To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for (a) Great Britain and (b) each local authority the percentage of waste recycled in (i) 1997 (ii) 1998 and (iii) 1999. [127207]

[holding answer 23 June 2000]: Recycling levels in Scotland are a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland. For England and Wales the national household recycling rates for 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99 were 7.5, 8.2 and 9.4 per cent. respectively. I have placed a list in the House of Commons Library setting out ranges of household recycling rates for local authorities in England and Wales. All figures are based on data from the annual DETR Municipal Waste Survey.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the outcome was of the Transport Council held in Luxembourg on 26 and 27 June; and if he will make a statement. [128333]

The Transport Council met in Luxembourg on 26 June. I represented the United Kingdom.At the opening of the Council, the Netherlands made a statement expressing regret at the recent incident at Dover and stressed the need for EU action on traffic in human beings. I welcomed and endorsed the Dutch statement.The Council debated a draft directive on interoperability of the conventional rail network. The only outstanding issue was the UK and Spain's request that derogations to allow the retention of existing track or loading gauges would be automatic rather than requiring Commission approval. I am pleased to say that, following the debate, a revised text was agreed which allows the automatic derogation we had been seeking and enabled the Council to agree a common position.The Council debated proposals arising from the loss of the oil tanker "Erika" (the 'Erika 1' package). These are revised directives on ship inspection organisations and on port state control of shipping; and a new regulation on accelerating the introduction of double hulls in oil tankers. The Council reached political agreement on the first of these, which would give the Commission responsibility for recognising member states' appointed ship inspection organisations. The Commission gave a progress report on the port state control proposal. There was a debate on double-hulled tankers, during which I noted the need for a proper economic and regulatory impact assessment. I agreed with the Commission and a number of member states that IMO action at global level would be preferable, but that otherwise EU legislation would be acceptable. These issues will be debated again at the October Council. The Council agreed conclusions, stating that further progress should be made towards the "Erika 2" package, foreseen at the Feira European Council. France stated that Erika 2 would be a priority of its Presidency.There was a further progress report from the Commission on the Galileo satellite navigation project. The Commission said it would submit a final report on the definition phase and an economic analysis in time for the December Council, at which a final decision would have to be made on whether to go ahead with the project. At the October Council, there would be an orientation debate on structure and funding. I joined other member states in stressing the need for full cost benefit analysis and for private sector funding to make the project viable. Conclusions were agreed, urging that the Council be provided with sufficient information early in the autumn to allow it to take a decision on Galileo's future.The Commission gave a further presentation of its Communication on air passenger rights, underlining the need for progress with legislation or voluntary action in various areas of passenger protection, including the setting of minimum contract requirements for ticket purchase. Further work will be done to prepare for a discussion at the October Council.The Commission gave its view of progress on work to create common EU structures for air traffic management (ATM). This might include the establishment of bodies to regulate European ATM. The Commission noted that separation of provision and regulation of ATM services was vital, to implement the conclusions of the European Councils at Lisbon and Feira.The Council agreed that the Commission proposals on cabin crew qualifications in civil aviation should be re-examined in the light of the recent proposal to transpose standards drawn up by the Joint Aviation Authorities into Community law.The Presidency presented a paper describing recent discussions on the establishment of a European aviation safety authority (EASA). The point at issue is whether the Commission should work up detailed proposals for an EU agency, rather than an international organisation. The Presidency presented a paper which analysed whether an EU agency could effectively promote air safety across Europe. I said that the UK was open to the idea of an EU agency, but that such an agency would have to have sufficient power to take safety decisions effectively, involve member states and national safety regulators fully in its work, and involve non-EU states as fully as possible. It should not initially cover safety of airports or air traffic management. The Council invited the Commission to make a formal proposal for an EU agency.The Council also discussed the Transatlantic Common Aviation Area (TCAA). The Commission is seeking a mandate allowing it to negotiate a TCAA agreement with the US on behalf of the EU. The UK has on previous occasions made clear that it gives priority to its bilateral negotiations with the US, which are continuing. Technical work on the likely shape of a Commission mandate has been taking place, and the UK has been participating in that. The Presidency concluded that the Council was satisfied with the technical work, and asked for further work to be done by COREPER, to allow a decision on the mandate to be taken in December.The Commission reported on developments in the area of aviation noise standards. They noted the good progress in defining new standards within the ICAO CAEP process.The Council agreed a wide-ranging Resolution on road safety, following the Commission Communication presented to the March Council. Among areas identified for legislative action are: further development of the European new vehicles crash testing programme (EuroNCAP), use of speed limiters on larger vehicles, higher levels of seatbelt and child restraint usage, safer car fronts, and targeting of accident blackspots. The Resolution also refers to the Commission's intention to bring forward a recommendation for member states to introduce a maximum blood alcohol level of 0.5 milligrams per millilitre.Two road transport issues were debated: a proposed Regulation on transit quotas ("ecopoints") for lorries passing through Austria; and a proposal on the allocation of Swiss transit permits for heavy lorries. The former concerns a proposal to reduce the ecopoint quotas of five member states, a legal requirement under the terms of Austria's Act of Accession. The member states affected (which do not include the UK) expressed their opposition to this measure and the Presidency instructed COREPER to re-examine the proposal. The Commission noted that unless an alternative proposal emerges, and is agreed upon, the Commission regulation will automatically come into effect on 20 September. The Commission also introduced its amended proposal for the distribution of permits for heavy goods vehicles travelling in Switzerland. The permit allocations for individual member states were in the process of being revised in the light of recently completed analyses of trade and traffic statistics in the Alpine region. The Presidency asked for further work to be done by COREPER to prepare for decision at the October Council.Under other business the Commission presented its new "Communication on safer and more competitive quality road transport in the Community", covering such issues as working and driving time for lorry drivers, conditions for employment of non-EU hauliers, and driver training. This will be a priority issue for debate during the French presidency.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the national transport plan and local transport plans will give priority to slower speeds for vehicular traffic on roads where the risk of injury to other road users is significant. [128547]

Our guidance on local transport plans makes clear that authorities should ensure that safety is a key element in all aspects of their plan. Authorities are required to prepare a road safety strategy, which must contain local casualty reduction targets for 2005 and annual milestone targets. While the precise package of measures used to achieve these targets is a matter for individual authorities, we would expect to see many making use of traffic management measures and lower speed limits.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the average processing time is for PSV provisional driver licences; and if he will make a statement. [128448]

Since April the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has processed 95 per cent. of PSV provisional driving licences within five working days of receipt. Allowing three days for delivery of the licence by Royal Mail this means the overall turnaround is eight days from the date of receipt. This is an improvement on last year's turnaround, which was nine days overall.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how much money his Department has awarded to (a) Stockport MBC and (b) Tameside MBC to celebrate beacon status; and what guidance he has issued on how the money is to be spent. [128879]

