To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made with the development of e-government. [93526]

The Government are committed to a radical reform of public services and e-government is a powerful catalyst for bringing about the transformation necessary to deliver the Government's vision. In recognition of this commitment, we are investing £6 billion over the next three years in e-government.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress has been made in improving the recruitment of disabled people into the civil service. [93527]

The Government are committed to employing disabled people. As at April 2002 disabled staff accounted for 3.6 per cent. of the civil service, up from 2.8 per cent. in 1995. A service wide target has been set at 3.0 per cent. disabled people in the senior civil service by 2004–05. In April 2002 the percentage of disabled staff in the senior civil service was 1.7 per cent., up from 1.5 per cent. in 1998.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress his Department is making in implementing the Regulatory Reform Action Plan. [93528]

The Regulatory Reform Action Plan (RRAP) contains 268 reform proposals that the Government have committed itself to delivering over the next three years. So far, 27 per cent. of the items it contains have been completed.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when he plans to bring forward a Civil Contingency Bill. [93555]

Work is progressing well on preparing new civil contingencies legislation. Proposals will be published this Parliamentary Session. New legislation will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time allows.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many cases of computer misuse there were in his Department in each of the last five years, broken down by each category of misuse; and how many of those cases resulted in disciplinary action.[93049]

There were a total of 35 cases of computer misuse in the Cabinet Office during the five years 1998–2002, broken down as follows. The numbers of those resulting in disciplinary action are shown in parentheses.

	Inappropriate use of internet	Using another's password	Totals
1998	2(2)	2 (2)	4(4)
1999	3 (3)	0	3 (3)
2000	19 (12)	0	19 (12)
2001	8(7)	0	8 (7)
2002	1 (1)	0	1(1)
Total	33 (25)	2(2)	35(27)

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office whether individual passengers of the Government Car and Despatch Agency will reimburse the agency for congestion charges it incurs. [92996]

The responsibility for the provision of ministerial cars and drivers has been delegated under the terms of the Framework Document to the Government Car Despatch Agency. I have asked its Chief Executive Mr. Nick Matheson to write to the hon. Member. Copies of his letter will be placed in the Libraries of the House.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many working days have been lost in the Cabinet Office owing to (a) industrial action and (b) illness in each year since 1997. [93465]

Working days lost through industrial action are recorded as unauthorised absence for which pay is stopped. The Cabinet Office (including agencies) keeps records of unpaid absence generally but they also include authorised absence. Separating the records could be achieved only at disproportionate costs.Sick absence figures for Government Departments are published annually in the report "Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service". The most recent report for calendar year 2001 was announced by Ministerial Statement 19 December 2002. Copies are available in the Libraries of the House. Figures for 2002 will be announced later this year.Cabinet Office figures (including its agencies and non-departmental public bodies) are:

	Days per staff year
1997	6.6
1998	7.3
1999	6.8
2000	4.6
2001	5.7

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what progress is being made in providing training for people considering making an application for public appointments. [93522]

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral, South (Mr. Chapman) earlier today, Official Report, column 716.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on submissions to his inquiry into aviation. [93539]

The Department has so far received over 70,000 responses to the airport consultation from a wide range of interest groups and individuals.I will shortly publish a revised south-east consultation paper which will include runway options for Gatwick airport.The consultation will remain open for four months from the date of publication.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many responses his Department has received to the "Future of Air Transport" consultation document.[93545]

The Department has so far received over 70,000 responses to the airport consultation from a wide range of interest groups and individuals. We will shortly publish a revised south-east consultation paper, which will include runway options for Gatwick airport. The consultation will remain open for four months from this date.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on the proposed widening of the M6 motorway. [93540]

I wrote to the North West Regional Assembly on the 10 December 2002 giving the Secretary of State's response to the 'West Midlands to North West Multi Modal Study' (MIDMAN). The study has clearly demonstrated that some road widening is a necessary component of a strategy aimed at tackling congestion on the M6 motorway. Government therefore support the study recommendation to widen the motorway from dual 3 to dual 4 lanes between Junctions lla and 19. The Highways Agency has been instructed to progress this work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on investment in the east coast main line rail services north of Edinburgh.[93541]

Last year the Strategic Rail Authority announced £100 million of investment for the east coast main line under a deal to extend the GNER franchise by two years. The Authority is considering how to deliver improvements to the east coast main line in order to secure greater capacity and increased line speeds.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what priority he gives to economic regeneration when planning new transport infrastructure. [93542]

My Department's method for appraising transport schemes looks at a wide range of costs and benefits including the reduction of travel times, safety, accessibility and impacts on the environment, as well as a scheme's contribution to regeneration. We take decisions on particular schemes in the light of all of these factors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on departmental funding for local cycling projects. [93543]

