To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the North of London Breast Screening Unit based at Edgware Community Hospital; and what proposals he has arising out of that assessment.(126161)

As part of its regular visiting programme, the London Region Breast Screening Quality Assurance Reference Centre visited the North of London Breast Screening Service on 25 November 1999. Following that visit, a number of recommendations were made to strengthen the service and improve quality. An action plan taking account of them is due to be submitted shortly to the region's quality assurance director.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) on what date and at what location a mobile breast screening unit last operated in Brent;(126082)(2) what bids he has received from Brent and Harrow Health Authority for funding from the New Opportunities Fund to provide additional mobile breast screening units;(126081)(3) on what date and at what location a mobile breast screening unit last made a visit in the Brent and Harrow Health Authority Area;(126081)(4) how many mobile breast screening units serve the Brent and Harrow Health Authority area; how many of these are fully functioning; and how many of the fully-functioning mobile breast screening units serving that area have been mobile in the year 2000 to date.(126164)

There is currently one mobile breast screening unit that serves the Brent and Harrow Health Authority area. This unit is fully functional and forms a part of the North of London Breast Screening Service based at Edgware Community Hospital, which is managed by the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals National Health Service Trust. The service provides breast screening for the population of Brent and Harrow, Barnet and part of West Hertfordshire Health Authorities. Following a successful bid from the Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals Trust, the New Opportunities Fund notified the trust in December 1999 that it would provide the capital necessary for the replacement of this and one other unit and for the purchase of one additional trailer. The London Regional Office of the NHS Executive has agreed to meet capital costs for associated equipment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what delays there have been in (a) assessing women who have been found to have abnormal mammograms and (b) reporting results to such women in the Brent and Harrow Health Area in the past year.(126163)

The national standard is that women should be assessed within three weeks. During the period 1 April 1999 to 31 August 1999, the time taken for assessment of women in the Brent and Harrow Health Authority area whose mammograms were abnormal was:

less than three weeks: 30 women (23.62 per cent.)

four weeks: 55 women (43.30 per cent.)

five weeks and over: 42 women (33.08 per cent.)

Source:

NHS Breast Screening Programme—London Quality Assurance Reference Centre.

All women should be given an outline of the diagnosis on the day of assessment and, if any further results were to be given, would return within a week to receive them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the spending (a) in the current financial year, (b) committed and (c) projected on breast screening, assessment and surgery of (i) Brent and Harrow Health Authority, (ii) Barnet Health Authority, (iii) Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority, (iv) Hillingdon Health Authority, (v) Camden and Islington Health Authority and (vi) Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster Health Authority. [126159]

Data in the form requested are not held centrally. The following figures are for individual health authorities spending in 2000–01 on breast screening services:

	£000
Brent and Harrow Health Authority	343
Barnet Health Authority	245
Ealing Hammersmith and Hounslow Health Authority	547
Hillingdon Health Authority	202
Camden and Islington Health Authority	292
Kensington Chelsea and Westminster Health Authority	290

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of women (a) nationally and (b) in the Brent and Harrow Health Authority Area receive regular screening within the time periods recommended by his Department for the different age groups. [126165]

Women in the target age group 50 to 64 are invited for breast screening every three years. Information about coverage of the target age group for 1999, the latest year available, is in the table.

	Eligible population (thousand)	Coverage percentage1
England	4,261.5	67.6
Brent and Harrow HA	39.2	58.3
1Less than three years since last test

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations he has received in the last 12 months for increasing infertility treatment provision; and if he will make a statement. [126270]

We have received 251 representations for increasing infertility treatment in the last 12 months.We share the concerns about the postcode lottery in infertility services. We will shortly be publishing a survey into infertility provision across the country which demonstrates variations in the service. The Department will be examining ways to tackle the postcode lottery while continuing to target our priority areas of cancer and heart disease.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the total cost was of treatment services for alcoholics and alcoholism, including in-patient and out-patient care and prevention schemes, in (a) 1970, b) 1980, (c) 1990 an (d) 1999. [126837]

Estimates of the cost to the National Health Service of alcohol-related illnesses and injuries vary widely. The total cost of alcohol-related illnesses treated by hospitals is information that is not collected centrally and therefore no data are available for the periods in question.The most recent academic estimate of which we are aware is for the costs of alcohol misuse in the NHS in England and Wales in 1992 and is reproduced in the table.

£million
cost
Inpatient costs—direct alcohol diagnosis	40.8
Inpatient costs—other alcohol-related diagnosis	120.2
General practice costs	3.1
Total	164.0

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the incidence was of (a) pulmonary heart disease, (b) chronic obstructive pulmonary heart disease and (c) lung cancer in (i) 1970, (ii) 1980, (iii) 1990 and (iv) 1999; and how much it cost to treat each of those diseases in those years. [126825]

Information about the incidence of pulmonary heart disease (PHD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is derived from the morbidity studies from general practice in the years 1991–92 (the latest year available), 1981–82 and 1971–72. Figures in the table represent patients in England and Wales who consulted their GP for the first time.

per 10,000 population
	PHD	COPD
1971–72	4.0	84
1981–82	2.0	122
1991–92	more than 0.5	107

