governmental—in order to inform the decision making process and thus reduce the risk of exports from the UK being diverted to undesirable end-users.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to him by the Sierra Leone Government after 1 May on the deteriorating situation in Sierra Leone. [126619]

We have remained in close and regular touch with the Government of Sierra Leone throughout.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate his Department has made of the number of children fighting in (a) the Sierra Leone army, (b) militias supporting the Sierra Leone Government and (c) factions fighting against the Sierra Leone army. [126639]

We are totally opposed to the use of child soldiers wherever they may be employed. During my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's visit to Sierra Leone on 8 June, President Kabbah reaffirmed his assurances that children would not be used by the Sierra Leone armed forces. The leaders of the two main factions loyal to President Kabbah gave similar assurances to the Foreign Secretary.Thousands of children have been forcibly recruited by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) during the conflict in Sierra Leone, and forced to fight. Several thousand children are believed to remain in RUF hands.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times he has met President Kabbah of Sierra Leone since January 1999; where the meetings took place; and what was discussed. [126611]

Since January 1999, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has met President Kabbah on six occasions: in Abuja, in London, in New York, in Durban, in Cairo, and, most recently, in Freetown.Discussion at these meetings centred on the prevailing situation in Sierra Leone, and on Britain's efforts to help the Government of Sierra Leone build lasting peace and stability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what factors underlay the decision to introduce a twin-track strategy on Sierra Leone; and when this strategy was introduced. [126612]

The international community and the region have long pursued a military/diplomatic twin track policy for achieving lasting peace in Sierra Leone. The ECOWAS Summit of 1998 endorsed the recommendations of ECOWAS Ministers of Foreign Affairs to combine the strengthening of the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) with efforts at dialogue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has received from (a) his European counterparts, (b) the US Government and (c) the Russian Government regarding the Russian proposal for creating a pan-European ABM system. [126606]

The Russian Defence Minister, Igor Sergeyev, presented Russia's proposal in outline to NATO Defence Ministers in the NATO/Russia Permanent Joint Council on 9 June.On the basis of that presentation, NATO Permanent Representatives have had an initial discussion of the Russian proposal. Officials have also separately had preliminary bilateral discussions about the proposal with a number of NATO Allies, including the United States.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what commitments the Government entered into for providing financial support for land reform in Zimbabwe at the time of granting independence; what obligations remain for providing such funding; what further requests have been received from the Government of Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [120086]

I have been asked to reply.I am informed that at the Lancaster House Constitutional Conference in October 1979, the UK Government undertook to assist with land resettlement alongside other donors—noting that scale of assistance required was beyond the scope of any individual donor. No specific figure was pledged. £20 million was offered through the 1981 Land Resettlement Grant; though this grant closed in 1996 with £3 million unused by the Zimbabwe Government. A further £27 million was provided during the 1980s as budgetary support to help the Zimbabwe Government meet their share of resettlement costs.Since taking office in May 1997, we made it very clear that we were willing to support land reform and resettlement in Zimbabwe, because Zimbabwe needs land reform to reduce poverty. We are willing to fund schemes which are focused on helping the poor. We also made it clear that we will only support a programme that is fair, transparent, cost effective, within the rule of law, and which will genuinely benefit the poor. Because these principles are not being fulfilled we cannot support the Zimbabwean Government's Land Reform and Resettlement Programme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the size of the road transportation retail fuels market in Northern Ireland for (a) diesel and (b) petrol in (i) 1998 and (ii) 1999. [122934]

I have been asked to reply.Retail sales of petrol in Northern Ireland were 401,000 tonnes in 1998 and 329,000 tonnes in 1999. Retail sales of diesel were 122,000 tonnes in 1998 and 95,000 tonnes in 1999. The data are based on deliveries made into the Northern Ireland market.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) cars and (b) commercial vehicles operated by his Department were manufactured (i) in the UK, (ii) in the EU and (iii) elsewhere. [122256]

The information requested is set out in the table.

