To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on housing provision for clergy on their retirement. [16295]

Clergy in office are provided with a house and are paid a stipend. In retirement, however, they must meet their own housing costs. The derivation of the formula for the pension and retirement lump sum takes this into account.Actual arrangement of retirement housing is a matter for the individual, who may purchase a property (if necessary with the aid of a mortgage obtained in the market) or rent. The Church offers, through the Pensions Board and supported by investment capital provided by the Church Commissioners, a scheme of housing assistance which widens the choice available. Subject to

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, how many (a) full-time, (b) part-time and (c) non-stipendiary ministers there are in each diocese. [16297]

This information is contained in Statistics of Licensed Ministers (GS Misc 638), a copy of which is in the House of Commons Library. For reference see the table.

To ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the Churchwardens Measure. [16296]

The Churchwardens Measure 2001 provides a comprehensive set of rules about the appointment of churchwardens and their tenure of office, building on earlier legislation. Most of the Measure has caused no controversy, and the draft provisions about which the Ecclesiastical Committee expressed concern, relating to the possible suspension of a churchwarden from exercising his or her duties, were deleted by the General Synod and form no part of the Measure.The Measure will come into force on 1 January 2002, and will apply to the elections of churchwardens at the annual meetings held in parishes from 2002 onwards. A good deal of information about the new rules has already been published and more guidance will be issued before the Measure comes into force.The new rule that a churchwarden may not serve for more than six years without a break is laid down in the Measure as the norm, but the parishioners of an individual parish will be free to decide that the rule is not to apply in their case. As the six years will not start to run until the Measure comes into force, there will be ample time for every parish to consider the matter and reach its own decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if his officials informed executives of Railtrack plc, at their meeting on 3 October, of the reasons the payment due to be paid by the Government to the company on 1 October has not been made. [11226]

One payment was legally due on 1 October. This was for £337 million and it was paid in full on that date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will place in the Library the powers of the Railtrack administrator; when he expects to receive the administrator's report for approval; and who will decide what return the shareholders will receive. [16751]

The principal functions of the Administrator of Railtrack plc are set out in section 59 of the Railways Act 1993 and the Insolvency Act 1986, as applied by Schedule 6 to the Railways Act 1993. The timetable of the administration process is a matter for the Administrator. Once the administration process is complete, it will be clear what value is available for disbursement to its shareholder, Railtrack Group plc. Disbursement of Railtrack Group plc's assets is a matter for the Board of that company.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what substantial investment projects Railtrack was planning; and what is (a) their current status, (b) the current timetable for their completion and (c) the current estimate of the cost. [16752]

Railtrack's May 2001 Network Management Statement identifies the projects on which the company was working and expected completion dates. Government have committed to provide the Administrator with access to sufficient funding to continue on a "business as usual" basis—including investment expenditure—during the administration period.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of the cash needs of Railtrack plc in administration. [16381]

The Administration process is at a very early stage and any estimate of the cash needs of Railtrack plc in administration would be purely speculative.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the average daily rate of (a) loss (PBT) and (b) cash outflow at Railtrack plc in administration has been since 5 October. [16360]

This is a matter for the Administrator. The premature release of unaudited financial information may prejudice the Administrator's orderly release of commercially sensitive information in detailed discussions with potential bidders for Railtrack plc.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what investment expenditure was planned for the period from the end of September to 31 March (a) 2002 and (b) 2002–03 by Railtrack plc prior to being placed in administration. [16359]

Railtrack's investment plans were outlines in its Network Management Statement published in May 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the (a) Board and (b) auditors of Railtrack sought a letter of comfort concerning payments to Railtrack Group and plc before the directors and auditors signed the accounts for 2000–01 on a going concern basis; and if the Government granted such a request. [16377]

No such request was made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what money was budgeted to be given to Railtrack (a) Group and (b) plc in 2002–03 prior to the decision to place Railtrack plc in administration. [16363]

The income to be received by Railtrack for its regulated business in 2002–03 was determined and set out in the October 2000 conclusions of the Rail Regulator's Periodic Review and in the 2 April agreement between the Government and Railtrack.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much Railtrack plc spent on investment in (a) 2000–01 and (b) between 1 April and being placed in administration. [16352]

Railtrack's investment expenditure for 2000–01 is set out in its Annual Report and Accounts. My Department does not hold audited investment expenditure data for 2001–02.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much the Government have paid to Railtrack Group plc (a) directly and (b) via the SRA in 2001–02; and how much it planned to pay it over the balance of the year before the company was put into administration. [16382]

