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House of Commons

Session 1997-98 Publications on the internet The Order Book

Part 1: Written Questions for Answer on Tuesday 27 January 1998 Here you can browse the Written Questions for answer on Tuesday 27 January of which previous notice has been given in the Notices of Questions paper. They are arranged in alphabetical order of answering Department. For other Written Questions for answer on Tuesday 27 January, of which no previous notice has been given, see the Order of Business. For Written and Oral Questions for answer from Wednesday 28 January, see Part 2 of this Paper.

Notes: * Indicates a Question for Oral Answer. + Indicates a Question not included in the random selection process but accepted because the quota for that day had not been filled. [N] Indicates a Question for Written Answer on a named day, i.e. the Member has indicated under S.O. No. 22(4) the day on which he wishes the Question to be answered. [R] Indicates that a relevant interest has been declared.

TUESDAY 27th JANUARY
1   N	Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will make a statement on new developments in the Anglo-Indonesian Agriculture Co-Operation Agreement following recent economic developments in the region.
	(25593)
2   N	Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich North):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what is his policy on proposed European food labelling legislation.
	(25668)
3   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for North Tayside, of 20th January Official Report, column 495, how he is notified about checks made on beef imports into the United Kingdom.
	(25500)
4   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for North Tayside of 20th January, Official Report, column 495, what information he collates to ascertain that checks are being made to ensure that beef coming into the United Kingdom complies with the (a) SRM and (b) OTMS requirements and is microbiologically safe; and for what reason his Department keeps no central records of the number and results of checks made on beef imports into the United Kingdom.
	(25498)
5   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, how many consignments of beef have been rejected on the grounds that they did not comply with the (a) OTMS Scheme and (b) SRM ban since 1st January.
	(25502)
6   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for North Tayside of 20th January, Official Report, column 495, where the records of its checks made on beef imports into the United Kingdom are held.
	(25499)
7   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will list the points of entry to the United Kingdom where checks have been carried out since 1st January to ensure that beef coming into the United Kingdom complies with the (a) SRM ban and (b) OTMS requirements.
	(25501)
8   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, how many consignments of beef from the United Kingdom have been rejected as a result of the meat being over 30 months old since 1st August 1996.
	(25503)
9   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what physical checks are made on beef coming into the United Kingdom to establish that it is not over 30 months old and meets the SRM requirements.
	(25504)
10   N	Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what action the Government will take to ensure those sectors of the British economy previously benefiting from European Structural Funding will continue to benefit under the new Agenda 2000 and CAP reform proposals, with particular reference to Objective 5b funding.
	(25764)
11   N	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, how regularly Ministers meet representatives of the farming industry; what formal fora for discussion exist; and if he will make a statement.
	(25295)
12   N	Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his oral Answer of 22nd January, for what reason he was unable to provide a written reply to the honourable Member for North Dorset on the subject of beef imports from the European Union.
	(25941)
13   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his Answer of 22nd January, if he will publish the programme of his wife when she accompanied him to the Netherlands from 25th to 27th May 1997 at public expense.
	(25925)
14   N	Mrs Ann Winterton (Congleton):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what investment his Department plans for the development of an effective vaccine to protect herds against outbreaks of bovine TB; and within what timescale he estimates a vaccine will be developed.
	(25665)
15   N	Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the honourable Member for Middlesbrough, as representing the Church Commissioners, what has been the level of remuneration to the Dean and Chapter of (a) St. Paul's, (b) Westminster Abbey and (c) St. George's Windsor for each year from 1993 to 1997 inclusive.
	(25612)
16	Mr Francis Maude (Horsham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what meetings he has had with (a) the French organisers, (b) FIFA and (c) the Football Association to secure an increase in the allocation of tickets to English and Scottish fans for the World Cup; and what the outcome of any such meetings was.
	(25967)
17	Tom Cox (Tooting):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the total cost to public funds of the West Indian Guardship in 1997.
	(25992)
18   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 481, in what areas a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive will give the lead role in policy formation to his Department; to what extent it will include mechanisms to harmonise policy between Scotland and his Department on devolved matters; and if he will make a statement.
	(25591)
19   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 481, what representations he has received from other government departments concerning the format and aims of a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive; if he will list the number of representations from each department; and if he will make a statement.
	(25592)
20   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 481, when discussions began in his Department concerning the non-statutory agreement with the Scottish Executive; on what dates discussions took place; and who was present at such meetings.
	(25589)
21   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 481, if he will publish the most recent drafts of non-statutory agreements with the Scottish Executive; when he proposes to publish the final document; and if the agreement will operate in the first instance for a trial period.
	(25590)
22   N	Mr Ian Cawsey (Brigg and Goole):    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what proportion of Civil Service staff are registered disabled.
	(25661)
23	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, what inter-departmental discussions have taken place on the use of the Clapham deep shelters.
	(25988)
24   N	Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, how many ex-offenders are taking part in the (a) employment, (b) education, (c) environment and (d) voluntary option of the Welfare to Work Scheme.
	(25923)
25   N	Mr Paul Keetch (Hereford):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what is the total level of reserves held by each training and enterprise council; and what was the post-tax surplus or deficit for each TEC in (i) 1995-96 and (ii) 1996-97.
	(24834)
26   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 492, in what areas a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive will give the lead role in policy formation to his Department; to what extent it will include mechanisms to harmonise policy between Scotland and his Department on devolved matters; and if he will make a statement.
	(25579)
27   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 492, what representations he has received from other government departments concerning the format and aims of a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive; if he will list the number of representations from each Department; and if he will make a statement.
	(25580)
28   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 492, if he will publish the most recent drafts of non-statutory agreements with the Scottish Executive; when he proposes to publish the final document; and if the agreement will operate in the first instance for a trial period.
	(25578)
29   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 492, when discussions began in his Department concerning the non-statutory agreement with the Scottish Executive; on what dates discussions took place; and who was present at such meetings.
	(25576)
30   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, following the Chancellor's announcement of 12th January of the extension of the Government's New Deal programme to those aged 25 to 34, if benefit claimants in that age group will be obliged to join the scheme with no fifth option of claiming benefits.
	(25111)
31   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if work trials will be continued as part of the new deal for the long-term unemployed.
	(25100)
32   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, how many small and medium sized businesses, broken down by size of workforce, the Government expects to participate in its Welfare to Work programme.
	(25101)
33   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what is the total number of young people unemployed for more than six months whom the Government expect to participate in its Welfare to Work scheme in 1998-99, broken down between those who will be eligible in April 1998 and those expected to become eligible in each successive month.
	(25102)
34   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if the Government will give a break-down by (a) ethnic origin and (b) gender of the young people unemployed for more than six months expected to participate in its Welfare to Work scheme in 1998-99.
	(25103)
35   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what are the start-up and continuing costs of the new central unit being established to administer means tests for foreign students applying for places in British universities; and how many staff will be employed.
	(25105)
36   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if the Government will publish the agreement to which employers must subscribe when they participate in the Welfare to Work scheme.
	(25106)
37   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what is the legal status of the agreement to which employers must subscribe when they participate in the Welfare to Work scheme; and what penalties will be imposed on employers who breach it.
	(25107)
38   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what the Government estimates to be the trend rate of fall in total unemployment over the past five years; and what are the trend rates specifically for young people unemployed over six months and the long-term unemployed participating in the New Deal.
	(25109)
39   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what are the Government's estimates for the number of young people unemployed for over six months participating in its New Deal scheme in each of the next four years, seperately indentifying those who do not go beyond the Gateway.
	(25110)
40   N	Mr David Winnick (Walsall North):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to his oral Answer of 22nd May 1997, Official Report, columns 825-6, what was the form of the consultation process into age discrimination in employment; if he will make a statement on the meetings that have taken place as part of the consultation process indicating the individuals and organisations met and the date when such meetings occurred; and if he will make a statement on (a) visits to and (b) other contact with individuals and organisations under the consultation process to date.
	(25658)
41   N	Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Cunninghame South):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for Surrey Heath of 24th July, Official Report, column 699, if he will update his list of (a) consents and (b) refusals of consent since 2nd May under the Allotments Act 1925 for the disposal of allotment land or its use for other purposes.
	(25610)
42	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the dates that the air traffic control centre at Prestwick has (a) failed and (b) had an engineering-related occurrence during the last 12 months.
	(25978)
43	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list for each of the last three years the cost of administering the penalty fares scheme on London Transport.
	(25977)
44	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list those aviation organisations that (a) he and (b) his ministerial colleagues have met since taking office.
	(25966)
45	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, which United Kingdom transport operators have powers to prevent the publication of safety information relating to their operations.
	(25962)
46	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what progress his Department is making in redefining the boundaries of the traffic area offices.
	(25957)
47	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what was the original budget allocated for the building and equipping of the new air traffic control centre at Swanwick; and what is the current level of expenditure.
	(25953)
48	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to extend the Working Time Directive to transport workers.
	(25964)
49	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, on what occasions Eurotunnel has asked (a) his Department and (b) the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority to refrain from publishing information relating to the safety of the Channel Tunnel; and on what occasions it has invoked clause 33.3 of the Channel Tunnel Treaty to prevent publication.
	(25959)
50	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will ensure that minicabs tendering for rail replacement services will be required to provide vehicles with disabled access.
	(25955)
51	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will place in the Library a copy of the action plan drawn up by the Civil Aviation Authority and National Air Traffic Service for dealing with millennium compliance issues.
	(25976)
52	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will place in the Library full copies of the reports produced by the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority following evacuation exercises carried out in the Channel Tunnel.
	(25963)
53	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment he has made of the extent to which clause 33.3 of the Channel Tunnel Treaty enables adequate information relating to safety in the Channel Tunnel to be published.
	(25958)
54	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list (a) the original target date for the Swanwick air traffic control centre to become operational and (b) the current target date; and what factors underlie the difference.
	(25954)
55	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will instigate a strategic review of (i) United Kingdom aviation policy and (ii) United Kingdom shipping policy as a separate exercise from his overall review of transport.
	(25965)
56	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement on the purpose of clause 33.3 of the Channel Tunnel Treaty.
	(25960)
57	Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe and Nantwich):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what progress his Department is making in introducing legislation to provide for the impounding of illegally operated heavy goods vehicles.
	(25956)
58   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by his Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25615)
59   N	Miss Geraldine Smith (Morecambe and Lunesdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he plans to announce his decision on the public inquiry into the establishment of a Category C prison at Middleton Sands, Morecambe; and if he will make a statement.
	(25099)
60   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 465, in what areas a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive will give the lead role in policy formation to his Department; to what extent it will include mechanisms to harmonise policy between Scotland and his Department on devolved matters; and if he will make a statement.
	(25583)
61   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 465, what representations he has received from other government departments concerning the format and aims of a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive; if he will list the number of representations from each department; and if he will make a statement.
	(25584)
62   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 465, if he will publish the most recent drafts of non-statutory agreements with the Scottish Executive; when he proposes to publish the final document; and if the agreement will operate in the first instance for a trial period.
	(25582)
63   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 465, when discussions began in his Department concerning the non-statutory agreement with the Scottish Executive; on what dates discussions took place; and who was present at such meetings.
	(25581)
64   N	Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, on how many occasions Dorneywood has been used by Ministers since 1st May; if he will list in each case (a) the Ministers present, (b) the dates in question and (c) the purpose of the visit; and if he will make a statement.
	(25769)
65   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for North Thanet, of 1st December, Official Report, column 94, on duty-free trade, if he will list the steps which duty and tax free shops in UK airports with only limited non-European Union international flights can take to adapt to the removal of intra-European Union duty free; and if he will make a statement.
	(25210)
66   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what representations he has received concerning the impact of the abolition of intra-European Union duty free on (a) the viability of European flights from Scottish and regional United Kingdom airports, (b) employment in Scottish and regional United Kingdom airports and (c) the cost of European flights from Scottish and regional United Kingdom airports.
	(25209)
67   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to press for a continuation of duty-free sales within the European Union until there has been an equalisation of alcohol duties between the member states of the European Union; what plans he has to discuss this issue with European Treasury ministers in the course of the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union; and if he will make a statement.
	(25208)
68   N	Mr Edward Garnier (Harborough):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what research he has commissioned into the effect that the proposed removal of the cash basis income tax system for barristers and self employed solicitors will have upon (i) the financial viability of the Bar and solicitors' profession, (ii) individuals in legal practice and (iii) the public's access to justice; and if he will publish it.
	[R] (25763)
69   N	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to tax social security benefits in the future which are presently not taxed; and if he will make a statement.
	(25293)
70   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what were the receipts from inheritance tax; and what were the costs of collection in each year since 1990.
	(25040)
71	Mr Harry Cohen (Leyton and Wanstead):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what evidence underlies (a) his oral statement on 13th January, Official Report, column 126, that Saddam Hussein has 45 presidential palaces and (b) the oral statement by the Minister of State, the honourable Member for Leeds Central, on 21st January, Official Report, column 991, that Saddam Hussein has 71 presidential palaces; and if he will make a statement.
	(25995)
72	Tom Cox (Tooting):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many (a) men and (b) women were waiting for interview at British High Commission offices in (i) India, (ii) Pakistan, (iii) Sri Lanka and (iv) Bangladesh, to join husbands or wives resident in the United Kingdom on 1st January.
	(25994)
73	Tom Cox (Tooting):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what was the average time a person waited for an interview in respect of an application to join (a) a huband and (b) a wife in the United Kingdom at the British High Commission offices in (i) India, (ii) Pakistan, (iii) Sri Lanka and (iv) Bangladesh in 1997.
	(25997)
74	Tom Cox (Tooting):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many entry certificate officers were employed in British High Commission offices in (a) India, (b) Pakistan, (c) Sri Lanka and (d) Bangladesh, on 1st January.
	(25993)
75	Tom Cox (Tooting):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he last discussed human rights in Indian administered Kashmir, with the Indian Government; and if he will make a statement.
	(25991)
76   N	Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in what ways note-taking procedures used by his Department when chairing European Council meetings differ from those used by the Dutch presidency; and what measures he is taking as a consequence of the letter of the Dutch Permanent Representative of 16th July to ensure clarity of communication between member states and the presidency.
	(25767)
77   N	Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will establish an investigation during the United Kingdom presidency into the circumstances behind the settlement of the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam relating to the voting procedures for the admission of new Schengen members.
	(25768)
78   N	Mr Howard Flight (Arundel and South Downs):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 19th January, Official Report, column 439, if he will list his official engagements between 9th October and 12th October inclusive.
	(25819)
79   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by his Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25654)
80	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated regarding the trafficking of children in Asia.
	(25975)
81	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on human rights in China, with particular reference to the student leaders of 1989.
	(25973)
82	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to use the presidency of the EU to restrict the trafficking of children in Asia, with particular reference to Cambodia and Vietnam.
	(25969)
83	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to use the presidency of the EU to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square demonstrations and the eviction of the students.
	(25972)
84	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received on human rights in China.
	(25979)
85	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he plans to curtail the trafficking of children in Asia.
	(25968)
86	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the continued presence in Lebanon of Syrian and Israeli armed forces.
	(25971)
87	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has received on the trafficking of children in Asia, with particular reference to Cambodia and Vietnam.
	(25974)
88	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what initiatives he proposes in respect of the Great Lakes Region during the United Kingdom's presidency of the EU.
	(25996)
89	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to discuss issues relating to whaling with the Norwegian authorities; and what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on (a) trends in Norwegian whale catches and (b) Norway's proposals to restore international trade in whale meat.
	(25961)
90	Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy to use the presidency of the EU to encourage the withdrawal of Syrian and Israeli armed forces from Lebanese territory; and if he will make a statement.
	(25970)
91   N	Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what further measures the Government plans to take to assist Cambodia in the development of its democratic institutions; and if he will make a statement.
	[R] (25351)
92   N	Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what further assistance the Government plans to provide to assist the Cambodian authorities in their efforts to control illegal immigration, and drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement.
	[R] (25352)
93   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 469, what representations he has received from other government departments concerning the format and aims of a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive; if he will list the number of representations from each department; and if he will make a statement.
	(25588)
94   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 469, in what areas the non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive will give the lead role in policy formation to his Department; to what extent it will include mechanisms to harmonise policy between Scotland and his Department on devolved matters; and if he will make a statement.
	(25587)
95   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 469, if he will publish the most recent drafts of non-statutory agreements with the Scottish Executive; when he proposes to publish the final document; and if the agreement will operate on a trial basis.
	(25586)
96   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 469, when discussions began in his Department concerning the draft non-statutory agreement with the Scottish Executive; on what dates discussions took place; and who was present at such meetings.
	(25585)
97   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 21st January, Official Report, column 539, if he will publish the programme of Mrs Derek Fatchett when she accompanied her husband to Australasia and the Pacific from 12th to 22nd September 1997 at public expense.
	(25817)
98   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 21st January, Official Report, column 539, if he will publish the programme of Miss Geraldine Daly when she accompanied the honourable Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North to Luxembourg from 25th to 26th October at public expense.
	(25818)
99   N	Mr Harry Barnes (North East Derbyshire):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on dental registration and the availability of NHS dentistry.
	(23426)
100   N	Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people in the Mid-Essex Hospital Trust area have been waiting for treatment for more than (a) 18 months and (b) 12 months at the latest available date; and what were the figures on (i) 30th September 1997 and (ii) 31st March 1997.
	(25663)
101   N	Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many people in the Mid-Essex Hospital Trust area have been waiting to see a consultant for more than (a) 18 months, (b) 12 months and (c) 6 months at the latest available date; and what were the figures on (i) 31st March 1997 and (ii) 30th September 1997.
	(25664)
102   N	Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the original baseline for, and the most recent achievement against, the targets set in Health of the Nation for (a) England and (b) Newcastle and North Tyneside.
	(24802)
103   N	Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the methods of injecting drugs or insulin which (a) are and (b) are not prescribable; when these decisions were made; and if they are under review.
	(25039)
104	Mr Neil Gerrard (Walthamstow):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to introduce viral load testing sensitive enough to detect viral loads of below 50 for people with AIDS using combination drug therapies.
	(26004)
105	Mr Neil Gerrard (Walthamstow):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much HIV/AIDS funding has been allocated by his Department to the voluntary organisation Positive Care Link for each of the last three financial years and for 1998-99.
	(26003)
106   N	Dr Ian Gibson (Norwich North):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to establish a new medical school in the United Kingdom.
	(23434)
107   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by his Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25655)
108   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 16th January, Official Report, column 368, how many (a) kidney dialysis machines, (b) intensive care cots for premature babies and (c) intensive care units cannot be repaired or replaced before 31st December 1999.
	(25659)
109   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the medical equipment currently being used in the Health Service which will need to be checked for millennium compliance.
	(25660)
110   N	Mr David Hinchliffe (Wakefield):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proposals he has to issue new guidelines on the treatment of head lice.
	(25429)
111   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 502, in what areas a non-statutory agreement between his Department and the Scottish Executive will give the lead role in policy formation to his Department; to what extent it will include mechanisms to harmonise policy between Scotland and his Department on devolved matters; and if he will make a statement.
	(25574)
112   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 502, what representations he has received from other government departments concerning the format and aims of non-statutory agreements between his Department and the Scottish Executive; if he will list the number of representations from each Department; and if he will make a statement.
	(25575)
113   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 502, if he will publish the most recent drafts of non-statutory agreements with the Scottish Executive; when he proposes to publish the final document; and if the agreement will operate in the first instance for a trial period.
	(25573)
114   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 20th January, Official Report, column 502, when discussions began in his Department concerning the non-statutory agreement with the Scottish Executive; on what dates discussions took place; and who was present at such meetings.
	(25572)
115	Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many applications to accept offers of outside employment have been made by officials of his Department which have been (a) approved, (b) approved with conditions and (c) disapproved; how many offers of employment have been reported (i) in total, (ii) by officials in procurement and contract work where there was an intention to take up the offer and (iii) by officials in procurement and contract work where there was no intention to take up the offer; if he will set out the information by category of employer; and if he will make a statement.
	(25980)
116	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what his Department estimates will be the number of prisoners held (a) on remand, (b) awaiting sentence and (c) serving a custodial sentence, in (i) 1997-98, (ii) 1998-99 and (iii) 1999-2000.
	(25990)
117	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on his policy on custodial sentences for fine defaulters.
	(25986)
118	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what extra prison provision his Department estimates will be necessary to accommodate prisoners in custody for (a) 1998-99, (b) 1999-2000, and (c) 2001-02.
	(25989)
119	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the (a) standard and (b) future of post-release supervision programmes for former prisoners.
	(25983)
120	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on trends in the standard and availability of rehabilitation and education programmes for prisoners (a) between 1984 and 1990 and (b) since 1991.
	(25984)
121	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans his Department has to commission the building of new prison establishments between 1998 and 2001.
	(25987)
122	Mr John Burnett (Torridge and West Devon):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what was the rate of suicide amongst (i) young people and (ii) adults (a) serving custodial sentences and (b) held on remand, for each year since 1983.
	(25985)
123   N	Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what has been the change in the crime rate in the centre of Chelmsford since January 1996.
	(25667)
124   N	Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the impact of the introduction of CCTV on the crime level in the centre of Chelmsford; and how many arrests have been made as a result of CCTV.
	(25785)
125	Tom Cox (Tooting):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list the prisons in England and Wales where (a) men and (b) women are being held under the Immigration Act powers.
	(26002)
126   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by his Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25657)
127   N	Sir Brian Mawhinney (North West Cambridgeshire):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answer of 13th January, Official Report, column 165, for what reasons the average turn round time between receipt of claims from the police and processing of options A and B was 19 weeks.
	(25926)
128   N	Mr Anthony Steen (Totnes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answer of 13th January, Official Report, column 165, on the Firearms Compensation Scheme, what was the reason for the delay in returning Mr Foules's incorrectly completed firearms compensation application; and if he will make a statement.
	(25350)
129   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will publish the conditions that have to be met by the partner of someone seeking permission to live in the United Kingdom before they may be admitted.
	(25865)
130   N	Mr Ian Cawsey (Brigg and Goole):    To ask the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what proportion of Palace of Westminster staff are registered disabled.
	(25662)
131   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by her Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25653)
132   N	Mr Ken Maginnis (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to what extent the Northern Ireland Tourist Board's marketing links with Bord Failte in the Irish Republic restrict it from participitation in British Tourist Authority promotions.
	(25761)
133   N	Mr Ken Maginnis (Fermanagh and South Tyrone):    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if the recent commission to Lord Lichfield by the British Tourist Authority to take promotional photographs around Britain includes Northern Ireland.
	(25762)
134   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the President of the Council, if she notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by her Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25656)
135   N	Mr Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow):    To ask the Prime Minister, if he will discuss with the (a) Chinese, (b) French, and (c) Russian governments, whether they have available for service in Iraq technical experts with equivalent qualifications to survey chemical and biological weapons to those of Mr Scott Ritter.
	(25611)
136   N	Mr Michael Howard (Folkestone and Hythe):    To ask the Prime Minister, what criteria he will adopt for membership of his proposed cross-party committee on Europe.
	(25820)
137   N	Mr Michael Howard (Folkestone and Hythe):    To ask the Prime Minister, if costs relating to his proposed cross-party committee on Europe will be met from public funds.
	(25822)
138   N	Mr Michael Howard (Folkestone and Hythe):    To ask the Prime Minister, when he expects to form his proposed cross-party committee on Europe.
	(25821)
139   N	Mr Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex):    To ask the Prime Minister, in what circumstances he would remove from office a Minister whose tax affairs were under investigation.
	(25766)
140   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, what was the public interest justification under paragraph 83 of the Ministerial Code when he granted permission to the Minister of Agriculture to take his wife to the Netherlands from 25th to 27th May.
	(25864)
141   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, when it was decided, and by whom, that the term spouse in paragraph 83 of the Ministerial Code should be extended to permit those not married to a minister making an overseas trip to accompany him or her at public expense.
	(25773)
142   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, when it was decided, and by whom, that the term spouse in the rules that govern the granting of permission for someone not married to a civil servant accompanying that civil servant on an overseas visit at public expense including partners.
	(25774)
143   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, when permission was first granted for someone not married to a civil servant making an overseas trip to accompany the civil servant at public expense.
	(25775)
144   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, what was the public interest justification under paragraph 83 of the Ministerial Code when he granted permission to the Minister of State, the honourable Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North to take his companion to Luxembourg from 25th to 26th October.
	(25770)
145   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, what was the public interest justification under paragraph 83 of the Ministerial Code when he granted permission to the Minister of State, the honourable Member for Leeds Central, to take his wife to Australasia and the Pacific from 12th to 22nd September.
	(25771)
146   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, if he will make it his policy to use the same definition of partner when deciding whether a minister can be accompanied on an overseas visit at public expense by someone other than his or her spouse as is used in immigration cases.
	(25866)
147   N	Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne):    To ask the Prime Minister, when permission was first given under paragraph 83 of the Ministerial Code for someone not married to a minister making an overseas trip to accompany him or her at public expense.
	(25772)
148   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what representations he has made to the Treasury concerning the impact on Scottish airports of the loss of intra-European Union duty free.
	(25213)
149   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will list the number of (a) passengers and (b) flights to (i) United Kingdom, (ii) other European Union and (iii) other international destinations from (1) Glasgow, (2) Prestwick, (3) Edinburgh and (4) Aberdeen airports in the last year for which figures are available.
	(25214)
150   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what representations he has received concerning the economic impact of the loss of intra-European Union duty free on Scottish airports.
	(25211)
151   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many people received treatment from (i) general practitioners and (ii) NHS hospitals in Scotland for (a) bronchitis, (b) influenza, (c) pneumonia, (d) hypothermia and (e) asthma for each month in the last five years.
	(25823)
152   N	Mrs Margaret Ewing (Moray):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with BAA concerning the impact on Scottish airports of the loss of intra-European Union duty free; and if he will make a statement.
	(25212)
153	Mr Neil Gerrard (Walthamstow):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what eligibility criteria have been drawn up for access to combination drug therapies for people with HIV/AIDS living in Scotland; and how these differ from guidelines in use in the rest of the United Kingdom.
	(26005)
154   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by his Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25617)
155   N	Mr Charles Kennedy (Ross, Skye and Inverness West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, when his Department was informed of the acquisition of the Skye Bridge Company by the Bank of America; from what date such acquisition became effective; what plans he has, arising therefrom, to reconsider the basis upon which his Department supplies information in response to enquiries from the National Audit Office; and if he will make a statement.