	Cars	Commercial Vehicles	Total
UK	2	1	3
EU	10	1	11
Elsewhere	1	—	1
Total	13	2	15

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the key buildings for which his Department (a) submitted and (b) did not submit green transport plans by March. [122617]

(a) Green transport plans have been submitted for:

County Hall, Ballymena

Rathkeltair House, Downpatrick

(b) The following is a list of those key buildings for which green transport plans have not been submitted; the process has been affected by the creation of new Departments as a result of devolution and the subsequent movement of staff. However, for many of these buildings plans are currently being developed.

Marlborough House, Craigavon

Hydebank, Belfast

Northland House, Belfast

Altnaglevin, Londonderry

Academy House, Ballymena

College Street, Belfast

Bullock House, Belfast

County Hall, Omagh

Commonwealth House, Belfast

Calvert House, Belfast

Hill Street, Belfast

Boucher Road, Belfast

Bedford House, Belfast

Queens Court, Belfast

Victoria Hall, Belfast

McAuley House, Belfast

Lincoln Buildings, Belfast

Oxford House, Belfast

Londonderry House, Belfast

River House, Belfast

Lancashire House, Belfast

Boaz House, Omagh

Adelaide House, Adelaide Street, Belfast

Gloucester House, Chichester Street, Belfast

Longbridge House, Belfast

Commercial Union Building, Belfast

IDB House, Chichester Street, Belfast

Fermanagh House, Belfast

Health and Safety Agency, Ladas Drive, Belfast

Castle Court, Belfast

Churchill House, Belfast

Frances House, Belfast

Magnet House, Belfast

Plaza Building, Belfast

Windsor House, Belfast

York House, Belfast

State Buildings, Belfast

Andersonstown Road SSO

Antrim SSO

Armagh SSO

Ballymena SSO

Ballymoney SSO

Bangor SSO

Coleraine SSO

Corporation Street SSO

Dungannon SSO

Enniskillen SSO

Falls Road SSO

Foyle SSO

Hollywood Road SSO

Knockbreda SSO

Lame SSO

Lisburn SSO

Lisnagelvin SSO

Lurgan SSO

Magherafelt SSO

Newry SSO

Newtownabbey SSO

Omagh SSO

Portadown SSO

Shaftesbury Square SSO Strabane SSO

Lisahally Paid Order Unit

Orchard House, Londonderry

Greenmount College, Antrim

Loughry College, Cookstown

Agriculture and Food Science Centre, Belfast

Sperrin House, Omagh

Inishkeen House, Enniskillen

Glenree House, Newry

Kilpatrick House, Ballymena

Waterside House, Londonderry

Centre House, Belfast

OSNI, Colby House, Belfast

PRONI, Balmoral Avenue, Belfast

Responsibility for this subject has been devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly and is therefore no longer a matter for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place copies of the results of all market and opinion research carried out by his Department, agencies and non-departmental public bodies since May 1997 in the Library. [123812]

Copies of all published items relating to market and opinion research since May 1997 will be placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what statistics relating to the responsibilities of his Department are collated by parliamentary constituency, indicating the dates covered in each case. [123836]

A comprehensive list of all statistics that can be collected by parliamentary constituency is not held centrally by Northern Ireland Departments, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many appeals were made to the Chief Constable on the removal of firearms certificates under the Firearms (N.I.) Order 1981 in each year from 1995 to date. [126656]

Appeals against decisions by the Chief Constable to revoke firearm certificates or to refuse to renew them are made to the Secretary of State under Article 55 of the 1981 Order. The following table sets out the number of such appeals since 1995:

Year	Revocation	Refusal to renew	Total
1995	47	7	54
1996	35	5	40
1997	75	25	100
1998	50	23	73
1999	34	10	44
20001	21	6	27
1To 15 June 2000

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the use of informants by RUC officers is governed by Home Office guidelines. [126235]

