Sitting of 17 December 1993

Preamble
The House met at half-past Nine o'clock
PRAYERS
[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

Israel
Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Kirkhope.]
9.34 am
Sir Thomas Arnold: I am grateful for the opportunity to address the House on the subject of British policy towards Israel at the United Nations. This year's General Assembly is now coming to a conclusion, and the debate will give the Government an opportunity to comment on the ways that Britain is seeking to further the peace process, both at the United Nations and in terms of our interests and responsibilities in the middle east.
I am looking forward to hearing what my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister has to say about Britain's attitude towards the many resolutions on the middle east, which come up year after year at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
As long ago as 1982, I was able to secure an Adjournment debate on Britain's responsibilities under the United Nations charter for our dependent territories. I did so because, in late 1982, I spent some two months at the General Assembly as the parliamentary delegate from the United Kingdom. That experience taught me that the United Nations is a Parliament. Like every Parliament, if it is to function properly, it has what we would call Standing Orders. It has precise rules and procedures. The countries that perform effectively at the United Nations are those which, like Britain, have mastered the fine print of the United Nations charter and mastered in turn the way that a country must learn the Standing Orders of the United Nations to undertake the day-to-day work with speed and efficiency.
At the time of the Falklands, the role of the British mission in New York was not only vital to this country's effort but exemplary in terms of the contribution that our diplomats made. I do not believe that that contribution could have been as successful as it was had they not been masters of the art of United Nations diplomacy, which frequently means having an understanding of the fine print, not just of documents but of the rules of the organisation.
I believe that the peace process needs every possible encouragement. It continues to be fragile and we should therefore do everything that we possibly can to assist. I want particularly to raise the question of Israel's participation in a regional group. That issue has come up on previous occasions, and requires some clarification as the peace process develops.
I should like to see Israel playing a fuller part in the work of the United Nations, not least because that might help to make Israel's response on some issues less defensive, and would at the same time try to encourage and assist the situation in which Israel and the Arab countries can be seen to be working more closely together.
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As I understand it, Israel is the only country which, unwillingly, does not belong to any regional group. That means that it cannot participate fully in the proceedings and work of the United Nations, with the adverse consequences to which I was referring earlier. I agree that Israel belongs naturally to the Asian group, but it is not accepted there because of Arab resistance.
As I understand it, Israel just wants to be treated as a normal country, in United Nations terms, and wants to be more involved and be elected to United Nations bodies. In that sense, Israel is isolated, because it is only by belonging to a regional grouping that a country can participate in internal United Nations elections or eventually become a member of the Security Council.
Israel has sought to deal with that problem by applying for temporary membership of the Western European and others group—temporary because, once peace in the middle east is established, Israel should join the Asian group. As I understand it, Israel is already accepted in the Western European and others group in other international organisations, such as the World Health Organisation, the International Labour Organisation, UNESCO and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
I believe that rights bring responsibilities, and Israel's membership of a regional grouping within the United Nations would mean not only that it would take on the benefits of membership, but that its closer relationship with other group members could grant scope for a more responsive dialogue between the member countries. I attach weight and importance to that argument.
In that regard, the position of the United States is interesting. I note that in 1992, for example, a spokesman for the United States Department of State, Office of Assistant Secretary, was asked by the press the following question about Israel and the United Nations:
"Does the United States have a position on whether Israel should be able to enjoy membership in the UN's elective offices, such as the Security Council?"
The answer was unequivocally
"Yes, the United States strongly favours full Israeli eligibility for UN elective offices such as the Security Council. This is why we strongly support Israel's membership in one of the five regional groupings at the UN, which propose candidates for elective offices. Israel is not now a member of a regional grouping. For a number of years we have supported Israel's membership in a regional grouping, and we will continue to do so."
That is a clear statement of the United States' position. Canada and the Netherlands support that stance, and the remainder say that they would support a consensus to admit Israel, but will not lobby for it. I should be grateful if my right hon. and learned Friend could clarify the present position.
In July, in an answer to the hon. Member for Warley, West (Mr. Spellar), my right hon. and learned Friend said:
"We believe Israel should be allowed into the Asian group of the United Nations. But until they are, we would not object to Israeli membership of the Western European and others group of the United Nations if there was a consensus among other member states."—[Official Report, 16 July 1993; Vol. 211, c. 725.]
On 13 August, I received a letter from my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which noted:
"We have discussed this issue with EC colleagues and it is clear that there is no consensus in favour of Israeli membership of WEOG"—
the Western European and others group—
"Our EC partners are fully aware of our own position."

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In those circumstances, I should welcome further clarification of how the Government see the British position and their view on the way ahead on this issue.
At this juncture, I should like to draw the attention of the House to the implications of the arguments about Israel's membership of a regional grouping for the chemical weapons convention. At the 47th United Nations General Assembly, Israel co-sponsored the resolution endorsing that convention. On 13 January this year, it signed that convention in Paris, therefore making Israel one of the original signatories. As a consequence, Israel decided to send a delegation to participate in the work of PrepCom—the preparatory commission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons—which is based in the Hague. Israel signed that convention with strong encouragement from the west.
Israel believes that that act should have strengthened its case for membership of the Western European and others group, particularly since some of Israel's neighbours still have chemical weapons. I should be grateful if my right hon. and learned Friend could say how he sees Israel's position within the particular context of the chemical weapons convention.
The wider question of British policy towards Israel and the middle east, as expressed in resolutions at the General Assembly and with particular reference to those passed this autumn, should be considered. For as long as I can remember, the texts of Security Council resolution 242 of 22 November 1967 and resolution 338 of 22 October 1973 have been the bedrock of the United Nations position on the middle east and that of many member countries. As the years have rolled by, the references to those resolutions have multiplied. Time and again, the House and other Parliaments have had detailed discussions of those resolutions and their implications.
As I understand it, the news from New York this week is that a new resolution has been tabled, which seems to represent a welcome step forward. It enjoys 105 sponsors, one of which is Britain. The resolution was adopted this week, with a vote of 155 member countries in favour. There was only one abstention, and Libya and three other countries voted against—Syria, the Lebanon and Iran. I should like my right hon. and learned Friend to say whether he believes that that new resolution will, in effect, be the bedrock resolution on which further debate and discussions at the United Nations will take place.
I note that the resolution refers to the earlier resolutions 242 and 338. It goes on to review the startling progress that has been made this year in seeking to bring peace to the middle east. It calls on member states to do everything possible to take that process further. I am sure that all hon. Members will attach great importance to that aim.
I should like to draw the attention of the House to correspondence that took place late in 1992 between a group of United States Senators and my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, because it highlights a problem that still exists. Those Senators pointed out:
"over 30 anti-Israeli resolutions are passed each year in the United Nations with the specific objective of condemning and embarrassing the government of Israel … We believe these resolutions are unjustified … In our opinion, Israel should be commended for its commitment to the peace talks rather than openly condemned in resolutions at the General Assembly."
My right hon. Friend replied:
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"We have made clear to the Arabs … our view that ritual condemnation of Israel in United Nations' resolutions is counter-productive, hindering rather than promoting the peace process."
I invite my right hon. and learned Friend to comment on the present situation and whether he believes that the plethora of resolutions at the UN General Assembly could now be reduced. May we take it that, henceforth, the resolution that was passed this week will be the principal resolution, and that it will be possible to concentrate on its wording, rather than deal continuously with other anti-Israeli resolutions, which have done so much damage in the past?
I welcome the changes that have taken place this year. I draw the attention of the House to the resolution on Israeli nuclear armament. In 1992, Britain abstained on that resolution, the text of which deplored Israel's refusal to renounce possession of nuclear weapons and urged it to accede to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons convention.
That has been replaced this year by the call on Israel to renounce its possession of nuclear weapons and to accede to the treaty on non-proliferation. The United Kingdom and the rest of the European Community member states voted against that resolution.
What does my right hon. and learned Friend think will be the future approach to that resolution and others? Will it be British policy at the UN to try to persuade other countries to forgo resolutions of that kind in the foreseeable future? They do not help the peace process; in many respects, they hinder it, for the various reasons that I have given.
I remind the House that, although the UN has at times not seemed an especially appropriate place in which to further the aims of British diplomacy and there are occasions on which it is easy to become bogged down in what my noble Friend Baroness Thatcher referred to as a procedural morass, times change and, in the middle east, the UN has always participated in the various peace talks and working parties that have been set up; certainly, that situation will not change.
An understanding and knowledge of the rules of the organisation are essential if Israel, Britain and other countries are to pursue their diplomacy effectively. If Israel were allowed into a regional grouping, it would bring about an improvement in the present situation in New York.
The more that Israel can be encouraged to co-operate and to look for means whereby she can further her diplomacy in a manner that is consistent with the objectives that we all want to see fulfilled, the more that the peace process will be enhanced. I believe that British policy at the UN has been directed towards furthering that wholly necessary objective. I look forward to the reply of my right hon. and learned Friend on those specific points.
9.52 am
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Douglas Hogg): I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Sir T. Arnold) for raising this subject and for giving me the opportunity to respond to the important points that he has made. It is a great pleasure to see my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, North-East (Mr. Kirkhope) on the Front Bench; his interest in these matters and concern for the state of Israel is well known.

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My hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove began by speaking highly of the skills of the United Kingdom diplomats who work in New York. I entirely agree. I am sure that the House will agree that the reputations of Sir David Hannay and his colleagues are second to none. I pay tribute to Sir David Hannay and his colleagues, and thank them for the warm welcome they gave Members of the House who visited the UN some two or three weeks ago.
My hon. Friend concentrated at some length on the possibility of Israel's becoming a member of the Western European and others group, and also of participating in the organisation of the preparatory commission on the prohibition of chemical weapons.
Our position on Israel's admission to WEOG is as follows: like my hon. Friend, we believe that Israel's proper home is in the Asian group. We are at one on that. As my hon. Friend knows, there is a delicate balance to be struck between the regional groups in the UN system. WEOG has not accepted any member from outside the western European area in the past 40 years and, for that reason, there are natural inhibitions about doing so now. However, at the same time, we do not wish to be unhelpful towards Israel and we will not block a consensus in favour of Israel membership on a temporary basis. We anticipate that the membership will be renewed annually.
It is not for us to lobby for Israeli membership, but if there is consensus, we will not seek to block it, and will be content to see Israel as a temporary member of WEOG. The Government of Israel know that fact, partly because we have disclosed it to our colleagues and partly because, when I saw Foreign Minister Peres in Vienna earlier in the year, I stated our position clearly. I hope that my hon. Friend will be reassured on that point.
My hon. Friend also raised the question of Israel's membership of the preparatory commission of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at the Hague on 15 December. It was agreed to accept conditionally Israel's request for temporary membership, pending its admission to the Asian group. I hope that my hon. Friend will be reassured by that fact.
The debate in the General Assembly took place against the background of the developments in the middle east. Is the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) seeking to intervene?
Mr. Tony Worthington indicated dissent.
Mr. Hogg: I am grateful. I would have truncated my remarks if the hon. Member had wanted to intervene.
The breakthrough in the negotiations between the Palestine Liberation Organisation and Israel was a tremendous achievement and has unquestionably affected all our attitudes to the problem of the Arab-Israeli dispute. The handshake on the White House lawn on 13 September is an image which will rest in our minds for a long time, as will the visit of Chairman Arafat to London.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave a lunch for Chairman Arafat and, in many ways, it was an extraordinary occasion. Chairman Arafat was a welcome guest to lunch, and also present were the Israeli ambassador to London, the President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Judge Finestein, and the hon. and learned Member for Leicester, West (Mr. Janner).
We should give credit to the United States. In a sense, the breakthrough was the result of the Madrid process. It
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would not have begun without the initiative of Secretary Baker and President Bush, which was carried forward by the Norwegians in the Oslo talks. The process in Madrid that began in October 1991 was based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. Those resolutions and the principle of land for peace which is reflected in them, remain the basis for all negotiations.
In the declaration of principles signed by Israel and the PLO, the aim of the negotiations is described as a permanent settlement based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and the permanent status negotiations aim at the implementations of those resolutions.
Against that background, we and our partners in the European Union have taken a fresh look at all the resolutions that concern Israel—as have the Arab states, which drafted many of those resolutions.
My hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove referred to the new resolution. We were delighted to be able to co-sponsor that new resolution, which we thought was forward looking, in that it welcomed the developments in the peace process. My hon. Friend rightly said that that resolution was adopted by a huge majority, with 155 votes for, three against and one abstention. Israel herself voted in favour. I hope that that is symptomatic of a new atmosphere of co-operation and relative harmony in New York.
I am glad to say that this year's resolutions have been much less condemnatory in tone than those in previous years, and that has made it possible for more resolutions to be adopted by consensus. I hope that people will be careful not to draft or seek to push through one-sided resolutions in the context of the debate in the middle east.
We must all be conscious that there are constituencies on both sides—in the state of Israel and in the occupied territories—that have to be carried if the peace process is to survive. It is unhelpful to pass one-sided resolutions that alienate one or other of the constituents. We need to be even handed in this matter.
Lebanon's opposition to the new resolution came about because there was no express reference to Security Council resolution 425—which does, of course, require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. I should like to take this opportunity again to reiterate the support that Her Majesty's Government give support to resolution 425 and to the need for a peaceful solution to the Lebanon track of the peace process.
In that context, it was a great pleasure for me to welcome yesterday to London the Foreign Minister of Lebanon. I am pleased that the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie had the opportunity to talk to him. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary had a substantive meeting with him yesterday afternoon, which was no doubt extremely helpful, I hope for both sides.
The recent euphoria that has come about because of the agreement between Israel and the PLO emphasises the value that everybody places on movement. However, the Government adhere to the belief that peace in the middle east requires more than just a deal between those two parties. I have always taken the view that one cannot get a lasting settlement in the middle east unless and until there is an agreement between the Palestinians the state of Israel. It is a mistake to suppose that there is the possibility of making bilateral agreements between the state of Israel and individual Arab states unless there is agreement between the state of Israel and Palestinians.

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Therefore, the agreement made between Chairman Arafat and Prime Minister Rabin is important not just because it opens up the possibility—even the probability —of a long-lasting accord between those two peoples, but because it unlocks the door to the wider, more comprehensive peace settlement that is essential. We need a comprehensive settlement that covers all tracks of the peace process and is freely agreed to by all the parties. I hope that, by next year, the General Assembly will be considering resolutions welcoming further progress on all tracks, including that of Syria and that of Lebanon.
Let me say a word about the Syrian track. The General Assembly resolutions have this year continued to address the question of the Golan Heights. We abstained on that question, as we have in the past, because we thought that the language would not help progress in the negotiations. But there can be no doubt about our support for attempts to resolve that problem as part of a comprehensive settlement.
An agreement between the state of Israel and Syria is, in my view, essential and urgent. Two key questions have to be addressed—first, the withdrawal by Israel from the Golan Heights and, secondly, the establishment of a full state of peace between Syria and the state of Israel.
One of the key problems at the moment is that both the negotiating parties are unwilling to make plain exactly what they mean by the concepts. What does the state of Israel mean by withdrawal? The Syrians are entitled to press the Israelis on that. And what does the state of Syria mean by peace—is it a full relationship between friendly states or is it merely a cessation of the state of hostility? The state of Israel is entitled to press President Assad on that.
Those negotiating positions must be opened up and disclosed as soon as possible. In that context, I welcome the fact that the parties are returning to talks, and that President Clinton is to hold a summit with President Assad. It is most important that the parties move urgently in those negotiations.
This week, we have seen the implementation of another resolution—Security Council resolution 799, which, as the House will recall, calls for the return of all those who were deported to south Lebanon at about this time last year. I am glad to say that all those who were deported and have spent the past 12 months in south Lebanon have now returned to the state of Israel.
Certain problems remain, however; they stand in the way of a peace process and need to be addressed. Perhaps most prominent of all is the Israeli settlement building in the occupied territories. It is true that settlement building has been reduced, but it has not been wholly stopped. That is particularly true of east Jerusalem. Not surprisingly, the Palestinians are deeply concerned by that.
We have taken every opportunity—I take the opportunity now—to say to our Israeli friends that the construction of fresh settlements is an obstacle to the peace process and we very much hope that it will stop. We voted for the General Assembly resolution condemning the settlement building.
In the light of the new situation this year, we have reconsidered how to vote on a number of Arab-Israeli resolutions. On the subject of Israeli nuclear armament, for instance, we felt that in the present situation it was no
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longer appropriate to refer only to Israel. The issue of security is an important one. Laying the foundations of the region's peace and security falls to each and every state in the area. All of them, without exception, need to be active in arms control and disarmament. All countries must play a full part in preventing the spread and build-up of weapons of mass destruction, which we regard as a major threat to security and stability in the area.
Nuclear non-proliferation is one of our highest security priorities. We fully support the concept of a nuclear weapons-free zone in the middle east, and we and our European partners supported the resolution calling for that at the United Nations General Assembly this year.
We do not, however, consider it desirable to single out one particular nation for condemnation. We prefer the subject to be dealt with in the overall context of peace in the middle east, so we voted against the resolution specific to Israeli nuclear armament. That is not, however, a sign that we take the issue less than seriously. We continue to call on Israel and all other states in the region to accede to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and to place all their nuclear facilities under full safeguard agreements with the Internationl Atomic Energy Agency.
Accession to the treaty by all states in the region, and their full compliance with its obligations, would be the best way to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the middle east. Similarly, we urge all states in the region that have not already done so to accede to the bilogical and chemical weapons convention as soon as possible. We fully support the work of the multilateral working group of the peace process on arms control and regional security.
I have already referred to WEOG and the chemical group. The 12 member states were pleased to be able to support the Israeli candidate for election to the UN administrative tribunal, and Mr. Gabay was elected on the first vote. The role of the United Nations in the middle east goes further than a string of resolutions. Hon. Members will be aware f the work being done by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees. It is important work, which will not be diminished by the peace accord. We fully support that organisation—politically, with bilateral donations and through the European Community—and we will continue to do so.
The peace process is of historic importance. No part of the world is more volatile and dangerous than the middle east. The economic interests of the whole world are focused on it. Years of history, tradition, hostility, fighting, murder and religious divide make it an extraordinarily difficult problem to resolve.
There are very legitimate concerns on all sides. Israel has a legitimate concern for security and we must keep that very much in mind. The Palestinians have a legitimate concern to assert their political rights as a people to acquire land of their own and create a political entity. The Arab states also have legitimate concerns. Syria's territory is occupied, as is that of Lebanon.
There are problems not only of history and tradition but of current needs and priorities. Against that background, what Prime Minister Rabin and Chairman Arafat have done is an extraordinarily courageous and statesmanlike act. Chairman Arafat has put his personal security on the line, as well as his political reputation. President Rabin has also put his political reputation on the line. They were right to do so. It was no small matter and they both deserve credit.

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It is for that reason, at least in part, that my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary were pleased to receive Chairman Arafat in London as a guest of the Government. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is looking forward to his visit to Israel and the occupied territories in January.
We must rally behind the peace process, politically and financially. We can do some good by sending messages and making clear what we believe to be true. The central problem is that important constituencies, in both the territories and the state of Israel, must be carried if the peace process is to last. People in the occupied territories must realise that powerful benefits flow from the accord and that it is not the end of the matter but the beginning.
To the state of Israel, I say, "Be generous; make progress with all possible speed; make it plain that you are withdrawing and that Jericho-Gaza is but the first step. Press on, be generous." To our Palestinian friends, I say, "You must take account of the genuine security interests of the state of Israel. Do not press for more than public opinion in Israel can currently give. If you do, the process will collapse. Encourage your Arab friends to get closer to the state of Israel. Relax the trade embargo that is seen as a major obstacle to the establishment of proper relations. Do your utmost to ensure that there is no further violence in the territories."
We will do all we can to make sure that the negotiating parties recognise those facts. It is an historic moment and all parties deserve credit for what they have achieved. We believe that the process is irreversible and we will reinforce it as much as we can.
I am pleased that my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove has given me the opportunity to say that and that my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, North-East was here to reinforce that message.