The Government have made no payments to Railtrack Group plc. This company is not in administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what money is available for the successor Railtrack company in (a) 2001–02, (b) 2002–03 and (c) 2003–04 from (i) Government and (ii) SRA sources. [16368]

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Preston (Mr. Hendrick) on 23 October 2001, Official Report, column 195W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what his estimate is of the fees of the administrator for Railtrack plc. [16372]

It is not possible at this stage to make an accurate estimate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 13 November 2001, Official Report, column 614W, on Railtrack, for what reason he did not comment upon the advice that he has received on the extra cost to the Government of the successor company to Railtrack achieving a credit rating of lower than A/A2; and if he will make a statement. [16075]

On the basis of advice received, we consider a long-term credit rating of A/A2 or higher to be the most appropriate rating to target in order to finance the proposed Company Limited by Guarantee in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Lower ratings than those to be targeted are considered to be less efficient and less cost-effective.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much a single share in Railtrack has earned in dividends and other payments from privatisation to 1 October. [16062]

A single share in Railtrack Group plc has received £1.40 in cash or equivalent dividends since its flotation on 20 May 1996.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what was the average value of one Railtrack share from privatisation to 1 October. [16061]

The average daily share price for Railtrack Group plc from privatisation to 1 October 2001 was 917 pence.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many appointments he has made to public bodies since 7 June; and how many are in his gift. [15491]

Information about numbers of ministerial appointments to public bodies is included in the Cabinet Office's annual report, "Public Bodies". Copies of this are placed in the Library of the House and the report is published on the Cabinet Office's internet website. The next edition of "Public Bodies", which will include numbers of appointments at 31 March 2001, will be published around the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what has been the total cost to date to (a) the Treasury and (b) the National Lottery of the Millennium Dome. [14508]

English Partnerships, the Government's regeneration agency, which manages the Dome sale process and owns the site, is expecting to incur, from its normal budget, some £1.9 million in relation to care and maintenance¹ of the Dome, around £9.75 million for decommissioning works in preparation for the future use of the Dome and about £1.7 million on the current sale process, this year. In addition, English Partnerships spent £6.6 million on the previous competition, which began in March 1999 and ended at the beginning of 2001. These costs will be recovered from eventual sale proceeds.In relation to the National Lottery cost, the Millennium Commission has approved a total grant of £628 million to the New Millennium Experience Company for the Millennium Experience at Greenwich and its associated national programme of events and activities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many miles of new track were laid in each year between 1992 and 1999 relating to new rail lines in Scotland. [15874]

I understand from Railtrack that between 1992 and 1999 a small but unquantified amount of freight-related new track has been laid.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many miles of rail track were upgraded to allow for increased capacity in Scotland in each year between 1992 and 1999. [15876]

I understand from Railtrack that there has been no significant track capacity upgrade between 1992 and 1999. Improved signalling can also increase network capacity and signalling works have been undertaken at locations where increased demand has driven the need for such improvements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much was spent in support of rail services in Scotland in each year from 1992 to 1999. [15873]

I refer my hon. Friend to pages 102–103 of the Strategic Rail Authority Annual Report 2000–01, which show the support for rail services provided under the ScotRail franchise in the years since it commenced on 31 March 1997. Details of support for those services before that date are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many representations have been received by the Government on the privatisation of Air Traffic Control; and of these, how many were classed as (a) supportive of privatisation and (b) against privatisation. [15877]

No central record has been kept of the number of such representations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what protocols have been implemented between NATS and the MOD to ensure safety between civilian and military air traffic. [16757]

The system for air traffic control in UK airspace has long been based on a joint and integrated civil-military arrangement. The NATS public-private partnership provides for the continuance of this relationship and the Civil Aviation Authority is required to oversee the sustainment of efficient joint civil and military working. This oversight is carried out through the Joint Air Navigation Services Council that consists of senior representatives of NATS, Ministry of Defence and the CAA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) when the partners' investment will be committed to the NATS PPP; and how much it will be; [16755](2) when he expects to receive the proceeds from the NATS PPP. [16754]

The Government received proceeds totalling almost £770 million from the sale of a minority share in NATS to the chosen strategic partner, the Airline Group, on 26 July 2001. A further £35 million is due under the sale as deferred proceeds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the timetable is for invitations to tender for (a) Prestwick and (b) West Drayton air traffic control centres; and how these centres will be involved with European proposals on air traffic control. [16768]

