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Overseas Investment
Mr. Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much UK overseas investment was in each year since 1996 broken down by each main region of destination. [61861]
Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
Letter from John Pullinger to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 17 June 2002:
- The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent question on UK investment abroad since 1996 by region of destination. I am replying in his absence. (61861)
- The Office for National Statistics (ONS) does not compile a full geographical breakdown of the United Kingdom's financial account (which contains the United Kingdom's investment flows), although some information is available for the direct investment component. A geographical breakdown of UK foreign direct investment abroad is published annually in the Foreign Direct Investment Business Monitor (MA4), copies of which are available in the House of Commons Library.
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BCCI
Mr. Vaz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with the Governor of the Bank of England concerning the legal action of the liquidators of BCCI against the Bank of England. [62187]
Ruth Kelly: The Chancellor meets regularly with the Governor of the Bank of England to discuss a range of issues.
Consultation
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new steps his Department took in 2001–02 to consult the users of its services about their wishes and expectations; and if he will publish the findings. [47306]
Ruth Kelly [holding answer 10 April 2002]: The main service provided directly to the public by the Treasury is the provision of information.
In 2001–02 the Treasury consulted the public on the development of our website—the main vehicle by which we provide information—the results of which were fed into the site relaunch in November 2001. In 2002–03 we intend to consult regular users (financial professionals, journalists and members of the general public) of the main Treasury website, specifically to find out how they would like the site to develop in the future.
The Treasury are currently consulting on the development, in conjunction with Inland Revenue and Customs and Excise, of a new website aimed specifically at young people, but also which should also be of general public interest, explaining the work of the Chancellor's Departments in a more general way than is possible via the main website.
The Treasury also provides information on topical subjects such as third world debt in response to letters from members of the public requesting this information.
Computers
Dr. Kumar: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many computers were replaced in his Department in each of the past three years; how the replaced units were disposed of and by which companies; and at what cost. [60734]
Ruth Kelly: In the financial years 1999–2000, 2000–01 and 2001–02, HM Treasury replaced about 1,000 desktop computers.
Treasury attempts to sell off its redundant IT equipment wherever possible. The following details the sales over the last three years.
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Over the last three years the numbers of HMCE PC and laptop replacements were as follows:
| Year ended | Replacements |
|---|---|
| 31 March 2000 | 1,850 |
| 31 March 2001 | 3,611 |
| 31 March 2002 | 16,395 |
Prior to 31 March 2000 disposals were at local management discretion. A national scheme was established whereby charities in each region were invited to request replaced equipment and collect it at their own expense. Unusable equipment was discarded. Security and environmental factors were taken into consideration at all times. The cost incurred in disposal was minimal and related mainly to the time of the departmental staff involved.
On 31 March 2000 ownership of HMCE desktop and laptop computers passed to ICL (now Fujitsu Services) under a PFI contract. The contracted service charge covers replacement and disposal costs as well as provision of the day to day services. Fujitsu Services operate a Second Time Around Replacement (STAR) system, whereby renovated equipment is deployed as far as economically possible to reduce costs. During 1999, the Inland Revenue replaced all its PCs, laptops, servers and printers under a major programme known as Infrastructure 2000 (i2K). The aims of the programme were to introduce a common, market-centred infrastructure platform and to meet Year 2000 security requirements. Some 60,000 terminals were installed during this period (the largest NT installation in Europe at the time). Under i2K, a large percentage of the Department's existing IT kit was upgraded, refurbished and redeveloped as part of the deals negotiated with equipment suppliers. Because of this and the massive scale of the i2K programme (cost over £200 million), specific costs on disposal of individual items for the financial year 1999–2000 would be available only at disproportionate cost.
Since the successful delivery of i2K, the Department has operated a rolling programme of replacing IT kit. During the last two financial years, we have replaced the following numbers of PCs:
- 2000–01: 4,957
2001–02: 23,297.
- 2000–01: £55,158
2001–02: £199,751.
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Departmental Expenditure Limit
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much and what proportion of the departmental expenditure limit for 2002–03 had been spent by 31 May; what the figures were for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement. [61002]
Mr. Boateng: Reliable estimates for 2002–03 spending to 31 may are not available. Estimated outturn spending figures for 2001–02 can be found in Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2002–03, published in May 2002 as Command Paper 5401.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Dr. Tonge: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the exemption of voluntary organisations from the Financial Services compensation scheme. [61870]
Ruth Kelly: The purpose of the Financial Services compensation scheme is to mitigate the losses of eligible claimants when a firm is unable to meet claims against it. Whether a firm is "voluntary" is not a criterion for scheme participation.
