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Yugoslavia (Fuel Embargo)
Mr. Gareth R. Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legislative steps have been taken to provide for a visit and search regime in respect of ships suspected of carrying fuel to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in breach of the EU-led embargo; and if he will make a statement. [86614]
Mr. Tony Lloyd: The North Atlantic Council agreed a visit and search regime for ships suspected of carrying fuel to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on 25 May. The regime is based on the consent of participating states.
To enable the United Kingdom to participate fully in this regime legislation allowing Royal Navy vessels to visit and search British ships outside UK waters came into force on 3 June.
The necessary enforcement powers in respect of United Kingdom ships are contained in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) (No.2) Regulations 1999 which revoke the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) Regulations 1999.
The Dependent Territories (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) (Supply, Sale and Export of Petroleum and Petroleum Products) Order 1999 imposes, by way of the prerogative, an oil embargo against the FRY in the Overseas Territories except for Bermuda and Gibraltar, with similar enforcement powers, in respect of ships registered in the territories concerned, to those in the Regulations. The UK does not have powers under the prerogative to legislate for Bermuda, which has been asked to legislate in similar terms. The EC Regulation is directly applicable in Gibraltar which will be legislating locally.
The EC Regulation is not directly applicable to the Crown Dependencies. The Channel Islands have already legislated locally and the Isle of Man will do so shortly.
Mr. Drew:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the United Kingdom will submit its 1999 return to the UN Register of Conventional Arms; and whether copies of the return will be placed in the Library. [86616]
Mr. Hoon:
We submitted our 1999 return to the UN Register covering conventional arms transfers in calendar year 1998 on 27 May. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.
9 Jun 1999 : Column: 355
Mr. Gareth R. Thomas:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish figures recording the number of outstanding parking and other minor traffic violation fines incurred by diplomatic missions and international organisations in London during 1998. [86613]
Mr. Tony Lloyd:
At the end of 1998 there were 4,259 unpaid fines in respect of parking and other minor traffic violations incurred by members of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations in London.
9 Jun 1999 : Column: 356
WALES
Regional Air Service
9. Mr. Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress he has made in respect of supporting the establishment of a regional air service in Wales. [85163]
Mr. Hain: Our current study to improve air services for Wales will be taken forward by the National Assembly for Wales in collaboration with the Deputy Prime Minister.
Structural Funding
10. Mr. Livsey: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has held recently with Treasury and Department of Trade and Industry Ministers to secure matched funding for objectives 1 and 2 structural funding for east Wales. [85164]
Mr. Michael: This Government's success in securing such a significant level of funding for Wales under the new EC Structural Funds programmes has been discussed at ministerial level. I am sure the hon. Member will want to congratulate the Prime Minister and the Chancellor and Welsh Labour Members of the European Parliament who worked so hard to secure this important opportunity for Wales.
Cabinet Decisions
11. Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what mechanisms exist for informing the National Assembly of (a) decisions in and (b) representations from Cabinet meetings in respect of matters relating to Wales. [85165]
Mr. Michael:
Concordats between the Assembly and the UK Government will cover the provision of information to the Assembly, including the passing on of Cabinet decisions. Under the Government of Wales Act 1998, it is the duty of the Secretary of State for Wales to consult the Assembly on the Government's legislative programme. There will also be regular contact at a ministerial level between the Assembly and other Government Departments as there will be between officials.
9 Jun 1999 : Column: 357
12. Mr. Edwards:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the provision of home to school transport. [85166]
Mr. Hain:
The provision of home to school transport is a matter for local education authorities. Each LEA must publish a home to school transport policy which sets out arrangements for its area. The School Transport Advisory Group (STAG) has been commissioned to provide advice on school transport. A sub group of STAG is looking specifically at home to school transport arrangements. The Group has been asked to report its findings by the end of the year.
14. Mr. Nicholas Winterton:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the number of junior Ministers he expects to serve in his Department after 1 July. [85168]
Mr. Michael:
That is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.
15. Mr. Syms:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he plans to divide his time between his responsibilities as Secretary of State and his functions within the National Assembly. [85169]
Mr. Michael:
Whether as Secretary of State for Wales or as First Secretary, my priority will be to serve the people of Wales and to deliver a stronger economy, an improved health service, jobs and opportunity for our young people and better education and training systems in Wales. By occupying both roles during the crucial transition period I will be able to ensure a smooth transfer of powers which keeps these priorities clearly in focus at the Welsh Office and the Assembly.
17. Mr. Jack:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what payments he has received from public funds as Secretary of State for Wales. [85171]
Mr. Michael:
Between October 1998, when I was appointed as Secretary of State for Wales, and the end of May 1999, I have been paid £27,299 from public funds in respect of that office.
16. Ms Julie Morgan:
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to restart children's heart surgery in Wales. [85170]
Mr. Jon Owen Jones:
The Specialised Health Services Commission for Wales is currently preparing a report on the options for the future provision of paediatric cardiac surgery and paediatric cardiology services in Wales. This will shortly be considered by its Board and will take into account the importance of maintaining services at the University Hospital of Wales and Llandough Hospital NHS Trust. These options will then be the subject of wide discussion within the NHS and with other interested parties.
9 Jun 1999 : Column: 358
In the meantime, children needing cardiac surgery will continue to be referred to those centres that can most appropriately treat their particular condition.
Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.
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