To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the private sector companies from which secondments have been made to her Department since June 1997. [133874]

Secondments from the following private sector companies have been made since June 1997:

• Cisco Systems
• Marconi
• Virgin
• Natural Resources Institute (University of Greenwich).

To ask the Solicitor-General what plans he has to review the operation of plea bargaining in the Crown Court. [134730]

The Code for Crown Prosecutors provides guidance to Crown Prosecutors on a range of casework issues, including the acceptance of guilty pleas. Defendants may want to plead guilty to some, but not all charges. Alternatively, defendants may want to plead guilty to a different, possibly less serious charge. The Code states that, in these circumstances, Crown Prosecutors should accept a defendant's guilty plea only if they think that the court is able to pass a sentence that matches the seriousness of the offending. The Code also states that Crown Prosecutors should never accept a guilty plea just because it is convenient. The Code is a public document, issued under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 by the Director of Public Prosecutions. It was re-issued in a revised form earlier this month after an extensive public consultation exercise and a copy has been placed in the Library.The Court of Appeal gave judgment on 16 October 2000 in a Reference by the Attorney-General of a sentence passed on Robin Peverett for offences of indecent assault. The Attorney-General has said that in the light of that judgment he will consider, with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, whether additional guidance should be issued on the acceptance of guilty pleas at the Crown Court.

To ask the Solicitor-General what assessment he has made of the (a) resources and (b) quality of the staff of the Crown Prosecution Service. [134784]

The resource position for the CPS has been challenging since 1994–95 but the SR2000 settlement was a good one. As a result the CPS budget in 2003ߝ04 will be 8 per cent. higher in real terms than in this year. This is on top of the additional funding of £15.8 million for 2000ߝ01 announced on 26 June 2000.The quality of staff is assessed by the CPS through the performance appraisal system, whereby staff are assessed individually against the performance standard appropriate to their job. The quality of staff is also benchmarked externally by involving staff outside the Service in recruitment panels and in opening up selection exercises to outside competition. I have been impressed on my frequent visits to CPS offices around the country by the commitment and professionalism of staff.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement concerning the Commission for Racial Equality's investigation into allegations of race discrimination in the Croydon branch of the CPS. [134333]

The Commission for Racial Equality announced its decision to conduct an investigation into allegations of race discrimination in the Croydon Branch on 28 July 2000.The Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service met on 28 September to discuss the way in which the investigation was to be carried out.Following that meeting, on 3 October the Crown Prosecution Service received a request from the Commission for detailed information on the Croydon Branch to be sent to the Commission by 27 October. This information was forwarded to the CRE on 26 October.The investigation is ongoing.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the work of the Serious Fraud Office. [134406]

The Serious Fraud Office currently has a case load of 73 serious and complex fraud cases, including appeals. In the year to date some 22 defendants have been convicted, out of 27 tried. In addition, six trials are under way involving 15 defendants. The Serious Fraud Office continues to be an effective force in the fight against fraud.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effect of the Working Time Directive on the opportunities for postal workers to earn overtime payments. [134377]

The Working Time Regulations, which implement the provisions of the European Working Time Directive, are designed to protect employees from being required to work over a 48 hour week on average, but allow them to opt-out of this protection if they wish. This individual opt-out is reviewable by the EU Commission in 2003.Overtime payments are a contractual matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the current timetable is for the implementation of the new electricity trading arrangements in England and Wales. [135878]

Ofgem announced on Friday the revised timetable for the implementation of the new electricity trading arrangements The planned implementation date is 27 March 2001 but, due to the complexity of the work to be undertaken by a large number of participants, this date will be subject to confirmation early in the new year.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's intention to lift the stricter consents policy in November remains unchanged.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what evaluation his Department has undertaken of the effect of the EU Telecommunications Regulation concerning unbundling of the local loop on the UK telecommunications industry. [135666]