In regard to the new air traffic control centre at Prestwick, I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, West (John Barrett) on 7 November 2001, Official Report, column 288W.The West Drayton air traffic control centre, which is the existing London Area and Control Centre (LATCC), is not subject to tender.All civilian air traffic control centres in the European Union would be covered by the proposals to create the Single European Sky. As these proposals are still in draft form, it is too early to say what their impact might be on individual control centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when EU clearance is expected for the NATS PPP. [16753]

EU merger clearance for the Airline Group's participation in the NATS PPP was obtained on 14 May 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how much the employees' share of the NATS PPP is expected to be; and when it will be available to them. [16756]

Under the public private partnership NATS employees are entitled to 5 per cent. of the total shareholding in NATS. The shares are held in an employee trust, the NATS Employee Share Trust Ltd. The initial allocation of shares to staff was made on 21 September and a second allocation is expected to be made by the trust early next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what powers (a) the Vehicle Inspectorate and (b) the Health and Safety Executive have to investigate passenger safety and overcrowding on (i) school contract bus services and (ii) scheduled bus services; and if he will make a statement. [15801]

The Vehicle Inspectorate is empowered under section 68 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, as amended by section 10 of the Road Traffic Act 1991, to inspect all buses in respect of both safety standards and overcrowding.The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 places a general duty on employers and the self-employed to conduct their undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in their employment are not exposed to risks to their health or safety. This duty would apply to passengers on buses.However, it is the general policy of the Health and Safety Executive that they will not enforce health and safety at work law where it is overlapped by other legislation which adequately protects public and worker safety by more specific and detailed law enforced by another authority, as is the case here.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what regulations govern seating, standing and the use of seat belts on (a) school contract bus services and (b) scheduled bus services. [15800]

The regulations that govern seating, standing on all buses are the Public Service Vehicles (Carrying Capacity) Regulations 1984, the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment, Use and Certification) Regulations 1981, as amended, and the Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990. There are no regulations governing the use of seat belts in buses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what breaches of transport regulations have been committed by Stagecoach plc since 1997; and what action was taken by his Department against Stagecoach plc in each case. [15799]

Disproportionate cost would be involved in supplying an answer in the form requested owing to the number of companies owned by Stagecoach plc. If my hon. Friend would like to write to the Chief Executive of the Vehicle Inspectorate. specifying the company in which he has an interest, they will be able to assist him.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions who will be liable for any cost overruns incurred in modernising London Underground under PPP. [16190]

Under the Government's plans for a publicly run, privately built tube, the private sector infrastructure companies will be liable for all cost overruns that result from their acting in an uneconomic or inefficient manner.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on skill shortages in the road haulage industry. [16189]

The road haulage industry is a wholly private sector enterprise. It is responsible for ensuring that it is able to recruit the personnel it needs. Government are helping through the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund which has earmarked £5 million for training, to help the industry meet its future labour and skills needs. A feasibility study looking at ways to protect employer investment in training will begin shortly. Two further schemes, to increase the number of young people joining the industry, are expected to begin in the spring next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list, in real terms, for each year since 1979 (a) the total sums of money spent directly by his Department in Scotland and (b) the total sums of money allocated by his Department for spending in Scotland through (i) the Scottish Office, (ii) the Scotland Office and (iii) the Scottish Executive. [16185]

The information requested is not readily available. However, an analysis by function and country of total managed expenditure for the years 1995–96 to 1999–2000 can be found in Chapter 8 of the "Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2001–02" (Cm 5101) published in April 2001 (a copy of which is available in the Library of the House) and figures for earlier years are available in previous PESA publications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he last met Sir Alastair Morton, Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority. [R] [16029]

I had meetings with Sir Alastair on 26 June and 24 July this year. He was also present at the Rail Delivery Group, which I chaired, on 27 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has commissioned into the connection between the closure of driving test centres and the number of unlicensed drivers on the road. [15945]

In 1999, the Department commissioned a three-year research project into the extent and effects of unlicensed driving. One of the research objectives was to identify reasons for unlicensed driving. The final report is expected in spring 2002. The research is not likely to identify a link between unlicensed driving and the closure of local driving test centres.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact that the PUG2 Agreement will have on the interests of South West Hertfordshire commuters who use Silverlink services into London. [15806]

The Strategic Rail Authority have established a Joint West Coast Forum with local authorities, user representatives and Rail Passenger Committees along the route to ensure the concerns of Silverlink County passengers are understood and taken into account during discussions about the outputs to be provided under PUG2. Earlier this year the Authority commissioned Booz, Allen and Hamilton to undertake a study to consider both the commercial and wider economic benefits of providing additional fast line capacity for use by non-Virgin services. The results have been reported to the Forum.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the potential growth in demand for sleeper services between the north of England and (a) London and (b) the Continent. [16169]