	(24835)
156   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment he has made of the impact on agricultural support and service industries in rural areas of current problems in the agricultural sector; what plans he has to provide additional economic assistance to small businesses in rural Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
	(25205)
157   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what plans he has to discuss mechanisms for the early return of Scottish beef to world export markets with European agriculture ministers.
	(25206)
158   N	Mr John Swinney (North Tayside):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will invite European Union agriculture ministers to meet representatives of the Scottish farming industry to discuss the Scottish beef industry; and if he will make a statement.
	(25207)
159   N	Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what estimate she has made of the cost of the uprating of the National Insurance rebate for Serps in each of the next five years.
	(25924)
160   N	Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what is the planned date of publication for the Minister of State for Welfare Reform's Green Paper on welfare reform.
	(25921)
161   N	Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what the running costs of the Benefits Fraud Inspectorate were in the last year for which figures are available.
	(25922)
162   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if she notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by her Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25616)
163   N	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how the effectiveness of the back-to-work bonus scheme is being monitored; what investigations have been made into length of employment in jobs taken up under this scheme; what plans she has to change the scheme; and if she will make a statement.
	(25294)
164   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what plans the Government has to change the entitlement to child benefit for 16 to 18 year olds.
	(25108)
165   N	Mr David Willetts (Havant):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many individuals receiving child benefit are estimated to be paying income tax at the higher rate; and how many live in families where their partner is estimated to be paying tax at the higher rate.
	(25104)
166   N	Mr John Bercow (Buckingham):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, when she will reply to the letter of 5th January from the honourable Member for Buckingham regarding the sale of the Minister for Trade and Competitiveness in Europe's BP shareholding.
	(25824)
167   N	Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if the insolvency practitioner whose name has been sent to her is currently on the register maintained by the Insolvency Service.
	(25353)
168   N	Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if the winding up of the affairs of G.S.W. Stewart Ltd. entered into liquidation in 1991 is now complete.
	(25038)
169   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what steps she is taking to ensure that disinterested advice is available to the consumer of personal computing products about the changes that need to be made to their computer systems in order for them to be millennium compliant.
	(25650)
170   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she notifies potential purchasers of obsolete information technology equipment sold by her Department that such equipment may not be millennium compliant.
	(25652)
171   N	Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham and Amersham):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she will ensure that all computer sales are accompanied by written guarantees of millennium compliance in order to protect the consumer.
	(25651)
172   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, when she received representations from British Aerospace and Rolls Royce about changes to foreign shareholders limits; what requirements have still to be met before she is able to make a decision on this matter; and when an announcement will be made.
	(25496)
173   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what assessment she has made of the impact on British Aerospace and Rolls Royce of the restrictions placed on potential overseas investors by the present foreign shareholder limits; and when she expects to be able to announce her decisions on the adjustment of those limits.
	(25497)
174   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, from which Government departments she is awaiting views on the proposals relating to foreign shareholder limits affecting British Aerospace and Rolls Royce.
	(25495)
175   N	Mr Michael Jack (Fylde):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if she will make a statement on the linkage between recent applications made by Rolls Royce and British Aerospace for launch aid and the outstanding decision on the foreign shareholder limits as they affect these two companies.
	(25666)
176   N	Mr John Redwood (Wokingham):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what is the annual cost of the support staff, accommodation, personnel salaries and other overheads of her Department's special advisers.
	(25816)
177   N	Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what surveys have been carried out into the benefits of solar heating systems in houses; what discussions she has had with housebuilders regarding installing solar heating systems when building houses; and if she will make a statement.
	(25296)
178   N	Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York):    To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what action the Government will take to ensure those sectors of the British economy previously benefiting from European Structural Funding will continue to benefit under the new Agenda 2000 proposals, with particular reference to KONVER.
	[Transferred] (25765)

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