To ask the Solicitor-General if she has been consulted on the legality of the use of cluster bombs. [11844]

The Attorney-General and Solicitor-General, as chief legal advisers to Her Majesty's Government, are available to advise the Government on all questions of international and domestic law. In this capacity, the Law Officers have been asked to advise, from time to time, on legal issues relating to the use of force, including international humanitarian law. There is a long-standing convention that neither the substance of the Law Officers' advice, nor the fact that they have been consulted, is disclosed outside Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects to appoint the first (a) black and (b) Asian ambassador. [11431]

The first minority ethnic ambassador was appointed in 1993. Mr. Noel Jones served as ambassador to Kazakhstan from 1993 to 1995.The Diplomatic Service is committed to reflecting the modern face of Britain and to attracting talent from all ethnic groups. To this end, we are continually working to encourage minority ethnic people to apply to join the service.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what stocks of (a) antiques, (b) paintings and (c) fine wines are held by his Department; if he will list such assets sold over the last three years together with the sale proceeds from such transactions; what plans he has to sell further such assets over the period of the current comprehensive spending review; and if he will make a statement. [10834]

[holding answer 31 October 2001]: A description of the antiques and paintings in FCO properties appears in the FCO part of the national asset register. The Government wine cellar contains substantial stocks of fine wines for use at home. The FCO manages the cellar on behalf of the Government as a whole, and not exclusively for the FCO. The FCO owns no wine stocks overseas. No antiques, paintings or wines have been sold over the past three years and there are no plans to sell such items over the period of the current comprehensive spending review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last discussed with the US Secretary of State the inclusion of Cuba on the US list of nations that sponsor terrorism; and if he will make a statement. [12056]

The Foreign Secretary has not discussed the US list of nations that sponsor terrorism with the US Secretary of State. The Government do not subscribe to the list; it is a US list and a matter for the US authorities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Sulawesi, Indonesia, with particular reference to attacks on the Christian minority by Muslim extremists. [12246]

The sentencing to death of three Christian militia leaders on 5 April provoked civil disturbances in Poso, central Sulawesi. Following the deployment of an additional Infantry Battalion in August, the situation in Poso itself has been calm. However, some low-level violence between Muslims and Christians has continued in remoter areas of Sulawesi.We will continue to monitor cases of inter-communal violence closely and raise our concerns with the Indonesian Government at every appropriate opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further discussions he plans to have with the Indonesian authorities on the subject of inter-religious violence. [12247]

I most recently raised this issue with the Indonesian Vice President Hamzah Haz, when we met in Jakarta in August.We will continue to monitor the situation carefully and raise our concerns with the Indonesian Government at every appropriate opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations she has received from employers following the passage of the Part-Time Employees (Prevention of Less Favourite Treatment) Regulations 2000. [11831]

My Department has received no representations from employers on the regulations themselves since they came into force. However, we worked closely with employer representatives during and following the passage of the regulations to develop appropriate guidance for business, and we continue to discuss issues relating to part-time work with employers and employer groups from time to time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the impact of the sanctions proposed for firms that fail to comply with the information and consultation directive. [11004]

The proposed directive requires member states to determine the provisions for enforcement of the obligations provided they are effective, proportionate and dissuasive. This part of the text was not the subject of amendment by the European Parliament. The Government will consult fully in due course on the implementation of the directive, including the question of sanctions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the European Parliament amendments to the draft information and consultation directive which were passed on 23 October and the Government's policy in respect of the draft directive as amended. [10996]

The Government believe it is unnecessary and unhelpful to try to change the text of the proposed directive agreed at the Council of Ministers in June. We will be strongly defending the Council's common position. The UK is not alone in this view. Several other member states are also opposed to changing the flexible measures previously agreed. We expect the Council to stick closely to the common position text.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make an assessment of the impact of the changes to the information and consultation directive which were agreed in the European Parliament on 23 October on the regulatory burden on small business in the UK. [10985]

The proposed directive will not affect small businesses and the European Parliament's proposed amendments do not alter this fact. In the UK the directive will apply to undertakings with 50 or more employees and will, therefore, only affect about 1 per cent. of UK businesses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will place in the Library the instruments adopted at the 88th session of the International Labour Conference. [13104]

The 88^th session of the International Labour Conference adopted a new convention revising the Maternity Protection Convention 1952 and a Recommendation supplementing the convention. The texts of the instruments have been placed in the Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much the CSA is owed in unpaid maintenance. [11584]

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Mr. Doug Smith. He will write to my hon. Friend.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if new benefit claimants living in the postcode areas laid out in Schedule 1 of the Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews) Regulations 2001 will be required to visit a new Jobcentre Plus office rather than an existing Benefits Agency or Employment Service office; [12452](2) at which office new benefit claimants residing in SW14 will have to attend for compulsory work-focused interviews with reference to Schedule 1 of the Social Security (Jobcentre Plus Interviews) Regulations 2001. [12453]

