To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what the Government's target for growth in rail freight is over the next 10 years; [75012](2) what steps are being taken by the Strategic Rail Authority to increase rail freight. [75013]

The Strategic Rail Authority has published both a Freight Strategy and a Strategic Plan (copies are in the House Libraries), which detail its plans for achieving the rail freight growth envisaged by the Government's 10 Year Plan for Transport. A revised Strategic Plan is due to be published in January 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made by or for his Department on changes in the accident rate on roads with speed cameras; and if he will place copies in the Library. [75603]

Speed enforcement cameras have proved to be highly effective at reducing speeding and, when sited at dangerous sites or along problem routes, have in the first year of the pilot scheme on average reduced the number of those killed and seriously injured by 47 per cent. In some areas the reduction has been even greater. A report of the cost recovery system for the eight pilot areas in the traffic safety camera scheme will be published shortly and will be made available in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment is made by or for his Department of the performance of (a) the Northern Lighthouse Board and (b) the Health and Safety Commission including performance targets; what reports have been published on its performance; and if he will place in the Library copies of such reports that are not readily available. [75600]

Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) measures the availability of the aids to navigation against the service standards set by the International Association of Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). These performance indicators are set out in the Report and Accounts of the General Lighthouse Fund 2000–2001, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. They indicate that most aids to navigation provided by the Board exceed the IALA standards for availability for use.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of franchise negotiations between London and South East commuter operators and the Strategic Rail Authority. [75171]

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, to the hon. Member for Stroud (David Drew) on Tuesday 15 October 2002,Official Report, column 158. My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to make an announcement on franchising in the next few weeks.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress made since 1 January 1998 on the reduction of road congestion. [75468]

The 10 Year Plan for transport includes a target to reduce congestion on the inter-urban trunk network and in large urban areas to 2000 levels by 2010. We hope to publish baseline figures for this target shortly. The Department have not previously calculated congestion levels.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much money was (a) spent and (b) budgeted for the Transport Area Network in each financial year in which it has been allocated. [76399]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 22 October 2002 [76201]Spend for the Traffic Area network was:

(000)
1997/98	£9451
1998/99	£9758
1999/00	£10166
2000/01	£11033
2001/02	£12401

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the work conducted on Transport Direct by Journey Solutions; and what steps his Department is taking to act upon this work. [76486]

Journey Solutions has not conducted any direct work on Transport Direct. However we welcome their efforts on integrating different modes of transport and anticipate their work on bus-rail tickets being of direct relevance to Transport Direct, since this contributes to the provision of multi-modal ticketing —a target for Transport Direct.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what submissions have been made by his Department to the European Commission on the forthcoming Third Railway Package; and if he will place copies in the Library. [76202]

The European Commission has not yet published any specific proposals for further legislation in the railways sector and no written submissions have been made. My Department and the Commission are in regular contact on railway policy development; and my Department would expect to respond to any formal consultation exercise initiated by the Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations have been received from, and discussions have taken place with, the railway industry on the Directive on Safety, Licensing and Levying of Charges Certification of Community Railways being discussed within the European Parliament; and if he will place copies of all related correspondence in the Library; [76472](2) what representations have been received, and what discussions have taken place, with the railway industry on the Directive on the Interoperability of trans-European rail transport. [76501]

A number of industry parties commented on these elements of the European Commission's proposed 2 railway package in response to the Government's consultation exercise on that package, which ran from May to 23 August 2002. Copies of the replies (excluding those from respondents who have requested confidentiality) have been placed in the Libraries of the House. My Department holds regular discussions with the rail industry parties on the Commission's current and future proposals for the rail sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the performance of the Traffic Commissioners with specific reference to performance targets; and if he will publish a report on its performance. [76483]

Traffic Commissioners are statutorily independent office holders, appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport and are not subject to performance targets. They are required to report to the Secretary of State each year. Copies of these reports are in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on (a) how many people are employed, (b) the role and terms of reference and (c) the annual budget for each year since 1997–98 of the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment Sustainable Development Education Panel. [76482]

The Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assessment has not been given any terms of reference since completing its report on Transport and the Economy in 1999 and is at present in abeyance. No people are employed by the Committee. Its budgets for 1997–98 and 1998–99 were £40k and –62k respectively.The Department for Education and Skills are responsible for information about the Sustainable Development Education Panel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether the Strategic Rail Authority has provided advice to him on Central Railway's proposed freight line; [75905](2) when he will introduce a bill to support Central Railway's proposed freight line. [75906]

The SRA has now delivered to the Government its advice on Central Railway's proposals. We will consider its conclusions carefully and respond to Central Railway in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funds Malpensa Airport received under the EU Trans-European Network programme; and what discussions he has had with the EU Commission to open up Malpensa Airport to (a) British and (b) other EU carriers. [76147]

Funding for the Malpensa Airport project from the trans-European Network programme was awarded under five Commission Decisions from 1995 to 1999 inclusive for a total amount of €26.8 million in the form of interest rate subsidies.The Italian rules for the distribution of traffic within the Milan airport system were discussed by Ministers at Transport Council in October 1998. UK officials also attended two meetings of the EC Market Access Advisory Committee, established under the provisions of Article 11 of Regulation (EEC) 2408/92, which were called to discuss the matter. These culminated in the Commission's decision of 21 December 2000 (2001/163/EC).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of take-offs under the Cliffe Airport option proposed by the Government would head east and then turn north over Essex; and over which Essex communities these would fly and at what height. [74930]

