To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent successes there have been against organised crime in Northern Ireland. [33138]

As chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, I pay tribute to the operational agencies for their many successes in the fight against organised crime. Let me quote just a few recent examples:

On 9 January 2002, 8.4 million cigarettes were seized at Belfast docks. This success comes on top of the largest ever UK seizure of illegal cigarettes on 8 November 2001, when 42.5 million cigarettes were seized at Warrenpoint.

In recent weeks, customs has seized 42,500 litres of illicit fuel in two operations—a fuel laundering plant in south Armagh and an illegal fuel storage bunker in County Tyrone.

In the past two months alone, 12 people have been arrested for money-laundering or tax evasion offences and two for armed robberies; on 22 January two men were jailed for extortion offences.

Such success demonstrates that the Government are determined to tackle organised crime activity wherever it rears its ugly head. While such activity is a regrettable part of Northern Ireland's past and present it cannot become part of the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to tackle (a) extortion and (b) trade in counterfeit goods. [33154]

In Northern Ireland we are seeking to tackle and confront extortion and trade in counterfeit goods through the co-ordinated efforts of the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF) which I chair.The OCTF provides a multi-agency approach to tackling the range of organised criminal activity that exists in Northern Ireland, and to optimise our approach members are drawn from HM Customs and Excise, PSNI and NIO, as well as others.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on levels of crime arising from cross border smuggling. [33160]

The Organised Crime Task Force has identified high levels of cross border smuggling. The details can be found in the task force's threat assessment for 2001–02. Good co-operation between the PSNI, the Garda and other agencies has resulted in a number of successes against smugglers. These successes include the seizure of 80 million cigarettes in Dundalk, and the seizure of 42,500 litres of fuel from a fuel laundering plant in South Armagh.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the Government have done to compensate victims of terrorism in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [33139]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support the Government have given to the victims of terrorist violence in Northern Ireland in the last five years. [33149]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what support his Department is providing for victims of violence. [33158]

More than £1.5 billion has been spent in compensation for criminal injuries and damage since 1968–69. It is not possible to break these figures down into terrorist-related and other crime. We anticipate that this year the bills for criminal injuries and damage compensation to victims of crime in Northern Ireland will be £55 million and £9 million respectively.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action the Government are taking to assist people who have been the victims of terrorism in Northern Ireland. [33151]

Over £18.25 million has been allocated to support victims of the troubles in Northern Ireland: major elements include funding for the Northern Ireland memorial fund; funding for victims groups in Northern Ireland; support for the development of the Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation; support for victims of the troubles living in Great Britain and a contribution towards the devolved Administration's strategy implementation fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact of the removal of army watch towers on the security situation since July 2001. [33140]

After the act of decommissioning by PIRA, the reduced level of threat in October allowed the chief constable to make a number of further normalisation moves including the demolition of two towers in the south Armagh area. Intelligence-led policing and good cross border co-operation has resulted in a number of successes against the activities of dissident republicans. As a result of a continued lowering of the threat the chief constable announced on 22 January a further tranche of normalisation measures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on recruitment to the Northern Ireland police force. [33141]

Over 150 new recruits, appointed on a 50 per cent. Catholic, 50 per cent. non-Catholic basis, have now taken up training posts with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, and appointments are continuing. The first tranche of recruits will finish training in April 2002. It is encouraging to note that the most recent recruitment competition has attracted over 4,500 applicants, of whom an unprecedented proportion of 38 per cent. are Catholic.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements are being put in place to prevent electoral fraud at the next election in Northern Ireland. [33142]

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements are being put in place to prevent electoral fraud at the next election in Northern Ireland. [33150]

The next scheduled election in Northern Ireland is the Assembly election on 1 May 2003. It is our intention that all the measures proposed by the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Bill, which will provide the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland with additional functions to address the problem of electoral fraud there, will be in force for that election.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to ensure that the graves of Ulster soldiers who died in the first world war are not affected by plans to extend Paris Charles de Gaulle airport. [33143]

I met a senior representative from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission on 11 December to express my concern that the building of a proposed third airport for Paris could affect a number of Somme war graves.The French authorities have not yet defined the final boundaries of the airfield for this airport, but have assured the Commonwealth War Graves Commission that all war graves in the area will be treated with the greatest respect.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the level of violent crime during the past year. [33144]

During the period 1 April 2001 to 31 December 2001, 20,626 violent crimes were recorded in Northern Ireland, compared with 19,034 recorded in the same period the previous year. This represents an increase of 8.4 per cent. During the same period, the clearance rate for violent crime dropped from 56.2 per cent. to 40.9 per cent., a decrease of 15.3 per cent.Please note that the statistics for the calendar year 2001 are provisional and caution should therefore be exercised when comparing same with the previous year which are finalised.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he next expects to meet representatives of the police and security services to discuss the policing situation. [33145]

The Secretary of State meets regularly with the Chief Constable, the GOC and his senior security advisers when a range of security issues including policing are discussed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance is being provided by the United States Government and their agencies to assist the Police Service of Northern Ireland in combating crime. [33146]