The Minister for Transport announced on 9 January 2003 the second round of our Cycling Projects Fund. This provides a further £1 million of funding for local, practical projects aiming to deliver an increase in cycling. The fund builds on the more than £2 million that was made available in 2002 to support 138 cycling projects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on road traffic reduction. [93544]

The Government's position has consistently been that we seek to reduce the adverse impacts of road traffic, rather than the level of traffic per se.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to make a decision on Central Railway's application for a hybrid Bill. [93546]

We are considering carefully Central Railway's proposals and will respond to Central Railway in due course.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the specifications set out in the Wales railway franchise. [93547]

The franchise will include all local and regional passenger services within Wales, and some cross-border services. Its terms will reflect the outcome of negotiations with bidders, among other things.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the Strategic Rail Authority about improving local rail services.[93548]

I, and other departmental Ministers, meet the Chair and Chief Executive of the Strategic Rail Authority on a regular basis; and discuss a range of issues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will introduce legislation to increase the air travel trust fund. [93661]

I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 20 January 2003 Official Report, column 38W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) new, (b) improved and (c) withdrawn bus services there were in (i) Shrewsbury and Atcham and (ii) Shropshire in each year since 1997. [93086]

My Department does not collect this information. However, I am informed by Shropshire County Council that since 1998 the total number of commercial bus journeys in the county withdrawn by operators is 1,936. In the same period the county council has provided subsidy for 2,500 new additional bus journeys some of which replaced those commercial ones that have been withdrawn.The council does not have available separate information about services in Shrewsbury and Atcham.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to introduce free off-peak travel for pensioners on public transport. [93698]

I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 30 October 2002, Official Report, column 863W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received since 1977, other than from hon. Members, that the Government should subsidise cross-solent fares. [93863]

Since 1997, 15 representations from members of the public have been received on this matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce legislation to compel cyclists to wear personal protective equipment; and if he will make a statement. [93734]

We have no current plans to make the wearing of personal protective equipment by cyclists compulsory. The Highway Code advises cyclists to wear clothing which will make them visible and which is appropriate for cycling. It also advises them to wear helmets. We have engaged TRL to monitor wearing rates. The latest study shows that in 1999 the overall wearing rate was 22 per cent. on major built up roads. That is not a high enough level of public acceptance to introduce compulsory wearing. There would be enforcement difficulties and it could have adverse effects on the levels of cycling. However, we will continue to monitor wearing rates and will review the option of compulsory wearing from time to time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the benefit to (a) his Department, (b) taxpayers and (c) road users of the value of each external consultant used by his Department since its inception. [93957]

Guidance on the use of consultants by my Department requires that each consultancy project should have a sound business case which sets out the deliverables and benefits expected to accrue. Details of individual consultancies and supporting business cases are not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much freight was carried by water in and around the UK in (a) May 1992, (b) May 1997 and (c) September 2002 by (i) all flagged ships and (ii) UK flagged ships; and if he will make a statement. [93662]

The available information relates to UK coastal shipping. The statistics are compiled on an annual basis only. Coastal freight traffic carried (i) in all flagged ships and (ii) in UK flagged ships for years 1991, 1996 and 2001 (the latest available year), in terms of goods lifted (tonnage) and goods moved (tonne-kilometres), were as follows:

	Goods lifted (million tones)		Goods moved (billion tonne-kilometres)
Year	All flagged ships	UK flagged ships	All flagged ships	UK flagged ships
1991	63.10	22.44	40.69	9.84
1996	70.87	17.30	45.14	7.27
2001	58.53	7.74	34.12	2.96

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the impact of increasing the minimum wage (a) in line with average earnings, (b) to £4.17 per hour, (c) to £4.87 per hour, (d) to £5.00 per hour and (e) to £5.30 per hour, on the cost of salaries of departmental employees (i) in total and (ii) for each nation of the United Kingdom in the next financial year.[90597]

Increasing the minimum wage in the manner described would have no impact on the cost of salaries for employees in my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many official breaches of security have taken place at UK ports in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) region, (b) port and (c) type of breach. [93244]

Since 1997 my Department has recorded a total of 20 breaches of port security, ie instances where individuals have gained unauthorised access to Restricted Zones at ports. It is not appropriate to give a detailed breakdown of either the specific port or region where these breaches took place for obvious reasons.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what (a) court actions and other prosecutions have taken place and (b) fines or other actions have been imposed, against (i) UK ports and (ii) other marine organisations and activities in response to breaches of security which have taken place at UK ports in each year since 1997; and what the nature of the breaches were in each case. [93245]

