To ask the Prime Minister if he has received the Fifth report of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments; who the members of the Committee are; and if he will make a statement. [72102]

The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments has submitted its fifth report to me and I have today placed copies in the Libraries of both Houses. The report gives an account of its work from 1 April 2001 to 31 March 2002.The Committee is an independent body which advises me on business appointment applications from the most senior civil servants and members of the Armed Forces. Where the applicant is a senior diplomat, it advises the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs under the similar rules which apply in the Diplomatic Service. The Committee also gives advice, under published guidelines, to former Ministers about any outside appointments they wish to take up after leaving office. It includes members with extensive experience of public life in England, Scotland and Wales, and, in this respect, it acts as a joint body although it provides its advice directly to those who seek it in accordance with the provisions of their Ministerial Code.The current members of the Committee are:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his reply of 10 July 2002, Official Report, column 982W, on the Strategic Rail Authority and Rail Regulator, if he will list the type or nature of the occasions on which it is deemed approporiate for him and other departmental ministers to meet the (a) Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority and (b) Rail Regulator.[70639]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and other departmental Ministers would expect to meet the Chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority and the Rail Regulator to discuss matters of common interest, and at wider industry meetings and events.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the responsibilities of (a) the office of the Rail Regulator and (b) the office of the international rail regulator; and if he will make a statement. [70661]

The functions and duties of the Rail Regulator are set out in Part I of the Railways Act 1993 as amended by the Transport Act 2000; and those of the International Rail Regulator in the Railway Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1340).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Strategic Rail Authority will consult on its review of rail fares policy. [72100]

The Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has today published its consultation paper on fares policy. Copies have been placed in the House libraries and the document can also be viewed on the SRA website (www.sra.gov.uk). The consultation period will end on 11 October 2002. This process is part of the SRA's review of fares policy announced in the Authority's Strategic Plan, published in January this year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport. pursuant to his statement of 27 June 2002, Official Report, columns 971–73, on Network Rail, if he will make a statement on the Government's proposal to incur the contingent liabilities set out in the associated minutes he laid before Parliament. [72012]

In my statement on 27 June on Network Rail, I informed Members of two minutes I had laid in the House that day, setting out the contingent liabilities I proposed to incur on behalf of the Government to enable Railtrack plc to be acquired by Network Rail.This classification of Network Rail was a decision taken, not by the Government, but by the Office for National Statistics. The ONS takes independent decisions in matters concerning the classification, preparation and publication of statistics. It was their view that Network Rail would be classified as a private sector corporation —once its board has been ratified by its membership — and that the company's borrowing could be classified as private sector borrowing in the national accounts. In reaching this conclusion the ONS has, I understand, based their considerations upon the European System of Accounts 1995 (ESA95).As I explained to the House in my statement of 27 June the SRA is providing Network Rail with standby credit facilities. It is the commercial debt markets that will provide the required borrowing for Network Rail, with the credit facilities called upon in identified, though unlikely, circumstances. On this basis the SRA's standby credit

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement with respect to (a) achieving and (b) building on the three hour target for rail journeys to Plymouth. [67600]

I understand that the winter timetable will include a 3 hour service between London and Plymouth. The SRA has recently concluded a consultation on the potential combination of the Great Western and Thames franchises in 2006, which would provide an opportunity to review service patterns with a view to improving journey times between London and Plymouth, and other destinations in the South West. Decisions will be announced in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which lines are to be considered as commuter lines with regard to the intended output for more frequent services on commuter lines as given in his 10-year plan at paragraph 6.22, page 49; and if he will make a statement. [71158]

[holding answer 18 July 2002]: Those on which a substantial proportion of passenger journeys and/or passenger kilometres involve travel to, or from, work. There is no standard definition, but traffic on such lines is generally heaviest in the morning and evening peaks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the methodology behind his Department's estimate, on page 20, paragraph 49 of the 10-year plan background analysis, that just under two thirds of the increased passenger rail demand due to fare reductions and service quality improvements will be from car users switching to rail; what percentage of the total estimated increase in passenger kilometres, resulting from the 10-year plan, this will represent; and what estimate has been made as to the number of car users switching to rail as a result of (a) economic growth and (c) car traffic growth. [71055]