Jobcentre Plus will start to roll out nationally next year. At present, only people of working age living within the postcode areas that are served by Jobcentre Plus pathfinders or work-focused interview sites will be required to visit those offices to claim benefits. Other people will continue to make their claims through their local Benefits Agency office or Employment Service Jobcentre. These regulations are not being applied to people who live within the postcode area SW14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what help is available for those who wish to pursue signing courses to help with the advancement of an understanding of sign language. [8903]

[holding answer 19 October 2001]: I have been asked to reply.Sign language courses are currently available through a range of FE colleges, universities and schools. There are currently four registered centres for the provision of British sign language training in Gloucestershire. Information about the availability of these courses can be obtained from Careers Services, Connexions Services and providers of information, advice and guidance for adult learners.The Learning and Skills Council has access to funds to meet or stimulate demand for learning, including signing. For provision that is not publicly funded, my Department can provide individuals with a career development loan covering up to 80 per cent. of the cost of their training.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the financial consequences of the actions of the Diocese of Oxford with regard to St. Barnabas church in Reading. [10059]

The Diocese of Oxford is considering proposals for the pastoral reorganisation of the benefice and parish in which St. Barnabas is situated, but has not yet taken any action with respect to this church which has financial consequences.The Church Commissioners have a quasi-judicial role which they might have to exercise in respect of any proposals made by the diocese, so I am not able to take the matter further on the Floor of the House.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what spending the Commission has allocated for policies designed to encourage inter-faith dialogue. [10060]

None. The Church Commissioners' primary legal responsibility is to manage their assets for the support of the Church of England's serving and retired ministry.Inter-faith policy is not directly a matter for the commissioners.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what his policy is on the sale of works of art owned by the Church of England. [10061]

The majority of such works of art are owned by parish churches and cathedrals. Their disposal is governed by legislation.The commissioners own relatively few of the Church of England's works of art. They would consider any sale on its merits, in the light of their wider legal duties, and in consultation with interested parties.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what money the commissioners have received for child care related matters in the last 12 months; and how it is used. [10062]

The commissioners' primary legal responsibility is the financial support of the Church of England's serving and retired ministry. They receive no funds for child care related matters.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, what representations the Commissioners have made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer about remission of VAT on repairs and conservation work to historic churches and chapels since 7 March. [10057]

The Church of England and other faiths have welcomed the announcement made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that churches would be eligible to receive reimbursement equivalent to a reduction in VAT payable on the repair and maintenance of listed buildings from 17.5 per cent. to 5 per cent.The Church has been included in consultation over the implementation of the scheme. We understand this is imminent and that eligible claims will be considered for all work undertaken from 1 April 2001.

To ask the Prime Minister when he will meet the Chinese Vice-President during his visit to the UK this month; and if he will raise the issue of Tibet. [11153]

To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he and other Ministers had with the Vice-President of China about the position of Tibet during his recent visit; and if he will make a statement. [12196]

[holding answer 1 November 2001]: I met Vice-President Hu Jintao on 29 October. The main focus of our discussion was the international coalition against terrorism, but we also discussed a range of other issues including Tibet. Tibet was discussed in detail in a meeting on 30 October between the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Rotherham (Mr. MacShane). and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who was accompanying the Vice-President.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the holdings of anthrax by the Iraqi Government, with special reference to the particular strains held. [12583]

:After years of denial, Iraq eventually declared to UNSCOM in 1995 that it had produced anthrax as a biological weapon fill for ballistic missile warheads and bombs. It declared it had possessed a number of different strains of the micro-organism. At the time, Iraq claimed to have already destroyed all of its BW weapons and agents. However, it did not provide the evidence, then or subsequently, to enable UNSCOM to verify this.

To ask the Prime Minister what sub-committees he has constituted to support the Civil Contingencies Committee in its review of the country's contingency planning arrangements. [12962]

:I have directed that three new sub-committees be constituted to make recommendations within the remit of the Civil Contingencies Committee.The Civil Contingencies Committee is a long-standing committee. Its composition and terms of reference are set out together with those of three new sub-committees.

To ask the Prime Minister how many people are employed at (a) No. 10 Downing street and (b) the Cabinet Office; and how many were employed there on 1 May 1997. [7134]

On 1 September, there were 5,284 staff employed by the Cabinet Office, of whom 175 staff were on the payroll of No. 10. Of these Cabinet Office staff, 2,458 worked in the Government Offices for the Regions.Staff numbers of 1 May 1997 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Prime Minister what the Government's policy is on the assassination of enemy leaders. [11645]

Our policy is to act in accordance with UK and international law. One of our key objectives in the on-going military action in Afghanistan is to bring Osama bin Laden to justice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what changes in implementation date he anticipates for the following projects owing to the change of ownership of Railtrack, (a) west coast main line in Scotland (i) overhead line equipment, (ii) electrical distribution systems, (iii) power supply systems and (iv) supervisory control and date acquisition system, (b) Edinburgh Waverley, (c) Glasgow Central, (d) Scottish Express routes, (e) automatic warning systems on Girvan to Stranraer, (f) Mossend interlocking renewal, (g) signal interlocking renewal at Glasgow Central, (h) service improvements throughout the Edinburgh urban routes, (i) new station at Beauty, (j) train protection on routes currently signalled using RETB in the Highland rural route and (k) Edinburgh Crossrail. [10396]