Hospitals (London)
10.15 am
Ms Tessa Jowell: I am grateful for the opportunity today to speak about the situation in London's hospitals. We have two contradictory views of reality— that of the Secretary of State for Health and everyone else's. The Secretary of State tells increasingly bewildered and angry Londoners that all is splendid in the national health service; another version is played out, day by day, in the casualty and acute wards of London's hospitals.
I received a letter yesterday from a constituent who is a consultant at Bart's—the hospital which the Secretary of State seems to have a particular mission to close. His letter was written on Wednesday of this week. He says:
"You may be interested to know that the situation here today has been chaotic. There have been two patients waiting in casualty since Monday afternoon, that is for 40 hours, for beds to become available in the hospital. A further 11 patients were in casualty overnight as there were no beds available for admission to the hospital, and therefore 13 of the 16 casualty trolleys and cubicles were occupied prior to the working day commencing. In fact I visited the department and, as you can imagine, the situation is chaotic. Accident and emergency or casualty departments are not adequately staffed or in fact geared to having in-patients as there are no facilities for this. With regard to hospital admissions today, five out of 10 admissions have had to be cancelled for elective surgery. This includes two of my patients with gynaecological cancer."
Is that what the Secretary of State means about making
London better?
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Last night I visited four of the major casualty departments in London, and another this morning—five in all. At none of those hospitals—the Whittington, Bart's, St. Thomas's and King's—were any beds available. At King's, 16 patients were waiting to be admitted to the hospital and being nursed or cared for on trolleys. At Bart's a man who was clearly very ill arrived. The hospital had no trolleys and had to throw a mattress on the floor in order to treat him. Every hospital repeats the same story. When I asked the staff, "Has it got worse?" the unanimous answer from every nurse and doctor was, "Yes, it has got worse —much much worse."
What is needed to make it better? The answer is simple. More beds—so that hospitals can admit patients who need to be admitted. It is an irreconcilable contradiction that we have hospitals in London that can perform transplant surgery and give the hope of life to people who, even five years ago, would have been regarded as terminally ill—treatments that are more complex, more advanced than in almost any other part of the western world—yet we cannot guarantee that our hospitals can find a bed in order to admit an elderly lady with a broken arm, who needs to go into hospital only because there is no one at home to look after her.
For patients who wait on trolleys for admission to hospital in the middle of the night, their only hope of being admitted before the following morning—when other patients are discharged—is by filling beds left empty by patients who have died during the night. London hospitals regularly start the night with no empty beds.
None of that chaos has come about by chance; it is the predictable outcome of the Government's being hoodwinked by their own rhetoric—the rhetoric that says that London has too many hospital beds and that market forces will now do what successive Governments, and 20 inquiries into the state of London's hospitals, have so far failed to do. The situation that is now unfolding is entirely the result of Government policy, although the Government are now distancing themselves from it.
Let the Secretary of State tell the people to whom I spoke last night—nurses working in the casualty departments of London hospitals, consultants and the relatives of patients—that London has too many hospital beds. The Government are alone in believing that, when waiting lists lengthen, the answer is to cut the number of beds. That remedy will make matters even worse.
Moreover, Ministers do not even seem to know how many beds, consultants and staff are available, what the waiting times are for each unit and how many beds at any one time are "blocked"—which is the rather unpleasant term used when patients are waiting to be discharged, but are unable to leave the hospital. That information is not held centrally, although it is essential for Ministers to have it if they are to deal with the turmoil that they have created.
What, then, is the actual number of hospital beds in London, and how has the position changed in recent years? In 1986, London had nearly 50,000 acute beds; by 1991 —the most recent year for which figures seem to be available—the number had fallen to 36,000, a reduction of more than 14,000. In the rest of the country—comparisons are constantly made with the rest of the country—the rate of closure was 80 beds per million people per year. In London, the rate has been three times as high: 240 beds for every million people close every year. That, too, is a direct result of Government policy, through the operation of the internal market.

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In his report following the inquiry into London hospitals commissioned by Ministers, Sir Bernard Tomlinson estimated that London needed to lose 2,500 beds. It is not clear where that calculation came from, what was the start date for the closure programme or, indeed, whether that figure has long since been exceeded—which the statistics suggest is very likely. Even Sir Bernard offered a cautionary note, stating:
"We do not make anywhere in the report the statement that there must be an immediate reduction in beds. We believe there have to be planned reductions in beds to go along with the other changes we have supported."
He offered the following warning:
"It will be essential that adequate transitional funding be provided to ensure that service changes take place in an orderly fashion. The level of such funding will to a large extent dictate the pace of change. Change that is not managed and funded in this way is likely to be chaotic, and will do serious damage to London's health services, and to its medical research and teaching."
Given what Londoners now confront daily in their hospitals, Sir Bernard's remarks were prophetic. There is nothing planned about the random, chaotic and disruptive closures that are now taking place.
Rigorous and systematic research has been carried out on the required level of hospital beds in London. In April this year, Professor Jarman, of St. Mary's hospital medical school, published an article in the British Medical Journal. He concluded:
"Hospital admission rates for acute geriatric services for London residents were very similar to the national values in all age groups."
In inner London, acute services showed an admission rate at 22 per cent. above the average value—or the average rate —for the rest of England.
"However, the admission rate of inner deprived Londoners was 9 per cent. below that of comparable areas outside London. For psychiatry, admission rates in London roughly equalled those in comparable areas. When special health authorities were excluded"—
SHAs will, incidentally, join the market next April—
"in 1990-91 there were 4 per cent. more acute plus geriatric beds available per resident in London than in England. Bed provision has been reduced more rapidly in London than nationally. Extrapolating the trend of bed closures forward indicates that beds (all and acute) per resident in London are now at about the national average. Data from the Emergency Bed Service indicate that the pressure on available hospital beds in London has been increasing since 1985."
Information from the Emergency Bed Service, which compels emergency admission to hospital by some means or another when hospitals say that they have no beds and cannot admit seriously ill people, is generally regarded as one of the best tests of the adequacy of hospital bed provision in London. Since 1985, the number of admissions of seriously ill people through the service—people who have had to be "refereed" into hospital—has risen threefold.
According to Professor Jarman,
"Data regarding bed provision and utilisation for all specialties by London residents do not provide a case for reducing the total hospital bed stock in London at a rate faster than elsewhere. Bed closures should take account of London's relatively poorer social and primary health care circumstances, longer hospital waiting lists, poorer provision of residential homes, and the evidence from the Emergency Bed Service … higher average costs in London, some unavoidable, are forcing hospital beds to be closed at a faster rate in London than nationally."
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In the light of the research evidence provided by Professor Jarman and his colleagues, and the daily experience of the Emergency Bed Service and London hospitals, I shall be interested to hear how the Minister will continue to sustain the case that London has too many hospital beds—given that waiting lists have lengthened, and the number of people waiting for more than two years for treatment has grown.
Waiting lists in London increased by a staggering 19·3 per cent. between June 1992 and August 1993. Within that average for the four Thames regions, there is a disturbing variation from 30·7 per cent. in North East Thames to 4·2 per cent. in South East Thames, with nearly 27,000 patients waiting more than a year for treatment at August 1993.
London's complex problem is made worse by the fact that six out of 10 hospital beds are occupied by elderly people over 65. The difficult relationship between acute care and community care in London must be understood, especially as two policies are heading for a collision. The loss of capacity to care for elderly people in hospital has not been matched by replacement facilities, or continuing care beds, as they are called, in the community—quite the reverse.
The health service has withdrawn, almost wholesale, from long-term care for the elderly. All that care—or virtually all—is now in the private sector, provided by private nursing and residential care homes. Many of my elderly constituents want to be looked after in the part of London in which they grew up and where they have always lived, but the nursing and residential care homes that they need do not exist in Southwark. For them, going into a residential nursing home means moving to Clacton, Bexhill or Eastbourne, many miles from their families and from what has always been their home. National comparisons shows that London has been specifically disadvantaged in that respect. In the rest of the country, about 12 beds are available for every 1,000 people, whereas in London the figure is little more than nine.
The way in' which the Government chose to distribute the community care money last year—the special transitional grant—further disadvantaged London. My constituents lost close to £1 million because the Government chose to place the money where the homes rather than the elderly people and the needs were. That combined formula advantaged the parts of the country with large numbers of residential homes, but disadvantaged areas such as inner London where, for obvious reasons, the number of residential homes is very small. The crisis facing London's hospitals cannot, therefore, be separated from the crisis in community care
A consultant at one of the teaching hospitals told me recently that one needs to be very fit if one is leaving hospital at 85 and living in Southwark, Lewisham, Lambeth or any other part of our deprived inner city. The pressure on beds means that many elderly people are not fit when they leave hospital which is why the readmission rates are so disturbingly high. Elderly people may return to poor accommodation. They may live in poverty on a low and inadequate income, having to make daily choices between keeping warm and having enough to eat, and not have the support of relatives.
At King's yesterday, about 68 beds were occupied by people who were regarded as medically fit, but who were unable to leave the hospital because the community care that they needed was not available. Elderly people are often without the support and care at home which would enable

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them to cope for very long if they left hospital. They therefore stay in hospital in beds which would otherwise be available for other people and so exacerbate the crisis.
Before the Minister leaps to blame local authorities, let me remind him that the Government cannot follow their ideology and have good, working community care. One of the problems has been the straitjacket placed on local authorities in arranging their community care. They are required to spend about 85 per cent. of the money transferred by central Government in the independent sector, so their freedom to arrange what they regard as the best and most appropriate form of care is fettered by a purely ideological stricture placed on them by central Government.
All the headlines that we see almost daily in central London could have been foreseen. We have a lethal combination of the Tomlinson proposals laced with the rather contradictory recommendations of the specialty reviews and topped up with the internal market. The result is chaos, a chaos that keeps the Secretary of State away from the Dispatch Box and out of Marks and Spencer at times when shoppers would be there to confront her.
Sir Bernard Tomlinson said:
"It would be quite disastrous to let hospitals simply be destroyed piecemeal by market forces. If you are going to have to remove a hospital it has to be done in a planned way over a considerable period of time."
That was his commentary on the aftermath of the impact of his proposals, the Government's reaction and the specialty reviews, his reaction to the chaos that he predicted when his report was published. It is time to ask whether Ministers listen to the advice that they receive or only to take account of what they want to hear.
The King's Fund also established a commission to examine the future of London hospitals. It was similarly concerned about the chaos that is now ensuing. At the end of October, its chief executive, Robert Maxwell, wrote in a letter to The Times:
"It is now increasingly urgent that ministers announce their main decisions on the London hospitals, in the light of the specialty reviews published in June."
We were promised statements before the end of the year. The written answer that passed for a statement earlier this week scarcely fits the bill.
Robert Maxwell goes on to say that if we are to sort out the problems that have ensued, money must be made available to fund agreed capital and other expenditure, to enable all the changes to happen. He finishes by saying:
"any business that was undertaking changes on a scale remotely resembling that of the changes that are proposed for the London hospital service would recognise that it simply has to spend more money to bring about the changes and it has to convince its customers and its staff that it knows what it is doing."
This week, the Secretary of State acted by putting her finger in the dyke and stopped University College hospital from going to the wall. In the same breath, however, she announced that Bart's accident and emergency department is to close. The Secretary of State claimed that the statement would bring an end to uncertainty in the health service in that part of London—the statement relating only to north and east London. When will the Secretary of State make a statement in the House of Commons that will end the uncertainty for Londoners throughout London and provide the stability that health services in London so desperately need?
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It is interesting that when the Camden and Islington health authority put its purchasing plans in relation to UCH out to public consultation, not a single person replied in support of its proposals.
Let us compare two conflicting situations. When it appeared that the internal market would close UCH down after the threatened withdrawal of contracts by the Camden and Islington health authority, because it said that it could find cheaper treatment elsewhere, Ministers intervened. Contrast that with the situation in Dulwich that faces my constituents and hundreds of constituents of other hon. Members, where the renal unit at King's is threatened by the recommendations of the specialty review, not because it is not to use the Government's terms, "commercially successful", but because it is in the wrong place, according to the cursory appraisal of the renal specialty review.
Staff working in the renal unit were informed of the likely outcome for south London's renal services before the review team had made any visit or taken any evidence. The provisional decision to move the unit to St. George's hospital has been taken, therefore, without what, locally, is felt to be any recognition of the excellent service offered at King's, Dulwich. It is not a line with which the patients of the kidney unit at Dulwich agree. The patients have raised about £1 million for the refurbishment of the kidney unit; they know what an excellent service they receive. They have a sense of security, knowing that the unit provides dialysis as well as transplant where necessary. They are people who are chronically ill, many of whom have moved to be near the hospital. It is their lifeline. The proposal to move the unit tampers with the rawest feelings and anxieties in those patients' lives. Tampered with is what those patients feel. On Monday, I shall go with a deputation of patients and staff to Downing street with their petition, asking the Prime Minister to listen; asking the Prime Minister to be persuaded by the 25,000 signatures asking that the successful renal unit be allowed to remain at King's.
There is a road consensus about the need to improve health care for Londonders. However, the need to reduce the number of beds further is completely unproven and indeed, as I have already indicated, is refuted by the available systematic evidence. Hon. Members on both sides of the House will accept that there is a crying need for the standard of primary care in London to be improved. Virtually nothing has been achieved in the 11 years since the Aitchison report, which was specifically about standards of primary care in London, was published.
It is not a simple equation, however, that improvements in primary care lead eventually and inexorably to a reduced demand for hospital places. Improved primary and community services would mean that patients who are in King's and other London hospitals waiting for discharge, would be able to leave, but the evidence rather contradicts the declining need for hospital beds; it suggests that better primary care means that people go to their doctors earlier and are treated earlier, and that the demand on hospital services actually increases.
Secondly, we do not know to what extent the particularly deprived conditions in inner London will act as a brake on demands on hospital services. The extent to which the work done in hospitals can be done as safely and effectively in the community remains to be seen.
The impact of new medical technologies is also uncertain, but I hope that the Government will maintain an open mind. I hope that they will look at the evidence, first,

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that better primary care increases demand instead of reducing it and, secondly, that there is no certainty that the number of beds in London can be reduced further, and especially not reduced in anticipation of those long-heralded improvements in primary care.
There is also evidence, from the purchasing authority in my part of south-east London, that about 30 per cent. of the Tomlinson money that is being made available is being used simply to keep existing services going.
In conclusion, I shall leave some important questions with the Minister. The Government are devoted to the market as their means for distributing health care. The market will always choose the cheapest treatment, but there is no equivalence between the cheapest care and the best care.
What guarantees and monitors will there be of the quality of the contracts that are now being taken up by hospitals outside London which were previously placed with the specialist hospitals? What guarantee will the Minister offer patients, whose care is transferred to those hospitals, that their chances of recovery, their life expectancy and the quality of treatment that they receive will not in any way be compromised as a result of the change?
Is it true that the rate of success of heart bypass operations at Bart's is better than anywhere else? If so, is that successful unit to close? If so, what similar guarantees of excellence will the Minister offer patients whose treatment is transferred elsewhere? What guarantees will the Minister offer to parents whose babies are delivered very prematurely and do not go to a highly specilised neonatal unit, but to a special-care baby unit in their own areas?
Quality of care means people get better. What auditing of quality will Ministers undertake? Are the Government really set on making London better or are they simply set on making London's health service cheaper? Are they really concerned to provide a health service which everyone in London will use or is London's health service to become a service only for the poor and those who have no choice?
I will finish the words of a member of staff in an accident and emergency unit that I visited last night. When she looked at the line of people waiting on trolleys that were touching each other, she said, "I just don't know what I'd do if one of those people was my mother." Are those the kind of standards that the Government believe are fair and proper to apply to the health care of everyone who lives in London and uses London's health service?
10.52 am
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. Tom Sackville): I congratulate the hon. Member for Dulwich (Ms Jowell) on raising the subject. In particular, I commend her for her visits to various hospitals yesterday. I should like to comment generally on her points. If she will excuse me, I will consider the possibility of responding to her in writing on same of the specifics. However, I have a few minutes in which to comment on the points that she has raised.
As the hon. Lady is aware, the Tomlinson report is one of many reports that have identified the number of hospitals in London and the number of sites on which
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acute services are delivered. The Tomlinson report stated that there is, and will continue to be, over capacity in London in many specialties. That is a difficult situation and one which Health Ministers have faced for a long time. However, when the hon. Lady said that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health had a particular mission to close Bart's, she does my right hon. Friend an injustice.
If the hon. Member for Dulwich believes that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State enjoys having to recommend the reduction of acute services in some hospitals and the concentration on to fewer sites, with all the worry and disruption which that would cause potentially—and certainly worry in the short term in many people's minds—the hon. Lady seriously misjudges her.
The problem is very difficult and it must be handled with great care. That is precisely what my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is doing. The hon. Lady will be aware that a great deal of time has already elapsed since the publication of the Tomlinson report. We have been extremely careful to assess all the possibilities. Many learned people from London and elsewhere have put together the reviews of different specialties and all the options so that we do not rush into decisions which we will regret later.
The hon. Member for Dulwich referred to accident and emergency units because she has visited them. I am aware that there are problems with some A and E units. I am aware of the current problems with regard to emergency admissions not just in London, but all over the country. For many reasons, including this winter's flu epidemic, emergency admissions have risen sharply and that is placing extreme pressure on A and E units and other hospital departments.
I remind the hon. Member for Dulwich that there are a number of major schemes in London to upgrade A and E departments. The hon. Lady will be aware of the scheme at King's in her constituency. She will also be aware of the £25 million development at the Homerton which involves considerable upgrading of A and E facilities. She will also be aware of proposals—not yet confirmed—to make improvements at the Whittington which she also visited last night. We are aware of the increasing demand and of why, for a whole series of reasons not all of which can be addressed quickly or in the short term, we need better and upgraded A and E facilities in London and elsewhere.
The hon. Member for Dulwich referred to the argument about numbers of beds. That is a long-term view of what will be needed in the years to come in respect of acute beds. While we may argue about different hospitals and numbers at different places, I remind the hon. Lady that there are certain fundamentals that mean that we will need fewer acute beds. Those fundamentals include the fact that developments are being made——
Mr. Nick Raynsford: Will the Minister give way?
Mr. Sackville: I do not have time to give way if I am to make a sensible response.
Provision is being made outside London for many specialties where previously it was necessary for people to travel to London. An example of that is the very impressive oncology centre in Maidstone. Many local people in the area who would otherwise have been treated in London, will now be treated near their homes. The hon. Lady might

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like to visit that facility to put the problem in perspective. She might like to talk to the staff there and discover what they are achieving. That facility will have an effect on provision in south-east London.
The increase in day surgery is another enormous factor. The hon. Lady will be aware that day surgery accounts for about 25 per cent. of operations in this country. That figure is heading towards 50 per cent. in America. I have opened many day surgery units around the country over the past year and a half. Day surgery will have an enormous effect on demand for in-patient acute beds.
It is absolutely right that, where possible, people should be treated within a day and then return to their own homes. There is nothing to be gained by unnecessary stays in hospital. There have been enormous advances in the efficient use of theatres and in-patient surgical beds. That is also having an effect on future demand. We must consider a 10 or 20-year period when deciding the real need in future. Therefore, we must take all those trends into account in our current plans.
As the hon. Lady is aware, there has also been a decline in the population of parts of inner London as there has been in most of our inner cities. That must have an effect on hospital provision. As people move out to the suburbs or other areas, they will quite rightly want to be treated close to where they live.
The hon. Lady said that the Government are alone in the view that we must make these changes. We are not. The King's Fund report is very clear and, in many ways, is even more radical than the Tomlinson report in its view of future provision. The main burden of the letter that the hon. Lady read out was that we had to get on and take decisions. The recent announcement by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State was the first of such announcements which must be made about our response to the Tomlinson inquiry.
Many professionals in London and elsewhere are acutely aware of the enormous subsidy to London health care from the rest of the country. They are aware of how much of the funding of the national health service is spent in London. We have to try to restore the balance to some degree.
Yesterday, an article in a national newspaper said:
"No one likes shutting hospitals, but 20 reports going back 100 years have documented the surplus supply of hospital beds in London … inner London has 70 per cent. more beds than the national average and twice as many consultants. Closures have not kept pace with the falling population … yesterday's decision"—
it was made earlier this week—
"makes sense."
That was not The Daily Telegraph or The Times—it was certainly not the Evening Standard—it was The Guardian.

UN Department of Humanitarian Affairs
10.59 am
Miss Emma Nicholson: Perhaps six weeks ago, Mr. Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations with special responsibility for humanitarian affairs, resigned. His resignation became public immediately, although it will not take effect until the end of January 1994. It is a matter of such importance that I believe strongly that it should be marked by a rigorous analysis in this Chamber of the reasons for Mr. Eliasson's resignation, of the genesis of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs itself—a very recent part of the United Nations—and of the way forward, because of the value of the department in helping the neediest of the needy worldwide.
The start of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs was perhaps the Gulf war and the tragedies that lay in its wake, with the uprisings in the north and south of Iraq against the great dictator Saddam Hussein. At a G7 meeting in Houston in May 1991, the Department of Humanitarian Affairs was suggested and set up. Its purpose was to scrutinise the humanitarian work of the agencies of the United Nations, to increase the accountability of those agencies, and to bring transparency of operation to their role.
How was the structure proposed? It was planned that there would be the classic pyramid structure and that the department would have a direction role, that the agencies would, in effect, report to the department, and that the department would direct their work. On the location of the new department, it was suggested that, for policy, it had to be in New York. However, Geneva is the humanitarian capital of the world, so it had to be there as well.
The House quite properly endorsed the creation of the new department. In early-day motion 538 in January 1992,
the House welcomed
"the appointment of a single humanitarian aid co-ordinator by the United Nations who shall have the authority to deal with governments that deny assistance to suffering peoples, and those that use humanitarian relief for political ends".
I am afraid that the wording was just wishful thinking. Indeed, to see the real way in which the department was in fact set up, we need to look at the General Assembly resolution of 30 October 1992, the general overview of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, the 47th session agenda item No. 37, the report of the Secretary-General entitled
"Strengthening of the co-ordination of humanitarian and emergency assistance of the United Nations".
It is an important document, in which the Secretary-General tells us:
"New demands for emergency humanitarian assistance underline the need to assess the scope of international response and continue to refine the modalities for co-ordinating it. The establishment of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA) was designed to strengthen a co-ordinated and coherent system-wide approach."
He goes on to tell us:
"The new Department was staffed through the redeployment of resources, combining the former Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Coordinator (UNDRO) in Geneva with other existing capacities within the United Nations. The Department, both in New York and Geneva, is also supported by seconded staff made available by the World Food Programme … by … (UNICEF), by the Office of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees … and the … (UNDP)."
The Secretary-General stated:

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"The secondment has enabled the Department to benefit from the experiences of these organisations in its day-to-day work, thus enhancing its capacity to coordinate and to achieve a system-wide approach in response to emergency situations."
The Foreign Affairs Select Committee also reported on the DHA. Its report for the Session of 1992-93, ordered by the House of Commons to be printed on 23 June 1993, entitled "The Expanding Role of the United Nations and its Implications for United Kingdom Policy", suggests:
"The old constraints … against interference in matters which are "essentially" domestic are no longer accepted. The change is a very recent one and has occurred in response to two very different emergencies: in Somalia and in Iraq after the Gulf War. Decisions to intervene militarily on humanitarian grounds have not been taken according to a clear set of guiding principles, but in response to sudden emergencies. The UN has not so intervened in other humanitarian disasters of perhaps comparable scale—such as that in Sudan."
The report goes on:
"Better criteria, which are internationally accepted, need to be drawn up to determine the circumstances in which armed intervention for humanitarian purposes is acceptable."
Earlier, the report talks about the need for intervention and about the way in which the United Nations has responded through the formation of the DHA.
On a critical matter, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee made the critical statement:
"Perhaps the most complex and difficult problem with which the UN is currently grappling is this: under what circumstances is humanitarian intervention by the international community justified?"
The report goes on to state correctly:
"the number and diversity of humanitarian crises have increased sharply over the past few years and enhanced media coverage has heightened public awareness of the suffering involved and increase expectations of the abilities of governments and of the UN to respond. Not only are there more concurrent crises, they are becoming more complex, with civil conflict inextricably linked with the need for humanitarian assistance … Humanitarian intervention does not always … involve use of the military … It has happened to protect aid convoys … distribute food directly … to protect areas designated as safe havens or safe areas (as in Iraq and now in Bosnia) and to help rebuild a civil society (as in Somalia)."
Since May 1991, therefore, a new United Nations department has existed in response to the need that a Select Committee discussed and reported on eight or nine months after its inception by the Secretary-General in the General Assembly report. The problems, however, were clear from the very beginning. Indeed, as I read out those statements, it could be seen that they conflicted at once, that the expectations that the creation of the new department brought with it were immediately thrown up in sharp relief against the actual support that the G7 countries and other members of the United Nations gave its new child.
If we look, for example, at the problems of structure, we can see immediately that to have such a new department split up already into two places gave a management problem of large proportions. If we look at the siting of other United Nations humanitarian agencies, we can also see at once that Geneva is undoubtedly the humanitarian capital of the world.
Geneva is home to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Mrs. Ogata, a truly remarkable person, leads UNHCR, with an annual budget of $1·2 billion. Geneva is naturally the site of the International Committee of the Red Cross. It is also home to the Federation of the Red Cross and Red Cross Societies. The World Health Organisation is in Geneva. So
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is the International Labour Organisation. The World Food Programme, which I have already mentioned, is only down the road in Rome. It is left to the United Nations Children's Fund and the United Nations Development Programme among the major aid agencies of the United Nations to be based in New York.
Therefore, at once it can be seen that there is inter-agency competition, if only for attention. But, of course, competition goes much further than that. Funds are scarce always, even for the best of purposes—humanitarian purposes. Therefore, the budgetary problems needed to be addressed at once if the new department was to be successful. The appropriate budgets were not forthcoming. The DHA was given a very modest budget indeed, and a small number of staff. It has been noted already that those staff were drawn from other agencies.
The underpinning of the funding needed to make the department a success was not thus provided. As the department straddled the globe, or at any rate the Atlantic, core operating budgets were needed and were not forthcoming. The staff of the DHA in Geneva have worked immensely hard in mobilising expenditure funding.
Here I pay a special tribute to Mr. Gerhard Putnam Cramer, who is head of the Geneva office with special responsibility for Iraq. He and his staff mobilised $1 billion for Iraq alone for the United Nations agencies to spend. But that is not funding that belongs to the DHA. It is funding that he and his staff have managed to attract through diligent hard work for the United Nations agencies to spend in Iraq—generally in northern Iraq.
Indeed, the modality of the operating programme under the leadership of Mr. Putnam Cramer is excellent. The operating promgrammes in the field in Iraq alone at the practical level have been exemplary. Daily meetings have been co-ordinated with all the agencies involved in northern Iraq.
Within a short time, the DHA has made its mark in many areas of the world. Programme work has been carried out already and is continuing in the horn of Africa, southern Africa, Somalia, Mozambique, Angola and Luangwa, for example. In addition, thematic issues have been addressed. The department has responsibility for United Nations reaction to natural disasters. It has taken over responsibility for relief co-ordination from the United Nations Disaster Relief Organisation. It has the overriding responsibility for United Nations action in disaster prevention and mitigation, and for de-mining.
What a programme. What a responsibility. Surely carefully designed terms of reference are needed to carry out such a vast programme. Not only does the new department have to attract funding to support itself and for its organisations—the agencies of the United Nations—to spend, but it must offer sensitive support and strong leadership to those agencies. I believe that the true weakness of the United Nations is reflected in the fact that the correct and proper terms of reference for the DHA were not created. The G7 gave birth to the new department, which was a wonderful concept, but did not support it properly.
When the responsibility was given to Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali in the totality of his overall United Nations responsibility, he did not give the DHA full and proper support, either. Thus, the 100 staff in Geneva and the 50 staff in New York who make up the 150 full-time

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staffing of the DHA, have been left without leadership or proper terms of reference to fulfil their massive and crucial task.
My first conclusion this morning has to be that Mr. Jan Eliasson is the victim of that lack of will and managerial effectiveness within the United Nations. The role of the DHA was not properly defined. Mr. Eliasson, the key architect of resolution 36182 which created the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, has been the victim of a lack of practical support by the leading officials of the United Nations.
In the wake of the Gulf war, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, the special rapporteur for human rights in Iraq, resigned because of the enormous difficulties of trying to affect positively humanitarian matters inside Iraq. Now we have the resignation of Mr. Jan Eliasson, whose task was co-ordination, management and direction and who attempted a hands-on policy to effect the necessary resolution of the conflicts and the reconstruction of human rights in Iraq and other places.
I therefore felt that it was of large importance to discuss this important matter today. I wish to take as a critical example of the need for the DHA, the work that it has carried out in Iraq. I give once more a summary of the background. I take it from the United Nations inter-agency humanitarian programme in Iraq co-operation programme document for 1 April 1993 to 31 March 1994. The background statement says:
"The United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs has continued to provide coordination of the Humanitarian Programme in Iraq through the Inter-Agency Relief Coordination Unit in Baghdad and the Special Unit for Iraq in Geneva Since October 1993, IRCU has expanded its role by providing stronger field coordination in the north through field delegates located in Arbil, Dohuk and Suleimaniyah."
Mr. Putnam Cramer, under Mr. Jan Eliasson, gave us the implementation report of 1993, when he laid out for us the ways in which various agencies under his co-ordination had delivered their aid. I commend that work and those two reports to the House.
I have already displayed to the House the difficulties that the new department has faced and the ways in which it has not been strengthened or supported, tasked correctly or supported by proper terms of reference to enable it to fulfil the role that was laid out for it. Perhaps I should turn for a moment to the need for the department to continue, to be properly strengthened and co-ordinated and to have a proper budget. We know that it is always very easy for non-governmental organisations and similar United Nations outgrowths to spring up without proper need.
Indeed, it could be said that, with the resignation of Mr. Eliasson, we should accept that the move of the G7 in May 1991 has failed, and that perhaps the new department is not needed. Perhaps that is why it has essentially failed to attract and gain the support that it says it needs. I think not.
Permit me to spend a few moments considering the need, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Just a few days ago, on 13 December, the European Parliament passed on the nod a resolution on human rights violations by the Iraqi Government against the Iraqi Shi'ites. The draft resolution reads:
"The European Parliament
Appalled by the findings of Max van der Stoel, the UN Special Rapporteur for Iraq, in his latest rapport, on the continued Attacks on the Marsh Arabs,
Drawing attention to the Special Rapporteur's statements that the Government of Iraq is responsible for continuing
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indiscriminate shelling of civilian settlements on a large scale, despite the creation of a no fly zone by the coalition powers on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 688,
Drawing attention to the Special Rapporteur's statement that the Iraqi Government by various measures is denying the marsh dwellers access to food and health care,
Drawing attention to the Special Rapporteur's conclusion that the Government of Iraq is responsible for the draining of the marshes and so for the consequent destruction of the traditional ways of life of the indigenous people,
Points out that this drainage is detrimental to the environment of the marshes and has a negative impact on the neighbouring regions,
Points out that the findings of the Rapporteur are in line with the report of Middle East Watch,
Considers this action by the Iraqi authorities a flagrant violation of its international obligations,
Taking into account that due to these actions thousands of Shia's have fled to Iran where they live in refugee camps in extremely poor conditions,
Recalling its previous resolutions on the subject,
Calls upon the Council in the framework of the Common foreign and security policy of the EU to take all necessary steps which might bring an end to these murderous campaigns by the Iraqi Government,
Warns that further delay in bringing these atrocities to a halt might cause an escalation of violence in the region,
Urges the Commission to provide emergency aid to the refugees in Iran and use all possible means to send food and medical supplies to the people in the marsh lands,
Sees as one of the conditions to lift the international boycott against Iraq the fact that all actions against the Marsh People should be stopped,
Requests its President to transmit this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the members of the UN Security Council and the Government of Iraq."
The very fact that that resolution was passed on the nod surely displays the European Community's understanding of the deliberate destruction of the south of Iraq.I shall now mention the north, and I am indebted to the Kurdish Information Centre in London, which yesterday sent me its new year appeal for action on Kurdistan. The letter reads:
"Dear Emma Nicholson … We are writing to you to request your urgent support in raising attention once again … What appears as a peaceful situation to the outside world is far from being so.
The main threat is firstly still posed by the Iraqi Government which maintains a constant military presence just a few kilometres away from most of the main centres of habitation. Attacks are still feared and Saddam's agents keep the people living in suspense by carrying out bomb attacks in public places.
The second threat comes from the Turkish Government's control of the only open border into the Kurdish region, which is the lifeline for all supplies coming in. The Turkish Government is frequently imposing difficult conditions on the Kurdish Administration in exchange for keeping the route open. For example, asking the Kurdish Administration to assist them in their war with their own Kurds, leading to Kurds from Iraq being forced to fight Kurds from Turkey against their will … It is very well known that the Turkish Government is no friend of the Kurdish people, as it is destroying Kurdish villages and massacring the people. In Turkey there are no rights for persons who claim Kurdish origin … There is the extraordinary difficulty caused by the fact that Kurdistan is still subject to the UN embargo because it is a part of Iraq … The Iraqi regime is refusing to allow any electricity to be supplied to the entire governate of Dohuk, where the people have been without power supply since August this year. Although the power is actually generated from the Kurdish region … it is routed through government controlled areas. It can be supplied directly by installing local supply stations. This is not costly, but it is currently impossible due to the embargo.".
I must again put on record a fact that I have mentioned to the House for many months. Most international aid for Iraq—most of that aid is for Kurdistan—is routed through

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Baghdad, and 95 per cent. of it is benefiting Baghdad and not the Iraqi people who depend on it. The Iraqi Government profiteers on the exchange rate and a huge amount of money is being lost by the aid agencies, including the UN and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in that way. That is a most important point.
I shall now move from the north to the south, and remind the House of the terrible situation of the Iraqi Shi'ites.
The marshlands of southern Iraq, as a unique habitat, are ceasing to exist. Perhaps within a few weeks, that damage could be irreversible. They have been drained in an exercise that has used civil engineering as a weapon of environmental terrorism. An eco-system that dates back to biblical times will soon cease to exist and the implications will feed through to the ecological systems of Europe and western Asia. The damage to wild life is incalculable—an area larger than the state of New Jersey is being made a quagmire of stinking mud.
Prince Charles has called that
"an utterly inhuman policy of cultural genocide."
Those were his words in his introduction to the leaflet of the appeal by AMAR, Assisting Marsh Arabs and Refugees, an humanitarian aid agency which I chair, more than a year ago.
I remind the House that Saddam Hussein has diverted almost the entire flow of the Euphrates into a large drainage canal, known as the third river. Earlier this year, the UN human rights commissioner, special investigator Max van der Stoel, stated that two thirds of the water which normally flowed into the marshes had been prevented from doing so. That work has continued since his report. I have visited the area several times since it was written, and 80 or 90 per cent. of the water may now have gone and the people cannot live without water.
I remind the House that the International Wild Fowl and Wetlands Research Bureau believes that the marshlands are the most important wintering site for migrating birds from western Eurasia. The habitat has supported several million birds a year. By the end of this year, and certainly by the beginning of next, it will have disappeared into history.
The effects on the people have been devastating. Perhaps the House recalls that Wilfred Thesiger wrote a wonderful book called "The Marsh Arabs" and introduced the English-reading nations of the world to their way of life. They have been almost wholly destroyed. It is not merely their environment and their habitat that have been destroyed: the marsh Arabs as a people have been destroyed, because, without water, no human being can exist.
Thousands of marsh Arabs and other refugees have fled to Iran. Millions have been killed or imprisoned throughout the south of Iraq, which has suffered continuing bombardment and an increase in assaults of all types, including chemical weapons. The evidence given by myself and others to the United Nations on chemical weapon assaults led to a mission to Iran and the Iraqi marshlands, but it will be some months before we see the results of that.
It is difficult to prove that chemical weapons have been used anywhere. We were slow to accept that they had been used in Kurdistan in 1988 and even slower to recognise
1426
that they had been used in Iran in the early 1980s in the Iran-Iraq war. Subsequent conclusions by eminent scientists proved to them that chemical weapons had been used. Events that will come to light in the south of Iraq will prove conclusively that chemical weapons are continually used by Saddam Hussein's forces as normal weapons. Other nations that adhere to the 1925 Geneva convention do not use such weapons in that way.
The plight of the people in southern Iraq has for many years been abominable. Recently, the House was good enough to allow me to stage an exhibition from the AMAR appeal archives of the past two years. We showed photographs of the plight of the people and our most senior doctor, Dr. Al-Hariri came to speak. The exhibition was opened by my noble Friend Baroness Chalker, and the British Government have been generous and kind in enabling the AMAR appeal group to try to support survivors who have entered Iran.
The European Community has been wonderful in helping us to assist those still surviving in the marshes and on the borders. Dr. Al-Hariri, Dr. Mussawi and Dr. Amin, the three most important members of the AMAR appeal medical team in Iran, spoke to us, and I should like to quote from Dr. Al-Hariri's speech:
"Iraq has suffered a lot under the aggressive regime of Saddam in the last 27 years. We Iraqis will never forget the bitter experience of what happened in Iraq. We have lived through the tragic era of Saddam's rule, we have witnessed the suffering and devastation of the two destructive wars. When we tell about the intimidation and torture that has happened in Iraq, nobody can believe. In Iraq one can be executed for his political or religious belief. Large numbers of people have met the same fate because they have refused to be involved in the past in the two destructive wars. The heart-rending view of manslaughter in our country will never be forgotten. Complete villages have been wiped out from the map in a short time because they said no to Saddam's rule."
What has happened in the marshlands is the most recent and perhaps the most horrible thing of all. Dr. Al-Hariri said:
"He has violated the environment not only in Iraq … all the world witnessed what he did in Kuwait, now in the marshlands against his own people."
What has happened has been a disaster of unparalleled proportions. Dr. Al-Hariri said:
"What happened in the marsh was really a disaster, an event that caused great harm and damage to the environment and to humanity. Half a million people have had their water turned off. The place in which they have been surviving for more than 6,000 years has been dried out. This will lead to the extinction of a civilisation that has existed almost untouched for centuries. The drying out of water means the end of these people. Saddam will do everything in order to stay in power. He will not hesitate to kill all the Iraqi people if that will allow him to stay in power."
Iraq is now facing destruction and the sanctions affect the poor people because Saddam will not use his power to give them food and medicine. Dr. Al-Hariri says:
"The intimidation, the artillery, firing at random at villages and people, setting villages and farms on fire, polluting the environment, launching operations of mass arrest and deportation by forces have led his people to flee the area. They have been forced … to leave everything behind if they have left alive. They have been forced to leave everything behind, to leave a place and a civilisation that they have lived in for the last 6,000 years. Those new victims of Saddam Hussein came to the border of Iran in a miserable way. They were … suffering epidemics of diseases … polluted was all that they had to drink. Their survival was only a matter of chance."
I now believe that Saddam Hussein is in serious trouble. United Nations sanctions are biting, the Iraqi dinar has plunged to an historic low, and the butcher of Baghdad has embarked on the slaughter of Takriti kinsmen who underpin the security of his regime. It is surely a measure

1427
of the Iraqi dictator's insecurity that, for the first time, he has started to pick on members of his own tribe, one of the country's four sources of power. The others are the army, the Iraqi branch of the Ba'ath party, and the internal security apparatus.
In western countries, people and politicians niggle about the intrusion of the media, but in the context of the destruction of southern Iraq and the marshlands and of the horrors continually perpetrated in the north of Iraq in Kurdistan, I have nothing but praise for members of the press and of television and radio who have consistently tried to do the almost impossible—to bring out the news.
Shyam Bhatia of The Observer made an epic and historic journey, risking grave personal suffering and danger in the marshes nearly a year ago. Reporters from The Sunday Times have also been consistent in trying to trace stories in a different way. Managing editor Michael Williams has kept his attention focused on this important matter. The BBC has been especially remarkable. Recently, two senior people from its evening news team came with me to southern Iraq and to southern Iran.
However, all our advocacy is not enough, and if we are to help these people in Iraq and other places, we must look to the future of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations and to the major UN agencies. UNICEF has just published a book entitled "The State of the World's Children 1994", which shows that, in recent years, significant progress has been made against some of the major threats to the health and well being of the world's children.
Social goals reflecting the possibility of reducing child malnutrition, disease, disability and illiteracy show that such ills could be drastically reduced by the year 2000, and those goals have been agreed by a majority of the world's political leaders. Experience shows that national progress in health, nutrition and education depends not on economic development alone but on sustained commitment to improve the well-being of the poor.
Despite the great generosity of the European Community, its peoples and its Governments, arid the people of other countries, only a small proportion of international aid is devoted to nutrition, primary health care, basic education, safe water supplies and family planning. It is clear that if we concentrated on those important goals, the state of the world's children would vastly improve.
I ask my hon. Friend the Minister to ponder thoughtfully and carefully on the problems of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs. I pay special tribute to Mr. Eliasson, who has made his mark. I ask my hon. Friend to examine some of the difficulties that the department has faced in its first two and a half years—the lack of co-ordination, and in controlling its field operations in Iraq through Baghdad.
Those are tough political issues, but if they can be addressed positively, our Government should be a leader—if not the leader, because of our country's experience—in improving the state of the world's children internationally. Rescuing child and adult victims in Iraq could still be within our grasp.
11.40 am
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory): This is an important subject, but this cannot be said to be a
1428
particularly full House. It does not do justice to the seriousness of the issues raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Torridge and Devon, West (Miss Nicholson). It reminds me that, when I began my maiden speech, I found myself addressing three hon. Members. When I ended, only the Speaker and myself were in the Chamber. On this occasion, at least there is an hon. Member on the Labour Front Bench, together with a Whip—my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Hughes)—to hear what must be a brief winding-up speech.
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend the Member for Torridge and Devon, West not just for her speech today but for all her work in drawing attention to humanitarian tragedies that beset the world, and particularly for her work—often at first hand—in drawing world attention to the plight of marsh Arabs in southern iraq.
Unfortunately, we live in a world in which the number and complexity of humanitarian disasters are increasing in scale. We have not only our normal share of natural disasters—drought, famine, earthquakes—but a number of deep-rooted political and unresolved ethnic conflicts, human rights abuses, and so on. They all create vast numbers of refugees and people displaced in their own country.
Money alone cannot solve those problems. They require huge political effort and co-ordination between all the agencies and non-governmental organisations involved. I think sometimes that we ask too much of the United Nations. We expect it to be the world's development authority, foreign affairs Ministry and, in some cases, Ministry of defence. It cannot take on all those tasks across the globe. However, we must do our best at local and international level.
The founding of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs described so well by my hon. Friend was an important initiative. It was established two years ago, largely in response to an initiative by Britain and Germany, and led to United Nations General Assembly resolution 46/182. Despite some disappointments and mistakes made by many people, the Department has been a force for good, and we will certainly not withdraw our support from its concept.
Whoever is appointed to take on the role vacated by Mr. Eliasson will have our support, and I hope that the right man or woman can be found. The job specification is daunting. The appointee must have a knowledge of humanitarian concerns and be a substantial and respected figure on the world stage, and must also be an effective manager of the agencies and financial resources that many Governments are committing to the problem.
The aims of the British Government and of the United Nations can be summed up in the observation that we all want humanitarian aid to be provided quickly, to the right people, and on a cost-effective basis that avoids waste and misappropriation. That last point is important, because if that is not done, humanitarian efforts risk being discredited. Any story of scandal and duplication undermines in the mind of the public the very aims that we are pursuing.
I pay particular tribute to the efforts of my hon. Friend in Iraq, and emphasise her remark that responsibility for the continuing suffering there lies with Saddam Hussein and with no one else.
Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Geoffrey Lofthouse): Order.
Mr. Mike O'Brien: On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I draw your attention to what I consider to be an abuse of the procedures of the House in the answering of written questions. I put down a question to a Home Office Minister after the Police Federation, to which I am a parliamentary adviser, received the information that the number of officers in the Metropolitan police area was reduced by more than 400 in the first eight months of this year.
The Home Office replied that it would answer in a letter, which will presumably reach me after the House adjourns for the Christmas recess. Should not the House be provided with such serious information in a written answer in Hansard, rather than in a letter?
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The content of answers has nothing to do with the Chair.
Mr. Alex Salmond: On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Has the Chair received any indication from the President of the Board of Trade that a statement will be made this morning on the Stock Exchange announcement just made by British Gas about a a major restructuring that will possibly involve the loss of 20,000 jobs and the elimination of the regional tiers of management of British Gas Scotland and British Gas Wales?
The House has been awaiting a statement from the President of the Board of Trade in response to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry, which has apparently been delayed a number of times—as recently as this week. If British Gas has gone ahead with its restructuring, that would indicate that it knows the content of the President's announcement before the House, or does not know the content but does not care two hoots. May inquiries be made to establish whether there is any vestige of influence left over that powerful, over-mighty company?
Mr. Deputy Speaker: The Chair is not aware of any such information, but no doubt the hon. Gentleman's remarks will be noted by the occupants of the Government Front Bench.