Both the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and I have on-going contact with a range of authorities on policing matters. My recent visit to the US gave me a particular opportunity to do this.I was especially interested to hear of the American approach to organised criminals and the mafia culture. Through the Organised Crime Task Force, we were already adopting the New York approach of establishing multi-agency groups to tackle specific crime problems or particular criminal gangs. The idea is simple but effective—identify the problem and put together the agencies who can tackle it.I am also delighted that joint FBI/PSNI training was restored in December by President Bush and I am convinced that this type of co-operation and training with US law enforcement agencies will contribute to our commitment of ensuring an effective and efficient police service in Northern Ireland.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent action the Government have taken to improve human rights in Northern Ireland. [33147]

The introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998 played a major role in safeguarding human rights throughout the UK as a whole, including Northern Ireland. The Human Rights Act puts human rights at the heart of policy making and operations for all public authorities and means that all public authorities, including courts and the police, must act compatibly with the convention rights. It gives further effect throughout the UK to the rights and freedoms set out in the ECHR and provides the basis for a new culture of rights and responsibilities.The Northern Ireland Act 1998 restricts the Northern Ireland Assembly's powers to ensure it can only pass legislation that is compatible with convention rights and requires all NI Ministers and Departments to act compatibly. The Act also created the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission whose remit includes making sure laws and practices conform to the European convention, promoting awareness of human rights and offering advice and guidance to individuals. The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is currently considering the scope for a Bill of Rights to reflect the particular circumstances of Northern Ireland.The report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (the Patten report) recommended that there should be a comprehensive programme of action to focus policing in Northern Ireland on a human rights based approach.The setting up in 2000 of the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, an independent impartial police complaints system. This was set up under the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the economic and social impacts of the Good Friday agreement on Northern Ireland. [33148]

The Belfast agreement has had a positive impact on many aspects of life in Northern Ireland. The economic and social benefits are perhaps some of the most noticeable to arise from the agreement. Increased investor confidence has led to growth in the retail, construction and manufacturing sectors, helping to keep the economy buoyant and unemployment at a low level. While at the same time, more young people are staying to make their way in Northern Ireland society, now rooted firmly in the principles of individual rights and equality of opportunity for all.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what aspects of the Good Friday agreement remain to be implemented. [33156]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Wimbledon (Mr. Casale), Official Report, columns 191–92.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in implementing the Belfast agreement in the last six months. [33153]

Significant progress has been made. The devolved institutions are stabilising following the election of a new First and Deputy First Minster. The SDLP have signalled their support of the new policing arrangements, leading to the establishment of the Police Board and subsequent unanimous agreement by that board on a new badge for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The IRA have carried out a significant act of decommissioning involving ammunition, arms and explosives. We must now build on these developments to ensure that the implementation of the agreement continues on all fronts.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will bring forward legislation to permit televising of meetings of the Parades Commission. [33152]

We have no plans to legislate for the televising of internal meetings of the Parades Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent road safety campaigns the police service of Northern Ireland has mounted in schools; and if he will make a statement. [33155]

Road safety education is a key element of the PSNI strategy to reduce death and injuries on the roads. It forms an integral part of the PSNI community safety programme. The road safety message is delivered to schoolchildren ranging from Key Stage 1 (young primary) to Key Stage 4 (15 to 18 year-old).Because the driving behaviour of young male drivers is a matter of concern in Northern Ireland, the PSNI has developed a multi-agency roadsafe roadshow for Key Stage 4 schoolchildren. In addition to the police service, the fire service, various elements of the medical service, a voluntary group and seriously injured victims make contributions. The PSNI is currently developing a teaching resource pack to build upon the success of the roadsafe roadshow.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on decommissioning of terrorist weapons. [33157]

The IICD reported on 23 October that it had witnessed the IRA putting a quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives completely beyond use. The IICD described this as a significant event. This move by the IRA was historic and gives the clearest possible signal that it is moving away from violence for good. It is imperative that we now see further progress in the transition away from violence. All paramilitary groups should now build on this very significant progress.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to combat the Real IRA; and if he will make a statement. [33159]

There is a daily exchange of security information between the Garda and the RUC, and the security forces on both sides of the border co-operate frequently in planned and co-ordinated operations against the activities of dissident republicans. In the last year 42 dissidents have been arrested within the two jurisdictions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the legislative and Government structures and institutions operating in Northern Ireland. [33161]

Since devolution in December 1999 local politicians have acted with great commitment, integrity and energy to represent their constituents' needs, and the needs of Northern Ireland more generally, in a fair and effective manner on issues of real concern to ordinary people. Since the election of a new First and Deputy First Minister last autumn the devolved institutions have continued to stabilise, which I believe demonstrates the widespread support that devolution has throughout Northern Ireland, on all sides of the community. In addition, the structures put in place to develop North-South co-operation continue to function smoothly. All of this contributes to the normalisation of politics and society in Northern Ireland—a development which the Government are committed to giving their wholehearted support.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements have been made to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in Northern Ireland. [33162]

Responsibility for arrangements to celebrate Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee falls to the devolved Administration. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure is co-ordinating plans for community celebrations throughout the Province. To date, over 300 events and projects have been planned.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to change the (a) departmental expenditure limit and (b) administration costs limit for 2001–02. [36575]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the Northern Ireland Office DEL will be increased by £36,363,000 from £1,078,374,000 to £1,114,737,000 and the gross administration costs limits will be increased by £21,336,000 from £138,069,000 to £159,405,000. Within the DEL change, the impact on resources and capital are as set out in the following table:

	£
Resources
Change	31,973
New DEL	1,056,836
of which:
Voted	1,056,836
Non-voted	0
Capital
Change	4,390
New DEL	57,901
of which:
Voted	57,901
Non-voted	0

The change in the resource element of the DEL arises from:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to recognise formally the contribution made by armed forces personnel at the point at which they retire from active service. [25357]

All service personnel can qualify for a long service and good conduct medal after 15 years of exemplary service, with a bar awarded after a further 15 years. Other medals are awarded to those who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service or bravery. There is no single arrangement in the armed forces for recognising service at the point of retirement though all three provide a certificate of the qualifications gained in service and, subject to the satisfactory completion of service, a character reference which can be used in seeking further employment. Those completing at least five years' service are also entitled to resettlement training which increases in recognition of greater length of service. As part of the Veterans' Initiative, and in cooperation with representatives of the veterans' organisations, we are also looking at the feasibility and merits of a "Veterans' Identity Card" which would allow recognition (and real benefits) of the special status of those who have given service to the country in the armed forces.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to encourage participation by his Department in Fair Trade Fortnight from 4 to 17 March. [33539]

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is in touch with the Department for International Development which leads on this issue and which is providing £120,000 to the Fair Trade Foundation over three years (200–03) in support of its efforts to target new groups through its annual fair trade fortnight campaigns. We do not, however, have plans for direct participation in the event.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what UK defence expenditure was in each of the last 10 years, broken down by region and expressed as expenditure per head of population. [33951]

A breakdown of defence expenditure by region is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, I have tasked my officials to examine the data held to see if a broad indication of regional expenditure can be provided.Information on UK defence expenditure for each of the last 10 years, and as expenditure per head of population, is outlined in the table.

	Total UK Defence expenditure (£ million)1	UK mid year resident population (£000)2	UK Defence expenditure/head (£)
1991–92	24,438	57,814	423
1992–93	22,910	58,013	395
1993–94	22,757	58,198	391
1994–95	22,562	58,401	386
1995–96	21,517	58,612	367
1996–97	22,345	58,807	380
1997–98	21,610	59,014	366
1998–99	22,475	59,237	379
1999–2000	22,549	59,501	379
2000–01	23,538	59,756	394
1UK defence expenditure figures are the "Adjusted Defence budget" taken from table 1.3 of UK Defence Statistics 2001. The figures are VAT inclusive and at current prices. The "Adjusted Defence Budget" takes account of major definitional changes in defence spending and of major transfers of responsibility to and from Government Departments to provide figures on a consistent basis. Figures exclude receipts from the sale of the married quarters estate that were appropriated onto the defence votes.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what continuing role he plans for the armed forces in Afghanistan. [34041]

We have made our campaign objectives clear, including to bring Osama bin Laden and the al-Qaeda to justice and to ensure that the link between Afghanistan and terrorism is broken for good. The United Kingdom is also contributing to, and currently leading, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul.So far, some 1,700 British troops have deployed to Kabul out of a total of about 3,500 troops from 15 countries. Although we plan to hand over command of the ISAF by the end of April and reduce the number of British troops involved, we will continue to contribute to the force. We will also continue to support the Coalition's efforts under Operation Enduring Freedom to deal with the surviving al-Qaeda and Taliban remnants in Afghanistan.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the introduction of the TSC 503 satellite system. [34400]

The UK's TSC 503 satellite system provides a transportable satellite communications ground terminal system compatible with UK Skynet, NATO and US military satellites.The TSC 503 terminal system has a significantly increased data transfer capability compared to the current SATCOM terminals. So far, about half the terminals have been delivered and training of service personnel is taking place. Full operational capability is planned by the end of this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the Army is manned to peace establishment. [34491]

The strength of the whole Army (as at 1 January 2002) is around 94 per cent. of the current peacetime unit establishment requirement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 28 January 2002, Official Report, column 13W, on Afghanistan, if he will publish the reduced rates under the BFPO number registered for parcels to be sent to Afghanistan; and what is the average number of deliveries of post per month to BFPO numbers relating to Afghanistan. [35818]

The BFPO numbers applicable to operations in Afghanistan are BFPO 767 Muscat and BFPO 768 Thumrait, BFPO 761 Shalalah having closed on 21 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many PVR applications have been made by personnel from (a) 5, (b) 11,(c) 25,(d) 43 and (e) 111 Squadrons in each of the past five years. [35652]

The number of applications for premature voluntary release from the RAF Air Defence Squadrons, in each of the last five years is shown as follows:

	1997–98	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–021
5 Squadron
Officers	2	0	1	0	0
Airmen	3	2	2	8	5
11 Squadron
Officers	1	0	0	0	0
Airmen	0	4	2	2	5
25 Squadron
Officers	1	1	0	0	0
Airmen	2	4	6	5	4
43 Squadron
Officers	3	0	1	1	0
Airmen	3	6	5	3	6
111
Squadron
Officers	0	1	1	0	0
Airmen	4	2	2	7	7
1Figures up to 1 January 2002

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action will be taken against those departmental bodies which fail to take adequate security measures in their establishments. [35609]

Depending on the circumstances of the case, a range of informal, formal, administrative, disciplinary and even criminal options would be considered and pursued as appropriate.A range of control processes is in place to ensure that adequate security measures are taken. There is a regime of security surveys, inspections and audits operating in the Ministry of Defence. Standards and policy are set centrally, with advice and guidance provided to departmental bodies to enable them to carry out their security responsibilities.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) establishment pilot posts and(b) pilots there are in (i) 5, (ii) 11, (iii), 25, (iv). 43 and (v) 111 Squadrons. [35651]

The table details the number of established pilot posts and the number of pilots there are in 5 Squadron, 11 Squadron, 25 Squadron, 43 Squadron and 111 Squadron. These figures are as at 31 December 2001.