Railtrack's administration should not itself affect project implementation. The administrator has taken over Railtrack's contractual commitments and the Government will ensure that he has sufficient funds to maintain the full operation of the network. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State would expect any changes to contracts commitments to be agreed with the parties to the contracts and with the Strategic Rail Authority.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what assessment his Department has made of the impact of the decision to place Railtrack in administration on the value of local authority pension funds; [12239](2) what discussions his Department has had with local authorities on the impact of the Government's intervention in Railtrack on the value of local authority pensions funds. [12238]

[holding answer 2 November 2001]: My Department is in regular touch with all the interested parties on the effectiveness of the regulations that govern local authorities' responsibility for the management and investment of their pension funds. The regulations are designed to ensure that pension fund portfolios are adequately diversified and so be able to withstand changes in market conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) at which discount rate used for the sensitivity analyses of the effect of changing discount rates on the relative levels of the public sector comparator and the bids for the London Underground PPPs a switching point or switching points were found; and if he will make a statement; [10464]

Incidents, which were a cause of significant train delays and cancellations on Tuesday, 23 October 2001
Time	Location	Nature of incident	Delay (minutes)
04.24	Royal Oak	Late engineering work. Hammersmith & City Line suspended between Edgware Road to Hammersmith. Circle Line stock was prevented from reaching the service area from Hammersmith depot.	59
04.59	Rayners Lane	No signalman. Service suspended on the Piccadilly Line between South Harrow to Uxbridge and Metropolitan Line between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Uxbridge.	66
05.18	Blackfriars	Late engineering work. District Line suspended between South Kensington and Whitechapel.	28
06.08	Watford	Alleged (subsequently unfounded) signal irregularity. Metropolitan Line suspended between Northwood and Watford.	85
08.06	Canary Wharf	Jubilee Line suspended between Canary Wharf and Stratford due to security alert (white powder found).	65
09.01	Whitechapel	Security alert. Suspensions on the District (Tower Hill to Whitechapel), Hammersmith & City (Plaistow to Liverpool Street) and East London Lines (Shoreditch to Canada Water), due to a suspected World War II bomb (found to be a pipe).	75
10.45	Mansion House	Fire alert. Westbound service on the Circle and District Lines delayed.	20
11.23	Gloucester Road	Fire alert. Westbound service on the Circle and District and Lines delayed.	25
11.48	High Street Kensington	Fire alert. Service suspended between High Street Kensington and Edgware Road on the Circle and District Lines.	47
15.24	High Street Kensington	Report of persons on track. District Line suspended between Earls Court and Edgware Road. Circle Line suspended.	68
16.50	Stratford	Signal failure. Eastbound service on Jubilee Line delayed.	16
17.23	Moorgate	Signal failure. Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines suspended between Edgware Road and Aldgate.	45
18.09	North Greenwich	Signal failure. Jubilee Line suspended between London Bridge and Stratford.	203
18.19	Ealing Broadway	Security alert. Services suspended to North Acton (Central Line) and Turnham Green (District Line).	34
22.19	London Bridge	Security alert. Northern Line suspended between Kennington to Camden Town.	22
23.31	Royal Oak	Obstruction on track. Hammersmith & City Line suspended between Edgware Road and Hammersmith.	45

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans his Department has to replace the current fixed block signalling system on London Underground lines with

The Government's plans for a publicly run, privately built tube will deliver around £l 3 billion of investment to improve the underground's infrastructure over the next 15 years. London Transport has yet to receive final bids on these plans. Consequently, it is too early to say whether changing the discount rate will lead to a switching point.When final bids are received they will be evaluated for value for money on a variety of financing and discounting scenarios.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many lines on the London Underground were subject to delayed or cancelled services on Tuesday 23 October; what the cause and length of the subsequent delay was for each line; and if more than one line was affected at any one time. [11559]

This is an operational matter for London Underground, which confirms that 10 lines (Central, Circle, District, East London, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Waterloo & City) were affected by delays (of at least 15 minutes) and/or cancellations. They have provided details of delays, their cause and duration as follows:more modern systems; if the moving block computerised system has been considered as an alternative; and when new systems are likely to be implemented. [11561]

This is a matter for London Underground Ltd. to consider.London Underground has undertaken £84 million of signalling improvements since the Government announced plans for the modernisation of the tube on 20 May 1998. A further £27 million of improvements are being undertaken in this financial year.The tube modernisation plans will deliver a massive increase in the level of investment across the underground. Examples of signalling improvements to be delivered in the first period of the contracts include new signals on the Northern line to get the full benefit from the new trains; replacement of the Victoria line signals as part of a complete modernisation package; an upgrade of the Jubilee line signalling; a new signalling control centre on the Piccadilly line; improved signal reliability on the Bakerloo line; and greater signal capacity for the Waterloo and City line. In addition, all the signalling on the Circle, District and Metropolitan lines will be renewed in the next 10 years.The signalling improvements to be delivered are specified in terms of the outputs required; it is for bidders to decide what type of technology will best achieve the necessary results.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many delays on London Underground were reported to have been caused by problems with (a) track and signalling and (b) rolling stock in the latest year that figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [11560]