No court actions and/or other prosecutions have taken place. From 1 January 1997 until 31 December 2002 a total of seven Enforcement Notices (ENs) have been served on UK harbour authorities and harbour operators. The ENs were served under the provisions of the Aviation and Maritime Security Act 1990 and related to failings to meet the requirements of that Act. Details are as follows:

Year	Number of ENs	Failings
1997	1	Restricted Zone(RZ) access control
1998	0
1999	0
2000	1	RZ access control
2001	4	Pass display (2); lack of suitably trained search staff; RZ access control
2002	1	RZ access control

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about new measures to protect the safety of people using public transport, with particular reference to women. [93482]

We receive representations from a number of different organisations, including some regarding personal safety on public transport. For example, last year we received a representation by the Rail Safety Task Force of Soroptomist International of south east England regarding improving safety in rail travel.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the occasions on which Ministers in his Department have met representatives of Redhill Aerodrome Ventures Ltd. since 7 June 2001. [93787]

Since 7 June 2001, no meetings have been held between Ministers in my Department and representatives of Redhill Aerodrome Ventures Ld.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made by his Department of the number of (a) accidents associated with heavy commercial vehicles in each year since 1997 and (b) the associated fatalities.[93808]

The number of accidents involving at least one HGV in each year since 1997, and the associated fatalities from those accidents are shown in the table:

Accidents involving at least one HGV: GB 1997–2001
Accidents/fatalities
	HGV accidents	Fatalities1
1997	13,132	535
1998	13,278	576
1999	13,951	620
2000	13,894	560
2001	13,631	575
1Total number of fatalities in accidents involving at least on HGV.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists were (i) killed, (ii) seriously injured and (iii) slightly injured in road accidents in each year since 1997; and how many were under the age of 18 years in each category. [93826]

The number of pedestrians and cyclists of all ages, and those aged under 18 that were killed or injured in each year since 1997, are shown in the following tables:

Pedestrian and pedal cycle casualty data: GB 1997–2001 Casualties
Road user type/severity	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001
All ages
Pedestrians
Killed	973	906	870	857	826
Serious	10,053	9,575	8,955	8,641	8,238
Slight	34,575	34,405	33,063	32,535	31,513
All	45,601	44,886	42.888	42,033	40,577
Pedal cycle
Killed	183	158	172	127	138
Serious	3,409	3,154	3,004	2,643	2,540
Slight	21,044	19,611	19,664	17,842	16,436
All	24,636	22,923	22,840	20,612	19,114
Casualties under 18
Pedestrians
Killed	165	120	128	120	130
Serious	4,228	3,988	3,682	3,465	3,393
Slight	16,004	I5,729	14,846	14,375	14,097
All	20,397	19,837	18,656	17,960	17,620
Pedal cycle
Killed	41	35	44	34	31
Serious	1,199	1,072	1,069	850	773
Slight	8,241	7,247	7,446	6,425	5,692
All	9,481	8,534	8,559	7,309	6,496

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his estimate is of the annual cost to his Department of reimbursing VAT to private operators of tolls on the basis being consulted upon at present. [93350]

[holding answer 27 January 2003]: Current estimates are that the annual reimbursement will range from about £250,000 to £350,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what arrangements will be in place on 1 February to ensure that privately operated tolls do not increase by reason of the incidence of a VAT liability. [93351]

[holding answer 27 January 2003]: My Department is currently consulting with owners of privately operated statutory tolled undertakings on a reimbursement scheme, which will allow qualifying operators to recover VAT included in tolls. The scheme will be in place before any payment under it will need to be made.The concession agreement at the Severn crossings has been renegotiated to eliminate the need to increase tolls because of the introduction of VAT.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce legislation on driver liability in road traffic accidents; and if he will make a statement. [93733]

Road traffic law in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland provides for penalties for bad driving behaviour whether or not the driver is involved in an accident.The culpability of a motorist charged with a road traffic offence, such as dangerous or careless driving, is a matter for a court to decide.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the terms of reference for the "Cost Recovery System for Traffic Safety Cameras" study; on what dates (a) the study and (b) its associated pilots were completed; and if he will publish the information gathered by the study. [94092]

A trial was set up to test the new funding mechanism for safety cameras. The key tests were to reduce speeding and casualties, to encourage general public acceptance of the road safety benefits, and to ensure satisfactory working of the funding and partnership arrangements. The trial ran from 1 April 2000 until 31 March 2002 in eight pilot areas. These have been monitored and an independently produced research report of the findings is expected to be published shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has requested a copy of the independent safety report commissioned by Wales and the West Trains on the provision of rail services after the Wales v. England Six Nations rugby match at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; and if he will place a copy in the Library. [93255]