In order not to place too large a burden on the National Health Service, data collected centrally on expenditure do not permit analysis at the level of detail requested.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many midwives were in training in NHS hospitals in the Greater London area on 1 May. [127869]

The responsibility for the training of midwives rests with higher education institutions rather than National Health Service trusts. Trusts do however provide clinical placements for student midwives and continuing professional development opportunities. The information requested is not collected centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive from NICE its assessment of the efficacy of beta interferon in treating persons with MS. [127860]

I understand that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence plans to issue its guidance to the National Health Service in early August, unless one of the parties concerned appeals formally against the outcome of the appraisal.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his plans to provide for young people to remain in foster care beyond the age of 18 years. [128315]

Under the Children Act 1989, children can be looked after until they reach the age of 18. Foster care therefore comes to an end at 18. However, it would be possible, if desired, for the young person to continue to live with his former foster parents, for example under a supported lodgings arrangement. In addition, under section 20(5) of the Children Act a council can provide accommodation in a community home for a person aged between 16 and 21 should his welfare require it.The Children (Leaving Care) Bill does not affect either of these provisions. However, the Bill does create significant new aftercare duties which will require councils to continue to assist care leavers, should their welfare require it, until they are 21, or beyond if they are still in an agreed programme of education or training.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he intends to publish the Government's response to the report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the abuse of children in care in the former county council areas of Gwynedd and Clwyd since 1974, entitled "Lost in Care". [128313]

I am pleased to announce that the Government's response to Sir Ronald Waterhouse's report into the tragic events in North Wales is being published today. The response is called "Learning the Lessons" and copies have been placed in the Vote Office and the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many pensioner claimants of income support there were in (a) the North East, (b) the City of Newcastle upon Tyne and (c) the constituency of Newcastle upon Tyne and what the average payment of income support was in each of the last three years; how many claimants of the pensioners' income guarantee there now are for the same areas; and what was the average payment of income support in each of the last three years. [127973]

The Minimum Income Guarantee is delivered through Income Support. It was designed to provide poorer pensioners with a higher income threshold and this April was increased in line with average earnings. The current rates are £78.45 for a single pensioner and £121.95 for a couple. The information is in the table.

Income Support pensioners in Newcastle Central Parliamentary constituency, Newcastle City local authority, and North-east Government Office region —February 1998 to 2000
	Number	Average weekly amount(£)
North-east
February 1998	93,600	36.19
February 1999	91,200	36.58
February 2000	91,400	38.71
Newcastle Central PC
February 1998	3,600	31.70
February 1999	3,500	33.78
February 2000	3,500	40.11
Newcastle City LA
February 1998	11,500	32.89
February 1999	10,900	34.88
February 2000	11,400	37.84

Notes:1.Figures are based on a 5 per cent. sample and are therefore subject to a degree of sampling error.2.Pensioners are defined as benefit units where the claimant, and/or partner are aged 60 or over.3. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people over 60 in Morecambe and Lunesdale are eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance. [127642]

In the previous winter (1999–2000), 18,928 people in the Morecambe and Lunesdale constituency received a winter fuel payment automatically, by virtue of their entitlement to a Social Security benefit. Actual numbers of beneficiaries for winter 2000 will not be known until later in the year (the qualifying week is 18 September 2000). In addition 10,087 claims forms/mailshots have also been issued to people in the constituency, who based on Departmental records, may be eligible for winter fuel payments for both previous winters and this coming winter as a result of the European Court judgment.A national and regional advertising campaign will commence early July 2000 to encourage people who have not received a claim form to contact the Winter Fuel Helpline.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the fraud savings resulting from automation of benefit payments at post offices. [126521)

The move to Automated Credit Transfer as the normal method of payment will bring significant savings from reduced levels of fraud. The move will begin in 2003, but full savings will not be realised until 2005, when the transition from current paper based methods of payment is complete.A large number of fraud prevention measures are in place to manage the fraud risk relating to order books and girocheques but latest figures indicate that despite these measures around £100 million was lost in 1998–99.The modernisation and automation of methods of payment will virtually eliminate instrument of payment fraud.

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the reports of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate in respect of Southwark and Maidenhead councils; and what arrangements have been made to support local authorities in their efforts to counter Housing and Council Tax Benefit fraud through the promotion of good practice guidance. [128863]

Benefit Fraud Inspectorate reports have been published today in respect of Southwark and Windsor and Maidenhead Councils. From these reports, and others, it is clear that many local authorities are failing to reach adequate standards of performance to secure Housing and Council Tax Benefit administration and counter the threat of fraud.We have already introduced a number of initiatives aimed at helping councils and I am pleased to announce another measure that will provide practical support. The Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) has today published its second Local Authority Good Practice Guide. This Guide provides first hand experience from the BFI's inspection work and addresses a large range of issues. The BFI has worked closely with other Agencies as well as council staff to provide authorities with an in-depth understanding of what risks and threats they face, as well as various measures that can be taken to counter them.This is an important step forward in the intelligence available to authorities and one I expect will be used. The BFI's reports provide an early warning on local authority benefit performance standards and I will be monitoring the progress of authorities taking up these good practices through future inspection reports.Copies of the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate reports and the Local Authority Good Practice Guide have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the report of the Review of Access Funds and Hardship Loans will be available. [128757]