This is an operational matter for London Underground, which defines delays as intervals of 15 minutes or more, which is the threshold for granting refunds to passengers under the customer charter. In 2000–01, the latest complete year for which data on delays are available, delays were attributed as follows: (a) track on 236 occasions, and signals on 662 occasions; (b) rolling stock on 569 occasions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans and programmes there were for (a) the upgrade of the east coast main line and (b) for upgrades and extensions of rail lines in the north-east of England as at 1 October. [10924]

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) announced on 14 September that they had allocated £17.5 million for development work for phase two of the project to upgrade the east coast main line. The SRA is also considering a number of applications for funding from the rail passengers partnership scheme including provision of passenger services over the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne line and to reopen the Leamside line.The SRA intends to submit its strategic plan to Ministers by the end of November which will set out its priorities for enhancement to the network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans the Government have to ensure everyone has access to local parks. [10774]

We have established the urban green spaces task force to assist my Department in developing policies and proposals for the future of parks, play areas and green spaces. Ensuring that people have easy access to their local parks and other green spaces is an issue which is being considered and for which we will develop proposals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what amount is outstanding from the sale of County hall, London SE1 to the Shiryam group; how long it has been outstanding; if interest is being charged, and when the balance will be paid in full. [11199]

The contract for the sale of County hall provided for a deferred sum of £10 million to be paid to the London residuary body from April 1996, subject to the full sum being paid by 2012. Following the winding up of the London residuary body on 29 March 1996, the London borough of Bromley inherited the remaining rights and liabilities in respect of County hall, including those in relation to the payment of this sum. I understand that, in line with the contractual terms, no interest is due and no amount has yet been paid to Bromley.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what salary the chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority will receive. [11220]

This information is set out in the press release issued by my Department on 24 October about this appointment, a copy of which is in the House Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many signal failures were reported on the Jubilee line for the five days from Monday 22 October to Friday 26 October inclusive. [11558]

I understand from London Underground Ltd. that there were seven signal failures during this period. The recurring problem has been identified and corrected. Its cause is under investigation. Recovery from signal failures on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 was hampered by a passenger taken ill on a train and a security alert respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he intends to publish the research into public attitudes to local government structures in the City of Westminster. [11644]

We are currently editing the report of this research for publication, and will issue it in due course. I will write to the hon. Member when the report is published, and place a copy in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what his latest estimate is of the total cost of completing the Crossrail project; [11654](2) what proportion of funding for Crossrail will be required from the private sector. [11653]

The assumption in the 10-year plan is that construction of Crossrail is to be fully financed by the private sector. In advance of detailed economic appraisal of the options it is difficult to provide an accurate estimate of the cost of the project. Almost £3.5 billion was included in the 10-year-plan as a broad indication of the cost of the infrastructure and new rolling stock. Public support is assumed to be provided in the form of subsequent revenue support, but will depend on the precise project and on negotiations with the rail industry.A total of £154 million of public funding has been allocated, jointly to the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London, for preparation costs of the project in 2001–02 to 2003–04.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what representations he has received from English Nature on the proposal for a white horse on the downs above Folkestone since the end of the inquiry into the proposal. [12866]

We have received no further representations on this case from English Nature since the inquiry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what was the (a) percentage real-terms increase in the precept on average domestic rates by the Greater London Council in each year from 1975 to its abolition and (b) real-terms increase in the precept on band D council tax by the Greater London Authority since its creation; and if he will make a statement; [12579](2) what was

The available information is given in the tables. We shall this week be laying regulations to ensure that percentage cash increases in precepts, including the Greater London Authority's, will be shown clearly on council tax bills from next year.

Greater London Council
	Total rate levied pence in the £	Cash increase percentage	Real terms1 percentage
1974–75	8.90	3—	3—
1975–76	16.20	82.0	45.4
1976–77	3—	3—	3—
1977–782	16.10	3—	3—
1978–79	16.10	0.0	-9.9

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) further to the publication of PPG 11, what plans his Department has to increase the scope of regional planning; and if he will make a statement; [12572](2) what plans his Department has to issue new or revised national planning policy guidance in the next 12 months; if he will list the new guidance notes; and if he will make a statement. [12573]

I shall be issuing a Green Paper shortly setting out proposals for comprehensive reform of the planning system.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans his Department has to issue new or revised regional planning policy guidance in the next 12 months; if he will list the new guidance notes; and if he will make a statement. [12574]

Regional planning guidance is issued by the Government offices. Since November 2000, revised regional planning policy guidance has been issued for East Anglia (RPG 6), the south-east (RPG 9), the south-west (RPG 10) and Yorkshire and the Humber (RPG 12). Over the next 12 months, new or revised regional planning policy guidance is due to be issued for the east midlands (RPG 8), the north-east (RPG 1) and the north-west (RPG 13). Draft revised regional planning guidance (RPG 11) for the west midlands, as prepared by the west midlands local government association, will be published for consultation very shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans his Department has to increase turnout in (a) London Assembly and mayoral elections and (b) European parliamentary elections. [12581]

As the Electoral Commission stated in its report on the 2001 general election:

"responsibility for re-engaging the electorate with the democratic process must rest in large part with the political parties".