[holding answer 18 July 2002]: The estimate of the proportion of rail demand that would be a result of car users switching to rail came from evidence available at the time, collated by consultants to the Department, with the methodology reported in "Modelling using the National Road Traffic Forecasting framework for Tackling Congestion and Pollution and Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan—Technical Report" (DETR, December 2002).This proportion represents about 15 per cent points of the growth in passenger demand over 2000 levels (from the total 50 per cent increase), as the two thirds factor was only applicable for patronage growth resulting from plan policies.No separate estimates were made of the impacts of economic growth and car traffic growth respectively. It is intended that the multi-modal National Transport Model we are developing will be able to address such questions in the future.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many tonnes of freight were moved by (a) rail and (b) road in each of the last five years. [71058]

[holding answer 18 July 2002]: The figures for Great Britain are set out below:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) proportion and (b) total value is of the required passenger infrastructure and rolling stock investment, as outlined in the SRA plan, that is expected to be funded from increases in fare revenues. [71056]

[holding answer 18 July 2002]: The Strategic Rail Authority's Strategic Plan assumed no change to existing policies on fares regulation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his reply of 2 July 2002, Official Report, column 208W, on safer stations if he will list those train operating companies which are committed to seeking accreditation to which he refers; what steps have been taken; and when full accreditation is likely to be granted. [70642]

The Strategic Rail Authority is working with the Train Operating Companies, as part of the franchise renewal and extension process, to agree commitments to both the Secure Stations Scheme and the Secured Car Park Scheme. As a number of these franchise negotiations are currently taking place, it would not be appropriate to disclose which Train Operating Companies are seeking Secure Stations accreditation for all their stations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contingency plans have been put in place against the event of a shipwreck involving a ship carrying nuclear waste to Sellafield off the coast of the UK. [70372]

[holding answer 17 July 2002]: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) response to an incident involving a ship carrying radioactive materials will follow the procedures laid down in the National Contingency Plan (NCP) for Marine Pollution from Shipping and Offshore Installations. The MCA would lead and co-ordinate a multi-agency response bringing in key organisations to provide advice and support as required.British Nuclear Fuels plc (BNFL) and its subsidiary Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) have produced emergency response procedures that are compatible with the NCP for their fleet of seven vessels which are specifically designed for the carriage of radioactive materials. Each ship of the fleet has a Shipboard Marine Emergency Plan which follows the guidelines prepared by the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization. BNFL and other nuclear operators are technically competent in responding to incidents involving radioactive material and would provide radiological advice to the MCA as required.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the appropriate level of insurance cover for NATS; [71117](2) what level of insurance he is requiring from NATS; [71118](3) what discussions he has held with NATS over their insurance cover. [71116]

With effect from 1 July NATS has obtained aviation third party liability insurance to a level comparable with that secured by other major aviation interests post the events of 11 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many air traffic controllers were (a) employed and (b) in training in each year since 1990; [71121](2) what steps

These are operational matters for National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what discussions he has had with NATS, the unions, the CAA and other air traffic control providers about increasing the number of air traffic controllers; and what representations he has had from these bodies on this subject; [71120](2) what recent

Ensuring that there is an adequate number of air traffic controllers, is an operational matter for NATS.However, the Department, in its capacity as a responsible shareholder, has regular meetings with NATS. It is understood that unions and management are working together to find an effective and acceptable solution, that accords with the requirements of the air traffic control approval granted by the CAA.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the methodology used by the SRA in order to seasonally adjust passenger kilometres. [71063]

[holding answer 18 July 2002]: Passenger Kilometres data are collected in four-weekly periods and are susceptible to seasonal effects. The SRA seasonally adjusts the four weekly data using a variant of the "X11 Arima" package, developed by Statistics Canada and used (and recommended) by the Office for National Statistics.The SRA publishes both seasonally adjusted and unadjusted figures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he will publish guidelines related to (a) workplace parking and (b) road use charging; whether the guidance will be retrospective; and if he will make a statement; [70814](2) when he will publish guidelines related to

I am considering the nature and scope of guidance on the workplace parking levy and on road user charging.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the level of congestion in large urban areas in England was in 2000; and what criteria are used to define such areas. [71625]