This year we are providing £700,000 for beacon councils. Subject to approval by the House of the Special Grant Report (number 64) which was laid on 27 June, this amount will be distributed as specified in the report among the 33 successful applicants for beacon status, including Stockport and Tameside, as a contribution to the costs they incur as beacons in disseminating their good practice.Guidance on the special grant was contained in the Beacon Council Application Brochure published in May 1999, and in the draft Special Grant Report circulated to each of the beacon councils earlier this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what percentage of planning decisions made in the last year resulted in brownfield development. [128634]

Information on the number of planning decisions resulting in development on brownfield sites is not available centrally. However, the latest estimates show that, in 1994, 48 per cent. of land changing to urban uses (as defined for DETR's Land Use Change Statistics) was previously developed.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 June 2000, Official Report, column 6W, concerning the provisions of European Community treaties affecting the expenditure of London Underground, what communications he, or his predecessors, have received from the Commission of the European Communities, (a) based on Article 88 of the Treaty of European Union and (b) under any other title of that or any other Community or Union Treaty, relating to public borrowing or revenue support, or the manner of its subsequent expenditure; and what arrangements are made for any such communications to be inspected. [128850]

We have received no such communications concerning London Underground.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what action his Department is taking to improve the transport infrastructure in the St. Albans constituency. [128893]

In last December's Local Transport Plan Financial Settlement Hertfordshire County Council received a total block allocation of £9,467,000. This consisted of £5,000,000 for integrated transport, an increase of 19 per cent. from the previous year, and £4,467,000 for maintenance and bridges, an increase of 83 per cent. from the previous year reflecting the poor condition of some of the County's roads.It is of course for the County Council to decide how this funding should be used and which schemes to promote and we must leave these local projects to the responsible authorities to develop in conjunction with local partners and interests. The local transport plan process emphasises the need to work with the full range of transport providers, businesses, communities and interest groups.Hertfordshire County Council will be submitting their full Local Transport Plan in July and I understand that they will be including an Area Plan for mid Bedfordshire. Within this is a programme of improvements for St. Albans which includes, among other elements, improving bus infrastructure, cycling and pedestrian facilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what standard penalty clauses are included in private finance initiative contracts for roads; and how many of these have been invoked. [128589]

Penalties in contracts are not enforceable at law. My Department's privately financed contracts for roads include provisions for ensuring proper performance. In all these contracts performance defaults may lead to the accumulation of points which, through a hierarchical structure, could lead to increased monitoring at contractor expense and ultimately, to contract termination. A number of such points have been awarded on seven of the eight privately financed trunk road contracts in England.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will estimate the cost of extending carers' council tax discounts by (a) five per cent. and (b) 10 per cent. to those caring for partners or disabled children in (i) Scotland and (ii) the UK. [128171]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: As council tax is a devolved matter, it is for the Parliament and Assembly to answer about the situation in Scotland and Wales.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the projects successfully undertaken by each of the regional development agencies since April 1999 and make a statement on their progress to date. [129113]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: The Regional Development Agencies were responsible for approximately 5,000 projects in 1999–2000. Collating this amount of information could be completed only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list for each of the last three years (a) the number of applications for mobile telecommunication masts that were the subject of appeals to the Secretary of State and (b) the number of appeal decisions where the local planning authority's decision was upheld. [128937]

Information is not held about telecommunications masts specifically. The following is information relating to appeal decisions about telecommunications development generally.

	1997–98	1998–99	1999–200
Number of appeal decisions made in each year for telecommunications development	122	142	184
Number of appeal decisions made in each year that upheld the local planning authority's decision	68	67	83

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what his latest estimate is of the comparative rent levels of council tenants and housing association tenants. [129122]

The latest period for which both Local Authority and Registered Social Landlord rent figures in England are available is the financial year 1998–99. Average Local Authority rents for 1998–99 were £42.33 per week and those for Registered Social Landlord rents in England were £51.65 per week. Registered Social Landlords are former housing associations that are officially registered with the Housing Corporation.The average rent figures for local authorities and RSLs are not directly comparable because they do not take into account differences in the composition of stock, e.g. size and type of dwellings, their age and condition.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the representations received in response to the Housing Green Paper. [129121]

The consultation on the Housing Green Paper runs until 31 July. Responses will in due course be made available for public inspection in the Department's library, unless submitted on a confidential basis.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he proposes to issue guidance on the forthcoming Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations. [129582]

Advance copies of "Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control: A Practical Guide" have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The guidance describes the main provisions of the new Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control regime to be set up under the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations, a draft of which was laid before Parliament on 15 June. The guidance will set out how the Secretary of State expects to see the regulatory regime applied, and how certain terms are to be interpreted. It will complement the Environment Agency's package of technical guidance.The guidance will be made more widely available once the regulations have been made.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government plan to launch the Road Safety Advisory Panel, announced in the road safety strategy "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer For Everyone". [129583]

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when the Government plan to launch the Road Safety Advisory Panel, as announced in the road safety strategy "Tomorrow's Roads—Safer For Everyone". [129603]

The new Road Safety Advisory Panel was launched today, and my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Lord Whitty) chaired the first meeting. The Panel includes representatives of the main stakeholders in road safety, including the police, local authorities, road safety organisations, road user groups and other Government Departments. Its remit is to provide advice to Ministers on road safety policies and to advise on the planned three yearly reviews of progress towards the casualty reduction targets set in the road safety strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 24 May 2000, Official Report, column 506W, (1) what are the benefits and risks that are considered and constantly reviewed for each individual vaccination; [124762](2) what are the serious adverse reactions to vaccination; and how rare they are. [124761]

[holding answer 7 June 2000]: The benefits of vaccination are the prevention of illness and death from infectious diseases. These benefits are assessed from clinical trials and epidemiological studies, prior to authorisation for clinical use. Following the introduction of a vaccine, there is ongoing monitoring of disease incidence rates and, where appropriate, outcomes.The risks of immunisation to the individual are those of adverse reactions from the vaccine. These risks are evaluated both before and after authorisation using a range of data sources including clinical trials, spontaneous adverse reaction reports from health professionals, epidemiological studies and the published scientific literature.The Department publishes full information on the benefits and serious adverse reactions to vaccination in the book 'Immunisation against infectious disease', copies of which are available in the Library. Vaccine-associated paralytic polio is the only serious reaction where evidence supports the suggestion of a causal association and there are demonstrated long-term consequences; this occurs in one out of approximately every million immunisations.The authorised Summary of Product Characteristics for each product contains important prescribing information on individual vaccines and possible undesirable effects. These are available in the Compendium of Data Sheets and Summaries of Product Characteristics published by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. The Summary is updated throughout the lifetime of the product, as new information becomes available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from mental health users regarding the proposed introduction of compulsory treatment orders in the community. [125938]