However, our programme for modernising electoral processes is aimed at improving access to electoral services for all elections. As a first step in October, we, in conjunction with the Electoral Commission and the Local Government Association, invited local authorities to apply to run innovative electoral pilot projects—including all-postal voting and online voting—at next May's local elections. We will consider how to take forward any lessons learned from those pilots in the London Assembly and mayoral elections and in the European parliamentary elections. The Electoral Commission is also examining the underlying reasons for low turnout and we will consider any conclusions they reach very carefully.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the (a) Treasury and (b) Department of Trade and Industry concerning 3G mobile phone licences. [12570]

This Department had no discussion with either the Treasury or the Department of Trade and Industry over the awarding of the 3G mobile phone licences to the five successful bidders. Officials in this Department liaised with officials in the Department of Trade arid Industry over the production of the information memorandum sent to prospective participants in the 3G auction to ensure that it contained accurate details of the planning regime as it applied to telecommunications apparatus.From time to time, officials in this Department liaise with officials in the Department of Trade and Industry on specific licence conditions, such as conditions requiring operators to explore the possibility of mast sharing.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what estimates his Department has made of the increase in demand for additional mobile phone masts that will result from the implementation of 3G technology; and if he will make a statement. [12569]

This is a matter for the individual telecommunications operators. However, the operators are fully aware of the importance we attach to keeping the number of masts to the minimum practicable, for example through mast sharing, and to ensuring that those which are needed are designed and sited with sensitivity and care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what role he has played in the provision of schooling in the London borough of Hackney. [12580]

The provision of schooling is a matter for the Secretary of State for Education and Skills. My Department pays revenue and capital grants to local authorities for a range of local services including the provision of schooling.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to require planning permission to be obtained for loft conversions; and if he will make a statement. [12457]

Currently, loft conversions may or may not require planning applications depending on the circumstances of the case and the relevant permitted development rights. We will set out proposals for the future in our planning Green Paper.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation in relation to park homes; and if he will make a statement. [12454]

Changes to the legislation relating to park homes were included in the recommendations of the park homes working party. We have consulted on, and are considering, the working party's recommendations. We hope to be able to announce our conclusions on this shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what restrictions apply to the wearing of black visors by motorcyclists. [12249]

Visors worn by motorcyclists on a road must either comply with British Standard BS4110:1979 (as amended) or with UN ECE Regulation 22.05. These standards allow visors to have a moderate tint which allows at least 50 per cent. of the light to pass through.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many publications were issued by her Department in each of the last four years. [11833]

Since 1997 we have published all our major strategy documents, including all country and institutional strategy papers, as well as major consultation papers and speeches. Our publishing output has therefore expanded considerably.

Category	2001–02	2000–01	1999–2000	1998–99	Total
White papers	—	1	—	—	1
Country strategy papers	4	10	12	18	44
Institutional strategy papers	5	9	6	2	22
Consultation papers (IDTs)	—	1	8	—	9
Target strategy papers (TSPs)	1	8	—	—	9
Background briefings	15	6	3	3	27
Speech booklets	1	8	11	8	28
Issues of Developments magazine	2	4	4	4	14

We also produce a publications catalogue which is updated every six months and lists the majority of departmental publications produced since 1997, together with information on how to obtain copies. A copy of the latest edition (October 2001) has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 2 July 2001, Official Report, columns 41–42W, on Belize, if she will place in the Library copies of the documents which recorded the conversation between her Permanent Secretary and the senior partner of KPMG on 18 May. [11615]

The conversation was confidential to the parties concerned.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development on what date her Department obtained legal advice on the validity and applicability of the 1982 Britain-Belize Investor Protection Treaty for the Public Investment Companies with regard to the study commissioned by her Department to review the regulation of offshore financial services in Belize and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes; what the conclusion of this legal advice was; on what date this advice was passed to the Government of Belize; and if she will place in the Library a copy of this advice. [11602]

Counsel's advice was received on 7 September and passed to the Government of Belize on 13 September. The advice is confidential to the UK and Belize Governments.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if her Department requested KPMG to assess whether the 1982 Britain-Belize Investor Protection Treaty applied to the public investment companies during the study commissioned by her Department to review the regulation of offshore financial services in Belize and the effect of tax exemptions on pro-poor programmes; when this request was made by her Department; what the conclusion of this assessment was; and if she will place in the Library a copy of KPMG's assessment. [11604]