The Royal Ulster Constabulary is subject to the five Codes of Practice on Covert Law Enforcement Techniques issued by the Association of Police Officers and Her Majesty's Custom and Excise. These are public documents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on which Government buildings the Union Flag was flown on 2 June; and how many of these buildings are under (a) his direct control and (b) the control of the Northern Ireland Assembly. [125544]

The responsibility for flying the Union Flag rests with the department which has the main occupancy of each building and where that building has a flagpole. The Union Flag was flown on 2 June at Hillsborough Castle, Maghaberry, the Prison Service College, Maze and Magilligan. It was not practical to fly the flag at the YOC on that date due to defective equipment which has since been replaced. Following restoration of the political institutions on 30 May, the provision of details concerning the flying of flags on other public buildings on 2 June is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for how long the convictions of young offenders are held on record; and what is the period after which applicants are not required to declare past offences when applying for public sector employment. [125743]

All records of convictions are held in accordance with the terms of the publication "Weeding Rules for Criminal Records", a copy of which is available in the Library. The period for which young offenders' convictions are retained depends on the age of the person when he was convicted and the seriousness of the offence(s).A conviction where a person has been sentenced to more than 2 years imprisonment, or the equivalent, can never become spent. There are employments where spent convictions must be disclosed and professions in which spent convictions may be taken into account in assessing a person's suitability for admission. These are set out in the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 and the Rehabilitation of Offenders (Exceptions) Order (Northern Ireland) 1979, both of which are also available in the Library.I am also placing in the Library of the House copies of the booklet "Your Way to a Fresh Start", which explains the operation of the legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Sarwar) of 25 May 2000, Official Report, column 612W, on shipbuilding, what progress has been made on placing the contract for the survey vessels. [127003]

I am pleased to be able to announce that the prime contract for the procurement of two new specialist warships, known as Multi-Role Hydrographic and Oceanographic Survey Vessels, has today been awarded to Vosper Thornycroft (UK) Ltd. The contract includes the provision of 25 years contractor support for the vessels and is worth some £130 million in total over the life of the ships.Following a competition run by Vosper Thornycroft, the sub-contract to build the ships has been awarded to Appledore Shipbuilders in Devon. The ships, which are due to enter service in 2002 and 2003, will be named HMS Echo and HMS Enterprise. These important new warships demonstrate our commitment to the modern force structure that emerged from the Strategic Defence Review. They will be equipped with the latest survey systems, and provide a significantly enhanced surveying capability and much improved sea-keeping capability over the vessels which they will replace, which are old and increasingly costly to maintain. They will be part of the Fleet's front-line in a variety of world-wide operational roles, as well as undertaking specialist surveying tasks necessary to the long-term effectiveness of the Royal Navy.Construction of the new ships will sustain some 500 jobs directly in the shipyard and some 300 in other suppliers, mainly in the local area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the planned date by which the Principal Anti Air Missile System will be available to install in the first Type 45 destroyer; and if he will make a statement. [124994]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on United Kingdom participation in the United States' Future Combat System programme; [125319](2) if he will make a statement on the future of the TRACER-FSCS programme. [125318]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Procurement Agency. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Mr. Wyatt) of 5 June 2000, Official Report, column 17W, on Porton Down, if he will make a statement on (a) the species of animals involved in, (b) the number of and (c) the types of, experiments performed by the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector for the US Department of Defense. [125675]

[holding answer 12 June 2000]: The work being undertaken by the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector, Porton Down, as referred to in my answer provided on 5 June, is being conducted through a contractor for the US Department of Defense. The aim of the work is to produce a fully licensed vaccine against a potential biological warfare agent. Such a vaccine would also be potentially useful in countries where the disease is naturally present. The study at Porton Down involves evaluating the ability of the prospective vaccine to prevent disease and to investigate safety aspects of possible use.Details of the study are commercially sensitive and I am withholding this information under Exemption 13 of the Code of Practice of Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many depleted uranium shells have been fired at hard targets in the Solway Firth from DERA's Kirkcudbright ranges; and what quantity of depleted uranium was used in each of the last five years; [125717](2) if he will estimate the amount of depleted uranium particulate dust that has been released as a result of test firings of depleted uranium shells from DERA's Kirkcudbright ranges on hard targets in the Solway Firth in the last five years. [125718]

