To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise with President Putin during his visit to the UK (a) the general situation in Chechnya and (b) the safety of Chechens deported from the UK to the Russian Federation. [121505]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr. Blunt) at Prime Minister's Questions on 18 June 2003, Official Report, column 355.

To ask the Prime Minister when he first read the dossier, "Iraq—its Infrastructure of Concealment, Deception and Intimidation", released on 3 February 2003; what advance notice the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had of this dossier before publication; and whether a (a) draft and (b) final version of the dossier was circulated to Members of the Cabinet prior to publication. [120790]

This was a briefing paper for the media that had been commissioned by a cross-departmental Iraqi communications group chaired by my Director of Communications. It was issued by the Downing Street Press Office with my authorisation in the normal way. A copy was placed in the Library of the House for the information of right hon. and hon. Members.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with the US President measures for immediate progress in (a) the provision of essential services, (b) the payment of salaries and (c) other related matters in the administration of Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [121414]

I am in regular touch with President Bush on all aspects of reconstruction in Iraq. We are working closely with our Coalition partners, the UN and the international community under UNSCR 1483 to provide the basis for a democratic and prosperous future for the people of Iraq.

To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his answer of 17 June 2003, Official Report, column 164W, on Tariq Aziz, under what powers Tariq Aziz is held; and what time limits there are to holding him in custody without charge. [121462]

In accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention 1949, Occupying Powers are entitled to detain individuals in a variety of circumstances, including where those individuals are suspected of criminal conduct or where they otherwise pose a security risk. Since Tariq Aziz is currently in US custody, issues relating to his detention are a matter for the US.

To ask the Prime Minister whether he saw the document "Iraq—its infrastructure of concealment, deception and intimidation" (a) in draft and (b) in final form before it was made public. [121558]

This was a briefing paper for the media that had been commissioned by a cross-departmental Iraqi communications group, chaired by my Director of Communications. It was issued by the Downing Street Press Office with my authorisation in the normal way. A copy was placed in the Library of the House for the information of right hon. and hon. Members.

To ask the Prime Minister whether the document "Iraq—its infrastructure of concealment, deception and intimidation" was seen by the Cabinet Secretary (a) in draft and (b) in final form before it was made public. [121560]

No.

To ask the Prime Minister whether, at the time he made his statement on Iraq on 3 February 2003, Official Report, columns 21–31, he had been informed of the nature of the non-intelligence sources used to compile the document, "Iraq—its Infrastructure of Concealment, Deception and Intimidation". [121564]

On the front page of the briefing paper it made clear that:

"This report draws upon a number of sources, including intelligence material".

I refer the right hon. Member to my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Llew Smith) on 10 February 2003,

To ask the Prime Minister whether, at the time he made his statement on Iraq on 3 February 2003, Official Report, columns 21–38, he had been informed of which officials in his Prime Ministerial Department were involved in compiling the document, "Iraq—its Infrastructure of Concealment, Deception and Intimidation". [121565]

I was aware that the briefing paper for the media had been commissioned by a cross-departmental Iraqi communications group, chaired by my Director of Communications. It was drafted by officials in the Communication and Information Centre and Number 10 officials were consulted in the normal way.

To ask the Prime Minister whether the document "Iraq—its infrastructure of concealment, deception and intimidation" was seen by the Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (a) in draft and (b) in final form before it was made public. [121559]

The JIC chairman did not see the document either in draft or in final form. The Intelligence and Security Committee have already looked into this matter. In their report published on 10 June 2003 they concluded that:

"We have been assured that systems have now been put in place to ensure that this cannot happen again, in that the JIC Chairman endorses any material on behalf of the intelligence community prior to publication."

The Government have already put the appropriate mechanisms in place to ensure that the correct procedures will be followed in the future.However on this occasion it is important to be clear that the intelligence material included in the briefing paper was provided by the relevant intelligence agencies and authorised for use in the public domain by those agencies.

To ask the Prime Minister how many of his staff retired on medical grounds due to mental health problems in the last year. [111957]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister for the Cabinet Office (Mr. Alexander) gave him today.

