Order Book Part 1

House of Commons

Session 2002 - 03
Publications on the internet
The Order Book

Part 1: Written Questions for Answer on
Monday 12 May 2003

Here you can browse the Written Questions for answer on Monday 12 May 2003, of which previous notice has been given in the Notices of Questions paper. They are arranged in alphabetical order of answering Department.

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.

MONDAY 12th MAY

1   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112804)

2   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112778)

3   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112762)

4   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, who the chief executive officer is of the (a) Government Centre for Information Systems, (b) Centre for Management and Policy Studies, (c) Property Advisers to the Civil Estate (PACE) and (d) Charity Commissioners for England and Wales.

(112700)

5   Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government has strategy for the (a) management and (b) disposal of playing fields owned by Government departments.

(112668)

6   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of Government car service vehicles are manufactured in the UK; and what measures are in place to ensure the continued use of British-manufactured cars by ministers.

(112994)

7   Ann Winterton (Congleton): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what criteria are used for the advertising of government and public sector jobs; what steps he is taking to ensure the widest display of government and public sector job advertisements in varied media publications; and if he will make a statement.

(112673)

8   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112752)

9   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112779)

10   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112799)

11   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the number of financial advisers who are operating without professional indemnity insurance.

(113223)

12
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the deregulation measures which have been implemented by his Department since February 2002; and if he will make a statement.

(112834)

13   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the Answer to the honourable Member for Truro and St Austell of 18th March, Official Report, columns 674-76W, what the take-up assumption for the discounts and offsetting benefits to council tax were; and if he will publish an equivalent table for council tax as a percentage of income by decile for the over 60s.

(113059)

14   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what issues his Department has discussed with the Manx Government since the beginning of 2002.

(113066)

15   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer how many women pay reduced rate class I national insurance contributions; what estimate he has made of their level of earnings; and what their percentage increase in national insurance contributions was in April.

(113067)

16   Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer how much money the Inland Revenue holds from overpayment of income tax.

(112926)

17   Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average time taken by the Inland Revenue for repayment of income tax to taxpayers who have overpaid was in the last year for which figures are available.

(112928)

18   Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of people who overpaid income tax in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

(112927)

19   Mr Howard Flight (Arundel & South Downs): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average levels of inflation of (a) public and (b) private sector costs have been in each year since 1997 on (i) goods, (ii) services and (iii) labour.

(112740)

20   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made by G8 governments on compiling a report of creditor participation for heavily indebted poor countries.

(112916)

21   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer whether creditor participation has been added to the status of implementation reports for heavily indebted poor countries.

(112915)

22   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures have been taken by his Department to increase creditor participation in debt alleviation for heavily indebted poor countries.

(112917)

23   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made by the Government in restricting vulture funds and other debt brokers purchasing the debts of heavily indebted poor countries.

(112914)

24   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will convene a conference to persuade creditors of the value of participating in debt relief for heavily indebted poor countries.

(112920)

25   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress the World Bank and the IMF have made in developing a HIPC-to-HIPC trust fund.

(112919)

26   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress there has been on organising an international conference on innovative mechanisms for providing debt relief, as advocated by the HIPC ministerial network.

(112921)

27   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government has for reform of the laws governing litigation against heavily indebted poor countries.

(112918)

28   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to insert a fair wages clause into contracts, including PFI contracts between government and private companies entitling agency staff to the same pay and conditions as directly employed public sector employees.

(112808)

29   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on plans to change the level of duty on liquid petroleum gas fuel.

(112718)

30   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to seek changes to the European Stability and Growth Pact prior to any future UK entry into the euro.

(113115)

31   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he is taking to reduce floating-rate debt in the UK mortgage market.

(113114)

32
N   Steve Webb (Northavon): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his Answers of 10th February, Official Report, column 616W, on the Tax Credit Helpline, if he will estimate the number of (a) calls received and (b) calls handled by the Helpline in (i) February, (ii) March and (iii) April.

(112724)

33   Hywel Williams (Caernarfon): To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what advertising and publicity has been devoted to the Inland Revenue's helpline for the new tax credit system; and at what cost.

(113003)

34   Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): To ask the honourable Member for Middlesborough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on measures to combat bullying in the Church.

(112597)

35   Mr Peter Ainsworth (East Surrey): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to her Answer of 7th May, Official Report, column 730W, on Iraq (Cultural Heritage), what progress has been made on implementing recommendation 6 of the Report of the Ministerial Advisory Panel on Illicit Trade; and if she will make a statement.

(113004)

36   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in her Department.

(112754)

37   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans she has to reduce her Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112770)

38   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112816)

39   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of road charges on UK tourism.

(112717)

40   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many organisations in the Birmingham, Erdington constituency have (a) applied for and (b) claimed awards from the Arts Council in each year since the National Lottery began.

(112993)

41   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many charities in the Birmingham, Erdington constituency have (a) applied for and (b) claimed awards from the Heritage Lottery Fund in each year since the National Lottery began.

(112991)

42   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many organisations in the Birmingham, Erdington constituency have (a) applied for and (b) claimed awards from the Community Fund in each year since the National Lottery began.

(112992)

43   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will list (a) the average grant given for all constituencies, (b) the average grant given for West Midlands constituencies and (c) the average grant given for Birmingham, Erdington under the National Lottery Awards For All scheme in each of the last three years for which statistics are held.

(113001)

44   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what the spending per capita for National Lottery grants was in (a) Birmingham, Erdington, (b) Birmingham and (c) the West Midlands in the last year for which figures are available.

(112999)

45   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans are in place to strengthen local advertising campaigns in order to encourage more successful applications for National Lottery funding, with particular reference to regions where there is a record of failing to secure them.

(113000)

46   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support her Department gives to sporting activities for the young outside of the formal school environment.

(113018)

47   Mr James Wray (Glasgow, Baillieston): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many specialist playgrounds there are that cater for disabled children; what assistance is available for disabled children who wish to take on a sport professionally; how much has been invested in disabled persons' sports since 1997; and if she will make a statement.

(112736)

48   Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the risk that biological weapons formerly possessed by the government of Saddam Hussein may have (a) left Iraq or (b) come into the possession of terrorist groups.

(113014)

49   Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many alleged sites of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq identified by the Government are fully secured by coalition forces; and how many have yet to be (a) secured and (b) inspected.

(113011)

50   Ms Candy Atherton (Falmouth & Camborne): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what guidance he has given to the armed forces on the reporting of domestic violence; and what recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the content of such guidance.

(113037)

51   Ms Candy Atherton (Falmouth & Camborne): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to apply the proposals in the Justice for All White Paper to domestic violence in the armed forces.

(113036)

52   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112745)

53   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112768)

54   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112815)

55   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the sites available for sale previously occupied by the Territorial Army, broken down by constituency; which sites have been sold; at what price; which department was credited with the profits; and if he will make a statement.

(113042)

56   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place a copy of the Joint Doctrine and Concepts Centre paper on Strategic Trends in the Library.

(113061)

57   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to extend the peacekeeping duties of British forces in Afghanistan beyond Kabul and the surrounding areas.

(112699)

58   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the continued existence of terrorist networks in the regions of Afghanistan outside the control of the International Security Assistance Force; and what counter-measures his Department is taking to address this.

(112697)

59   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who the chief executive officer is of the (a) Defence Diversification Agency, (b) Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and (c) Veterans Agency.

(112701)

60   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve the stability of the regions of Afghanistan outside Kabul and its immediate environs.

(112698)

61
N   Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what conditions he stipulates about the areas of MoD-owned land over which particular hunts may hunt.

(112247)

62
N   Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) legislation he has introduced and (b) regulations he has issued in the last 12 months which has resulted in new restrictions on (i) the general public and (ii) controlled public access to military training areas.

(112314)

63   Mr Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1st May, Official Report, column 445W, on armed forces accommodation, if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidelines relating to the 4-tier grading system.

(112669)

64
N   Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he will reply to question number 93595, Session 2002-03, tabled for answer on 27th January.

(112210)

65   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what reports he has received of squadron pilots refusing to fly the RAF's short-fuselage C-130J Hercules C5 aircraft in certain operational configurations owing to concerns over centre-of-gravity problems.

(112685)

66   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the future of RAF Lyneham.

(112690)

67   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to convert short-fuselage C-130J Hercules C5 aircraft into long-fuselage Hercules C4s.

(112688)

68   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to buy back some of the C-130K Hercules aircraft sold to Lockheed Martin for onward sale.

(112687)

69   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the future of the RAF's fleet of short-fuselage C-130J Hercules C5 aircraft.

(112692)

70   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the Strategic Airfield Study was not published before the Easter recess; and when the Strategic Airfield Study will be published.

(112689)

71   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the fleet utilisation of the RAF's short-fuselage C-130J Hercules C5 aircraft was in the last 12 months; and what the utilisation was of (a) the long-fuselage Hercules C4 fleet and (b) the remaining C-130K variants.

(112686)

72   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on how many occasions the MoD has chartered civilian Antonov An-124s in each month in the past two years.

(112691)

73   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on centre-of-gravity problems with the RAF's short-fuselage C-130J Hercules C5 aircraft.

(112684)

74   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many hours have been flown in each of the last 12 months by (a) the RAF's short-fuselage C-130J Hercules C5 aircraft, (b) the long-fuselage Hercules C4s and (c) C-130K Hercules variants.

(112693)

75   Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the benefits of the Hawk aircraft programme in terms of (a) jet pilot training capability and (b) jobs.

(113098)

76   Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what representations he has received concerning the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer; and if he will make a statement.

(113097)

77   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures have been taken by the Adjutant General to rectify the staffing shortfalls at (a) the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at Bordon and (b) the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield.

(112618)

78   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what categories of items have been reported (a) stolen and (b) lost at Deepcut Army barracks in each of the past 10 years; and how many rounds of (i) ammunition and (ii) weapon parts were missing in each year.

(112633)

79   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made by principal personnel officers of the recreational facilities at Army training establishments; how many (a) non-alcohol cafes, (b) internet facilities and (c) quiet areas have been established in the past 12 months; what targets have been set in the form of an action plan; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

(112623)

80   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps have been taken by principal personnel officers in the Army to identify best practice in dealing with bullying; in what form common procedures have been established; and what the agreed definition of bullying is.

(112620)

81   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the retention rates were for (a) male and (b) female NCOs in each of the services in each of the last five years.

(112622)

82   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the remit is of the Joint Services Group.

(112522)

83   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many service personnel have (a) enrolled on and (b) completed an Open University course in the past 12 months.

(112624)

84   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many claims have been made against insurance for personally issued kit at Deepcut Army barracks in each of the past 10 years.

(112634)

85   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) changes have been made and (b) guidance has been issued by the Director General of Service Personnel Policy on bringing law and policy relating to under-18s into line with UK obligations under (i) the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and (ii) other international guidelines.