Copies of the Report have today been placed in the Library of the House. My noble Friend the Minister for Education and Employment is sending copies of the Executive Summary to every higher education and further education institution which administers Access Funds or Hardship Loans in England and Wales.The Review looked at ways in which these two schemes can be used more effectively to widen access and prevent hardship, with a particular emphasis on mature students. My right hon. Friend attaches great importance to widening access and £87 million will be available next year through the Access Bursary and Hardship Funds. Hardship Loans were introduced by this Government to provide extra targeted help for students in financial difficulty.The Review concluded that changes in the arrangements for offering help to students through these schemes were needed. The Report contains a total of 20 recommendations on administration of the Funds, as well as further support for mature students. Many of the recommendations addressed to the Department have already been implemented or are being put in place for 2000–01.A package of measures to provide additional help for mature and disadvantaged students was announced on 25 January. This package includes £17 million for non-repayable Bursaries in 2000–01 for mature students; a new Childcare Grant from 2001–02 and £10 million for Opportunity Bursaries to improve access to higher education for bright pupils from lower socio-economic groups. In addition, we have provided £2 million to help higher education institutions with the cost of administering the Bursaries for mature students in 2000–01.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the total cost of the magazine called "Teachers" since its inception. [128067]

The average cost of each issue of "Teachers" magazine is 32p per head. The magazine is subsidised by advertising which keeps this cost down.The magazine is around £108,000 an issue or £650,000 a year. The magazine was launched in February 1999 and is published six times a year. We have published 10 issues of the magazine so far.The magazine is a simple and effective way of communicating directly with teachers. It gives professional advice and provides a platform to share good practice to help raise standards.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason (a) commercial and (b) other confidentiality. [128016]

Of replies to parliamentary questions tabled to the Department during the period stated, five concerned matters which were commercial in confidence, two stated information was commercially confidential and one referred to a document which was commercially sensitive.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on how many occasions he has deposited papers in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April.(127674)

[holding answer 26 June 2000]: Papers were deposited in the Libraries in response to parliamentary questions on 60 occasions between the dates in question.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many (a) small, (b) medium and (c) large businesses in (i) Coventry and (ii) the UK are participating in the New Deal. [127456]

[holding answer 27 June 2000]: Over 73,000 employers have signed employer agreements nationally, 355 of whom are in the Coventry area. The majority of agreements are at local level, with small and medium sized businesses. Many thousands of other employers who have not signed agreements also participate in New Deal, for example by employing New Dealers in unsubsidised jobs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many medical students were at medical schools in the UK on 1 April. [127848]

Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show the number of full-time first degree medical students in the UK as at 1 December was 23,700.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he is taking to encourage employers to improve facilities for disabled access to toilets. [127599]

[holding answer 27 June 2000]: I have been asked to reply.Under health and safety legislation employers are required to ensure that suitable and sufficient toilet facilities are provided for all employees. Therefore, any worker with a disability must have access to toilet and other welfare facilities that are suitable for his or her use. In addition, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 also places a duty on an employer who has 15 or more employees to provide reasonable adjustments for disabled employees to ensure that they are not substantially disadvantaged. This could include providing access to toilet facilities. The newly formed Disability Rights Commission will be working to help employees enforce their rights and employers to understand their duties under the Act.In the case of new buildings Part M of the Building Regulations covers access and facilities for disabled people and all new employment buildings are required to make reasonable provision for the sanitary arrangements of disabled people.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government help is available to provide access to the internet for poorer individuals. [127631]

I have been asked to reply.We are taking forward a range of measures to help those on low incomes and benefits to access the internet. Excellent progress is being made in improving computer:pupil ratios to ensure that, in future, school leavers are able to use and benefit from new technologies.We are providing £252 million to fund around 700 ICT learning centres in England. These centres are targeted within the 2,000 most deprived local authority wards, and rural areas with significant transport and deprivation problems. They will support disadvantaged client groups with low or no ICT skills.50,000 additional free computer training courses will be available for jobless people across the country. We are also establishing a pilot scheme to wire up all the homes in some of our most deprived communities. And we are introducing the "Computers within Reach" pilot scheme to enable around 100,000 low-income learners and families to acquire reconditioned computers. We will continue to work with partners and the private sector to address the issue of closing the digital divide.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what expertise the Small Business Unit has to advise farmers on diversification; and if he will make a statement. [128052]

[holding answer 28 June 2000]: The new service, which will offer tailored business advice to help farmers faced with fundamental changes in their marketplace to develop better business practices and take strategic decisions about the future of their businesses, will be delivered through the Small Business Service, working with the Business Link partnerships, other relevant organisations (eg the NFU, Lantra) and the farming industry. Farm Business Advisers delivering the service on the ground will have business expertise and knowledge of the farming industry and should be well placed to offer advice on diversification.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on how many occasions he deposited papers in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April. [128011]

My Department deposited in the Library papers associated with 43 parliamentary questions tabled between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many of the written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason commercial confidentiality or other confidentiality. [127436]