To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the role of Cabinet-level champion for older people; and if he will make a statement. [121017]

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions chairs the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Older People in co-ordinating the Government's policies affecting older people.The Government are committed to delivering public services to older people. This includes:

To ask the Prime Minister which members of the Government were responsible for choosing the site of the Scottish Parliament when this matter was considered prior to the transfer of responsibilities to the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body. [119884]

Information relating to internal advice and decisions is not disclosed under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about central Government's involvement in planning the Scottish Parliament building prior to the transfer of responsibility to the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body. [119885]

The Government were responsible for decisions relating to the Scottish Parliament before 1 July 1999. Responsibility then transferred to the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on security arrangements for international air travel. [120657]

The UK initiated and has played a leading part in the development of the new EU Regulation on civil aviation security, and we continue to be very fully engaged with EU partners and the European Commission at all levels over international aviation security requirements and arrangements.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding (a) targets for increasing the volume of transport by bicycle and (b) attainment of those targets. [120906]

The Department receives regular representations about these issues from a broad range of cycling interests and we have set ourselves, as part of our Ten-Year Transport Plan, a target of trebling cycle trips by 2010 (based on 2000 figures).

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he plans to report on the results of the consultation on his Department's document "Introducing A More Structured Approach to Learning to Drive"; and if he will make a statement; [121074]

We are currently considering all the views expressed in the 320 responses to this consultation document and will announce the way forward as soon as possible. The consultation included a section on motorway training. A summary of the responses to the consultation will be published at the same time as an announcement is made and will be sent to all those who contributed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many drivers involved in motorway traffic accidents in the last five years (a) have not taken a motorway driving lesson and (b) have taken a motorway driving lesson since passing their driving test; and if he will make a statement. [121077]

The information requested is not available. However, on-going Departmental research is considering the training undertaken by learner and novice drivers, and details of their driving experience and accidents in the first three years after the driving test has been passed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the events he plans to attend as part of the Government's euro roadshow. [121398]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer from the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, given to the right hon. and Learned Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Mr. Howard) of 20 June 2003, Official Report, columns 458–59W.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the widening of the M42.[121291]

We are considering proposals for widening the M42 alongside other proposals emerging from the multi-modal studies and expect to make a statement before the summer recess.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the cost to business in the last 12 months of congestion on the M6 motorway around Birmingham. [121112]

To obtain a measure of congestion—and the resultant costs—on individual motorway links consistent with most congestion indicators, it would be necessary to measure journey times and speeds as they vary hour-by-hour and day-by-day. Regular measurement of journey times at this level of detail has not been carried out in the past, mainly because of the extremely high costs that would be involved. However, the opening of the Traffic Control Centre next year will greatly improve our knowledge of traffic conditions and will lead to comprehensive information on journey times and speeds being made generally available to the travelling public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on (a) the inclusion of powered two-wheelers in the development of an integrated transport policy and (b) the development of a national motorcycle strategy. [R][121490]

The Government's White Paper on the future of transport recognised motorcycling has a role to play in an integrated transport policy. It stated that motorcycling can provide an alternative means of transport for many trips, bring benefits to the individual including widening employment opportunities, and may offer benefits for the environment and congestion. It advised local authorities to take account of the contribution motorcycling can make and to consider specific measures to assist motorcyclists.However the White Paper also acknowledged that the role of motorcycling in an integrated transport policy raises some important and complex issues. We have therefore established an Advisory Group on Motorcycling to address these issues. The key workstreams should be completed during 2004, when we intend to determine a strategy for motorcycling.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on major improvements to the incidence of slips and trips on the national rail network since 2001. [121244]

[holding answer 23 June 2003]: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) works with the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) the rail industry's own safety body, on a number of initiatives to reduce the risk of 'slip and trip' incidents.The HSE advises that provisional figures for 2002–03 show that compared with 2001–02 there has been an overall reduction of 4 per cent. in the number of 'slip and trip' injuries reported to the HSE on Britain's rail network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funding has been made available to Lancashire county council to encourage new public transport provision in rural parts of the county.[120471]