Arable Aid
11.47 am
Mr. Andrew Welsh: I apologise to the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland for delaying his Christmas holiday and mine, but I offer no apology for raising this important subject. The short Adjournment debate on the issue three weeks ago raised more questions than it provided answers, so it is important to examine again a matter that affects the entire Scottish agricultural industry and similar industries.
The Minister must be aware of widespread anger and anxiety at the effect of his Department's attitudes and actions. I have been a Member of Parliament a long time, but I have never experienced lobbying as extensive as that relating to this subject by not only farmers but representatives of all the ancillary industries, who came to the House to express their great concern and request that the Minister change his mind and take appropriate action.
This is not a party political issue. It is an agricultural matter first, as is signified by the presence in the Chamber of the hon. Member for Tayside, North (Mr. Walker), who supports the agricultural industry's plea to the Minister, and of the hon. Member for Glanford and Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley), representing the view of the Labour party. All parties are telling the Minister that something must be done —that he should listen to the industry's arguments and produce action that allows it a level playing field in the European context.
There is genuine and continuing anger about this. It is not good enough for the Minister to say that nothing can be done, that it is all settled and that he is stuck with EC rules and cannot do anything about it, or that the statistics involved in calculating the base area are immutable and unchangeable. That is not good enough, because the industry genuinely feels let down and discriminated against on that issue. It is an issue which simply will not go away. Nor can it be swept under the carpet or ignored by the Government. By its very nature, the base area and the set aside problem will recur year by year and, unless changes are made, will be a cumulative problem and burden on the industry.
The purpose of the debate is to allow the Governnment to explain more fully the basis of their actions and get to the truth regarding the base area situation. I know that the Minister feels that he has been misunderstood and that false statistics have been used. This is his opportunity to get the record straight. What cannot be disputed is that the 5·4 set aside penalty being imposed on the industry will cost the industry dear unless something is done to alleviate the situation.
The industry is concerned about the direct consequences of such a Scottish set aside penalty. More than 20 per cent. of arable land in the main grain-growing areas will be set aside next year despite output having declined by some 20 per cent. this year. If the policy is carried out, I am told that Scottish farm incomes will probably fall by about £20 million as a direct consequence. Producers' net margins could drop by up to 57 per cent. The increased set aside is likely to hit the spring barley crop in particular, reducing production by about 300,000 tonnes. Those are the concerns of the industry and I hope that the Minister will react and provide a solution to them.
I am told that users of Scottish grain, especially maltsters, distillers and oat millers will have to source a

1431
sizeable proportion of their requirements outside of Scotland. That is a crazy situation for our industry to be in. The lost acreage will reduce the turnover of Scottish merchants and co-operatives by £33 million, which includes lost sales of £3·5 million in seed, £2·5 million in fertiliser and about £1·4 million in agrochemicals.
Unless it is changed, the consequences of the decision will reverberate throughout the whole of the farming industry and its ancillary industries. For example, the haulage industry reckons that lorry movements will be reduced by about 13,000 trips. That means lost opportunity, lost income and lost job opportunities unless something is done. That is the general picture, but it also applies in individual cases. A farmer in Angus said to me:
"On this farm it means a loss of income of £5,000 for 1993-94, makes it uneconomical to retain my one employee and involves a 36 per cent. increase in my set-aside area for 1994. This is on a typical 320 acre arable farm"
Both globally and specifically, the measure can be damaging to the industry unless action is taken.
The Government cannot simply wash their hands of that responsibility. Nor can they ignore the genuine anger and fears throughout Scotland's agriculture and ancillary industries. The agriculture industry has a right to expect the Minister to defend its interests when it is facing such financial problems. It now looks for an urgent political response. If action is required in Europe, action must be taken in Europe to defend one of Scotland's fundamental and crucial economic interests.
The Minister has said that the "base areas are correct", and that there is "no discrepancy whatsoever" in the statistics. He is sure that the overshoot is "a real one".
I should like to challenge those assertions, because they have been at the root of the Government's inaction in the face of this crisis situation. The Minister believes the data to be unshakable, but two sets of data were used to calculate the set-aside base area: the June census returns and the set-aside payments made. The base area for Scotland was worked out using actual set-aside payment figures and was not based on the June census returns.
While England is better off by some 11 per cent. using the actual rather than the census figures, Scotland is 140 per cent. worse off. The Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department must have known that. Yet as late as November 1993, the Department was using two sets of data, despite the fact that it knew in the summer of 1992 that the base area calculation was to be on 1989-90 and 1991. Yet it made no attempt to reconcile the massive discrepancy involved. In other words, it was a disaster waiting to happen, about which only the Scottish Office knew and about which only the Scottish Office could do something.
The claim has been made that the set-aside figures are higher in Scotland because a few farmers mistakenly included the area that they registered for set-aside and not the area for which they were claiming. Why did the Department not take that up at the time in 1989 and 1990? It is normally a very fastidious and efficient Department. The Minister has enormous expertise available at his disposal within the Department.
If there is a difference of 0·1 hectare in the total submitted on their forms, farmers find that their forms will be sent back to them pronto, yet these enormous global discrepancies are appearing. The census forms clearly paid a part in the present problem. Like many other statistics, agricultural census data are useful in portraying trends, but
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are less accurate in absolute terms. However, it appears that the Scottish Office was issuing two differing sets of data from different sections of its Agriculture and Fisheries Department.
The census unit figures show a mean average that closely corresponds with the integrated administration and control system, and therefore with the accurate data. The Scottish Office appears to have used actual payment figures to calculate the base area, at a far lower and therefore punitive overshoot level. To my mind, that seems to be the core of the present problem. The Minister, however, has stated that the Scottish Office figures are "absolutely accurate". Yet I have a note from the Scottish Office stating:
"Set aside: Please note we are currently revising all June census data under this heading for every year it has been collected. We know many farmers have entered incorrect areas when completing their census form. Please disregard any set aside data previously supplied."
It is dated 10 November 1993—only last month—so those are hardly immutable and absolutely accurate figures on which the Minister bases his overshoot case. That view is also confirmed in correspondence that I have received from farmers.
If the Minister believes that those statistics are absolutely reliable can he explain why the total area of agricultural land in Scotland dropped from 5,967,551 hectares in 1986 to 5,364,003 hectares in 1987? That is equivalent to a drop of 11 per cent. According to the June census, the amount of land in agricultural use remains at that lower figure. Why does an area of land the size of Tayside disappear from statistics that are supposed to he immutable and absolutely accurate? I should be interested to know whether common grazing has been taken out of the total.
Perhaps the Minister can also explain why the area devoted to roads, yards and buildings, as recorded in the June census for the years 1982 to 1992, varies from the mean by minus 15 per cent. to plus 25 per cent. Why is such a gigantic variation of 40 per cent. acceptable to the Scottish Office? Roads, yards and buildings do not just materialise and dematerialise, but that is what has happened according to the reliable, immutable statistics on which the Minister has based his case. So far he has said that he will brook no further changes to them.
The doubts about the statistics and their effect on agriculture are grave enough to enable the Minister to argue in Europe about the base area in order to ensure a better deal for our agricultural sector.
The statistics have been used to impose a massive financial penalty on Scottish agriculture. Why did the Scottish Office declare to the European Commission an overshoot of 16 per cent., before it realised that some farms had been wrongly classified as belonging purely to the less-favoured area category? Those farms were split between LFAs and non-LFAs. Surely that problem should have been foreseen when the base figure was being calculated. A glance at the size of the LFA figure should have warned the Scottish Office, because it was far too high, but it used that figure to declare an overshoot of 16 per cent. It then had to rush to negotiate that down to 5·4 per cent. At least that action has established a precedent, because the Scottish Office changed those supposedly immutable, absolutely accurate statistics.
The Scottish Office changed the figures relating to the LFA and non-LFA split, but no allowance was made for

1433
the fact that the percentage area of crop in LFAs could vary from season to season. That is yet another possible variation in the supposedly immutable statistics.
The Minister set a precedent—I am glad that he did so —by using IACS forms in 1993 to adjust retrospectively the LFA and non-LFA split. Given that it is not possible to pinpoint the LFA and non-LFA crop on such split farms, can the Minister confirm that it was only possible to estimate the area of land included in the LFA base area? I am told that it is not possible to calculate that figure accurately. The answer derived must have been a guesstimate because it uses figures which, by their nature, cannot be accurately substantiated.
The Minister was prepared to argue the 16 per cent., overshoot down to 5·4 per cent. on the basis of the figures quoted, but he should go one further. He should follow the example of the Germans and argue to get the set-aside penalty reduced further.
For the purpose of the June census, the split farms were returned as LFAs, but we know that that return has always been false because the estimated number of LFAs is greater than the number that exist. It is on the basis of that miscalculation that Scottish agriculture now faces a swingeing set-aside penalty.
The Minister should consider Scotland in its international context within the European Union. So far only two countries have officially admitted to an overshoot in their base areas—Scotland has admitted a 5·4 per cent. overshoot in non-LFAs and Germany has admitted an overshoot of 9·7 per cent. Germany, however, has had that overshoot reduced to 1 per cent. and is now arguing for a further reduction. Scotland's overshoot was reduced from 16 per cent. to 5·4 per cent. as a result of the figures submitted, but the Scottish Office has now stopped arguing its own corner.
The English figures are due out soon, and it is thought that the original substantial undershoot will be reduced close to the English baseline limit. The Minister should also consider the example of Spain. It had reported an overshoot, but, because of a drought during the three base years on which calculations were based, the Spaniards are sorting that problem out, before their figures are submitted.
If I were at the Cortes and I were a Spanish Member of Parliament, I would find that the Minister would agree and would do something about the matter. If I were a German Member of Parliament, I would find that the Minister would go further and ask for more reductions to the much reduced levels that had been achieved. Fortunately, I am a Scottish Member of Parliament; unfortunately, however, I am arguing with a Minister who appears to be remaining static over the 5·4 per cent. figure.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Sir Hector Monro): The hon. Gentleman may be surprised.
Mr. Welsh: I hope that I shall be surprised and that the Minister will make an appropriate announcement. As I would be the first to criticise his mistakes, I would also be the first to congratulate him if he does make an announcement. It would be the result of calls from representatives of the sector and hon. Members of all parties to reverse a decision that should not have been made in the first place.
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The Scottish farmers are asking the Minister to fight on the political front and to reconsider the Scottish figures and, like his European counterparts, to take that political battle to the Commission before penalties are imposed. Scottish cereal growers already have the highest rate of set-aside and the highest reduction of production in Europe. Unless that 5·4 per cent. figure is withdrawn, further excessive penalties will be imposed on the agricultural sector.
In a recent Adjournment debate, the Minister stated that the scheme was entirely voluntary and that farmers do not have to use it and can grow as much as they wish. My reading of his own example of a 600-acre farm is that farmers would be 56 per cent. worse off in 1994 and 77 per cent. worse off in 1995 if they stayed out of the scheme. Far from the Minister's claim that the income of a 600-acre farm would increase by 17 per cent. in 1994, I am informed that farmers would face reductions in profitability of between 28 and 56 per cent. next year and between 51 and 77 per cent. in 1995. Farmers' returns will remain reasonably static, as the scheme intends, only if there is no penal set-aside imposed on the sector.
The Minister said that English farmers are growing malting barley over and above feed barley, which is, he said:
"perhaps being grown ineffectively in Scotland."—[Official Report, 24 November 1993; Vol. 233, c. 560.]
Such comments only make Scottish arable farmers feel that they do not have the support of the Minister in charge of agriculture. If the Minister thinks about that comment, which was perhaps made in the heat of the debate, he may wish to withdraw it or to clarify it further.
The farmers are facing an acute situation. Who is to blame? The Government say that it is not them and that they gave a clear warning over a year ago on overshoot penalties. The Minister said that the farmers are to blame and that Scottish farmers were:
"No doubt following what their college advisors or other experts told them."
He said that the farmers have tried to maximise their share of £80 million taxpayers' support available to them on a voluntarily scheme. The Minister is accusing Scottish farmers of greed and Scottish colleges and advisers of offering bad advice. I find that incredible. The Minister is also attacking his own Scottish Office officials who worked hard to advise farmers at meetings throughout Scotland about the new scheme.
The whole exercise has been Treasury driven. The Minister was keen to point out the total amount of cash that has been provided for the agriculture sector and that the £20 million loss should be put in that context. He should also acknowledge that politicians created the set-aside provision as a mechanism to reduce cereal production and to stabilise incomes through a period of transition. Politicians created the system in Europe to ease dislocation during that period of transition. If that system is the bedrock of change in other parts of Europe, why single out Scotland for extra financial punishment? Is the measure Treasury-driven rather than agriculture-driven? There must be more than a suspicion that it is. Compensation given by Europe is designed, as the Minister will know because of his background, to redress the balance against prices falling to world levels. Set-aside payments leading to lower production and oil seed payments replacing crushing subsidy paid to crushers are all measures introduced to help the industry through a period of transition.

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I must refer the Minister to the heart of the matter, which is the base area calculation. I believe that the Council of Ministers met at 6.50 this morning, and that the base area of the new Länder in Germany is to be increased by 181,000 hectares to take account of a statistical error. I hope that the Minister will continue to ensure that Scotland is treated in a similar fashion. Let him join his German colleagues who succeeded in securing a reduction from 9 to 1 per cent. and who have now gone further, securing that extra concession from the Commission.
I believe that penalties that would otherwise apply in Scotland because of the overshoot in the base area will be reduced in line with the procedure already used for the new German Länder—namely, the progressive application of the levy. Will the Minister clarify that? If the penalties are reduced in line with the arrangements for the new Länder, it will be on a reducing scale. But there will be overshoot next year and, although it may be less, a penalty on overshoot remains.
Can the Minister clarify whether the new move through the EC Commission applies to the base area or purely to the payments? If it applies to the payments alone, it is a palliative and the problems will continue, because it is the base area calculation which lies at the heart of the difficulties facing the industry and which will cumulatively impose a penalty on it in coming years. Is the derogation for both payments and set-aside or for payments alone? If it is for payments alone, the root base area problem will not be solved.
If the base area difficulty remains, will the Minister look again at base area size to ensure that it truly reflects the reality of Scottish agriculture? Unless that is done, the problems will return to haunt us year after year, and the problems and anxieties of the past traumatic months will remain. Agriculture is too important to Scotland and the Scottish economy to be treated in this way. I ask the Minister to give our industry the sort of level playing field that his European counterparts have fought to secure for their industries. I hope that he will clarify the base area issue and tackle that problem, which lies at the heart of the difficulties that the industry faces.
12.11 pm
Mr. Bill Walker: I thank the hon. Member for Angus, East (Mr. Welsh) for allowing me a couple of minutes. I doubt whether I have ever known a time when Scottish farmers were so upset. I am deeply concerned at the breakdown in communications between agriculture and the Department. That needs to be mended. It is important that the good relations enjoyed in the past continue.
My views on Europe are well known to the House. We are supposed to be at the heart of Europe. I want to be sure that farmers in Scotland cannot point the finger at the Government and say, "We are not at the heart of Europe because we are not being treated in the same way as everyone else."
12.12 pm
Mr. Elliot Morley: I congratulate the hon. Member for Angus, East (Mr. Welsh) on his contribution to the debate. Let me also remind the House that my hon. Friends the Members for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson) and for Edinburgh, East (Dr.
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Strang) have been closely involved in the debate generally and share the hon. Gentleman's concern about the overshoot in Scottish agricultural payments.
The points about the German treatment were well made. I understand that the penalty has been reduced to about 10 per cent. of what was originally suggested. Can the Minister say just how the Germans have managed to achieve that and whether the British Government can secure a similar deal for our producers?
My second point is that Opposition Members have always had grave doubts about the whole principle of the set-aside programme. Is it not disgraceful that Scottish farmers are being prevented from meeting a demand for barley? I thought that the whole point of the reform of agriculture was that we should match supply to demand, not that we should restrict Scottish producers from providing cereals for which there is a demand and so support jobs in the ancillary industries.
12.13 pm
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Sir Hector Monro): I am grateful to those hon. Members who have participated in this important debate. They made valid points.
Just a quickie to the hon. Member for Angus, East (Mr. Welsh): he quoted a sentence about "ineffectively producing barley". I must say that I winced at that when I read it the next morning. Something must have happened in Hansard. I certainly did not say that and, if I did, I did not mean it.
I welcome the debate because it gives me a further opportunity to answer various points that have been made in the press over the past few weeks. It is essential that farmers should not be misled and should know the true position about the overshoot that has occurred. I can announce good news from this week's Agriculture Council in Brussels, which finished earlier this morning.
The issue is detailed and complex. A good deal of misleading material has been circulating, hence my public rebuttal last week of the claims that my Department's figures were inaccurate. The statistical position has not changed, in essence, since we last discussed the matter in the House.
The overshoot is a real one. When we brought in the CAP reform package in 1992 it was a major United Kingdom victory—a point acknowledged by the National Farmers Union of Scotland at the time. We all have our views on set-aside. I have never been an enthusiast because I do not like to see agricultural land lying fallow or with a poor level of husbandry. I do not think that it is a good principle, but it is there and it is bringing a huge amount of money into agriculture.
The agreement was that the base arable area would be the average of the last three years before the CAP deal was struck. There was no discretion about which three years to use. Farmers had to use the three previous years, as laid down by the regulation. There was a discretion to divide Scotland into two base areas, specifically to allow our large high-yielding specialist arable farmers to benefit from the higher rate of payments available to them under the scheme. We did this with the agreement of the union, which was enthusiastic about it.
The Scottish base areas are correct; there is no discrepancy in the statistics. I specifically emphasise that it was correct, and a formal requirement under the EEC rules,

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to include in the base area the land that farmers actually set aside in the base years, and not the land that they might have thought about setting aside at one time or other. There is a considerable difference between the two.
The failure to realise this has contributed to much of the confusion within the industry. For example, some 6,000 farmers registered an interest in the five-year set-aside scheme whereas only 780 have entered the scheme. I once again give a categorical assurance that the figures used in my Department in relation to overshoot are accurate. Officials take great care and expend considerable efforts in their statistical work. It is a matter of regret that others have misunderstood or misinterpreted them. People did not choose to question the figures that were used to defeat the MacSharry proposals last year.
Mr. Welsh: Will the Minister give way?
Sir Hector Monro: No, I will press on because I have something important to say.
We do not believe that it would serve any useful purpose to repeat all that I said during the previous debate about the LFA—non-LFA split, but I must stress that it was with the NFU's agreement and encouragement that the Government secured that split so that the grain-growing areas of the non-LFA would receive more grant to reflect their higher yields than grain growers in the LFA region.
It is important to reiterate that the compensation under the scheme is substantially in excess of that required to overcome any fall in prices that may have occured. Compensation rates under the scheme are very generous, and it is not surprising if individual producers have claimed every possible hectare in their IACS forms, as it is their right to do. It is wrong for those producers, and others, to try to discredit the base area figures because of the collective result of the individual actions of some farmers. We must face up to what has occurred. Over a year ago, my Department gave a clear warning about the penalty for any overshoot over base area.
Participation in the scheme is entirely voluntary. Farmers are not obliged to join; they may sell as much arable crops outwith the scheme as they wish without setting aside land. If farmers do apply, there is no obligation on them to do so on all their arable land. They can be in the scheme and still grow grain over and above what they have applied for in terms of compensation. They are, however, collectively responsible for their individual actions. Those are, quite simply, the rules of the scheme.
Compensation rates will rise substantially in 1994. The increase will be combined with other increased payments to Scottish farmers so that the total direct agricultural support available in 1993-94 is estimated at some £300 million, an increase of almost 60 per cent. on this year's support of £188 million. Against that background, it is not credible to talk—as many have—about a spiral decline in the rural economy as a result of the overshoot.
Today, the Ministry is starting to issue payments to farmers under the scheme. A total of £64 million will be disbursed among 9,000 farmers. By the end of March next year, some £93 million will have been paid under the scheme. That is a huge sum in anyone's book. It should be remembered that the farmers did not have that £93 million last year; it is new money. The scheme is voluntary, and is
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there to help farmers withstand any fall in the grain price. I know that we have had a frightful harvest, but, by and large, the fall has not been substantial.
As the hon. Member for Angus, East explained the Spanish position very clearly, I shall not explain it again; nor shall I say any more about Brussels. Let me deal with a more important point. The hon. Gentleman did not give Ministers much credit for beavering away fiendishly over recent weeks to try to rectify the position resulting from the overshoot. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has been doing superb work in Brussels over the past few days, and has come up with a very satisfactory solution this morning. I give her great credit for what she has achieved. She will add to what I have said about set-aside—and, indeed, the whole issue —in a written answer later this afternoon.
Changes in the rules have been agreed specifically to alleviate the penalties that have applied in Scotland. Both the cut in hectare payments this year and the uncompensated set-aside penalty next year will be very much reduced. The arrangements are expected to be comparable to those relating to the German Länder. Those arrangements ensure that only 10 per cent. of the penalties due for the 1993 overshoot will be applied. If there is another overshoot in 1994, only 20 per cent. of the new penalty will be applied, and only 50 per cent. will apply in the event of an overshoot in a future year. The full penalty will apply only from 1996 onwards.
"Ten per cent." means 10 per cent. of 5·4: the penalty will be 0·5 per cent. The uncompensated set-aside in 1994 will be reduced from 23,000 hectares to around 2,300—a relatively small percentage in terms of overshoot. I stress that if we had the same overshoot in 1994—and we really must try to ensure that that does not happen—the figure would be 20 per cent. of 5·4: that is, 1 per cent. That represents a substantial improvement in the position of farmers in Scotland. If the 1994 overshoot were 23,000 hectares, the uncompensated set-aside in 1995 would be reduced to 4,600. All in all, that is a spectacular improvement in the position that farmers have got themselves into this year.
Mr. Welsh: Does that derogation apply to both set-aside and payments, or only to payments? I am sure that all farmers will welcome this respite, but if it does not apply to the base area the problem will recur.
Sir Hector Monro: I hope that I have already explained that the payment this year will be 0·5 per cent.—10 per cent. of 5·4—while the uncompensated set-aside will be reduced from 23,000 hectares to 2,300. That is a very small amount, when it is spread over the whole of the non-LFA area. It is an important victory for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and it has been warmly supported by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, both of whom have been beavering away in Europe to achieve a satisfactory solution. However, as Scottish farmers, we must understand that we must not overshoot again because, as has been proved, the problem builds up and will prove detrimental to the overall payments.
I in no way underestimate the large sums coming into Scottish agriculture this year as a result of the scheme. It was wrong of the industry, the millers and others to say that £20 million would be lost to the rural economy when I am putting £93 million into it. I do not understand how the

1439
hon. Member for Angus, East came up with the astonishing equation that the rural economy will be £20 million worse off when £93 million of absolutely new money is entering the Scottish agricultural scene.
The new scheme is extremely satisfactory for Scottish farmers and it is something which they should greet with open hands—I am sure that they will welcome the cheques that are already being sent out this week. I hope that farmers will realise that the change means that we shall have to continue to make the payments that were in the pipeline earlier in the week but that the additional money will be sent to them as soon as we can carry out the necessary administrative work.
Bearing in mind that the compensation rates will rise in 1994 and that there have been other increases in payments to Scottish farmers, the total direct agricultural support available in 1993-94 is estimated to be some £300 million, an increase of 60 per cent. on this year's support of £188 million. That makes it one of the best deals that the Scottish farming has had for many a day. That is true not only for the grain and arable sector but for the livestock sector, where payments have substantially increased and will overtake the income lost because of the reduction in the hill compensatory allowance. The extension of the suckler cow payment will mean that the same will happen for cattle.
We hope that with the continuing high level of the annual sheep premium, the farming community will realise that it is being well looked after by the Government, particularly in the less-favoured areas and hill areas. Of course, in the highlands and islands a special additional payment is also being made this year, so I am glad that my hon. Friend the Member for Tayside, North (Mr. Walker) is here.
Mr. Bill Walker: My hon. Friend's comments will have done much to restore confidence and faith and to allay the concerns that brought me here this morning. I congratulate him and his colleagues on what they have achieved.
Sir Hector Monro: I am most grateful to my hon. Friend. We have made a significant announcement today, which shows that we have been doing all that we possibly could to alleviate the serious problem of overshoot. The position has now been clarified and the payments will go ahead, but I must issue a warning.
The Government want to help farming and ensure that the farming community receives the greatest possible income because of all the hazards of rural life. In exchange, however, we must ask farmers to try not to overshoot in the coming year. They will perhaps find ways of setting aside other areas of land, thereby not reducing the area of land under crop, especially grain. No one grows better malting barley than we do in Scotland and I do not want the quantity to be reduced. We want to help our distilleries further—they have already been helped by the general agreement on tariffs and trade and the Chancellor. We want to give the Scotch whisky industry the very best quality malt so that it can provide the best drink available anywhere in the world.
All in all, we are going away from our Christmas recess feeling that a major problem has been resolved, and that farmers can enjoy their cheques and use them—as I know they will have to—to maintain the quality of their output and the environmental advantages of living in Scotland. I hope that they feel that the Government have worked very hard to resolve the problem and that that is now satisfactorily resolved.