Answers to 11 written parliamentary questions tabled between 19 October 1999 and 20 April 2000 have not received substantive answers for reasons of commercial or other confidentiality.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many diesel engines for rail locomotives were manufactured in the UK in each of the last five years for which figures are available; what action he is taking to encourage passenger and freight operators to invest in UK-manufactured engines, locomotives and rolling stock; and if he will make a statement. [127408]

According to the Office for National Statistics, 103 rail traction diesel or semi-diesel engines were sold in 1996. No data have been published in the remaining years of the five-year period for reasons of commercial confidentiality. No data on production are available.UK rail passenger and freight operating companies make their own commercial decisions on the purchase and maintenance of rolling stock and locomotives. The same applies to the manufacturers of such vehicles sourcing diesel engines.DTI is working with the Railway Industries Association on an initiative to improve supply-chain performance within the sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry which organisations were consulted on Stage 1 of the Hawley Review Group; and if he will publish the responses of those who replied to the consultation on the stage one report. [127723]

This is a matter for the Engineering Council, whose review this is.I understand that the Engineering Council sought views from nearly 700 organisations and individuals and is still receiving, considering and reviewing the many contributions it has had from various parts of the engineering community as part of its continuing work. Outcomes will be part of the Group's final report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to publish the report by the Director General of Fair Trading for the year 1999. [128758]

Company	Rank	Duration of secondment
(a) May 1997 to April 19981
MTP Ltd., Springvale Business Park	Agric. Insp., Grade 3	1 June 1997 to 17 July 1998
Tyrone West 2000 Ltd., Omagh Business Complex	Agric. Insp., Grade 3	3 October 1994 to date
NI-CO	Executive Office I	September 1992 to September 1998
NI-CO	Executive Officer I	April 1996 to January 2000
NI-CO	Deputy Principal	October 1991 to November 1997
NI-Co	Grade 7	May 1997 to September 1999
Advanced Learning	Grade 7	April 1996 to June 1999
NI Textiles & Apparel Ass	Grade 7	January 1998 to April 2000
NI-CO	Grade 7	October 1991 to May 1997
Growth Challenge	Deputy Secretary	November 1996 to date
Laganside Corporation	Assistant Secretary	1 September 1997 to 3 March 1999
Ws Atkins Consultants	Higher Profession Technical Office	7 July 1997 to 17 May 1998
Price WaterhouseCoopers	Principal Economist	9 January 1997 to 3 January 1999
(b) May 1998 to April 19992
MTP Ltd., Springvale Business park	Agric. Insp., Grade 3	1 June 1997 to 17 July 1998
Tyrone West 2000 Ltd., Omagh Business Complex	Agric. Insp., Grade 3	3 October 1994 to date
Ballyclo Ltd., 47 Main Street, Clogher	Agric. Insp., Group 2	2 October 1998 to June 1999
NI-CO	Executive Officer 1	September 1992 to September 1998
NI-CO	Executive Office 1	April 1996 to January 2000
NI-CO	Grade 7	May 1997 to September 1999
Advanced Learning Systems	Grade 7	April 1996 to June 1999
NI Textiles & Apparwel Ass	Grade 7	January 1998 to April 2000
Growth Challenge	Deputy Secretary	November 1996 to date
WS Atkins Consultants	Higher Professional Technical Officer	7 July 1997 to 17 May 1998
Laganside Corporation	Senior Professional Technical Officer	25 June 1998 to date
NI Quality Centre	Staff Officer	1 February 1999 to 2 April 2000
(c) May 1999 to April 20003
Tyrone West 2000 Ltd., Omagh Business Complex	Agric. Insp., Group 3	3 October 1994 to date
Ballyclo Ltd., 47 Main Street, Clogher	Agric. Insp., Group 2	2 October 1998 to 1 June 1999
NI-CO	Executive Officer 1	April 1996 to January 2000
NI-CO	Grade 7	May 1997 to September 1999
Advanced Learning Systems	Grade 7	April 1996 to June 1999
NI Textiles & Apparel Ass	Grade 7	January 1998 to April 2000
Growth Challenge	Deputy Secretary	Growth Challenge
Laganside Corporation	Senior Professional Technical Officer	15 June 1998 to date
NI Quality Centre	Staff Officer	1 February 1999 to 2 April 2000
113 staff were Seconded during this period
212 staff were seconded during this period
3Nine staff were seconded during this period

The 26th Annual Report of the Director General of Fair Trading has been published today. It covers the period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 1999. Copies of the report have been laid before Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff from his Department were seconded to private sector companies in (a) May 1997 to April 1998, (b)May 1998 to April 1999 and (c) May 1999 to April 2000; and if he will list in each case the companies to which staff were sent, the names and ranks of the staff involved and the duration of the secondment. [123419]

The information is contained in the following table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to make available the annual report for 1999 of the Chief Constable of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. [128693]

Copies of the Chief Constable's annual report for 1999–2000 will be placed in the Library tomorrow. It is a general report on the carrying out by the RUC of their functions during 1999, which is submitted to the Police Authority for Northern Ireland and also to me for laying before Parliament in accordance with sections 48 and 49 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions he deposited papers in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April. [128010]

25 papers were deposited in the Library in response to parliamentary questions tabled between 19 October and 20 April.