Our proposals to extend compulsory powers under the Mental Health Act beyond hospital settings formed part of our Green Paper "Reform of the Mental Health Act 1983". Consultation on this Green Paper ended on 31 March. We have received over 1,000 responses to this consultation from a wide range of people, including mental health users. Among these was a representation from the Mental Health Alliance, an umbrella group for a variety of organisations, which I received at their recent lobby of Parliament. We are now considering them carefully. I will make an announcement on how we will take this forward in the near future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers he has to control the prices of (a) parallel-traded branded medicines, (b) branded medicines dispensed against generic prescriptions and (c) branded generic medicines. [126666]

The prices of branded medicines derived from parallel trade follow those not so derived. The price of a branded medicine is unaffected if it dispensed against a generic prescription.The prices of branded medicines, whether generic or not, are controlled indirectly though the operation of the 1999 Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS), a voluntary arrangement which aims to secure the provision of safe and effective medicines for the National Health Service at reasonable prices. Whether the prices are reasonable is determined by the level of profits which manufacturers make from sales to the NHS. The operation of the PPRS is described in detail in the "Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme: Third Report to Parliament December 1999", copies of which are available in Library.Section 34 of the Health Act 1999 allows my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to limit the prices of branded medicines supplied to the NHS by companies which are not members of the 1999 PPRS. This power has not been exercised because all major manufacturers of branded medicines are members of the 1999 PPRS.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were waiting for admission to hospitals, including suspended patients but not including self-deferred cases, (a) in (i) Great Britain and (ii) each health authority, in (1) 1987 and (2) 1992 and (b) in (A) Great Britain and (B) each NHS trust in each year since 1995. [127209]

[holding answer 23 June 2000]: The information requested for England has been placed in the Library. Matters for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are for their respective Administrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what percentage of in-patients are treated at the Diana Princess of Wales hospital in Grimsby in (a) one

NHS Hospital and Community Health Services (HCHS): Number of administrative staff; managerial staff; nurses; junior doctors and other medical staff employed in the NHS region as at 30 September each year
Whole-time equivalent
	England	Northern and Yorkshire	Trent	West Midlands	North West	Eastern	London	South East	South West	Other
1999
Administrative and estates staff	149,230	18,880	14,900	15,460	20,700	11,910	25,960	21,290	13,020	7,110
Administrative managerial staff	23,380	2,660	2,250	2,400	2,500	2,020	4,290	3,840	1,820	1,590
Nurses	338,580	45,910	35,640	35,640	51,150	30,920	51,540	51,050	32,660	4,060
Of which:
Qualified	250,650	34,540	25,950	26,340	37,420	21,260	42,810	36,620	24,040	1,670
Unqualified	87,440	11,380	9,540	9,300	13,720	9,570	8,700	14,320	8,550	2,380
Junior doctors1	29,470	3,520	3,060	2,940	4,160	2,520	6,930	4,000	2,340	3—
Other Medical staff2	26,500	3,500	2,620	2,750	3,790	2,540	4,630	4,210	2,460	3—
1998
Administrative and estates staff	145,670	18,380	14,460	12,910	20,840	18,970	16,700	15,550	20,410	7,440
Administrative managerial staff	21,850	2,510	2,110	2,230	3,410	3,070	2,430	2,160	2,330	1,600
Nurses	332,200	44,870	34,930	32,310	46,710	42,250	42,100	35,400	49,740	3,880
Of which:
Qualified	247,240	33,750	25,390	23,650	36,570	31,930	31,100	26,350	36,820	1,680
Unqualified	84,520	11,120	9,540	8,660	10,080	10,000	11,000	9,010	12,910	2,200
Junior doctors1	29,100	3,590	2,970	2,860	4,180	2,680	5,310	4,190	3,320	3—
Other Medical staff2	25,160	3,370	2,410	2,620	3,580	2,540	3,920	3,540	3,180	3—
1997
Administrative and estates staff	145,150	18,420	14,390	12,820	21,060	18,650	16,480	15,290	20,240	7,800
Administrative managerial staff	21,430	2,460	1,980	2,270	3,330	3,130	2,410	2,190	2,190	1,460
Nurses	330,620	45,030	34,760	32,040	46,920	42,680	41,850	34,200	49,300	3,840

The latest available information is given in the table.

In patients treated
	Diana Princess of Wales Hospital	Scunthorpe and Goole Hospital
Elective waiting list admissions	9,683	18,740
Elective waiting list admissions:
Within 1 month	1,924	8,118
Percentage seen within 1 month	20	43
Within 3 months	1,895	3,956
Percentage seen within 3 months	20	21
Within 6 months	1,448	1,989
Percentage seen within 6 months	15	11
Over 6 months	4,416	4,677
Percentage seen over 6 months	46	25

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many (a) administrative staff, (b) managerial staff, (c) nurses, (d) junior doctors and (e) other medical staff were employed in each region in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [127691]

[holding answer 27 June 2000]: The information requested is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of NHS dentists in prisons. [128159]

In most cases dental services to prisoners are provided by visiting general dental practitioners working under NHS general dental services arrangements. Some individual prisons contract for dental services with another provider, usually the Community Dental Service, but sometimes with an individual dentist.As part of the prison health care reforms now under way, all prisons and the health authorities in which they are situated are assessing prisoners' health needs and drawing up health improvement plans, which include dentistry. These assessments will help inform how dental services can best be delivered in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what evaluation he has made of the on-line information service for carers, Starthere, referred to in the National Strategy for Carers; [128263](2) what assessment he has made of the availability of on-line information for carers; [128264](3) what assessment he has made of South Staffordshire's on-line information service for carers. [128265](4) what action he plans to take to co-ordinate on-line information services for carers. [128266]

Many carers will not have access to the Internet and will therefore be more likely to use other sources of information (such as: telephone helplines, carers' centres, leaflets in general practitioners' surgeries etc.). However, on-line services are an increasingly important element of information and support to carers as "Caring About Carers", the report of the National Carers Strategy, makes clear.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the arrangements are for maternity leave for GPs; and if he will make a statement. [128283]

The payments due to a GP on maternity leave are available for a maximum period of 14 weeks. The period for which a GP may need to be absent from her practice prior to, and after, the birth, is a matter for individual assessment. A GP who is absent for a period longer than this, before or after the confinement, will be eligible for payments under the sickness payments scheme provided that these further absences are due to illness, whether or not this is caused by or attributable to her pregnancy or the birth of the child.Certain additional payments may be made to a woman GP during absences due to her pregnancy and her childbirth. Payments will be intended to reimburse her in part for the cost of a locum necessarily engaged to look after her patients.Salaried GPs are treated as employees and therefore receive statutory maternity pay.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people are currently registered as wholly or partially disabled (a) nationally, (b) in Teesside and (c) in the constituency of Middlesbrough, South and Cleveland, East; and if he will make a statement. [128513]

Information is not available in the requested format. The table shows the number of people on registers of blind and partially sighted persons, deaf or hard of hearing persons or on registers for people with physical disabilities (general classes). Registration is voluntary and is not a pre-requisite to the provision of services. Figures should not, therefore, be taken as an indicator of prevalence nor of the number of people who are in contact with social services.