We plan to publish congestion data relating to 2000 in the autumn. These data will form a baseline against which future congestion data will be compared. For the PSA congestion target, large urban areas are defined as all those urban areas with a population of above 250,000: Greater London; the former metropolitan counties centred on the cities of Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield; and the urban areas of Blackpool, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Hull, Leicester, Middlesbrough, Nottingham, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Southampton and Stoke. These urban areas may include parts of neighbouring local authority areas to give consistency with the area definitions in the Department's National Transport Model.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the level of congestion was on the inter-urban trunk road network in 2000; and what criteria are to be used to measure changes in congestion each year. [71626]

We plan to publish congestion data relating to 2000 in the autumn. These data will form a baseline against which future congestion data will be compared.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are for (a) guidance and (b) legislation relating to the implementation of multi-modal studies; and if he will make a statement. [70742]

There are no plans for (a) guidance or (b) legislation relating to the implementation of Multi-Modal Studies. Implementation of agreed recommendations from the Studies will be the responsibility of the relevant delivery agencies. Government Offices will have a co-ordinating role.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the new trunk road and bypass schemes which (a) have been given approval and (b) are awaiting approval after being part of a multi-modal study. [70618]

We have made announcements on three Multi-Modal Studies and have asked the Highways Agency and relevant local authorities to take forward work on the trunk road and bypass schemes listed below. Final decisions on schemes will be taken following completion of the normal statutory processes.Access to HastingsMMS — A21 Tonbridge to PemburyA21 South of PemburyCambridge to HuntingdonMMS — Widening and partial realignment of the A14 in theCambridge to Huntingdon corridorSouth East ManchesterMMS — M60/M67/A57 Denton Interchange.A6 Stockport N/S BypassA523/A555 Poynton BypassA555 Manchester Airport Link Road West A34Alderley Edge BypassA number of other Multi-Modal Studies have submitted Final Reports to Regional Planning Bodies. Study recommendations including those relating to trunk roads and bypasses will be considered in the light of Regional Planning Body advice.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what steps he is taking to (a) safeguard the secrecy of the ballot, (b) protect voters from intimidation and (c) ensure that postal votes are completed by the voter to whom they belong, in postal ballots. [59174]

I have been asked to reply. We recognise that it is essential to make sure that new methods of voting do not undermine the integrity and security of the election process. Safeguards in relation to the postal voting have been in place for many years, and we have no reason to believe that they do not operate satisfactorily in all postal ballots. The Electoral Commission is evaluating the local authority pilot schemes that ran all postal ballots in the May 2002 local and mayoral elections, including issues such as security and privacy. The Commission will publish its report on 1 August 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list (a) those to whom CDC Capital Partners' sold its enterprise investments in the last three years and (b) the enterprise investments sold to them. [67390]

[holding answer I1 July 2002]: In the last three years, CDC has sold the following significant equity investments to the following companies:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will break down by (a) region and (b) sector the representations her Department has received regarding the environmental impact of CDC Capital Partners' investments since 1997. [67367]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: In 1999 my Department received a representation concerning orange peel waste deposit by CDC in the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, Costa Rica, under a local agreement. This was part of an experiment to recycle organic material to rehabilitate an area of degraded cattle pasture. In 2000 and 2001 representations were received concerning deforestation issues relating to oil palm plantations respectively in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The latter included concerns about protection of the habitat of the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Butterly.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list the debts to the Treasury by CDC Capital Partners. [67388]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: CDC owes Government £755m in respect of loans made to CDC by my Department in the past. These were in the form of exchequer advances funded from the development assistance programme. CDC does not owe any debt to HM Treasury.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what criteria are used in determining annual performance-related bonuses to CDC Capital Group executives [67371]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: The annual bonus pool, from which individual bonuses are paid, is determined by the Board from a set of objectives which is agreed each year. These objectives cover the areas of financial performance, portfolio management and non-financial factors, and are weighted appropriately:Financial—accounting for 60 per cent of the poolPortfolio management—accounting for 20 per cent of the poolNon-financial—accounting for 20 per cent of the pool

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list the sub-Saharan agri-businesses advertised for sale in 2001 by CDC Capital Partners; and what proportion those businesses represented in 2001 in CDC Capital Partners' sub-Sahran agri-businesses. [67381]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: The agribusinesses advertised for sale in 2001 are listed below. The figures in brackets represent their approximate proportionate value of the 2001 sub Saharan agribusiness portfolio.Rwenzori Highlands Tea (10 per cent)Shiselweni Forestry (2 per cent)Sulmac (3 per cent)York Farms (2 per cent)Mpongwe Farm (15 per cent)Kilombero Valley Teak (5 per cent)

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many Commonwealth nationals employed by CDC Capital Partners have been made redundant since 1997. [67413]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: Since 1997 a total of 217 Commonwealth nationals (including UK employees) have been made redundant.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what (a) current and (b) proposed (i) annual performance related bonus programmes and (ii) long term incentive plans exist for CDC Capital Partners' mid-level executives. [67373]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]:

(i)(a) A current annual bonus programme exists which allows the Remuneration Committee to approve cash awards up to 50 per cent of an individual's base salary.