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: The South East and East of England Regional Air Services study (SERAS) analysis has not attempted to identify the distribution of aircraft to this level of detail.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of (a) UK-wide anti-speed campaigns and (b) Arrive Alive in North Wales; and if he will make a statement. [75878]

Warning of the dangers of speeding is an integral part of the Department's publicity strategy. An integrated communications campaign incorporating TV, radio, press and poster advertising has run since 1991 supported by local road safety officers. An ongoing monthly tracking study has shown that this publicity has helped create and sustain a high level support for road safety measures which encourage people to slow down. In this time the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads has reduced significantly.All netting off partnerships, of which North Wales is one, must ensure information on safety camera deployment is properly explained and accurate. Partnerships are formally monitored to assess their effectiveness and local communications forms a part of this monitoring.Local activity undertaken by the Safety Camera Partnerships, such as Arrive Alive in North Wales and other local policy initiatives, contribute to a concerted and comprehensive approach to tackling speed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many accidents occurred between January and June on the A21 (a) Lamberhurst to Flimwell and (b) Tonbridge to Pembury. [76665]

The data requested for 2002 are not yet available.For the number of accidents in 2001, I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 15 October 2002

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been conducted into the effectiveness of (a) the Traveline phone service and (b) the traveline.org.uk website; and if he will places copies of related correspondence in the Library. [76475]

The Department for Transport has funded on behalf of traveline three waves of Mystery Shopping. The report from the third wave of Mystery Shopping indicated that the traveline service has significantly improved in all regions since the first wave of mystery shopping was carried out 12 months ago. The time taken to answer calls and the customer service elements of the calls were generally satisfactory or good. Overall 95 per cent. (Wave 2 result 93 per cent., Wave 1 result 88 per cent.) of the answers given were completely accurate and reflects an improvement across the regions but particularly for some of the long distance call types. Twelve call centres in wave 3 scored 100 per cent. on accuracy (5 in wave 2).There will be no current assessment on the effectiveness of the traveline website, as not all regions have been added. The traveline site at present is based around best principles as established through other transport planning web services.Copies of the final reports from the three waves of Mystery Shopping will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects the estimates for 2001 (final) and 2002 (provisional) figures from the Office for National Statistics for the number of high growth business start-ups to be available; and if she will make a statement. [75120]

The Office for National Statistics have agreed to provide estimates of the number of high growth business start ups for 2001 (final 1997 start ups) and 2002 (provisional 1998 start ups) by the end of November 2002.The Small Business Service will conduct data quality checks in December 2002, with a view to providing the estimates by the end of the year.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many homes have been compulsorily purchased by regional development agencies since 1999. [75968]

Seven residential properties have been compulsorily purchased by regional development agencies since 1999.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the contract between the South West Regional Development Agency and Smart South West. [74938]

[holding answer 22 October 2002]: The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) has two contracts with Smart South West.£60k from SWRDA to fund for a year the IT Sector Advisor within Smart South West, which finished this summer but is currently continuing on a 3 monthly basis until the post holder leaves.£56k from the DTI to manage the SWRDA led "Outreach" project under the Broadband Fund.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the approved defence exports to (a) India and (b) Pakistan in each of the last three years. [76335]

Details of all relevant export licences that have been approved to end users in India and Pakistan, in each of the last three years, are published by destination in the Government's Annual Reports on Strategic Export Controls. Copies of the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Annual Reports are available from the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small businesses applied for assistance through the Development Fund for Rural Renewal in November 2001; and what the total value is of funds that have been allocated. [76836]

A total of 67 applications to the Development Fund for Rural Renewal were received from a variety of organisations throughout England. The total value of funds allocated is £3,017,197.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will assess the impact on research and development of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if she will make a statement. [75814]

I have been asked to replyThe EU Food Supplements Directive requires that the safety of concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals used as ingredients in food supplements be approved by the European Union scientific committee on food before use. Consequently, the Directive is likely to have the effect of encouraging research into the safety of these ingredients.The possible impact of the proposed Directive on traditional herbal medicinal products on research and development is difficult to predict. Under the current regime in the United Kingdom for unlicensed herbal remedies it will not normally be clear to the purchaser of a remedy whether that remedy is brought to the market on the basis of evidence of efficacy of the product, of traditional usage, or some other factor. The proposed Directive should, over time, bring greater clarity to the market on this issue, which may be beneficial to the prospects for research and development.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will assess the impact on the retail sector of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if she will make a statement. [75813]

I have been asked to replyIn the short-term the EU Food Supplements Directive is unlikely to have any effect upon the retail sector. In the longer-term, the impact of the Directive will depend upon progress in adding vitamin and minerals and their sources to the lists of permitted nutrients in the Directive and upon developments in the setting of maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The Food Standards Agency is arguing the case for these maximum limits to be based on thorough scientific risk assessments so that there is no unnecessary restriction on the range of products that can be marketed.The proposed Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products could have positive consequences for employment in the retail sector. The proposals would require traditional herbal remedies to meet standards as to quality, safety and product information, areas in which the current regime for unlicensed herbal remedies has significant weaknesses. More effective regulation, which would follow if there is a successful outcome to the negotiations, potentially could enhance the status and recognition of traditional herbal remedies. This in turn could help to maintain and increase public confidence and ultimately lead to an expansion in the sector. Our aim in the continuing negotiations, and in the implementation of the Directive if it is agreed, will be to ensure that the regulation is proportionate.

To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make it her policy to publish her advice to HMG on the legality of action against Iraq; and if she will make a statement. [75817]

[holding answer 22 October 2002]: There is a longstanding convention, followed by successive Governments, that neither the substance of the Law Officers' advice, nor the fact that they have been consulted, is normally disclosed outside Government. The Law Officers' advice is given in confidence to the Government.