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 for July and the major European Union events for the next six months. [128624]

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.

European calendar: July-December 2000
Date	Venue	Event
July
3–7	Strasbourg	European Parliament Plenary
7–8	Paris	Social Affairs Council (informal)
10–11	Brussels	General Affairs Council
15–16	Paris	Environment Council (informal)
17	Brussels	ECOFIN Council
17–18	Brussels	Agriculture Council
19	Tokyo	EU/Japan Summit
20	Brussels	Budget 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)
August
There are no Councils scheduled for this month.
September
2–3	Evian	Gymnich
3–5	Biarritz	Agriculture Council (informal)
15	Paris	EU/Ukraine Summit
9–10	Versailles	ECOFIN Council (informal)
18–19	Brussels	General Affairs Council
25–26	Brussels	Agriculture Council
28	Brussels	Internal Market/Consumer Council
28	—	Justice and Home Affairs Council (?)
29	Brussels	ECOFIN Council

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many serious offences were alleged to have been committed in 1999 by persons entitled to immunity by virtue of their employment by a diplomatic mission or an international organisation. [128625]

From a community of over 17,500 persons entitled to immunity, 36 serious offences, allegedly committed by such persons, were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1999. "Serious offences" are defined in accordance with the 1985 White Paper on Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges; i.e. as offences that would in certain circumstances carry a penalty of 12 months or more imprisonment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he is proposing to travel to Iran. [128754]

The visit to Iran of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has been postponed, owing to the busy schedule and travel commitments of Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Both he and Dr. Kharrazi are keen for the visit to proceed and will be consulting to find a mutually convenient date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) of 11 February 2000, Official Report, columns 337–38W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128242]

As soon as the information can be compiled I shall write to the hon. Member, and place a copy of my letter in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to discourage UK firms from promoting tourist travel to Burma. [127853]

Since 1998 we have written to tour operator associations and to travel companies drawing attention to the views of Burmese democratic leaders that tourism to Burma is inappropriate. We cannot stop British citizens choosing Burma as a holiday destination, but we hope that any who go there are aware of the political and human rights situation. They should also be aware that they have to exchange $300 on arrival. Every one of these dollars will directly support the regime.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision will be made on the application for entry clearance by Shamsad Anwar, lodged at Islamabad in November 1998, reference C4694. [128255]

This application, by Muena Fatima and a child, Aisha Shamshad, to join Mr. Shamsad Anwar in the UK, is the subject of ongoing inquiries, including DNA testing, at our High Commission in Islamabad. I shall be writing separately to my hon. Friend to provide the background to this application.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the start-up costs were for each embassy established in Eastern European countries and the former states of the USSR since 1990. [127813]

It will take some time to collate the information requested. I will write to the hon. Member shortly with the information. Copies of the letter will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what (a) technical and (b) financial assistance the Government have provided to ECOMOG in Sierra Leone. [128093]

We have provided around £5 million worth of practical support for the ECOMOG peacekeeping forces in Sierra Leone. This support included vehicles, ration packs, boots, tents, communications equipment and the funding of helicopter hours.The ECOMOG peacekeeping force has now left Sierra Leone.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking following the judgment of the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) in R v. Weir and the Attorney-General's Reference No. 3/1999 on 26 May. [128626]

I am looking at what steps need to be taken, including possible revisions to section 64 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on how many occasions in each of the last five years cyclists have been prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit;[127980](2) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for cycling the wrong way down one-way streets;[127968](3) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for riding on pavements;[127971](4) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for cycling through traffic lights at red;[127979](5) how many prosecutions there have been in each of the last five years of cyclists for using footpaths designated for pedestrians; [127969](6) how many prosecutions there have been of cyclists for failing to carry cycle lights at night in each of the last five years. [127970]

Available information for 1994 to 1998 taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database is given in the table. Data for 1999 will not be available until the autumn.The fixed penalty system is also used for several pedal cycle offences, but information specific to such offences is not recorded centrally.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many compensation claims for lost passports were lodged with the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in each year since 1992. [127975]

The number of claims for lost passports lodged in the last four financial years is set out in the table. Information for earlier years is not available.

	Number
1996–97	30
1997–98	60
1998–99	85
1999–2000	94

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of settling compensation claims for lost passports in each year since 1992. [127976]

The cost of settling claims for lost passports in each of the last four financial years is set out in the table. Information for previous years is not available.