Arable Aid

  Royal Assent
  Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Morris): Order. I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that the Queen has signified Her Royal Assent to the following Act:
  CONSOLIDATED FUND (No. 3) ACT 1993.

Community Care
12.30 pm
Mr. John Marshall: Policies for the care of the mentally ill were far too restricted in the 1940s and the 1950s. Many people who should have been allowed to stay in the community were incarcerated in asylums. I believe that the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction. The entire basis of our policy is predicated on the assumption that the mentally ill are sufficiently mentally well to take rational decisions about their treatment. That paradox is compounded by the all-too-frequent reluctance of psychiatrists to section patients.
I shall refer to two letters that were sent to me by constituents. In one, a constituent said that her son had been released from prison where he spent four months as a result of violent behaviour. He was then sectioned by a judge to stay in Friern hospital for up to six months. Two days after he had arrived at Friern hospital, he telephoned his mother and said that he had been told words to the effect that he was well enough to leave. It was only as a result of the mother ringing up the hospital and imploring its staff to keep her son there that a meeting was arranged which she attended and it was agreed that he could stay in hospital somewhat longer.
That is an example of a judge sectioning someone to stay in hospital for up to six months and the hospital saying after two days, "You are well enough to leave". On closer examination, it was obvious that the boy was not well enough to leave and that he should stay in hospital.
A neighbour who lives just up the road from me in Hendon has had great problems with his sister. He wrote earlier this year that his sister had been arrested at the end of last year after a number of incidents. As a result, she was sectioned and taken into Napsbury hospital and detained for two weeks. She behaved herself in there, but refused any treatment and was released. The family was most concerned that that could happen and a meeting was arranged with her social worker. The other members of the family were invited to attend the meeting, which took place at Edgware general hospital. When they arrived, however, they were told that the sister and her husband had refused to attend. The meeting served only to convince my constituent that the social workers are just "not of this planet" and that the whole system needs reforming, for the main reason that, as he says,
"a human being is living a life of anguish and torment when there is a possibility that with treatment her condition could be improved."
As my constituent continues—and no one could disagree—he finds it
"incomprehensible that a person who is known to be mentally unbalanced is asked to decide if she wishes to receive treatment or not."
He ends the letter:
"We can only cling to the hope that the present law will be reformed sooner rather than later."
I shall give another example of the reluctance of psychiatrists to section patients who need treatment in mental homes but who may not be willing to take it. A constituent of mine is convinced that the most gentle right hon. colleague of ours, my right hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North (Sir R. Boyson), is trying to poison her. One weekend there were 19 messages on my answerphone saying, "Sir Roddy"—as she calls him—"is trying to get
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me." I can think of no Member of this House who is less likely to poison a constituent than my right hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North.
I can think of no reason why my right hon. Friend should decide to move to a west Hendon council estate to poison one of my constituents. However, that poor lady suffers from that particular delusion and nothing is being done to help her. I have written letters to doctors and others, but they have not been dealt with satisfactorily.
That example underlines my point that all too often when a psychiatrist has to decide whether to err on the side of individual freedom or sectioning a patient, he will nearly always say, "Let him stay in the community as that is his freedom and right." At the end of the day, that benefits no one.
I want to underline that point by referring to a case in respect of which I attended the funeral of a 24-year-old constituent last summer. There is nothing unusual in Members of Parliament attending the funerals of their constituents. However, this occasion was particularly poignant because it was the funeral of a 24-year-old schizophrenic who had been receiving care in the community and who had committed suicide.
That young man had once been a lively, artistic and friendly lad who had never played a mean trick on anyone. However, he is alive no more. The occasion was particularly poignant because that boy's mother had warned the psychiatrists for many years that they were not giving that boy the right kind of treatment.
I have a file that deals with that case. The first letter on the file dates back to 29 November 1989 when a meeting took place between the psychiatrists and the boy's mother. The psychiatrists wrote back saying:
"Following our last meeting with you and David and Diana, I thought that it would be helpful to clarify the agreements that we reached on that occasion. We are aware that you all feel that Mark is suffering from a mental illness sufficient to warrant his detention in hospital under the Mental Health Act since he is unwilling to come into hospital voluntarily and that so far on the occasions when he has been assessed by our crisis team, their assessments have not concurred with yours."
The mother battled on for another four years to try to secure the treatment that she felt was suitable and satisfactory for her son. The psychiatrists always said, "No, you don't understand. We are the experts. You are just the mother." However, at the end of the day, the mother understood her son better than they did. That poor boy finally committed suicide by jumping off a seven-storey building. It seems to me that we should listen more to the relatives on those occasions than we sometimes do.
When Ben Silcock was mauled by a lion, the problems of schizophrenics momentarily became headline news. However, I believe that there is little doubt that mental health has become the Cinderella of the health service. What is even worse is that the whole policy has become far too optimistic.
Care in the community sounds wonderful, but it ignores the wishes of relatives and basic reality. The reality is that many patients and schizophrenics refuse to take their medication when they are released from prison or hospital. Public opinion may concentrate on the 32 murders committed by schizophrenics who were enjoying care in the community. However, those deaths—all of which are regrettable and, more importantly, all of which were avoidable—are but the tip of a much larger iceberg.

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Since I was first elected to the House, I have had several meetings with my local branch of the Schizophrenia Fellowship. The stories it tells are uniformly horrific. I will always remember a mother telling me that her daughter was sleeping on a park bench somewhere in London. She did not know which park and still less which bench. It is one of the ironies of care in the community that many of those who sleep rough in London are discharged mental patients.
Do we really enhance the quality of their lives by saying, "No, we will not give you care in an institution, but you can sleep rough on the embankment"?
One hears stories of a vicious circle—patients failing to take their medication and often becoming violent. All too often, those who are released into care in the community end up receiving institutional care in prison. They suffer unnecessarily; so, too, do their relatives, who feel powerless to influence psychiatrists and policy makers, and so, too do many innocent third parties.
On one occasion, I received a delegation from residents of a block of council flats in my constituency. I said, "What is your problem?" I wondered what Barnet council had done to annoy them. They said, "It's Mr. Campbell." I said, "What's Mr. Campbell done to annoy you?" They said, "Well, he was released from Napsbury." I said, "Yes, what else?" They said, "He has a hobby. It is to play his hi-fi system for 12 hours a day, starting at 8 pm and finishing at 8 am," rather like the sittings of the House this week, but it was quite unsocial for those who had to do a day's work after having their night disturbed by that gentleman.
The suicide case to which I referred is not isolated. Some of the others who attended that funeral told me that, in north-west London, five or six people who had received care in the community had committed suicide. The Boyd report said that, in one year, 107 discharged psychiatric patients had committed suicide. Each week, about three people die either by suicide or are murdered by schizophrenics because care in the community has failed them and failed the community.
It is not only in Britain that difficulty has been experienced in persuading schizophrenics to take their medication. In Canada, for example, social security benefits are now paid only to those who are still taking their medication. Although that policy was originally opposed on civil liberty grounds, it is seen to be effective and it could be tried here.
There needs to be a closer working relationship between psychiatrists and relatives. The mother of my deceased constituent said of the psychiatrist, "If only he had listened to me." Many of those whom I meet are critical of psychiatrists' attitudes to them, the parents, and those who know the victims of schizophrenia.
In London, patients have frequently been released, despite an adequate number of psychiatric beds elsewhere in London which could take them. Despite the reluctance of individuals to take drugs when they are released into the community, they are still released into the community. One cannot blame individuals for refusing to take medication —it is not particularly pleasant. When we were children, we were told that the nastiest medicine was the most effective, but that did not make us more willing to take it, whatever else our mothers might have said and however well they might have tried to sweeten the pill.
If a patient is told, "You can go into the community, but carry on taking the medicine," he must be tempted to say
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to himself, "They have said that I can go into the community, so I must now be all right; I do not need to take the medication." We then have the vicious circle of individuals refusing to take medication, becoming violent and then indulging in antisocial behaviour, ending with their being institutionalised, not in hospitals but in prisons.
We must remember the impact of the release of individuals not only on themselves but on others. We must consider the impact on relatives. They are frequently devastated when they see the poor quality of life that their loved ones have outside hospital. We must remember victims who are murdered, assaulted, attacked or raped when individuals are cared for in the community.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health is widely recognised as a humane Minister and someone who is socially concerned. I should like to ask her and my hon. Friend the Minister who will reply to the debate to look again at the policy that has caused heartache to so many and to look again at the availability of psychiatric beds in London before deciding to close our other hospitals or to encourage psychiatrists to release people into the community.
We must also remember the potential victims and try to stop them becoming victims when people who should not be are released. Only a few thousand people need to he treated in institutions rather than in the community. It is not a major problem in terms of numbers, but it can be a major problem if one is the patient, the patient's relative or a potential victim of someone who is not taking his medication.
Individuals who suffer from mental illness are just as deserving of care in hospital as victims of other illnesses. In days gone by, there was no disgrace in being sent to a fever hospital because one suffered from fevers. Today, there should be no disgrace in being in an asylum if one suffers from an illness which needs to be treated there. It is much better that such individuals are treated in the appropriate place rather than sent into the community, where the care may well be inappropriate to their illness and may cause them to do things that they later regret, and which their relatives and their victims regret.
12.46 pm
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. John Bowis): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall) on securing time today to debate the important topic of community care and the mentally ill. I think that my right hon. Friend the Member for Brent, North (Sir R. Boyson) will read the proceedings with some interest, if not some astonishment.
I know that my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, South has close links with several voluntary organisations working in mental illness. He takes a keen interest in matters that affect mentally ill people. I pay tribute to his hard work on behalf of that vulnerable group in our society. I know that he is a keen supporter of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship. The NSF does much valuable work to promote the interests of people with schizophrenia. That is why we are supporting it to the tune of more than £170,000 this year.
My hon. Friend expressed several concerns about the provision of services. I am pleased to be able to respond and say how we are taking forward care in the community for the mentally ill. I begin by reminding the House of the size of the agenda before us. About one person in 10 suffers

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from some form of mental illness in the course of a year. Mental illness is as common as heart disease and three times more common as cancer. For example, about seven people per 1,000 of the population will suffer from schizophrenia at some point in their life. Currently, it affects an estimated quarter of a million people.
Our policy is to encourage the development of locally based health and social services to meet the needs of people of all ages who suffer from mental illness. The aim is to provide a range of services that are local, comprehensive and sensible. The principal components of such a service must be effective assessment of need, community mental health teams supporting mentally ill people in their home, effective links with primary care services, an adequate range of day care services, adequate short and long-term hospital provision and an adequate range of health authority and local authority respite services.
This policy can be delivered successfully only by health authorities and local authorities working together and in co-operation with the relevant voluntary organisations and the private sector to provide a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary range of services, treatment and care. There is no doubt that our policy of providing care in the community enjoys widespread support, which is borne out by public attitude surveys. However, I recognise and understand the concern about the level and range of services being provided. That is why we set up the mental health task force. Its remit is to help unlock resources from the old, long-stay institutions and to help build up a balanced range of local services, based on best practice. That should meet my hon. Friend's request about places being available before hospitals are closed.
My hon. Friend also referred to rough sleepers and mental illness. He is right that very often many people who sleep rough suffer from some degree of mental illness. However, surveys of such people show that they have never been in touch with the psychiatric services. They have not been under their care and then returned to the community. He also mentioned some suggestions on conditions for benefits based on the experience in Canada. I, too, have visited Canada and the United States to look at some of their schemes. The one that he highlighted would be a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security, should it be decided that conditions be attached to benefit. I have no doubt that my right hon. Friend will see and hear what my hon. Friend has said.
We are taking several initiatives to help provide a better range of services and those include the mental illness specific grant and the care programme approach.
The grant is paid to local authorities to help bring about a significant improvement in the social care provided to people with mental illness. It has been widely welcomed by local authorities and has proved a great success, stimulating more than 800 projects and bringing help to about 64,000 people. Since we started the grant two years ago, we have increased it by 47 per cent. in real terms and this year it stands at £34·4 million, supporting total spending of £48·4 million.
We introduced the care programme approach in April 1991 and it is intended to cover all patients being considered for discharge from mental illness hospitals and all new patients accepted by the specialist psychiatric services. The needs of each patient for continuing health
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and social care and for accommodation should be systematically assessed and effective systems should be put in place to ensure that agreed health and, where necessary, social care services are provided to those patients who can be treated in the community. Explicit, individually tailored care programmes are drawn up and a key worker is identified to keep in close touch with the patient and to ensure that the agreed package of health and social care is being delivered.
We now intend to strengthen that system. In particular, we want to deal urgently with the problem presented by a very small number of patients who, as my hon. Friend said, slip through the net of community care. On 12 August, we announced a 10-point plan to reinforce the provision of community care for mentally ill people. That plan very much takes into account the sort of difficulties and the occasional tragic cases that my hon. Friend mentioned.
That comprehensive package of measures, reinforced by stronger legal powers, includes a new power of supervised discharge. That was discussed in depth in the report that we published of the Department of Health review of the legal powers and of the care of mentally ill people, on which we are consulting.
The idea is to provide a legislative framework to enable carers to give greater support to that small minority of especially vulnerable patients. Those are the people whose condition can deteriorate, especially if they fail to take their medication as my hon. Friend said, so that they present a risk either to themselves or to others. We want patients to be clear about what their treatment in the community involves and their care programmes will be carefully agreed with them before they are discharged. A failure to comply with the conditions would lead to an immediate review of the case and recall to hospital, if appropriate.
The other measures announced in our 10-point plan are intended to ensure that that happens. They include clarification of existing powers under the Mental Health Act 1983, attention to the special demands on the mental health services in London to which my hon. Friend referred, and a review of the clinical standards of care for people with schizophrenia. We shortly aim to issue new guidance on the discharge of psychiatric patients, and we are moving ahead with arrangements for a national conference to establish an agreed approach to the training of key workers.
The new version of the code of practice that has been approved by Parliament emphasises the criteria for admission to hospital under the Act. In addition, we are discussing with the Royal College of Psychiatrists a possible training pack for section 12 doctors who are approved under the 1983 Act as having special experience in the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorder. As part of that, we shall consider whether the material might be used for training social workers in their responsibilities under the Act.
I draw my hon. Friend's attention to the code of practice, which makes it clear that people can be taken to hospital for assessment should their health be at risk or if they are a potential safety risk to themselves or to anybody else. Perhaps that has not always been understood in the past, but it is made clear in the new code of practice and I hope that that will be helpful.
The best safeguards for patients and the public are still professional judgment, co-operation between services and a proper understanding of the powers that are available under the Act and the limits that it imposes. It is just over

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a year since the Government's public health strategy, "The Health of the Nation" was published. As the House knows, the White Paper set targets for improvements in health and reductions in morbidity. It is significant that mental illness, which has often received insufficient attention in the past, was chosen as one of the five key areas. Reducing suicide is the other side of the coin of improving the health and treatment of people with mental illness.
My hon. Friend spoke about a tragic case and I am determined to do everything possible to reduce the rate of suicide. As he knows, the targets in "The Health of the Nation" are for the overall rate of suicide and the specific rate in the case of people who have some form of mental illness.
We also seek to improve primary care for the mentally ill. General practitioners come into contact with, and are responsible for treating, the bulk of those with psychiatric disorders. My Department is funding the work of the senior mental health fellow in general practice so as to cascade knowledge and skills to GP tutors and course organisers, and it supports the "Defeat depression" campaign being run by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of General Practitioners.
Adequate resources are important and the Government are firmly committed to improving services for the mentally ill. That is demonstrated by the fact that, including secure provision, about £2 billion is being spent this year on mental illness. That figure, although impressive, does not tell the whole story, because it does not show the 37 per cent. increase in real-terms in gross expenditure on hospital and community health services since 1979, and a real terms increase of 86 per cent. in gross expenditure on local authority social services.
Those figures clearly demonstrate that the Government are committed to their policies for the mentally ill. However, the Government can provide only the framework and guidelines for policy. It is up to local health and social services departments to use and develop those as they assess and seek to meet local needs in mental health. I am grateful to my hon. Friend for initiating the debate and for the measured way in which he put his case.
I am grateful to the many people working in the professions and voluntary organisations, who do so much for mentally ill people. I am grateful also for the opportunity to respond to my hon. Friend. I share his determination that mentally ill people should receive the right blend of high-quality treatment and care.
Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Michael Morris): Order.