A Regulatory Impact Assessment on the costs and benefits of the draft Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on unbundled access to the local loop is currently being prepared.Local Loop Unbundling has already been mandated in the UK. Oftel decided in November 1999 that BT should allow operators to access its local access lines, and a condition in BT's licence requiring it to provide unbundled local loops was put in place in April 2000 and brought into force on 8 August 2000—four months ahead of the deadline in the Regulation. BT started the process of accepting orders for co-location in its exchanges in September and the first loops should be available early in 2001. This progress means the UK is well placed in Europe in the introduction of local loop unbundling, which will promote competition in the provision of broadband and other communications services to consumers and small businesses.The Regulation also requires the introduction of shared access, where the incumbent operator continues to provide telephony while an alternative operator provides a broadband service over the same line. While shared access is not yet in place in the UK (nor is it widely available elsewhere in Europe), Oftel has already proposed its introduction in a consultation document "Access to bandwidth: Shared access to the local loop" published in October 2000. Oftel's proposal is in line with the Regulation.The overall effect of the Regulation in the UK will thus be to underpin the existing regime, which will bring significant benefits to the telecommunications industry and consumers as a whole. The Regulation will also enable UK industry to reap similar benefits elsewhere in Europe by creating a harmonised framework for local loop unbundling.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Plaskitt) of 24 October 2000, Official Report, columns 106–07W, concerning the telecommunications council, what the Government's policy was towards the Commission's postal services proposal; and if he will make a statement. [135744]

For the UK, I said that we strongly supported further liberalisation of postal services in Europe compatible with the maintenance of the universal service. We recognised that this was an increasingly global market and that postal services within the EU needed greater commercial freedom if they were to become global players. Liberalisation should proceed in a way consistent with our social objectives so as to allow the full benefits of competition to be achieved for all consumers. At the moment, and subject to the content of the package as a whole, our view was that a reduction of the reserved area to 150grams was achievable without putting the universal service at risk. We would need to consider the advice of the new UK postal regulator on whether a greater reduction could be achieved without putting at risk the universal service at a uniform tariff. However, we would play a constructive role in further discussions on the proposal reflecting the new regulator's advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Buckingham (Mr. Bercow) of 24 October 2000, Official Report, column 101W, on the banana trade dispute, what the obstacles to compensation are; and how they are affected by World Trade Organisation membership. [135793]

Any compensation scheme for companies affected by the banana dispute would raise a number of questions concerning compatibility with both the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and EC state aid rules. There is a significant risk that a scheme would be incompatible with these. As I pointed out in my earlier answer, the only way to alleviate this burden from all the companies facing US sanctions is to find a solution to the banana dispute that is satisfactory to all parties. It is precisely this that the Government have been working hard to achieve since the US first imposed retaliation last year.No other European State is running a scheme to assist its own industries affected by the dispute. Several posts have reported that their hosts have looked into such a possibility and have concluded that any scheme would fall foul of these rules.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the quinquennial review of the Coal Authority will take place; and what the terms of reference of the review will be. [135862]

Work has now commenced on the second quinquennial review of the functions and organisation of the Coal Authority. The terms of reference for the review are as given.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the Government's progress in creating the universal bank; and if he will make a statement. [135561]

The Post Office and the high street banks are continuing to work together to develop the concept of universal banking services and the Government are closely monitoring developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many sub post offices closed between May 1997 and the latest available date. [135557]

I understand from the Post Office that the net number of sub post office closures since end March 1997 to end September 2000 is 1,183.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to reform the current provisions relating to parental leave. [135560]

On 22 June I announced the terms of reference for a review of maternity pay and parental leave. This is looking at the steps needed to make sure that parents have choices to help them balance the needs of their work and their children, so that they may contribute fully to the competitiveness and productivity of the modern economy. The provision and impact of parental leave is key to this work.Ministers working on the review have participated in a series of roundtable discussions across the English regions, Wales and Scotland. This gave over 250 individuals and organisations the opportunity to put forward their views on what is needed to change. All the comments and suggestions expressed are now being considered with the aim of publishing a consultation document before Christmas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the impact on labour market flexibility of (a) IR35 and (b) current reform of regulation of the private recruitment industry. [135562]

We do not expect the IR35 legislation to have a material effect on labour market flexibility. Our proposals to reform the regulations governing the private recruitment industry will increase labour market flexibility. A revised regulatory impact assessment will be published at the time the regulations are laid before Parliament.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if capital expenditure funded to the extent of 40 per cent. by capital grants for offshore wind projects will be eligible for capital allowances (a) on the full expenditure and (b) on only the expenditure not funded by Government grant. [135054]

A firm would be able to claim capital allowances only on the expenditure not funded by Government grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications have been received under the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme. [135051]

By Wednesday 25 October, applications had been received by the DTI in respect of the listed eight production units:

• Scottish Coal/Longannet
• Hatfield
• RJB/Selby Complex
• Blenkinsopp
• RJB/Harworth
• RJB/Maltby
• RJB/Rossington
• RJB/Welbeck.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he will publish the Statutory Instrument on the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme. [135052]

A Statutory Instrument on the UK Coal Operating Aid Scheme will not be required.Copies of the scheme are available in the House Library, or on the DTI website at the following address: http://www2.dti.gov.uk/support/coal.htm.Under the provisions of the Industrial Development Act the excess of any payment of aid over £10 million will require authorisation by a resolution of the Commons. We are waiting for the European Commission's approval of our Coal Operating Aid Scheme. If such approval is granted, we will then seek any necessary Commons authorisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what period the proposed Renewables Obligation buy-out price of 3p/KWh will be maintained.[135057]

The Government propose that the Renewables Obligation will extend to 31 March 2026, and that the 3p/KWh level of the buy-out price will not be reduced throughout that time in order to ensure that there is a secure basis for long-term investment. The Government also propose to link the buy-out to the Retail Prices Index. The Government's proposals are subject to the outcome of the current consultation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he notified the European Commission about the Renewables Obligation; and when he anticipates receiving approval. [135056]

The European Commission was formally notified of the Renewables Obligation in July 2000. My Department is currently in discussion with the Commission on the details of the notification.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research underlies his forecast for the level of greenhouse gas emissions after 2000. [135055]

At a broad level, the DTI is responsible for projections of energy demand which are used to project carbon dioxide emissions, while the DETR and MAFF have responsibility for projections of other greenhouse gases.Projections of carbon dioxide emissions are based on the energy demand projections which are generated by the DTI's energy model, which has been developed through extensive research over many years. The approach taken to modelling energy demand is described in chapter 2 of a working paper made available in March this year. A copy of the working paper, entitled "Energy Projections for the UK", is available in the Library of the House. The DETR also funds extensive research into carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from specific sectors such as non-domestic buildings, manufacturing industry and road transport to help inform Government projections.Methods for projecting emissions of the other greenhouse gases (methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride) have been developed by DETR and MAFF based on many years of Government funded research. The projections were updated recently by independent consultants for inclusion in the draft Climate Change Programme and provided as a working paper entitled "Projections of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases For The United Kingdom", March 2000, WS Atkins Limited, also available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what projects his Department is supporting connected with the First Check Point organisation to combat incompetent and dishonest builders. [135429]

My Department is not supporting any projects connected with the first check point organisation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the decision not to extend export credit guarantee cover to Romania; if he will review this decision; and if he will make a statement. [135556]

A number of exporters have made representations about the provision of export credit guarantees to support potential business in Romania. ECGD has reached its exposure ceiling for Romania. They expect to carry out a review shortly to determine the acceptability of making more cover available in the light of Romania's political and economic situation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects to publish the bilateral concordat between his Department and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. [135865]

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment and I have today agreed the text of the Concordat between the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Copies of the Concordat have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses and the text will be made available on the Department of Trade and Industry web-site.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what progress has been made in discussions within the EU on securing equal treatment for agency workers under the part-time working directive. [135709]

I understand that the Social Partners have held three meetings to date to discuss a possible framework agreement covering agency workers. The European directive on part-time work of 1997 was implemented in the UK through the Part-Time Workers (Prevention of less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, in July this year. These regulations give protection to all workers, including agency workers, against less favourable treatment on the grounds that they work part-time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) when he will announce the next steps the Government plan to take to address the threat of cosmic impact; and if he will make a statement; [135476](2) what assessment he has made of the findings of the report of the Taskforce on near-earth objects; and if he will make a statement. [135475]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell) on 23 October 2000, Official Report, column 9W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will discuss with the Prime Minister the possibility of including the threat of Near Earth Objects at a future meeting of the G8 leaders; and if he will make a statement. [135477]

Officials are consulting widely with interested parties and authorities in many countries about the issues raised by the report of the Task Force on Near Earth Objects. I have not discussed with the Prime Minister the possibility of raising this issue with G8 leaders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make available the evidence upon which the statement on his Department's website, concerning the impact of action taken by the Government to reduce the burdens on business caused by regulation, was based; and if he will quantify the reduction in the burdens on business caused by regulation referred to in that statement. [R] [135664]