Squadron	Establishment	Current manning
5	18	12
11	18	13
25	18	14
43	19	15
111	19	16

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations have been made by the Ministry of Defence to private defence contractors on increasing security measures. [35614]

The Ministry of Defence does not provide defence contractors with advice on security measures. This is the responsibility of the Security Service who, for those contractors undertaking particularly sensitive contracts, provide oversight and advice on specific threats and counter-measures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have been made in the use of private security contractors to guard Ministry of Defence establishments since 11 September. [35612]

Since the events of 11 September 2001 there has been no change to the Ministry of Defence policy for the use of private security contractors to provide unarmed guarding to some parts of the Defence Estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many private security contractors are employed in guarding Ministry of Defence establishments; and if he will list them. [35611]

There are 16 private security contractors employed in unarmed guarding of the Ministry of Defence establishments. They are:

• Initial Security Ltd.
• Tyco (formerly known as Thom)
• Reliance Security Ltd.
• Legion Security plc
• Chubb Guarding Services Ltd.
• Serco
• Securicor Guarding Ltd.
• RCO Support Services Ltd.
• Galago Ltd.
• Centuryan Security Ltd.
• Medway Ports
• Securitas (UK) Ltd.
• Dardan Security Ltd.
• ISS Support Services Ltd.
• Securi-Guard Ltd.
• Solo Security Services Ltd.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much has been spent on timber for the refurbishment of the MOD building; [35692](2) what action was taken by his Department to ensure that timber procured for the refurbishment of the MOD Building was sourced

The minimum amount of timber will be used in the project so as to comply with current industry (notably fire) standards. The total cost is estimated by the construction contractor to be in the region of £500,000.Ministry of Defence policy is that all timber or timber products should be procured from sustainable and legal sources. This is reflected in the PFI contract with Modus Services plc for the redevelopment of Main Building and is in turn in Modus's contract with the construction contractor, Skanska Whitehall.All timber used in the redevelopment will therefore be from a certified sustainable source.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will commission a ship named HMS Coventry. [34920]

There are many worthy and suitable names deserving of recognition when consideration is given to naming ships. Although there are no immediate plans to use this name, Coventry with her six antecedents and 10 battle honours will certainly merit consideration in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to remove Ministry of Defence police from QinetiQ establishments before the organisation's proposed flotation. [35613]

The Defence Police Federation (DPF) has been consulted concerning the proposal to withdraw the Ministry of Defence police officers from three QinetiQ operated sites: Pendine, Shoeburyness and West Freugh. The consultation was concluded on 25 January 2002, and the withdrawal date has been provisionally set for 31 July 2002. However, I have agreed to meet with representatives of the DPF to discuss this on 12 March.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft project. [36175]

The Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) is planned to replace the RAF's fleet of VC10 and TriStar air to air refuelling/air transport aircraft towards the end of the decade. The current fleet is based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Bids for this prospective PFI programme were received from two consortia in July 2001. Both bidders have proposed the continued use of RAF Brize Norton as the main operating base for the FSTA fleet and our negotiations with them are proceeding on this basis. Subject to satisfactory progress in these negotiations, we expect to decide later this year whether PFI offers the best value for money and, if it does, which of the two consortiums is our preferred bidder.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what her estimate is of the expenditure of her Department on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in each of the last four years. [30099]

The Scotland Office was established in its present form on 1 July 1999.In the period 1 July 1999 to 31 March 2000, the cost of newspapers, magazines and periodicals purchased centrally by the Department was £9,096. In 2000–01, the cost was £13,639.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of the departmental expenditure limit in 2001–02 will be accounted for by salary costs and pension contributions. [32004]

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans she has to change the Scotland departmental expenditure limits for 2001–02. [36574]

The Scotland departmental expenditure limit (DEL) will be reduced by £76,755,000 from £17,173,692,000 to £17,096,937,000.The DEL reduction takes account of the following:

To ask the Solicitor-General for what reason the Crown Prosecution Service is citing public interest immunity as a ground for not disclosing a document requested in the case of Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, HMP Coldingley; and if he will make a statement. [34466]

The case of Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed is presently before the Court of Appeal following a referral by the Criminal Cases Review Commission. A directions hearing is scheduled to take place on 21 February 2002. The court will deal with the question of disclosure when it gives directions on the future conduct of the case.