No formal assessment has been made. We would expect the railway industry to come forward with proposals to meet demands for new services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what recent representations he has received on night flights at East Midlands Airport; and if he will make a statement; [16082](2) for what reason he has not extended environmental powers under the Civil Aviation Act 1982 to East Midlands Airport. [16083]

I have recently received representations from or on behalf of: my hon. Friend the Member for North-West Leicestershire (David Taylor); People Against Intrusive Noise (PAIN); East Midlands Airport Ltd.; the Association of International Courier and Express Services (AICES); and North West Leicestershire district council. The district council and others have requested that the Secretary of State designate the airport under s.80 for the purposes of s.78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982, under which he could impose certain operational noise controls (including night restrictions).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research his Department has (a) conducted and (b) commissioned concerning the (i) economic, (ii) social and (iii) environmental impact of the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link. [15735]

The Department conducted a study of the regeneration benefits of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and, to supplement the extensive research carried out by the various promoters and opponents of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, has commissioned some further research to assess:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the likely effect the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link will have on (a) passenger numbers and (b) financial returns for (i) each train operating company and (ii) Eurostar. [15734]

The Strategic Rail Authority is assessing the passenger and financial returns of high speed domestic services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and the consequential impacts on Connex South Eastern services. Details depend on the service pattern assumed and will be the subject of commercial negotiations.Consultants Booz Allen and Hamilton were employed by the Department to forecast passenger numbers and financial returns for Eurostar. These forecasts informed commercial negotiations undertaken earlier this year with Railtrack Group plc and LCR concerning Section 2 of the Link.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what track access charges will be paid by Eurostar for use of tracks (a) on the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link and (b) on tracks between Waterloo and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, when the Channel Tunnel Rail Link becomes operational. [15736]

The Track Access Charges are set out in the Track Access Agreements between Railtrack, Eurostar, and London and Continental Railways. These agreements, between private companies, are commercially sensitive and cannot therefore be made public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact on the environment of exhaust fumes produced by the use of chainsaws. [16148]

UK emissions modelling suggests that small petrol-powered off-road equipment accounts for 2.1 per cent. of UK hydrocarbon emissions with chainsaws accounting for only a small part of this. However, the European Commission estimates the significance of emissions from these machines to be much greater. The Commission estimates small off-road petrol engines to produce 6.5 per cent. of EU hydrocarbon emissions with chainsaws accounting for approximately half of this figure.Hydrocarbons contribute to the formation of ground level ozone, which is harmful to human health and, in addition, certain hydrocarbons are carcinogenic. Despite the low significance of total hydrocarbon emissions from this sector of machinery, individual machines are high emitters. It is therefore desirable to reduce emissions from them as far as practical, not only to benefit the environment, but also to reduce operator exposure to carcinogenic emissions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of draft EU regulations relating to catalytic converters on chainsaws; and if he will make a statement on the impact of such regulations on the arboricultural industry. [16149]

The amendment would regulate, for the first time, emissions from small, off-road petrol engines, such as those used in lawnmowers, chainsaws etc, by means of two stages of emissions limits. Compliance with the Stage 2 limits may require adoption of oxidation catalysts on two-stroke engines (typically used in handheld equipment such as chainsaws). Where machines must be compact and lightweight it may be difficult to accommodate catalysts; 'tree-service' or 'top-handled' chainsaws as used by arboriculturists are a case in point.The UK has campaigned vigorously for derogations for these machines to give industry the time they need to develop alternative emissions control technology. At their first readings of the proposal, both the European Parliament and the Council adopted a clause requiring the Commission to review whether all applications of handheld engines could meet Stage 2 limits and, if not, set derogations of up to five years where appropriate. The Commission have made a written declarations that this review will specifically consider chainsaws.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what plans he has to reduce the delay in planning affecting on-shore windfarms; and if he will make a statement. [15720]

We already promote a positive approach to planning for renewable energy as part of the UK's climate change strategy. Last year we initiated the preparation of regional assessments and targets for renewable energy provision (including on-shore windfarms) to encourage a more strategic approach to planning at regional and local levels. More positive planning at regional and local levels will contribute to greater public familiarity with, and acceptance of, prospective renewable energy developments and will help to facilitate planning permission for individual proposals. It remains important for operators to prepare the ground with local authorities, environmental groups and local people before submitting formal planning applications by developing proposals in consultation with them.The forthcoming planning Green Paper will include proposals intended to speed up the planning process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions when he expects to introduce the Brit disc for foreign trucks; and if he will make a statement. [16424]