To ask the Solicitor-General what plans she has for the expansion of the role of the Serious Fraud Office to cover corruption and money laundering. [75072]

[holding answer 22 October 2002]: The Director of the SFO is already entitled, under Section 1 (3) of the Criminal Justice Act 1987, to investigate any offence that appears to her on reasonable grounds to involve serious or complex fraud. Offences of corruption and money laundering are therefore already included in the range of offences open to the SFO to investigate provided they meet key criteria. Amongst others, these include where the sum at risk is estimated to be at least £1 million or the case is likely to give rise to national publicity and widespread public concern or the case has a significant international dimension. All or some of these factors can be present in an allegation of corruption or money laundering and if so then the SFO may investigate.The SFO has, in fact, successfully investigated and prosecuted 10 cases involving offences of corruption and/or money laundering since its inception in 1988. These cases have led to prison sentences or suspended sentences for the defendants, often coupled with disqualification from acting as a company director. The SFO is also currently investigating several similar allegations.

To ask the Solicitor-General if he will make a statement on the level of successful prosecutions for fraud in (a) 1993, (b) 1997 and (c) 2002. [75894]

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) collects data each year as follows:

Year (5 April-4 April)	Number of Defendants	Number of Convicted	Conviction rate
1993–94	55	35	64%
1997–98	39	37	95%
5.4.02–up to21.10.02	12	10	83%

These figures are impressive and consistently high. The SFO also judges its own performance by looking at accumulated figures since its inception in 1988. Here the conviction rate has steadily increased, particularly over the last five years. By 1993 the accumulated conviction rate by defendant was 63 per cent., in 1997 it was 66 per cent. and so far this year it has risen to 71 per cent.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals were made by farming industry representatives regarding the softening of the economic impact on the herd movement restrictions as a result of bovine TB during the meeting with them on 27 June. [73741]

Farming industry representatives made a number of proposals regarding the softening of the economic impact on herd movement restrictions as a result of bovine TB. Over the summer officials have considered the potential policy options and veterinary risk assessments have been carried out. After further meetings with stakeholders a package of measures was announced on 9 October. One element of the package focuses on the licensed movement off-farm of non-reactor cattle in the following circumstances:

Movement direct to slaughter through a dedicated slaughter market;

Movement to a finishing unit also under TB restrictions where the finished cattle will be sent direct to slaughter;

Movement to slaughter via a collection centre.

Defra is considering how to manage the risk from movement of animals onto herds affected by TB from farm to farm under a strict protocol. The policy for this is still being developed and it is hoped that an announcement can be made in November.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what the conversion rate for energy from people applying for a warm front grant has been in each of the last five years for which figures are available in (a) the Blackpool South constituency, (b) the Blackpool Unitary Authority area, (c) in each Government office region and (d) England; [73829](2) what assessment she has made of the feasibility of separating promotion of and assessment for warm front grant from sales activity on behalf of energy companies; [73827]

[holding answer 15 October 2002]: Warm Front was launched in June 2000 and provides assistance to certain groups in receipt of a qualifying income or disability benefit by installing packages of insulation and heating measures.Warm Front does not promote products or sell energy from individual energy companies. Households are free to choose their own supplier and may, like any consumer, opt to change after 28 days. Two Scheme Managers, Eaga Partnership and TXU Warm Front administer Warm Front. Some of the heating measures offered under Warm Front may require the household to be connected up to an additional electrical supply for night storage heaters or mains gas for the first time.Following a tender exercise an agreement was entered into between Defra and two companies: Scottish Power and TXU Energi. For those requiring a gas central heating the preferred supplier was Scottish Power and for a combined electric and gas fuel supply from the Stay Warm tariff provided by TXU Energi. By August 2002 almost 4,000 homes had received a new gas supply. The majority of these households have not used the preferred suppliers.Neither Scheme Managers have received complaints about mis-selling of energy contracts. I cannot comment on behalf of OFGEM. The Department has received one specific complaint relating to Nestmakers, an independent organisation jointly and equally owned by Scottish Power and Eaga Partnership Ltd. The allegation was investigated and found to be unproven.Nestmakers also undertake home surveys for Warm Front in Eaga Partnership's catchment area. Nestmaker surveyors are aware that Warm Front is mutually exclusive to any energy supply contract. Nestmakers will take disciplinary action against any surveyor who is proved to have sold an energy supply contract on the conditional understanding that it was needed to access Warm Front.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action she is taking to discourage and prevent the export of live animals for slaughter abroad. [75473]

We prefer a trade in meat to the export of live animals. However we also accept that European law requires the free movement of goods between EU member states and this includes live animals.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase restrictions on the journey times for live animals for slaughter. [75479]

At the September Agriculture Council my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State urged discussion on a generally eight hour maximum for journeys within Europe.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with National Assembly for Wales Ministers regarding the 20–day livestock movement regulations. [75165]

Ministers have regular discussions with their devolved counterparts regarding animal movement regulations, including the 20 day standstill.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of applications for the over-thirty month early casualty scheme (a) were able to provide sufficient evidence to satisfy the Intervention Board that they should receive the set rate of 85.6p.p.kg, (b) were paid the flat rate of £230 for their casualty animals and (c) are waiting to be paid. [75141]