(112629)

86   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the (a) predecessor and (b) successor bodies were to the Force Research Unit; and when each body was (i) established and (ii) disbanded.

(112521)

87   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what determination has been made by the Director General of the Training and Education Rationalisation Delivery Group of the appropriate instructor to trainee ratios, including pastoral care and supervisory duties, in each service.

(112617)

88   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has been made by principal personnel officers of the number and quality of Welfare and Emotional Support Projects in initial training establishments; what targets are set for the projects; and if he will place a copy of the project action plans in the Library.

(112627)

89   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what work has been done by the Director General of Training and Education to formulating a policy for development of the arts, music and other cultural expression in training establishments.

(112626)

90   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what guidance has been issued by the Director General of Service Personnel Policy based on the reviewed Code of Social Conduct; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

(112621)

91   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what guidance is available for commanders on how best to address family after-care and advice in cases of bereavement or serious training injury; what changes to guidance will be made following the review undertaken by the principal personnel officers; and if he will place copies of advice in the Library.

(112631)

92   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate has been made by principal personnel officers of the resources needed to bring medical facilities at training establishments up to required minimum standards; and how many and what percentage of establishments fall below those standards.

(112628)

93   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps have been taken by principal personnel officers to disseminate best practice guidelines on sustaining links between recruits and trainees with their parents during initial training; and if he will place a copy of the guidelines in the Library.

(112630)

94   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what rank of empowered commissioned officer has been appointed at each Army training establishment to enable each recruit and trainee to obtain confidential welfare and other advice; and what steps have been taken to advertise the availability of this officer.

(112619)

95   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what library services are available at initial training establishments.

(112632)

96   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what orders and instructions he has given concerning participation of Scots Guardsmen (a) Mark Wright and (b) James Fisher on foot patrols and other interface with the civilian population of Basra.

(112547)

97   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the mission was of the Force Research Unit.

(112520)

98   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the cost was of (a) the 14th Intelligence Unit, (b) the Forward Reconnaissance Unit, (c) the Force Research Unit and (d) the Joint Services Group, in each of the last five years.

(112523)

99   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what direction has been issued by the Director General of Training and Education concerning (a) time for sport in training establishments and (b) sport policy; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

(112625)

100   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many fires have been recorded at Deepcut Army barracks in the past 10 years; and in how many cases civilian firefighters have been called to assist.

(112635)

101   Mr Eric Martlew (Carlisle): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the sub-committee chaired by General Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank to report regarding the issue of a Suez Canal Zone medal; and if he will make a statement.

(112764)

102   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what efforts his Department is making to assure the employers of TA soldiers serving in Iraq that their employees will return at the earliest opportunity.

(112649)

103   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that service personnel on operations can vote in elections.

(112655)

104   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for the two Ghurkha reinforcement companies.

(112651)

105   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what efforts are being made to return TA soldiers serving in the Gulf to their employers at the earliest opportunity.

(112648)

106   Adam Price (Carmarthen East & Dinefwr): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had regarding extending the ban on anti-personnel mines to cover cluster munitions.

(112599)

107   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the current war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(112610)

108   Geraldine Smith (Morecambe & Lunesdale): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to sell the Halton Army Training Camp in Lancaster; and if he will make a statement.

(112545)

109   Mr Mark Todd (South Derbyshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made in clearing sites in Iraq where cluster bombs were used; and if he will make a statement.

(112531)

110
N   Mr Paul Tyler (North Cornwall): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the former service personnel suffering from Gulf War illnesses, with particular reference to the War Pensions Tribunal adjudication in the case of Lance Corporal Alex Izett, RE.

(112248)

111   Mr Bill Tynan (Hamilton South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will ensure that reservists on duty in Iraq are kept informed by their commanding officers of how long they will be required to remain in Iraq.

(112877)

112   Mr Bill Tynan (Hamilton South): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the reservists on duty in Iraq will be brought home.

(112876)

113   Mr Andrew Tyrie (Chichester): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the future of the Royal Military Police Training School and the Roussillon Barracks in Chichester.

(112913)

114   Andrew Bennett (Denton & Reddish): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the Ordnance Survey about the recording of footpaths which are not designated as (a) public rights of way on the Carneddu and (b) footpaths and bridleways on the Glyders in Snowdonia, until such time as they are registered as public rights of way under the historic paths requirement of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

(112800)

115   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112777)

116   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112805)

117   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112751)

118   Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park & Kensington North): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will list the regeneration and other specific grant funding, but not revenue support grant, given by his Department to local authorities (a) in each region of England and (b) in total in (i) 2001-02, (ii) 2002-03 and (iii) 2003-04 (estimated).

(113214)

119   Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park & Kensington North): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how much (a) revenue support grant and (b) formula spending share/standard spending assessment was given to local authorities (i) in total and (ii) in each English region in (A) 2001-02, (B) 2002-03 and (C) 2003-04 (estimated).

(113213)

120   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will list vacant government-owned buildings, broken down by constituency; and if he will make a statement.

(113043)

121   Mr David Cameron (Witney): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what powers the shadow regional assemblies have; what their (a) membership, (b) cost and (c) remit are; and if he will make a statement.

(112838)

122   Mr Ben Chapman (Wirral South): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make a statement on the criteria for Objective One funding.

(112598)

123
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many contracts have been awarded to businesses that do not hold public liability insurance by each local authority in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

(112450)

124   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, which home improvement agencies he supports in the North East region.

(113062)

125   Mr Edward Davey (Kingston & Surbiton): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many (a) teachers, (b) police officers, (c) nurses and health workers and (d) others have been assisted through the Starter Homes initiative (i) in each local authority area and (ii) by each Government office of the region since 31st January.

(112763)

126   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how much was spent on disabled facilities grants in each of the last 10 years in (a) England, (b) Staffordshire and (c) East Staffordshire.

(113153)

127   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what recent assessment he has made of the total estimated value of outstanding disabled facilities grant work in (a) England, (b) Staffordshire and (c) East Staffordshire.

(113154)

128   Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what steps are being taken to implement the Cabinet Office report on Transport and Social Exclusion.

(112511)

129   Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will place in the Library the responses of (a) the National Council of Voluntary Organisations, (b) the TUC Northern Region, (c) the TUC North West Region, (d) the IOD North West, (e) the North West Chambers of Commerce, (f) the Local Government Association North, (g) the Local Government Association North West, (h) English Regions Network, (i) the North West Regional Assembly, (j) the North West Constitutional Convention, (k) CBI North West, (l) CBI Northern and (m) Sustainability North West, to the recent consultation on regional government in the North West of England.

(112912)

130   Mr Don Foster (Bath): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his Answer of 10th April, Official Report, column 355W, on heating systems, what the nature is of the research referred to; what stage the research is at; whether there is a mechanism for people to submit comments or evidence to that research; and when the results will be known.

(113225)

131   Mr Michael Foster (Worcester): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many local authorities have appointed assistants to Cabinet members and given the assistants additional responsibility allowances.

(112988)

132   Mr Michael Foster (Worcester): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what percentage increases in local government grant were awarded to Worcester City Council in each year since 1992-93.

(112989)

133   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, who the chief executive officer of the Fire Service College is.

(112705)

134   Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to his Answer of 14th April, Official Report, column 502W, on mobile telephones, which ministers in his Department have a mobile telephone.

(112766)

135   Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the estimated weekly cost to the Exchequer is of the Millennium Dome.

(112644)

136
N   Mr Paul Keetch (Hereford): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the change in turnout in elections in each local council area in England which held all-postal vote elections on 1st May was when compared with turnout in the previous local council election; and if he will make a statement.

(112371)

137   Mr David Kidney (Stafford): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what guidance his Department gives local authorities in relation to the adoption of footpaths.

(112885)

138   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many complaints have been considered by the Standards Board for England against (a) parish or town councillors, (b) district councillors, (c) unitary authority councillors and (d) county councillors; and how many of these complaints have been upheld.

(112667)

139   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make it his policy not to apply resource equalisation to the budget of Worcestershire Council Council in future financial years; and if he will make a statement.

(112662)

140   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, why complainants to the Standards Board for England remain anonymous; and if he will make it his policy to require the disclosure of the names and addresses of complainants to councillors against whom complaints are made.

(112660)

141   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many complaints have been considered by the Standards Board for England against (a) parish or town councillors, (b) district councillors and (c) county councillors in Worcestershire; and how many of these complaints have been upheld.

(112659)

142   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what percentage of total costs were represented by administration costs for (a) Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council and (b) Shropshire County Council, in each of the last five years; and what the average percentage for local government was.

(113050)

143   Mr Bill O'Brien (Normanton): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what representations he has received over the implementation of the Urban Renewal Development in the West Yorkshire Region; and if he will make a statement.

(113002)

144   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what plans he has to extend the pilots for postal voting used during the recent local elections to other areas.

(112534)

145   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what steps he is taking to increase the number of young people participating in local elections.

(112537)

146   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what measures are in place regarding companies buying homes from former council tenants and then letting or selling them at market prices.

(112536)

147   Dr John Pugh (Southport): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, whether high performing local authorities granted new freedom and autonomy by the Government and who bid successfully for ring fenced, specific grants are able to spend them on what they wish.

(112975)

148   Dr John Pugh (Southport): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what the average percentage council tax change was for council tax payers in England in 2003.

(112974)

149   Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many deaths from accidental fires in dwellings per 100,000 head of population there were in each fire authority area in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years.

(112986)

150   Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many injuries from accidental fires in dwellings per 100,000 population there were in each fire authority in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years.

(112987)

151   Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many accidental fires in dwellings per 10,000 dwellings there were in each fire authority area in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years.

(112985)

152   Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how many false alarms per 100,000 population there were in each fire authority in England and Wales in each of the last 10 years.

(112984)

153   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, whether his Department monitors the rate of refusal of planning permission for schemes concerned with waste management.

(113181)

154   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of the effect of his policy of encouraging development on brownfield sites upon the availability of sites for waste management activities.

(113182)

155   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what assessment he has made of the contribution that building regulations make to the achievement of Government targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

(113183)

156   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what assessment his Department has made of the scope for amending building regulations to require new buildings to contribute towards the energy used within them.

(113185)

157   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what changes he plans to enhance the contribution that building regulations make to the energy efficiency of new buildings.

(113184)

158   Mr Bill Wiggin (Leominster): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, how much was raised in Council Tax in (a) 2000-01, (b) 2001-02 and (c) 2002-03; and how much is expected to be raised in 2003-04.

(113078)

159   Mr James Wray (Glasgow, Baillieston): To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what regulations are in place to control the (a) size, (b) speed and (c) height of remote controlled planes and other leisure aircraft flown in public areas.