National Air Traffic Services
Mr. Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with representatives of the insurance industry concerning the availability of insurance cover for the National Air Traffic Service. [61104]
Ruth Kelly [holding answer 13 June 2002]: Third party war and terrorism insurance for National Air Traffic Services is available through the Government's Troika insurance scheme. The scheme is currently due to come to an end on 30 June 2002. Discussions are continuing with the insurance industry and in Europe on arrangements beyond that date, although no discussions have been held with National Air Traffic Services themselves.
Ministerial Visits (Wales)
Mr. Llwyd: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the (a) date, (b) location and (c) purpose was of visits by Ministers in his Department to Wales since 1997; and when he next intends to visit Wales. [62080]
Mr. Boateng: Treasury Ministers have visited Wales on a number of occasions since 1997. My right hon. Friend last visited Wales on 23 May, but has no immediate plans for a further visit.
Women (Employment Statistics)
Mr. Cousins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how the total employment rate for women with dependent children aged (a) 0–4, (b) 5–10 and (c) 11–15 years has changed since 1989, broken down by (i) full and part-time work and (ii) women with (A) higher, (B) other and (C) no qualifications; and how the employment rate varies in each region. [61862]
Ruth Kelly: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.
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Letter from John Kidgell to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 17 June 2002:
- The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment rates for women with dependent children. I am replying in his absence. (61862)
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- The attached tables provide estimates of employment rates for working-age women with dependent children, for the three month periods ending May 1998 and May 2001.
- These estimate are from the Labour Force Survey and are not seasonally adjusted.
| Women aged 16–59 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| With youngest dependent child aged | Without | |||||
| All | 0–4 | 5–10 | 11–15 | 16–18 | dependent children | |
| Spring (March to May) 1989 | ||||||
| United Kingdom | 65.9 | 39.6 | 65.0 | 73.1 | 74.9 | 72.8 |
| Great Britain | 66.2 | 39.5 | 65.4 | 73.6 | 75.3 | 73.2 |
| England | 66.9 | 40.0 | 66.5 | 74.2 | 76.3 | 73.9 |
| Northern region | 62.8 | 38.0 | 64.4 | 75.6 | 72.8 | 67.8 |
| North West | 64.2 | 42.9 | 65.7 | 72.4 | 73.0 | 70.1 |
| Yorks and Humberside | 63.3 | 38.3 | 66.7 | 71.3 | 75.0 | 69.2 |
| East Midlands | 68.5 | 44.2 | 68.3 | 77.9 | 67.2 | 75.2 |
| West Midlands | 64.4 | 34.6 | 62.4 | 73.4 | 75.4 | 72.3 |
| East Anglia | 70.1 | 44.9 | 68.3 | 82.2 | 70.2 | 76.3 |
| Greater London | 66.4 | 37.5 | 60.1 | 64.8 | 77.4 | 75.4 |
| Rest of South East | 70.9 | 39.8 | 71.0 | 78.9 | 82.9 | 78.2 |
| South West | 69.1 | 43.3 | 70.0 | 75.2 | 78.5 | 74.8 |
| Wales | 60.8 | 38.6 | 62.7 | 69.1 | 64.3 | 65.5 |
| Scotland | 62.7 | 35.4 | 56.9 | 71.1 | 70.9 | 70.3 |
| Northern Ireland | 53.5 | 41.0 | 52.3 | 52.7 | 63.7 | 58.8 |
| Spring (March to May) 2001 | ||||||
| United Kingdom | 69.3 | 53.9 | 69.9 | 75.0 | 80.3 | 72.3 |
| Great Britain | 69.6 | 53.9 | 70.1 | 75.3 | 80.6 | 72.6 |
| England | 69.9 | 53.7 | 70.3 | 76.0 | 80.2 | 73.2 |
| Northern region | 64.6 | 47.6 | 69.2 | 71.8 | 79.8 | 66.4 |
| North West | 68.9 | 57.7 | 71.2 | 72.8 | 78.9 | 70.7 |
| Yorks and Humberside | 69.2 | 55.4 | 72.1 | 77.9 | 75.2 | 70.7 |
| East Midlands | 70.0 | 56.3 | 72.8 | 77.5 | 81.7 | 71.7 |
| West Midlands | 68.3 | 51.3 | 68.5 | 72.6 | 84.3 | 71.8 |