To ask the President of the Council when the House of Lords Appointments Commission will announce the timetable for the next round of roadshows and destinations. [34566]

The Appointments Commission is still considering its timetable for regional events, and will make an announcement as soon as it has reached a decision.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when she last met officials from the UN regarding the Global Fund for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. [34949]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development meets regularly with representatives of the UN and its specialised agencies to discuss a range of issues, including progress on the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria (GFATM). My officials have been instrumental in getting the fund set up effectively and have worked in close co-operation with WHO, UNAIDS and many others. The UK has a seat on the GFATM board along with WHO and UNAIDS who are both ex officio members.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of levels of tuberculosis in the Badghis province of Afghanistan; and what action is being taken to treat those with tuberculosis. [34952]

The Department for International Development is not aware of any quantitative assessment by humanitarian agencies of levels of tuberculosis in Badghis province. However as one of the most vulnerable regions of Afghanistan, levels of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis are likely to be significant.My Department has allocated significant funds to agencies working to improve disease surveillance and the provision of emergency health supplies, while assisting the rehabilitation of health facilities—in particular to build up the capacity of the Afghan Interim Administration's Ministry of Public Health. This includes £5 million to the World Health Organisation, £8 million to UNICEF, £5 million to the Red Cross movement, as well as support to local and international non-governmental organisations.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action was taken by her Department to ensure that timber procured for the recent refurbishment of the International Development building on 1 Palace street was sourced (a) sustainably and (b) legally. [35678]

The contractual documentation as specified by my Department for the refurbishment work on 1 Palace street, included our standards for the use of sustainable sources of hardwood, timber products and plywood. This required all such procurement to be carried out in accordance with standards set by the Building Research Environmental Evaluation Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) in relation to materials and the environmental implications of materials selection.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much has been spent on timber for the recent refurbishment of the International Development building on 1 Palace Street. [35677]

Approximately £350,000 was spent on timber as part of this refurbishment.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much certified timber has been used in the recent refurbishment of the International Development building on 1 Palace Street; and what proportion of total timber purchased for this refurbishment this represents. [35676]

The following volumes of timber were used in the project.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much per year has been spent in euros at current exchange rates on overseas development assistance as defined by the DAC by (a) the EU and (b) the EU and the 15 member states, in each of the last five years. [34680]

The latest available data on the EC and the member states' overseas development assistance (oda) are for 2000. The data show a slight increase in EU-wide ODA flows despite a gradual decline in the European Commission's ODA expenditure.

Total net ODA (ecu/euro current prices)
Billion
	EC	EC + member states
1996	ecu 5.7	ecu 19.9
1997	ecu 5.5	ecu 19.8
1998	ecu 5.4	ecu 19.8
1999	euro 5.2	euro 20.4
20001	euro 4.5	euro 21.4
1Provisional

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2002, Official Report, column 515W, how many of the 28 prosecutions for tax credit fraud concerned tax credits obtained to the value of(a) less than £1,000, (b) £1,000 to £4,999, (c) £5,000 to £9,999 and (d) more than £10,000; and if he will give the same breakdown for the seven prosecutions which resulted in a custodial sentence. [35256]

The information is as follows:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of applications for tax credits have been identified as high risk for fraud or noncompliance by the Inland Revenue since the inception of tax credits; and how many of the applications so identified turn out to be fraudulent or non-compliant. [32643]

[holding answer 5 February 2002]: Since the introduction in October 1999 of working families tax credit (WFTC) and disabled person's tax credit (DPTC), 60,614 applications were identified as being appropriate for further investigation up to December 2001. This equates to around 1 per cent. of the total number of applications received for tax credits during the same period. From this number, 9,665 investigations proved instances of fraudulent/non-compliant activity.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much compensation has been (a) paid and (b) ordered to be paid as a result of the prosecutions for working families tax credit fraud. [35165]

Three compensation orders have been made by the courts, totalling £6,020. There has also been one confiscation order, to the value of £100,000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements are in place for the mutual exchange of relevant information with overseas authorities regarding tax credit fraud. [35173]

The United Kingdom has a number of agreements with overseas authorities allowing the exchange of information relating to tax or social security matters. Where relevant, such information can be used to combat tax credit fraud.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 31 January 2002, Official Report, column 515W, how many of the seven custodial sentences were for (a) less than six months,(b) six to 12 months and (c) more than 12 months; and what the length of the longest custodial sentence was. [35255]

Of the seven custodial sentences:(a) three were for less than six months; (b) there were none between six and 12 months; and (c) the remaining four sentences were for over 12 months. The longest sentence was for two and a half years.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans there are to amend the Office for National Statistics departmental expenditure limit and administration costs limit for 2001–02. [36860]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the Office for National Statistics DEL will be increased by £495,000 from £197,350,000 to £197,845,000 and the administration costs limits will be increased by £6,540,000 from £184,631,000 to £191,171,000. Within the DEL change, the impact on resources and capital is as set out in the following table.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans there are to change HM Customs and Excise departmental expenditure limit and administration costs limit for 2001–02. [36859]

The HM Customs and Excise DEL will be reduced by £30,000 from £1,128,571,000 to £1,128,541,000 and the administration costs limit reduced by £30,000 from £950,783,000 to £950,753,000. Within the DEL change, the impact on resources and capital are as set out in the following table.