(b) No additional or new bonus plan is proposed.

(ii)(a) A long term incentive plan linked to NAV growth over a three-year period is in place.

(b) No new long-term plan has been proposed.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the proportional growth of CDC Capital Partners' (a) retail and (b) healthcare investments has been since 1997. [67393]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]:) (a) retail — in 1997, retail represented 0.86 per cent of CDC's portfolio; today, retail represents 4.61 per cent of CDC's portfolio

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list the countries where CDC Capital Partners (a) has received and (b) receives exemptions on environmental regulations on its investments. [67377]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: CDC Capital Partners does not ask for or receive exemptions on environmental regulations on any of its investments. CDC makes investments on the basis that any shortfall in the standards of social and environmental performance of the company, not only against local legislation but also against international good practice, will be addressed. Where substantial environmental improvements are required, it is possible that the investee company will request exemption from local environmental regulation in the short term, but this is only acceptable to CDC in the context of long-term improvement.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list CDC Capital Partners' agricultural investments in sub-Saharan Africa by country since 1997; describing the commercial activities in each case. [67361]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: CDC Capital Partners' new investments in agribusiness:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list the countries where CDC Capital Partners (a) has received and (b) receives tax breaks on its investments. [67369]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: There are 44 countries in which CDC has a tax exemption not always available to other companies. Until recently CDC also received tax exemption in Costa Rica under an Operating Conditions Agreement (OCA) which CDC voluntarily gave up due to special circumstances in 2000.A list of the 44 countries where CDC currently receives a tax exemption is below:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) if she will list the unsuccessful formal investments and sale tenders in which CDC Capital Partners has participated, by sector, since 1997; [67398](2) if she will list the unsuccessful formal investments and sale tenders in which CDC Capital Partners has participated, by country, since 1997. [67341]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: This information is not kept by CDC.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list CDC Capital Partners' disposal of investments by (a) sector, (b) size and (c) country since 1997. [67342]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: Full details are not available without disproportionate cost. However for a list of significant disposals, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question. [67390]

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list by (a) country and (b) sector the environmental impact studies (i) performed and (ii) contracted by CDC Capital Partners since 1997. [673781]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: An environmental impact study is carried out by CDC on every investment where the environmental risk is high, and where thorough mitigation, management and monitoring is therefore required. Where the risk is perceived to be medium or low, a detailed study and management plan is not required but a basic assessment of environmental issues will be undertaken by the Investment Manager, with advice from CDC's Business Principles Unit.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list the investments visited by CDC Capital Partners for monitoring purposes; and how many times each has been visited since 1997. [67362]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: It is not possible to answer this question without disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list, by country, the publicly guaranteed debt owed to CDC Capital Partners. [67386]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: As part of CDC's restructuring efforts, all outstanding public sector loans, guaranteed by host governments, were transferred to the Department for International Development in 2000. Therefore, there is no publicly guaranteed debt owed to CDC Capital Partners.The Government does not stand as guarantor for any debt owed to CDC.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list the funds containing private capital (a) managed and (b) joint-managed by CDC Capital Partners; and how much capital has been in each fund since 1997. [67364]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: Between 1997 and 2000, CDC Capital Partners did not jointly manage any private equity funds. In 2001 CDC formed a joint venture fund management company with Norfund under the name Aureos Capital. A series of country funds which hitherto had been solely managed by CDC were rolled up as part of Aureos Capital and are now jointly managed.Funds containing private capital managed and joint-managed by CDC Capital Partners since 1997

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with CDC Capital Group board members regarding annual performance-related bonuses to CDC Capital Group executives. [67372]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: There have been periodic discussions over the last two years between my Department, the Treasury and senior CDC