Cyprus
12.59 pm
Mr. Tom Cox: Cyprus is often debated by the House and we would all say rightly so. It is a member of the Commonwealth, and the United Kingdom is one of the island's guarantor powers. Nineteen years after the brutal invasion by the Turkish army that divided the island, thousands of Turkish troops are still there and thousands more settlers have been brought from mainland Turkey. Both actions were and remain a scandalous infringement of the rights of the democratic republic of Cyprus and its people.
I welcome the presence in the Chamber of my hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster, North (Mr. Hughes) and the hon. Member for Bexleyheath (Mr. Townsend), who have loyally been committed to finding an honourable and just solution to the tragedy that has befallen Cyprus since the Turkish invasion. We have always made it clear that we seek a settlement that ensures the rights of both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
There have been many hopes of such a settlement over the years, but time and again Mr. Denktash and Ankara have rejected any attempt to reach one. One has only to read the reports of the United Nations Secretary-General to know who is clearly to blame for that lack of progress.
After 19 years, can progress be reported? After all the discussions, is it possible to say, "Progress has been slow in some respects, but here is an example of the commitment of Mr. Denktash and Ankara"? The purpose of this debate is to learn Government thinking, the actions that they think should or need to be taken to restart talks, and what they think should be on the agenda. Are the Government in discussions with the United Nations Secretary-General? If so, what is the subject of that discussion?
The United Kingdom is not only a guarantor power but a member of the United Nations Security Council. What contacts have the Government made with the two other guarantor powers—Greece and Turkey? I hope that the Minister will give a clear and direct answer. Would the Government support any action taken on Cyprus by the Greek Government when it assumes the EC presidency in the near future? What would be the Government's attitude if the Greek Government wanted, as a guarantor power, to put Cyprus high on the agenda?
When Commonwealth Heads of Government met in Cyprus last October, they issued a statement on the Cyprus situation that was fully supported by the British Government and every country represented at that conference.
Perhaps the Minister will tell us what has happened since then. Will I hear today? Will the House be informed of the actions that the Government have taken following the passing of unanimous resolutions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Cyprus in October? We hear repeatedly of the need for confidence-building measures and we would all agree with that.
I could name a couple of actions that could be taken in a matter of days and which, without doubt, would lead to confidence-building measures starting to take place: first, a sizeable reduction in the number of Turkish issue troops who are now in northern Cyprus; and, secondly, a complete stop—I emphasise "complete stop"—in the number of settlers who now come from Turkey into

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northern Cyprus. Those are confidence-building measures which could be taken without any great delay or problem if the Turkish Government wished to.
I must tell the Minister that the real confidence-building measure would be regarded as the decision that is taken on the town of Famagusta. It is empty of people, except for troops. Just what do the Government say on the issue of Famagusta? Do they support the return of Famagusta? I stress "Famagusta". I do not say "parts of Famagusta", but the full return of the town. The Minister may be aware that that is fully supported by the United Nations.
I am often told, as are other hon. Members who have come to hear my remarks and who hope to make a short contribution, that the United Kingdom Government fully support the efforts of the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General is now calling for the full return of Famagusta. As one of the guarantor powers, do we support that? I must stress to the Minister that it is not some kind of trade-off. It is an issue on which the actions of Mr. Denktash and Ankara will be judged as to their real commitment to a settlement and to the full return of the town of Famagusta.
I have a copy of the document of the Security Council of the United Nations dated 15 December, which was adopted unanimously. Perhaps the Minister has seen it. It says that the Security Council
"Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by the end of February 1994 on the outcome of his efforts to achieve an agreement on a package of confidence-building measures."
The next two months will test the sincerity of Mr. Denktash and Ankara. I stress to the Minister that that sincerity will not be expressed through their ideas or proposals, but by their full support for the actions of the Secretary-General on Famagusta. The Cyprus Government have fully supported the proposals of the Secretary-General since May this year. There is no question of needing to go to the Cyprus Government to see what they believe. They have clearly announced their stand on this very important issue. The real test of commitment will soon be on Mr. Denktas and Ankara. I hope that we shall hear today where the British Government stand on that commitment.
During Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs questions this week, my hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda (Mr. Rogers) asked what the Government's response would be to the request from the European Union to have a monitor attending the forthcoming discussions between Cyprus and the officials from northern Cyprus. That person would sit in on those discussions and report back to the Community. The Minister replied that a decision would be made on 20 December. I need hardly remind the House that Monday is 20 December. I expect the Government have already made their decision and I hope that it is favourable to my hon. Friend's request.
Last week, elections took place in occupied northern Cyprus. Although no other country in the world, with the exception of Turkey, recognises northern Cyprus, to be frank, we all know that the Government have contacts in that area. That is what one would expect. What is the Government's views of those elections? To whom are they talking in northern Cyprus?
Those who care about Cyprus look to the future when we genuinely hope that the island of Cyprus becomes a united Cyprus in which the rights of both communities are
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properly safeguarded. The British Government should ensure that basic freedoms are secured for the people of Cyprus—that is of paramount importance. Refugees should be free to return to wherever their homes were before the 1974 invasion. People should have the freedom to own property and the freedom to move anywhere within the island of Cyprus. Those basic freedoms should be guaranteed for all Cypriots and should be contained within any agreement. I hope that the Minister will make it clear that such commitments and confidence-building measures, about which we hear repeatedly, are supported by the Government. I hope, in time, that they will also be supported by Mr. Denktash and others in Ankara because, as I have already said, in February the Secretary-General will report back to the Security Council on what has happened in the intervening two months since this week's resolution was passed.
I am grateful to the Minister for his presence today, because this debate is of crucial importance to our country. We cannot say that we are concerned about the problem but argue that it does not affect us. I hope that the Minister will offer a real commitment on the part of the British Government. I also hope that he will confirm that between now and when the Secretary-General reports to the Security Council, the Government will make it clear to Mr. Denktash and his colleagues in Ankara that the time has come for their meaningful involvement in the discussions conducted by the Secretary-General.
In recent years, we have had many discussions that have got nowhere. The latest discussion in the long-running tragedy is a test of the sincerity of Mr. Denktash and those in Ankara.
1.13 pm
Mr. Cyril D. Townsend: I am immensely grateful to the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox), who is a fellow friend of Cyprus, for allowing me to contribute to this debate. I congratulate him on securing more Adjournment debates on Cyprus than I have managed to do over the years. I thought that I had the record. I also congratulate him on putting the obvious points with great vigour and effectiveness.
I have been involved in the fortunes and misfortunes of the beautiful but tragic island of Cyprus since I first went there as a young, inexperienced soldier in 1958, when I had the privilege to guard the last colonial governor of Cyprus. From that time, Britain has had more responsibility towards Cyprus than any of the other 180 countries in the United Nations. In recent years, there has been a temptation for the Foreign Office to say that we are fitting in behind the United Nations and the Commonwealth and that we are playing our part. I passionately believe that we should not just be playing a part, but taking a leading role because of our unique responsibilities. Indeed, the United States looks to London to give a lead.
What is happening in Cyprus is intolerable. It is a European and fellow Commonwealth country which is tragically divided. It is too small in political, economic and commercial terms to be divided in that cruel way.
I hope that the Minister will comment on the use of northern Cyprus to harbour refugees from justice, which is an unattractive feature and a growing tendency. As the Ministers knows from my correspondence with him and his officials, it is time for the Government to take some

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action and we are anxious to hear the Minister's response. Above all, I hope that he will tell us that Britain understands its clear duty in the matter.
1.17 pm
Mr. Kevin Hughes: I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) for allowing other hon. Members a few minutes in which to speak and I congratulate him on securing the debate.
After almost 20 years, it is time that the Government, as a guarantor, decided to do something positive. For almost 20 years, the northern part of Cyprus has been illegally occupied by Turkish troops and it is time that the Government set about settling the problem. Most people refer to the occupation as the Cyprus problem. I refer to it as the Turkish problem, because Turkey made the initial decision and it has the problem. How could we allow such a situation to occur and how can we allow it to continue in this day and age? I welcome the recent moves that the Government have made over Northern Ireland, as do most hon. Members, but it is time that the Government started to make moves to sort out the problem in Cyprus.
On a recent visit to Cyprus, what moved me most was meeting the people who are refugees in their own country. It is unimaginable to us that those refugees look over the border and the barbed wire and see living in their houses and stealing their property, people who were brought in by Turkey and were not born and bred in Cyprus. It cannot be nice to look over that barbed wire week in and week out for almost 20 years at other people who are occupying one's land. It is time that the Government began dealing properly with the problem.
1.18 pm
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory): I, too, congratulate the hon. Member for Tooting (Mr. Cox) on having secured the debate on this important issue. I know how strongly he feels about the matter from meetings that we have had at the Foreign Office and from correspondence on behalf of the people whom he represents. He has brought his judgment to bear on that issue for many years, as have the hon. Member for Doncaster, North (Mr. Hughes) and my hon. Friend the Member for Bexleyheath (Mr. Townsend).
We are bound to Cyprus by many ties of family, of history, and of political interests. It is an island which is tragically divided and I also believe that the division is unacceptable. We must not accept that just because the division has existed for 20 years we must somehow learn to live with it. We must redouble our efforts to reach a settlement and a solution. This is not a party political issue: the original division took place under a Labour Government and it has persisted under Conservative Governments. It is generally recognised on both sides of the House that the present situation is unacceptable.
Mr. Elliot Morley: I warmly welcome the Minister's comments—especially those about the unacceptability of the division of Cyprus. Have the British Government officially made it clear to Turkey and the illegal regime in northern Cyprus that, no matter how long it continues, the present division can never be tolerated or accepted in a civilised society?
Mr. Heathcoat-Amory: I can add to that. We have made it clear that we do not recognise the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and that we have no intention of doing so. We were disappointed—and said so—when Mr. Denktash was not able to follow President Clerides in accepting a package of confidence-building measures, which, as we heard, was proposed by the United Nations Secretary-General. We were particularly disappointed when Mr. Denktash did not return to New York—effectively stalling the talks since that time in the summer. We attach considerable weight to the success of those measures. The hon. Member for Tooting mentioned Famagusta. Among the confidence-building measures is the return of Varosha, which is part of Famagusta, to the control of the United Nations. That, in turn, should lead to a more general settlement.
Such measures are crucial because confidence is essential if any long-term settlement is to be achieved. A new generation is growing up on both sides of the divide. Those young people have no experience of living together in a united island. At one time, Turks, Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots lived together and, despite undoubted differences, by and large rubbed along and learnt to live with one another. Memories of that time are fading; it is outside young people's experience. For that reason, too, it is important that the political leaders on the island find it in themselves to reach a long-term political settlement.
Since the talks were stalled, there have been elections in northern Cyprus. We do not know what the final outcome will be in terms of the Government, but those elections give a new opportunity. There is the hope—shared, I know, by the United Nations—that we can return to the question of the confidence-building measures. Mr. Clark, the special representative of the Secretary-General, has been asked to resume intensive contact with both sides—and, indeed, with Turkey—following the elections. On 15 December —the date mentioned by the hon. Member for Tooting —the Security Council also endorsed that approach.
The question of an EC observer has been raised. I have been asked what will happen on Monday at the Foreign Affairs Council. That will depend on what European Union member states conclude at the time. I cannot prejudge that discussion. It is, after all, a joint decision that we hope to reach about the possible appointment of an EC observer. I can tell the House that we are being genuinely open-minded about the matter and approach it without prejudice. Our judgment must be influenced chiefly by what is best for the prospect of confidence-building measures. Will the appointment of an observer aid that process? In answer to a question on Wednesday, I said that, if we are satisfied that that will help and not impede the success of those confidence-building measures, we will give the matter favourable consideration.
The Secretary-General laid considerable emphasis on other means by which the European Union might visibly support his efforts. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary did just that when he, along with other European Ministers, met Mr. Cetin, the Turkish Foreign Minister, on 8 November at the European Union/Turkey Association Council. My right hon. Friend made it clear to the Turkish Minister that we wished to make rapid progress with the confidence-building measures, after the election in northern Cyprus, and that we looked to the Turkish Government to use their influence and best endeavours to accelerate that process.

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We all want a just, viable and lasting settlement, which must be reached by the two communities together. No great imperial power can impose a settlement. The days of colonialism are past—[Interruption.] No doubt to the regret of my hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Mr. Soames). We must take the longer, perhaps stonier, road of getting the local communities and politicians to negotiate between themselves, within a framework set by others, together with all possible assistance and support from friends of Cyprus and from both sides of the community.
We are aiming at a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary put it clearly in the House on 19 November when he said that he was aiming for
"one country, one Cyprus, one Government and two communities."—[Official Report, 19 November 1993; Vol. 233, c. 117.]
There is no question of our recognising the so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus." We condemned its purported declaration in 1983 and the Government helped to secure the United Nations Security Council resolution 541, which considered that declaration to be legally invalid, and that remains our position.
People get confused about why we have contact with the Turkish Cypriot community at all. We are one of the guarantor powers of the treaty of guarantee, and we have a clear obligation to deal with both communities. For that reason, we maintain contact with Mr. Denktash and others who are prominent and have influence in the northern Cyprus community—but that does not imply recognition.
Future efforts will be directed chiefly towards the success of the confidence-building measures, and the recent elections have given us a new opportunity in that respect. Following those elections, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has sent messages to his Greek and Turkish counterparts, and to Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash, urging them to do their utmost to reach a settlement.
We will follow that up. We have reopened the issue not only by way of direct correspondence with those concerned, but my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will discuss Cyprus with Mrs. Ciller, the Prime Minister of Turkey, when he meets her in the margins of the NATO summit on 10 January. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will raise the issue of Cyprus when he meets Mr. Cetin, the Turkish Foreign Minister, in Akara during his visit to Turkey on 19 and 20 January. After that visit, my right hon. Friend plans to visit Greece and to follow up those discussions in direct communications with the Greek Government on 21 January.
We should see the package of confidence-building measures as important, but they are only the first step. After that, we must make progress with the Secretary-General's set of ideas—which, naturally, we shall support. We cannot compel a solution to be found, but we must work with a will.
Compromises will be required on both sides. We require genuine power sharing between the two communities. The possible nature of the ultimate political arrangement cannot be foreseen at this point, but I can reaffirm that we will not rest until a final solution has been achieved.

Live Animals (Transport)
1.29 pm
Mr. Harry Greenway: This is a matter of great concern to hon. Members on both sides of the House. I have been involved with horses all my life, as a rider and as one concerned about their welfare; I am in my 21st year of service on the council of the British Horse Society, to which I have been consistently re-elected. The society is the national controlling body: it controls everything to do with horses except racing. Some years ago, I received the award of merit from the society for outstanding services to the horse world.
This is probably the last chance for us to wish my hon. Friend the Minister all happiness: next week, he is marrying a wonderful lady, and marrying into a wonderful family whom I have known for some years.
The transport of live animals deserves considerable attention from both the United Kingdom Government and the European Community—and, indeed, from the whole world. The British people are enormously concerned about the welfare of animals, which is reflected in the size of the post bags received by Members of Parliament. A recent survey revealed that, apart from housing, animal welfare constituted the largest single element of hon. Members' post bags.
Although animal welfare as a whole covers a huge range of subjects, the House should be in no doubt about the extent of public concern about the transport of live animals. In a recent parliamentary answer, my hon. Friend the Minister acknowledged that his Department had received more than 100,000 items of correspondence on the issue, as well as numerous petitions. A further answer revealed that, since 1 November, the Ministry had received more than 17,000 letters. In recent weeks, more than 800 letters a day have been pouring in. I congratulate the Minister on coping with all that, and the British people on their vigilance in writing.
Why should the British public express themselves in such numbers? They may have been made aware by the campaigns of the RSPCA, the British Horse Society and others—including the International League for the Protection of Horses—of the plight of animals subjected to lengthy and unnecessary journeys en route to slaughter; but awareness alone does not generate such large post bags. The answer lies in public revulsion at the suffering of the animals—more than 2 million of them—that leave our shores each year, and impatience with the continuing trade and the horrors that accompany it.
In recent years, undercover RSPCA inspectors have documented numerous examples of animals suffering in transit. It is true that some are treated properly, but many experience real, terrible suffering leading to death. In September this year, at the port of Trieste in northern Italy, RSPCA inspectors recorded on film, for all to see, a plethora of abuses to animals after long journeys across Europe. Sheep, for instance, were starved and dehydrated after a long journey, and then unloaded into a holding pen. The water troughs in the pen were so high that the animals were unable to drink from them—what meanness. Dying sheep, exhausted and stressed after one journey, were reloaded without rest on to another vehicle to begin the same nightmare all over again. Dead sheep were dragged off a lorry, which is evidence in itself. A horse was stabbed in the eye because it was reluctant to move due to severe

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exhaustion. Such scenes are so horrific and disturbing that I do not think that they should be shown on television before 9 pm. Indeed, I doubt whether they could be shown before 9 pm.
On one occasion, after pigs had made a 35-hour journey from Holland to Rome without rest, food or water—the three essentials of life—RSPCA inspectors witnessed them so exhausted after their nightmare journey that they were not able to walk steadily. They were falling from the vehicle while being unloaded. I have heard many personal testimonies by the late Glenda Spooner, a great fighter for the welfare of horses, who saw horses being unloaded after travelling long distances, stumbling and not behaving as they should, and receiving a severe thrashing for it. The beating was inflicted either out of bad behaviour, to indulge the miserable temperament and mood of individuals or out of sheer cruelty.
Such scenes, which appear commonplace, suggest that the European rules are rarely enforced. The abuses are so widespread that on almost every occasion that RSPCA inspectors monitor ports such as Calais they record yet another journey of 30, 40, 50 and even 60 hours without respite for the animals. Such journey times are in breach of European law. I have asked the RSPCA what intelligence or information it requires to follow such illegal journeys.
Mr. Elliot Morley: I agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said so far. His interest in horses is well known. Does he agree that we need to establish maximum journey times? I am sure that he will share my disappointment about the recent draft directive which failed because it extended the length of journey times above our legal maximum. Does he also agree that, apart from the cruelty of exporting animals, the problem also exports jobs from this country? Should not slaughter take place as near as possible to the point of production?
Mr. Greenway: I agree with the hon. Gentleman on both points. It is a tragedy that when, led by the Government, we were making good progress on journey times and on the general welfare of horses and other live animals, we have now moved in the oppositite direction.
I was talking about illegal journeys. The answer appears less conspiratorial than I had suspected. Inspectors wait at Calais or other ports, watching for the arrival of a multi-decked lorry. They look for two drivers, which is a sign of a long journey. When lorries arrive on ferries from the United Kingdom, up to 800 sheep are loaded and the horrendous journey begins. Most disturbing of all is the fact that on almost every occasion the lorries have not been stopped once en route through several countries. Enforcement appears to be wholly mythical.
That begs the question that, if a handful of RSPCA inspectors can so easily find examples of cruelty and disregard for animal welfare, why should basic enforcement be such a problem? It is so easy to find examples of abuse that they should be picked up without the slightest difficulty. Some hard punishment for those involved would have a tremendous effect on a wicked trade.
I am aware that following yesterday's deliberation at the Council of Ministers, there is still much to be resolved on the live transport directive. I hope that equal weight will be given to enforcement and the basic limitation of journey
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times. Enforcement matters just as much as limitation; if that principle is not established, the lengthy and difficult negotiations will have been wasted.
The deliberations on the European directive on live transportation bring me to a matter about which I and the British Horse Society, on whose council I have served for 21 years, feel most passionately. That is the retention of the Minimum Values Order.
The fight against the trade in live horses and ponies has been going on for more than 100 years. The RSPCA, the British Horse Society, the International League for the Protection of Horses and others have sought to stem the suffering inflicted on thousands of old, decayed and worn-out horses, as they are described, sent across the channel for butchery in continental slaughterhouses. That was at one time a lucrative trade and many people were brought before the courts for transporting a horse in an unfit state. In 1900 alone, the RSPCA, secured 4,651 convictions for that form of cruelty to horses.
The Minimum Values Order has played a huge part, which cannot be over-estimated, in stemming that trade. Today's Minimum Values Order, which prevents the export of any horses valued at less than £495 or pony valued at less than £220 or any horse over the age of eight years, except in very limited circumstances, has proved a valuable weapon against cruelty.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Nicholas Soames): Hear, hear.
Mr. Greenway: I am grateful for my hon. Friend's support.
We have to remember that horses who were, and sometimes are, exported for slaughter have often done a lifetime's hard work and do not deserve that type of treatment. However, there is great worry in horse circles that our open border with the Republic of Ireland—to which the order does not apply, unfortunately—provides a back-door route to butchery and death for many horses. It is a worry because each year many horses are stolen from loving owners and are never recovered. It would appear that stolen horses can be transmitted to the Republic of Ireland without paperwork and could then be shipped to the continent for slaughter.
I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman the Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) is in his place, because he and I have done a great deal of work together on that and many other animal issues.
Mr. Tony Banks: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for saying that. May I offer him a double congratulation this afternoon? I congratulate him on all the work that he has done for the welfare of animals; I also congratulate him on getting this Adjournment debate, and therefore perhaps preventing the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the hon. Member for Crawley (Mr. Soames) from going out and—who knows—shooting a number of small furry and feathered things and eating them in even greater quantity.
Mr. Greenway: I thank the hon. Gentleman for the initial compliment.
Finally, I commend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for her determined stand during the live transport negotiations by refusing to accept a lowering of

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the high standards of protection for animals who are transported live to mainland Europe. That is a matter for great thanksgiving and congratulation and I welcome it warmly.
I hope that in future negotiations, the Government will seek to establish the important principle of maximum journey limit for animals destined for slaughter, as the hon. Member for Glanford and Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley) so rightly said. That was supported by 271 votes to six in the European Parliament on Wednesday this week. More importantly, we must establish that the good practice of slaughter happens close to the point of rearing. The hon. Gentleman said it; I have been saying it for years, in the House and in many other places.
An eight-hour journey limit would allow any purchasers to reach a choice of slaughterhouses of proper standing. Furthermore, we must promote the carcase trade. It represents 80 per cent. of British exports and, as has been shown in a recent report on the economics of the trade, it costs only £1·20 to transport a carcase from the United Kingdom to southern France, but £6·25 to transport the sheep live. Those figures tell their own story.
It is also surely in our best interests for British lamb to be sold as British lamb—the best lamb in the world—and not sold in French butchers' shops masquerading as French produce. British farmers received not a penny more at market for the 2 million sheep who were transported live to the continent this year. Meanwhile, jobs in our slaughter industry decline and the needless suffering continues.
The other reason for a maximum journey limit is enforcement. Feeding and resting periods complicate the enforcement of such rules. Indeed, the dreadful case that was successfully prosecuted by the Ministry just two months ago—I congratulate the Minister on that—highlights the difficulty of enforcement. The transporter in question had submitted to the Ministry, as part of the export licence that was used then, details of the stopping points for resting and feeding the animals. However, on no fewer than 42 occasions, he breached the written guarantees on the treatment of the animals in his care.
On one occasion, no doubt to save time and money, the journey lasted 44 hours from Calais to Piannella in Italy during which time the sheep were not fed or watered. On another ocaasion, the same journey lasted 47 hours. I wonder whether that individual would have done that to his next of kin. However, in respect of 42 instances of false declarations, the transporter concerned—a Mr. Mills—was fined only £4,200 and £3,500 costs.
Mr. Morley: Disgraceful.
Mr. Greenway: I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman. The transporter concerned was fined £7,700 for the trails of suffering that he sanctioned. That is an outrage. I wonder how much Mr. Mills saved in respect of feeding costs and wages by completing those journeys without stops. I am sure that he must have saved quite a lot more than £7,700.
I hope that the penalties for breaches of the live transport rules will be toughened. We cannot let that cruelty pay and we should not allow traders who compromise the welfare of those animals to continue in that business. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise an
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issue about which many of my constituents, and the constituents of many other hon. Members, feel very strongly.
In the years to come, I hope that I shall not feel that I have to return to the issue to highlight further cruelty and suffering; a sensible and rational policy, well enforced, would safeguard Britain's reputation as the guardian of animal welfare without compromising Britain's economic interest.
1.46 pm
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Nicholas Soames): I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway) for his kind words and, in the Christmas spirit, I ask him to forgive me for the disagreeable manner in which I let him know that I had to give up a day that I intended to devote to matters relating to conservation in the north of England in order to answer my hon. Friend's debate. I am glad to have given up that day on this occasion—
Mr. Morley: And so are the animals.
Mr. Soames: They are not animals—they are birds.
My hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North is a real expert on the matter. The horses and ponies of the United Kingdom, past, present and future, owe him a considerable debt for his great knowledge and quite exceptional contribution to the horse world which, as he mentioned, was recognised when the British Horse Society gave him one of its highest awards. My hon. Friend has served for 21 years on the British Horse Society, which is one of the most important bodies governing horses in this country. My hon. Friend's knowledge of the matter is well known.
I am also grateful for, and should like to acknowledge publicly, my hon. Friend's support and the support of hon. Members on both sides of the House, by and large—and certainly unqualified in the case of my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North—for the very tough line that the Government have been taking in the European Community negotiations on the protection of animals during transport.
I hope that hon. Members on both sides of the House will recognise that what happened in Brussels over the past two days—which frankly was a most unsatisfactory result as far as animals are concerned—was no fault of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who laboured hard and long, as did the chief vet, his colleagues and the officials in the Ministry who spent months preparing for the Council, lobbying in Europe and trying to bring the other countries round to a more sensible and honourable way of thinking about the care of animals. It was a great sadness to all of us that we were unable to reach a conclusion. However, I will return to that point later.
As my hon. Friend rightly said, the treatment of animals in transport and elsewhere is a subject for which the British people have enormous vital, instinctive and entirely justified concern. I hope that my hon. Friend agrees that the Government's approach fully reflects that concern. We are not prepared to accept proposals that would fail to improve the welfare of animals during transport; nor will we play politics on the way in which we arrive at such agreements. Negotiations are taking place with people who simply do not understand and who have a cultural and attitudinal difference from ourselves about the handling, keeping and