The SRA has undertaken detailed discussions with the train operator about transport arrangements for this match. However, the safety report owned by Wales and Borders Trains is an internal document. Neither my Department nor the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) has seen it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to manage amnesic shellfish poisoning in scallops; and what recent discussions she has had and what representations she has received on management of amnesic shellfish poisoning in scallops. [89689]

[holding answer 20 January 2003]: I have been asked to reply.European Union legislation lays down the health conditions for harvesting and placing on the market of live bivalve molluscs and requires monitoring for biotoxins, including amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). If statutory monitoring reveals that the maximum permissible ASP toxin level in the whole animal has been exceeded, the production or relaying area concerned must be closed until the situation has returned to normal. The Food Standards Agency, the United Kingdom competent authority responsible for shellfish issues, has received a number of representations on the management of ASP in scallops. They are currently considering the adoption of an optional derogation in EU law that would provide for a tiered approach to the testing of ASP toxins.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on 10 January 2003 on the Alda K; when and where health certification was carried out in respect of the sheep; how many of the sheep were rejected as unfit for the intended journey (a) during inspection for health certification purposes and (b) at Dover docks, and to where those sheep were taken; and what the address was of the final destination given on the route plan for each of the consignments; [92977](2) how many live sheep were exported from Dover to continental Europe on

The information requested is as follows:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she intends to reply to the letter to her Department dated 29 November from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Ms Jean Kellock. [92281]

My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Lord Whitty, responded on 27 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Totnes concerning Mr. E. Baker of Kingsbridge, South Devon dated 7 December 2002, concerning his IACS claim. [93882]

I replied on 26 January.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her total departmental budget was for each year of its existence; what the projected budget is for 2002–03; and how much within each year has been allocated to (a) Rural Affairs, (b) Agriculture, (c) Environmental Protection and (d) International Environmental Matters. [89096]

The budget figures for each year are as follows:

£million
	2001–02	2002–03
Total Defra	2,959	2,459
Rural affairs	509	516
Agriculture	1,424	828
Environmental Protection	756	841
International Environmental Matters	30	29

The amounts in the table are budgets scored within departmental expenditure limits. The figures for Rural Affairs, Agriculture, Environmental Protection and International Environmental Matters are an estimated split of direct resources, excluding overheads for central services.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which organisations she has licensed to issue equine passports; and if she will make a statement. [93362]

There are presently 56 equine organisations and associations that have been authorised to issue horse passports in Great Britain.These passport issuing organisations are either:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what animal passports other than equine ones are issued that provide information about drugs administered to the animal concerned. [93365]

Horses are the only animals that currently require a record to be made of medicines administered as required by Commission Decision 2000/ 68/EC, which requires all horses to be accompanied by a passport.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to amend the law to allow the Environment Agency access to farm census information and IACs returns. [87182]

Information can already be released to the Environment Agency in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Statistics Act 1979 and the Data Protection Act 1998 but subject to the safeguards provided for in that legislation. Officials are in discussion with the Environment Agency about information requirements and how they may be met.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what new funding mechanisms have been introduced for flood defences; and how much she estimates they will raise in (a) 2004–05 and (b) 2005–06. [92011]

No new funding mechanisms have yet been introduced. The Government are currently considering the options. The Spending Review figures announced last year for 2005–06 include an estimate of what might be raised from a new mechanism, such as a charge on development on the floodplain. This was set at £20 million out of an increase in provision for flood and coastal defence of £150 million for that year. No such amount was assumed for 2004–05.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Environment Agency's report into flooding in the Marlow and Medmenham area will be completed; and whether it will be published in full. [93208]

[holding answer 27 January 2003]: I understand that the Environment Agency have already started to compile and analyse data and information relating to the flooding that occurred throughout the Thames catchment during January 2003. As with previous floods there will be an analysis of what happened and the agency will make available to the public the lessons learnt from this information.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans the Environment Agency has to meet residents in the Marlow and Medmenham area during its inquiry into recent flooding in the area. [93209]

[holding answer 27 January 2003]: The Environment Agency held a "open surgery" on 20 January from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm at Shepperton. It invited all those residents from Chertsey who had been flooded and advertised the event in local newspapers and over 500 people attended. Staff spoke to individuals about the cause of the flooding and the agency's plans for managing flood risk.A further surgery was held on 23 January at Egham, to which residents flooded from the River Thames downstream of Windsor were invited, and a surgery has been arranged for 30 January for residents living between Hurley and Maidenhead.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance she has issued to the Environment Agency concerning priorities for capital projects to tackle flooding. [93601]