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what proportion of CDC Capital Partners' (a) retail and (b) healthcare investments are in (i) low-income and (ii) least-developed nations. [67392]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: CDC has no retail or healthcare investments in low-income or least-developed countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list CDC Capital Partners' investment partners by (a) sector, (b) country and (c) size since 1997. [67344]

[holding answer 11 July 2002]: It is not possible to answer this question without disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department's review period for the financial advice service provider in relation CDC Capital Partners (a) began and (b) ends. [69056]

An advertisement was submitted to the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC) on 5 June inviting expressions of interest. The new contract is due to be awarded from 1 August 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will renew the contract of CDC Capital Partners' chief executive. [69052]

The Chief Executive's contract is with CDC, not with my Department. The contract is automatically renewed unless either side (the employer or the employee) serves notice.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development who (a) has participated and (b) will participate in selecting a financial advice service provider in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69044]

An advertisement was submitted to the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC) on 5 June, in accordance with EU procurement rules, inviting expressions of interest. Formal bids have yet to be considered. The independent member on the evaluation panel has yet to be decided.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Treasury regarding her Department's solicitation of financial advice service providers in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69060]

No discussions have been held with the Treasury about the re-tendering of the financial advice consultancy to DFID for work on CDC. The Treasury has been kept informed about the exercise.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the status is of CDC Capital Partners' (a) chief executive and (b) chairman. [69050]

Information about the Chairman and the Chief Executive is contained in the annual review for 2001. Copies of this are available in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) what tenders criteria her Department uses in selecting financial advice service providers in relation to CDC Capital Partners; [69042](2) what criteria were used in selecting a financial advice service provider in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69043]

Formal bids will be assessed according the following criteria:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development which financial advice service providers followed up on their expressions of interest regarding providing financial advice in relation to CDC Capital Partners; and when the follow-ups took place. [69058]

One firm of consultants, following its expression of interest, approached the department with a query about the form in which its proposal should be submitted. It would not be appropriate to identify the firm, and the query was answered promptly. A further firm, which was not invited to make a formal bid, has also now approached the Department to ask why it was not short-listed. The closing date for receiving bids was 18 July.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when her Department expects to complete the tender for providing financial advice in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69054]

It is currently envisaged that the contract will be awarded on 25 July, with the new contract taking effect from 1 August 2002.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of CDC Capital

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the background investigations performed on service providers tendering expressions of interest in providing financial advice in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69046]

None. No background investigations have been performed.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has received regarding private investors' expressions of investment interest in CDC Capital Partners since 1999; and which private investors expressed investment interest and when. [69049]

No direct representations have been received.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what responses she has received, and when, to her Department's notice seeking expressions of interest from financial advice service providers in providing her Department with financial advice in relation CDC Capital Partners. [69057]

As the re-tendering exercise is currently in progress, it would not be appropriate to divulge this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if the current performance of CDC Capital Partners' chief executive would trigger a bonus payment. [69053]

Yes. The Chief Executive is eligible for a bonus along with all other CDC employees. Criteria are set each year in line with CDC's business plan. The amount is determined by the Remuneration Committee and, in the case of the Chief Executive, may be discussed with the Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what the real terms expenditure of CDC Capital Partners was on (a) publicity, (b) advertising and (c) press and public relations in each of the financial years since 1997; and what the figures are for the present year. [69171]

An exact breakdown is not available except at disproportionate cost. CDC retained a UK public relations agency in 1997 and 1998, but stopped their services in mid 1999.CDC uses consultancies on a project basis, as and when required. CDC has no advertising/sponsorship campaign in place.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how long the contract is for the financial advice service provider in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69045]

It is currently intended that the contract will be for 24 months, with the possibility of an extension for up to twelve months.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with CDC Capital Partners' senior executives regarding her Department's tender for financial advisers in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69061]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when the contract of CDC Capital Partners' chief executive expires. [69051]

The contract of the Chief Executive would normally expire on his 60th birthday unless terminated earlier.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the financial advice service providers with whom her Department is negotiating to provide financial advice in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69059]

It would not be appropriate to divulge which firms have been invited to tender for the financial advice consultancy.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the external consultants and advisors retained and used by her Department in respect of its plans to tender for financial advice in relation to CDC Capital Partners. [69055]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her assessment is of the implementation CDC Capital Partners privatisation plan. [69047]