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using of animals. That is why my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food demonstrated the strength of our resolve this week in Brussels, when she refused point blank to accept a compromise proposal which failed to address our vital concerns.
I hope that my hon. Friend and Opposition Members will not mind if I rehearse the background to the negotiations, as they are complex and the situation bears careful thought.
In 1991, when the existing directive on the transport of animals was adopted, it was acknowledged as being incomplete. It lacked vital and, as my hon. Friend said, enforceable details on the intervals between rest, food and water for animals. This summer, the Commission published proposals to complete the directive based on advice from its own scientific veterinary committee. We regarded the proposals as a sound and prudent starting point for discussions. Pending implementation of the further rules, member states are permitted to have their own national rules.
Mr. Morley: Will the Minister give way?
Mr. Soames: I shall give way if the hon. Gentleman is brief.
Mr. Morley: I shall be very brief.
On the point about national rules and enforceability, the Minister will be aware that we had a brief discussion in Committee about the concept of a licensing regime for animal transporters. The Minister will know also that I have written to him further on that matter. I do not expect a response until he has had time to consider the point, but it might be useful if he would indicate whether it is a principle which might be worth examining further.
Mr. Soames: I cannot comment on that. I have seen the hon. Gentleman's letter, and I applaud him for following up where other people do not bother to follow up after making a suggestion. We shall study the proposal with care. I have no intention of commenting one way or the other on the principle. I shall be happy to talk to him about it later.
The United Kingdom has taken advantage of the right to use national rules, and we maintain a maximum interval of 15 hours between feeding and watering horses and farm animals. We have always made it clear that, in negotiations, we would seek a solution reflecting our standards.
The Commission's proposal set a maximum feeding and watering interval of six hours for horses. For other farm animals, the intervals varied between eight and 24 hours. In negotiations under the Belgian presidency, it soon became apparent that many member states had acute difficulties with the Commission's proposals. In addition, much attention was devoted to measures that could improve enforcement of the rules, and we were extremely keen to encourage that. Those aspects are of fundamental importance for the proper care of animals, and we were encouraged by the realistic approach demonstrated during that part of the discussions. There was general agreement that the proposals should be simplified in order to set a smaller number of categories of animals for which different feeding and watering intervals would be established.
In the initial stages of the discussion, it was pleasing to have the weight of our arguments accepted, because the
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presidency proposed rules that were indeed very close to our own ideas. In the final stages of the negotiations, however, it was clear that several member states would support only intervals significantly longer than those that we have maintained in the United Kingdom.
There was also pressure to reduce the eight-hour rest period during long journeys, which the presidency had proposed. The final compromise which was on offer failed to meet any of our vital objectives. Accordingly, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food made it clear in the Council that the compromise was wholly unacceptable to the United Kingdom and, as a number of other states shared our concerns, no agreement could be reached.
I shall read an extract from the communiqué that my right hon. Friend issued following the animal welfare discussions. It bears some reading.
She said:
"Our vets had worked hard to try to establish satisfactory intervals for feeding, watering and resting animals during transport. They pressed for current United Kingdom national rules … to be adopted throughout Europe where the current maximum is 24 hours. We also pressed successfully to link health certificates and journey plans so that national authorities can more easily enforce those intervals.
Going along with a package which was fundamentally flawed would have further prejudiced the welfare of those animals already most at risk. I was not prepared to support this. In the meantime, the United Kingdom's national rule of 15-hours maximum journey periods, between watering, feeding and rest will remain in place. We shall continue to press for these high standards to become the norm in all parts of Europe."
Mr. Harry Greenway: I wish to say how pleased we all are about that and how strongly the whole House and the whole country are behind the Government on the basic points that my hon. Friend the Minister is putting before us. We should make that clear.
Mr. Soames: I am grateful to my hon. Friend.
The events have demonstrated once more the huge gulf which sadly exists between those countries in Europe that have an enlightened attitude to animal welfare, and others that see no need for improvements and have little interest even in talking about the subject. It is perfectly clear that the latter countries are the obstacle to progress and it is to them that the protests of animal welfare lobbyists need to be addressed.
I wish to say some harsh words about the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which I regret having to say. I warned the RSPCA months ago that there was no point in its wasting huge sums raised from its hard-pressed supporters to run a series of advertising campaigns in this country promoting animal welfare. The RSPCA already has our support. We are the animals' friends in Europe. We are what stands between the animals and real cruelty in some of the southern states of Europe.
By pursuing that fatuous, money-wasting campaign, the RSPCA has failed to spend any money lobbying where it should have lobbied—in the capital cities of those countries which do not support our proposals such as Spain, Greece, Italy and France. It should have concentrated its efforts—
Mr. Tony Banks: Will the Minister give way?
Mr. Soames: No, I will not give way. I am sorry, but I must get on. The RSPCA really must concentrate its efforts where it can help the animals.

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In addition to anxiety about the transport of farm animals, I fully understand and share the special regard for horses. Welfare interests help to ensure that the subject is kept on the European agenda by vigorous lobbying. The horse lobby is an example to the rest of the animal welfare world of how to get one's points across in Europe.
Following earlier talks in the Community, we had obtained agreement that our national rules on horses could continue. We have accordingly maintained our controls, which you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, will know as the minimum value system for horses. That was one of our major achievements in the 1991 negotiations. The discussions in Brussels this week did not contain any proposals to place that agreement in jeopardy. Of course, the concern for horses extends far beyond Britain. There is great concern about the trade in horses between eastern Europe and the Community. We are most anxious that such trade should be conducted under proper and decent conditions, if it has to take place at all, so that those vulnerable animals do not suffer the indignity of being treated like junk. The 1991 directive already goes some way towards achieving that objective. It provides the authorities with powers to stop journeys if any animal is suffering.
The key point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North and the really important point with which the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) will agree with is that there is no point in any regulation in Europe on the welfare of animals if it is not properly enforced by the member states. Until we have a proper system of enforcement of the rules on transport of animals in Europe, any improvements that we might secure are not worth the paper they are written on. That is why every effort must be made to lobby the countries that oppose these ideas in order to secure the interests and welfare of animals throughout Europe.
In future negotiations, Her Majesty's Government will continue to seek the best possible standards of transport for all animals in the European Community and, above all —almost standing over that—a proper and decent enforcement regime so that the public in Britain and elsewhere in the Community, and everyone who minds about animals may have complete confidence that such matters are handled with the care, attention and decency with which they should be treated.
Perhaps most important of all is that everyone with an interest in improving standards should do everything possible to promote a more enlightened attitude towards animal welfare—an attitude which, is so seriously lacking in some other Community countries. Until that happens, we will fight with all the vigour and force at our command. We have the moral authority of a huge animal welfare lobby in this country, of whose views we are acutely aware. The trouble does not exist here.
I hope that my hon. Friend will continue to press, through his other interests, those countries that so flagrantly ensure that animal welfare is not properly attended to when animals are transported through their territory.

Mr. James Smyth (Extradition)
2 pm
Mr. Ken Livingstone: I have been associated with many of the campaigns against miscarriages of justice that have resulted from the problems of Northern Ireland and the way in which those problems have spilled over into Great Britain during the past 25 years. I must start by making it absolutely clear that I do not for one minute believe that injusticies have been done only to nationalists and Catholics. Many miscarriages of justice have been perpetrated against the majority community and loyalists in the north and I have been associated with the campaign for the UDR Four.
Whereas in war, truth is the first casualty, in the dirty war that has been going on during the past quarter of a century, justice has been one of the first casualties, as the urgencies of the hour have tended to lead to unreasonable decisions that are taken without due regard for the facts.
My involvement in the case of Jimmy Smyth arose because I happened by chance to meet him and his defending counsel when I addressed an Irish Americans for Clinton rally, just before the November presidential elections in California. Following a discussion about the work that I had done in the House, I was asked to submit to the defence 242 questions that I have tabled in Parliament, 30 written questions, 13 oral questions and six of my speeches. That led to my being invited to appear to give evidence in court, as an expert witness on British Government policy. The Government may not have been terribly happy about that, but I seem to have spent a great deal of time examining British Government policy.
I must read into the record two decisions taken by the judge presiding over the case because they are very concise and easy to follow and enable me to boil down the essence of the matter very rapidly—
Mr. A. Cecil Walker: I beg to move, That strangers do withdraw.
Notice being taken that strangers were present, MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER, pursuant to Standing Order No. 143 (Withdrawal of Strangers from the House), put forthwith the Question, That strangers do withdraw:—
The House proceeded to a Division: but no Member being willing to act as a Teller for the Ayes, MR. DEPUTY SPEAKER declared that the Noes have it.
Question accordingly negatived.
Mr. John D. Taylor: They have been nominated. On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. You asked for names for the Tellers for the Ayes and my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, North (Mr. Walker) said, "Mr. Cecil Walker and Mr. John D. Taylor."
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Order. Both hon. Members have been in the House long enough to know that the Chair looks to one side for the Ayes and to the other side for the Noes. I looked to the right and there were no Tellers in position for the Ayes. The hon. Gentleman should know the rules of the House. The Tellers for the Ayes were not present.
Question again proposed, That this House do now adjourn.
Mr. Livingstone: I hope that hon. Members who are interested in preventing this debate will not miss any of it. As I did not expect to continue my speech, I lost my place in my notes.
The case in question is taking place at the moment, and yesterday the closing written submissions were submitted by the defence and the prosecution. The court's written judgment is expected to be delivered some time after Christmas. Before I was so rudely interrupted, I was about to read into the record two accounts written by the presiding judge that perfectly capture the specific problems in understanding this case. They are two judgments by Judge Barbara Caulfield, a United States federal judge who was appointed by President Bush on the nomination of the Republican senator for California, Senator Wilson, who is now Governor Wilson. This is not some dear old radical hangover from the good old days of the new deal: it is a fairly recent judicial appointment under the Republican Administration.
This is the first airing and testing of the extradition treaty that was negotiated by Prime Minister Thatcher with the then President Ronald Reagan. The House will recall that the British Government were profoundly unhappy with the operation of the previous extradition treaty and, after considerable pressure by Mrs. Thatcher, an amendment was carried. It is under that that the case is being heard.
On 14 September 1992 the United Kingdom filed a formal request for the extradition of James Joseph Smyth to serve the remainder of his sentence for a 1978 conviction in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The case is being heard under the supplemental extradition treaty between the Government of the United States and the Government of the United Kingdom which went into effect on 23 December 1986. That is quite specific. The treaty negotiated by Mrs. Thatcher with former President Reagan spells out that
"extradition shall not occur if the person sought establishes to the satisfaction of the competent judicial authority by a preponderance of the evidence that the request for extradition has in fact been made with a view to try or punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality, or political opinions, or that he would, if surrendered, be prejudiced at his trial or punished, detained or restricted in his personal liberty by reason of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions."
It is remarkable that such a wide-ranging defence opened up after Mrs. Thatcher's intervention, because that ruling effectively changed the way in which extradition cases would be heard. Now, the British Government and their conduct of policy are on trial.
Judge Caulfield issued a decision on 29 September 1992 on whether Jimmy Smyth should be granted bail. It examined the basic bones of the case, based on the judge's reading of the Diplock judgment that convicted Mr. Smyth in 1978. She stated:
"Mr. Smyth has indicated that he will attempt to prove at the hearing that he is not guilty of the crime of attempted murder for which he was imprisoned in 1977. He will argue that his imprisonment was the result of his political views and religious background rather than his conduct. He has indicated that he will offer expert testimony regarding the due process problems of the Diplock court system which can lead to unjust convictions and did so in his case.
This court has had an opportunity to review the opinion of the Diplock judge who convicted Mr. Smyth in 1978. The evidence against him was almost entirely circumstantial. The fact that the victim and his wife, who were purportedly in the presence of the perpetrators for ten to fifteen minutes, were unable to identify Mr. Smyth is noteworthy, as is the lack of any forensic evidence connecting Mr. Smyth to the crime scene. Despite the fact that
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numerous fingerprints were recovered at the scene none of them were Smyth's. Indeed, the only eyewitness evidence against Mr. Smyth was the testimony of an off-duty police officer who stated that he saw a man near the victim's house, lost him three times as he chased him in his car and eventually captured Mr. Smyth about a mile away from the crime scene. This is not a case where the defendant argues that the evidence does not establish his guilt beyond any reasonable doubt; rather it raises serious questions about the validity of Mr. Smyth's underlying conviction.
Between 1972 and 1976, Smyth was detained on at least six occasions. Only once was he charged or convicted of any offence —that being in 1972 when he was sentenced to six months for disorderly conduct; a conviction that was overturned on appeal. On one occasion, Mr. Smyth was interned for an entire year without charges. He maintains that, during his detentions, he was beaten by police and military personnel.
After Mr. Smyth's internment, his name was in the police files. He was stopped and questioned by police as many as four times per week while walking home. He was often put up against a wall, spread-eagled, and then soldiers or police would come up behind him and stomp on his feet. On one occasion, Mr. Smyth was kicked between the legs. On another occasion he was given two black eyes.
Mr. Smyth has also offered to prove and has presented some evidence which indicates that his life was threatened by guards when he was imprisoned in the Maze. Such a threat was specifically noted in the opinion of Judge Babington, the Diplock judge who convicted Mr. Smyth.
In addition, Mr. Smyth has offered to prove that other men who escaped from the Maze prison with him and have been released from prison have been killed by British military personnel and protestant Loyalists. He has further offered to prove that men from his cellblock who remained behind when he escaped were subjected to inhumane treatment. He has offered to prove that guard dogs were set on them and they were denied medical treatment for their resultant injuries."
Judge Caulfield concluded:
"This case is distinguishable from other recent reported cases in which Irish nationals have fought extradition to the United Kingdom in that Mr. Smyth denies membership in the IRA. And indeed, the government has presented no evidence to indicate that Mr. Smyth has ever been charged with membership of that organization."
The case started to deteriorate when Mr. Smyth's counsel asked for discovery of certain Government documents. It seems quite remarkable that if we seek to extradite people from the United States that we should then ignore American court procedure and traditions in hearing the case. The defence asked for access to several Government reports. I shall quote once again from the judgment handed down by Judge Caulfield after the British Government refused to grant the documents.
Of the Stalker-Sampson reports, the report says:
"The Stalker-Sampson reports arise out of the investigation of officers in the Royal Ulster Constabulary ("RUC") for the shooting deaths of six people in 1982 whom they suspected of being members of the IRA. The purpose of the inquiry was to determine whether or not criminal offences (involving, inter alia, the giving of false or misleading evidence and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice) had been committed … The UK maintains that the reports contain highly sensitive information regarding internal affairs investigations and the procedures and identity of security forces personnel.
The Kelly report: In 1988, Charles Kelly, the Chief Constable of Staffordshire, was appointed to consider whether disciplinary charges should be brought against RUC officers of the rank of chief superintendent and below who had been identified by Stalker and Sampson as having committed criminal offences, including murder. The declarations of Patrick Mayhew, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, filed on June 7, 1993 and June 18, 1993, do not specificially invoke a state secret or national security privilege claim with respect to this report. Instead, Mr. Mayhew states that '[t]he public interest here is in the maintenance of an honorable, disciplined, law-abiding and incurrupt police force.' Mr. Mayhew's declarations not only fail to specify that he has read the report, but they also fail to specify that the report contains any state or national secrets.

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The Stevens Inquiry: … into allegations of collusion between members of the Security Forces and Loyalist paramilitaries. As a result of the investigation, the RUC confirmed that Security Forces personnel had disclosed to Loyalists photos of republican suspects and the names, addresses and photographs of more than 400 people from the Catholic community in Northern Ireland. With respect to the Stevens' Report, Mr. Mayhew's June 7, 1993 declaration states:
'So far the actual report is concerned, I am satisfied that its disclosure would be injurious on two grounds; firstly the integrity of the process of criminal investigations and the making of decisions as to prosecutions and secondly, the efficacy of the efforts of the Government of the United Kingdom to counter terrorism and the protection of persons involved in those efforts.'
A summary of this report has been disclosed to Smyth; however, the court finds that the summary does not contain sufficient detail to aid Smyth in preparing his defense …
The government of the United Kingdom, through the United States Attorney's office for the Northern District of California, has refused to produce any of the above-referenced documents to Mr. Smyth. The UK has also refused to permit an in camera review of the documents by the Court …
In light of Smyth's strong showing of need for the documents and the vagueness of the UK's declarations invoking privileges from production, the court viewed that an in camera review of the documents was necessary …
That was refused by the British Government. It seems to me that it is not a good start to a case when one insults the judge by suggesting that the judge may not be someone that one would trust to review the documents.
The judgment continues:
"The court welcomed any suggestion from the UK regarding the redaction of particularly sensitive information regarding the identity of activities of security forces personnel. In response, the UK has indicated that it would not be possible to redact the documents and declined to submit the documents for in camera review by the court."
In conclusion, the judge ruled:
"For the foregoing reasons, the good cause appearing therefrom, the court grants Smyth the following presumption:
(1) Catholic Irish nationals accused or found guilty of offenses against members of the security forces or prison officials are subjected systematically to retaliatory harm, physical intimidation and death in Northern Ireland.
(2) Members of the security forces in Northern Ireland either participate directly or tacitly endorse these actions."
That is the result of the British Government's failure to co-operate with the court and provide the documents. The court has conducted its business on the basis that those presumptions are taken as true. I submit that that represents a gross misconduct of the British case. I hope that we shall hear today which politician, and at what level, decided that those documents should not be submitted to the court, not even in camera, for the judge to consider.
As the case wound its way through the courts, the problems associated with it were compounded by the fact that, on 31 occasions, British Government witnesses refused to answer direct questions in court. That created the impression in America that those officials were rather like the godfathers who appear in mafia movies and refuse to answer questions on the ground that they might incriminate themselves. I should like to be told which politician, or Minister, was responsible for deciding that British Government officials should refuse to answer questions on oath in an American court.
The evidence against Mr. Smyth is flimsy and I believe that he is innocent. Normally, no IRA member denies membership of the organisation; rather he or she refuses to co-operate with the court system. Those IRA men who
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escaped from the Maze along with Mr. Smyth went back to bombing and killing, but he got to America, married and settled down to become a painter and decorator. There is nothing in that to suggest that Mr. Smyth is guilty of the crime of which he is charged. He was convicted at a time of hysteria when anyone whom the security forces considered to be a threat was likely to be convicted, on virtually no evidence, in a Diplock court.
The final evidence in my case is absolutely damning. On my advice, I suggested that the American court should call Captain Fred Holroyd as a witness. The House will be aware from the many other questions that I have put in the past that he served for two and a half years in Portadown with distinction and courage. He operated many agents —who put their lives on the line—in the area on behalf of MI6.
Fred Holroyd appeared in court and gave testimony. The British Government, however, were unable to question him because, although they had been given a week's notice, they claimed they did not have enough time to prepare detailed questions. They had no rebuttal to the evidence of Fred Holroyd. Given that the row has gone on for 20 years, it is completely unacceptable for the British Government to say suddenly that they did not have time to prepare questions to challenge his evidence.
I believe that Fred Holroyd finally got his day in court. The British Government had no case to answer the charges that he has made for years, for which he has been rubbished and his reputaion smeared by the British press.
As I came out of the American court I was met, as the House can imagine, by a large number of British journalists and we held a press conference. They asked me whether I had been traitorous and suggested that my behaviour had been outrageous. I can back to them with one simple reply, "Was there anything that I said in court which you would say was untrue?" Not one journalist could point to such an instance.
The conduct of the case has not just been mishandled, but it has damaged Britain's reputation. The Government have pursued an innocent man who is now suffering severely from ulcers after years of worry and strain. I hope that when Mr. Smyth wins his case, as I expect him to do, the British Government will recognise that they made a mistake. They have pursued an innocent man. I hope that they will not drag him through further years of doubt and worry, which will damage his health. I hope that they will let the case drop.
I am sorry that I have overrun my time. I have tried to squeeze my remarks into a shorter speech, but it is not my fault that we have such a problem.
2.22 pm
The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Sir John Wheeler): It is customary on these occasions to congratulate an hon. Member on securing an Adjournment debate and I do so now.
In the limited time available to me, I shall try to catch up on some of the points that the hon. Member for Brent, East (Mr. Livingstone) has made, even though his recollection of the proceedings in San Francisco is highly selective. The hon. Gentleman referred to the allegations of a Mr. Fred Holroyd. Her Majesty's Government had 48 hours' notice, not a week, of Mr. Holroyd's appearance before the court in San Francisco. He gave evidence and he