The request was implicit in the terms of reference for the study KPMG was contracted to undertake on 11 July 2000. KPMG's conclusion on this assessment was recorded in their report on the study. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 11 July 2001, Official Report, column 531W, concerning the confidentiality of the KPMG report.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer of 13 July 2001, Official Report, column 653W, on Belize, if she will place in the Library (a) a copy of the correspondence of 25 August 2000 in which her Department was informed by KPMG that KPMG were the external auditors of the Belize Bank and (b) copies of responses made by her Department to KPMG following the receipt of this correspondence. [11611]

A copy of the letter dated 25 August 2000 to DFID will be placed in the Library. The enclosures referred to in that letter are confidential to the parties concerned. No written response was made to this letter.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what meetings her Department has held since 3 August with the Government of Belize to discuss progress on the Commonwealth debt initiative and the effect of tax exemptions and public investment companies on pro-poor programmes; where each of these meetings took place; and which departments of the Government of Belize attended. [11603]

Following my decision on CDI, referred to in my answer to question [6605] and sent to you during the recess, I met with Prime Minister Said Musa in London on 22 October to discuss this and other matters relevant to Belize.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what projects her Department supports in India; and what the amount of grants is in each case. [11395]

All project support to India is provided in the form of grants. The table provides details of active projects and total financial commitment.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what estimate she has made of the extent of poverty and malnutrition in Tajikistan; and what aid has been offered to Tajikistan by the United Kingdom (a) directly and (b) through the programmes of the EU and United Nations. [10923]

Reliable data on Tajikistan are scarce. It is one of the poorest countries of the former Soviet Union, with rates of acute malnutrition ranging between 6.4 and 10.3 per cent. in different areas.Since 1994, the United Kingdom has offered a total of £29.7 million to Tajikistan. Of this, £1 million has been through DFID's direct programme. DFID has also channelled £9.5 million into humanitarian assistance. £11.8 million has been provided through the European Commission, mainly to ECHO (EC Humanitarian Office) programmes. £1 million has been allocated to ECHO this year. £1.2 million has been offered to Tajikistan through programmes of the United Nations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total requirement is for trained Harrier pilots in the (a) Navy and (b) RAF; and how many there are at present in each case. [11578]

[holding answer 31 October 2001]: The naval requirement for Sea Harrier pilots (Commander and below) as at 1 October 2001 was 64, with an authorised increase to 66 planned for 1 April 2003. The current naval strength (Commander and below) is 44. The Royal Air Force requires 85 Harrier pilots to fill Harrier GR7-specific flying and flying related ground appointments (Wing Commander and below). It has a current strength of 102 Harrier pilots. A number of these are filling career broadening posts such as staff appointments, or are serving as qualified flying instructors or with the RAF Aerobatic Team, and some are on exchange postings.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve retention rates within the armed forces. [10067]

Armed forces retention is being tackled as a matter of the highest priority. Our aim is to maintain good levels of retention through policies that genuinely reflect the priorities of our people and their families, both at home and on deployment. A key outcome of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was a widespread recognition of the need for an Armed Forces Overarching Personnel Strategy (AFOPS) as part of the 'Policy for People'. This was introduced in April 2000 to give more emphasis to personal issues. The SDR 'Policy for People' included some of the following aims: better terms and conditions; improvements to pay and allowances: better quality of training; addressing concerns about family life; ensuring equality of opportunity and provision of better accommodation. All these have now been embodied in the AFOPS Action Plan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his policy is to improve the career prospects and retention of young service men and women; and if he will make a statement. [10570]

A wide range of challenging careers are offered to both young men and women joining the services. We need over 25,000 high quality, well motivated recruits each year to maintain the correct balance of age and experience; and the need for and success of training is therefore crucial to the continuing operational success of our armed forces. The Defence Training Review, completed earlier this year, emphasised the importance of transferable qualifications to both the recruitment and the retention of personnel in the armed forces. An earlier scheme to come out of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was the 'Learning Forces Initiative' which provides opportunities for service personnel to gain transferable skills and recognised civilian qualifications, not only improving and enriching their service careers but also preparing them for their second careers. The armed forces are also working closely with a number of key authorities to deliver increased recognition of service education and training leading to academic, vocational and professional qualifications. In summary, the armed forces provide attractive career prospects by offering: high quality training; accreditation of training wherever possible, against nationally recognised standards; a wide range of professionally demanding jobs, with many offering significant amounts of responsibility early on in careers; good promotion opportunities; encouragement to serve to age 40 or beyond; and provision of education facilities and grants to assist with the cost of education.Armed forces retention is being tackled as a matter of the highest priority. Our aim is to maintain good levels of retention through policies that genuinely reflect the priorities of our people and their families, both at home and on deployment. A key outcome of the Strategic Defence Review was a widespread recognition of the need for an Armed Forces Overarching Personnel Strategy (AFOPS) as part of the 'Policy for People'. This was introduced in April 2000 to give more emphasis to personnel issues. The SDR 'Policy for People' included some of the following aims: better terms and conditions; improvements to pay and allowances; better quality of training; addressing concerns about family life; ensuring equality of opportunity and provision of better accommodation. New initiatives are under way in all of these areas.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the report on the armed forces pension scheme will be published. [10108]