Although the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) conducts the depleted uranium (DU) firings at Kirkcudbright, ownership of the range, since 1 April 1997, has rested with the Army.There have been no deliberate firings of DU at hard targets at Kirkcudbright and, therefore, in the normal course of events there is no release of particulate dust. However, there have been three occasions in the last five years when shells have misfired and hit either the ground or the target gantry. A small amount of DU dust will have entered the atmosphere as a result of these events. Remedial action has been taken in each case and the contamination removed to the satisfaction of the regulatory bodies, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency(SEPA) and Dumfries and Galloway Council. Air samplers which have been running since 1997 have not detected any particulate DU in the atmosphere above background levels.A total number of DU shells fired at the range in each of the past five years is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when (a) the private offices of Ministers in his Department and (b) officials in the Main Building will be accessible by e-mail via the internet. [125809]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: Internet e-mail access has been available to Ministers Outer Offices and senior MOD officials since 22 March 1999 via a dedicated MOD Main Building network. This provides web browsing and e-mail for both the Cabinet Office sponsored Government Secure Intranet (GSI), and the internet from a single account at any of the dedicated network workstations. Currently, this network has 104 accounts. This is an interim solution while the Department works to connect its main headquarters IT system, CHOtS, to the GSI and the internet, allowing e-mail only access to the internet for unclassified material.Work is also in hand to provide web browsing of the internet, using separate workstations on a dedicated RESTRICTED only version of CHOtS, CSV8 Open. CSV8 Open will initially not be able to provide access to the GSI, but work is in progress to establish this link by 4th Qtr 2000.The provision of the standard CHOtS and CSV8 Open solutions are both subject to the successful completion of pilot testing, currently being undertaken within MOD.In addition to these initiatives, internet access, where needed and backed by an approved business case, has been provided by stand-alone PCs purchased through an MOD catalogue. These stand-alone internet PCs will either be replaced by the CHOtS initiatives mentioned above or will become part of a fully managed network—the Decant Migration Network (DMN)—which will support CHOtS Open. It is intended that the DMN will be provided when staff move out of Main Building into the decant buildings during its redevelopment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the defence housing at RAF Neatishead was disposed of; and how many dwellings were disposed of; [125567]

[holding answer 13 June 2000]: There are no married quarters sited at RAF Neatishead. Personnel serving at that unit are housed in Service Family Accommodation (SFA) at either nearby Coltishall or Norwich, which has 644 properties available to accommodate families serving at RAF Coltishall, RAF Neatishead and other Service establishments in the area.The majority of the Married Quarters Estate (some 57,000 properties or 95 per cent. of the total married quarter estate) in England and Wales was sold to Annington Homes in November 1996 on a 999 year lease. The Ministry of Defence retained the freehold. The properties were sold as a package with the receipt of some £1.6 billion going direct to the Exchequer rather than the Ministry of Defence; properties were not individually priced, so no unit cost is available.Prior to 1996, SFA was managed by the three Services individually, and the costs of maintaining them was included in the wider provision for maintenance of Defence Establishments as a whole. It is not possible therefore to separate the costs incurred in maintaining SFA serving RAF Neatishead prior to the leasehold sale to Annington Homes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what development work is currently being carried out by the Defence Clothing and Textile Agency on new glove designs for the armed forces. [126212]

Development work is being carried out by the Research and Technology Group of DCTA, on four different Glove Designs, as follows:

NBC Protective Outer Glove Mk5

A new glove is being developed to replace the current black rubber NBC Glove Mk2. The new design will give similar protection from chemical warfare agents, but will be thinner and less restrictive in fine handling tasks. Made from synthetic elastomers, it will also be flame-retardant and capable of being coloured. The Mk5 handwear is expected to enter service in 2003.