The Government are continuing to look at the options for some form of user charging for lorries, and will make a statement in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the United Kingdom's Government's policy for reducing emissions from international aviation was approved at the 33 International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly; and if he will make a statement. [16269]

The Assembly endorsed further work to improve technology standards and operating procedures. It approved the goal of participating in an emission permit trading system, and it confirmed its policy on emissions charging. We are following up this outcome in consultation with our European partners, taking account of the impact of recent events on the aviation industry.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the current status of the Waverley Line railway proposals between Edinburgh and Carlisle. [16521]

The "Waverley Line" or "Borders Line" as it is also known is a longer-term project which will have to be considered against competing priorities. However, it will be studied to see if it is a viable proposal and whether or not it offers value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what procedure is followed when concerns are communicated to his Department about the propriety of the conduct of his special advisers in respect of their professional relationship with civil servants. [16386]

In line with the Civil Service Code, the Department's staff handbook sets out the procedures to be followed in the event of any complaint, problem or grievance in relation to any employment-related matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 22 October 2001, Official Report, columns 93–94W, on departmental staff (1) if he will list (a) the departments and (b) the Ministers that were consulted prior to the transfer of Mr. Alun Evans from his Department to the Cabinet Office; and if he will give the dates on which each of the consultations took place; [16525](2) if he will list the dates on which

Mr. Evans commenced work in his current post on 1 October 2001. He was DTLR's Director of Communication until that time.The remaining issues are exempted from disclosure under Part 8 of Section II of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many fines have been imposed for failure to make a statutory off-road notification since the scheme's inception. [16310]

Since the agency started enforcement action for failing to make a statutory off-road notification declaration in April 1999, a total of 207,397 people have settled the matter out of court and a further 1,263 have been prosecuted at court. The total revenue paid in fines and penalties amounts to £6,071,847.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the performance of the statutory off-road notification scheme in reducing vehicle excise duty evasion. [16311]

Statutory off-road notification (SORN) came into force in 1998. Keepers who take their vehicles off the public road unlicensed are required to make a declaration to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and if the vehicle remains off the road to confirm its status each year. Failure to do so is a criminal offence which carries a maximum fine on conviction of £1,000. Offenders are given the opportunity to settle out of court on payment of a penalty.Since introduction over 2.5 million SORN declarations have been received. Automated enforcement action has been introduced and over £6 million raised in fines and penalties. The indications are that the SORN procedures are fulfilling their objectives and achieving a higher compliance with the registration and licensing requirements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what contribution his Department will make to the World Health Organisation study into deep vein thrombosis and air travel. [16318]

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health, is planning to make a contribution to the World Health Organisation study in terms of financial support and the provision of advice, the details of which are presently under consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Ordnance Survey towards anticipating and meeting the needs of customers through partnerships and adherence to service first principles. [16709]

As a Trading Fund, Ordnance Survey can sustain its business and fund its investments only if it meets the needs of its customers in a timely and effective way.Ordnance Survey consults extensively with its customers and partners in a variety of ways, including:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport. Local Government and the Regions what slots have been offered to British Midland to fly from Heathrow following the withdrawal of services by other carriers. [16729]

Slots at co-ordinated airports such as Heathrow are allocated to airlines under European Regulation 95/93. Bmi British Midland are entitled to apply to the airport co-ordinator for slots. No slots at Heathrow have been offered to them as a result of a withdrawal of service by other carriers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action he is taking to encourage the availability of biodiesel for motorists. [16281]

[holding answer 20 November 2001]: In the November 2000 pre Budget report the Chancellor announced the Green Fuels Challenge, which invited industry and environmental groups to develop proposals for practical alternative fuels. More than 60 proposals were submitted covering a range of potential options. In response to the data submitted on biofuels the Chancellor announced, subject to EU agreement, a 20p per litre duty incentive on biodiesel would be introduced in Budget 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what plans he has to fund research into using urea in diesel vehicles to reduce nitrogen emissions; [16733]

None. Research and development of exhaust after-treatment systems, including the possible use of urea, is already well under way on a commercial basis so that manufacturers will be in a position to meet mandatory EU NOx emission limits for heavy diesel vehicles which come into force from 2008.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement about the M4 bus lane. [17730]

The effectiveness of the bus lane is closely monitored by the Highways Agency. They report that it continues to alleviate peak congestion on this busy section of the motorway but they recommend that the scheme could be improved by raising the speed limit between junction 4 and the elevated section to 60mph and the use by motorcycles of the lane designated for buses and taxis. I have agreed that the Highways Agency should consult on these changes and this consultation will be launched today.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service men have retired from the armed forces in each of the last five years. [15165]