£
	Resource	Capital
Change	-30,000	—
New DEL	1,038,529,000	90,012,000
Of which:
Voted	1,033,529,000	89,012,000
Non-voted	5,000,000	1,000,000

The change in the resource element of the DEL arises from a decrease in administration costs of £30,000 transferred to DEFRA in respect of the CAP export licensing Invest to Save Budget.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans there are to change HM Treasury's departmental expenditure limits and administration costs limit for 2001–02. [36861]

Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary, HM Treasury's DEL will be increased by £3,020,000 from £244,845,000 to £247,865,000 and the administration costs limits will be increased by £1,000,000 from £106,689,000 to £107,689,000. Within the DEL change, the impact on resources and capital are as set out in the following table:

£
	Resources	Capital
Change	1,020	2,000
New DEL	230,788	17,077
Of which:
Voted	201,417	16,777
Non-voted	29,371	300

The change in the resource element of the DEL arises from the take up of administration costs EYF (£1,000,000) to meet the additional costs of the Treasury's planned programme of work, including set-up costs for the investment in the Troika insurance company and the funding of the PUK call-off contract; take up of programme costs EYF (£100,000) to meet the increased demand for UK coins; and a transfer of £80,000 programme expenditure from the OGC to the National Assembly for Wales for an e-pilot project the NAW is carrying out on behalf of the OGC.The change in the capital element of the DEL arises from a further reclassification of programme expenditure EYF to capital provision (£2,000,000) for the service relating to the indemnity and insurance cover HM Treasury has offered to aviation companies in the wake of the events of 11 September. The cover is in the form of a loan note with the Troika Insurance Company Ltd.The increases will be offset by a change to the DEL Reserve and will not therefore add to the planned total of public expenditure.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will change the rules governing entitlement to working families tax credit so that student loans are not counted as income. [34866]

We have no plans to disregard completely student loans within working families tax credit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the administrative cost of the transfer of functions to the Treasury and the Inland Revenue under the provisions of clauses 45 and 46 of the Tax Credits Bill. [35181]

The transfer of child benefit to the Inland Revenue will provide parents with a more streamlined system of support, by ensuring child benefit and the new child tax credit are run by a single organisation.There will be only minor changes in child benefit rules when responsibility moves to the Inland Revenue and existing staff and IT systems will be transferred. We anticipate that the administrative costs of transfer will be minimal.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to keep a record of the persons falling within the provisions of subparagraph 2(b) of paragraph 9 of Schedule 5 of the Tax Credits Bill who may be supplied with information relating to tax credits, child benefit or guardian's allowance for health; and if he plans to make the record publicly available; [35179](2) what functions relating to health he expects to be prescribed under the provisions of subparagraph 2 of paragraph 9 of Schedule 5 of the Tax Credits Bill; and when he expects draft regulations to be available. [35177]

The provisions of paragraph 9 of Schedule 5 will allow the Inland Revenue to provide information to the Department of Health and equivalent Departments within Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and persons providing services to those departments to enable them to carry out the functions specified in the Tax Credits Bill. Information will be provided to assist them in identifying families on low income who are entitled to free access to certain health services.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors underlay the decision to transfer the functions of the Department for Work and Pensions in respect of child benefit and guardian's allowance to the Treasury under clause 45 of the Tax Credits Bill. [35185]

The Prime Minister announced in June last year the transfer to the Treasury and Inland Revenue of responsibility for child benefit and guardian's allowance, after careful consideration of the best way to administer support for children when the new tax credit for families with children is introduced.We believe that parents will get the best service if a single organisation administers child benefit and guardian's allowance alongside the child tax credit. The Social Security Select Committee supported this view in their second report on the integrated child credit published on 22 March 2001

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 of the Tax Credits Bill (as amended) on the amount of overpaid child benefit and guardian's allowance which is recovered. [35169]

The power to recover overpayments of child benefit by deduction from other benefits is used in only a small minority of cases. It is estimated that removing this power will have a minimal effect on recoveries of overpaid child benefit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effects of the provisions of (a) Clause 52 and (b) Clause 53 of the Tax Credits Bill on the number of persons receiving child benefit. [35168]

The current estimate is that the numbers affected by these provisions will be minimal.The purpose of these changes is to make some minor adjustments to the rules on entitlement to child benefit, in order to align the rules with those proposed for child tax credit.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to consult (a) employers and (b) other interested parties on the issuing of notices by the Board of the Inland Revenue under Clause 42 of the Tax Credits Bill (as amended). [35172]

Informal consultation with employers and other groups is continuing on a range of points relating to the introduction of the new tax credits, including the issue of notices by the Inland Revenue.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he expects the provisions of Schedule 5 of the Tax Credits Bill to be used in tackling fraud and non-compliance. [35175]

Yes. Schedule 5 to the Bill enables information provided to, or by, the Inland Revenue to be used to provide a joined-up service to claimants, and to help tackle fraud and non-compliance.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the effects of the transfer of the functions of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under Section 80 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 to him as a result of subsection (1)(c) of Clause 45 of the Tax Credits Bill. [35171]

This provision part of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, provides the Secretary of State with the power to make regulations to offset payments akin to child benefit paid in another member state against child benefit paid for the same child in the UK. The power under the Act is not currently exercised. In common with the other functions relating to policy on entitlement to child benefit, the tax credits Bill transfers the power, which relates solely to child benefit, to the Treasury.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what guidance he plans to give to the Board of the Inland Revenue or any person providing services to it about the use and disclosure of information under the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 5 of the Tax Credits Bill. [35176]