(a) No animals presented into the Early Casualty Scheme were paid 85.6p/kg. Only animals successfully presented onto the main Over Thirty Month Scheme received the full OTMS payment. All successful claims under the Early Casualty provisions, for animals put down between 3 and 24 May 1996 but not presented onto the OTMS, were paid at the flat rate of £230.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received concerning the redesignation of feta cheeses in the draft directive proposed by the European Commission designating feta as a protected food name; and if she will intervene to prevent the Commission unilaterally adopting such a directive in the event of no qualified majority being achieved. [75647]

The Department has received a number of representations concerning the application by Greece to register "feta" as a protected food name. Throughout all the discussions on this issue (at official and Ministerial level), the UK has opposed the Greek application on the grounds that we believed that the name "feta" had become a generic and so not eligible for protection. The majority of Member States were in favour of registration but the required qualified majority was not reached either in the Regulatory Committee or subsequently in the Agriculture Council. However, because the Council was unable to act by qualified majority the Commission was able (under the terms of the original Regulation) to adopt the proposal. Feta was registered as a protected food name on 15 October.I am conscious of the effect that feta's registration as a protected food name will have on UK producers. Officials have therefore written to these producers to see whether they might be eligible to benefit from a transition period within which the name "feta" could continue to be used.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had about TB in hedgehogs. [75082]

There have been no recent discussions specifically on this issue. However, Defra is currently funding two research projects which are looking into the risk of TB to cattle from wildlife species other than badgers. Both projects include the examination of hedgehogs for TB.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if the badger population is growing faster in certain regions of the UK. [75080]

There are likely to be in the region of 300,000 to 400,000 badgers in Great Britain. This figure is derived from the National Badger Survey which took place in the mid-1990's.The Department has let a research contract to design and pilot a multi-species terrestrial mammal monitoring project. This is due to conclude in November 2003, and should assist in improving the data available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will revise the reference level of water flow that is used by water supply companies to ensure that water pressure is sufficient to reach the top floor of domestic properties. [76158]

We have no plans to amend the provisions in Section 65 of the Water Industry Act 1991 which relate to the constancy of water pressure. Current legislation already provides for the water in water pipes and other pipes to be laid on constantly and at a pressure that will allow the water to reach the top most storey of every building within a water undertaker's area, subject to certain specific exceptionsWhere a householder considers the pressure of the water serving their property is insufficient they should contact their water company in the first instance. If they remain dissatisfied with the level of service, they can approach the Office of Water Services or the WaterVoice Committee for their area.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the answer of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 17 July 2002, Official Report, column 313W, on sheep dips, whether the report has been received on the research study by CBD Porton Down into the dose effect profiles for OP sheep dips on brain electrical activity and sensitive behaviour indices in non-human primates. [75839]

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: The results from this study are now expected during November. This is due to unforeseen delays in the independent validation of the statistical analyses, and in completing the final phase of the histopathological evaluation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what corrective action is being taken by her Department following the criticisms made in the Quinquennial Review of Horticulture Research International. [75913]

We welcome the report of the Quinquennial Review of Horticulture Research International and have invited stakeholders to comment on the recommendations by 18 November. We consider that the report contains lessons for Defra, HRI and the horticulture industry. We shall respond in detail when we have considered stakeholders' views and have the results of further financial analysis of the recommendations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress is being made with negotiations for a marketing standard for apples. [75914]

There have been no developments on the EU marketing standard for apples since my written reply of 5 March 2002, Official >Report, column 229W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what gains and losses in (a) actual and (b) percentage terms there have been in the size of the National Orchard in the last five years. [75917]

[holding answer 21 October 2002]: The table shows the results of the Orchard Fruit Surveys 1997–2001. The results for 2002 are not yet available.

Orchard Fruit Survey England and Wales (Excluding Minor Holdings)
Year	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
Tree area (hectares)	23253	22727	21483	20823	21212
%Change		-2.26	-5.47	-3.07	-1.87

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to reduce the powers and role of drainage boards. [76279]

We are currently reviewing the institutional and funding arrangements for flood and coastal defence, including the role of internal drainage boards. Along with Ministerial colleagues I expect to begin to consider the outcome of this review shortly, taking account of the responses to consultation held earlier this year. Conclusions will be announced in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many CAP payments made were about 300,000 euros in the last year for which information is available; and what percentage this represents of the total payments made. [75041]

[holding answer 22 October 2002]: During the 2000 EU budget year, individual payments of CAP direct aid above €300,000 were made to around 400 recipients. These payments represented approximately 5 per cent. of the value of total direct aid payments in the UK. Some recipients may have received more than one payment if they made a claim under more than one scheme. This data includes CAP direct aid only (e.g. arable area payments or livestock premia) and excludes CAP market support payments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many CAP payments made were below 5,000 euros in the last year for which information is available; and what percentage this represents of the total payments made. [75040]

[holding answer 22 October 2002]: During the 2000 EU budget year, individual payments of CAP direct aid below €5,000 were made to around 78,500 recipients. These payments represented approximately 4 per cent. of the value of total direct aid payments in the UK. Some recipients will have received more than one payment if they made a claim under more than one scheme. This data includes CAP direct aid only (e.g. arable area payments or livestock premia) and excludes CAP market support payments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what would be the cost of increasing the basic state pension by £14 per week for single pensioners with full contribution records and £22 per week for pensioner couples with full contribution records, detailing separately the resulting increased taxation revenues and savings on means tested benefits expenditure. [75475]

The information is not available in the format requested. However, such information that is available is as follows:

If the maximum rate payable of the Basic State Pension was increased by £14 to £89.50, the overall extra cost to the NI Fund in 2002–03 is estimated at around £5.6bn. This increase in the Basic State Pension would generate an estimated £650m in extra tax revenue and an estimated saving of around £1.3bn in income related benefits.