[holding answer 29 October 2001]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 October 2001, Official Report, column 319W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what stocks of (a) antiques, (b) paintings and (c) fine wines are held by his Department; if he will list such assets sold over the last three years together with the sale proceeds from such transactions; what plans he has to sell further such assets over the period of the current Comprehensive Spending Review; and if he will make a statement. [10837]

[holding answer 31 October 2001]: The Ministry of Defence has approximately 250 significant antiques, such as clocks and furniture, together with many more having little intrinsic value but some historic interest to the Department. The Department also has approximately 800 works of fine art, together with many more miscellaneous items of little intrinsic value, such as photographs, reproductions, maps and manuscripts. The Department has no stocks of fine wines. None of these assets has been sold over the last three years, and there are no plans to sell any over the period of the current Comprehensive Spending Review. The terms of bequest of many of the most important pieces prohibit disposal. Additionally, the Department is responsible for the many Regimental Museums throughout the country, whose collections are open to the public, and for minor collections of publicly owned works of art, such as the Sandhurst Collection, which are displayed at the Royal Military Academy.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set up website giving a debt of honour register similar to that on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website, to provide personal and service details and places of commemoration for those armed forces personnel who have served and died for their country since the second world war. [12666]

There are currently no plans to set up a website to commemorate those service personnel who have died since the end of the Second World War. However, the subject is being considered as an additional initiative which could be undertaken in collaboration with the proposals to establish a new memorial to armed forces personnel who have died in the post-war years, which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 10 November 2000, Official Report, column 414W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Challenger 2 main battle tanks failed to complete Exercise Saif Sareea 2 because of mechanical or technical problems. [11636]

A total of 65 Challenger 2 were deployed on Exercise Saif Sareea 2. The exercise was designed, deliberately, to test the military equipment and personnel deployed on it. Its duration, complexity and the very harsh environmental conditions in which it was conducted combined to offer an excellent training opportunity, enabling us to identify, under realistic conditions, the challenges we might face in future operations. Complex equipment requires routine maintenance to ensure continued peak performance, resulting in temporary periods of non-availability. This is entirely to be expected for deployments of this nature and represents an integral part of the training process.Experience gained from the early stages of the exercise in logistically sustaining the Challenger 2 fleet required some rescoping of the exercise programme to ensure that the required supply of spares could be sustained. Against this revised programme of activity, the average availability of Challenger 2 was in excess of 80 per cent. and would have been higher if there had not been a delay in a routine supply of track spares.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the expected life is of airfilters used in Challenger 2 main battle tanks in desert conditions. [11638]

The designed life of the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank air filter was 14 hours when used in extreme desert conditions. Work is currently in hand to determine whether the expected life of the air filter needs to be adjusted in the light of recent experience gained from operating the tank in desert conditions. Stock levels will be adjusted accordingly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the cost of converting Challenger 2 main battle tanks for desert conditions. [11637]

Two options have been investigated for the desertisation of Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks (CR2 MBT). The first involves a modification package, and would cost approximately £140,000 per tank. The second option, which involves remodelling the main engine compartment, is based on the Omani CR2 MBT. This would cost approximately £250,000 per tank.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when a decision will be made on the establishment of an Army Foundation College in Dundee; and where the other proposed sites are for this establishment. [12186]

[holding answer 2 November 2001]: The Army needs to attract good quality young people by providing excellent education and work-related training in good facilities. The Army Foundation College (AFC) at Harrogate in Yorkshire provides this, but is currently oversubscribed. The Army are working on new proposals for a second more flexible college for the provision of improved facilities for a range of abilities and age groups. Various alternatives are under study, including establishing a second AFC delivered through partnership. If it were decided to pursue a second college by way of a Public Private Partnership, it would be announced through the Official Journal of the European Community in the normal way. It would then be open for an proposals for the college, including its location, to be put forward for consideration as part of the competitive process. We anticipate a variety of sites, including existing Ministry of Defence and other locations, to be proposed.A decision on the way forward is unlikely before next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many ministerial decisions were made where authority for the same derived from the royal prerogative in the most recent calendar month for which information is available. [9369]

Records are not kept of the individual occasions on which powers under the royal prerogative are exercised nor could it be practicable to do so.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that plants which manufacture antibiotics for the treatment of anthrax and other biological or chemical weapons are given enhanced security. [10589]

The level of security in place at commercial establishments that manufacture antibiotics and other agents to counter biological or chemical weapons is based on the threat pertaining to that establishment. In the first instance, security is a matter for the owners/operators of the establishments. Beyond that, security rests with the police who can, if they feel the threat is beyond their capacity, call on established procedures to augment security, for example, through military assistance, at such establishments. The security of such facilities is also under active review as a result of the events of 11 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding he is providing for the establishment of a Role 3 field hospital in partnership with the Netherlands; and if he will make a statement. [11781]