Gloves, Gauntlet (Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment)

One new Gauntlet being developed to replace two Gauntlets at present in service. It will be a combined pattern of the present gloves, and will rationalise the present materials employed.

Gloves, Combat Mk11

The present in-service glove is a complicated construction, made up of many components. It is difficult to make and is believed to be over specified for the use to which it is put. Trials of new designs, materials and constructions are underway, together with trials of several other gloves for comparative purposes.

Male and Female Parade Dress Gloves

At present, there are least 12 to 14 types of parade gloves in Black, Brown and White. It is hoped these can be reduced to two basic styles in Black, Brown and White by rationalising patterns, materials and fastening systems.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which companies, and from which countries, submitted bids for the contract for the Mark II Combat glove; [126216]

The current DCTA contract awarded to Feuchter for the supply of the Mark II Combat glove was placed in November 1998 (reference: STIA/1279) following competitive tender action. Complaint bids were received for the subject contracts from the following companies:

Feuchter Gmbh and Co KG, Bavaria, Germany

Burfield and Co (Gloves) Ltd., Martock, Somerset, UK

Vaughan Tapscott Gloves, Torrington, Devon, UK

Southcombe Brothers Ltd., Stock-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset, UK

DCTA's Quality of Product Support branch have made several visits to the companies tendering for the contracts for Mark II Combat gloves. During the period May 1997 to April 1999, a total of three visits were made to Zova, the sub-contractor used by Feuchter. One of these visits was specifically to scrutinise manufacturing processes for the Combat gloves. Records exist of visits to two other firms involved in the tendering process for these contracts: three visits have been made to Burfield and Co (Gloves) Ltd. since 1997, and two have been made to Southcombe Ltd.The contract was split between the two lowest tenders: Feuchter Gmbh and Co KG for the quantity of 163,877 pairs, and Burfield and Co (Gloves) Ltd., for the quantity of 41,800 pairs. While Burfield submitted the cheapest priced offer, their tender had stated that they did not have the capacity to produce the full DCTA requirement in the timescale required. They were, however, given the contract for the maximum quantity which their tender had specified, which was the 41,800 pairs. As Feuchter had submitted the next lowest tender, and had stated that they had the capacity to meet DCTA's requirement, they were awarded the contract for the remainder of the requirement.The total value of current contracts for the Mark II Combat gloves is £5,198,384. The breakdown of values and quantities is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what assessment his Department makes of the past record and experience of clothing and textile manufacturers in competition for clothing contracts; and if he will make a statement; [126210](2) what account his Department takes of security of supply considerations when deciding to acquire clothing and textiles from foreign suppliers. [126214]

DCTA have confirmed that full account is taken of Clothing and Textile manufacturers' past records and experience in terms of delivery, quality performance and price competitiveness, both at the time firms are considered for award of an Invitation to Tender and when considering competitive bids received.As part of the procurement strategy for any clothing item, the overall risk assessment comprises many elements. The risks are managed as a series of processes, one of which includes a review of past performance of potential suppliers. All potential suppliers are subjected to the same consideration of providing evidence of operating an accredited quality system. This is usually satisfied through ISO 9000 registration. This risk reduction mechanism is used throughout the Ministry of Defence as part of the approved NACNOC policy.In addition, in light of the Government's recent announcement of a 12 point plan for the UK Textile and Clothing Industry, I will be reviewing our current procurement policies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of recent evidence from the USA on the correlation between chemical cocktails and Gulf War Syndrome. [126043]