	£
1996–97	3,000
1997–98	11,500
1998–99	12,000
1999–2000	20,000

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many notices of objection lodged by hauliers allegedly transporting clandestine entrants into the UK have been (a) upheld and (b) rejected in each month since the coming into force of the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sale of Transporters) Regulations 2000. [127874]

As at 25 June 2000, there have been 159 cases where notices of objection have been lodged against a penalty imposed in accordance with the Civil Penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Of those that have been determined, four notices of objection have been upheld and 62 rejected.It is not possible to break these figures down on a monthly basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many haulage contractors were charged under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, in each month since April, with bringing clandestine entrants into the UK. [127978]

The number of haulage contractors charged under the Civil Penalty provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in each month since April was:

Month	Number
April	72
May	84
June(to 25)	55
Total	211

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the average fine imposed on hauliers for transporting clandestine entrants into the UK since the coming into force of the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sale of Transporters) Regulations 2000. [127873]

The Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sales of Transporters) Regulations 2000 enables the imposition of a penalty of £2,000 for each clandestine entrant transported to the United Kingdom.As at 25 June, 211 penalty notices, with a total value of £2,336,000 had been served in relation to 1,168 clandestine entrants. Twenty-four of the penalty notices served relate to vehicles that between them carried 367 clandestine entrants, with an average penalty of £30,000 in respect of 15 entrants for each vehicle. The remaining 187 penalties relate to vehicles that between them carried 801 clandestine entrants, with an average penalty of £8,000 in respect of four entrants for each vehicle.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the value of fines levied on hauliers charged under the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sale of Transporters) Regulations 2000 in each month since April. [127872]

As at 25 June, the value of penalties raised on persons under the Carriers' Liability (Clandestine Entrants and Sales of Transporters) Regulations 2000 in each month since April were as follows:

Month	£
April	848,000
May	838,000
June	650,000
Total	2,336,000

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress made at the Council of Ministers on fixing minimum standards for tracing and confiscating assets from crime. [128258]

The European Union Heads of State and Government meeting at the special European Council at Tampere in October 1999 called for action with regard to the approximation of criminal law and procedures on money laundering, with particular reference to the tracing, freezing and confiscation of the proceeds of crime. It has been proposed that a new ad hoc working group, which has still to be set up, will carry this work forward.Separate discussions are taking place with regard to the application of the principle of mutual recognition to asset freezing and restraint. This will involve consideration of the minimum standards which should be applied to permit recognition of orders between member states.The incoming French Presidency of the European Union has made action against financial crime and money laundering one of its priorities and it is clear that this will involve some action in the area of the tracing and confiscation of the proceeds of crime.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 19 January 2000, Official Report, column 471W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128249]

Secondments and attachments are part of the Interchange Initiative which promotes the exchange of people and good practice between the civil service and other organisations. Before an Interchange can occur all parties must be satisfied that no conflict of interest arises.The details of the two private sector staff seconded to my Department are as follows:The first secondee was from Barclay's Bank to the Planning, Finance and Performance Group from January 1997 to January 1999. The secondee was employed on various project management activities.The second secondee is from Price WaterhouseCoopers to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for 12 months from 4 August 1999. The secondee has had responsibility for various project management and operational activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers are seconded on duty abroad; how many officers were seconded in each of the previous five years; and if he will make a statement. [128165]

Each police force keeps its own records and comprehensive figures are not currently held centrally. Figures are available on the number of United Kingdom police officers participating in international peace-keeping missions overseas. On 28 June 2000, the United Kingdom had 264 police officers working in Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo and East Timor.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Bills his Department has sponsored in each of the last 20 years; how many have been enacted; and if he will list the Bills and Acts per year. [128164]

Since the 1979–80 parliamentary session, the Home Office has sponsored 89 Bills, of which 79 have passed into law. The Acts listed are in Royal Assent order for their respective session followed by details of any unsuccessful legislation.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy in relation to the future of the existing police radio frequencies; what is the estimated commercial value of expected surplus frequencies; what is his current estimated timescale for the changes to the use of radio frequencies; and if he will make a statement. [128166]

The majority of the radio frequencies currently used by the police service, in England and Wales, will be returned to the central Government pool once the Public Safety Radio Communications service (PSRCS) is fully operational and the frequencies are no longer required. This is expected to occur in 2005.The spectrum returned will be used to assist in re-organising the civil spectrum to improve its quality by aligning it with usage in Europe. This re-alignment will take many years and we do not expect that any parts of the spectrum currently used by the Home Office will be available for sale or for further allocation until this programme has been completed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to alter the formula for funding police forces in England and Wales;[126424]

The Government set considerable store by stability in the grant system to help police authorities plan ahead. In July 1998, the Government announced a three-year freeze on changes to Standard Spending Assessment funding formulae pending the wide ranging review of the revenue support grant system across local government. In view of the moratorium, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary decided that it would not be appropriate to make substantive changes to the method of police grant distribution for 2000–01. That position remains unchanged.The fundings of the Operational Research in Health (ORH) report on policing areas of rural sparsity were considered by a Home Office chaired Working Group, which includes representatives of the police service, police authorities and local authorities. That report was placed in the Library. Implementing the findings of the report would have meant the redistribution of around £30 million of funding almost entirely from the metropolitan forces to shire forces where call response times are longer. There was no agreement in the working group about the best way to proceed.However, the opportunity has now arisen as a result of additional funds being made available through the budget, for the Government to recognise the special needs of rural policing. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has therefore agreed to make £15 million available for the remainder of this year to enhance the policing service in rural areas at no cost to the metropolitan forces. Funding for future years will be considered as part of the spending review 2000 process.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what account under resource accounting rules is to be taken of the right of third generation mobile spectrum licensees to amortise the cost of their licences from the amount of their future taxable profits and of the consequential future reduction in tax revenue. [128071]