(112832)

160   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112781)

161   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112753)

162   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112809)

163   Mr Tim Boswell (Daventry): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what action he is taking to address the implications for schools and colleges of the decision to reorganise British Sign Language, with particular reference to (a) teacher supply, (b) validation and (c) funding issues.

(112849)

164
N   Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham & Sale West): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what contracts have been entered into by his Department for research into the performance of selective local education authority areas; and if he will give the (a) terms of reference and (b) costs in each case.

(112742)

165
N   Mr Graham Brady (Altrincham & Sale West): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what funds his Department holds which have yet to be allocated in respect of the current financial year.

(112741)

166   Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park & Kensington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what funding was allocated by the Higher Education Funding Council to institutions (a) in each region of England and (b) in total in (i) 2001-02, (ii) 2002-03 and (iii) 2003-04 (estimated).

(113211)

167   Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park & Kensington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will list the total funding allocated by the Learning and Skills Council to institutions (a) in each region of England and (b) in total in (i) 2001-02, (ii) 2002-03 and (iii) 2003-04 (estimated).

(113210)

168   Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park & Kensington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will list the specific and targeted grant funding allocated by his Department, other than general grant related funding, to local authorities and schools (a) in each region of England and (b) in total in (i) 2001-02, (ii) 2002-03 and (iii) 2003-04 (estimated).

(113209)

169
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what role enterprise advisers will play in secondary education.

(112448)

170   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the higher education participation rate was in each region of England in (a) 1992, (b) 1997 and (c) 2002.

(113063)

171   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what guidance he will give to the proposed Office for Fair Access to ensure that part-time students are not disadvantaged in access to higher education.[R]

(113228)

172   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps he is taking to ensure parity of access to leading research-intensive higher education institutions between part-time students and undergraduates and postgraduates.[R]

(113215)

173   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps the Government is taking to encourage a more comprehensive system of credit accumulation and transfer for part-time students.[R]

(113216)

174   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that part-time students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum within easy travelling distance between their homes and place of study.[R]

(113226)

175   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what action the Government is taking to encourage higher educational institutions to develop stronger structures of regional planning.[R]

(113208)

176   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, whether part-time students will be able to delay payment of fees until they have completed their courses.[R]

(113229)

177   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how he will monitor the relative effects of his proposals for higher education reform upon (a) part-time students and (b) full-time students, with particular reference to (i) entitlement and access to welfare and (ii) support services while on their courses.[R]

(113230)

178   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what action the Government is taking to ensure an easy interface for part-time learners between higher education and (a) further education, (b) community-based learning and (c) work-based learning.[R]

(113227)

179   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what steps the Government is taking to promote foundation degrees as high-quality qualifications amongst (a) learners and (b) employers; and what steps the Government is taking to ensure that foundation degrees extend opportunities to study for part-time students.[R]

(113198)

180   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what percentage of students achieved the expected standard for their age in the Key Stage Two literacy tests between 1998 and 2002.

(113075)

181   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what percentage of lessons inspected by Ofsted in 2001-02 in (a) Year 7, (b) Year 8, (c) Year 9 and (d) Year 10 were set by ability in (i) specialist and (ii) non-specialist comprehensives.

(113074)

182   Mrs Cheryl Gillan (Chesham & Amersham): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he will answer the question from the honourable Member for Chesham and Amersham on the average level of debt accumulated by university students, ref 106593.

(112529)

183
N   Mr Paul Goodman (Wycombe): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, which schools in the Wycombe constituency work as partners with the Buckinghamshire Lifelong Learning Partnership in relation to the Adult ESOL Core Curriculum.

(112372)

184   Mr Jimmy Hood (Clydesdale): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the outcome was of the Education, Youth and Culture Council held on 5th to 6th May; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

(112543)

185   Mr David Kidney (Stafford): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, for what reasons the connexions card is not available for all students in Staffordshire.

(112615)

186   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will make it his policy to bring funding per pupil in Worcestershire closer to the national average.

(112661)

187   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will increase the funding for specialist colleges in line with the rate of inflation.

(113175)

188   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to introduce a specific qualification for young people with (a) autism and (b) similar disabilities.

(112675)

189   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans his Department has to enable autistic young people to follow further education and higher education courses.

(112677)

190   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to introduce ring-fenced funding in education for children with autism.

(112683)

191   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the form is of assessment for autistic children in (a) mainstream and (b) special schools.

(112676)

192   Dr John Pugh (Southport): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, which local authorities are planning to use revenues intended by the Government for schools to finance capital projects in 2003-04.

(113159)

193   Dr John Pugh (Southport): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what the total value is of payments for PFI schemes to be made by local education authorities from their education budget in the financial year 2003-04.

(113161)

194   Dr John Pugh (Southport): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many local education authorities will be paying from their education budgets for the costs of PFI schemes in 2003-04.

(113160)

195
N   Bob Russell (Colchester): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, if he will hold a meeting at the earliest possible date with representatives of Essex Local Education Authority and Essex head teachers to discuss education funding in Essex.

(112442)

196   Jonathan Shaw (Chatham & Aylesford): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, which organisations his Department has consulted in drafting the guidance for schools on pupil participation.

(113015)

197   Jonathan Shaw (Chatham & Aylesford): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, when he will launch the public consultation on the draft guidance for schools on pupil participation.

(113016)

198   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what measures his Department is taking to simplify the procedure of providing student support.

(112998)

199   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what action he is taking to ensure universities and colleges are collaborating effectively with schools in order to cultivate among disadvantaged children the aspiration to enter higher education.

(112997)

200   Mr George Stevenson (Stoke-on-Trent South): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what percentage of 16 to 18-year-olds in Stoke-on-Trent LEA have moved into (a) further education and (b) higher education over the last five years; what percentage the figures represent of the total number of 16 to 18-year-olds in the area; and what the national average figures are.

(112977)

201   Mr George Stevenson (Stoke-on-Trent South): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what resources have been allocated to Stoke-on-Trent LEA in the last five years.

(112979)

202   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what plans he has to ensure that the new Thame Grammar School does not teach creationism in science lessons when it becomes a city academy.

(112872)

203
N   Steve Webb (Northavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, by when he expects all schools in England to have broadband internet access; and what steps he is taking to bring this about.

(112850)

204
N   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate & Knaresborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what methodology his Department uses to calculate the numbers of students studying for A2 and AS examinations.

(112853)

205
N   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate & Knaresborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many schools have applied to the Department for power to innovate as a result of the Education Act 2002; and if he will list the areas of innovation applied for by each school.

(112854)

206
N   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate & Knaresborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what methodology was used to calculate the number of full-time equivalent students studying in (a) sixth form colleges and (b) further education colleges in each year since 1997.

(112852)

207
N   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate & Knaresborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many applications he has received for the establishment of academies as a result of the Education Act 2002; and if he will list for each application (a) the principle sponsors and (b) whether the application has been successful.

(112856)

208
N   Mr Phil Willis (Harrogate & Knaresborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many schools have applied for earned autonomy as a result of the Education Act 2002; and if he will list the reasons for the application in each case.

(112855)

209   Andrew Bennett (Denton & Reddish): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answer of 16th January, Official Report, column 735W, if she will set out the timetable for the implementation of regulations under Part I of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

(112801)

210   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112811)

211   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in her Department.

(112758)

212   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will list the current sites of the GM crop trials; and if she will make a statement.

(112930)

213
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will list, by project, the consultancies her Department and its non-departmental public bodies have used on e-government projects since 1st January 2001.

(112836)

214   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps have been taken with the Scottish Executive to jointly manage the Tweed and its tributaries to protect wild salmon from pollution, disease and crossbreeding with farmed salmon.

(113071)

215   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations she has made to the Scottish Executive on preventing the crossbreeding, disease and pollution of wild salmon in the rivers of north east England from farmed salmon in Scotland.

(113070)

216   Tony Cunningham (Workington): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she expects the new rights of access under Part I of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to commence in the Upper North West region.

(112530)

217
N   Chris Grayling (Epsom & Ewell): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the theft and illegal export of dogs from the United Kingdom to (a) Ireland and (b) other European countries.

(112646)

218   Mr John Gummer (Suffolk Coastal): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans she has to review the penalties that OFWAT may impose on water companies to improve customer service and satisfaction.

(112878)

219   Mr John Gummer (Suffolk Coastal): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what powers OFWAT has to insist that water companies should backdate refunds or rebates to 1st April 2000.

(112879)

220   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on current estimates of fishers' compensation claims pursuant to the latest restrictions as set out by the Fisheries Council in December 2002.

(112497)

221   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will list measures under discussion in European Working Groups at which her Department provides the representative from Her Majesty's Government; and if she will make a statement.

(112501)

222   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the level of agricultural (a) imports from and (b) exports to Zimbabwe in 2002; and what proportion were connected to sequestered farms.

(112499)

223   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on her policy towards assisting the egg sector to offset the costs of additional Communities legislation.

(112505)

224   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the nature of the support intended by Commission Regulation (E2) 44/2003, 10th January, OJ L7 Vol 46, 11th January, with particular reference to combating fraud.

(112495)

225   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many UK fishing vessels there were (a) under 10 metres and (b) over 10 metres, in each year since 1973; what proportion were blue water vessels; and what proportion were foreign-owned.

(112498)

226   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on areas of linkage made during the CFP derogation negotiations between obtaining the support of other member states and the United Kingdom supporting measures in other areas.

(112502)

227   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will list European Union measures, pursuant to Directive 94/62/EC on Packaging and Packaging Waste, which are under discussion at European Union level, which have an impact on produce packaging by the food industry.

(112500)

228   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what analysis she has made of the effect of Green Box compatible payments following impact analysis on Council Directive 1999/74/EC, on the UK egg industry; what assistance to UK producers is planned; and if she will make a statement.

(112506)

229   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the level of cetacean by-catch within the UK 200-mile limit in the last 12 months.

(112496)

230   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the environmental effects of liquid petroleum gas fuel in comparison with other fuels.

(112719)

231   Mr David Lidington (Aylesbury): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the reasons for the difference between the public expenditure plans for her Department for 2002-03 and the estimated out-turn for that year as listed in table 2.4 on page 29 of Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses 2003.

(223010)

232   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she expects the independent study into the environment and health implications of the foot and mouth disease burial site at Throckmorton to be published; and what arrangements will be made to ensure that elected representatives for the area receive a copy of the report at the time of its publication.

(112666)

233   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether advice on the disposal of fallen stock was made available to farmers in Worcestershire before Easter; and if she will place a copy of the advice in the Library.

(112658)

234   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what provision there is to provide support to (a) home owners, (b) farmers and (c) businesses whose properties have been, or may in the future be, subject to flooding in the North Shropshire constituency.