In the current market conditions, the Government does not believe that it will be possible to sell a majority of CDC's shares in the near future at a price that represents good value for the development assistance programme. We are therefore exploring alternative ways to achieve the objective of the Public Private Partnership, to mobilise increased investment for the benefit of poorer developing countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's criteria are for private investors in CDC Capital Partners. [69048]

The willingness of private investors to invest in CDC or to work with CDC in joint ventures or at project level is entirely a commercial matter. Investors will, at the outset, be aware of the distinctive nature of CDC, and its commitment to investing for the benefit of developing countries and to ethical business principles.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what information she has collated in respect of the humanitarian situation in the Sud Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and if she will make a statement. [70329]

We are trying to monitor recent developments in Sud Kivu, particularly the renewed fighting in the Hauts Plateaux region, although the current insecurity and problems of access have made it difficult for the international community to obtain a full picture of what is happening. We are aware of the distressing humanitarian situation for the many people who appear to have been displaced by the recent fighting there. Together with the wider international community and the UN we are pressing for the cessation of all fighting in the eastern DRC, the full implementation of the Lusaka peace accords and for the armed groups to allow full humanitarian access to the areas affected.We are helping to fund a range of humanitarian support in the Kivus through the UN and international NGOs. My officials are presently visiting this region to monitor progress on current projects, and for discussions with local and international NGOs on the scope for further DFID support for peace and reconciliation-related activities in the area.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the importance of economic factors in respect of the continuing violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [70330]

The primary factor in the continuing violence in eastern DRC is the absence of a political settlement between the main parties to the conflict and the attempt by forces that supported the genocide in Rwanda to invade the country. The final report of the UN Panel on resource exploitation in the DRC is due in the autumn. We shall study the report carefully and participate fully in the Security Council's deliberations on its recommendations. We are very conscious that the sad history of the Congo has meant that these resources have never been used for the benefit of the people of the Congo. We continue to believe that the surest way of converting resource exploitation into legitimate trade to benefit the Congolese people is to achieve an end to the conflict and restore peace in the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has made to (a) the Government of Rwanda and (b) the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie—Goma on the importance of maintaining peace and security in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [70331]

My Department maintains regular dialogue with all parties to the conflict in the DRC, including the Government of Rwanda and RCD-Goma. We strongly support the full implementation of the Lusaka accords in order to achieve a lasting peace for the DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the recent warning by the United Nations on the number of people in Angola facing starvation. [70236]

According to the United Nations, half a million people are facing starvation in Angola and more than a million others are completely dependent on food aid for their survival. The end of the long running civil war has increased the number of people within the reach of the humanitarian agencies by between two million and three million in a matter of months. The needy are widely scattered, with a greater range of needs than ever before.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what reports she has received that refugees in the Tongogara camp have been sexually abused by relief workers affiliated to non-Governmental organisations. [71127]

We understand that the allegations in this case, which relate to a camp in Zimbabwe, have been investigated and that two members of staff of the organisation involved have been dismissed.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) which non-Governmental organisations the Government are assisting to help small scale farmers revive maize production in Zimbabwe; and if she will make a statement on these projects; [70889](2) which non-Governmental organisations the Government are assisting to help poor farmers in the communal areas to increase food production in Zimbabwe; and if she will make a statement on these projects. [70894]

The next season for dryland maize planting, which is mostly carried out by small scale farmers in the rural areas, starts in October. We are discussing with a number of NGOs proposals for inputs for planting, and will make allocations shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to aid the economy of Burundi; and if she will make a statement. [70264]

The UK does not have extensive developmental links with Burundi. We are supporting international efforts to promote an end to conflict and achieve a secure and lasting peace, which we believe is a necessary prerequisite for sustained economic development. We are at the same time supporting humanitarian programmes through non-governmental channels.The UK has pledged a contribution of just over $1 million towards the Burundi Multilateral Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). This has recently been established with the objective of providing transitional debt relief to Burundi during the period leading to its access to the Enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, and to increased inflows of donor assistance. The MDTF will help enable the country's debt to international financial institutions to be serviced in a timely manner. This is supplementary to the £3 million we are planning to spend in bilateral assistance and our contributions to the EU in this financial year. We will also be posting a DFID representative to Burundi to help in the process of donor re-engagement there.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what information her Department has collated in respect of the recent numbers of extra-judicial killings by the Burundian army; and if she will make a statement. 170327]