I will assume my hon. Friend is referring to the research undertaken by Dr. Abou-Donia of Duke University, North Carolina, which was mentioned in a recent BBC radio programme. Dr. Abou-Donia examined the interaction of Pyridostigmine Bromide (PB), (the active ingredient of Nerve Agent Pre-treatment Sets tablets) with permethrin and DEET (N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), two non-organophasphate pesticides used during the 1990–91 Gulf Conflict. Dr. Abou-Donia published his findings in an article entitled, "Neurotoxicity Resulting from Coexposure to Pyridostigmine Bromide, DEET and Permethrin: Implications of Gulf War Chemical Exposures" in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health in April 1996. The research had a number of significant limitations: the doses administered to the animal subjects were in quantities and in a manner very different from that which Service personnel may have experienced; there were no data to support the suggestion that PB inhibits the metabolism of DEET and permethrin; the dosage route and schedule of administration of chemicals were different to those Service personnel may have experienced; and the toxicities experienced by animals were acute in nature whereas many veterans' health concerns have emerged months, or more, after their service in the Gulf.A further study addressing the interaction of PB and DEET entitled "Acute effects of an Insect Repellent, N, N-Diethal-m-toluamide, on Cholinesterase Inhibition Induced by Pryidostigmine Bromide in Rats" by Chaney et al from the University of Mississippi Medical Center was published on 1 June 2000. I will write to my hon. Friend once my Department has reached a considered view of this work and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will announce the placement of a contract for the Defence Electronic Commerce Service IT system. [124797]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: I announced on 30 May that Cap Gemini Ernst & Young has been selected as the preferred supplier of the Defence Electronic Commerce Service to the MOD. Subject to a successful conclusion to negotiations, we hope to place a contract under PPP arrangements, and commence delivery of the service, in early July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what replacement air to surface ship strike capability he plans to procure for Sea Harrier aircraft. [125082]

[holding answer 8 June 2000]: There are no plans to procure a replacement air to surface ship strike capability for Sea Harrier aircraft.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the Army's original inventory was of Phoenix UAVs; what the current inventory is; and what plans he has to procure (a) further Phoenix UAVs and (b) next generation UAV systems for the armed forces. [125704]

Nine complete Pheonix systems with 198 Air Vehicle Taxis (ACTs) and 198 Air Vehicle Pods (AVPs) were originally purchased for the Army. Currently the Army has nine systems, 177 AVTs and 182 AVPs. There is currently no plan to procure further Pheonix AVTs or AVPs. We propose to let contracts in the near future to examine possible solutions for delivering the future tactical UAV capability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the purchase cost is of each of the Army's Phoenix UAVs; how many Phoenix UAVs were lost in operations during the Kosovo campaign; when the Phoenix UAVs entered into (a) trials and (b) operational service with the Army; and how many Phoenix UAVs have been lost since they have been in operational service. [125703]

The contract for Phoenix UAVs was awarded in 1985 on a firm price basis. The cost of the individual UAVs was £164,000 plus VAT, exclusive of design and development costs.Ten Phoenix UAVs were lost or destroyed during operations in support of the Kosovo campaign in 1999. A further three UAVs have since been lost during operations in Kosovo in 2000.Phoenix UAVs entered into trials with the Army in the early nineties. These were completed in July 1997. Phoenix was formally accepted into service in December 1998.Over 200 missions have been flown in the 18 months since Phoenix entered service. During this period a total of 16 Phoenix UAVs have been lost or destroyed (13 during operations and three in training).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) Phoenix UAVs used by UK forces and (b) UAVs utilised by other NATO nations during the Kosovo campaign. [125705]

Operational reports have indicated that Phoenix is effective as a general reconnaissance and surveillance system. Its real-time imagery capability proved of considerable benefit in a wide variety of tasks including campaign analysis and safe surveillance over and beyond suspected mined areas. Detailed assessment of the system is continuing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he was first informed that armed forces personnel contracted malaria in Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [126057]

[holding answer 15 June 2000]: I was first informed on 26 May that Service personnel deployed to Sierra Leone had contracted malaria. At that time, there were seven confirmed cases among personnel who had deployed there.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many troops deployed to Sierra Leone returning to the UK have so far been diagnosed as having signs of malaria; and if he will make a statement. [125190]