Notes:

1. The estimated extra cost to the NI Fund is based on March 2002 RP admin data and is for Great Britain only, rounded to the nearest £100m

2. The estimate of the extra tax revenue has been provided by the Inland Revenue

Income related benefit savings have been estimated using the DWP 2002–03 Policy Simulation Model and have been rounded to the nearest £100m

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which local authorities he has invited to be pathfinders for the standard local housing allowance; and what factors he took into account in making the selection. [77201]

In order to ensure a robust evaluation of the standard local housing allowance scheme, we have drawn up a list of key factors against which pathfinders should be chosen. This includes a broad range of housing and labour market conditions in England, Wales and Scotland.The pathfinder areas will represent variety in market and economic activity and will represent a range of high, medium and low house prices and rental values. They include a mixture of rural, urban, suburban and city areas. They will also provide a sufficient sample size, as those taking part must have a caseload of at least 2,500 claimants in the de-regulated Private Rented Sector, of whom at least 1,600 must have claimed under the rent rules introduced in 1996 and 1997.Further conditions affecting the choice of pathfinder areas include the current state of Housing Benefit administration, the capacity of IT systems, and the need to avoid those local authorities already piloting other Government initiatives.Based on these criteria, we have invited the following local authorities to take part: Brighton and Hove, Conwy, Coventry, Edinburgh, Leeds, London Borough of Lewisham, Middlesborough, North East Lincolnshire, Teignbridge and Tendring.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on progress made to date on the target to halve unemployment among 18 to 24–year-olds by 2010 throughout the European Union set at the European Council's meeting at Lisbon. [75249]

The Lisbon European Council in 2000 set targets to increase employment rates rather than reduce youth unemployment rates. It agreed that, by 2010, the EU should aim to increase its total employment rate to 70 per cent. and to increase the employment rate for women to 60 per cent. The Commission and the Council will issue a Joint Employment Report in November 2002, which will provide the latest available data against these and other targets set at Lisbon, as well as summarise action being taken by Member States to achieve them.Current Eurostat figures show that between August 2000 and August 2001, EU youth unemployment (15–24) fell from 15.3 per cent. to a low of 14.6 per cent., before rising again to 15.3 per cent. in June 2002. Latest figures for each Member State are given below. The European Employment Strategy, the main instrument for action to increase employment, will operate in a revised form from next year, and will focus more clearly on reaching the employment rate goals agreed at Lisbon.

Male and Female Unemployment: Under 25 years (Eurostat August 2002)
	2000/August	2002/June
EU 15	15.3	15.3
B	16.5	18.4
DK	6.9	8.5
D	8.5	9.9
EL	29.7	26.1
E	22.0	22.2
F	19.4	20.9
IRL	6.4	8.2
I	30.6	27.3
L	7.2	9.6
NL	6.2	5.7
A	5.3	6.9
P	8.9	10.7
FIN	21.2	21.0
S	10.8	11.0
UK	12.1	12.1

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were estimated to be (a) employed and (b) unemployed in (i) Portsmouth, South and (ii) Hampshire in each of the last two years; and if he will make a statement. [73874]

I have been asked to reply.The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will assess the impact on employment in the (a) research and development, (b) manufacturing, (c) wholesale and (d) retail sectors of the European Food Supplement Directive and the proposed European Directive on Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products; and if he will make a statement. [75812]

I have been asked to reply.The Food Supplements Directive is likely to have a positive impact upon employment in the research and development sector. The Directive demands that the safety of concentrated sources of vitamins and minerals used as ingredients in food supplements be approved by the European Union Scientific Committee on Food before use, and is therefore likely to encourage related research.In the short-term the EU Food Supplements Directive is unlikely to have any effect upon employment in the manufacturing, wholesale or retail sectors. In the longer-term, the impact of the Directive will largely depend upon progress in adding vitamin and minerals and their sources to the lists of permitted nutrients in the Directive and upon developments in the setting of maximum limits for vitamins and minerals in food supplements. The Food Standards Agency is arguing the case for these maximum limits to be based on thorough scientific risk assessments so that there is no unnecessary restriction on the range of products that can be marketed.The possible impact of the proposed Directive on traditional herbal medicinal products on employment in the research and development sector is difficult to predict. Under the current regime in the United Kingdom for unlicensed herbal remedies it will not normally be clear to the purchaser of a remedy whether that remedy is brought to the market on the basis of evidence of efficacy of the product, of traditional usage, or some other factor. The proposed Directive should, over time, bring greater clarity to the market on this issue, which may be beneficial to the prospects for research and development.The proposed Directive potentially could have positive consequences for employment in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail sectors. The proposals would require traditional herbal remedies to meet standards as to quality, safety and product information, areas in which the current regime for unlicensed herbal remedies has significant weaknesses. More effective regulation, which would follow if there is a successful outcome to the negotiations, potentially could enhance the status and recognition of traditional herbal remedies. This in turn could help to maintain and increase public confidence and ultimately lead to an expansion in the sector. The Medicines Control Agency's aim in the continuing negotiations, and in the implementation of the Directive if it is agreed, will be to ensure that the regulation is proportionate.