Lancashire received a total of £12.051 million for integrated transport measures as part of the 2003–4 transport settlement. Lancashire's Local Transport Plan includes a range of measures to enhance public transport provision in rural areas of the county. It is for Lancashire to spend the allocation in accordance with local priorities. £476,873 was allocated from the fifth round of the Rural Bus Challenge, Garstang Super 8 scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to deal with congestion caused by parents dropping their children off at schools in cars. [120456]

We have asked local authorities to develop strategies for reducing car use on the journey to school as part of their local transport plans. We provide support through bursaries for local authorities to employ school travel plan co-ordinators, through a programme of free site specific advice from consultants, and through publication of best practice guides. We are currently working with colleagues in the Department for Education and Skills to explore new ways of tackling this issue.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many new entrants to the Civil Service were employed in the Office in each of the last five years; and how many in each year were aged 50 or over.[119811]

Entrants 2 April 1997 to 1 April 2002 by Department and age (permanent staff)
	1997–98			1998–99			1999–2000
	50+	Other	Total	50+	Other	Total	50+	Other	Total
COI	8	65	73	4	44	48	1	54	55
Security and Intelligence Services	8	68	76	15	239	254	15	272	287
DCMS	10	93	103	6	42	48	3	41	44
MOD	1,459	7,450	8,909	1,333	6,068	7,401	1,286	7,101	8,387
DfES	10	103	113	29	233	262	41	475	516
Ofsted	3	28	31	6	32	38	6	67	73
Defra	76	747	823	86	916	1,002	80	721	801
Home Office	42	487	529	53	760	813	146	1,559	1,705
Charity Commission	5	29	34	1	30	31	3	56	59
HM Prison Service	352	3,400	3,752	301	2,838	3,139	294	2,845	3,139
DfID	2	41	43	5	78	83	7	72	79
Crown Prosecution Service	15	312	327	16	355	371	16	345	361
Legal Secretariat	1	1	2	0	5	5	1	1	2
Treasury Solicitors	1	24	25	4	31	35	3	55	58
LCD	149	567	716	174	973	1,147	206	1,289	1,495
HM Land Registry	14	344	358	16	330	346	21	342	363
Public Record Office	12	31	43	7	31	38	6	53	59
DTI	49	389	438	66	502	558	47	585	632
ACAS	0	23	23	0	0	0	5	43	48
ECGD	3	21	24	0	7	7	1	30	31
Office of Fair Trading	2	23	25	3	22	25	0	1	1
OFGAS	0	12	12	2	32	34	3	102	105
OFER	2	17	19	0	21	21	0	16	16
OFGEM	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
DTLR	76	803	879	79	900	979	90	1,313	1,403
Health and Safety Executive	8	134	142	11	189	200	17	253	270
OFWAT	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	26	28
OS	7	110	117	1	107	108	3	87	90
HM Treasury	2	51	53	1	48	49	0	37	37
National Investment and Loans Office	0	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0
OGC	1	5	6	0	16	16	0	3	3
Customs and Excise	74	1,153	1,227	38	586	624	31	573	604
GAD	0	11	11	2	15	17	0	1	1
Inland Revenue	302	3,146	3,448	407	4,185	4,592	597	6,253	6,850
DNS	2	12	14	0	10	10	1	21	22
ONS	24	122	146	20	165	185	21	169	190

The figures for the Cabinet Office, based on headcount for the number of permanent staff, are as follows:

	50+	Other	Total
1997–98	14	76	90
1998–99	19	62	81
1999–2000	20	129	149
2000–01	28	149	177
2001–02	24	153	177

The figures shown in the following tables represent the data reported to Mandate during the years from 1997–98 to 2001–02, based on headcount, for the number of permanent staff in each department. The figures shown are the overall figures for Departments including any Departmental Agencies. The Tables will also be placed in the Libraries of the House.The Mandate database consists of data collected electronically from Departments and agencies and covers about 98 per cent. of civil servants in Great Britain. Some Departments and agencies are unable to supply data to Mandate for technical reasons and provide summary data instead.The figures are based on the Departments as they were after the structural changes made following the 2001 election.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many Ministers there were in his Department in each year since 1996.[120987]