I am not aware of any recent extra-judicial killings by the Burundian army.We are however aware of continuing fighting between the Burundian army and Burundian rebel groups and that there has been a recent escalation both around the capital in Bujumbura Rural province, and in the southeast of the country. We welcome the prospect of all the Burundian parties meeting later this month in Tanzania under the auspices of the Arusha Process facilitators to address outstanding issues delaying a full peace agreement.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the barriers preventing the transportation of the surplus in cereal production in northern Mozambique to areas of the country facing food shortages; what steps her Department is taking to overcome these barriers; and if she will make a statement. [70872]

Along with relevant Government Departments, other donors and NGO's, DFID supported a recent FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission in Mozambique. The mission confirmed the forecast export surplus of about 100,000 tonnes of maize, available following increased cereal production in the northern region.Logistics and traditional trading patterns will result in most of Mozambique's surplus being exported to Malawi and other neighbouring countries — the worst affected countries in the region.Compared with imported South African grain, high internal transport costs make it uncompetitive to move the maize surplus from the north to deficit areas in the south and parts of the central region. The shortfall in these areas is expected to be covered mainly by food aid and commercial imports. This strategy takes into account the regional context as well as consideration of the options for alleviation within Mozambique.DFID is commissioning a short consultancy to advise on the most effective contribution we can make to alleviation and future prevention of the Mozambique food security crisis.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with her counterparts in European Union countries on the World Health Organisation appeal for additional resources to help combat starvation in southern Africa. [70494]

We expect the health elements of the crisis to be covered in the country appeals due to be presented this week, and will then consult with other donors on our response.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the potential for political conflict arising from a shortage of water in northern Africa; and if she will make a statement. [70492]

My Department is supporting international partnerships advocating integrated water resource management, and is sponsoring research projects looking at ways in which management of transboundary waters can lead to reduced tensions.The ten countries in the Nile basin recognise the need to work together to manage Nile waters for poverty alleviation, resource protection, and mutually beneficial gains. Working with the World Bank, they have set up the Nile Basin Initiative to pursue the sustainable development and management of the Nile waters. The UK fully supports these efforts.DFID is providing some funds for the Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO) in Addis Ababa, and plans to support two projects in the Shared Vision Programme, designed to build confidence and the capacity of Nile countries to work effectively together on Nile management.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what aid is being given to the people of Northern Uganda affected by the civil war between the Ugandan Government and the Lord's Resistance Army. [71369]

Since 2000, DFID has committed almost £2m for conflict resolution programmes in the area. In addition, as an initial short-term response to the recent escalation in insecurity, DFID are providing humanitarian supplies for displaced persons through UNICEF, and supporting a programme for child welfare.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the total monetary value of the aid given by the British Government to Malawi in the last financial year; and if she will list the three most important items of this aid. [70763]

Provisional figures indicate that the government provided £48 million to Malawi in the financial year 2001–02. This included £12.5 million in direct budget support. The three most important expenditures by value are in health, education and rural livelihoods sectors.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), of 10 July 2002, Official Report, column 959W, what recommendations were published for, and what assessment she has made of, her Department's involvement in the Environment Poverty Workshop in Albania during 2001–02. [71250]

The purpose of the Government of Albania, DFID and World Bank Poverty and Environment Workshop was to sensitise and raise awareness among a broad stakeholder group of the issues and links surrounding effective environmental management, poverty reduction and economic growth in Albania. This was done in the context of Albania's preparation of a Poverty Reduction Strategy paper. The group agreed several recommendations which have not been published but which were taken into account in the preparation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy. A copy is in the Libraries of the House.As a result of my Department's involvement in the Workshop, a technical assistance programme has been developed with the Government of Albania, focused on institutionally developing and reforming the Ministry of Environment

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), of 10 July 2002, Official Report, column 959W, which United Kingdom companies were involved with her Department's work in the Strengthening Partnerships for Municipal Sustainable Development project in Romania during 2001–02. [71249]

WS Aktkins International Limited.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), of 10 July 2002, Official Report, column 959W, if she will outline the (a) aims, (b) methodology and (c) outcomes of the Rural Livelihood Project. [71251]