[holding answer 28 June 2000]: Tax relief for the amortisation of third generation spectrum licence costs will reduce corporation tax yields over the lives of the licences. Currently, the resource accounting rules apply only to departmental resource accounts and not to corporation tax. However, subject to the passing of the Government Resources and Accounts Bill, the same accounting principles will apply in due course to the Whole of Government Accounts, which will include corporation tax revenue.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total cost of administering the Child Tax Credit in financial year 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [128167]

The administration of the children's tax credit during the financial year 2001–02 will be part of the Inland Revenue's routine work and will not be separately identified in running costs.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people in Hampstead and Highgate benefit from the (a) child care tax credit, (b) Sure Start maternity grant and (c) New Deal for Lone Parents; [127851](2) how many families in Hampstead and Highgate receive the Working Families tax Credit; and how many will benefit from changes allowing claims to be made immediately after the birth of a child;[127911]

For a provisional estimate of the number of recipients of Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) in Hampstead and Highgate at the end of April 2000, I refer my hon. Friend to my answer given on 28 June 2000, Official Report, column 537W to my hon. Friend the Member for Crosby (Mrs. Curtis-Thomas).It is estimated that, in a full year, up to 70,000 families could benefit from the reforms to WFTC for mothers of new children announced in this year's Budget. No estimate is available of the number of these in Hampstead and Highgate.About 10 per cent. of awards of Working Families Tax Credit include a child care tax credit. We are unable to provide a reliable estimate of the number of awards with a child care tax credit in Hampstead and Highgate.The Sure Start maternity grant has been claimable from 27 March 2000 for babies due on or after 11 June and is gradually replacing the social fund maternity payment. I understand from the Department of Social Security (DSS) that figures are not available by constituency.I understand from the Department for Social Security that, since October 1998, 40 lone parents in Hampstead and Highgate have found employment as a consequence of the New Deal for Lone Parents, and 21 lone parents have started Training and Education. 174 lone parents have joined the programme.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many families in (a) Coventry, South, (b) the West Midlands region and (c) nationally (i) receive the Working Families Tax Credit and (ii) will benefit from the changes allowing families to make a claim as soon as a baby is born. [127252]

[holding answer 26 June 2000]: The number of families in receipt of the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) at the end of April 2000 is provisionally estimated at 1,053,000, of which 107,000 were in the West Midlands region.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will authorise a review of the Inland Revenue's fixed profit car scheme rates which were last reviewed in 1997, with special reference to petrol prices for motorists; [128038](2) if he will place in the Library details of the methodology used by the Inland Revenue in calculating the motor mileage rates used in the fixed profit car scheme. [128035]

Under the current system, authorised mileage rates are calculated by reference to typical tax allowable motoring costs for cars with different engine sizes. The costs include both running costs (petrol, oil, tyres, repairs, replacements and servicing) and standing costs (VED, insurance, depreciation and subscriptions).The Budget Day 2000 press release REV6 B—"Protecting the environment: reform of company car taxation" announced a review of the authorised mileage rates system which is now under way. The announcement stated that:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many written parliamentary questions tabled to his Department between 19 October 1999 and 20 April have not received substantive answers, citing as the reason (a) commercial and (b) other confidentiality. [128015]

Five and eight respectively, either wholly or in part, of the 1,479 answers given.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what criteria (a) existing and (b) proposed hydroelectric schemes will have to meet in order to be eligible for exemption from the climate change levy; [127150] (2) if electricity generated by hydro-electric schemes constructed under the non-fossil fuel obligation arrangements will be exempt from the climate change levy; [127149](3) if additional renewable energy generating capacity created by the refurbishment and upgrade of existing hydro-electric schemes in Scotland will be exempt from the climate change levy; [127151](4) if additional renewable energy generating capacity created by the construction of new hydro-electric schemes will be exempt from the climate change levy; and if he will make a statement. [127152]

Electricity generated from hydro-electric installations producing more than 10 MW will be subject to the climate change levy under the normal rules. Electricity from hydro-electric installations producing less than 10 MW will be exempt from the climate change levy if supplied under an approved contract.This principle applies whether the installations concerned are new, proposed, refurbished, upgraded or constructed under the non-fossil fuels obligation arrangements.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made on appointing members to the steering group for the review of the audit and accountability arrangements for central Government. [128798]

I am pleased to announce that the following persons have so far agreed to serve on the Steering Group:

Sir John Bourn, KCB, Comptroller and Auditor General

Sir Brian Carsberg, Chairman, International Accounting Standards Committee

Right hon. David Davis MP, Chairman, Public Accounts Committee, House of Commons

Andrew Likierman, Director, Financial Management Reporting and Audit Directorate, HM Treasury

lain Plaistowe, Chairman, Auditing Practices Board

David Rendel MP, Member, Public Accounts Committee, House of Commons

Lord Sainsbury of Turville, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry

Right hon. Andrew Smith MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Rosemary Thorne, Group Finance Director, Bradford and Bingley Building Society

Professor Sir David Tweedie, Chairman, Accounting Standards Board

Right hon. Alan Williams MP, Member, Public Accounts Committee, House of Commons.