(113176)

235
N   Joan Ruddock (Lewisham, Deptford): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to her Answer of 28th February, Official Report, column 7530, on waste management, if she will publish figures for the performance of local authorities against targets for waste recycling in 2001-02.

(112297)

236   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what incentives local authorities can introduce to encourage the reduction of waste from domestic households.

(113186)

237   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what appraisal she has made of the scope for amending regulations on packaging to enable the packaging industry to minimise the packaging of goods.

(113189)

238   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has undertaken of the success of industry-based packaging minimization programmes; and what action she will take to disseminate examples of good practice in the industry.

(113180)

239   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of packaging regulations in encouraging the minimisation of waste arising from packaging.

(113188)

240   Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the timescale is for her Department's review of the practicalities of operating variable charging schemes for waste collection.

(113187)

241   Mr Bill Wiggin (Leominster): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the additional expenditure needed to meet (a) the recycling targets and (b) the recovery targets of Waste Strategy 2000.

(113081)

242   Mr Bill Wiggin (Leominster): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the additional expenditure needed to comply with the requirements of Article 5 of the Landfill Directive to (a) reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill to 75 per cent. of 1995 levels by 2010, (b) reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste to 50 per cent. of 1995 levels by 2013 and (c) reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste to 35 per cent. of 1995 levels by 2020.

(113082)

243   Mr Bill Wiggin (Leominster): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how much was spent by England on the collection and management of (a) household and (b) municipal waste in each year since 1997-98; and what figures she has collated on the amount spent by (i) Northern Ireland, (ii) Scotland and (iii) Wales in each of those years prioer to devolution.

(113080)

244   Mr Bill Wiggin (Leominster): To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the review commissioned by DEFRA into the environmental and health effects of waste management and disposal options will include home composting.

(113083)

245   Ms Diane Abbott (Hackney North & Stoke Newington): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether the UK has ratified the UN Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, their Parts and Components and Ammunition; and which other states have ratified the Protocol.

(112976)

246   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112749)

247   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112818)

248
N   Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department made to the Turkish Government about the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights on 17th July 2001 in the case of Leyla Zana and other Kurdish members of the Turkish Parliament; whether diplomats from the Embassy in Ankara (a) attended the retrial hearing on 25th April and (b) intend to attend future hearings; and if he will make a statement on the treatment of the human rights of the defendants.

(112827)

249   Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he expects agreement to be reached with the Antarctic Treaty nations on the future of the secretariat; and if he will make a statement.

(113204)

250   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he next intends to meet (a) the President of Kenya and (b) representatives of the Kenyan Government.

(112900)

251   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the Government's relations with Kenya under President Kibaki.

(112901)

252
N   Simon Hughes (North Southwark & Bermondsey): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that Gibraltar meets its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, as expressed in the judgement of 9th January 2003 of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of L and V v Austria, to equalise the homosexual and heterosexual ages of consent

(112860)

253
N   Simon Hughes (North Southwark & Bermondsey): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that Gibraltar meets its obligations under the Directive on a General Framework for Equal Treatment in Employment (2000/78/EC) in time for the stated implementation deadline of 2nd December 2003.

(112859)

254   Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will set up a facility via the British Embassy in Iraq for people to get a message about their health and safety to relatives in the UK.

(113167)

255   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussion he has had with US counterparts about the engagement of Dyncorp to provide security operatives to Iraq.

(112510)

256   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on how many occasions (a) ministers in his Department and (b) departmental officials have met Mr Nadhmi Auchi officially since 2nd May 1997; where these meetings took place; who was present; when they took place; and what was discussed on each occasion.

(112869)

257   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, when he was informed of the international arrest warrant against Mr Nadhmi Auchi.

(112871)

258   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, on how many occasions (a) ministers in his Department and (b) departmental officials have spoken to Mr Nadhmi Auchi by telephone since 2nd May 1997; and what was discussed on each occasion.

(112870)

259   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what military aid has been provided by the UK to the 20 poorest nations, measured by GDP, in each year since 1997; and what the value of the aid was in each case.

(112653)

260   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list the nations against which the United Kingdom is applying economic sanctions (a) individually and (b) jointly with other EU member states, giving the reason in each case.

(112652)

261   Adam Price (Carmarthen East & Dinefwr): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the scale of looting in schools in southern Iraq.

(112601)

262   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with President Kagame of Rwanda regarding (a) Rwanda's plans to redeploy troops in Ituri in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and (b) the political situation in Rwanda.

(113135)

263   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the Turkish Government regarding the use of torture on juveniles in Turkish prisons and police precincts.

(113140)

264   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department is having with (a) the World Bank and (b) the German government regarding the contents of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control.

(113111)

265   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of Turkey's progress on meeting the criteria for EU membership as defined by the European Council in Copenhagen in 1993 on (a) human rights, (b) treatment of minorities and (c) the role of the army in political life.

(113142)

266   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with President Museveni of Uganda regarding Uganda's redeployment and subsequent withdrawal of troops in Ituri in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(113136)

267   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations his Department has made to the Turkish Government regarding EU recommendations that Turkey should guarantee access to legal counsel for all detainees from the moment of detention.

(113139)

268   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the outcome of his recent talks with President Kagame of Rwanda and President Museveni of Uganda on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(113138)

269   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with President Kagame of Rwanda regarding preparations to conclude the post-genocide transition period in Rwanda as defined by the Arusha Accords.

(113144)

270   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with (a) the Turkish Government and (b) the European Union regarding the use of torture in Turkish prisons and police precincts.

(113141)

271   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with President Kagame of Rwanda regarding (a) the explulsion of the Democratic Republican Movement from the Rwandan Parliament and (b) the need for free and fair elections in Rwanda.

(113134)

272   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the outcome of his recent talks with President Kagame of Rwanda and President Museveni of Uganda on relations between the two countries.

(113137)

273   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with (a) the Turkish Government and (b) the European Union regarding the police raid on the Human Rights Association in Ankara.

(113143)

274   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had on the level of bombing in the Philippines.

(112608)

275   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received about movement Taliban supporters in tribal regions of Pakistan and their alliances.

(112609)

276   Mr Mark Simmonds (Boston & Skegness): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions took place in (a) 2000 and (b) 2001 between the British and Iraqi Governments on (i) the return of weapons inspectors and (ii) the lifting of sanctions; what governments and persons were used as intermediaries in this process; what discussions the British Government had with the governments of (A) France, (B) Russia and (C) the United States on this matter prior to the discussions in 2000 and 2001; and if he will make a statement.

(112713)

277   Llew Smith (Blaenau Gwent): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made from information published by the Government of North Korea of whether the DPRK possesses nuclear weapons; and if he will place in the Library copies of primary source material.

(112595)

278   Llew Smith (Blaenau Gwent): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions his Department has had since January 2000 with Arab nations' foreign affairs ministries on trying to arrange for the re-admission of United Nations inspectors into Iraq.

(112602)

279
N   Dr Gavin Strang (Edinburgh East & Musselburgh): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with representatives of (a) the International Atomic Energy Agency and (b) the Government of the United States of America concerning the request by the IAEA that an IAEA investigative mission be allowed to examine the condition of Iraq's nuclear facilities.

(112374)

280
N   Dr Gavin Strang (Edinburgh East & Musselburgh): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the United States of America in support of the request of the International Atomic Energy Agency that an IAEA investigative mission be allowed to examine the condition of Iraq's nuclear facilities.

(112375)

281   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations his Department has made to the Government of Nigeria regarding (a) the conduct of the presidential and gubernatorial elections and (b) the murders of Dr Harry Marshall and Mr Ogbannaya.

(112730)

282   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which members of the African Union have (a) signed and (b) ratified the African Peace and Security Council.

(112731)

283   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of (a) India and (b) Pakistan, on the killing of civilians in (i) Nadimarg and (ii) Chatisingpura.

(112732)

284   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the role of the Liberian timber trade in supporting Charles Taylor's regime.

(112733)

285   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations his Department has made to the Government of Russia on the human rights of ethnic minorities.

(112711)

286   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will support sanctions on Liberian timber exports.

(112735)

287   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received concerning the killings at (a) Nadimarg, Kashmir on 23rd March and (b) Chatisisingpurol in March 2000; and what representations he has made to the Governments of (i) India and (ii) Pakistan.

(112972)

288   Mr Bill Wiggin (Leominster): To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the whereabouts and situation of the Kuwaiti prisoners of war held captive in Iraq after the Gulf War of 1991.

(113077)

289   Ms Candy Atherton (Falmouth & Camborne): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 7th May, Official Report, column 767W, on methadone overdose deaths, if he will make it his policy to ensure that all methadone prescriptions are taken under medical supervision.

(113101)

290   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112772)

291   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112817)

292   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112747)

293   Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset & North Poole): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many respiratory specialists there are for asthma patients in Dorset.

(113047)

294   Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park & Kensington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the total (a) revenue and (b) capital funding to NHS institutions (i) in each region of England and (ii) in total in (A) 2001-02, (B) 2002-03 and (C) 2003-04 (estimated).

(113212)

295   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to publicise the Health Service Ombudsman Report on NHS funding for Long Term Care to the public.

(113032)

296
N   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects to announce the allocation to local authorities of the money to offset the effect of delayed discharge penalties.

(112243)

297   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 6th May, Official Report, columns 657-8W, on eligibility criteria, when he expects to be in a position to estimate (a) the number of people, (b) the estimated costs and (c) the number of continuing care criteria that have been needed to be changed since the publication of the Second Report of the Health Service Ombudsman, on NHS funding for long-term care of older and disabled people, HC399, Session 2002-03; and what steps he will take to inform honourable Members of these estimates.

(112906)

298   Mrs Helen Clark (Peterborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the relative costs of a health policy of (a) applying treatment to Hepatitis C positive cohorts as they present to health services and (b) applying treatment to the Hepatitis C positive population actively identified by mass screening.

(112528)

299   Mrs Helen Clark (Peterborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what priority is given to hepatology services under the NHS Plan.

(112525)

300   Mrs Helen Clark (Peterborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what targets he has to (a) increase awareness of liver disease and (b) reduce the impact of liver disease.

(112526)

301   Mrs Helen Clark (Peterborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy to identify and treat individuals who are Hepatitis C positive.

(112524)

302   Mrs Helen Clark (Peterborough): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of regional disparities in the delivery of hepatology services.

(112527)

303   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what adjustments have been made to central government financial support for councils to enable them to assume obligations for children in prisons within their boundaries under the Children Act 1989.

(112532)

304   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what targets he has to increase awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis; and if he will make a statement.

(113044)

305   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the financial implications for local authorities of their responsibilities under the Children Act 1989 for children in prisons within their boundary.