Staff responsible for pooling information under these provisions will have clear instructions and adequate training to ensure that such pooling is within the scope of the provisions, and meets the twin objectives of providing a joined-up service to customers and countering non-compliance.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many staff he expects to be employed by the Treasury in order to discharge the functions transferred to it under Clause 45 of the Tax Credits Bill; and how many staff he expects to be transferred to the Treasury from (a) the Department for Work and Pensions and (b) the Northern Ireland Office as a result of Clause 45; [35170](2) how many staff he expects to be employed by the Inland Revenue in order to discharge the functions conferred on it by Clause 46 of the Tax Credits Bill; and how many staff he expects to be transferred to the Inland Revenue from

Currently around 2,200 staff in the Department for Work and Pensions, Child Benefit Centre in Great Britain and 150 staff in the Department for Social Development, Child Benefit Office in Northern Ireland work on the administration of child benefit. To ensure that their expertise is not lost on the transfer of responsibilities, these staff will move to the Inland Revenue.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Inland Revenue has for training those who will discharge the appellate functions transferred to it under the provisions of Clause 46 of the Tax Credits Bill. [35182]

The Tax Credits Bill transfers responsibility for the administration of child benefit to the Board of Inland Revenue. However, child benefit will remain a social security benefit and any appeals relating to child benefit decisions will continue to be heard under the existing arrangements—in the first instance, by the Appeals Service.The Government will, of course, ensure that members of appeal tribunals continue to receive training to allow them to discharge their responsibilities appropriately.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to make regulations under Clause 54 of the Tax Credits Bill in relation to the carrying out of functions relating to tax credit, child benefit and guardian's allowance by job centre staff other than those in a Jobcentre Plus. [35166]

My officials are working closely with those in the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland to ensure that any regulations to be made under clause 54 of the Tax Credits Bill will allow all appropriate staff, regardless of the administrative framework within which they work, to carry out specified functions relating to tax credits, child benefit and guardian's allowance.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the IT systems of (a) the Inland Revenue, (b) the Department for Work and Pensions and (c) the Northern Ireland Office concerned in the use of information under the provisions of Schedule 5 of the Tax Credits Bill. [35174]

The relevant Departments are already working to ensure that information can be exchanged as necessary between their respective IT systems.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to keep a record of persons falling within the provisions of sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 10 of Schedule 5 of the Tax Credits Bill who may be supplied with information relating to tax credits, child benefit or guardian's allowance. [35178]

The provisions of sub-paragraph (2) of paragraph 10 of Schedule 5 will allow the Inland Revenue to provide information held in relation to child benefit to the Department for Education and Skills, and persons providing services to that Department, to enable them to carry out the functions specified in the Bill. This will enable the new 'Connexions Service' to identify and assist young people who need help in finding alternative work, education or training.The provision replicates a power provided in the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to keep a record of persons providing services to the Inland Revenue in connection with the provision of tax credits who fall within the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 5 of the Tax Credits Bill; and if he plans to make the record publicly available. [35180]

The provisions about persons providing services to the Inland Revenue enable the Inland Revenue's IT partners to pool information for Inland Revenue purposes in the same way as that information could be pooled if it was held directly by the Inland Revenue itself. Information about major companies providing services to the Inland Revenue, such as its IT partners, is already publicly available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been spent so far on rectifying the problems with the NIRS2 computer system, broken down by year. [35286]

Payments for the NIRS2 computer system have been made in accordance with the contract. This includes any reduction attributable to service failure. No additional charges have been incurred for rectifying problems with NIRS2.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the changes made to the taxation of share options since 1 May 1997. [32927]

[holding answer 4 February 2002]: Employee share schemes are at the centre of the Government's productivity and enterprise agenda. Since 1 May 1997 we have made the following changes to encourage greater use of share schemes and to ensure flexibility and fairness in the tax treatment of employee share options.Finance Act 1998: extension of the definition of "long options" from seven to 10 years.6 April 1999: alignment of national insurance treatment of share options with the PAYE rules. The Social Security Act 1998 introduced an amendment to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of millionaires in the UK in each year since 1990. [34569]

The available information is as follows:

Number of UK millionaires
	Thousand
1995	80
1996	100
1997	140
1998	1160
1999	1180
1 Provisional

The figures are based on marketable wealth and include all assets but exclude occupational and state pension rights.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of people in receipt of a means-tested benefit also paid tax in each of the last six years. [20455]

I have been asked to reply.The available information is in the table.

Proportion of people in receipt of a means-tested benefit who also paid tax
Year	Percentage
1995–96	31
1996–97	32
1997–98	28
1998–99	28
1999–2000	24

Notes:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what action is being taken to encourage local authorities in partnership with business operators and Transport for London to develop proposals for new train routes. [27706]

Responsibility for developing proposals for new train routes rests with the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London. Local authorities, business operators and other interests are consulted in that process.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make it his policy to allow bus companies to co-ordinate their services to improve integration of bus services with rail services. [28130]

[holding answer 17 January 2002]: A number of operators already provide co-ordinated bus services that connect with rail services, and offer through tickets to cover the combined bus and rail journey. This is something that we wish to encourage and I understand from the Office of Fair Trading that there is no reason under competition legislation why a bus operator should not schedule its services so as to co-ordinate with train timings.The Government are committed to delivering better integration between different modes of transport in order to ensure long-term improvements for the travelling public. We expect to see further progress towards integration between modes as a result of the increased investment provided under our 10-year plan for transport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will place in the Library a copy of the Strategic Rail Authority's conclusions of its high-level review of the Central Railway Company's proposals. [29238]