In order to be eligible for DEFRA grant aid a capital flood defence project must satisfy fundamental economic, technical and environmental criteria and achieve an appropriate priority score based (from April 2003) on a combination of three elements—(i) benefits as compared to cost, (ii)the number of people protected as measured by the number of households at risk, their vulnerability and the extent to which adequate advance warning of flooding can be given, and (iii) environmental protection and enhancement.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many funding commitments were launched by her Department and its predecessors in (a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999, (d) 2000, (e) 2001, (f) 2002 and (g) 2003; which (i) require bidding and (ii) are linked to a set funding formula; and what the total amount available was for each commitment; [89687](2) how many funding commitments were ended by her Department and its predecessors in each year since 1997. [89688]

This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost has been of her Department's television advertising campaign to discourage illegal meat imports; how many advertisements have been or will be broadcast, and at what times of the day; and if she will make a statement. [90979]

The television campaign uses two public service fillers rather than paid advertisements. These fillers have been sent to broadcasters to be used in donated airtime. The cost of making and marketing the two fillers was £156,176. To 31 December, the Central Office of Information had been notified of 119 transmissions—71 at night (00:00–05:59), 24 in the afternoon (12:00–17:19)and 24 at breakfast time(06:00–09:25). However, many stations issue transmission logs quarterly, so the first full transmissions report is not due until February.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which Government Ministers are members of internal drainage boards. [91581]

[holding answer 20 January 2003]: Internal drainage boards are independent bodies. This information is not held centrally. We are not aware of any Government Minister who is a member of an IDB.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the European Commission's proposal to require the full recovery of meat hygiene inspection charges from abattoirs and to make all abattoirs enforce new measures for the disposal of blood. [89615]

The Commission has not yet made proposals on charges to abattoirs for health inspections but we have made plain our preference for the existing structure and levels of meat hygiene charges. With respect to disposal of blood, officials are working with industry representatives to achieve satisfactory outcomes both in terms of regulatory requirements and the ability of industry to change existing practices at minimum cost and disruption.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the amount of municipal waste generated in the United Kingdom, using the definition of municipal waste in Article 2(b) of the Landfill Directive (99/31/EC).[89625]

It is estimated that around 34 million tonnes of municipal waste were generated in the United Kingdom in 2000–01(using the definition in Article 2(b) of the Landfill Directive).

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will convene a meeting of scientists, manufacturers, her advisers and the All Party Organophosphate Parliamentary Group to assess progress in identifying past problems with organophosphate products and appropriate policies for their future use. [93692]

Following the request at the recent meeting of the Parliamentary All Party Group on OPs, I have asked my officials to draw up proposals for a meeting of stakeholders with an interest in the authorisation and use of OPs in the UK. I will consider these proposals when they are available.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the lines of accountability are with regard to the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive in the event of a river basin management plan crossing borders between river basins. [93269]

It is proposed that the Environment Agency will be under a duty to prepare a draft river basin management plan for each river basin district in consultation with relevant bodies and that Secretary of State should have an explicit role in approving plans, including powers to require modifications, or to reject them.Maps of the proposed river basin districts are included at appendix 5 of the Government's Second Consultation Paper. Four basins will cross internal

borders, two in England-Wales (the Severn and the Dee) and two in England-Scotland

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the number of people affected by water poverty in (a) England, (b) the West Midlands and (c) North Staffordshire. [89676]

The Government do not have a quantitative definition for the term 'water poverty', and so no assessment has been made.Table A, which has been placed in the Library, is drawn from the DSS Family Resources Survey. This is the most recent available compiled information showing the relationship between water and sewerage bills and household incomes in England, and covers the years 1994–95 to 1998–99. The survey does not break the results down by region.The housing statistics division of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister have used these data to compile figures on 'water affordability'as one of the Government's Sustainable Development Indicators. For illustrative purposes, this exercise used 3 per cent. as the affordability threshold for proportion of income spent on water charges. A chart of these figures covers the years 1994–95 to 1997–98.

To ask the Solicitor-General if she will make a statement on the extent of job sharing in her Department. [90875]

[holding answer 20 January 2003]: Personnel records for the Crown Prosecution Service show that across the Service on 31 December 2002 there were a total of 1439 staff (approximately 20 per cent. of the workforce) working on a part-time basis. The Crown Prosecution Service does not record job share details separately. However, a number of those working part-time are working on a job-share basis.The Serious Fraud Office offers its staff a range of flexible working practices to assist them in achieving a satisfactory work/life balance. However it does not, at present, have any staff that have opted to work under a job share arrangement nor has it received any job applications from individuals who wish to work in this way.Five job sharing arrangements were in place in the Treasury Solicitor's Department on 31 December 2002. All jobs in the Treasury Solicitor's Department are advertised on the basis that they are open to applicants who wish to work flexibly, unless this is expressly excluded due to the nature of the work.My own Department, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers, and HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate currently have no job sharers.

