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Security
18. Mr. Ennis: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to create a more normal security environment in Northern Ireland. [92989]
Mr. Ingram: We are committed to as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements, consistent with the level of threat.
Since the Good Friday Agreement, routine military patrolling has been reduced by almost two thirds. Military installations have been closed and demolished. Since January, there have been under 15,000 service personnel on operational duties in Northern Ireland, except during short periods of heightened tension over the summer. This is fewer than at any time since 1970.
Parades Commission
20. Ms Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to what extent the Parades Commission has been able to achieve a local accommodation over the disputed parades this year. [92991]
Mr. Ingram:
The role of the Parades Commission is to promote and facilitate local accommodation in relation to contentious parades. Where this cannot be achieved, the legislation requires the Commission to make a determination.
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Since its establishment in 1997, the Parades Commission has carried out a unique and very important task in the most difficult circumstances imaginable. The relatively peaceful marching season was due in no small part to the Commission's efforts.
21. Mr. Savidge:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made on the establishment of a civic forum in Northern Ireland. [92992]
24. Mr. Michael J. Foster:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress he has made on the establishment of a civic forum in Northern Ireland. [92995]
Mr. George Howarth:
The report identified the sectoral interests which should be represented and on 16 February 1999 the new Northern Ireland Assembly approved the report of the First and Deputy First Minister (designate) which included arrangements for a consultative civic forum guidelines which should be adhered to by nominating bodies. Work is ongoing to ensure the establishment of the forum within six months of devolution.
22. Mr. Hilary Benn:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to promote reconciliation in Northern Ireland among those whose family members or friends have been killed or injured in the past 30 years. [92993]
Mr. Ingram:
Under the Government's Community Relations Programme and the European Union's Special Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, funding is provided to a wide range of groups which promote peace and reconciliation. These include groups working with victims, their families and friends.
23. Mr. McCabe:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to encourage inward investment in Northern Ireland. [92994]
Mr. McFall:
The Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland, the agency charged with attracting inward investment, continues its aggressive marketing and sales campaigns worldwide. In particular, they are following up on last year's successful promotional tour of North America, a year in which I am delighted to say they have achieved a record number of new projects.
25. Mr. Borrow:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the work of the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland. [92996]
Mr. George Howarth:
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland was appointed on 2 August and took over the functions exercised by its predecessors on
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1 October. The commissioners have received training in their new role and are pressing ahead with the broadened equality agenda. The first formal meeting of the commission took place on 14 October 1999.
26. Mr. John D. Taylor:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many homes are proposed in (a) those planning applications for which outline planning approval has been issued but construction has not commenced and (b) existing planning applications for which the planning decision has not yet been issued in the town of Newtownards. [92997]
Mr. George Howarth:
The information is not readily available in the form requested; however, the planning service has recently carried out a detailed analysis of the housing land availability position in Newtownards. This assessment indicates that approximately 51 hectares of zoned land remains available for deployment, with the potential to accommodate some 850 dwellings. In addition, planning permission has been granted, or is currently pending, for some 360 dwellings on unzoned land within the development limits of the town.
Mr. Jim Cunningham:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further talks have taken place about preparations for a British-Irish Council. [92980]
Mr. Mandelson:
All preparations are now in place for the British-Irish Council and the other institutions created by the Good Friday Agreement. The Council will be established immediately on entry into force of the British-Irish Agreement. This will coincide with the devolution of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Mrs. McKenna:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he is having with industry and the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland on future EU structural funding. [92976]
Mr. Ingram:
Representatives of industry and the voluntary sector are members of a core consultative group, established in July 1999, to enable local partners to be consulted on a regular basis regarding future EU funding. In addition, two major conferences have been organised involving many delegates from these sectors and they have also been invited to put forward their views in writing.
Mr. Clappison:
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the level of illegal activities by paramilitary forces. [92983]
Mr. Ingram:
The situation with regard to the activities of paramilitary groups is closely monitored.
To date this year there have been seven deaths, 67 bombing incidents and 94 shooting incidents. Paramilitary attacks unfortunately also continue with 135 carried out so far this year.
This level of violence is unacceptable. I call on the perpetrators to cease these activities forthwith.
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Mr. Paul Marsden:
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 9 June 1999, Official Report, column 339, on Child Benefit, when information by parliamentary constituency will become available; and if he will make a statement. [87864]
Angela Eagle:
The administration of Child Benefit is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to reply to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 28 June 1999:
Mr. Paul Marsden:
To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 26 May 1999, Official Report, column 187, on winter fuel allowance, if he will re-estimate the number of eligible pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham who will benefit from the winter fuel payments next winter. [94145]
Angela Eagle:
The administration of Winter Fuel Payments is a matter for Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Marsden, dated 19 October 1999:
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The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question pursuant to the answer of 9 June, Official Report, column 339, on Child Benefit, when information by parliamentary constituency will become available.
Due to differing postcode formats used on the Child Benefit computer system and the Department's Analytical Services system, it has been difficult to derive accurate statistics by constituency. However, this is close to being resolved and I expect to be able to forward the figures to you by the end of August, once the necessary computer scans have been completed.
I hope this is helpful.
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question pursuant to his Answer of 26th May, Official Report, column 187, on winter fuel allowance, if he will re-estimate the number of eligible pensioners in Shrewsbury and Atcham who will benefit from the winter fuel payments (WFP) next winter.
All eligible pensioner households will benefit from the WFP this winter. Pensioners, including pensioner couples who qualify by receiving Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance which includes one of the pensioner premiums, and who are not permanently in residential care or a nursing home, will be entitled to £100. Eligible pensioners who live alone, or who are the only eligible pensioner in a household, will be entitled to £100. Other eligible pensioners will be entitled to £50.
The estimated number of pensioners in the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency who will benefit from WFP next winter remains the same as in the previous reply to the Minister of State's answer at column 187 of the Official Report. This information is based on the data held for last year's exercise. Of the estimated 57,000 pensioners who will benefit from WFP, approximately 28,000 will receive £100 payments. We are currently preparing the relevant computer systems for this winter's payments to ensure that all payments are made before Christmas.
I hope this is helpful.
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