[holding answer 21 January 2002]: The Strategic Rail Authority's view is currently being considered by Ministers.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) if he will list the people working on the development of a company limited by guarantee to bid for Railtrack; [30234](2) what professional advisers have been recruited to advise the team developing the company limited by guarantee to bid for Railtrack; and on what terms. [30233]

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) is funding the bid costs of CLG team and their advisers. These include Ian McAllister, Adrian Montague and Iain Coucher, UBS Warburg, Linklaters and Alliance, Jarvis Rail and Arup. The bid team will draw on other expertise and advice as it deems necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on compensation for Railtrack shareholders, indicating how much compensation will be paid and when payment will be made. [34430]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 30 January 2002 to the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire (Mr. Page), Official Report, columns 320–21W. The timing of any payment would form part of the arrangements for ending administration.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether it is his policy that Railtrack and its successor will have to operate within existing budgets established for Control Period 2. [35797]

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport on 23 January 2002, Official Report, column 861W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what discussions he has had with the Strategic Rail Authority about making a three-hour journey time between Plymouth and London a strategic objective within the 10-year plan. [30710]

The Strategic Rail Authority's strategic plan sets out how it will deliver the key rail targets as set out in the Government's 10-year plan. Schemes that will benefit the south-west can be found on the SRA website at www.sra.gov.uk.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what the statistics for death for each mode of transport for (a) the EU and (b) this country measured by (i) distance covered and (ii) time spent travelling (A) now, (B) five years ago and (C) 10 years ago. [32073]

The information is not readily available in the form requested. Some information is available on fatality rates per passenger kilometre. Figures for GB are published in the 'Transport Statistics Great Britain' series. Figures for the EU are published in the 'EU Energy and Transport Figures, Statistical Pocketbook' series. However different definitions and methodologies may mean that they are not directly comparable.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2002, Official Report, column 863W, on the Strategic Rail Authority, how much money has been allocated in total; and on what basis it will be allocated and in which financial year. [31536]

[holding answer 30 January 2002]: I refer the hon. Member to my answers to him on 8 January 2002, Official Report, columns 323–24W and 4 February 2002, Official Report, column 729W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many helicopters are based at each coastguard station south of a line from the Wash to Liverpool Bay; and what the target response times are for coastguard helicopters. [31802]

Declared Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopters are strategically located around the United Kingdom according to coverage requirements; they are not based at coastguard stations although some are based close to them. South of a line from the Wash to Liverpool Bay, SAR helicopters are based at:

Base		Hours standby
Wattisham, Suffolk	MOD—RAF	24
Lee on Solent, Hampshire	MCA—HMCG	24
Portland, Dorset	MCA—HMCG	112
Culdrose, Cornwall	MOD—RN	24
Chivenor, Devon	MOD—RAF	24
Valley, North Wales	MOD—RAF	24
10900–2100 standby

At each base there is a primary helicopter and crew prepared for emergency response. In addition, at RAF SAR helicopter units, when available, a second aircraft and crew maintains a one-hour standby from 0800 to Evening Civil Twilight or 1800, whichever is the later, but not later than 2200 local time.The criteria for SAR helicopter coverage require that a SAR helicopter should take off as quickly and safely as possible, normally within 15 minutes by day and 45 minutes by night, from receiving notification of the incident by the appropriate Rescue Co-ordination Centre. SAR helicopters should be capable of reaching all very high and high risk areas and 75 per cent. of all medium risk areas within the UK Search and Rescue Region within 60 minutes of take-off.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the meetings he has had in the last 10 months with the Health and Safety Executive to discuss safety on the London underground. [32170]

Ministers and officials meet the Health and Safety Executive on a regular basis to discuss a range of issues including safety on the London underground.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if the PPP contracts as drafted will allow lowering of the current standards of disabled access being provided by London Underground Ltd. when carrying out new building and refurbishments. [33784]

The PPP contracts will require the infrastructure companies to comply with all London Underground standards, including for disabled access, when carrying out new building and refurbishments. The PPP will result in real improvements to the accessibility of the Underground.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions why the new draft public-private partnership contracts grant the infrastructure companies the right to challenge London Underground Ltd.'s implementation of its obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Part 3, access to goods and services. [33783]

London Underground and the Government remain committed to improving accessibility of the Underground and the modernisation plans will result in real improvements. The contracts require the infrastructure companies to comply with the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations and to carry out other works specified by London Underground to improve accessibility. London Underground can also require the companies to carry out additional improvements, which could have significant cost implications.The contract therefore provides for London Underground and infrastructure companies to agree on such plans. In the event of disagreement, London Underground can require the work to be done unless the infrastructure company can show that no reasonable person could interpret the requirements of the DDA in the way proposed by London Underground.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the effect on revenue to London Underground of delay in implementing the proposed public-private partnership; and if he will make a statement. [34043]

London Underground does not believe that the timing of the implementation of the public-private partnership has had any effect on revenues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to the written answer of 30 October 2001, Official Report, column 578W, if he will list (a) road schemes included in the first full local transport plans which have an element of private capital, (b) road schemes included in the first annual progress reports which have an element of private capital and (c) roads in the targeted programme of improvements which has an element of private capital. [32911]