My Department has been unable to identify the statement referred to in this question. Regulatory Impact Assessments, which are prepared for all new regulations with cost impacts on business, quantify the anticipated cost burden or saving of individual measures. Copies of these are available in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many silicosis cases (a) have been processed to date and (b) are still outstanding; and what assessment he has made of the length of time needed to complete all the outstanding silicosis claims; [135543](2) what action his Department is taking to speed up the process of settling outstanding silicosis compensation claims. [135544]

Since assuming the former British Coal's health liabilities in January 1998 the Department has received no claims for silicosis.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment the ECGD has made of the proposed Bujagali Dam in Uganda. [135112]

ECGD cover is not currently available for Uganda, although a review is due soon. ECGD has not been asked to undertake an assessment of the proposed Bujagali Dam project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on matters discussed and decisions taken at the International Atomic Energy Agency annual conference in September, in so far as they affect the United Kingdom; and if he will place relevant documentation in the Library. [135439]

The UK delegation to the 44^th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) played a full and active part during the conference. The UK was involved in the drafting and submission by the European Union of resolutions covering strengthening the effectiveness and improving the efficiency of the safeguards system and application of the model protocol, measures against illicit trafficking in nuclear materials and other radioactive sources and the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions relating to Iraq. These draft resolutions were in some cases amended in negotiation with other delegations, but all were eventually adopted. The UK delegation also participated fully in discussions concerning other resolutions and decisions of the conference.A copy of the document produced by the IAEA containing resolutions and other decisions of the General Conference will be placed in the Library of the House when it becomes available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the total expenditure on fast reactor research and development at Dounreay from the inception of the Fast Reactor Programme until its closure; and what is his estimate of the likely costs of decommissioning the Dounreay site to greenfield conditions. [135437]

I understand from UKAEA that in 1990, towards the end of the UK Fast Reactor research and development programme, the total investment in the programme over 30 years was estimated to be £4 billion (undiscounted, in 1988 prices). This figure includes design and development for the programme at Risley and other sites as well as at Dounreay.The cost of decommissioning and restoring the Dounreay site is estimated to be in the region of £4 billion (undiscounted, in 1999–2000 prices) over a 50–60 year timescale.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if interest will be paid to ex-miners suffering from respiratory diseases and claiming compensation, following delays in payment, in addition to the compensation paid. [135118]

Under the Claims Handling Agreement, signed by the Department and the Solicitors acting for the claimants, interest on general damages is payable from the date of the receipt of the letter of claim. On special damages, interest is payable from either the date the loss occurred, or in some cases the date of receipt of the letter of claim. Loss of earnings are calculated at the appropriate Court rate, and other heads of special damages are calculated at a reduced rate, reflecting the fact that these are assessed at present day values. All interest runs to the date an offer is accepted.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he hopes to publish the results of his consultation on Bankruptcy: a Fresh Start and his conclusions on those representations. [135375]

We expect to receive a report on the public consultation on "Bankruptcy—A Fresh Start" and on the emerging issues in the near future. We will then consider the desirability of a further round of consultation on some of the specific issues identified in the consultation document.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what powers he (a) has and (b) intends to seek to control the retail prices of petrol and diesel; [134398](2) what powers he

Section 1(4) of the Energy Act 1976 confers power on the Secretary of State to regulate by order the price at which petroleum products (including petrol and diesel) may be supplied.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not intend to seek further powers.The Government believe that open competition provides consumers with supplies at the best available prices.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has to review the regulatory framework in relation to the supply of mains gas to rural communities. [134728]

The Government recognise the importance of gas supplies to rural areas and are looking to the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority to be proactive in securing the widest viable coverage.In addition, the Government have just amended the regulatory framework in the Utilities Act 2000 to remove the geographical exclusivity of Public Gas Transporters. This should make it easier for those in rural communities to obtain a connection by stimulating competition between PGTs and exerting a downward pressure on connection costs.Later in the year, the Government will be taking two further steps with relevance to rural consumers and others. These are the publication, under the Utilities Act, of draft guidance to the new Gas and Electricity Markets Authority on social and environmental policies, and publication of a consultation document on UK Fuel Poverty Strategy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the gas industry with a view to facilitating the supply of mains gas to rural communities. [134998]

Extensions to the gas network are a matter for the independent regulator, the Director General of Gas Supply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many (a) punishment beatings,

The tables show the number of casualties as a result of paramilitary style shootings and attacks, recorded by week and quarter of occurrence during the period 1 January to 18 October 2000, together with the number of deaths recorded as being due to the security situation in Northern Ireland by week of occurrence:

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the outcome was of the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 23 and 24 October; and if he will make a statement. [135652]

I attended the Agriculture Council meeting in Luxembourg on 23 October.The Council warmly welcomed a commitment from Commissioner Fischler to table proposals simplifying the administration of the CAP. This followed a UK/French initiative responding to concerns by farmers about unnecessarily bureaucratic regulation and recommendations by the Red Tape Review team looking at implementation of IACS. The Commission also stated that it recognised the importance of traditional landscape features, such as hedges, in implementing schemes.The Council held first discussions on proposals to reform the fruit and vegetables, rice and sugar regimes. On fruit and vegetables I welcomed the proposed simplification of the regime, particularly in relation to the funding of producer organisations. On rice, I stressed the importance of securing an outcome that safeguarded the interests of UK consumers, avoided problems in the WTO and for third country suppliers, and took account of the environmental aspects of rice growing in certain EU regions. I expressed disappointment that the Commission proposal for reform of the sugar regime was not more radical, particularly in view of the pressures from enlargement and from WTO developments. I nevertheless welcomed the proposed extension of sugar quotas for only two years to enable studies to be undertaken to inform a full review in 2002.The Council will consider these proposals further at future meetings.The Council also heard a report from Commissioner Fischler on developments in the WTO agriculture negotiations and a call from the Danish Minister to develop initiatives on organic agriculture, which was widely supported.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conditions will be imposed on use of the results produced by the United Nations Drugs Control Programme research into Pleospora Papaveravea; and if he will make a statement. [135150]

If the results of the United Nations Drug Control Programme's (UNDCP) research proves that Pleospora Papaveracea can be used for the eradication of illicit opium poppy cultivation without damage to human health or the environment, UNDCP would decide on sharing these results with its member countries. The decision on whether or not to use Pleospora Papaveracea for eradication would be for the governments of the countries where there is such illicit cultivation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when representations were first made to the Cuban authorities about access to the arrested United Kingdom citizens in Cuba. [135657]

Our Embassy in Havana made representations to the Cuban authorities about access as soon as they were informed of the arrest on 9 October and continue to do so subsequently.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the travel advice for Cuba was last amended; and what plans he has to amend it following the arrest of United Kingdom citizens in Cuba. [135658]

FCO travel advice for Cuba was updated on 4 October 2000. It is kept under constant review. We are not planning to revise it in light of the recent arrests. British nationals travelling to Cuba who comply with the local law and are holding the correct documentation should have no cause for concern.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date, at what time and by whom Ministers in his Department were first informed of the arrest of United Kingdom citizens in Cuba; and which Minister in his Department was first informed. [135656]

Ministers were aware of the arrest of the British nationals on 24 October from media reporting. It is not normal practice for FCO officials to inform Ministers whenever a British national is arrested overseas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice in relation to the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to EU participation in WTO proceedings; [135280](2) if he will make a statement on his policy to be adopted at Nice on the proposed change from unanimity to qualified majority voting in relation to policies towards self-employed people (Article 47(2)); [135323]

We have set out our overall policy to the IGC negotiations which will be concluded at Nice in a White Paper published in February this year. We have made it clear that where the extension of qualified majority voting is in the United Kingdom's national interest, we will support it strongly; and that where it is not we will oppose it firmly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the BBC World Service. [135905]

The BBC has today announced that the BBC World Service will move from Bush House to Broadcasting House at the end of 2006. We welcome and endorse this decision, about which we have been kept fully informed.We are confident that the World Service will maintain in Broadcasting House the standards and traditions that have made it the world's best known and most respected voice in international broadcasting. The new location will be better suited than Bush House to enable the World Service to meet the challenges of the digital age—for which the Government made available an additional £64 million in the recent Spending Review—and to work to maximum effect with key BBC partners.It also offers better value for money than remaining at Bush House.

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what the cost is of (a) four two-drawer pedestal units and (b) a four-drawer filing cabinet specified for use in Portcullis House; who took the decision that only the former could be made available in hon. Members' offices in Portcullis House; what surveys have been conducted on hon. Members' preferences for methods of storage of files. [134261]

One of the responsibilities of the Select Committee is to consider the requirements of hon. Members as construction projects are progressed. In developing the proposals for the fitting out of the offices in Portcullis House, the Committee was aware of the ever-growing demand for both work surfaces and storage space in the offices of hon. Members and their staff. It concluded, therefore, that after the basic provision of storage and filing space in the wall cupboards, the most effective use of the available floor space would be achieved by providing flexible two and three drawer pedestals that could be housed under the workbenches. The matter of cost was not, therefore, a factor in our deliberations.