To ask the President of the Council when he plans to publish the Government's response to the Procedure Committee report on Parliamentary Questions HC622. [76748]

I have today laid before the House a copy of the Government's response to the Procedure Committee Report on Parliamentary Questions (Cm 5628). Copies of the response are available in the Vote Office, Libraries of the House and on my department's website www.privycouncil. gov.ukThe House will debate the report of the Committee and the Government's response on Tuesday 29 October.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what advice she will give to developing country Governments on how they can (a) promote sustainable development and (b) reduce poverty whilst managing the (i) quality, (ii) timing, (iii) sequencing and (iv) scope of import liberalisation. [76266]

Import liberalisation, properly managed, can contribute to sustainable and poverty-reducing economic growth. Cross-country evidence shows that trade liberalisation increases economic growth and that economic growth, in turn, tends to reduce poverty on average. Trade openness contributes to poverty reduction by stimulating productivity and reducing domestic consumer prices. However, the relationship differs substantially from country to country. Complementarity and sequencing of supporting policies within an overall long-term development strategy are essential to the success of trade liberalisation. A country will typically have to implement some or all of the following complementary policies:

trade-related capacity building, to formulate a sound trade strategy, participate successfully in international trade negotiations and implement WTO requirements;

private sector development, to improve the private sectors' productive capacity to respond to new markets abroad and to compete with imports;

macroeconomic stabilisation, to obtain a business-friendly environment, in particular low inflation and interest rates and a stable exchange rate that is not overvalued;

tax reform, to offset revenue losses from tariff reductions by increasing tax revenues;

labor market reform, to ensure that workers can move between sectors to respond to trade-induced opportunities;

and social safety nets, to support groups adversely affected by trade liberalisation.

Domestic reform, however, will often not be sufficient. Developing countries face high tariff and non-tariff barriers in sectors of importance, notably agriculture and textiles and clothing. As tariffs are lowered, new forms of protection become more prominent, such as anti-dumping and excessive product standards and technical regulations. Such issues need to be addressed in future trade negotiations to ensure that international trade rules are more developmental.The Integrated Framework (IF) is a policy initiative by six international agencies, with participation by donors and developing countries. DFID is playing a prominent role in its implementation. It represents an attempt to respond to the need for trade reforms to be implemented carefully and with the appropriate mix of complementary policies. Under the Integrated Framework, existing trade-related policies in a country are assessed and further needs identified. The Integrated Framework tries to facilitate the formulation of a coherent trade policy that fosters sustainable and poverty-reducing economic growth.DFID has been at the forefront of developing and promoting trade policies that address the risks associated with import liberalisation. All our trade-related work is geared towards making trade work for the poorest. DFID is trying to raise awareness of the need for sound trade policies at all levels: within DFID itself, in our country offices, within Whitehall and at the WTO.DFID believes that the trade policy it has developed to address the challenges of trade liberalisation contains the kind of advice and experience that contribute to sustainable and poverty-reducing development ant that it can usefully recommend such policies to policy makers in developing countries. In general, developing countries have responded positively to DFID's trade policy, as is clear for example from the recent review of the Ghana Trade Policy Project.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's assessment is of the change in opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan in the last 12 months; and what steps her Department is taking to reduce this cultivation. [74887]

2001 was an atypical year for poppy cultivation because of a ban imposed by the Taliban regime. After the fall of the Taliban there was a resurgence in poppy planting, and estimates of area cultivated are only slightly less than that in 2000. This is in spite of a Decree by the Afghan Interim Administration in January 2002 banning the production and processing of opium, and an eradication and compensation scheme which destroyed an estimated 25–30 per cent. of the crop. We are hopeful that poppy cultivation will decline as the international community promotes efforts to create alternative livelihood opportunities for farmers, and to improve the interdiction capacity by the Afghan authorities charged with enforcing the ban. This is only likely to come about as security is maintained and the reconstruction process gathers momentum.My Department is committed to supporting measures that will help to develop alternative livelihood opportunities for poor people, including in poppy growing areas, in order that there is a consistent shift away from both poverty and poppy cultivation. I have already approved a £1m contribution to the UNDP National Area Development Programme and a £1m contribution towards the work of the Aga Khan Foundation in Badakshan. This is on top of a contribution of £2.8m to quick impact reconstruction projects, some of which are in drug producing areas. The World Bank funded National Solidarity Programme will also be a further significant contribution to community based development. My Department is also planning to provide assistance to the Ministry of Rural Reconstruction and Development within Afghanistan to develop a sustainable approach towards generating alternative livelihoods, including in poppy growing areas. The UK is further committed to helping wider Afghan led security sector reform and reconstruction efforts.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will list the website links associated with her Department, including sites now dormant or closed, and indicating whether they are live, dormant or closed; what the start up costs were for each site listed; what the operating costs were in each year since start up for each site; which company hosted each site; what assessment takes place for each site; which company does the assessment; if she will place the assessment reports in the Library; and if she will make a statement. [75581]

The Department for International Development currently supports three principal websites: the departmental site (www.dfid.gov.uk), a site providing access to development education resources (www.globaldimension.org.uk) and a site relating to DFID's quarterly magazine, "Developments" (www.developments.org.uk). For the launch of the 2000 White Paper on International Development, DFID supported the creation of an additional site (www.globalisation.gov.uk). All sites are active, although the 2000 White Paper site is treated as dormant for the purposes of uploading new information.The main DFID website and the 2000 White Paper are hosted by U-UNET; hosting of the Global Dimension website is contracted to a commercial company, Planet 56; the "Developments" website is hosted by Synergy, under a design contract encompassing both the design of the magazine and its associated website, and its costs are embedded in the budget for that magazine. The department is currently investigating a time-scale for bringing the hosting of directly-supported websites in-house.It would not be possible to list all start-up and annual running costs since inception without disproportionate effort. However, approximate budgets for each of the websites for the last three financial years are as follows:

	FY 2000–01	FY 2001–02	FY 2002–03
DFID website	£20,000	£75,000	£100,000
Global Dimension website	N/A	£35,000	£40,000
2000 White Paper website	£60,000	£15,000	£15,000

The main DFID website was overhauled in November 2001: terms of reference for a post-implementation review, including the instigation of a formal user-evaluation process are currently being drawn up, with a view to completing a review of the website by early 2003. User-evaluation for "Developments" is undertaken in the form of an annual reader survey via the magazine, reinforced through a web-based survey. User-evaluation for the Global Developments website is planned as part of a mid-term review during 2003.Statistical information in relation to website users for all DFID-supported websites is supplied on a monthly basis to the Office of the e-Envoy, and published by them.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what programmes the UK is supporting in Nepal for enhancing water supply and sanitation; and if she will make a statement. [75112]

DFID will contribute approximately £l2million over the period 1999 to 2004 to the rural water sector in Nepal through 3 NGOs—Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH), Gurkha Welfare Scheme (GWS) and Helvetas.The GWS Rural Water and Sanitation Programme receives £7.9 million from DFID to help selected hill village communities access safe water and sanitation, manage their water systems efficiently and, through hygiene education, use water effectively. NEWAH receives £2.7 million from DFID to implement a similar approach in the Mid and Far West for communities that would not be reached by GWS. Since January 2001, DFID has also provided approximately £1.5 million in short and medium term support to water related programmes of Helvetas that are designed to improve living conditions of socially and economically disadvantaged communities in Nepal. The location of physical investments through these programmes has been affected by the conflict, and there has been some movement, by NEWAH in particular, to safer districts. However expenditures overall are on target.DFID is also considering providing £1 million for short term support to the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Fund Development Board (RWSSFDP) to help the Board increase services to communities affected by conflict, adopt a more conflict-sensitive approach in the delivery of water and sanitation services and infrastructure, and to help shift the RWSSFDB programme to the Mid and Far West Regions of Nepal.Finally, DFID is also working with the Asian Development Bank on the design of their new Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of the United Nations Consolidated Appeal for the Southern African Famine has been funded. [75053]

32.7 per cent. However, substantial contributions to the World Food Programme element of the appeal are under negotiation.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the UNHCR regarding the repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement. [74886]

I met with the High Commissioner for Refugees on 4 July when we discussed UK support to Afghanistan and other issues. Our officials remain in close contact.My department has provided significant support to UNHCR to assist with the repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan. Since September 2001, the UK has contributed over £5 million to UNHCR for their programmes of assistance to Afghan refugees. In addition we have provided over £3.5 million to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees to Afghanistan. We are also supporting a number of other humanitarian programmes which will help to create an environment for the sustainable return of both refugees and IDPs.In addition, earlier this month the governments of Afghanistan and the United Kingdom and UNHCR signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out a detailed framework for the voluntary repatriation of Afghans residing in the UK and their reintegration back in Afghanistan. Under the agreement, UNHCR will provide information and counselling to Afghans in the UK—to ensure that any decision to repatriate is taken in the "full knowledge of the facts". UNHCR will also monitor the voluntariness of the returns prior to departure, as well as other aspects of the agreement—a role that both states have pledged to respect. Similarly, once returnees are back in Afghanistan, the agency has guaranteed access to them from the moment they land at the airport. UNHCR believes that the MoU contains all the necessary safeguards to ensure that Afghans who still need international refugee protection continue to receive it and that returns under the agreement would be sustainable. A similar tripartite agreement had earlier been signed with the French government. It is hoped that the MoU will become a model for other countries who are interested in offering assisted voluntary repatriation for Afghans.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much of the financial assistance committed by donor countries for the first year of the reconstruction of Afghanistan has been disbursed since January 2002, broken down by donor country. [74885]

I attach a table of estimated disbursals produced by the Afghan Assistance Coordination Authority (AACA). This was produced for the recent Implementation Group meeting in Afghanistan and outlines donor's pledges, commitments and disbursals for 2002, as known to the AACA. It is currently estimated that overall 67 per cent. of 2002's pledge has been disbursed.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much debt has been repaid by (a) Malawi, (b) Mozambique and (c) Zambia under the HIPC initiative so far this year. [75055]

Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia have all qualified for debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Both Malawi and Zambia have reached their Decision Point and are already receiving interim debt relief. Malawi's estimated debt service payments for the first six months of 2002 is US$35.5 million, and Zambia's foreign debt service was US$24 million in the first four months of 2002. Mozambique has completed the HIPC process and is receiving full debt relief. In 2002, Mozambique is scheduled to pay US$56 million in debt service. Following debt relief, resources are being freed up for social expenditure to reduce poverty in these countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her Department's estimate is of the percentage of UK aid spent on HIV/AIDS programmes in Rwanda. [74891]

The UK Government have committed $200 million to The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria. Rwanda is to receive $14.6 million from this fund to tackle HIV/AIDS and TB.This financial year we aim to deliver £19 million from our total bilateral assistance of £33.2 million through budgetary support, which will be paid directly into the Government of Rwanda's central budget to reduce poverty. Within this budget HIV/AIDS is recognised as a high priority.We have also committed £3.2 million to Rwanda through a regional HIV/AIDS project and £600,000 in HIV/AIDS education as part of our sector support to education in Rwanda over the next three years.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people she estimates are suffering from malnutrition as a result of famine in (a) Mauritania, (b) Mali, (c) Senegal, (d) Eritrea, (e) Ethiopia, (f) Zambia, (g) Angola, (h) Zimbabwe, (i) Mozambique, (j) Lesotho and(k) Malawi. [76223]