Persons on disability registers as at 31 March 1993, 1997 and 1998
Rounded numbers
	1993 Register of people with general disabilities	1997 Registered as blind or partially sighted	1998 Registered as deaf or hard of hearing
England	1,336,900	296,800	189,600
Middlesbrough	126,000	740	1,550
Redcar and Cleveland		700	2—
Stockton on Tees		700	2,240
Hartlepool		370	1,220
1The figures for 1993 refer to the former county of Cleveland
2Not available

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the impact on religious liberties of the proposal to ban the use of implements in the physical punishment of children by parents included in the document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents". [129076]

The consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents" was informed primarily by our recognition of the importance of the family and the need to strengthen it, through support to families with children.Over 800 replies were received in response to the consultation, a number of which were from faith-based organisations and from individuals who cited the importance of their faith in informing their response. These responses will be considered carefully alongside all of the other responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances the use of an implement in the exercise of physical punishment of children by their parents would be considered unreasonable, as proposed in the consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents". [129082]

In the consultation document "Protecting Children, Supporting Parents", published in January 2000, six questions were raised for consultation within the context of three possible future options for change. These are all based on the proposal that the defence of reasonable chastisement be set out on a statutory basis. The questions are then raised as to whether the following circumstances can be made reasonable:

physical punishment which causes, or is likely to cause, injury to the head (including injuries to the brain, eyes and ears)

physical punishment using implements (e.g. canes, slippers, belts).

Those of the over 800 responses received which address these questions will be considered as part of the process of analysing the contributions of respondents.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what construction contracts his Department has awarded to the Joannou and Paraskevaides Group in the last three years. [123144]

[holding answer 22 May 2000]: The Department for Education and Employment has awarded no construction contracts to the Joannou and Paraskevaides Group in the last three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will list in respect of each of the last three years (a) the percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more A^*-C grades at GCSE and (b) the average points score at A level for pupils attending (i) specialist schools and (ii) comprehensive schools (excluding specialist schools) in England. [127867]

The information requested on GCSEs and GCE A level is shown in the following table. However, it is not possible to make year-on-year comparisons, as the number of specialist schools has increased each year; therefore, the schools in each of the categories have changed.

Percentage
	1997	1998	1999
(a) Percentage of 15-year-old pupils achieving 5 Or more GCSE grades A*-C
(i) in specialist schools	50.8	52.2	53.3
(ii) in comprehensive schools excluding specialist schools	41.6	42.3	44

More detailed analysis is available for specialist school performance from the year each school became specialist up to 1998. The annual average improvement in the proportion of pupils achieving at least 5 or more GCSEs

A

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is his Department's assessment of the measures required to tackle labour market access for the most disadvantaged groups; and what policies are in place to apply such measures. [127965]

The Government's key economic aim is high and stable levels of employment so everyone can share in growing living standards and greater job opportunities. The ambition is that, by the end of the decade, there will be a higher percentage of people in employment than ever before.An important element of the Government's approach is to address labour market disadvantage to achieve employment opportunities for all. Policies encourage employers to consider the widest range of people for their vacancies—including the long-term unemployed, the economically inactive, people with disabilities, people from ethnic minorities and older people.To achieve these aims, the Government have put in place a national framework, supplemented by locally targeted policies:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Harrogate and Knaresborough (Mr. Willis), of 21 December 1999, Official Report, column 554W, 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. [128239]

The table lists the names of the companies as referred to in my answer of 21 December 1999 and indicates where the secondee worked within DfEE.

Company
Glaxo Wellcome	Higher Education Funding Division
Aquemen	Private Finance Division
BBC	University for Industry—(UFI)
	Team Broadcasting Adviser
BBC	University for Industry—(UFI)
	Team Broadcasting Adviser
Pannell Kerr Foster Associates	Private Finance Division
LINK Group	Individual Learning Accounts
ICL	UFI Transition Team

In each case the secondees worked on developing and delivering Government policy in the areas described above.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action he intends to take in response to the most recent Ofsted report on Southwark local education authority. [128489]

Consultants were employed, jointly by the DfEE and Southwark Council following December's Ofsted report, to advise on ways to improve the LEA's performance and to raise standards in Southwark schools. As a result of their recommendations, Southwark advertised for a strategic partner in March. Two bids have been shortlisted, and there is currently a rigorous process of clarification and evaluation involving both bidders, DfEE and Southwark, aided by consultants. We will select an appropriate model of partnership and a partner with whom the Council will enter into a formal agreement. The partner will, as a minimum, take over the running of the School Improvement Service and play a major role in strategic policy formation. A wider element of service delivery may be included.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he has taken to enhance the role of rural schools within their local communities. [127919]

Our guidance on the reorganisation of schools makes it clear that there should be a presumption against the closure of rural schools, and we are encouraging community use of school facilities. Our recent booklet "Raising Standards: Opening Doors" encourages imaginative approaches to community use of schools, and a manual is being developed to support schools in their work with the community. We recently introduced a new Standards Fund grant for small schools to help reduce the administrative burden on heads and teachers, and from September an additional Small School Support Fund will encourage small schools to consider and pilot new ways of working with others.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how much of its standard spending assessment Kent Education Authority allocated to post-16 education between 1997–98 and 2000–01 (a) in absolute terms and (b) per pupil; [128743](2) how much of their standard spending assessment the statistical neighbours of Kent Education Authority have allocated to post-16 education between 1997–98 and 2000–01

This information is not available. Local education authorities allocate funding to schools using various factors and there is no separate post-16 component to mirror that used in the standard spending assessment process. Furthermore, central spending by the LEA on secondary education is not separately analysed into pre-16 and post-16 components.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will examine the feasibility of establishing a university in Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [128761]

It is for the higher education funding councils to offer advice to the Government on such matters in the light of representations made locally. We are not aware of any representations about the feasibility of establishing a university in Shropshire.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what resources and money are being made available to help people who are aged 50 years and over, who are not working, to set up their own businesses; and if he will make a statement. [128804]