To ask the Solicitor General what action she has taken to bring criminal charges against persons whose names have been communicated to her following the quashing of a conviction. [88512]

[holding answer 8 January]: On the basis of the information provided to me by the hon. Member, I am unable to identify the matter to which he refers.

To ask the Solicitor General what criteria she uses to decide whether to proceed with a prosecution of a police officer for bribery in cases involving release of information to the press. [93034]

[holding answer 27 January]: cases involving allegations against police officers are reviewed in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors as are all cases. It is important for the maintenance of public and police confidence that the same standard is applied to all accused, whoever they may be. The Code recognises that a public interest factor in favour of a prosecution includes where the defendant

"was in a position of authority or trust"

(paragraph 6.4.d). Prosecutors will therefore have regard to the fact that police officers occupy positions of authority and trust in society.Under the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889 both the offer or the acceptance of a bribe amounts to an offence. Corruption strikes at the heart of public confidence in administrative and judicial affairs. In all such cases where there is sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of a conviction, a prosecution will normally take place unless the public interest factors against proceeding with a case clearly outweigh those in favour.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much money has been spent on the arts in Somerset in each financial year since 1999–2000. [93130]

The following figures supplied by the Arts Council of England relate to the local authority and administrative area of Somerset county and therefore do not include north Somerset, Bath and north-east Somerset.

Grant-in-aid expenditure in Somerset 1999–2002
£
Year	Expenditure
1999–2000	324,757
2000–01	214,263
2001–02	246,322

Lottery Expenditure in Somerset 1999-2002
£
Year	Expenditure
1999–2000	875,740
2000–01	784,095
2001–02	590,162

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many civil servants have been employed by (a) her Department and (b) each of its agencies and non-departmental bodies in each year from 1994–95 to 2002–03; and if she will make a statement. [92394]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Cabinet Office on 22 January 2003, Official Report, columns 333–34W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will take steps to provide free television licences for all pensioners. [93700]

No. The Government have introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over, because older pensioners are more likely to be reliant on television as their window on the world. Older pensioners are also more likely to be on low incomes. We have no plans to extend free television licences to pensioners below the age of 75.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment she has made of the regional variations in the number of (a) new businesses registering, (b) businesses trading on-line and (c) businesses with internet access in the United Kingdom. [98210]

[holding answer 27 January 2003]: The information requested is set out in the tables

Enterprises registering for VAT and registration rates by country
and region, 2001
	Thousands	Number per 10,000 resident adults
United Kingdom	175.5	37
North East	4.1	20
North West	17.6	32
Yorkshire and the Humber	11.7	29
East Midlands	11.6	34
West Midlands	14.2	33
East of England	17.4	40
London	34.9	59
South East	28.4	44
South West	14.5	36
England	154.3	39
Wales	6.0	26
Scotland	11.5	28
Northern Ireland	3.6	28
Source:
Small Business Service

UK Businesses trading online, by Region—per cent.
(All businesses weighted by number of employees)
Greater London	36
East of England	32
Scotland	29
North West	26
West Midlands	26
Wales	22
Northern Ireland	21
South East	20
Yorkshire and Humberside	20
East Midlands	19
South West	18
North East	15

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many times the Task Force on Tackling Over-Indebtedness has met since its establishment; [92714](2) how many DTI employees are engaged in work for the Task Force on Tackling Over-Indebtedness; [92730]

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the representations her Department made regarding the refusal of the application by Citizens Advice Scotland to the Treasury's Capital Modernisation Fund in 2001 for funding of an electronic case recording system. [91457]

The Department recognises the importance of ensuring that the integrity of a UK-wide Citizens Advice Service is maintained and that the Service in Scotland is on a par with the Service in England and Wales. We have therefore allocated additional one-off project funding of £1 million from within DTI's existing budgets to enable CAS to undertake this work.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many cases of computer misuse there were in her Department in each of the last five years, broken down by each category of misuse; and how many of those cases resulted in disciplinary action. [93039]

My Department has recorded the following statistics for the misuse categories as listed (figures in brackets represent where disciplinary action was taken):(3) what discussions the Task Force on Tackling Over-Indebtedness are involved in. [92715]