The Cabinet Office produces the publication List of Ministerial Responsibilities listing Ministers by department. Copies for each year since 1996 are available in the Library of the House.A revised version to take account of recent ministerial changes will be available shortly in both electronic and paper form.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what studies he is undertaking into the feasibility of delivering e-government services through mobile phones; and if he will make a statement. [121207]

The Government's overall Channels Strategy, encourages public sector organisations to use a mix of electronic channels including mobile devices to deliver high quality government services to citizens efficiently and cost effectively.Figures show that 75 per cent. of the population owns a mobile phone. Its near ubiquity is the principal reason Government are keen to explore the potential of mobile communications.The office of the e-envoy has recently commissioned a study on how mobile communications might play a part in the e-government agenda. This study will inform the updated channels framework which is due to be published in the spring of 2004.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what studies he is undertaking and what action he is taking to encourage the private sector to develop e-government services; and if he will make a statement. [121208]

The Government have a wide engagement with the private sector to develop e-government services.The use of private sector ICT products and services to develop and deliver e-government services is well established. The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) runs a programme of work to foster the effective and efficient procurement of products and services to meet Government's needs.Assessment trials of the common IT vocabulary (known as XML) are underway to find the most effective way to allow buyers' and suppliers' computers, running different procurement software packages, to 'talk to each other'. This is a joint initiative from the OGC and the Business Applications Software Developers Association (BASDA). Importantly, the move will enable easier access to the government marketplace for Small and Medium Enterprises.Also, as part of the e-government delivery programme, the Office of the e-envoy is responsible for the e-government intermediaries policy. This policy looks towards creating a mixed economy where government, private and voluntary sectors come together to deliver e-government services that better meet the demands of the citizen. A public consultation is currently underway and will conclude on 21 August 2003: http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/intermediaries.The e-envoy also runs an industry consultation group which looks into issues affecting the development of e-government services, drawing in industry views.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many of his staff retired on medical grounds due to mental health problems in the last year. [111967]

Between May 2002 and April 2003, the Civil Service Pension Scheme Medical Adviser assessed 241 scheme members as meeting the criteria for medical retirement for reasons attributable to mental ill-health. The vast majority of civil servants belong to the Civil Service Pension Scheme, and there are currently more than 500,000 active members.Mental ill-health in the context of this answer includes a non-exhaustive range of more specific diagnoses, including for example reactive depression, anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia.Although data on retirements due to mental ill-health can be broken down by individual civil service employer, doing so where the employer has very few cases of this kind runs the risk of revealing the identity of the individuals concerned. In line with exemption 12 of the "Code of Practice on Access to Government Information", such disclosure would constitute or could facilitate an unwarranted invasion of privacy.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office pursuant to his answer of 23 January 2003, Official Report, column 438W, on paper supplies, whether any of the paper or paper products supplied to his Department by Premier Paper are supplied by Stora Enso's Veitsiluoto Mill in Finland; and what assessment has been made of whether this paper contains (a) timber from old growth forests and (b) timber that may have been logged illegally in Russia. [117546]

The Cabinet Office is party to a framework contract for the provision of paper for printed publications for which the Premier Paper Group is one of four suppliers. The contract is managed by the Department for Transport. I refer the hon. Member to the first paragraph of the answer given to her by the Member for Plymouth, Devonport on 18 June 2003, Official Report, column 224W.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will ensure that the delivery and planning of services in (a) Amber Valley and (b) Derbyshire by government departments and public agencies are not distorted by the fact that many areas in Derbyshire do not have DE postcodes. [120096]

I have been asked to reply.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the Minister for Energy to discuss the implications for Scotland of the Energy White Paper. [120213]

I am a member of the Cabinet ministerial committee on energy policy which considered the Energy White Paper and also of the ministerial group forming part of the sustainable energy policy network. This network, which will help us achieve the commitments set out in the White Paper, was announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on 4 June 2003 and the first meeting will take place this Thursday.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact on Scottish pensioners and benefit recipients of the exclusion of leading Scottish banks from the Post Office universal bank. [120214]

All leading Scottish banks have made their basic bank accounts accessible at post offices, and many have now extended these arrangements to current account holders.The Government's policy is to extend the choices available to benefit recipients, in respect of where and when they collect their money.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of EU fishing policy on the Scottish fishing industry. [120216]

The effects of the Common Fisheries Policy are regularly monitored by the Fisheries Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the Scottish fishing industry. [120219]

Scotland Office Ministers have discussed fishing-related issues with their ministerial colleagues on a number of occasions. The Scotland Office will continue to be represented on the Ministerial Steering Group for the fisheries study commissioned earlier this year by the Prime Minister.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on recent discussions he has had on (a) the future level of structural funds in Scotland and (b) how the funds will be distributed. [120217]

I have regular discussions with ministerial colleagues and others on a range of subjects.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has held with ministerial colleagues regarding (a) post offices and (b) postal services in Scotland. [120218]

I am in regular contact with ministerial colleagues in the DTI about a variety of issues relating to postal services in Scotland including the programme of support for the maintenance of the rural post office network.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland have experienced delays in receiving the (a) child and (b) working tax credits. [120220]

Well over three-quarters of the families that are expected to receive the new tax credits are benefiting from them already.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the composition of the Scottish committee for euro preparations. [120221]

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with Scottish business leaders on the potential benefits for Scottish trade of joining the euro. [120222]

I refer my hon. Friends to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, North and Leith (Mr. Lazarowicz).

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Executive about the role of central Government in the Holyrood building project. [120223]

I met the First Minister on 16 June 2003 and discussed a range of issues.

To ask the Advocate-General on how many devolution issues she has advised since 1 June 2003. [120228]

Since 1 June 2003, 21 devolution issues have been intimated to me.

To ask the Advocate-General what devolution issues she has dealt with since 20 May 2003. [120229]

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave earlier to my hon. Friend the Member of Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell).

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the Secretary of State's responsibilities are in relation to devolution in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [121042]

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs made clear last week, he is responsible for the overall devolution settlements and overall Government policy on devolution previously with the Deputy Prime Minister, including the Memorandum of Understanding, the Joint Ministerial Committee and the British-Irish Council.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what recent discussions he has had on the effect of the Government of Wales Act 1998 on the office of the Secretary of State for Wales in respect of devolving further powers; and if he will make a statement. [121033]

None. Section 22 of the Government of Wales Act 1998 provides for the transfer of ministerial functions to the National Assembly for Wales.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's plans for providing for an elected Speaker for the House of Lords. [121043]

Replacing the Lord Chancellor as Speaker of the House of Lords is a matter for the House to determine.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affair's role under the Scotland Act 1998 in relation to elections in Scotland. [121044]

The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs has no functions under the Scotland Act 1998.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will make a statement on the Lord Chancellor's responsibilities in relation to judicial appointments. [121045]

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what the Lord Chancellor's functions are in respect of the appointment of judges. [121049]

I refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Mr. Hayes).

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what consultation the Department intends to undertake on the proposals relating to judicial appointments. [121046]

I announced by way of written statement to the House on 19 June 2003 that the Government will consult widely on how best to take forward our proposal for a new Judicial Appointments Commission. We intend to publish a consultation paper on 14 July 2003. The consultation period will run until November 2003.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what steps the Lord Chancellor is taking to reduce the cost of contingency fee litigation. [121047]

The cost of resolving all types of litigation should be reasonable and proportionate, whether funded by a no-win-no-fee agreement or in any other way. The courts have considerable powers to limit costs and the Government are working with the judiciary, the legal and insurance sectors and others to introduce fixed costs for certain types of cases, and a simpler conditional fee agreement regime and improved guidelines on success fees levels in personal injury litigation.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what plans the Lord Chancellor has for the future exercise of his functions relating to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. [121048]

My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor proposes to exercise his functions as the Privy Counsellor with particular responsibility for the Crown Dependencies in the same way as his predecessors. I shall be the Minister with responsibility for the conduct as necessary of Islands' business within Whitehall.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs if he will abolish the QC system; and if he will make a statement. [120009]

I refer my hon. Friend to the response given by my noble and learned Friend the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer of Thoroton, on 16 June 2003 in response to a question from Earl Ferrers, Official Report, House of Lords, column 522. I also refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given by my noble and learned Friend on 19 June 2003, Official Report, House of Lords, column WA131, as to the timetable for consultation on this issue.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what proposals he has for the Review of the Office of Coroner. [120242]

We have received the Report of the Fundamental Review of Death Certification and Coroner Services. The Government will publish a response to this Report once Ministers have considered its 122 recommendations alongside the second report of the Shipman Inquiry, which is due later in the summer.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what proposals the Secretary of State has for the future of the Queen's Counsel system. [120241]

I refer my hon. Friend to the response given by my noble and learned Friend the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor on 16 June 2003, Official Report, column 522, in response to a question from Earl Ferrers as to whether Her Majesty's Government proposed to discontinue making recommendations for the appointment of Queen's Counsel. I also refer my hon. Friend to the written answer given by my noble and learned Friend on 19 June 2003, Official Report, column 131W, as to the timetable for consultation on this issue among others.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many writs were issued in 2002. [120828]

During 2002, there were 35,919 claims and proceedings made in the Chancery Division of the High Court and 18,624 made in the Queen's Bench Division.

To ask the Leader of the House, what further plans he has for the system of programming of Bills. [121032]

My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to change the arrangements for programming of Bills, though he would be pleased to receive any positive proposals on this matter.

To ask the Leader of the House, what plans he has to bring forward proposals for changes to the arrangements for answering Parliamentary Questions; and if he will make a statement. [121034]

My right hon. Friend has no plans to bring forward proposals for changes to the arrangements for answering Parliamentary Questions. The changes introduced at the beginning of the year appear to be operating well.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to negotiate an EU ban on the import of illegal timber; and if she will make a statement. [118765]

The Government have shown leadership in its strong encouragement of the European Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) process. The European Commission published a proposed FLEGT action plan on 21 May. The plan includes consideration of new EU legislative regulations to address imports of illegally logged timber in a way that is consistent with EU obligations to the World Trade Organisation. We are now working with the European Commission to develop regulations that will enable illegally logged timber to be refused entry to member states. Successful implementation of these proposals would depend on the co-operation of countries that produce and export timber. The UK raised the issue of the proposed action plan at Environment Council on 13 June with the aim of encouraging the incoming Italian Presidency to facilitate a full discussion at an early time and of focussing the attention of other member states on this important issue.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects to publish the results of the Krebs research into bovine TB in badgers and cattle. [120204]

The Independent Scientific Group on Cattle Tuberculosis has recently advised Ministers that the full set of trial data should be gathered by the end of 2006. I expect the Group to publish its final report, summarising the trial results, shortly thereafter.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to reduce the trade in bushmeat. [121062]

Since March 2002, the Department has had in place a series of measures designed to tackle the disease risks posed by illegal imports of all types of meat and animal products. The number of illegal imports seized in 2002–03 rose to three times the number made in the previous year, reflecting increased enforcement activity and better evidence-based targeting.Additional resources for the coming years, together with the improved enforcement and intelligence capability provided by HM Customs and Excise, should ensure that this work is consolidated and built upon. HM Customs are setting up four mobile detection teams to target meat and animal products, and will be increasing the number of detector dog teams to six during the current financial year.Defra are also working with the Food Standards Agency and HM Customs to understand what drives the demand for exotic meats and animal products in the UK.In addition, under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) the UK played a key role in setting up a Working Group of Central African countries, which is due to report to the next Conference of the Parties in October 2004. We expect its recommendations to provide a valuable resource for all the countries of the region, in aiding their efforts to harmonise and strengthen local controls on the bushmeat trade.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who is responsible for the long-term monitoring and management of compensatory sites for coastal protection purposes. [120462]

The authority that issues a consent for coastal defence works, which require compensatory measures to address a negative impact on nature conservation interests, will also have the responsibility for ensuring that adequate compensation is provided and maintained. In most instances the consenting authority will be either the local planning authority or the Environment Agency.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what representations she has received from Lancaster city council regarding progress with the Morecambe Coastal Defence Scheme; [120463](2) if she will make a statement on progress with the Morecambe Coastal Protection Scheme. [120464]

Defra provides funding for coastal defence schemes which meet specified criteria, but responsibility for deciding which projects to promote and their timing rests with local authorities. Defra has paid Lancaster city council some £10.5 million in grant for the first five phases of their coastal defence works at Morecambe. The council has yet to submit applications for funding of further phases of work there. However, I am fully aware that the council are concerned about the time it is taking them to identify habitat compensatory measures for the proposed works as required by the Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994. Defra is seeking to assist the council by grant aiding studies to identify possible compensatory sites.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what meetings have taken place between the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and English Nature regarding the Morecambe Coastal Protection Scheme. [120465]

There have been many exchanges over the years between interested bodies, including Defra and English Nature, on the various phases of Lancaster city council's Morecambe Coastal Protection Scheme. Most recently meetings were held between the council, Defra, English Nature and the Environment Agency on 18 February and 21 May 2003 with the purpose of clarifying the steps necessary for the council to progress the next phases of the scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the effect on flooding in Morecambe of delay to the Coastal Protection Scheme. [120466]

Responsibility for assessing flood risk rests with local operating authorities rather than Defra. However I understand that the Environment Agency recently undertook a strategic flood risk assessment of their north-west region and concluded that Morecambe was one of the highest flood risk locations. No doubt Lancaster city council are taking this into account in progressing their proposed coastal defence works. For our part, Defra will consider any applications for funding such works as speedily as possible as soon as they are received.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to her answer of 9 June 2003, Official Report, column 579W, how many parishes in the proposed Cotswolds Conservation Board fall within the Cotswold district council area; what the total number of parishes within the Board's area is; and whether the proposed eight groupings reflect the proportion between the two. [120865]

All parishes that are in part or totally within the boundaries of the Cotswolds AONB would contribute to appointing the 8 parish members to the proposed Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board. At the moment we understand that 309 parishes will qualify.There are 103 parishes that will be covered by the Board and are within the Cotswold district council administrative area. This equates to roughly one third of the total number of parishes covered by the Board. Cotswold district council parishes are shared between four of the eight regional groupings that would appoint parish members to a Cotswolds Conservation Board. In these groupings, they are in the majority in two, and are significantly represented in the other two.Therefore, it is likely that between two and four parish appointees to the Board coming from Cotswold district council parishes. Cotswold district council parishes could have between 25 per cent. and 50 per cent. of the parish appointments. However, it must be emphasized that the intention is that a parish appointee will represent Cotswold AONB parishes in general, not just their parish or their regional grouping.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received about the non-retrospective nature of the reference date for calculating compensatory direct payment to dairy farmers; and if she will make a statement. [120264]

Several organisations, including the NFU, have made representations on this issue. We have raised it in discussions on the proposal in Brussels, arguing that it has encouraged speculation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will introduce measures to ensure that dairy sector producers receive direct payments based on the whole of the amount of milk quota held on 31 March 2004 under the single farm payment scheme. [120267]

The proposal is already that the payment would be based on the net quota holding on 31 March 2004.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how the reference amount under the single farm payment scheme for dairy farmers, will be applied if the dairy farmer had no registered hectares during the reference period. [120268]

Under the Commission proposals, if the dairy farmer had no eligible land to which a payment could be attached, it would become a "special payment" and subject to certain conditions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many veterinary surgeons are employed by her Department. [120525]

The number of veterinary surgeons employed by the Department as at April 2003 is 493.

£
Source	1998–99	1999–2000	2000–01	2001–02	2002–03
Food From Britain1	55,289	45,084	67,000	222,319	121,458
ERDP2	—	—	—	301,000	1,401,000
SEEDA3	—	30,000	90,000	20,000	55,000
1 The figures include funding under the Countryside Agency's Eat the View project (2000–01 to 2002–03), the Department's Foot and Mouth Recovery fund (2001–02) and start-up funding for the regional food group (1998–99 to 2000–01).
2 This covers funding under the Processing and Marketing Grant (PMG) Scheme and Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES)—Marketing of Quality Agricultural Products.
3 Includes funding to support the marketing of local produce and support for the red meat sector. It does not include the £840,000 available for the development of food related enterprise hubs (as follows).

For the future, as part of the Department's regional food strategy, Food From Britain will receive £1,260,000 per annum for this year and for the next two from Defra for the promotion of English regional food and drink. In the first year of the programme, the South East Food Group Partnership will receive £120,000 to implement a series of regional level activities in support of the overall regional food strategy. Under the ERDP, the following sums have been allocated for projects in the south east under the RES and the PMG: £1,468,000 (2003–04), £1,647,000 (2004–05) and £1,771,000 (2005–06). In addition, small on-farm food processing

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has received regarding (a) environmental targets not yet met and (b) the attainment of those targets. [120897]

The Department receives a great many representations on these and other aspects of environmental policy, for example, the Efra Select Committee hearing on 18 June 2003 looked at the Department's performance against its Public Service Agreement targets as reported in the Departmental Report.The Department has published its environmental Public Service Agreement targets (along with all other Public Service Agreement targets) in the Departmental Report—(ref Cm 5919), which can be found at: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/deprep/default.htmThe Report outlines our progress to date in meeting these targets and sets out a wide range of actions necessary to meet them.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what financial support she has given to the south-east in each of the last five years; and what she plans to give in the next two years. [119658]

[holding answer 16 June 2003]: Direct support from the Department to the regional food sector falls under two main areas: support for the development of the sector as a whole via Food From Britain (FFB) and through schemes under the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP). In addition to this, financial support is also available from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to which the Department provides funds. Over the last five years, financial support for food from the south east was as follows:projects are among the wide range of activities that are eligible for support within the budget allocated to the Farm Diversification category of the RES.SEEDA is also supporting the development of two enterprise hubs linked to the food sector with £840,000 over a three-year period from autumn 2002. It is also developing plans to make available a substantial amount of funding over the next three years (2003–04 to 2005–06) to support the development of the local food sector in the south east to implement aspects of the Regional Economic Strategy and the Delivery Plan for Defra's Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent reports she has received under her Department's high level targets for flood and coastal defence; and if she will make a statement.[120779]

We expect to receive a number of reports on High Level Targets from the Environment Agency in the coming weeks. Once received, I will place copies of these reports, which are designed to assist in delivery of the Government's policy aims and objectives for flood and coastal defence, in the House Libraries. These reports relate to:

• Target 2—Flood warnings;
• Target 3—Exercises and emergency plans;
• Target 5—Flood defence inspections and assets at risk;
• Target 10—Water Level Management Plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the (a) accuracy and (b) reliability of information submitted by GM consent applicants; and what her policy is on where liability should lie for damage to (i) human, (ii) animal and (iii) environmental health of GM releases.[119077]

The legislation requires all applications for consent to release or market genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to be supported by a dossier of information about the GMO and its properties and an assessment of the risk to human health and the environment from the proposed release. This information is scrutinised by officials for compliance with relevant legislation. Scientific assessment of the dossiers is carried out by independent experts; the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs, the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes, the Food Standards Agency, the statutory nature conservation agencies and the Health and Safety Executive. Consent to release would only be issued if these advisors are satisfied as regards the reliability and accuracy of the information provided by the applicant.As regards liability, approval for a GMO release will only be given if the relevant authorities are satisfied that all appropriate measures are being taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment. There are specific provisions in Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act giving powers to the courts and the Secretary of State to remedy harm that results from the commission of an offence. Otherwise currently there are no specific liability provisions in relation to GM releases. Depending on the circumstances, however, a claim for redress could be made through the courts under existing general legal principles. The independent Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission is preparing a report to Government on GM crop liability. We will consider this issue further in the light of that report.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which (a) organisations and (b) individuals were invited by her to debate the future of GM crops in the South West on Saturday 7 June in Taunton; and how they were chosen.[119653]