For the last five financial years the trained outflow from UK regular forces (men and women) is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will meet the managing director of the Mineseeker organisation to discuss the removal of landmines. [15142]

[holding answer 15 November 2001]: I have no plans to do so at present. However, should the managing director of Mineseeker wish to discuss his organisation's activities with the Ministry of Defence, appropriate arrangements could be made.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will respond to the letter he received recently from the managing director of the Mineseeker organisation. [15130]

[holding answer 15 November 2001]: We have no record of having received this letter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had on the Mineseeker operation with its patrons. [15222]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the Defence Academy's budget is allocated for administration. [15344]

[holding answer 16 November 2001]: The Head of the Defence Academy's budget will be established with effect from 1 April 2002. The precise size of the budget has yet to be determined, but the administrative element is expected to be about 23 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve recruitment to Gurkha regiments. [16203]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Chorley (Mr. Hoyle) on 19 October 2001, Official Report, column 1371W. There is no requirement to improve recruiting levels to meet the numbers needed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the roulement of the British forces deployed to Afghanistan. [15944]

UK forces deployed to Afghanistan will remain there for as long as necessary. In the event that a roulement of the current force deployed is required, detailed plans will be made in co-ordination with our coalition allies and taking account of the political and security situation on the ground.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which United Kingdom ships are tasked to assist the international coalition in Afghanistan; and where they are situated. [16293]

HMS Illustrious, HMS Fearless, HMS Cornwall, HMS Southampton and HMS Trafalgar and Royal Fleet Auxiliaries Sir Tristram, Sir Percival, Fort Victoria, Fort Rosalie, Brambleleaf and Diligence are tasked to assist the international coalition. All ships are currently operating in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties have been flown by aircraft of the international coalition in Afghanistan and for what purpose since the beginning of November. [16292]

UK aircraft have flown over 150 sorties since the beginning of November. These have been for the purposes of air-to-air refuelling, reconnaissance and airborne early warning. I cannot provide details of other coalition members' sorties (either in total numbers flown or by purpose), which are a matter for them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will ensure that the UK military presence in Afghanistan includes women personnel. [16279]

The composition of any forces deployed on Operation Veritas will be determined by the operational requirements. Depending on these requirements, women may be included in forces to be deployed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effects environmental conditions had on Army and Fleet Air Arm helicopters during Exercise Saif Sareea 2; and if he will make a statement. [16556]

Equipment reliability and availability during Saif Sareea 2 was affected by the desert environment, particularly the hot temperatures and flying dust. A number of equipment enhancement measures were implemented, such as sand filters and polyurethane self-adhesive tape on rotor blades which, together with an upgraded maintenance programme, combined to ensure that the helicopter fleet performed well in the environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what reason the contract between his Department and EDS for army payroll services was rewritten; and if he will make a statement. [16591]

The contract between the Ministry of Defence and Electronic Data Services relates not only to Army payroll services, but includes the delivery of information systems and information technology in support of the personnel administration, and pay of all armed forces personnel. The reconstructed contract was signed on 29 June 2001.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which risks that his Department considered transferred in the contract between his Department and EDS are disputed by EDS; and if he will make a statement. [16592]

None of the risks transferred to Electronic Data Services under the reconstructed Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency PFI contract signed on 29 June 2001 are a matter of dispute.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which (a) type 22 frigates, (b) type 42 destroyers, (c) type 23 frigates, (d) aircraft carriers and (e) fleet submarines are (i) operational, (ii) in refit and (iii) in maintenance or repair. [16550]

The table shows, as at 19 November 2001, the vessels within each of the categories requested. Those vessels undergoing routine maintenance and repair (column iii) are within the operational control of the Royal Navy and can be made ready within agreed timescales.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make a decision on the (a) STOVL and (b) CV variant of the Joint Strike Fighter; and if he will make a statement. [16557]

We expect a decision on which variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, Carrier Version or Short Take Off and Vertical Landing, best meets our requirement for a Future Joint Combat Aircraft to be made by the autumn of next year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which helicopters are under consideration for the SABR programme. [16551]

The Support Amphibious and Battlefield Rotorcraft programme is in its concept stage. It is too early, therefore, to say with certainty which rotorcraft will be the principal contenders.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which firms are providing his Department with (a) expertise and (b) advice with respect to the flotation of QinetiQ. [16405]

The Ministry of Defence is being advised on the QinetiQ transaction by PricewaterhouseCoopers and UBS Warburg (financial advice), Simmons & Simmons (legal), Arthur Andersen (reporting accountants) and Willis (insurance). QinetiQ also has its own advisers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his Department's budget is for professional advice on the flotation of QinetiQ. [16406]