[holding answer 22 January 2003]: The Task Force on Tackling Over-indebtedness has met 10 times.The Task Force has sent me its second report which I am considering. I will be issuing a response shortly.No DTI staff are currently engaged in work for the Task Force.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the total expenditure of her Department was on newspapers, magazines and periodicals in 2002. [90525]

My Department's expenditure on newspapers, magazines and periodicals for 2001–02 was £705,729.This includes expenditure on national daily and Sunday newspapers, regional newspapers, mass circulation magazines and journals, and academic periodicals. It also includes expenditure on annual publications, in particular reference works that would not normally be considered as periodicals. It is not possible to exclude such annual publications from the above figures, except at disproportionate cost.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what purpose Government money will be used to fund offices and staff for the Welsh Development Agency, the Scottish Development Agency, the East of England Development Agency, the North of England Development Agency and the South West of England Development Agency in California. [88586]

The Department is responsible for providing funding for overseas representation in California by One North East, South West of England Regional Development Agency and the East of England Development Agency to carry out inward investment activities. The Welsh Development Agency and Scottish Development International activities in California are funded separately by the Devolved Administrations.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will take powers to ensure that development agencies do not use public money to open offices and employ staff overseas without parliamentary or ministerial approval. [88587]

[holding answer 14 January 2003]: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 15 January 2003, Official Report, column 649W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports she received on the transfer out of Equitable Life by the PIA's pension scheme in 1998 at the time the transfer took place. [91187]

None.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she will announce the start date for the consultation period on secondary legislation for the Export Control Act 2002. [93468]

We expect to publish a consultation document on the secondary legislation to be made under the Export Control Act 2002 shortly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when she expects to be consulted about the industrial implication of the contractor selection for the Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) programme; and whether she will take the value of export opportunities for British companies into account in her assessment of the relative merits of the competing contractors for the FIST programme. [93430]

I would expect to be formally consulted by the Ministry of Defence ahead of the preferred contractor decision and announcement. DTI officials have been taking a close interest in the Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST) programme and continue to be actively engaged with both the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) and the companies over the industrial implications of the respective bids.An understanding of the export potential will form a part of the procurement assessment. As is usual for defence programmes, the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) takes the lead on these matters.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what reports she has received on the use by North Korea of the United Kingdom Magnox Reactor design to build its plutonium production reactors. [91968]

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received no reports on the design of the DPRK's reactors.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what arrangements she is making to assist elderly pensioners suffering from macular degeneration to withdraw their pensions in cash using a keyboard and PIN once the new procedures are implemented. [92776]

This is a matter which falls within the day to day responsibility of Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to his answer of 20 January 2003, Official Report, columns 11–12W, on PV Solar Panels, why grants for PV solar panels were awarded only to public buildings in 2002 [93996]

The Large Scale Field Trial was open only to public buildings because European Union State Aid Rules prevented us from giving substantial grants to private sector entities for this type of research and development project.

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what (a) advice and (b) financial support her Department gives to small businesses which are transferred to new owners. [92986]

Personal Business Advisers based in the national network of Business Link Operators can provide advice and support for small businesses transferring to new owners, including help with management buy-outs. Small businesses should call 0845 600 9006 to be put in touch with their local operator, or visit www.businesslink.org to find out more.The SBS website at: http://vvww.sbs.gov.u1c/content/ dti/bsuccession/index.htm sets out the main regulations that apply when a business changes hands, and how to comply with them.In addition, the Business Debtline, a 3-year pilot, provides support and advice to primarily, but not exclusively, sole traders and micro businesses in financial difficulties. The free phone number 0800 197 6026 and a self-help pack containing comprehensive advice is also available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to give the Financial Services Authority responsibility for investigating the accounts of companies suspected of breaching accounting standards and laws; [92815](2) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of measures in place to deter breaches of accounting standards and laws by British businesses. [92827]

I have been asked to reply.This is one of the areas currently being looked at by the Co-ordinating Group on Audit and Accounting Issues. They will be presenting their report to my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Chancellor of the Exchequer by the end of the month and I expect my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will make a statement.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out what the timetable is for the introduction of the Child Trust Fund. [93654]

The Government will announce further decisions regarding the implementation of the Child Trust Fund as part of the Budget cycle, in line with normal practice relating to annually managed expenditure.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which types of financial service providers will be permitted to sell the Child Trust Fund; and whether (a) fund managers and (b) life insurance companies will be permitted to do so. [93655]

As announced in the pre-Budget report, the Child Trust Fund will be offered through open market provision. Providers—including fund managers and life insurance companies—will be able to enter the market if they satisfy a set of conditions.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact the extension in application of the Construction Industry Scheme to the fitting out of commercial properties has had on (a) landlords, (b) tenants and (c) other non-construction sector enterprises; whether a regulatory impact assessment has been made following the recent changes; and if he will make a statement. [93367]