(112533)

306   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on regional variations in the incidence of myalgic encephalomyelitis.

(113045)

307
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list, by project, the consultancies his Department and its non-departmental public bodies have used on e-government projects since 1st January 2001.

(112835)

308   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether spending allocations for new intermediate care projects will be available in 2003-04; what the total sums in each (a) government office region and (b) strategic health authority are for 2003-04; and whether new bids will be invited.

(113069)

309   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what spending was allocated to each region for intermediate care provision in 2002-03; and what sums have been spent.

(113068)

310   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many doctors there are per head of population in (a) Staffordshire and (b) England.

(113152)

311   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent assessment he has made of the unmet need for level-access showers in (a) England, (b) Staffordshire and (c) East Staffordshire.

(113155)

312   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the number of individuals who are unable to return home from hospital because of the need for adaptations to their homes in (a) England, (b) Staffordshire and (c) East Staffordshire.

(113157)

313   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the number of NHS dental treatment places available for people in East Staffordshire in each of the past 10 years.

(113150)

314   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many NHS dentists there are per head of population in (a) Staffordshire and (b) England.

(113151)

315   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many extra NHS dental places have been funded in (a) East Staffordshire and (b) England since 1997.

(113149)

316   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the number of individuals who are unable to have baths or showers in their own homes because of the need for a level-access shower in (a) England, (b) Staffordshire and (c) East Staffordshire.

(113156)

317   Mrs Gwyneth Dunwoody (Crewe & Nantwich): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what arrangements are in place to ensure that public health information available to individual Member States of the European Union is circulated to all Members immediately after publication.

(113091)

318   Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on his proposals for foundation hospitals, with particular reference to (a) staff recruitment, (b) pay levels and (c) other cross-border issues.

(113190)

319   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, who the chief executive officer of the NHS Modernisation Agency is.

(112704)

320   Chris Grayling (Epsom & Ewell): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the state of negotiations over the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, and his policy on it.

(112841)

321   Mr John Grogan (Selby): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Committee on the Safety of Medicines 1988 Guidelines that benzodiazepines should not be prescribed for longer than four weeks.

(113170)

322   Mr John Grogan (Selby): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the scale of benzodiazepine addiction.

(113172)

323   Mr John Grogan (Selby): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to improve the provision of treatment for benzodiazepine addicts.

(113173)

324   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what food safety checks are in place on eggs and egg products originating from (a) the European Community and (b) the United States.

(112504)

325   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when and by whom an approach was made by the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority to the chair of the Five Boroughs Mental Health Trust, for assistance with the financial problems of North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust; and what the nature was of the assistance requested.

(113085)

326   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has had with the leaders of local authorities since her appointment; and which local authorities were involved.

(112787)

327   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what training the chair of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has received on dealing with complaints.

(112796)

328   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 6th May, Official Report, column 663W, if he will make a statement on the recovery plan agreed in June 2002 for North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust; how much money was to be transferred from other trusts in North Cheshire; and which services would be affected as a result.

(113086)

329   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many board meetings the chair of the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has presided over since her appointment; and what the average length was of such meetings.

(112794)

330   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 6th May, Official Report, column 66W, what informal meetings have taken place to discuss the financial problems of North Cheshire Hospital NHS Trusts.

(113084)

331   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has had with public bodies other than health bodies in the past year.

(112791)

332   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, by what means honourable Members can contribute to a review of the performance of a Chief Executive of a health authority.

(112798)

333   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, in what circumstances the chair of a strategic health authority can be required to resign his or her post.

(112789)

334   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his Answer of 6th May, Official Report, column 663W, if he will place a copy of the Audit Commission's review of the recovery plan for the North Cheshire Health Community in the Library.

(113087)

335   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list the names and job titles of those who carried out the interviews for the post of Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority.

(113088)

336   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what training courses the chair of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has attended since her appointment.

(112795)

337   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has appeared before the scrutiny committee of a local authority in the past year; and if he will list the authorities.

(112792)

338   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has had with individual chairs of trusts since her appointment.

(112790)

339   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings the Chair of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has had with the leaders of local authorities since her appointment; and with which local authorities.

(112793)

340   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the annual running costs are of the headquarters of the Cheshire and Merseyside SHA; and how many staff are employed there.

(113090)

341   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has had with individual honourable Members since her appointment; and what the average duration was of such meetings.

(112803)

342   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many meetings the chair of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has had with chief executives of local authorities since her appointment; and which local authorities were involved.

(112788)

343   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what training the chair of Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Health Authority has received on the role of an honourable Member.

(112797)

344   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what is the average time taken by the Chief Executive of Cheshire and Merseyside SHA to respond to a request from an honourable Member that she telephone them since her appointment.

(113089)

345   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on regional variations in the incidence of (a) childhood allergies and (b) asthma.

(112507)

346   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on proposals that nurses be elected to NHS boards to participate more actively in the running of local hospitals.

(112694)

347   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent research he has received on mobile phone usage and associated physiological damage, with particular reference to (a) cataract growth and (b) molecular damage; and if he will make a statement.

(112509)

348   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the number of children diagnosed with (a) allergies and (b) asthma in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) other European Union member states.

(112508)

349   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what percentage of care homes are (a) privately owned and run, (b) publicly owned and privately run and (c) publicly owned and run.

(112696)

350   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress has been made in improving protection for whistleblowers in the NHS.

(112695)

351   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the future of the minor injuries unit at Evesham Community Hospital, and the implications of proposed staff reductions at the unit for its functioning.

(112664)

352   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the latest waiting times for urgent hysterectomies in Worcestershire.

(112645)

353   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects to confirm the dates by which the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust must (a) bring its annual expenditure into balance and (b) repay its accumulated deficit; and if he will make a statement.

(112665)

354   Alice Mahon (Halifax): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the salary of the Chief Executive of each NHS trust in England is.

(113079)

355   Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidelines are in place on the use of bed rails for people with osteoporosis and similar brittle bone conditions.

(113039)

356   Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions (a) his Department and (b) the Medical Devices Agency has held with (i) residential and nursing homes, (ii) NHS trusts and (iii) patients' groups on guidelines for the use of bed rails; and what plans there are to issue further guidelines.

(113038)

357   Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many (a) fatalities and (b) serious injuries from incidents involving bed rails have been reported to the Medical Devices Agency in each year since 1994.

(113041)

358   Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment (a) his Department and (b) the Medical Devices Agency has made of the effectiveness of bumpers in reducing incidents associated with the use of bed rails.

(113040)

359   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the mental health services available to girls aged 15 to 17 in prison.

(112518)

360   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the value of settled negligence claims brought against the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital was in each year since 1997.

(113049)

361   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list for each year since 1997 the percentage of (a) women and (b) girls aged 15 to 17 years in prison with (i) drug problems and (ii) alcohol problems.

(112515)

362
N   Mr Mark Oaten (Winchester): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to make electronic magnifiers available on the NHS.[R]

(112851)

363   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many operations have been cancelled at the (a) Princess Royal Hospital and (b) Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the last 12 months.

(113165)

364   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patients are waiting for in-patient treatment at (a) Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and (b) Princess Royal Hospital.

(113168)

365   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many general practitioners working in North Shropshire are (a) under 40 years old, (b) between 40 and 65 years old and (c) over 65 years old.

(113166)

366   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what percentage of the population in the Shropshire County Primary Care Trust has been registered with a dentist in each of the last five years.

(113169)

367   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy to ensure that the rights of autistic people are protected under the Mental Health Acts.

(112678)

368
N   Mr Colin Pickthall (West Lancashire): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 6th May, ref 106425, on Mr Mark Heyes, what steps he has taken in response to the Prime Minister's letter of October 2002 concerning Mr Heyes; and if he will make a statement on the application of the Department of Health's whistle-blowing policy to Mr Heyes.

(112487)

369   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action he is taking to promote guidance for asthma sufferers to control the condition during the summer months.

(113108)

370   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions his Department is having with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on (a) the contents of and (b) international support for the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control.

(113110)

371   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action he is taking to improve treatment for asthma sufferers.

(113197)

372   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he is having with (a) the British Medical Association, (b) his European counterparts and (c) others regarding international measures to reduce smoking.

(113109)

373
N   Mrs Marion Roe (Broxbourne): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent progress there has been regarding his Department's discussions with Myriad Inc on the patent for testing breast cancer genes relating to hereditary breast cancer.

(111931)

374   Bob Spink (Castle Point): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions his Department has had with Essex Primary Care Organisations on the provision of enhanced services and Information Management and Technology through the primary care organisations under the new NHS primary care contract for the provision of General Medical Services; and if he will make a statement.

(113095)

375   Bob Spink (Castle Point): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the number of GPs in Essex over the next two years; and if he will make a statement.

(113103)

376   Mr George Stevenson (Stoke-on-Trent South): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many patients have waited more than (a) three months, (b) six months, (c) nine months and (d) 12 months for elective admissions in each year since 1997.

(112978)

377   Dr Howard Stoate (Dartford): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will urge the chief executives of primary care trusts in England to ensure that all funding earmarked for the development of primary care services is passed on to GP practices; and if he will make a statement.

(112840)

378   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much needle exchange programmes have cost the NHS in each of the last three years.

(113022)

379   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what support is provided by the NHS to voluntary drug support groups.

(113019)

380   Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the pay differentials between staff of the Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust based at (a) Ashford and (b) Chertsey.

(113092)

381   Mr James Wray (Glasgow, Baillieston): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures are in place to ensure that foundation trusts will not be able to deviate from the Agenda for Change process and develop their own pay and conditions for staff.

(112830)

382   Mr James Wray (Glasgow, Baillieston): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with unions regarding the Agenda for Change; and what progress has been made in ensuring that pay and conditions for staff are the same across the NHS in all hospitals.

(112829)

383   Mr James Wray (Glasgow, Baillieston): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what measures will be put in place to ensure that low-paid NHS workers (a) have a wage floor and (b) earn an adequate wage; and if he will make a statement on the support available.

(112831)

384   Mr James Wray (Glasgow, Baillieston): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether clause 27 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill allows for the differentiation of pay and conditions between trust and non-trust hospitals.

(112828)

385   Mr James Wray (Glasgow, Baillieston): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what (a) nurses and (b) doctors in NHS hospitals were paid on average in 1997; and what they are paid now.

(112839)

386   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112813)

387   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112767)

388   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112744)

389   Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset & North Poole): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answer of 24th March, Official Report, column 23W, on criminal justice IT systems, when he expects the criminal justice system IT delivery plan to be presented to ministers; and when the electronic progress report will be available on the criminal justice IT website.

(113076)

390   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many claims for lost passports the Passport Agency has received in each of the last five years.

(113034)

391   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what advice his Department gives to members of the public on posting passports to the Passport Agency.