There is no fixed budget for external advice in relation to the flotation of QinetiQ. Continuous scrutiny of costs ensures that the services of advisers offer value for money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to employ more civilians in the Defence Fire Service; and if he will make a statement. [15137]

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has no immediate plans to change the normal process of recruitment for Defence Fire Service (DFS) firefighters at locations where a requirement to fill vacancies has been identified. Currently, vacancies are managed at unit level and are filled either by internal level transfer, or where this is not possible, by external recruitment. Although temporary recruitment restrictions may occur from time to time under certain circumstances, the MOD intends to continue recruiting as normal until the outcome of the Airfield Support Services Project (ASSP) is known. The matter will then be reviewed at that stage. I refer the hon. Member to the statement on the future of MOD Fire Services made by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces on 13 November 2001, Official Report, columns 231–34WH.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the fast-tracking of treatment for service personnel within the NHS; [14279](2) how many armed forces personnel have had their treatment fast-tracked within the NHS in the last 12 months. [14280]

There are no arrangements for the fast-tracking of clinical treatment for Service personnel within the NHS. However, special arrangements exist, principally with the NHS Trusts hosting our Ministry of Defence Hospital Units (MDHU), for Service personnel to receive expedited out-patient opinions within the NHS. These latter arrangements apply particularly, but not exclusively, to those required for operational deployments.Our arrangements with the MDHU host Trusts also include financial arrangements to encourage the Trusts to achieve the waiting time targets, both for out-patient and in-patient appointments, set by the Defence Secondary Care Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings he has had since 11 September with his counterparts in the EU. [17205]

I have met my EU counterparts at an informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers on 11–12 October and at the EU Capabilities Improvement Conference on 19–20 November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made with the Assessment Phase of the Future Aircraft Carrier procurement programme. [17400]

Assessment work on the new carrier project began in November 1999 when contracts were awarded to two competing consortia headed by BAE Systems and Thales Naval Ltd. The first stage of the assessment was completed in June this year.Since then officials have been working to determine the most efficient and cost effective way forward for the remainder of the Assessment Phase, taking into account the views of both consortia about the amount of work required to minimise the level of risk in the CVF programme.On the basis of that work, contracts have been signed today for both BAE Systems and Thales Naval Ltd. to proceed to Stage 2 of the CVF Assessment Phase.For the next 12 months, until November 2002, the competing consortiums will concentrate on refining their designs and on taking key trade-off decisions. During this period, there will be a continuous assessment of the two consortiums' work leading to an announcement of a single preferred prime contractor in early 2003.The preferred consortium will then continue assessment work through the summer of 2003 in order to provide the robust cost, time and performance information needed to make the main investment decision. This will allow us to make a decision to place a formal build contract in early 2004. The selected prime contractor will be expected to maintain the time, cost and performance proposals agreed at the end of the Assessment phase. Following the announcement of a preferred contractor, there will be maximum competition at the sub-contractor level to ensure that robust prices are achieved.This approach reflects a sensible revision to the original procurement approach envisaged for the future carrier project. By applying Smart Procurement principles, it will help to ensure the maximum potential for competition throughout the remainder of the Assessment Phase. It will ensure that we achieve best value for money for the taxpayer. As part of the new approach, we will make around a further £20 million available to the contractors during the Assessment Phase.The In Service Dates of the two new carriers remain unchanged at 2012 and 2015.Both BAE Systems and Thales have welcomed this new approach which demonstrates innovative thinking to deliver value for money. It re-affirms in the strongest possible terms this Government's commitment to ensuring that our armed forces are equipped with battle-winning equipment. Combined with the Future Joint Combat Aircraft, the carriers will provide the UK with a formidable force projection capability.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he attended the EU Capabilities Improvement Conference in Brussels on 19 November; and if he will make a statement. [17398]

My right hon. Friend the Minister for the Armed Forces and I attended the Capabilities Improvement Conference along with colleagues from other EU nations.Good progress has been made towards the Headline Goal target for a European pool of forces. Offers were made by EU member states at last year's Capability Commitments Conference for 94 of the 144 identified capability areas underpinning the Headline Goal. The new offers made on Monday enhance our capabilities in a number of these areas and provide solutions for a further 10. We also agreed an Action Plan to address the remaining shortfalls: there are already identified initiatives addressing 20 of the 21 most significant capability areas. This process also reinforces NATO's Defence Capabilities Initiative.EU nations have offered substantial contributions, as set out in the Compendium of national Contributions prepared by the EU Presidency. In addition to the UK commitments made at last year's conference, I have identified further capabilities targeted specifically at the remaining shortfall areas. Some will be available before 2003 for the Headline Goal target; others later.I will place a copy of the Compendium in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Key Targets have been set for the Defence Housing Executive for the financial year 2001–02. [17399]

The following Key Targets have been set for the Defence Housing Executive for 2001–02.