People aged over 50 who are looking for work and are considering self-employment may be eligible for Work Based Learning for Adults. This programme provides: initial support and advice; awareness of the implications of self-employment; help to develop business plans; appropriate skills training; and ongoing mentoring while in training. The budget for Work Based Learning for Adults for this year is £316 million for England.New Deal 50 plus provides practical advice and financial support for people moving back to work and this support extends to those who become self-employed or set up in business. The Employment Credit of £60 a week for up to a year for those working full-time and the in-work Training Grant of up to £750 provide vital financial support for the individual in their first year back in work. The budget for New Deal 50 plus this year is £120 million for Great Britain.In addition, from April next year, New Deal 25 plus will be offering a dedicated route into self-employment.The Department for Education and Employment is also helping to fund PRIME, an initiative modelled on the Prince's Trust. PRIME intends to offer advice and financial support for people over 50 wishing to set up their own business.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is providing information about help provided by DTI programmes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what support and assistance he will provide to schools in order to ensure that children are provided with adequate swimming lessons. [128822]

The National Curriculum has always entitled all children to learn to swim unaided for a distance of 25 metres by the time they leave primary school. We have asked Ofsted to report on swimming at Key Stages 1 and 2, using enhanced inspection evidence gathered during November 1999 and information from their existing inspection database. We anticipate receiving their report within the next few months and will then consider their findings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations he has had with Ministers and officials in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions in respect of the training of scientists with the appropriate expertise to manage radioactive waste. [128862]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has had no consultation with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on this subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many teachers employed in schools in the London Borough of Wandsworth have applied for the performance-related pay scheme; and if he will make a statement. [128892]

At this stage, information relating to applications for threshold assessment has not been analysed in sufficient detail to identify the numbers applying from Wandsworth. We will be making this information available in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment on what date the contract of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools expires. [129020]

Chris Woodhead's current term of employment as HM Chief Inspector of Schools ends on 31 August 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the implications of the proposed EU Council directive, establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation for religious liberties. [129086]

The Employment Directive is still being negotiated and we will work with our partners in other member states to ensure that its provisions relating to religious liberties are clear, workable and consistent with the existing position in the UK.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent meetings he has held with trade unions to discuss dockyard work loads. [128769]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence and the rest of his ministerial team met senior trade unions national officers on 12 June 2000 to discuss, among other matters, the management of overall capacity for warship support and maintenance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans for efficiency savings he has made with regard to Royal Navy dockyards; and if he will make a statement. [128768]

As part of the Defence Logistic Organisation's drive to reduce costs while increasing the quality of logistic support to the Front Line, discussions have commenced with the privatised dockyard companies and senior trades union national officers looking for innovative ways to reduce the current excess capacity for warship support and maintenance. It is too early to say what this will mean in terms of efficiency savings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will acquire GPS tail kits for all RAF iron bombs. [129080]

On current plans, we aim to introduce an all-weather precision bombing capability in 2006. The Kosovo campaign confirmed the need to improve our capability in this area and we are examining the scope for advancing this date alongside other high priorities.Various technological solutions are available that could provide autonomous guidance for a weapon which meets this requirement, including the use of Global Positional System (GPS) technology.There is not considered to be a requirement to acquire all-weather guidance for all our bombs. Laser guided bombs such as Paveway 2 and 3 remain highly cost effective weapons in the majority of weather conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will acquire the Maverick missile system. [129081]

The Kosovo campaign identified the need to enhance our precision attack capability. In March, I announced the start of work to trial the integration of Maverick anti-armour missiles onto RAF Harrier GR7. Trials are proceeding and further decisions will be taken when they are complete.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those UK companies which receive financial support from the European Investment Bank; for what reason such assistance is provided; and if he will make a statement. [123623]

The information is given in the 1999 EIB Annual Report, which is available in the Library.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which areas have been identified by (a) member states and (b) European Community institutions as requiring additional pooling of sovereignty for the better functioning of the single currency zone. [123613]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 5 June 2000, Official Report, column 71W.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish an independent assessment of the extent to which the five economic tests for entry into the single currency have been met at the time when the Government make their recommendations on entry; [128627](2) what plans he has to publish the Treasury's assessment of whether the five economic tests for membership of the single currency have been met. [128628]

The Treasury published the paper "UK Membership of the Single Currency: An Assessment of the Five Economic Tests" in October 1997. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said we will make another assessment of the five economic tests early in the nextParliament.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from fuel retailers about rates of duty on diesel and petrol in Northern Ireland and their impact on cross-border smuggling of fuel; and if he will make a statement. [129063]

I met with the Northern Ireland Committee of the Petrol Retailers Association in October 1999 to discuss the cross-border smuggling of road fuels in Northern Ireland and its impact on the petrol retail industry.Treasury Ministers continue to receive representations about the rates of duty on diesel and petrol in Northern Ireland. In addition to representations directly from the Petrol Retailers Association, some individual retailers have contacted their Members of Parliament who have then written to Treasury Ministers on their behalf.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the quantity of smuggled road fuel of each type seized by the customs officers in Northern Ireland in each of the last five years and the current year; and how much revenue these seizures represented. [128611]

The seizures for financial years 1995–96 to 1998–99 are in the Northern Ireland Select Committee Third Report (July 1999). The seizures for the financial year 1999–2000 are as follows:

Volume seized (litres)	Revenue (£)
1,037,0011	528,870
1a breakdown by type is not available

The seizures for the current year are not yet available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures he (1) takes to ensure that answers to parliamentary questions are dealt with in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information; [129068](2) has undertaken to ensure that answers to parliamentary questions are dealt with in accordance with the Code of Practice on Access to Government information. [129217]

Treasury Ministers seek to answer parliamentary questions fully, providing Members with the information they are seeking. In those cases where it is not possible to do so—for example, if the information requested is not available, if it would be disproportionately costly to obtain it, or if it is appropriate under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information not to disclose the information—it is our practice to explain the reason in the answer.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the future work programme of the Tax Law Rewrite project; and if it includes the rewriting of the Pay As You Earn Regulations. [129448]

I am pleased to say that the Tax Law Rewrite project is making very good progress and continues to enjoy wide support. A rewritten draft Capital Allowances Bill will be published at the end of July, for final consultations. It is planned to be ready for introduction in Parliament towards the end of this year.Work also continues on the much larger task of rewriting the Income Tax legislation. For practical reasons, this will be enacted in stages. The first Income Tax Bill—covering employment income and possibly social security and pensions income—is planned to be ready in November 2002. The aim is to have a second Income Tax Bill—covering trading income, property income and savings and investment income—ready for November 2003.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to allow members of occupational schemes to make contributions to stakeholder pensions. [129604]

We will shortly table an amendment to the Finance Bill to allow members of an occupational pension scheme, who earn under £30,000 per year and who are not controlling directors, to contribute up to £3,600 a year to a personal or stakeholder pension scheme. This will extend the opportunity of new low cost, good value, portable stakeholder pensions to about 8 million more people. It will allow nearly 90 per cent. of employees who have an occupational pension to also pay into a stakeholder pension.A copy of the joint Inland Revenue/Department of Social Security press notice, giving further details of the arrangements, will be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to seek a change in EU law to limit the number of cycles of travel and rest for animals while being exported to other European countries; and if he will make a statement. [126903]