(113033)

392   Mr David Cameron (Witney): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether senior Iraqi republican guard commanders have applied for asylum in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

(112643)

393   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many offences involving (a) drugs, (b) alcohol abuse, (c) violence and (d) disorder were reported in each command or division of the Northumbria police area in each year from 1998 to 2002.

(113073)

394   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 3rd March, Official Report, column 824W, on asylum support, what the 3 digit postcode location is of the accommodation provided by the private companies with NASS contracts.

(113058)

395
N   Annabelle Ewing (Perth): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what restrictions are placed on him by international law relating to the detention of children of asylum seekers in detention centres.

(112786)

396
N   Annabelle Ewing (Perth): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment has been made of alternatives to the detention of children of asylum seekers.

(112785)

397
N   Annabelle Ewing (Perth): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he next plans to meet Scottish Executive Ministers to discuss the detention of children of asylum seekers in Dungavel Removal Centre.

(112784)

398   Mr John Grogan (Selby): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the progress of discussions between his Department and the Association of Chief Police Officers regarding the issue of illegal rave gatherings on private property.

(113171)

399   Mr Jimmy Hood (Clydesdale): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the outcome was of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 8th May; what the Government's stance was on the issues discussed, including its voting record; and if he will make a statement.

(113102)

400
N   Helen Jones (Warrington North): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many anti-social behaviour orders have been (a) applied for and (b) obtained by (i) police and (ii) local authorities in Cheshire in each year since their introduction.

(112315)

401   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many weapons, and of what type, have been handed in (a) in total and (b) to each UK police force as part of the national gun amnesty.

(112720)

402   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what percentage of recorded crime in (a) Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland and (b) all English police forces was drug related in each year since 1996.

(112723)

403   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) gun crimes and (b) arrests relating to gun crime there were (i) in England and (ii) in each UK police force area in each of the last five years.

(112721)

404   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the average time taken was (a) in England and (b) in each local authority between the decision to hold an inquest and the opening of the inquest, in the last year for which figures are available.

(112722)

405   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the French extradition warrant in respect of Mr Nadhmi Auchi was first received; what subsequent communications there were with the French government; and if he will make a statement on the action taken between the receipt of the extradition warrant and March 2003.

(112874)

406   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what representations he has received from (a) Mr Nadhmi Auchi and (b) others acting on his behalf (i) in respect of the extradition warrant and (ii) on other matters over the last two years.

(112875)

407   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the accuracy and consistency of data on anti-social behaviour collected by constabularies; and if he will make a statement.

(112663)

408   Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many community support officers will be funded by his Department in North Yorkshire; how long the community support grant will last; and what funding will be available after the community support grant ends.

(112866)

409   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list for each year since 1997 the ratio of prison officers to prisoners for (a) the general prison population, (b) women prisoners and (c) girls aged between 15 and 17 years in prison.

(112566)

410   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many bullying incidents there were on girls aged 15 to 17 years in prison in each year since 1997.

(112514)

411   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) suicides and (b) incidents of self harm there were among 15 to 17 year old girls in prison in each year since 1997.

(112519)

412   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he expects all girl prisoners to be removed from prison and placed in local authority care.

(112516)

413   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) 15 year old, (b) 16 year old and (c) 17 year old girls were (i) held in prison, (ii) cautioned for offences and (iii) found guilty of offences in each year since 1997.

(112517)

414   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers have retired from the West Mercia constabulary in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

(113163)

415   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many police officers have been recruited in the West Mercia area in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

(113164)

416   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) police officers and (b) civilian staff there are in (i) England and (ii) West Mercia constabulary on the latest date for which figures are available.

(113162)

417   Mr Owen Paterson (North Shropshire): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many anti-social behaviour orders have been made in each of the last 12 months in the North Shropshire constituency.

(113177)

418   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to reduce the backlog in asylum claims.

(112538)

419   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent steps he has taken to tackle anti-semitic crime.

(112542)

420
N   Mr Desmond Swayne (New Forest West): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many former members of the Iraqi Ba'athist regime are claiming asylum in the UK.

(112211)

421   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the five most common makes and models of vehicles stolen in each police authority were in the last five years.

(113028)

422   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many reports of dogs run over on roads in each police authority were received in each of the last five years.

(113029)

423   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many (a) reported thefts and (b) convictions for theft of (i) motor cars and (ii) motorcycles there were in each police authority in each of the last five years.

(113027)

424   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many convictions for offences relating to shoplifting there have been in each police authority in each of the last five years.

(113024)

425   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many convictions for offences relating to badger baiting there have been in each police authority in each of the last five years.

(113021)

426   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people were convicted of offences involving counterfeit tax discs in each police authority in each of the last five years.

(113026)

427
N   Mr Peter Viggers (Gosport): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he expects to announce his decision on whether he intends to apply for planning permission to develop an accommodation centre at the Daedalus site at Lee-on-the-Solent for political asylum seekers.

(112370)

428   Claire Ward (Watford): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the children in Stoke Heath prison are subject to (a) section 20 and (b) a full care order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989.

(113178)

429   Claire Ward (Watford): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the children in Parc prison are subject to (a) section 20 and (b) a full care order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989.

(113179)

430   Claire Ward (Watford): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the children in (a) Brockhill, (b) Brinsford, (c) Wetherby, (d) Lancaster Farms, (e) New Hall and (f) Onley prisons are subject to (i) section 20 and (ii) a full care order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989.

(113195)

431   Claire Ward (Watford): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many of the children in (a) Ashfield, (b) Styal, (c) Thorn Cross, (d) Werrington, (e) Huntercombe, (f) Holloway, (g) Hollesley Bay and Warren Hill, (h) Hindley, (i) Feltham, (j) Eastwood Park, (k) Castington and (l) Bullwood Hall prisons are subject to (i) section 20 and (ii) a full care order under section 31 of the Children Act 1989.

(113191)

432   Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what arrangements are in place following the break up of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for the extradition from Bosnia of persons suspected by law enforcement agencies of criminal acts in the UK.

(113094)

433   Mr David Wilshire (Spelthorne): To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many individuals in Bosnia are involved in proceedings intended to extradite them to the UK.

(113093)

434   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112807)

435   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in her Department.

(112756)

436   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans she has to reduce her Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112774)

437   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to (a) support local markets and (b) encourage local purchase of goods in the reconstruction of Iraq.

(112924)

438   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what efforts are being taken to increase the use of domestically produced food in the rations provided by the Oil for Food Programme; and whether her Department has specific targets for the increased use of domestic produce in Iraq.

(112680)

439   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of how long food stocks will last in (a) Northern Iraq and (b) Central and Southern Iraq.

(112925)

440   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessments she has made of the agricultural sector in Iraq.

(112681)

441   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what impact the allocation of resources to Iraq is having on decisions by her Department on whether to accept external bids for project funding in other countries.

(112922)

442   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether training sessions have been established for food agents in Iraq.

(112679)

443   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the increase in cases of gastroenteritis among children in Iraq; and what resources are in place to respond to this.

(112923)

444   Mr Barry Gardiner (Brent North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether her Department will enter negotiations to reduce the tax African countries impose on the importation of bednets.

(112682)

445   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the impact on health services in India of the recruitment by NHS hospitals of nurses from India; and if she will make a statement.

(112656)

446   Mr Paul Marsden (Shrewsbury & Atcham): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what medical assistance is being given to hospitals in Iraq.

(113048)

447   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what plans she has to adjust levels of overseas aid contributions following the war in Iraq.

(112650)

448   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what programmes she supports which aim to prevent South African children becoming infected with HIV through the use of dirty needles.

(112539)

449   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking to make anti-malaria drugs available (a) cheaply and (b) in sufficient quantities to African countries seriously affected by the disease.

(112535)

450   Adam Price (Carmarthen East & Dinefwr): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the level of disease among the population of (a) southern Iraq and (b) Basra.

(112600)

451   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assistance her Department intends to give to combat cholera in southern Iraq; and what assessment she has made of the scale of the cholera outbreak in southern Iraq.

(113113)

452   John Robertson (Glasgow, Anniesland): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assistance her Department plans to give to combat (a) diarrhoea, (b) gastro-enteritis and (c) dehydration among young childen in Iraq.

(113112)

453   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what aid and assistance she has provided to the government of the Philippines in the last three years.

(112607)

454   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what policy the Government has adopted on what nations can do on their own to achieve the goal set by the United Nations on halving the number of people without access to water for nourishment and hygiene by 2015.

(112604)

455   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what aid is being made available to the People's Republic of China in regard to the SARS outbreak.

(112605)

456   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what aid the Government has sent to the Congo in the last three years.

(112606)

457   Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell & Wishaw): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what aid has been sent to help those suffering from drought in Ethiopia.

(112603)

458   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the potential consequences of an outbreak of SARS in Sub-Saharan Africa.

(112734)

459   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the (a) social and (b) economic consequences of Ethiopian farmers moving from coffee to khat production.

(112739)

460   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what percentage of total investments by the Commonwealth Development Corporation were in the agricultural sector in each of the last five years.

(112729)

461   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what resources her Department has allocated for clearing unexploded cluster munitions in Iraq.

(112736)

462   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the security situation upon the distribution of food in Afghanistan.

(112738)

463   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what resources her Department has allocated in response to the appeal made by the Ethiopian Ministry of Health for medical assistance on 16th December 2002.

(112737)

464   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what resources her Department has allocated in response to the severe flooding in northern Argentina.

(112728)

465   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what resources her Department has allocated to ensure that all children have the opportunity to complete primary education; and what recent discussions she has had with her G8 counterparts on (a) pooling and (b) increasing the resources dedicated to this aim.

(112727)

466   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with the Government of Turkey regarding the recent earthquake in Southern Turkey.

(112710)

467   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what resources her Department has allocated to expand the Education for All Fast Track Initiative to enable all low-income countries with sound education plans to receive full donor support.

(112726)

468   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in the Department.

(112755)

469   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112819)

470   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what plans the Lord Chancellor has to reduce the Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112773)

471
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will list, by project, the consultancies his Department and its non-departmental public bodies have used on e-government projects since 1st January 2001.

(112837)

472   Mr Andrew Dismore (Hendon): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if she will make a statement about the availability of legal aid to the families bereaved in the Potters Bar rail crash.

(112990)

473   Julia Drown (South Swindon): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, how many liability orders for non-payment of council tax bills were (a) heard and (b) refused by magistrates' courts in England in the last year for which figures are available.

(112544)

474   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, who the chief executive officer of the Public Guardianship Office is.

(112706)

475
N   Mr Paul Keetch (Hereford): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what plans the Lord Chancellor has to develop the use of postal voting in general elections; what criteria he will use to determine pilot constituencies; and if he will make a statement.