There have been no recent changes to the scope of the Construction Industry Scheme. Whether the scheme applies to the fitting out of commercial premises depends on the commercial arrangements between the parties concerned. This has always been the case.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of the total amount of assets residing in dormant accounts and intestate estates held by (a) banks, (b) building societies, (c) credit unions and (d) the post office; [92347](2) what assessment he has made of

We welcome both these schemes. As stated in the discussion document "Next Steps on Volunteering and Giving in the UK", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House, we believe that a more comprehensive unclaimed assets scheme for the voluntary and community sector has considerable attractions. We intend to work constructively with the banks, financial institutions and the voluntary and community sector to reach a shared understanding of the assets involved, of how things can be improved and how a comprehensive database might be achieved that would lead to a considerable increase in charities' income.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what plans he has to introduce legislation to place a statutory duty on banks, building societies, credit unions and the Post Office to trace owners of dormant accounts; [92348](2) what plans he has to introduce legislation to enable the transfer of assets held in dormant accounts and intestate estates held by banks, building societies, credit unions and the Post Office into an independently managed dormant accounts fund, if the rightful owner or heir is not traced. [92350]

None.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 13 January 2003, Official Report, column 403W, on HMS Nottingham, which Department of State is paying for the cost of transportation of HMS Nottingham on a heavy lift ship. [93028]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his estimate is of the level of real spending in the Inland Revenue in each year from 1985–86 to 2002–03, using 2000–01 prices; and if he will make a statement. [91721]

The real expenditure on the Inland Revenue Department's administration, quoted at 2000–01 prices is as follows:

£ million
	Expenditure
1985–86	1—
1986–87	1,647.3
1987–88	1,718.1
1988–89	1,668.6
1989–90	1,748.0
1990–91	1,833.8
1991–92	1,919.7
1992–93	1,914.6
1993–94	2,007.7
1994–95	1,845.9
1995–96	1,871.7
1996–97	1,810.3
1997–98	1,771.7
1998–99	1,810.3
1999–2000	1,929.0
2000–01	2,096.0
2001–02	1,991.0
2002–03	2—
1 Information unobtainable within the timescale.
2 Full-year expenditure details not yet available.

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to revise the operation of the landfill tax credit in Northern Ireland. [93270]

As announced in the pre-Budget report, the Government will continue a reformed tax credit scheme which will make available approximately a third of the funding that is currently going through the landfill tax credit scheme, around £47 million per year, for spending on local community environment projects. The figure of £47 million will be kept broadly constant in real terms, which will ensure that the current level of support for these types of projects is maintained. The Government are considering how this successor tax credit scheme, which will apply throughout the UK, may be changed to take account of the most serious criticisms of the current scheme made by bodies including the Public Accounts Committee. The Government will set out its plans for reform of the scheme on a Budget timetable.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much was spent on aid to Afghanistan in 2002; and what will be spent in 2003. [93143]

The international community provided approximately $1.8 billion to Afghanistan in 2002. DFID's contribution is over £55 million in the 2002–03 financial year so far.Donor's contributions for 2003 have yet to be finalised, although there are indications that it will be broadly similar to last year.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many cases of computer misuse there were in her Department in each of the last five years, broken down by each category of misuse; and how many of those cases resulted in disciplinary action. [93045]

I am pleased to advise that we have had no recorded cases of computer misuse in the last five years in my Department.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions she has had with the Defence Secretary regarding safeguards on military aid to Ethiopia. [92862]

Our Country Assistance Plan for Ethiopia includes a commitment to consideration of how we might help Ethiopia reform its security sector. The first step towards this will be a joint DFID/FCO/MOD scoping mission in early April 2003.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the impact of Ethiopia's debt burden on poverty levels in Ethiopia. [92863]

Ethiopia qualified for interim debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative at decision point in November 2001. In the current Ethiopian financial year, this will reduce external debt service payments by 54 per cent. and allow an increase in poverty-targeted expenditure of around 1.3 per cent. of GDP. Ethiopia has now completed its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, called "Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Programme". This sets out the policy action framework not only for spending the savings from debt relief, but also for allocating all other aid and Government revenue, so that they have the greatest impact on poverty reduction.

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of human rights violations by (a) the Ethiopian Government and (b) the Ethiopian military. [92864]

We take allegations of human rights abuses in Ethiopia seriously, regularly raising concerns both bilaterally and through the EU. The Ethiopian Government set out plans in its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper to make progress in these areas. Our response is set out in our newly agreed Country Assistance Plan for Ethiopia.