Key Target 1—To house at least 72 per cent. of families in accommodation that matches their entitlement by posting date or on return to GB from overseas, and at least 93 per cent. within 28 days of their required date.

Key Target 2—Less than 5 per cent. of occupants should experience significant defects within 14 days of moving in.

Key Target 3—To complete the planned upgrade of 2,400 properties by 31 March 2002.

Key Target 4—To complete:

• At least 95 per cent. of emergency repairs within 24 hours of notification;
• At least 90 per cent. of urgent repairs within five working days of notification;
• At least 95 per cent. of routine repairs within two months of notification.

Key Target 5—To reduce the management margin progressively towards 10 per cent. by November 2005, to better balance supply and demand while delivering other key targets. (The DHE's interim target for 31 March 2002 is to have a management margin of 12.8 per cent.).

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of those named day parliamentary written questions to his Department that received a holding answer between 15 October and 5 November received the substantive answer (a) within three parliamentary days, (b) within seven parliamentary days, (c) within 10 parliamentary days, (d) within 15 parliamentary days and (e) over 15 parliamentary days after the holding answer was issued. [13330]

[pursuant to his reply, 16 November 2001, c. 958W]: The information contained in the table was incorrect. The questions which received a substantive reply, or where an undertaking to write to hon. Members was given, is set out in the table:

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action her Department has taken to tackle discrimination against older people. [16326]

We shall introduce legislation to combat age discrimination in employment and training by 2006. That is the deadline set out in the EU's Employment Directive, and it will give us the necessary time to resolve the complexities surrounding this issue. We shall be issuing a consultation document shortly. This will cover key questions to be considered on discrimination on grounds of age, along with the other grounds covered by the Directive: sexual orientation, religion, disability and race. We expect to bring forward a second consultation on age in 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent estimate she has made of the potential benefits of the use of coalmine methane to generate energy. [15722]

It is recognised that there are significant environmental benefits from using coal mine methane for power generation and the Department is currently working with the Association of Coal Mine Methane Operators to quantify more precisely the benefits to be gained from using this fuel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many appointments she has made to public bodies since 7 June; and how many are in her. gift. [15485]

Information about numbers of ministerial appointments to public bodies is included in the Cabinet Office annual report, "Public Bodies". Copies of this are placed in the Libraries of the Houses and the report is published on the Cabinet Office internet website. The next edition of "Public Bodies", which will include numbers of appointments at 31 March 2001, will be published around the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions she had with the Philippines authorities (a) at the last World Trade Organisation Conference and (b) recently elsewhere on encouraging trade between Muslim areas of Central Mindanao and the UK, with particular reference to tropical fruit. [14282]

I refer to my answer during the debate in the House on 15 November 2001 about the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference, Official Report, column 996–1008.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans she has to link more closely the work of the RDAs and that of the Government offices, with particular reference to the Government Office of the north-east. [16448]

[holding answer 20 November 2001]: The Government Office for the north-east and the regional development agency, One North-East, already work very closely together on a wide range of issues and I have no plans to change that. The implementation of the new Single Programme Budget for RDAs next year is likely to lead to even closer working, with the Government office having a key role in monitoring One North-East's performance against the demanding targets for that budget. The Government office was fully involved in the production of the Regional Strategy, and will be working closely with One North-East in the coming months on the review of the Agency's Regional Strategy for the North East which is now under way.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many former miners in Amber Valley have (a) claimed and (b) received payments in compensation for chronic bronchitis and emphysema. [15815]

To date, IRISC, the Department's claims handlers, have registered 1,583 claims in respect of respiratory disease in the constituency of Amber Valley. 516 individual payments have been made in this region totalling £2.0 million.Constituency statistics will shortly be available on the Department's website, www.dti.gov.uk/coalhealth.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many former miners in Amber Valley have (a) claimed and (b) received payments in compensation for vibration white finger. [15816]

To date, IRISC, the Department's claims handlers, have registered 1,026 claims in respect of vibration white finger in the constituency of Amber Valley. 507 individual payments have been made in this region, totalling £2.7 million.Constituency statistics will shortly be available on the Department's website, www.dti.gov.uk/coalhealth.