(112368)

476
N   Mr Paul Keetch (Hereford): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, if he will introduce all-postal voting at general elections.

(112369)

477   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, how much (a) agricultural and (b) other categories of land are not registered in the United Kingdom.

(113020)

478   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112750)

479   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112806)

480   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112776)

481   Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many (a) shootings and (b) bombings there were; and how many devices were defused in Northern Ireland in the five years (i) prior to and (ii) following April 1998.

(112612)

482   Mr Gregory Campbell (East Londonderry): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what public funding has been provided to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board over the past five years; and what research has been undertaken to ascertain the opinions of visitors to the Province, other than those visiting friends and relatives, regarding the facilities on offer.

(112611)

483   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what the timetable is for the replacement of the eleven plus examination in Northern Ireland.

(112910)

484   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much has been spent on tourism in each Northern Ireland constituency in each year since 1997.

(112909)

485   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the impact of the Budget on manufacturing industry in Northern Ireland.

(112614)

486   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what plans he has to introduce foundation hospitals in Northern Ireland.

(112905)

487   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many meetings he has had with representatives of each of the political parties represented in the Northern Ireland Assembly since 1st January 2003.

(112904)

488   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what criteria he uses to determine who shall be given personal protection in Northern Ireland.

(112903)

489   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in North Belfast.

(112613)

490   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how much the electoral offices in Northern Ireland have spent to date on the Northern Ireland Assembly elections due in May; and what the estimated total cost is.

(112908)

491   Mr Kevin McNamara (Kingston upon Hull North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what his estimate is of the total cost of postponing the Assembly elections; and how this sum is made up.

(112616)

492   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the President of the Council, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112821)

493   Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North): To ask the Prime Minister, what proposals he has made to President Bush for (a) the return of UN weapons inspectors to Iraq and (b) for other means of international verification of future discoveries of Saddam Hussein's alleged stocks of weapons of mass destruction; and what reply he received.

(113013)

494   Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North): To ask the Prime Minister, whether British interrogators have obtained independent access to captured senior officials of the Saddam Hussein regime in the search for weapons of mass destruction.

(113012)

495
N   Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Prime Minister, if he will bring the Cabinet Office under the aegis of a new Prime Minister's Department.

(112444)

496   Mr Harry Barnes (North East Derbyshire): To ask the Prime Minister, if he will ensure that the exemptions provided in the code of practice on Access to Government Information which allows for the waiving of legal professional privilege in the drafting of legislation is employed automatically by departments when legislation is being drafted which is intended to protect the public.

(112980)

497   Harry Cohen (Leyton & Wanstead): To ask the Prime Minister, what plans he has to set up an official e-mail address.

(112847)

498   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Prime Minister, how many meetings he has had with representatives of the Irish Republic's government about the situation in Northern Ireland this year.

(112902)

499   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Prime Minister, for what reason Lord Sainsbury presented Mr Nadhmi Auchi with a painting of the House on behalf of the Prime Minister in 1999; and if he will make a statement.

(112873)

500   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Prime Minister, how many times he has met Mr Nadhmi Auchi officially since 1997; where these meetings took place; who was present; when they took place; what the substance of these discussions was; how many times he has spoken to Mr Nadhmi Auchi by telephone since 1997; and what was discussed on each occasion.

(112867)

501   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Prime Minister, when he was first informed of the international arrest warrant against Mr Nadhmi Auchi.

(112868)

502   Mr George Osborne (Tatton): To ask the Prime Minister, if he will list the official gifts he has received for his 50th birthday.

(112725)

503   Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight): To ask the Prime Minister, what guidance is given to civil servants in his office on the sharing of opinions with politicians not in the Government formed in the course of their professional activities about honourable Members.

(112895)

504   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112820)

505   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in her Department.

(112760)

506   Mr Hugo Swire (East Devon): To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if she will introduce legislation to allow voters whose principal residence is in England but who own property and businesses in Scotland to vote in elections to the Scottish Parliament.

(112596)

507   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Solicitor General, what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in her Department.

(112759)

508   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Solicitor General, what plans she has to reduce the Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112782)

509   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Solicitor General, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112812)

510   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Solicitor General, who the chief executive officer of the Treasury Solicitor's Department is.

(112709)

511   Mr Harry Barnes (North East Derbyshire): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, which schemes in the United Kingdom which have two master franchises benefit from the single-tier exemption from the Trading Schemes Act 1996.

(113046)

512   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has to reduce her Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112780)

513   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112810)

514   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of regional variations in staff turnover in her Department.

(112757)

515
N   Malcolm Bruce (Gordon): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to the Answer of 29th April, Official Report, column 340W, on North Sea Oil and Gas, what constitutes the significant level of work which the Government has invested in reaching the targets listed; and what progress has been made towards each target.

(112376)

516   Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park & Kensington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will list funding allocated (a) to each regional development agency, (b) to the London Development Agency and (c) in total in (i) 2001-02, (ii) 2002-03 and (iii) 2003-04 (estimated).

(113207)

517   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the number of businesses in the construction industry which are operating without employers' liability insurance cover.

(113224)

518   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many closed consultation exercises are awaiting a response from the Department of Trade and Industry; when responses are expected for each one; and what is the longest period a closed consultation has been awaiting a response.

(113218)

519   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the sustainable development remit of the regional development agencies.

(113221)

520   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has to introduce a system of licensing for independent motor vehicle garages and franchised motor dealers; and if she will make a statement.

(112929)

521   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how much her Department has expended on advertising and promoting each scheme and service for assisting British business since 1997.

(113219)

522   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what procedures are in place for measuring the effectiveness of her Department's schemes and services which have been initiated to assist British business.

(113222)

523   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will list her Department's schemes and services which have been initiated to assist British businesses; when they were opened; what expenditure has been committed; how many companies have received assistance from each scheme; and how much has been expended by way of assistance to business by each scheme to date.

(113217)

524   Dr Vincent Cable (Twickenham): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment is made of the environmental impact of a business, its products and services prior to the provision of a grant by one of her Department's schemes for business; who makes that assessment; and whether the assessments are published.

(113220)

525   Mr David Cameron (Witney): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps the Government has taken to encourage internet service providers to screen and prevent abusive and pornographic spam e-mails.

(112826)

526
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what recent discussions she has had with colleagues in the European Union concerning the impact of regulation on small business; and if she will make a statement.

(112447)

527
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on the work being carried out by Davis Langdon Consultants on insurance in relation to the construction industry; and when Davis Langdon Consultants will be reporting their findings to her Department.

(112833)

528
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, when her Department will deliver its annual report on deregulation performance; and if she will make a statement.

(112446)

529
N   Brian Cotter (Weston-Super-Mare): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what deregulation measures have been identified and implemented within her Department since February 2002; and if she will make a statement.

(112449)

530   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps she has taken to ensure that broadband provision becomes part of the universal service obligation in the EU review due by 2005.

(113072)

531
N   Mr Andrew Dismore (Hendon): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what consultations she plans to hold over the future of the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill with (a) staff and their representative bodies, (b) management and (c) the local community; and if she will make a statement.

(112845)

532
N   Mr Andrew Dismore (Hendon): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many people work at the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill; and if she will make a statement.

(112844)

533
N   Mr Andrew Dismore (Hendon): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement about the future of the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill.

(112846)

534
N   Mr Andrew Dismore (Hendon): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has received concerning the future of the National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill; and if she will make a statement.

(112843)

535   Mr David Drew (Stroud): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what the timetable is for the creation of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

(112896)

536   Mr David Drew (Stroud): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what discussions she has had with (a) DEFRA, (b) the industry and (c) green groups on the storage of nuclear waste.

(112897)

537   Mr David Drew (Stroud): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what definitions are used to categorise (a) high, (b) intermediate and (c) low level nuclear waste; and how much waste was produced in each of the last three years.

(112898)

538   Mr Huw Edwards (Monmouth): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what representations she has received about sharp practices involving leasing agreements for office photocopiers; and if she will take steps to afford greater protection to consumers affected by such practices.

(113174)

539   Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many representations she has received on the future of Concorde since January.

(112911)

540
N   Annabelle Ewing (Perth): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, to what extent the findings of her Department's review of the OFT Report recommendations on pharmacies will apply in Scotland.

(112783)

541   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, who the chief executive officer of Employment Tribunals is.

(112708)

542   Mr John Gummer (Suffolk Coastal): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has for alerting local people to subsequent danger in the event of a terrorist attack on Sizewell A and B power stations.

(112882)

543   Mr John Gummer (Suffolk Coastal): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on her action to monitor the compliance of Anglian Water Group with consumer standards regulations; and what the results of her monitoring were.

(112884)

544   Mr John Gummer (Suffolk Coastal): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will visit the Suffolk Coastal constituency to inspect the measures taken to protect Sizewell A and B power stations from attack and afterwards address local constituents on this issue.

(112880)

545   Mr John Hayes (South Holland & The Deepings): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will make a statement on her policy towards dumping of salmon on the European Community markets.

(112503)

546
N   Simon Hughes (North Southwark & Bermondsey): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what publications promoting British trade are funded or part-funded, by her Department; and how much was spent on such funding in 2002-03

(112861)

547   Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, with reference to Deposited paper ref Dep 03/908 of 6th March, how the reference to the need to use a machine to withdraw money from a Post Office card account relates to the statement that customers will be paid over the Post Office counter.

(112848)

548   Mr Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the availability of broadband technologies that do not use wire or cable to achieve connections; and if she will make a statement.

(112657)

549   Patrick Mercer (Newark): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what steps she has taken in the last three years to advise exporters of military sensitive technologies of their responsibilities in such exports.

(112654)

550
N   Mrs Marion Roe (Broxbourne): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what action she is taking to alert householders to the risks of dealing with doorstep callers from the building industry seeking work; and if she will introduce a requirement that all such callers should carry a valid insurance certificate for Employers Liability and Public Liability giving the (a) name, (b) company name and (c) registered address of the insurers.

(111908)

551   Chris Ruane (Vale of Clwyd): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many cases of energy sales mis-selling there were in each local authority area in the last year for which figures are available; if she will list for each authority the total number of incidents; and if she will make a statement on energy sales mis-selling.

(112983)

552   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what percentage of households in (a) Birmingham, Erdington, (b) the West Midlands and (c) the UK have taken up broadband connectivity.

(112996)

553   Mr Sio(r)n Simon (Birmingham, Erdington): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what discussions she has had with British Telecom about its technological capacity (a) to guarantee that where the broadband service is offered it can be properly and successfully provided and (b) to introduce broadband connectivity throughout the UK.

(112995)

554   Mr John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what assessment she has made of the impact of the ruling in Cardiff County Court by His Honour Judge Graham Jones on the holiday industry.