Figures for malnutrition are not comprehensively available, but recent assessments of vulnerable populations unable to buy or grow enough of their own food are:

Mauritania	0.75 m
Mali	No humanitarian crisis currently reported
Senegal	No humanitarian crisis currently reported
Eritrea	1.04 m
Ethiopia	6.3 m
Zambia	2.9 m
Angola	1.8 m (increasing to 1.9 m by end of 2002)
Zimbabwe	6.7 m
Mozambique	0.59 m
Lesotho	0.65 m
Malawi	3.3 m

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what impact she estimates the dispute over non-acceptance by African Governments of genetically-modified grain supplied by the World Food Programme will have on famine relief efforts in the region. [76100]

Zambia is the only country which has refused so far to accept grain containing genetically modified material. The effect is to make it more difficult for the World Food Programme to meet emergency needs in the country. Over the months of October and November around 27,000 tonnes which are in the pipeline (about 40 per cent. of the food aid requirements for the two months) will not be distributed in Zambia if the current ban is maintained. In that case, it seems likely that the Government of Zambia would have to resort to more expensive and slower options in order to meet the needs.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what her assessment is of the threat to human life being caused by the famine in Africa; and if she will make a statement. [76221]

Some 14 million people in southern Africa are at risk and face severe food shortages. Within this number vulnerability varies. Many people are exceptionally vulnerable because they have HIV or AIDS. The international community is working to try to ensure that the shortages do not become a catastrophe.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the extent to which commitments made by the UK and other countries with regard to responding to the famine in Africa have been met. [76220]

All of the £44.75 million I committed in June 2002 has been allocated to programmes which are now under way. Further allocations were made before that and since bringing total UK support to £72.08 million. Figures for expenditure against commitments are not available for other donors: but the US is well on its way to delivering its commitment of 500,000 tonnes of grain for calendar 2002, and the European Commission has met its commitment to provide $ 60 million to the World Food programme (bringing its total commitments to the six affected countries this year to 148.5 million euros).

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions the Government, in conjunction with the World Food Programme, has had with those African countries affected by famine regarding the supply of genetically-modified grain as part of relief efforts. [76101]

Staff from our offices in Malawi and Zambia have been involved in discussions with the World Food Programme and Governments on the acceptance of grain containing genetically modified material as food aid. In Malawi the Government has proposed that GM maize is milled before distribution. We and other donors are discussing how to do this with minimum delay in distribution to beneficiaries. In Zimbabwe DFID officials have supported the World Food Programme in negotiations with the Government over the acceptance of such grain, but have had no direct contact with the Government. I have spoken and written to President Mwanawasa of Zambia on this issue, and my Department hosted a fact finding visit by Zambian scientist to London on 23 and 24 September.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to support those African countries affected by famine. [76222]

We have spent £72.08 million on humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho and Swaziland since September 2001. This is going towards feeding programmes, other essential supplies, agricultural inputs for the next season, logistics and personal support for the World Food Programme. Through our Southern Africa Humanitarian Crisis Unit in Johannesburg we are helping to strengthen and co-ordinate the international response.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what she is doing to help developing countries protect their infant industries until they are strong enough to compete in world markets and to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of these industries. [76272]

There is mixed evidence on the effectiveness of infant industry protection. We believe that a multilateral trade system built on the principles of non-discrimination and market opening, combined with providing assistance to enterprise development across the board, is the best way of increasing the efficiency and competitiveness in developing countries.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many drug offences were (a) recorded, (b) prosecuted and (c) the subject of convictions in each month since June 2000 in the Lambeth division of the Metropolis; on how many occasions in each month (i) formal and (ii) informal warnings were given to illegal users; and on how many occasions supplies of drugs were confiscated. [67192]

[holding answer 5 July 2002]: Information relating to possession and trafficking (including unlawful supply, possession with intent to supply unlawfully, etc) of all classes of drugs for each month from June 2000 to June 2002 in the London Borough of Lambeth is given in Table 1. Drugs were found and confiscated in all these incidents. The table presents information on the number of offences recorded and "clear-ups" involving charges or summonses. The Metropolitan Police do not record details of convictions; and information from the Home Office Court Proceedings database is not yet available for 2001 and 2002.

Table 1 Drug Offences1 within Lambeth Borough, by Month, June 2000—June 2002
2000	(a) Recorded	(b) Clear-ups involving charges/summonses
June	156	71
July	111	63
August	103	55
September	88	43
October	116	45
November	121	62
December	89	40
2001
January	94	64
February	112	58
March	95	41
April	96	42
May	134	67
June	164	46
July	148	64
August	112	42
September	133	27
October	132	30
November	128	32
December	102	23
2002
January	121	31
February	181	33
March	282	39

	(a) Unlawful Import	(b) Possession with intent to supply unlawfully	(c) Unlawful supply	(d) Permitting premises to be used unlawfully	(e) Unlawful possession	(f) Total
2000
July	0	9	1	0	29	39
August	0	5	6	0	18	29
September	0	11	3	0	l7	31
October	0	6	5	0	12	23
November	0	8	8	0	14	30
December	0	3	4	0	10	17
2001	(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)
January	0	13	4	0	26	43
February	0	12	7	0	18	37
March	0	8	7	0	8	23
April	0	16	2	0	14	32
May	0	10	4	1	17	32
June	0	15	3	0	11	29
July	0	4	41	0	9	54
August	0	3	6	0	18	27
September	0	3	4	0	11	18
October	0	4	3	0	15	22