We shall be seeking substantial improvements to the EU requirements on the welfare of animals in transit when the Commission brings forward the updating proposals that it has promised for later this year. We shall wish the improvements to include strict and enforceable provisions on the permissible length of journeys.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on milk quotas; and if he will make a statement. [126959]

During the Agenda 2000 negotiations, regular meetings were held with agriculture ministers from other EU member states regarding milk quotas. Further discussions will be held in the run up to the review of the milk quota system in 2003.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received from commercial organisations about the percentage of food consumed in the UK which is (a) organically produced and (b) produced by (i) genetic

[holding answer 20 June 2000]: I have received no recent representations from commercial organisations about the percentage of food, provided by any of the above methods, that is currently consumed in the United Kingdom, or estimated for production in the year 2010.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 10 April 2000, Official Report, column 57W, on organic farming, what have been the major conclusions of the organic research programme on (a) constraints on production, (b) costs of the conversion period and (c) the environmental impact. [126475]

[holding answer 27 June 2000]: The majority of the projects funded under the Ministry's organic R&D programme address issues relating to constraints on production and the cost of conversion. These projects have considered a considerable number of issues both specifically and in the context of ongoing studies of agricultural systems. Research on the environmental impact of organic farming has concluded that organic regimes can benefit biodiversity at the farm-level although, the impact is farm-specific and dependent on the management of the farm both before and after conversion to the organic system. Lists of projects funded from 1997–98 are posted on the Ministry's website. Reports containing the conclusions of completed projects are available from the Ministry on request.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will identify those elements of the Common Fisheries Policy which operate in (a) Baltic and (b) Mediterranean waters; and if he will account for the differences in applicability of the policy to Atlantic waters. [127191]

Baltic Sea fisheries are managed by the International Baltic Sea Fisheries Commission (IBSFC), of which the EU is a member. EU regulations are made under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to implement management measures adopted by the IBSFC. General CFP conservation measures are also applicable in the Baltic Sea to the extent specified in individual regulations.Coastal states in the Mediterranean Sea have not generally extended their exclusive fisheries limits beyond 12 miles, reflecting the narrowness of the continental shelf in the area. This has restricted the extent to which general CFP provisions have been applied. The EU has, however, implemented various conservation measures under the CFP covering Mediterranean fisheries, including tuna management measures adopted by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and a limited number of technical conservation measures.The Government consider that the application of the CFP in Atlantic waters can be improved and will continue to pursue opportunities for achieving this.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average length of time which it took for press releases to appear on his Ministry's website in the past 12 months. [128059]

[holding answer 28 June 2000]: The Department publishes its press releases on the MAFF website within 24 hours of the time they are issued. Many are published on the day of release, and we are investigating ways of upgrading existing updating methods to ensure that all do so.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has assessed on the efficacy of biological control of ragwort. [128339]

My Department is not currently involved in any research and development on the biological control of ragwort. Depending on its location and degree of infestation, ragwort can be controlled effectively by a number of means.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the extent to which expectant and nursing sows suffer from being kept in farrowing crates; and if he will make a statement. [129032]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: This Ministry has funded a considerable amount of research on the behaviour and physiology of sows kept in farrowing crates. Part of this research has been directed towards determining which aspects of confinement in farrowing crates could, potentially, cause frustration in pregnant and lactating sows. We are also funding research to develop and test commercially viable farrowing systems, which encourage freedom of movement for the sow, and provide adequate protection to piglets from crushing by their mother.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the state of shellfish stocks around the United Kingdom coast. [128540]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: Monitoring of the state of shellfish stocks by marine fisheries scientists at the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) suggests that the current rate of fishing on crab, crawfish and lobster could jeopardise stock sustainability. Work is now proceeding on the introduction of a restrictive Shellfish Licensing Scheme to aid stock conservation.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has for the remainder of the year 2000 and for 2001 for (a) netters, (b) beamers, (c) the pelagic sector and (d) all other fishing sectors to financially assist those fishermen who wish to decommission their boat and leave the industry; [128842](2) what current financial support is available to those fishermen who wish to leave the industry and decommission their boats; [128843](3) what plans he has for the remainder of 2000 and for 2001 to assist financially those fishermen operating a line cash system who wish to decommission their boat. [129025]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: There is currently no financial scheme to encourage fishermen to decommission their vessels.We are currently considering whether there is a need for a further limited decommissioning scheme, and will make an announcement as soon as possible.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to (a) review the operational effectiveness of sea fisheries committees, (b) manage shellfish stocks and (c) regulate use of high-powered under 10m fishing vessels. [128546]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: I keep the operational effectiveness of the sea fisheries committees under regular view. The introduction of a restrictive shellfish licensing scheme, which is now in preparation, should usefully add to existing action at EU, national and Sea Fishery Committee level on the management of shellfish stocks. A cap of 100 VCUs (vessel capacity units) has applied to the aggregation of under 10m fishing vessel licences since February 1996 and earlier this year arrangements were made to link the registration and licensing of all fishing vessels to the declaration of maximum continuous or permanently derated engine power. From 1 January 2001 it will no longer be possible to aggregate licences from vessels under 8m onto vessels between 8 and 10m and a cap of 70 VCUs will apply to the aggregation of fishing vessel licences onto vessels below 8m.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the operation of the legislative framework under which sea fisheries committees operate, with particular reference to (a) consistency of approach to minimum landing sizes, (b) the evidence required to achieve a prosecution, (c) the management of charter fishing vessels and (d) the impact of high-powered under 10m vessels. [128574]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: Under the Sea Fisheries Regulation Act 1966, Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) have powers within their districts to control the size and power of vessels fishing and to set minimum landing sizes for fish and shellfish, provided these do not fall below those set by EU regulations. The Government are aware of SFC concerns about the inland extent of enforcement powers and is considering appropriate action. SFC bylaws apply as appropriate to the activities of under 10m fishing vessels and charter fishing boats. Responsibility for the registration of fishing and other vessels rests with the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen and vessels fishing for profit must hold a valid licence issued by one of the four Fisheries Departments in the UK.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the trade in fishing licences and quota in the last three years; [128838](2) what plans he has to ensure that the trade in fishing entitlements

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: Trade in fishing vessel licences and the fishing opportunities associated with them have been initiated by fishermen themselves. The trade enables new entrants to join the industry and gives fishermen the opportunity to restructure their operations to meet their own business needs. All licensing transactions and exchanges of quota between groups with quota management responsibilities must be conducted in accordance with the rules on licensing and quota management drawn up by the Fisheries Departments in the UK.These arrangements are the subject of regular consultation with the fishing industry and are currently under review by two working groups comprising representatives of industry and the Fisheries Departments. A report on possible modifications to the quota management rules, including arrangements for adjusting the fixed quota allocation units attached to fishing vessel licences to take account of transfers between fishermen, is expected shortly and a further report on licensing is expected towards the end of the year.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of a renewable 10-year derogation for national fishing rights within 12 miles of the United Kingdom shore, with particular reference to (a) the length of the derogation, (b) its operation by his Department, (c) its operation by the sea fisheries committees, (d) the exercising of historic rights of other EU member states, and (e) the ability to conserve stock for the future benefit of the fishing industry. [128575]