We are not making any funding available specifically to establish a Role 3 field hospital in partnership with the Netherlands. We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Netherlands setting out arrangements for the joint provision of an integrated Role 3 medical unit on future peacekeeping, peace enforcement or humanitarian relief operations in which both nations wish to participate. The aim is to make sensible and cost-effective use of valuable medical resources and avoid duplication of medical support. Existing resources will be used and the integrated Role 3 unit will be formed only when required. Medical personnel of both nations will undertake training and exercises together when possible to develop and foster interoperability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much time HMS Ocean spent in dock undergoing repairs, before being handed over to the Royal Navy; how much time she has spent in service at sea, since she was handed over to the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement. [11755]

During the period between HMS Ocean's launch in October 1995 and her handover to the Royal Navy in March 1999, she spent some 15 weeks in dock undergoing repairs. Since then, she has been available for programming, either at sea or in harbour, for a total of 904 days.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Gurkha reinforcement companies in the British Army and the units to which they are assigned. [12617]

Gurkha Reinforcement Companies are currently serving with the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment in Colchester, 1 Royal Irish based in Canterbury and 1 Highlanders in Edinburgh. In addition, there are formed Gurkha units serving with 10 Transport Regiment, 30 Signal Regiment, 36 Engineer Regiment and in training establishments at Sandhurst and Brecon.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to introduce a medal for the Suez campaign; and if he will make a statement on how veterans of that conflict may be recognised for their contribution. [12629]

Service in the Suez Campaign, the Anglo/French Landings which took place in late 1956 as Operation Musketeer, was recognised by the institution of the Naval General Service Medal for Royal Navy personnel and the General Service Medal for Army and Royal Air Force personnel, with clasp Near East. There are no plans to institute a medal for service in the Canal Zone during the early 1950s.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what funds will be made available to maintain Glencorse Barracks pending announcement of plans for its reuse. [12188]

[holding answer 2 November 2001]: Although the Army's Initial Training function based at Glencorse Barracks will transfer to Catterick during 2002, the Recruit Selection Centre will remain at Glencorse and will be funded to maintain its activity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has to house an infantry battalion in Glencorse Barracks; and when this will take place; [12189](2) if the options for Glencorse Barracks include stationing an infantry battalion there. [12185]

[holding answer 2 November 2001]: The Army's Initial Training function based at Glencorse Barracks will transfer to the School of Infantry at Catterick during 2002. The Recruit Selection Centre will, however, remain at Glencorse and it is the intention to retain a further Army presence there, although the extent of this has not yet been established.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to celebrate 300 years of British rule in Gibraltar. [13011]

At the present time the Ministry of Defence has made no plans to celebrate the 300^th Anniversary of British rule in Gibraltar and has not received any requests for participation in any events which are being organised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Chinooks were unserviceable during Exercise Saif Sareea 2; and for what period of time. [11747]

The eight Chinook helicopters deployed on Exercise Saif Sareea 2 performed well in very testing environmental conditions. Their availability varied throughout the exercise. This was in part affected by engineering instructions issued from the UK that required non-exercise related maintenance on a number of air frames.The average daily availability rate during the main period of the exercise was around 70 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what basis she was convinced that the information concerning tests to establish the presence of BSE in sheep, presented to her Department by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist on 17 October would leak; who she was convinced would leak the information; and if she will make a statement. [10607]

[holding answer 26 October 2001]: The theoretical possibility of BSE in sheep is an issue of great sensitivity, generating widespread public interest. In light of the information a scheduled meeting of SEAC was—by the decision of its chairman—cancelled at short notice. This in itself was likely to stimulate further interest. In such circumstances, it is reasonable to assume that the possibility of leaks will be much higher and their impact more serious.A press release was issued on 17 October about what we knew for certain. This was done to avoid the risk of information on a serious issue being presented incorrectly and piecemeal. Nor did we want to exacerbate public concern—in a situation of uncertainty—by giving the impression that the Government were withholding important information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the results of the inquiries into the errors made by the Institute of Animal Health in relation to BSE in sheep will be made public. [9914]

Urgent and independent scientific inquiries have been established already. We will not know the full facts until they have reported. We will continue to keep the House and the public informed of developments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to conduct further research into whether BSE is present in the national sheep flock; and if she will made a statement. [9918]

We will carry out a thorough review of the full range of scientific studies currently being undertaken in this area. In doing so we will take account of work that is being conducted elsewhere in Europe and the views of the Food Standards Agency and the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee. Findings will be made available to the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what inquiries have been commissioned into the results of the Institute of Animal Health in relation to BSE in sheep; and if she will made a statement; [9921](2) if she will establish an independent inquiry into the failure of the research into whether BSE is present in sheep. [9912]

Following the receipt of the results of DNA testing by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist on Wednesday 17 October, an independent risk assessment company was immediately commissioned to perform a detailed audit of the Institute of Animal Health research into BSE and sheep; including how the relevant samples were stored and handled.Additionally, the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) has been asked to undertake to a longer time scale a rigorous assessment of the chain of custody arrangements for the IAH experiment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will give details of all work commissioned or undertaken by (a) the Government and (b) its agencies into BSE in sheep since May 1997, stating, in each case (i) which organisations have been involved in which tasks and (ii) what costs or payments have been incurred [10603]