To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what plans he has to offer House staff a stakeholder pension. [134375]

As required under the legislation, from October 2001, designated stakeholder pension arrangements will be made available to all House of Commons Staff who cannot be covered by the House of Commons Staff Pension Scheme (HOCSPS). Stakeholder pension arrangements will also be made available to House of Commons Staff who are covered by the HOCSPS but who earn less than £30,000 a year, and who wish to top up their HOCSPS benefits.These arrangements will be for new House staff and existing House staff.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what arrangements she intends to make for the induction of new hon. Members in the next Parliament. [134463]

Arrangements, similar to those introduced for hon. Members newly elected in 1997, are in hand. A Co-ordinating Group, with a membership drawn from across the departments of the House and reporting to the Board of Management, is responsible for planning and overseeing the induction of newly elected Members of Parliament. Assisting the Co-ordinating Group are three groups responsible for the listed tasks:

• planning and overseeing the making of a new Parliamentary Video, which presents a brief introduction to the House of Commons service;
• planning a Reception area for new Members to visit on their arrival; and
• co-ordinating the revision of the Members' Handbook.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what plans she has to advise hon. Members of the administrative arrangements for their staff and offices consequent upon Parliament's dissolution. [134462]

A notice reminding all hon. Members of the regulations applied to them and their staff during a Dissolution of Parliament will be issued by the Serjeant at Arms. The Accountant will be writing also to every hon. Member with detailed information concerning their allowances and entitlements.

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on the proposals by the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons to reduce the number of late-night sittings of the House. [134580]

The objective of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons is to improve the efficient working of the House of Commons.Programming legislation and the deferral of late divisions should assist hon. Members, both by giving increasing certainty about the business and reducing the number of late sittings. I expect the House will have an opportunity to consider the proposals in the near future.

To ask the President of the Council if she will announce provisionally the recess dates for the next 15 months. [135077]

I am afraid I am unable to do so since the dates of adjournments depend on the progress of business.

To ask the President of the Council what the total provision was for the additional cost allowance for hon. Members for the year 1999–2000; and what actual expenditure was during that year. [134573]

The total provision for the additional cost allowance for hon. Members for the year 1999–2000 was £8,272,000.The actual expenditure during 1999–2000 was £7,740,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what products of SAMR and Porton Products have had agreements to market and distribute since 1980; to whom they were marketed and distributed; and if he will make a statement. [134132]

The Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research (CAMR) has been the executive arm of a special health authority, the Microbiological Research Authority, since April 1994. Prior to that date, it was part of the Public Health Laboratory Service (PHLS). CAMR had a distributorship and marketing agreement with a private sector company, Porton Products Ltd., from April 1985 to October 1998 (at which time the term of the agreement ended). The range of products covered by the agreement included frozen bacterial cell pastes, enzymes and proteins, vaccines and therapeutic toxins. A full list will be deposited in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were waiting for in-patient treatment for (a) cancer, (b) heart disease and (c) HIV and hepatitis in each of the last 10 years in (i) Taunton constituency and (ii) Somerset Health Authority. [134315]

The numbers of patients from Somerset Health Authority waiting for inpatient treatment at 31 March in the specialities Cardiothoracic surgery and Cardiology are shown in the table. This information was not collected prior to march 1994. It is not possible to provide the information at a constituency level.Information on inpatient waiting times is collected by consultant speciality. Treatment for cancer, HIV and hepatitis is carried out in a number of specialities and the numbers waiting for treatment are therefore not identifiable separately.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many out-patients were waiting for treatment for more than six months in each of the last 10 years in (a) the Taunton constituency and (b) Somerset Health Authority. [134316]

The numbers of patients from Somerset Health Authority waiting more than twenty six weeks for an outpatient appointment are shown in the table. This information was not collected prior to March 1998. It is not possible to provide the information at a constituency level.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if staff employed by the proposed Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service will be represented on the patient forums; and if he will make a statement. [134341]