1. The main aim of the Rural Partnerships Programme in the Baltics is to enhance the capacity of local communities to improve rural livelihoods on a sustainable basis.2. The methodology adopted by the project is centred on the use of participatory approaches for communities to assess their problems and needs, and plan and implement solutions and mechanisms for fuller representation through all levels of government. The project provides a range of experts and practitioners of community development and participatory processes, local government, regional development and EU who are transferring knowledge and skills through a number of different ways eg workshops, training, study tours, focus groups and mentoring.3. The project is working towards achieving six outcomes:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), of 10 July 2002, Official Report, column 959W, which United Kingdom companies have been involved with her Department's work in the Capacity Building on the Public Private Partnership project in Romania during 2001–02. [71248]

Mott MacDonald Limited.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Gordon (Malcolm Bruce), of 10 July 2002, Official Report, column 959W, (a) what assessment she has made and (b) what recommendations her Department has made of the Rural Livelihood Project in (i) the Baltic states and (ii) Central and Eastern Europe in 2001–02; and if she will make a statement. [71246]

The Baltics Rural Partnerships Programme was formally reviewed in October 2001 and has been monitored on a regular basis since then. It is an institutional building project focused at local and national levels with communities, government, NGOs and Civil Society to enhance the capacity of local communities to improve rural livelihoods. The project is assisting the authorities in the three Baltic countries to change the way regional planning is implemented in line with good EU practice by the introduction of a more participative and bottom-up approach to decision making processes.DFID assessments have shown that the project is providing value for money in terms of its impact on (i) the progress being made in building local capacity and networks and (ii) links being made into the national policy debate to inform regional policy in preparation for accession to the EU and future effective use of structural funds. Recommendations to the Baltic authorities are made through on-going dialogue between the relevant authorities and institutions in the Baltics and project managers.The regional Central and Eastern Europe project consisted of a study on the appropriateness of the rural livelihoods approach in transition economies. I will place a copy in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance her Department provides to internally displaced people in Afghanistan. [71141]

Internally Displaced People (IDPs), are targeted by UN agencies, the Red Cross Movement and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for the urgent provision of humanitarian assistance. The Afghan Transitional Administration and the international community are working to ensure the reintegration of uprooted Afghans — both IDPs and refugees — who wish to return home. Programmes coordinated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) are underway to facilitate return, build the capacity of communities to absorb returning families, and integrate short-term programmes with longer-term strategies to ensure sustainable reintegration of returnees. Since September 2001, my Department has contributed £5 million to UNHCR and £4.6 million to IOM for their programmes in the region.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has received regarding (a) erosion and (b) soil degradation resulting from the Pacific Rim Plantation. [69040]

In 2000 my Department received representations from Down to Earth and a number of Indonesian NGOs about possible deforestation/land issues at two palm oil plantations in which CDC had invested in Indonesia. In 2001 representations were received from Friends of the Earth concerning deforestation issues in Papua New Guinea. I am content that CDC looked into the allegations fully.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations her Department has received regarding the Pacific Rim Plantations environmental effect on Queen Alexandra's Birdwing butterfly habitat. [69039]

In 2001 my Department received representations by Friends of the Earth in relation to conservation of the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing Butterfly. The butterfly's habitat is in a province of Papua New Guinea where CDC has invested in the establishment of new oil palm plantations.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the (a) World Bank and (b) IMF policy towards states in the Great Lakes region. [70328]

The World Bank and IMF both have key roles to play in the Great Lakes region in supporting programmes for the demobilisation and reintegration of armed groups, post-conflict reconstruction and longer term economic development, and I believe the two institutions are approaching these tasks constructively. However the primary requirement remains to achieve a settlement of the Great Lakes conflict, without which no regeneration programmes can be successful. We continue to believe that full re-engagement by the Bank and IMF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo should be contingent upon achievement of an inclusive political settlement as provided for under the Lusaka peace accords.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how long her Department allowed for consultation on each consultation document it published in 2001 in (a) electronic and (b) printed form; [70467](2) whether consultation documents published by her Department in 2001 carried the consultation criteria as recommended in the cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations;

We attach considerable importance to engaging with a wide range of groups across society on our international development work, for example through our Development Policy Forums, publications and briefing notes on major international meetings. However, the nature of the issues for which my department is responsible mean that formal consultation processes are likely to be of interest only to a limited range of people. So while we take account of the principles set out in the Cabinet Office Code of Practice on Written Consultations, and have appointed a designated consultation co-ordinator in accordance with the Code, we do not regard our consultation activities as generally falling within the full provisions of the Code.In 2001 we carried out limited consultations on one DFID Target Strategy Paper: