Order Book Part 1

House of Commons

Session 1998-98
Publications on the internet
The Order Book

Part 1: Written Questions for Answer on Friday 5 March 1999

Here you can browse the Written Questions for answer on Friday 5 March 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 Friday 5 March, of which no previous notice has been given, see the Order of Business.

For Written and Oral Questions for answer from Monday 8 March, 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.

FRIDAY 5th MARCH

1
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what powers the Government has to ban the import of genetically-modified food.

(74828)

2
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will list the biotechnical companies which have placed staff (a) on secondment and (b) on placement within his Department since 1st May 1997.

(74842)

3
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of foie gras production within the EU.

(74832)

4
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, how many unminuted pre-arranged meetings occurred between (a) himself, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials and representatives of the biotechnical industry sector since 1st May 1998.

(74837)

5
   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what assessment he has made of the safety of products derived from animals which eat genetically-modified animal feed.

(75420)

6
   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what assessment his Department has undertaken of the safety of genetically-modified foods on a similar basis to those undertaken for pharmaceutical products.

(75418)

7
   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what plans he has to publish the paper requested by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Biotechnology from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser on the human health implications of genetically-modified foods.

(75419)

8
N   Mr Tim Yeo (South Suffolk):    To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what percentages of suspect BSE cases were subsequently confirmed in each year from 1988 to 1997.

(75062)

9
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many unminuted pre-arranged meetings occurred between (a) himself, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials and representatives of the biotechnical industry sector since 1st May 1997.

(74835)

10
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, by what means he proposes to quantify (a) the benefits and (b) the risks that might flow from the genetic modification of (i) crops and (ii) food.

(74863)

11
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will list the biotechnical companies which have placed staff (a) on secondment and (b) on placement within his Department since 1st May 1997.

(74841)

12
N   Mr Peter Ainsworth (East Surrey):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what representations he has received concerning the future of Kilburn, Chalk Farm and Belsize public libraries in Camden; and if he will make a statement.

(75186)

13
N   Mr Peter Ainsworth (East Surrey):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what were the design, printing and distribution costs of the document, Tomorrow's Tourism.

(75185)

14
N   Mr Peter Ainsworth (East Surrey):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what was the cost of (a) developing and (b) introducing the new Departmental logo.

(75184)

15
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate he has made of the level of the proposed reduction in the allocation from the Sports Council for the World Class Performance Programme following the apportionment of money from the National Lottery to the New Opportunities Fund.

(75336)

16
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, which World Class Performance Programme grants will be reduced following the apportionment of money from the National Lottery to the New Opportunities Fund; and which sports will be affected.

(75337)

17
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what was the total funding his Department gave to the London Tourist Board in (a) 1995, (b) 1996, (c) 1997, and (d) 1998.

(75278)

18
N   Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews (Medway):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what further budget review for the Millennium Experience he has received since October 1998; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

(74904)

19
N   Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews (Medway):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make a statement on the matters raised in paragraph 6 of the Comptroller and Auditor General's Report on the accounts of the Millennium Commission for 1997-98; Financial Control of Expenditure, relating to the Millennium Experience (HC 1128).

(74905)

20
N   Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews (Medway):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans he has to advance further public finance, whether from Government or the Millennium Commission, to the Millennium Experience (a) as predicted in section six of the Comptroller and Auditor General's Report on the Account of the Millennium Commission for 1997-98: Financial Control of Expenditure relating to the Millennium Experience (HC 1128) and (b) otherwise.

(74986)

21
N   Mr Robert Marshall-Andrews (Medway):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps have been taken by himself or his Department in response to paragraph 6 of the Comptroller and Auditor General's Report on the Accounts of the Millennium Commission for 1997-98: Financial Control of Expenditure relating to the Millennium Experience (HC 1128) to identify the potential source of supplementary finance.

(74985)

22
   Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the prospects for removing regional anomalies in television coverage following the introduction of digital terrestrial television services.

(75464)

23
   Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy on communities receiving appropriate regional television broadcasting.

(75463)

24
   Dr George Turner (North West Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate he has made of the cost of (a) using digital terrestrial television transmitters to remove regional anomalies in analogue broadcasting and (b) using digital capacity to simulcast different regional variations from a single transmitter in order to remove these anomalies.

(75462)

25
N   Mr Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many cases involving soldiers sentenced by non-military courts to terms of imprisonment have been disposed of under the provisions of section 70 of the Army Act 1955 for each year between 1988 and 1998 indicating (a) the court which dealt with the offence, (b) the nature of the offence, (c) the sentence and (d) whether the convicted person was discharged from the Army.

(74428)

26
   Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role Vectra Technologies has at the RN base Clyde; and what experience that organisation has in work on nuclear submarines.

(75248)

27
   Mr Robert Key (Salisbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many new units of (a) single soldiers' accommodation, (b) married quarters and (c) other new buildings will be required at (i) Tidworth and (ii) Larkhill to meet the needs of the new third mechanised brigades.

(75272)

28
   Mr Robert Key (Salisbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will specify the minimum military readiness and training standards required of members of NATO; and whether the UK currently complies.

(75274)

29
   Mr Robert Key (Salisbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to achieve a more balanced operational and training cycle for the United Kingdom's deployable divisions in the UK and in Germany.

(75273)

30
   Mr Robert Key (Salisbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, in what ways he will reduce the burden of training on individual army units in the training cycle.

(75275)

31
   Mr Robert Key (Salisbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with whom he has entered into agreements or contracts or signed memorandums of understanding which extend to Ministry of Defence police officers the powers and privileges of constables (a) on land in respect of which he has agreed to provide the services of the Ministry of Defence police under notices published in the London, Belfast and Edinburgh Gazette and (b) in relation to matters connected with anything done for the purposes of the Ministry of Defence or the Defence Council.

(75276)

32
N   Mr Keith Simpson (Mid Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the number of (a) recruits enlisted into and (b) military personnel leaving the Territorial Army in each year since 1995-96.

(74858)

33
N   Mr Keith Simpson (Mid Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to maintain the footprint of the Army in those areas of the country where there will be no regular or TA units.

(74860)

34
N   Mr Keith Simpson (Mid Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will estimate the reduction in civilian posts from his review of the TA.

(74861)

35
N   Mr Keith Simpson (Mid Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for Liverpool Garston of 22nd February, Official Report, column 28, on smart procurement, when the full transition plan will be completed; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

(74823)

36
N   Mr Keith Simpson (Mid Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what arrangements he has made to ensure that voluntary groups that use Territorial Army centres will not be adversely affected as a consequence of his TA review.

(74862)

37
N   Mr Keith Simpson (Mid Norfolk):    To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what arrangements he has made for TA personnel who are studying for qualifications at TA centres which are closing to continue their studies.

(74859)

38
N   Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what restrictions apply under the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 to teachers who are also parents eligible to vote in a ballot on the future of selective education.

(74824)

39
   Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will make a statement on Trafford Borough Council's advice to parent teacher associations regarding the dissemination of information to parents who are involved in grammar school ballots.

(75226)

40
N   Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, when he expects to reach a decision on the appeal by Rainsford School, Chelmsford, against the direction made by Essex County Council to admit a pupil, whose name has been sent to him, at the school.

(74821)

41
N   Mr Simon Burns (West Chelmsford):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, when he received an appeal from Rainsford School, Chelmsford, against the direction made by Essex County Council to admit a pupil, whose name has been sent to him, to that school.

(74822)

42
N   Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what proportion of all those aged from 18 to 64 years, who are in employment or actively seeking employment, are qualified to NVQ (a) level 3 and (b) level 4 in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) England; and what the figures were in each year from 1993.

(75069)

43
   Mr David Lock (Wyre Forest):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will list (i) the names of the beneficiaries of all the discretionary grants awarded by his Department to organisations within Worcestershire during 1998, (ii) their monetary value, (iii) their total value and (iv) the proportion that that total sum comprises of the total sums awarded by his Department in discretionary grants in 1998.

(75254)

44
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, how many accredited training providers are offering Bug Buster courses funded by his Department to small and medium-sized enterprises.

(75257)

45
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, how many small and medium-sized enterprises have completed Bug Buster training courses.

(75256)

46
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what plans he has for the future funding of the free delivery of Bug Buster courses for small and medium-sized enterprises.

(75258)

47
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, how much money has been allocated to provide free Bug Buster courses for small and medium-sized enterprises.

(75255)

48
   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, on how many occasions he has met representatives of BT to discuss Internet connections to further education colleges.

(75447)

49
   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what steps he is taking to monitor the terms under which free connections to the Internet for further education colleges are being made; and if he will make a statement.

(75445)

50
   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, (a) how many and (b) what percentage of further education colleges have been connected to the Internet free of installation charge to date.

(75448)

51
   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what is the average (a) capital and (b) running cost per link to the Internet for further education colleges; and if he will list the range of such costs.

(75444)

52
   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough):    To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what plans he has to reform school performance tables to allow schools to omit from their statistics those children who have been disregarded from SATs and public examinations by virtue of a statement of special education needs.

(75206)

53
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the biotechnical companies which have placed staff (a) on secondment and (b) on placement within his Department since 1st May 1997.

(74840)

54
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment his Department has made of the likely implications of the cultivation of genetically-modified crops for the volume of pesticides used; and what studies he has commissioned on this matter.

(74868)

55
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will increase the time allocated by Health and Safety Executive inspectors to the inspection of genetically-modified trial crop sites.

(74867)

56
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the studies commissioned by his Department into the potential indirect effect on the environment from the growing of genetically-modified crops.

(74865)

57
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what is the present acreage of trial genetically-modified crops under cultivation.

(74852)

58
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many unminuted pre-arranged meetings have occurred between (a) himself, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials and representatives of the biotechnical industry sector since 1st May 1997.

(74836)

59
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what is his Department's policy in respect of the forthcoming review of Trade, intellectual property, Food and biodiversity clauses on the protection of biological resources.

(74849)

60
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the dates on which each site where genetically-modified trial crops are being grown was (i) first subject to such cultivation and (ii) last inspected by a Health and Safety Executive inspector.

(74866)

61
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to promote the transfer of freight from road to rail.

(74850)

62
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Strategic Rail Authority will have (a) a duty and (b) a power to influence matters outside the rail industry but which nevertheless affect it, with particular reference to maximum lorry weights.

(74831)

63
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, in respect of their impact on the global environment, what assessment his Department has made of the compatibility of Article 27 of Trade, intellectual property, Food and biodiversity and Articles 8, 15 and 16 of the UN Convention on Biological Resources.

(74845)

64
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the present regulations applying to genetically-modified trial crops in respect of the need to prevent cross-contamination.

(74864)

65
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what estimate he has made of the percentage of crops under cultivation which are trials of genetically-modified crops.

(74853)

66
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if the Strategic Rail Authority will have a duty to require a minimum percentage of train paths to be available for freight traffic.

(74851)

67
N   Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what representations he has received about the proposed transfer of Manchester City Council estates in Sale West to other landlords.

(74825)

68
   Mr Cynog Dafis (Ceredigion):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment his Department has made of the cost-effectiveness of campaigns to improve the take-up of energy efficiency measures in the domestic sector.

(75207)

69
N   Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how much of the indicative budgets proposed to be passed to the regional development agencies from English Partnerships for 1999-2000 and future years is not committed (a) in contractual terms and (b) in principle for each of the regional development agencies.

(74901)

70
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to ensure that the introduction of new commuter services on the River Thames does not undermine established tourist operations.

(75265)

71
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what representations his Department has received concerning the honouring by London River Services after 1st April 1999 of agreements and licences which the Port of London Authority entered into with boat operators.

(75261)

72
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many housing associations received government funding in (a) London, (b) the North West and (c) England as a whole in the last two years.

(75264)

73
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will ensure that London River Services does not sell the Thames piers in its ownership.

(75263)

74
   Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that agreements and licences which the Port of London Authority entered into with boat operators are honoured by London River Services after 1st April.

(75262)

75
N   Mr Robert Key (Salisbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what was the rate of all road traffic accidents expressed as accidents per hundred thousand vehicle miles in the latest year for which figures are available.

(74998)

76
   Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement on the statutory status of the EU Landfill of Waste Common Position Paper 49/98 with regard to United Kingdom legislation.

(75344)

77
   Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of safeguards on the disposal of mining waste.

(75345)

78
   Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to change the rules on the disposal of inert mining waste.

(75346)

79
   Mr David Lock (Wyre Forest):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list (i) the names of the beneficiaries of all the discretionary grants awarded by his Department to organisations within Worcestershire during 1998, (ii) their monetary value, (iii) their total value and (iv) the proportion that that total sum comprises of the total sums awarded by his Department in discretionary grants in 1998.

(75253)

80
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he plans to issue guidance to local authorities on public safety zones.

(75220)

81
   Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, when he proposes to announce the next round of approval for housing stock transfers; and if he will make a statement.

(75466)

82
   Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many applications his Department has received for housing stock transfers in the last year for which figures are available.

(75465)

83
   Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what representations he has received regarding housing stock transfers.

(75467)

84
N   Mr Gordon Prentice (Pendle):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many persons have (a) applied for and (b) been invited to apply for membership of the Board of the Countryside Agency; how many have been interviewed; and when he will announce the appointments.

(74870)

85
   Mr Alan Simpson (Nottingham South):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what steps he will take to examine bulk imports of United States soya beans following the 1999 United States harvest to test whether they contain AgrEvo's Liberty Link soya bean; and if he will make a statement.

(75348)

86
   Mr Alan Simpson (Nottingham South):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make a statement on the licensing status of AgrEvo's Liberty Link soya bean in the (a) United States of America, (b) European Union and (c) United Kingdom.

(75347)

87
   Mr Alan Simpson (Nottingham South):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what steps he takes to ensure that unlicensed soya beans do not enter (a) animal feed and (b) the human food chain; and what communication he has had with AgrEvo about the planting and harvesting in the United States of America and subsequent exporting to the United Kingdom of its Liberty Link soya bean.

(75349)

88
   Mr Gerry Steinberg (City of Durham):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will make money available to local authorities to help them to enable shopping centres in town and cities to compete equally with designated out-of-town shopping areas.

(75277)

89
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what plans he has to review the buildmark and related construction standards.

(75505)

90
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many buildings have been spot-listed in Greater London in the past year.

(75503)

91
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many new rural public transport routes have been created since 1997.

(75501)

92
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will offer additional guidance to local planning authorities seeking to promote re-use of buildings in their local development plans.

(75500)

93
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many new housing developments have been based on public design competitions in the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the role of urban design guidance in promoting such developments.

(75506)

94
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will list the development projects involving sites larger than one hectare in the South East which he has called in in the past year.

(75499)

95
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, how many (a) out-of-town shopping mall and (b) superstore planning applications in England have been refused, and on what principal grounds, on appeal in the past year.

(75504)

96
   Mr Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, which planning policy guidance notes issued by the Planning Inspectorate are currently being reviewed.

(75502)

97
   Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what estimate he has made of the number of road accidents caused by drivers falling asleep.

(75266)

98
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what research his Department has carried out on the effects of the taxation of employee' benefits from green transport plans; and if he will make a statement.

(74854)

99
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons he has not yet replied substantively to the questions from the honourable Member for Gordon, due for answer on 4th February (references 69244 and 69185); and if he will make a statement.

(74987)

100
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons he has yet to reply substantively to the question from the honourable Member for Gordon due for answer 25th February (reference 72814).

(74988)

101
   Mr David Chaytor (Bury North):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will list the work his Department has carried out to examine the scope for using the tax system to deliver environmental objectives; and if he will make a statement.

(75339)

102
   Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what action he is taking to ensure that the Bank of England is not disadvantaged in competition for future printing of euro-banknotes by the United Kingdom's position outside the euro zone; and if he will make a statement.

(75460)

103
   Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to improve the competitive position of the Bank of England in the printing of banknotes; and if he will make a statement.

(75461)

104
   Mr Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what research his Department has conducted on ways of calculating productivity levels in terms of resource use as well as in terms of labour; what conclusions he has reached; and if he will make a statement.

(75249)

105
   Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will estimate the number of income tax payers in Scotland.

(75508)

106
   Mr Gareth R. Thomas (Harrow West):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what action he is taking to encourage ethical and social investment schemes; and if he will make a statement.

(75343)

107
   Mr Robert N. Wareing (Liverpool, West Derby):    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the current human rights situation in Croatia.

(75229)

108
N   Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the NHS trust and health authority appointments which were not made by the due date; and which remained outstanding on 1st March.

(74833)

109
N   Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham and Sale West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he will reply to the letter of 29th January from the honourable Member for Altrincham and Sale West on appointments to health authorities and NHS trusts in the North West.

(74834)

110
   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what is the current waiting time for cardiac rehabilitation courses for each health trust.

(75208)

111
   Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what is the capacity for expansion of existing medical schools to accommodate the additional medical places required by the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

(75455)

112
   Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the Medical Workforce Standing Advisory Committee evaluation of the capacity for clinical positions for students at existing medical schools; and if he will make a statement.

(75453)

113
N   Mr Brian Jenkins (Tamworth):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list for each health authority in the West Midlands (i) the total funding allocation and (ii) the funding per capita for health services for each year between 1987 and 1999, indicating for each year the (1) planned and (2) actual funding allocation by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

(74857)

114
   Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to end anomalies arising from preserved rights in the residential and nursing care sectors; and if he will make a statement.

(75231)

115
   Mr David Lock (Wyre Forest):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the grants to be provided by his Department to Worcestershire County Council in 1999-2000; and if he will state the amount and purpose of each grant.

(75250)

116
   Mr David Lock (Wyre Forest):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list (i) the names of the beneficiaries of all the discretionary grants awarded by his Department to organisations within Worcestershire during 1998, (ii) their monetary value, (iii) their total value and (iv) the proportion that that total sum comprises of the total sums awarded by his Department in discretionary grants in 1998.

(75252)

117
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many (i) paramedics, (ii) chiropodists, (iii) physiotherapists, (iv) clinical psycologists, (v) occupational therapists and (vi) speech therapists were practising in (a) the National Health Service and (b) the private sector at the latest available date.

(75243)

118
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to regulate the activities of non-state registered doctors.

(75223)

119
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what statutory protection is provided to the patients of (i) paramedics, (ii) chiropodists, (iii) physiotherapists, (iv) clinical psycologists, (v) occupational therapists and (vi) speech therapists in (a) the National Health Service and (b) the private sector; and what plans he has to introduce measures to provide additional protection.

(75224)

120
   Mr Gerry Steinberg (City of Durham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many NHS patients were admitted to private sector hospitals during the winter months.

(75456)

121
   Mr Gerry Steinberg (City of Durham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to implement a programme to vaccinate all high-risk groups of the population against meningitis; and how many cases of meningitis there have been in each year since 1990.

(75457)

122
   Mr Gerry Steinberg (City of Durham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the number of people who suffered from smoking-related diseases in each of the last five years.

(75459)

123
   Mr Gerry Steinberg (City of Durham):    To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to impose a legal duty on restaurants to provide non-smoking areas.

(75458)

124
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the Special Branch is empowered to disconnect telephone lines connected to organisations for the purpose of preventing possible subversion; whether explicit authorisation is required from him for such action; and if he will make a statement.

(74855)

125
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the remit of the Special Branch extends to monitoring pressure groups involved in campaigns against genetically-modified food.

(74856)

126
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what procedures he has established to ensure that local crime and disorder strategies will be monitored, evaluated and audited for evidence of success; and if he will make a statement.

(75247)

127
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage of community orders were completed successfully at the latest date for which figures are available, and what were the relevant targets of his Department.

(75241)

128
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what were the (i) predicted and (ii) actual reconviction rates for persons sentenced to (a) prison and (b) community orders over the last two years for which figures are available.

(75240)

129
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers there were (a) in each division of the Metropolitan police force and (b) in total, (i) on the last date for which figures are available, (ii) on 31st March 1998, (iii) 31st March 1997 and (iv) 31st March 1992.

(75271)

130
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what initiatives his Department is undertaking to ensure that other government departments are identifying areas where they can improve community safety and reduce crime; and if he will make a statement.

(75245)

131
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (i) civilian staff and (ii) traffic Wardens were employed in each police force area on (a) the last date for which figures are available and (b) 31st March 1997.

(75246)

132
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the Audit Commission report Safety in Numbers, Promoting Community Safety.

(65244)

133
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what was the national average occupancy rate in hostels in England and Wales on the latest date available; and what are his Department's relevant key performance indicators for 1998-99.

(75242)

134
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what was the two year reconviction rate, with adjustments for pseudo-reconvictions, for (a) community service orders, (b) probation orders, (c) probation centre with specific activities orders, (d) combination orders and (e) imprisonment at the latest date for which figures are available.

(75239)

135
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate his Department has made of the annual total cost of crime in each region of England and Wales, and in total in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

(75338)

136
   Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list the number of times since 1st May 1997 that his Department has employed outside consultants indicating in each case (a) the task and (b) the cost of the contract.

(75449)

137
N   Sir Norman Fowler (Sutton Coldfield):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action he has taken to protect witnesses mistakenly identified in the volume of appendices to the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report which has now been withdrawn; and if he will make a statement.

(75001)

138
N   Sir Norman Fowler (Sutton Coldfield):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if police assistance will be available to the leak inquiry ordered by his Permanent Secretary into the unauthorised publication of extracts from the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report; and if he will make a statement.

(75000)

139
N   Sir Norman Fowler (Sutton Coldfield):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what was the cost of withdrawing and reissuing the volume of appendices of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry report; and if he will make a statement.

(74999)

140
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what responses he received to the consultation paper on modernising the Gaming Act 1968 in respect of (a) postal and group applications, (b) limited print advertising and (c) introduction of casino gaming machines; and if he will make a statement.

(75219)

141
   Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what information his Department has collated on the number of deaths, broken down by age group, arising from misuse of lighter fuel refills in each of the last three years.

(75471)

142
   Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what age limit he proposes to introduce for the purchase of lighter fuel refills.

(75469)

143
   Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he proposes to announce new regulations covering the sale of lighter fuel refills.

(75468)

144
   Mr Peter L. Pike (Burnley):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what publicity he plans to produce on the dangers of lighter fuel refills; and if he will make a statement.

(75470)

145
N   Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, under what circumstances people who are held in prison without bail and awaiting trial are allowed temporarily to leave the prison on compassionate grounds; whose responsibility it is to grant such leave; and if he will make a statement.

(74997)

146
N   Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many au pairs were registered with the police under the terms of the au pair scheme in (a) May 1997, (b) July 1998 and (c) the latest month for which figures are available.

(74488)

147
N   Mr Nick St. Aubyn (Guildford):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will estimate the costs saved since August 1998, following the relaxation of the rules requiring au pairs to register with the police after being in the United Kingdom for six months.

(74489)

148
N   Mr Phil Woolas (Oldham East and Saddleworth):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what allowance for extra police officers he made in the Greater Manchester Police Force financial settlement for 1999-2000.

(74826)

149
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the implications for poorer countries of the patents granted within the United States on (a) quinoa, (b) the neem tree, (c) j'oublie and (d) basmati.

(74847)

150
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, in respect of their impact on poorer countries, what assessment her Department has made of the compatability of Article 27 of TRIPS and Articles 8, 15 and 16 of the UN Convention on Biological Resources.

(74844)

151
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, if she will list the biotechnical companies which have placed staff (a) on secondment and (b) on placement within her Department since 1st May 1997.

(74843)

152
   Mr Alan Clark (Kensington and Chelsea):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with colleagues at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Food regarding the immunisation of sniffer dogs sent by her Department to assist in rescue work in Colombia.

(75230)

153
   Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what support the Government is giving to initiatives to raise public awareness in developing countries on codes of conduct on labour standards.

(75234)

154
   Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what action the Government is taking to raise public awareness of ethically and fairly traded products.

(75233)

155
   Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, if he will list the occasions on which cases have (a) collapsed and (b) gone to appeal on the basis of inadequate interpreter provision for defendants in each of the last two years.

(75341)

156
   Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, what professional standards and qualifications are required of interpreters working in English courts.

(75342)

157
   Mr Tom Levitt (High Peak):    To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, what measures exist to ensure that accused persons whose first language is not English receive a fair trial in English courts.

(75340)

158
   Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase):    To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, how many magistrates are aged between 65 and 70 years.

(75267)

159
   Dr Tony Wright (Cannock Chase):    To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, what is the retirement age for lay members of each of the tribunals for which he has responsibility.

(75268)

160
   Mr Eddie McGrady (South Down):    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many people have registered for the New Deal at each social security office in South Down since its introduction; and of these how many were unemployed and in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or income support.

(75227)

161
   Mr Eddie McGrady (South Down):    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many people who registered for the New Deal at each social security office in South Down have obtained full-time employment.

(75228)

162
   Mr William Ross (East Londonderry):    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if she will list for the week ended 27th February the number of violent incidents involving paramilitary groups which took place in Northern Ireland and indicate how many involved (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups.

(75269)

163
   Mr William Ross (East Londonderry):    To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if she will list for the week ended 27th February the number of (a) punishment beatings and (b) punishment shootings which took place in Northern Ireland indicating how many in each category were committed by (i) Loyalist and (ii) Republican groups.

(75270)

164
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Prime Minister, who will represent the British Government at the High Level Symposium on Trade and Environment in Geneva on 15th and 16th March 1999; what policy position the Government will be promoting; and if he will make a statement.

(74869)

165
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his Answer of 1st March, Official Report, column 527, on genetic modification, on what basis he stated that genetic modification has the potential for the production of food that is more nutritious and better tasting.

(75061)

166
N   Mr Tim Yeo (South Suffolk):    To ask the Prime Minister, when he last met environmental groups with an interest in biotechnology; and who was present at the meeting.

(75063)

167
N   Mr Tim Yeo (South Suffolk):    To ask the Prime Minister, how many representations he has received during the last six months on food safety; and how many of these mentioned (a) genetically-modified organisms, (b) genetic engineering and (c) biotechnology.

(75064)

168
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate, for each of the next 10 years, the annual cost of abolishing tuition fees for Scottish students at all UK universities on (a) a cash accounting basis and (b) a resource accounting basis; and if he will make a statement.

(74562)

169
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what expenditure has been incurred to date on making preparations for the possible use of the tax-varying powers of the new Scottish Parliament; and if he will make a statement.

(74563)

170
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what estimate he has made of the annual cost, for each of the next 20 years, of replacing the university maintenance loan with a maintenance grant for Scottish students at United Kingdom universities; if he will set out the figures in terms of (a) their cash accounting and funding impact and (b) their effect in terms of resource accounting; and if he will make a statement.

(74711)

171
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate outpatient waiting times for the quarter ended December 1998; and if he will make a statement.

(74889)

172
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, for what reasons he has not yet replied to the questions from the honourable Member for Gordon, tabled on 1st February for answer on 4th and 8th February (refs. 69242, 69254, 69251, 69235, 69267, 69203, 69197, 69198, 69199, 69201, 69200); and if he will make a statement.

(75060)

173
   Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will breakdown the excess winter deaths for each of the last three years by socio-economic class, indicating (a) all ages, (b) those aged 60 to 70 years and (c) those aged 70 years and over.

(75450)

174
   Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will make a statement on the capacity for clinical positions for students at medical schools.

(75452)

175
   Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what is the capacity for expansion of existing medical schools to accommodate additional medical places required by the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

(75454)

176
N   Mr Robert Maclennan (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what representations he has received from Sheriff Principal Risk about the exclusion of the Wick Sheriff Court from the list of outlying sheriff courts at which an enhanced fixed payment for summary criminal legal aid cases will be paid; and if he will make a statement.

(75065)

177
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate the average pay for Grade D nurses in the last 10 years; and if he will list the five NHS trusts that have the lowest pay awards for Grade D nurses for 1999-2000.

(74995)

178
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many (a) acute, (b) geriatric, (c) mental illness, (d) learning disability and (e) maternity beds there were in each health board area in each year since 1994-95.

(74989)

179
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will list by region the number of appointments of which he has (a) made personally and (b) been consulted on; and if he will list for those appointments the political affiliations of the successful candidates.

(74992)

180
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate the average pay for chief executives for NHS trusts for the last 10 years; and if he will list the pay of the five highest paid chief executives of NHS trusts in 1998-99.

(74994)

181
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many whole-time equivalent (a) bank, (b) agency and (c) contract nurses were employed, and at what cost, by health board area in each of the last 10 years.

(74990)

182
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many patients (a) in each health board area and (b) nationally were retained past their original discharge date in NHS beds before moving to social service beds in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will estimate the cost of the NHS of this delayed discharge.

(75067)

183
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will list the hospitals, by region, which have consulted the local community health council on service reconfiguration in the last 10 years; how many beds have been (i) gained and (ii) lost under these reconfigurations; and if he will list by region those hospitals that are currently (i) under review and (ii) undergoing service reconfiguration.

(74991)

184
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will place in the Library figures by (a) health board area, (b) region and (c) Scotland, for the number of operations cancelled on the day of, or the day after, admission to a hospital, and the numbers of those patients not readmitted within a month, by quarter for the last two years.

(74996)

185
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate the number of people in each health region who are currently waiting for an appointment with a consultant following referral by a general practitioner; if he will provide a breakdown of the length of time for which those people (a) have already waited and (b) are expected to wait; and if he will list for each region the waiting time being issued to new entrants for (i) ear, nose and throat, (ii) trauma and orthopaedic, (iii) general surgery, (iv) ophthalmology and (v) gynaecology consultants.

(75066)

186
N   Mr Michael Moore (Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will list the estimated surplus or deficit of each health authority in 1998-99.

(74993)

187
   Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what was the year on year change in central government funding for police between 1979-80 and 1999-2000 in (a) cash and (b) real terms; and if he will make a statement.

(75225)

188
N   Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what was the cost of providing higher education for the non-British EU undergraduate students who studied at Scottish higher education institutions in 1996-97; and out of which departmental budget it was paid.

(75003)

189
   Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many individuals are on the electoral roll in Scotland.

(75507)

190
   Mr Martin Caton (Gower):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will list the locations at which temperature readings were taken for the cold weather payments scheme in 1998-99.

(75260)

191
N   Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what the total expenditure on the NIRS2 computer system has been to date; what the estimated total expenditure on completion of the NIRS2 computer system is; and what the original bid by Andersen Consulting for setting up the NIRS2 computer system was.

(75182)

192
N   Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many lone parents are currently claiming income support; and how many lone parents were claiming income support in September 1998.

(75150)

193
N   Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many lone parents there are in each decile of income distribution.

(75149)

194
N   Mr Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will list all the representations received in response to the Green Paper on the Child Support Agency.

(75151)

195
N   Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what was the total number claiming each component of the disability living allowance, and the numbers within those groups (a) working and (b) not working, in each year since 1992.

(75071)

196
   Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will estimate from the PENSIM model the proportion of pensioners likely to have incomes of less than (1) 20 per cent. of average earnings and (2) 30 per cent. of average earnings, (a) including the impact of the minimum income guarantee and other means-tested assistance and (b) excluding all forms of means-tested assistance for (i) 2000, (ii) 2005, (iii) 2010, (iv) 2015, (v) 2020 and (vi) 2025; and if he will list the assumptions made, with particular reference to those relating to (x) growth in earnings, (y) returns on investment and (z) prices.

(75232)

197
N   Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how many pensioners are currently receiving income from a personal pension; and of those how many are also claiming means-tested benefits.

(75068)

198
   Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what discussions he has held with other governments about extending bilateral agreements to protect the position of UK overseas pensioners; and if he will make a statement.

(75237)

199
   Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will estimate the cost or uprating the pensions for UK citizens resident overseas in 1999-2000 in line with UK pensioners, for (a) all overseas pensioners and (b) only those overseas pensioners whose net income would increase as a result.

(75238)

200
N   Mr David Rendel (Newbury):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what estimate he has made of (a) the number of bereaved people who will no longer be able to claim incapacity benefit on the basis of their spouses' contribution record under the proposals in the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill and (b) the consequent savings.