Chapter 10 of the National Health Service Plan states that half the membership of Patients Fora will be randomly drawn from respondents to trusts' annual patient surveys. The other half of the membership will comprise representatives of local patient groups and voluntary organisations.At the moment, we are conducting a major exercise to take the views of stakeholder groups nationally and locally on the specific details of how the new arrangements set out in Chapter 10 of the NHS Plan should be set up and co-ordinated in practice. Exactly how the membership of Patients Fora will be constructed, and which local patient representative group will be involved, will be resolved as part of this exercise. A clear statement on the outcome of the exercise will be given in the new year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many victims of domestic violence have been treated in hospitals in England and Wales in (a) 1997–98, (b) 1998–99 and (c) 1999–2000. [134749]

The table shows a count of in-patient episodes of care where the nature of injury has been specified as maltreatment by spouse or partner. The figures provided are for National Health Service Hospitals in England, for the years 1995–96 to 1998–99.Information available on the total number of patients attending accident and emergency departments and the number of patients attending outpatient clinics for each consultant speciality. The reason patients attend accident and emergency departments or outpatient clinics is not available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many alcohol-related assaults on staff have taken place in hospitals in England and Wales in each of the last three years. [134750]

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of drug-related assaults on staff were recorded in each of the past three years. [134957]

The National Health Service Executive conducted a survey of violence in National Health Service trusts in England in 1998–99. The survey found that, on average, seven violent incidents were recorded each month per 1,000 staff. This is equivalent to approximately 65,000 violent incidents against NHS trust staff each year. The survey did not reveal the causes of violent incidents. This information will be held locally by individual National Health Service employers through local reporting procedures and identified through appropriate risk assessment measures. The information would be reflected in local prevention and reduction strategies. Details of the survey can be found in Health Service Circular 1999/229: 'Managing Violence, Accidents and Sickness Absence in the NHS', copies of which are available in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people living in the UK are receiving hospital treatment for HIV/AIDS; and if he will make statement. [134816]

The number of people with HIV/AIDS receiving treatment within the National Health Service in England in the calendar year 1999 was 20,765, adjusted for under reporting. Information relating to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for the devolved administrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend fluoridation of drinking water; and if he will make a statement. [134359]

We will be discussing the systematic review of water fluoridation produced by the University of York with representatives of the water industry. We will also be encouraging health authorities with high levels of dental decay to consider fluoridating their water as part of their overall oral health strategy. The report of the evidence review will help ensure that local decisions are based on an authoritative, readily accessible summary of research into the safety and efficacy of water fluoridation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers will be included in the Pay Review Body; and if he will make a statement. [134364]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Mr. Austin) on 23 October 2000, Official Report, columns 80–81W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the pay levels of Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers for the next three years. [134382]

Above inflation pay increases were agreed for Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers as part of a three-year pay deal covering the years 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02. For 2001–02 this deal provides for a minimum pay rise of RPIX at December 2000 plus 0.5 per cent., subject to progress on negotiations with the trade unions on proposals for modernising the National Health Service pay system. Future arrangements for determining pay and conditions of service for Medical Laboratory Scientific Officers and other NHS staff will be the subject of those negotiations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines he issues to health authorities concerning the use of maggots in larval therapy; what estimate he has made of the level of demand among GPs for maggot treatment for their patients; and if he will make a statement. [134349]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 23 October 2000, Official Report, columns 84–85W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much additional capital has been allocated to the West Midlands Region as part of the national bidding process; and how much each NHS trust has obtained through that process for each national priority scheme in the current financial year. [134720]

The information requested is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the block allocation is for discretionary capital to each NHS trust in the West Midlands in the current financial year. [134719]

The information requested is shown in the table.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the minimum and maximum times are for a business case submitted by an NHS trust in (a) the West Midlands Regional Office and (b) England and Wales to receive funding, differentiating between PFI and non-PFI schemes. [134721]

The timetables for the submission of outline business cases (and initial strategic outline cases for major schemes) are decided on a case by case basis by National Health Service Executive regional offices. If approved to test for funding options (public capital or the private finance initiative) then NHS guidance gives indicative timetables for major and non-major schemes for the preparation and approval of the full business case.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish new guidance for planning children's services. [134402]

Draft new guidance on planning services for vulnerable children was issued for consultation in April 2000. The broad thrust of the guidance that planning for vulnerable children should be conducted by the whole Council with Health and other partners was welcomed. We are now working with the Children and Young People's Unit and others to produce non-statutory "good practice" guidance on planning children's services as soon as possible.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to offer NHS employees a stakeholder pension. [134373]