| East Anglia | 74.9 | 56.1 | 78.2 | 77.2 | 85.8 | 78.3 |
| Greater London | 64.2 | 43.0 | 58.9 | 67.1 | 67.9 | 71.2 |
| Rest of South East | 74.1 | 57.8 | 73.1 | 81.1 | 80.2 | 77.7 |
| South West | 74.3 | 57.7 | 75.5 | 83.3 | 91.1 | 76.4 |
| Wales | 63.3 | 47.7 | 68.6 | 68.4 | 80.4 | 64.7 |
| Scotland | 69.8 | 60.6 | 68.2 | 73.3 | 84.9 | 71.3 |
| Northern Ireland | 60.0 | 52.5 | 65.5 | 65.7 | 73.8 | 59.1 |
| Change, spring 1989 to spring 2001(40) | ||||||
| United Kingdom | 3.4 | 14.3 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 5.4 | -0.6 |
| Great Britain | 3.4 | 14.4 | 4.7 | 1.7 | 5.3 | -0.5 |
| England | 3.0 | 13.7 | 3.8 | 1.8 | 3.9 | -0.7 |
| Northern region | 1.8 | 9.6 | 4.8 | -3.9 | 7.1 | -1.4 |
| North West | 4.7 | 14.8 | 5.5 | 0.4 | 5.9 | 0.7 |
| Yorks and Humberside | 5.9 | 17.1 | 5.4 | 6.6 | 0.2 | 1.5 |
| East Midlands | 1.5 | 12.2 | 4.5 | -0.4 | 14.5 | -3.5 |
| West Midlands | 3.9 | 16.6 | 6.1 | -0.7 | 8.9 | -0.5 |
| East Anglia | 4.8 | 11.2 | 9.9 | -5.0 | 15.6 | 1.9 |
| Greater London | -2.2 | 5.6 | -1.2 | 2.3 | -9.5 | -4.2 |
| Rest of South East | 3.2 | 17.9 | 2.1 | 2.3 | -2.8 | -0.5 |
| South West | 5.3 | 14.3 | 5.5 | 8.1 | 12.6 | 1.6 |
| Wales | 2.6 | 9.1 | 5.9 | -0.6 | 16.1 | -0.8 |
| Scotland | 7.1 | 25.3 | 11.2 | 2.2 | 14.1 | 1.0 |
| Northern Ireland | 6.5 | 11.5 | 13.3 | 13.0 | 10.1 | 0.3 |
(37) Women in employment as a percentage of all women
(38) Children aged under 16 and those aged 16–18 in full-time education
(39) Estimates are given for Standard Statistical Regions (SSRs) as Government Office Regions (GORs) are not available prior to spring (March to May) 1992
(40) Percentage points
Source:
ONS Labour Force Survey
(41) Women in full-time/part-time employment as a percentage of all women
(42) The definition of full-time/part-time is based on respondents' self-assessment
(43) Children aged under 16 and those aged 16–18 in full-time education
(44) Base for percentages includes women who did not state their full-time/part-time status
(45) Percentage points
Source:
ONS Labour Force Survey
17 Jun 2002 : Column 133W
| Women aged 16–59 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| With youngest dependent child aged | Without | |||||
| All | 0–4 | 5–10 | 11–15 | 16–18 | dependent children | |
| Spring (March to May) 1998 | ||||||
| All persons (thousands)(48) | 16,666 | 3,029 | 2,098 | 1,466 | 474 | 9,598 |
| Higher qualifications(49) (%) | 80.9 | 63.8 | 82.7 | 87.2 | 88.6 | 85.4 |
| Other qualifications(50) (%) | 69.6 | 40.2 | 68.7 | 76.9 | 78.4 | 78.6 |
| No qualifications (%) | 55.3 | 26.6 | 54.7 | 66.0 | 65.8 | 60.2 |
| Spring (March to May) 2001 | ||||||
| All persons (thousands)(48) | 17,479 | 2,997 | 2,366 | 1,569 | 567 | 9,979 |
| Higher qualifications(49) (%) | 84.7 | 73.3 | 85.6 | 88.6 | 88.3 | 87.0 |
| Other qualifications(50) (%) | 70.8 | 54.3 | 71.9 | 78.5 | 84.5 | 74.2 |
| No qualifications (%) | 55.3 | 26.6 | 54.7 | 66.0 | 65.8 | 60.2 |
| Change, spring 1989 to spring 2001(51) | ||||||
| Higher qualifications(49) | 3.8 | 9.5 | 2.9 | 1.4 | -0.2 | 1.6 |
| Other qualifications(50) | 1.2 | 14.1 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 6.1 | -4.4 |
| No qualifications | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
(46) Women with each qualification level who are in employment as a percentage of all women with the relevant qualification level
(47) Children aged under 16 and those aged 16–18 in full-time education
(48) Includes women who did not state their qualifications
(49) Higher qualifications are those above GCE A-level or equivalent
(50) Other qualifications are those of GCE A-level or equivalent or lower and includes miscellaneous qualification which cannot be classified
(51) Percentage points
Source:
ONS Labour Force Survey
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