(75002)

201
N   Steve Webb (Northavon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his Answer of 26th January, Official Report, column 49, on income support, when he expects to publish estimates of non take-up of income-related benefits in 1996-97.

(75070)

202
   Steve Webb (Northavon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what information is provided by his Department's Family Revenues Survey about the proportion of pensioners aged 80 years or over living in multiple benefit unit households relative to that of all people over pensionable age.

(75221)

203
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of gene patenting.

(74830)

204
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he list all the potential crop organisms on which Monsanto has secured European patents.

(74829)

205
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, in respect of patent issues, what assessment his Department has made of the compatibility of Article 27 of TRIPS and Articles 8, 15 and 16 of the UN Convention on Biological Resources.

(74846)

206
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list the biotechnical companies which have placed staff (a) on secondment and (b) on placement within his Department since 1st May 1997.

(74839)

207
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many unminuted pre-arranged meetings occurred between (a) himself, (b) Ministers in his Department and (c) his officials and representatives of the biotechnical industry sector since 1st May 1998.

(74838)

208
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what is his policy in respect of the appeal by Italy and the Netherlands to the European Court of Justice against the EU Life Patents Directive.

(74827)

209
N   Norman Baker (Lewes):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what is his Department's policy in respect of the forthcoming review of TRIPS clauses on the protection of biological resources.

(74848)

210
N   Mr Nigel Griffiths (Edinburgh South):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his Answer of 22nd February, Official Report, column 89, when he expects to place the final firework safety figure for 1998 in the Library.

(75183)

211
   Mr David Lock (Wyre Forest):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will list (i) the names of the beneficiaries of all the discretionary grants awarded by his Department to organisations within Worcestershire during 1998, (ii) their monetary value, (iii) their total value and (iv) the proportion that that total sum comprises of the total sums awarded by his Department in discretionary grants in 1998.

(75251)

212
   Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if he will make a statement on the actions his Department is taking to promote the Ethical Trading Initiative among UK companies.

(75236)

213
   Mr David Stewart (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber):    To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what action his Department is taking to promote the establishment of internal systems in UK companies for the implementation and external verification of ethical practices.

(75235)

214
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on all forms of opinion polling and focus groups for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74894)

215
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on newspapers and magazines for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74896)

216
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of the amount of repair and maintenance work waiting to be done in Welsh schools; and if he will make a statement.

(74902)

217
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on all forms of hospitality and entertainment for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74893)

218
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of the cost of reducing all primary school class sizes to 30 or fewer pupils, over and above planned provision for smaller class sizes in certain primary school classes; and if he will make a statement.

(74903)

219
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on all forms of (a) external consultancy and (b) internal consultancy for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74891)

220
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list the properties of his Department, its agencies and public bodies which are at present vacant; and what is the estimated value of such properties and annual cost of maintaining the properties in a vacant state.

(74898)

221
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department and agencies on industry, training and enterprise for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1998-99; what are the planned figures for each of the years from 1999-2000 to 2001-02.

(74900)

222
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department and agencies on roads for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1998-99; what are the planned figures for each of the years from 1999-2000 to 2001-02; and if he will make a statement.

(74899)

223
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on all forms of (a) publicity, (b) advertising and (c) press expenditure for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74892)

224
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on all (a) internal and (b) external conferences for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74897)

225
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on special advisers for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74895)

226
N   Mr Malcolm Bruce (Gordon):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate of expenditure by his Department, its agencies and related public bodies on all forms of administrative expenditure for each of the years from 1994-95 to 1999-2000; and if he will make a statement.

(74890)

227
N   Mr Alan Williams (Swansea West):    To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, who has the power to set the time at which votes will be counted in each constituency for the (a) Welsh Assembly elections and (b) council elections.

(74564)

228
   Ms Margaret Moran (Luton South):    To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to regulate wheel clampers; and if he will make a statement.

[Transferred] (75259)

229
   Dr Norman A. Godman (Greenock and Inverclyde):    To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will breakdown the excess winter deaths in England and Wales for each of the last three years by socio-economic class, indicating (a) all ages, (b) those aged 60 to 70 years and (c) those aged 70 years and over.

[Transferred] (75451)

230
   Mr A. J. Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed):    To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, what percentage of the legal aid budget was spent on cases pursued by foreign nationals in courts in England and Wales in (a) 1989 and (b) in each of the last three years.

[Transferred] (75222)

231
   Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton):    To ask the Chairman of the Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee, what assessment is made of the industial relations record of private contractors as part of the tendering process for contracts to provide services to the House; and if he will make a statement.

[Transferred] (75433)



© Parliamentary copyright 1999	Revised 5 March 1999