The remaining appointments to the Steering Group will be announced shortly.

To ask the Prime Minister what changes there are in the composition of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe. [128755]

The right hon. and noble Lord Jopling, currently a substitute member is to become a full representative replacing the noble Viscount Montgomery of Alamein. The noble Earl of Northesk is to become a substitute member of the delegation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff employed at the DERA base at West Freugh, Wigtownshire are employed by (a) DERA, (b) the MOD, (c) SERCO and (d) other non-military companies and organisations. [127870]

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 34W, on Northern Ireland, under what section of Exemption 1 of the Code of Practice on Government Information he based his reply. [128026]

The information was withheld under Section a of Exemption 1—information whose disclosure would harm national security or defence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 36W, under which section of Exemption 14 his decision to withhold information was based. [128022]

Details of the individual referred to in my answer of 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 36W were withheld under Exemption 14(a) (information supplied in confidence by a person who was not under any legal obligation to supply it and who has not consented to its disclosure), as well as under Exemption 4(f) (information whose disclosure could identify the source of information or assistance in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes) and Exemption 12 (privacy of an individual).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will reply substantively to the question from the hon. Member for Dudley, South (Ref. 122262). [126599]

[holding answer 19 June 2000]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 26 June 2000, Official Report, column 408W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what initiatives his Department is taking this year, at which (a) stations and (b) establishments, to mark the commemoration by the Royal Air Force of the sixtieth anniversary of the Battle of Britain. [127735]

The RAF is very conscious that the year 2000 marks the 60th Anniversary year of the Battle of Britain and the RAF is participating in many events nationwide throughout the year to commemorate the Battle.A Battle of Britain Service and Reception at Westminster Abbey on 17 September is the main official commemoration of the campaign. The Westminster Abbey service is held annually in September each year, but is enhanced on this occasion in recognition both that it is the 60th Anniversary and that it is likely to be the last major commemorative event of the Battle that many of the participants will be able to attend. Members of the Government, High Commissioners, the Air Force Board and representatives of the aviation industry attend each year and, in view of the importance of this particular anniversary, members of the Royal Family have also been invited.A Battle of Britain Dinner at RAF Bentley Prior is being hosted on 15 September by the Air Force Board for members of the Battle of Britain Fighter Association, ground crew and plotters. It is planned that Service personnel, aviation industry representatives and others with a connection to the Battle will attend. Members of the Royal Family and Defence Ministers will also be invited.The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust Day will be held on 9 July. The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust is arranging a ceremony at Capel le Ferne on the cliffs of Dover at the site of the Trust memorial to commemorate the Battle. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent will preside over the event, which will be fully supported by the RAF, with aircrew from the 13 extant Battle of Britain Squadrons, a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Bands of the RAF Regiment and Air Training Corps cadets. Members of the RauxAF will also be supporting the event. A short memorial service will be conducted by the Chaplain in Chief (RAF).Finally, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is in high demand this year and will be representing the RAF at events throughout the UK and displaying for some of our WWII allies in Europe. The Battle of Britain Memorial

Flight have or will be taking part in some 41 events with a Battle of Britain 60

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the average number of fully trained, dedicated medical personnel deployed in-theatre as a proportion of the total armed forces personnel deployed in-theatre at the time of highest United Kingdom deployment during conflicts in (a) the Falklands, (b) the Gulf, (c) Kosovo and (d) Sierra Leone; and if he will make a statement. [127472]

I will write to the right hon. and learned Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is on the optimum in-theatre deployment of fully trained, dedicated medical personnel as a proportion of total armed forces personnel; what factors he takes into account in deciding this policy; and if he will make a statement. [127471]

The optimal quantity and configuration of medical support is calculated individually for each operational deployment to ensure that the support is tailored to the particular task in hand. Factors taken into account in reaching a decision on the level of medical support required include the type of operation; the force size and composition; military threat and risk assessments; possible casualty rates; risk of disease and other non battle injuries; local environmental factors, such as climate and water availability and quality; and the availability of medical resources provided by allies.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis) of 8 February 2000, Official Report, columns 109–10W, on secondments, if he will give the names, grades and job titles of the staff seconded into his Department from each organisation mentioned, stating in each case the name of the section they were seconded to and a summary of the work that they were involved with. [128238]

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of my letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Government will respond to requests for arms and ammunition from the Government of Sierra Leone. [128694]

The Government have made it clear that they will consider requests for assistance from the Government of Sierra Leone. Following a request for ammunition to meet urgent operational needs, therefore, Ministers have agreed that the Government will supply five million rounds of 7.62mm rifle ammunition and four thousand rounds of 81mm mortar ammunition, which are available as surplus from MOD stocks. This will be transported to Sierra Leone subject to the Government of Sierra Leone securing formal agreement from the ECOWAS Secretariat that this ammunition can be imported as an exception to their Small Arms Moratorium. In accordance with UNSCR 1171 (1998), this shipment will be notified to the UN Sanctions Committee. The Government have received confirmation from President Kabbah that the ammunition will be used only by regular Sierra Leone Army soldiers, in accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards, and not by child soldiers. The Government remain prepared to consider further requests for assistance from the Government of Sierra Leone.