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: As I have already made clear, the Government wish to maintain national 6/12 mile limits when the current EU derogation (under which they operate) expires at the end of 1992, together with current access arrangements based on historic rights under the Common Fisheries Policy. Restrictions on access to waters between six and 12 miles, together with the setting in the EU of Total Allowable Catches and quotas for commercial stocks and EU national, and local technical conservation rules assist, in conserving fish stocks for the future benefit of the fishing industry and of consumers. I shall shortly be discussing with the Association of Sea Fisheries Committees a paper they are preparing entitled "2002 and Beyond" which will, I understand, argue for change in the extent of Sea Fisheries Committee jurisdictions from their present limit of six miles.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what assessment he has made of the efficiency and probity of giving producer organisations in the fishing industry opportunities to manage the distribution of some quota allocations to their members; [128840](2) what

[holding answer 4 July 2000]: In the UK, annual quotas are allocated to groups of fishermen rather than individual vessel owners. The groups are producer organisations (POs), the non-sector (all vessels over 10 metres not in membership of a PO) and the under 10 metre fleet. The quota allocations for the non-sector and the under 10 metre fleet are managed directly by the Fisheries Departments in the UK in consultation with the fishing industry.Producer organisations have played an active part in managing quota for more than 10 years. It is for each PO to decide how to manage its allocations in the interests of its members. Before a PO is recognised for the purposes of quota management it must satisfy the appropriate Fisheries Department that it has the necessary systems in place to manage its quota allocations, to monitor landings by its members and to penalise any members who exceed their quota allocations. PO's management of quota is subject to the overall supervision of Fisheries Departments who prohibit further landings of fish by a PO's members once its quota allocations have been taken in full.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to commission the construction of a fisheries research vessel; and if he will make a statement. [128488]

A decision was taken in October 1997 to replace MAFF's oldest fisheries research vessel, RV Cirolana, which is used to collect essential data on the state of fish stocks and the marine environment. A comprehensive business case explored all options, including the Private Finance Initiative and the consequences of not replacing the ship. Investment in a new vessel was agreed as a priority in the 1998 Comprehensive Spending Review, and the procurement process is under way.In accordance with EU procurement rules, expressions of interest in the contract to construct the new vessel have been invited, and the responses will be evaluated in order to identify a short list of bidders who will be given the opportunity to tender for the contract. The planned schedule allows for negotiation and award of a construction contract by the end of December 2000. The vessel is expected to be ready for service in March 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on attracting inward investment into the United Kingdom. [129298]

With my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, I can announce that the Invest in Britain Bureau (IBB) has in its Annual Review, published today, reported that 1999–2000 was a record year for attracting inward investment projects to the UK, and the creation of new jobs.Between 1 April 1999 and 31 March 2000, 757 direct investment projects by foreign owned companies into the UK were reported to the IBB by its partner agencies in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English Regional Development Agencies. Based on information provided by the companies at the time of the announcement, it is estimated that these projects will create over 52,700 new jobs.More overseas companies choose to invest here than anywhere in Europe. They do so because the UK is the best place to do business.In addition, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced today that the Invest In Britain Bureau, the Government's national inward investment marketing organisation, which is a part of British Trade International, will be rebranded 'Invest.UK'.I am arranging for a copy of Invest.UK's Annual Review to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what grants, loans and other payments were made by Her Majesty's Government, and what loans were underwritten by the ECGD, to Balfour Beatty in each of the last five years. [128570]

From records readily available the following Balfour Beatty business has been the subject of guarantees underwritten by ECGD in each of the last five years:

Year	Number of Balfour Beatty contracts supported by ECGD	Value of ECGD cover £ Million
1995–96	6	62.3
1996–97	8	75.5
1997–98	2	33.7
1998–99	3	15.2
1999–2000	0	0

Most cover ECGD has underwritten will have been given to UK banks who extended loans to overseas borrowers to enable them to pay for capital goods and services over an extended payment period. However, some insurance cover has been issued directly to Balfour Beatty.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funds have been promised to Jaguar Cars for (a) the X200 project and (b) the X400 project; what payments have been made to date; and when full payment will be made on each of the projects. [129225]

In 1995 Jaguar received an offer of £48 million Regional Selective Assistance (RSA), plus a £32 million package of local support measures to attract the X200 (S-Type) project to Castle Bromwich. Following discussions with the European Commission, the RSA element of the £80 million package was subsequently revised to £40 million. However, the Commission subsequently agreed in principle that additional aid up to the original £80 million total might be provided.Jaguar also received in 1998 an aid support offer of £40 million RSA and up to £3 million in local support measures to secure the X400 project for Halewood—the X400 package has been fully approved by the European Commission.The detail of the payments made and their timing is a commercial matter between Jaguar and the aid providers concerned. However in major aid cases such as this, RSA support is normally phased over a number of years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will list (a) contracts awarded to the German company Karl Kolb by the British Government and (b) the amount of ECGD support provided on contracts in which Karl Kolb was a participating party between 1985 and 1999; and if he will make a statement; [128177]

There is no record of ECGD having provided support for any contract in which Karl Kolb was a participating party.Equally there is no record of this Department ever having awarded a contract to Karl Kolb or held a meeting with Karl Kolb.As this Department does not monitor meetings between British companies and overseas firms I am unable to answer the right hon. and learned Member's final point.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many (a) rural and (b) urban sub-post offices operated unprofitably in the last financial year in each constituency in (a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland; and how many of these in each constituency will benefit from the new fund to improve the quality of post offices. [128749]

In its report on the Post Office network, the Performance and Innovation Unit has estimated that around 90 per cent. of urban sub-post offices operate profitably and that around 60 per cent. of rural sub-post offices operate unprofitably. I understand from the Post Office that they do not hold data by constituency for the numbers of urban or rural sub-post offices operating unprofitably.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many urban and rural sub-post offices closed for avoidable reasons in the years (a) 1997, (b) 1998 and (c) 1999. [128751]

I understand that the Post Office does not hold the specific data requested for causes of closure of sub-post offices. The Post Office seeks as far as possible not to close post offices when it can be avoided. As the Performance and Innovation Unit's report recognises, sub-post office closures occur typically in small rural communities where a sub-postmaster resigns or dies and, despite best efforts, the Post Office can find no suitable replacement to take over the running of the office.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his oral statement of 28 June 2000, Official Report, columns 907–20, how many (a) urban and (b) rural sub-post offices were unavoidably closed because (i) no one was prepared to take over from the departing sub-postmaster and (ii) an associated retail business was no longer commercially viable, in (1) 1997, (2) 1998 and (3) 1999. [128750]