(113192)

555   Mr John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what plans she has to issue warnings to holiday makers about the extent of liability of air carriers for the health, welfare and psychological well-being of air passengers.

(112981)

556   Mr John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what advice she is issuing to holiday companies following the ruling of His Honour Judge Graham Jones on 7th May.

(113193)

557   Mr John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what advice she is issuing to holiday makers following the ruling of His Honour Judge Graham Jones on 7th May.

(113194)

558   Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, if she will list the services to be funded by the resources allocated to the local network category in the Small Business Section on page 96 of the DTI's Expenditure Plans 2002-03 to 2003-04, Cm 5416; how much funding is allocated to each service; and what the function of each service is.

(112881)

559   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what support her Department is providing to indigenous and inward investing supplier companies to (a) locate and (b) expand their business in the United Kingdom.

(113023)

560   Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park): To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, how many formal complaints have been received by the National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines for Multi-national Enterprises; and what action has been taken.

(112971)

561
N   Norman Baker (Lewes): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make it his policy to establish compatibility of method between funding of rail schemes and road schemes.

(112445)

562   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112748)

563   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112771)

564   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many claims for lost driving licences the DVLA has received in each of the last five years.

(113035)

565   Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what figures he has collated on (a) average traffic speeds, (b) air pollution and (c) bus usage in central London since 17th February; and if he will make a statement.

(113203)

566   Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what limitations have been placed on Infrocos involved in the refurbishment of the London Underground in passing further work to third party contractors.

(113206)

567   Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his estimate is of the preparatory and planning costs incurred on the proposed crossrail link in London.

(113201)

568   Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects to make a statement on the future of the East London line extension.

(113202)

569   Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress has been made on the re-opening of (a) the Matlock to Buxton railway line and (b) the Bletchley to Bicester line.

(113199)

570   Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what representations he has received covering the introduction of a national rail card to promote railway travel at off-peak times throughout the network.

(113200)

571   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his Answer of 19th March, Official Report, column 759W, on Rosyth, what estimate he has made of the likely change in long distance lorry movements through Tyneside which will result from the new RO-RO facilities at Rosyth.

(113056)

572   Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether the proposed airfield at Alconbury would be suitable for use by 747 Jumbo aircraft.

(112642)

573   Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has for a further public display of proposals for the construction of an airfield at Alconbury, held at a venue close to the airport site.

(112640)

574   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, who the chief executive officer is of the (a) Driving Standards Agency, (b) Vehicle Certification Agency and (c) Vehicle Inspectorate.

(112703)

575   Mr Damian Green (Ashford): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has set the chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority a target for response times to letters from (a) honourable Members and (b) the general public; and if he will make a statement.

(112973)

576   Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede & Weybridge): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what additional information he is awaiting before responding publicly to the report of the SRA on Central Railway; and from whom.

(112858)

577   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of toll roads on poorer communities and social exclusion; and if he will make a statement.

(112715)

578   Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to (a) develop and (b) promote cycling as an element of multi-modal transport planning (i) in England, (ii) regionally and (iii) in Teesside.

(112716)

579   Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what criteria the Strategic Rail Authority used in deciding to award the Greater Anglia Franchise to the successful bidder; and what representations he received on that decision.

(113096)

580   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to introduce further safety standards for school buses.

(112540)

581   Dr John Pugh (Southport): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on the proposals of the European Parliament for longer flying hours.

(112546)

582   Mr John Smith (Vale of Glamorgan): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to amend the Warsaw Convention in light of recent court judgements in England and Australia.

(112982)

583   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many road traffic accidents there were in each of the last five years; and how many resulted in (a) death and (b) serious injury.

(113031)

584   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many road traffic accidents involving motor cycles there were resulting in (a) death and (b) serious injury in each of the last five years; and how many of those involved were (i) males and (ii) females under 25 years old.

(113025)

585   Mark Tami (Alyn & Deeside): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many accidents caused by drivers under the age of 17 years resulted in (a) death and (b) serious injury in each of the last five years.

(113030)

586   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112761)

587   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112775)

588   Simon Hughes (North Southwark & Bermondsey): To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list, broken down by Act, the offences created in legislation sponsored by his Department since 1997.

(112857)

589   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of regional variations in staff turnover in his Department.

(112746)

590   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the cost was of the publication of the 2001 Departmental Report.

(112814)

591   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans he has to reduce his Department's underspend in 2003-04 from that of 2002-03.

(112769)

592   Mr John Bercow (Buckingham): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of regional variations in pensioner poverty.

(112765)

593   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will publish (a) the service standards set for Job Seekers Direct and (b) the performance figures for the last four quarters.

(112637)

594   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people were (a) on the NOMIS register and (b) non-claimants of job seeker's allowance, but users of the Job Centre Service at Sutton Job Centre in each of the last three years.

(11238)

595   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many beneficiaries there would be and what the cost would be of extending the carers premium to all those eligible for invalid care allowance but disqualified because of the overlapping benefit rule.

(112670)

596   Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton & Cheam): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many full-time equivalent (a) permanent and (b) fixed term staff worked at the Job Centre in Sutton in each of the last three years.

(112641)

597   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the average processing time is of a new claim for jobseeker's allowance between first contact and payment in each (a) jobcentre area and (b) employment region.

(113064)

598   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what eligibility criteria were used to define boundaries in each Employment Action Team area; and how each ward in the local authority of each EAT area scored against those criteria.

(113057)

599   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many Social Fund claims there were in each (a) region and (b) nation of the UK since 1996; and how many were successful.

(113065)

600   Tom Cox (Tooting): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many health and safety inspectors are employed by his Department; and how many were employed in each of the last five years.

(112712)

601
N   Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what research he has commisioned regarding support for pensioners in (a) Ireland and (b) other EU member states.

(112636)

602   Mr David Curry (Skipton & Ripon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people are not entitled to free prescriptions because they are receiving long-term incapacity benefit plus the age addition for 35 to 44 year olds.

(113106)

603   Mr David Curry (Skipton & Ripon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of those claiming long-term incapacity benefit (a) also claim home support and (b) are estimated also to be entitled to income support.

(113105)

604   Mr David Curry (Skipton & Ripon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of those claiming short-term lower rate and incapacity benefit (a) also claim income support and (b) are estimated also to be entitled to income support.

(113107)

605   Mr David Curry (Skipton & Ripon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of those claiming short-term higher rate incapacity benefit are receiving free prescriptions because they have completed an HC1 form; and what steps the Government is taking to inform people about the availability of free prescriptions in those circumstances.

(113104)

606   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) male and (b) female pensioners aged over 80 there are in the Burton constituency; and what percentage of them are in receipt of means tested benefit to reach the minimum income guarantee.

(113158)

607   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in the Burton constituency are in receipt of attendance allowance.

(113147)

608   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many (a) male and (b) female pensioners aged between 65 and 80 there are in the Burton constituency; and what percentage of them receive means-tested benefits to reach the minimum income guarantee.

(113145)

609   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners in the Burton constituency who live (a) alone, (b) as a pensioner couple and (c) in a residential or nursing home.

(113146)

610   Mr Nigel Evans (Ribble Valley): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what percentage of working-age (a) adults, (b) men and (c) women in the (i) North West of England and (ii) the UK are members of a pension plan.

(112714)

611   Mr Frank Field (Birkenhead): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his Answer of 11th February, Official Report, columns 687-8W, on pension schemes, what checks he has carried out on the data given for the number of pension schemes that have completed winding-up and the number of members of those schemes, between 1997 and 2002.

(112639)

612   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who the chief executive officer of the Employment Service Agency is.

(112702)

613   Mr Nick Gibb (Bognor Regis & Littlehampton): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, who the chief executive officer of the Benefits Agency is.

(112707)

614
N   Mr Paul Goodman (Wycombe): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which organisations have been awarded contracts to deliver the New Deal for Disabled People in the Wycombe constituency.

(112373)

615
N   Norman Lamb (North Norfolk): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to his letter to the honourable Member for North Norfolk of 23rd April, which local authorities in Norfolk have been successful in applying for additional resources from the Performance Standards Fund in respect of handling housing benefit applications; which authorities have worked with the Housing Benefit Help Team; and which authorities are being closely monitored.

(112802)

616   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will introduce an autism compact with employers to make it easier for autistic people to gain access to employment.

(112674)

617   Mr Alan Reid (Argyll & Bute): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many recipients of (a) state pensions, (b) war pensions and (c) benefits were written to by his Department during April to inform them that they must change to a direct payment method; and for each of these three groups, how many chose to have their payments made into (i) a bank or building society account, (ii) a basic bank account and (iii) a Post Office card account.

(112907)

618
N   Mr Terry Rooney (Bradford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the total budget was of Bradford Job Centre; what the total number of staff was; and what the budget allocation for each employment programme was in each year since 1st April 1995.

(112842)

619   Steve Webb (Northavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his Answer to the honourable Member for North East Hertfordshire of 6th May, Official Report, columns 544-5W, on benefits, what steps he has taken to inform customers who use a casual agent to collect their benefit that they will have the option of keeping their order books; and for how long he expects this arrangement to remain in place.

(113099)

620
N   Steve Webb (Northavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what arrangements he has made for ministers in his Department to carry out the duties of the honourable Member for Makerfield, with special reference to taking forward the proposals contained in his Green Paper on pensions.

(112286)

621   Steve Webb (Northavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many calls have been made to the Department's Whistleblowers Hotline in each year since its introduction, broken down by category; and what action has been taken on those cases.

(112647)

622   Steve Webb (Northavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his Answer of 24th March, Official Report, columns 105-6W, on National Insurance (Married Women), in which years the special insert regarding Home Responsibilities Protection was placed in child benefit order books.

(113100)

623
N   Steve Webb (Northavon): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to his Answer of 6th May, Official Report, column 552W, on invalid care allowance, if he will estimate in how many of the successful claims in each quarter by people over state pension age payment was not made because of the operation of the overlapping benefits regulations.

(112367)

624   Linda Perham (Ilford North): To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy to reduce the UK's accepted levels of radiation emissions from mobile telephone masts.

[Transferred] (112541)

625   Mrs Janet Dean (Burton): To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the number of pensioners in the Burton constituency who will benefit from the pension credit.

[Transferred] (113148)

626   Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North): To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many prisoners have been released from prisons in Great Britain under the terms of the early release of prisoners scheme drawn up under the Belfast Agreement.

[Transferred] (112899)

627   Mr Jim Cousins (Newcastle upon Tyne Central): To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what undertakings the US has given on waiving bilateral export licensing requirements for unclassified information for exports to the UK.

[Transferred] (113060)

628   Mr John Gummer (Suffolk Coastal): To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many aircraft have flown over Sizewell A and B power stations since the incursion into the airspace above them 18 months ago.

[Transferred] (112883)