I understand that the Post Office does not hold the specific data requested for causes of closure of sub-post offices. The Post Office seeks as far as possible not to close post offices when it can be avoided. The total numbers of sub-post offices which have closed in the last three financial years are:

Year	Sub-post offices
1997–98	238
1998–99	232
1999–2000	380

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has reached conclusions following his consultation on proposals to amend the Electricity (Class Exemptions from the Requirement for a Licence) Order 1997. [129580]

In order to reduce the regulatory burden on generators which are not subject to central despatch at present I am proposing to make changes to the de-minimis level above which a generation licence is required. Subject to final comments, I propose to lay an order to exempt for a period of one year all generators which are not capable of exporting more than 100 MW to the total system and which have energised connections on the date of the order coming into force. Additionally a small number of stations which exceed this limit but are not presently subject to central despatch will be included within this exempt class.The change will allow generators which are currently connected to the public network and do not presently have to submit to central despatch the freedom to aggregate their output with suppliers when the new electricity trading arrangements come into effect. This will be of particular help to those plants which do not have predictable or flexible output, including renewables and CHP operators.The Government propose to lay the order in August. It will come into force before the commencement of NETA trading in the autumn.This order will be an interim arrangement pending the coming into force of new legislation and will apply in England and Wales. During this interim period, generators who wish to connect new plant capable of exporting between 50–100 MW or who plan to increase the size of their plant so that it comes within this category may apply to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for an individual exemption. In deciding whether or not to grant and in determining the date of the granting of such exemptions, the Department will take into account the views of interested parties—including those of Ofgem and the relevant transmission and distribution network operators.It is my intention within the coming year to lay a further, final order replacing this interim order. Further orders will cover the de-minimis rules to govern exemptions from the need for licences to generate, supply and distribute electricity.The generation exemptions covering plant of this size will be subject to periodic review. It is the Government's present intention that they will be reviewed approximately every three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he has received a report by the Director General of Telecommunications for 1999, as required under section 55 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. [129579]

Yes. The sixteenth Report by the Director General of Telecommunications is being published today. It covers the period 1 January to 31 December 1999. This includes initiatives to encourage the widespread take-up of Information Age services such as innovative pricing packages for internet access and opening up competition in BT's local loop to deliver new high-speed services to homes and small businesses. Copies of the report have been laid before each House of Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what estimate he has made of the number of people who will be displaced if the Ilisu Dam project goes ahead; and what plans he has for aid to deal with the consequences of this displacement. [127758]

There have been various estimates made about the number of people who will be displaced by the Ilisu Dam project. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Hull, North (Mr. McNamara) on 17 January 2000, Official Report, column 268W. In addition, a number of people will be partially affected by the project. Accurate assessment of the numbers who would be affected is now being made as a result of a detailed survey. This work is being carried out by SEMOR, a firm that has experience of carrying out social assessment projects for the World bank. Dr. Ayse Kudat, an eminent environmental sociologist, who was until recently a senior staff member at the World bank, has been appointed by the Swiss Export Credit Agency to assist in this work; the expertise of Dr. Kudat will help ensure that the resettlement programme will reflect internationally accepted practice.The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) which is being drawn up for the Turkish authorities will publish these accurate numbers. The RAP will set out what is to be done to deal with the consequences of those who are displaced or whose lands will be partially affected. It is ultimately for the Turkish authorities to ensure that resettlement is properly carried out. The RAP will of course be discussed among the Export Credit Agencies who are considering offering support for the project. The RAP is currently not expected to be ready until the end of August at the earliest.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment has been made by (a) his Department and (b) consultants to his Department of the potential toxic effects of release of hydrofluorocarbons into the environment. [128454]

My Department has not itself carried out or commissioned any such assessments. The Department for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) is responsible for Government policy on climate change and protection of the stratospheric ozone layer. My Department works closely with DETR in the development of Government policy in these areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what consultations he has had with the refrigeration industry trade associations in respect of replacement options for hydrofluorocarbons. [128451]

My Department holds regular Refrigeration Sector Group meetings, which involve representatives of the refrigerant industry trade associations, industry and other Government Departments to discuss current and future issues of interest such as the use of alternative refrigerants.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to distinguish between producer responsibility obligations for packaging that has a high energy contribution to its life cycle, and that which does not. [128889]

A producer responsibility regime exists for packaging in the form of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 1997. These regulations place an obligation on businesses throughout the packaging chain which meet certain threshold requirements, to recover and recycle packaging waste. The regulations do not distinguish between different kinds of packaging or packaging materials on the basis of either their energy content or the energy consumed in their manufacture and use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the PFI contracts entered into by his Department, indicating (a) their dates of commencement, (b) their value, (c) if they have been subject to refinancing and (d) if his Department has a claw-back entitlement to share in savings arising from refinancing. [129058]

The Department and its agencies have signed three PFI contracts—the Radiocommunications Agency's joint venture for the provision of IT services and international consultancy, signed on 8 June 1998, with an estimated capital value of £15 million; the contract for the redevelopment of the National Physical Laboratory at Teddington, signed on 31 July 1998, with a capital value of £88.6 million; the Elgar contract for the provision of the Department's IT services, signed on 18 November 1998 with a currently estimated capital value of £60 million. The only contract that included external financing by a bank or financial institution was the redevelopment of the National Physical Laboratory. This contract has not been subject to refinancing. DTI agreement would be required in the event that refinancing led to an increase in potential DTI termination liabilities, although there is no pre-determined formal claw-back provision in the contract.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to help people aged 50 years and over who are not working to set up their own businesses; and if he will make a statement. [128739]

The Small Business Service, launched in April this year, will provide information, advice, and access to experts on all aspects of running a business, including planning, finance, management, exporting, quality, employment issues, training and development, innovation, design, regulation, information and communication technology and e-commerce.The SBS will also run national services to help small firms, including:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans his Department has to implement the recommendations made in the Better Regulation Task Force's recent report on helping small businesses cope with regulation, in particular the simplification of rules; and if he will make a statement. [129019]

The Government response to the Better Regulation Task Force's report was published on 26 June 2000; copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what guidance his Department gives to entrepreneurs in socially excluded areas who wish to start up and develop small businesses as to how they can access the new Phoenix Fund. [129018]

The Phoenix Fund does not support individual enterprises directly, but instead promotes the development of business support among disadvantaged groups or neighbourhoods. A mentoring scheme is already being piloted through some 45 local enterprise agencies and other local partnerships. The Small Business Service is seeking bids for support from community finance initiatives, and I shall shortly be issuing bidding guidance for assistance for novel forms of business support, including incubators.