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repeated and embellished allegations that he has made over a number of years and which are certainly now well known and in the public domain.
Rather than having his day in court, I am afraid that Mr. Holroyd departed from it. Before the Government could cross examine him and call witnesses to refute some of his extremely serious allegations, he claimed that he had a more important engagement elsewhere. He decided to leave San Francisco rather than to face cross-examination. The judge, in her wisdom, accordingly struck Mr. Holroyd's evidence from the court record—so much for the testimony of Mr. Holroyd.
The hon. Gentleman referred to the Stevens report and the allegation that Her Majesty's Government refused to disclose aspects of that report during the court proceedings. It is important to deal with that issue at the outset of my remarks. Her Majesty's Government refused to disclose or to discuss the report because it is entirely irrelevant to the issue in the Smyth case. The issue is whether a terrorist who is convicted of attempted murder and who escaped from prison should be returned to Northern Ireland to continue to serve his sentence. In any event, Her Majesty's Government would not disclose or discuss the Stevens report because to do so would give information to terrorists about security and intelligence structures in Northern Ireland that could lead only to more death and destruction. I cannot believe that any Member of the House would wish to see that continue.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to respond to some of the hon. Gentleman's remarks about the San Francisco trial in which Mr. James Smyth is engaged. It will help the House to know that Smyth was convicted in 1978 of a number of offences including the attempted murder of a prison officer, John Carlisle, who was shot at in his home in Belfast. For his part in the offence, Smyth was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.
In 1983, Smyth participated in the violent, mass breakout from the Maze prison with 37 other prisoners. He was subsequently arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on 3 June 1992 in San Francisco, where he had lived for eight years. He had in his possession a false passport in the name of a person who has been dead for many years. He was charged with making a false passport application with another Maze escaper, who had been arrested on the same day. A third Maze escaper, Paul Brennan, was arrested in California in January.
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The Government's policy is to return all fugitive convicted terrorists to custody. All three men were convicted of serious crimes and Her Majesty's Government seek the return of all of them. James Smyth's extradition hearing is being dealt with first. It will be the first terrorist case that has arisen since the 1986 United States—United Kingdom supplementary treaty, to which the hon. Gentleman referred. That treaty was negotiated between the British and American Governments to eliminate the so-called political defence. That defence enabled Provisional IRA terrorists to escape extradition by claiming that their offence had a political motive. If it were not for that treaty, James Smyth might have argued that his attempted murder of a prison officer was a political offence and he might have escaped extradition on that basis.
I am sure that right hon. and hon. Members will agree that the 1986 supplementary treaty was an important advance in international co-operation against terrorism. In James Smyth's case, on which the judge has not yet decided, Smyth is arguing that, on return to Northern Ireland and after his release from prison there, he will suffer punishment, detention or restrictions of his personal liberty. Smyth says that that is because he is Irish, Catholic and a nationalist. I can tell the House that the Government have contested that argument resolutely. James Smyth will suffer no such thing. He will be fairly and properly treated in prison, as he was before he escaped; and when he is eventually released, he will be free to go about his business like anyone else in Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom.
Right hon. and hon. Members will be aware that the hon. Member for Brent, East, as he disclosed, took it upon himself to give evidence on behalf of James Smyth in San Francisco in October. Hon. Members may recall that the hon. Gentleman told the court that, once elected, the British Government have powers similar to those of the old eastern European regimes. That may surprise hon. Members.
It being half-past Two o'clock, the motion for the Adjournment of the House lapsed, without Question put.

NON-DOMESTIC RATING BILL
Ordered,
That, in respect of the Non-Domestic Rating Bill, notices of Amendments, new Clauses and new Schedules to be moved in Committee may be accepted by the Clerks at the Table before the Bill has been read a second time.—[Mr. Chapman.]

Organ Donation
Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House do now adjourn.—[Mr. Chapman.]
2.30 pm
Mr. Nigel Evans: I am grateful for the opportunity to raise this most important subject in this, the last debate of 1993. I do not believe that it could have been better timed. As people look forward to sharing Christmas with their families and to what 1994 has to offer, one group will be looking to the new year with hope but also with fear and trepidation. I refer to the 5,500 people awaiting organs for transplant operations. Unfortunately, approximately 1,300 will die next year because a suitable organ will not be found.
The Government have gone some way towards trying to find more donors for people waiting for operations—with the introduction of the donor card scheme in 1971, for example. But even with that scheme, approximately 40,000 people have died waiting for an organ since 1971. We can put that into perspective by comparing it with the 3,111 people who have been killed in Northern Ireland during the same period. We are talking about a needless waste of life—a tragedy being played out. I use the word "tragedy" purposely; it need not happen.
One reason why there is such a shortfall between organs needed and organs available is that the number of road deaths in this country has declined dramatically over the years, with the use of seat belts, air bags and motor cycle helmets. We now have some of the safest roads in the world. The House will appreciate that I am not complaining about that, merely referring to the reality. The most recent figures show that the United Kingdom had 81 road accident deaths per million people; Germany, 117 per million; France, 168 per million; and Spain, 172 per million. My concern today is to ensure that those people whose lives are cut short can lengthen and improve the quality of the lives of others.
The situation was brought home to me by the BBC 2 "40 Minutes" programme entitled "Will they ring tonight?" No one who witnessed the brave struggle facing thousands of families in this country daily and hourly as they wait for the telephone to ring—to be told that an organ has become available and that their life chance has arrived —can have failed to be moved. I have nothing but admiration for the families who miraculously discover the inner strength to cope with the pressure that is put on them. Stress and uncertainty greet their every waking hour. We must also not forget the stress experienced by doctors and nurses, as they see their patients fading away.
We have an opportunity to ease those people's pain. We have at our disposal the ability to give them a better chance of life. We cannot stand by. We do not have the moral choice to turn our backs on these people: we have to act.
I pay tribute to the amazing skills of our surgeons, doctors and nurses, who help to perform these miraculous operations. In 1992, 1,614 kidney transplants, 301 heart transplants, 53 heart and lung transplants, 89 lung transplants and 501 liver transplants were performed.
John Wallwork—whose father lives in my constituency —performed the first heart and lung transplant in the country. He works at that great centre of excellence, Papworth. He and others like him are testament to the high
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level of service and care available in hospitals in Britain today. It is thanks to their ability and dedication that the success rate of transplants is so high.
Notwithstanding that success rate, the number of people waiting for transplants, as at 30 March 1993, is almost 4,500 for kidneys, 270 for hearts, 231 for lungs and hearts, 124 for lungs and 109 for liver transplants.
The public's goodwill towards donating organs is evidenced by the number of people who have filled out an organ donor card—approximately 18 million people—but, unlike the American Express card, unfortunately not everyone never leaves home without it. In too many cases, the card is not available when needed.
The Government's commitment to the scheme is unquestioned. I applaud the campaign that took place earlier this year, on which the Government spent more than£1·5 million, to raise the profile of the donor card scheme, but we must harness the technology currently available to bring the organ donor scheme into the 21st century.
When I first considered how a scheme that matched organs to patients could be devised, I thought of using a normal credit card on which there would be stamped a heart symbol, so that in an emergency or accident doctors would know that the card holder wished his or her organs to be donated. Then I thought about why we needed a card. We use computers to store data on virtually every subject; why not use a computer to register organ donors?
The driver and vehicle licensing centre in Swansea has a computer that registers 35·5 million car licence holders; perhaps that computer would be appropriate for the scheme. The national insurance computer has an enormous capability; perhaps that could be utilised. The technology —into which hospitals could tap to find out what organs are available and match them to waiting patients—is available.
My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary will know of the scheme that is operating in Wales called "Lifeline Wales". That scheme was launched by the Princess of Wales in 1986 and currently has 300,000 entries on its computer. The information on its computer is made available to intensive care units and neuro units in Wales. The computer can store up to 6 million entries, so even that scheme has a long way to go.
For any scheme to be a success, it must be sold well and the advantages of registeration to the nation spelled out. The donor message should be targeted towards certain groups, particularly young people. That could be achieved by advertising in magazines that are read by young people, or by advertising on television or by being featured in television programmes that are watched by them. Radio 1 recently ran a campaign to raise the profile of the problem of homeless people, which I heard on the Lynn Parsons show. It was so successful that it had to be extended so that more people could participate. The organ donor scheme could be equally successful if we target it carefully.
The two ten-minute Bills that were introduced this year promoting the opt-out scheme—under which it is assumed that people wish their organs to be used after their death unless they say otherwise—are evidence of the importance of the subject. Similar schemes are operated in Belgium, France and Austria. I oppose that measure: an assumption that inaction means consent is not good enough—we have to persuade people to come with us, not hope that the mass of people will slip into the system because they had not noticed that it was there. It would also lead to confusion for

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relatives—particularly if they are to be consulted about the scheme—and further pressure would then be put on doctors to negotiate with them.
Mr. Robert Johnson, a doctor working at Manchester royal infirmary, told me yesterday that he believed that doctors should be trained far more in the skills of coping with bereaved relatives when seeking their permission to use organs. He had recently attended the European donor hospital education programme in France; he said that he had learnt more in two days than in his entire previous working life. I believe that, if we can ensure that far more of our doctors are given an opportunity to take part in such schemes, we may be able to reduce the number of instances in which people are so shell shocked by the sudden death of a relative that they refuse to allow that relative's organs to be transplanted, although he had filled in the donor card.
Mr. Johnson also said that we must ensure that intensive care beds are made available and manned, giving a better chance to those who are critically ill, and also ensuring that those people's organs are in perfect condition should they die.
I cite two cases of brave young people who chose to donate the gift of life. One was a 10-year old called Paula. Last year, after being informed that she had a brain tumour, she told her mother that she wanted to donate her organs so that others could benefit. An eight-month-old baby girl received her liver; her heart went to a 57-year-old man; two teenagers received her kidneys; and her corneas went to two other people.
The other case is that of Peter Cox, who died four years ago aged 24. I pay tribute to his family, who have helped me with my campaign—his sister Christine, and his father John. Christine recently wrote this about her brother:
"My brother Peter was born in Wolverhampton on 21st September 1965. He was educated at Malvern Boys College and graduated in Civil Engineering from Nottingham University. Pete was a keen Wolves supporter and enjoyed running the London Marathon in under 4 hours one year, an accomplishment I was unable to equal!
Pete was 23 when he was found to have an inoperable brain tumour. It was particularly hard to understand since he had been healthy, brilliant, good and kind with a terrific sense of humour. Moreover, he was totally unselfish and always thought of others before himself.
He was certainly one in a billion. Throughout his illness Pete remained brave and positive without complaining once about the difficulties and the pain he was experiencing. When the Specialist told us that the fight was lost and medication should be stopped, it was Peter who told us that he wanted to die as long as others could benefit from his organs. To our knowledge, possibly 17 people did and with his ultimate gift he saved lives and improved the quality of life for not only the recipients but their families as well.
Peter died aged 24 on 12th November 1989."
One of the recipients wrote to Christine Cox afterwards.
He said:
"I have been in limbo for 6 years and now thanks to your nurses on the unit, I can start my life."
The quantity of life is obviously important, but the quality of life makes the quantity worth while.
I remind the Minister that Christmas—which is only a few days away—is a time for giving as well as receiving. Today, he has the opportunity to play Father Christmas to thousands of people by helping those who are able to give to do so, and allowing those in need to receive. I hope that he will take that opportunity. I believe that there is nothing in the world more precious than the gift of life; I plead with the Minister to give these people some good news this Christmas.
2.44 pm
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Mr. John Bowis): I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) for the moving way in which he presented his case. I am very pleased that for the last topic for 1993 he has chosen the subject of organ donation.
We can be justly proud of the way in which the organ transplantation programme has developed in this country. This debate is about courage and life—the courage of relatives who say yes and the life that is saved or enhanced by our willingness to sign and hold a small card.
Advances in medicine have enabled the doubling of kidney transplants in the past 15 years from 849 in 1978 to 1,640 last year. There are now in the United Kingdom more than 11,500 people with functioning grafted kidneys —more than in any other country in Europe. There were just three heart transplants in 1979; last year there were 325. The liver transplant programme did not start until 1982. In that year, there were 21 liver transplants; last year, there were 506. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the dedicated doctors, scientists, nurses and all others who helped to pioneer, develop and carry forward the transplantation programme. However, we should never forget that all those operations required donors—all volunteers or people who had died and whose relatives wished their organs to be used in that way. They, too, deserve to be remembered with deep gratitude.
It is perhaps ironic that advances in medicine similar to those that have enabled more transplants have contributed to the growing waiting list. In each of the past few years, there have been some 2,500 transplants of solid organs —kidneys, hearts, livers and lungs—but there are currently about 5,500 people awaiting such organs, of whom about 4,500 are awaiting kidneys.
The situation has arisen because advances in medicine have enabled many people to live who would previously have died. For example, more people than ever are receiving renal dialysis—more than 21,000 in 1991, an advance of 200 per cent. on 1978. However, the majority of dialysis patients would, I am sure, prefer to have a transplant. Many of them find dialysis unpleasant as well as inconvenient. If they were able to receive transplants, most of them would be able to lead fuller and much more independent lives. Anyone who attended the British Transplant Games in Newcastle this summer would have been tremendously impressed by the participants' ability not only to perform strenuous sports but to achieve such high standards.
For people awaiting hearts, livers and lungs, of course, there is at present no alternative. Without new organs, they will surely die. The remedy is to increase the supply of donor organs and the Government would dearly like that to happen. There is no shortage of funds or expertise for transplants; there is a shortage of donor organs. As my hon. Friend said, that shortage is in part due to the fact that the potential pool of suitable organs is limited. Generally speaking, organs are suitable only if they have come from people who have suffered sudden brain damage from a stroke, road accident or something similar. Organs must also be free of disease or other damage to be suitable for transplantation. That means that the maximum potential yield of suitable organs is only a few thousand a year.
Another problem is that the pool is shrinking. About a quarter of current donors are the victims of road accidents.

1473
As my hon. Friend said, deaths from road accidents in the United Kingdom have, happily, been falling for many years; they have gone down from 5,554 in 1989 to 4,379 in 1992—a reduction of more than 20 per cent. That is welcome news, but it presents problems for organ transplantation. Deaths from other conditions that can result in organ donation are also going down—brain haemorrhages, for example. We are, therefore, faced with the prospect of fewer transplants unless the number of people prepared to be donors can be increased.
An important principle of organ donation, to which the Government have always subscribed, is that donation should be a matter of choice by the individual or his immediate family and that it should be a positive, altruistic gift. That was also recognised by the working group set up by the Government under the chairmanship of Sir Raymond Hoffenberg, a past president of the Royal College of Physicians, to consider ways of increasing the supply of donor organs. In its 1987 report, the working party made a number of recommendations. They included regional health authorities having plans and written guidance on organ donation and the identification of donors, education and publicity initiatives, education for medical and nursing professionals, a reimbursement scheme for donor hospitals, multi-organ retrieval teams and a donor declaration on driving licences. I am pleased to say that all those recommendations have now been implemented.
As I have said, one of the Hoffenberg recommendations was about publicity. Last year, we were able to increase the Department of Health's budget for organ donation publicity to £350,000. That has been used for a variety of purposes, including providing publicity material to charities, funding the Freefone advice line, research, exhibitions and displays, and publicity for ethnic minorities. In addition, the Department of Health funded the prime time television campaign last March. Given that the pool of potential donors is shrinking, it is vital to maintain publicity and, if possible, to increase the numbers.
At this point, I pay tribute to the many voluntary organisations that do so much valuable work to publicise organ donation. The Government must and will play their part, but not nearly so much could be achieved without the help of the voluntary organisations.
One of the main ways in which people can indicate their wish to be donors is by means of the donor card. People sometimes claim that the donor card scheme is not effective, or there would be more transplants. I disagree. Research has shown that the card is well known and popular. It is excellent publicity and good value for money and there can be no doubt that it has made a major contribution to the cause of transplants over the years. However, research has also shown that although about 70 per cent. of adults claim to favour the scheme, only about 25 per cent. claim to carry the card at all times. That underlines the point that my hon. Friend made. I suspect that the true figure is probably somewhat less.
That can cause hospitals considerable problems. It is, of course, possible to find out whether a person wished to be a donor even without a donor card, but the presence of a card makes life a lot easier for hospitals. That is why the department's publicity states:
"carry your card at all times"
1474
—but unfortunately, many still do not.
In that connection, as my hon. Friend has pointed out, a computerised register of organ donors would be a help. That would enable hospitals to ascertain quickly whether a person is a donor. We are considering carefully options for such a register and we will consider the ideas that my hon. Friend has put forward today. We hope to make a decision early in 1994. I am not sure whether Father Christmas is allowed to arrive after Christmas as well as on the eve, but if my hon. Friend will allow him that latitude I am sure that he will see what he can do.
Whether or not a patient has a donor card, doctors invariably establish with his or her next of kin that they are content for the organs to be donated and will not proceed if the relatives object. That is common practice even in countries that operate opt-out schemes, where the presumption is that one is willing to donate one's organs unless one specifically expresses a wish not to. The reason for that practice, which in the United Kingdom and many other countries is not a legal requirement, is that certain people have strong religious or other beliefs in the integrity of the human body after death and we respect those views. Doctors also fear that families could be profoundly shocked if they discovered that their loved one's organs had been removed without their consent. The whole organ donation programme could be damaged if such a thing were to happen.
I am informed that refusal is virtually unknown if the relatives know that the deceased wished to donate. The problem is that relatives often do not know and it is hardly surprising that in their state of grief some of them refuse. In fact, refusal by relatives who do not know is the biggest single reason why suitable organs are lost to the transplant programme. About 30 per cent. of families who are asked refuse in that way. That is a loss we can ill afford. My Department is therefore funding a study into the reasons why relatives refuse. The study is expected to be completed by July of next year.
A number of people have called for a presumed consent or "opting out" system under which anyone's organs could be taken unless they had registered their objection. However, there is no consensus support in the medical profession or in the public generally for a system which would make retrieval of organs a presumed right on the part of the state. The evidence from countries where it is used seems to be that, after an initial increase, supply drops off as a result of people opting out—perhaps as a result of the publicity surrounding the introduction of such a scheme. It is also probable that even if such a scheme were introduced, doctors would still continue to consult relatives.
Another suggestion has been the "required request" which has been introduced in some states of the United States of America. That legislation requires doctors to ask relatives in every case if they may remove organs. Results so far are not encouraging and enforcement has been a problem. Doctors may judge that in some cases it would be inadvisable to approach relatives and we must respect that judgment.
In response to a point made by my hon. Friend, may I say that my Department is funding a pilot project in teaching doctors and nurses about techniques of approaching relatives. I hope that that will play a big part in enabling doctors to reassure relatives and to encourage the 30 per cent., to whom I referred, to be more willing to give their consent.

1475
The standard of British transplantation services is second to none in the world, not least because those services have developed cautiously and responsibly. Survival following transplant is now 10 years in 85 per cent. of cases and the improvement in quality of life is enormous. Great progress has been made in the short period since transplantation began. I am sure that the House will want to join me in paying tribute to the dedication and skill of all those who have played a part in this story of success and to thank all those who, by their extraordinary generosity, have donated their organs to help others.
Madam Speaker, as I wish you, my hon. Friends, all hon. Members, Officers and staff of the House the very
1476
warmest of good wishes for Christmas and the coming year, there is one present that I hope everyone in the House and beyond it will consider: please give blood for Christmas. We need 10,000 donations every day. In every sense, such a donation, with the carrying of a donor card, really would be a present for life.
Madam Speaker: May I reciprocate by placing on record my good wishes for a merry Christmas to all hon. Members, Officers and staff of this House and I wish them a very happy and, if I may say so, peaceful new year.
Question put and agreed to.
Adjourned accordingly at three minutes to Three o'clock.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Northern Ireland Courts
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many persons have been appointed deputy county court judges in Northern Ireland in the current year; and for what periods such appointments have lasted.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Thirteen persons have been appointed deputy county court judges in Northern Ireland since 1 January 1993, each appointment being made for a period of three years.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all the functions organised by the Northern Ireland court service to which officials of the Irish Republic were invited in 1992 and 1993.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The only function organised by the Northern Ireland court service to which officials of the Government of the Irish Republic were invited in 1992 and 1993 was the Christmas drinks party hosted by the directorate.

  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many county court vacancies exist in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  At present two county court vacancies exist in Northern Ireland.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This information could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Magistrates, Gwent
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the political balance of magistrates in Gwent.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The political balance of magistrates for the Gwent commission area, based on their political affiliations on appointment, is as follows:

  Political party

  Conservative

  115

  Labour

  97

  Liberal Democrat

  34

  918

  Political party

  Plaid Cymru

  2

  Independent/Not known

  56

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Chancellor's Department has employed the following press officers: in 1983—one; in 1984—one; in 1985—two; in 1986—two; in 1987—two; in 1988—two; in 1989—three; in 1990—four; in 1991—six; in 1992—six; in 1993—seven.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what reports he has received from the Legal Aid Board in respect of the average time taken to pay solicitors interest payments made on the payments and negotiations between solicitors and the board; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Legal Aid Board has extensive contact with the Law Society, including many meetings at which a wide range of matters are discussed. The board reports annually to the Lord Chancellor. Details about the time taken to pay lawyers' bills are included in the report. The board's targets and performance for the year to date are set out in the table. The board's payment targets are short and are generally met. It is therefore riot appropriate to pay interest. On rare occasions it makes an ex-gratia compensation payment where there has been an error by the board which caused undue delay in payment.

  Bills for Magistrates' Courts' proceedings

  1993–94

  1993–94

  Time taken

  Target

  Performance to date

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  6 Weeks

  190

  94·6

  1 For standard fee payments, the target will increase to 97·5 per cent of bills paid within 4 weeks, for the period I January 1994–31 March 1994.

  Civil bills: Taxed and assessed

  1993–94

  1993–94

  Time taken

  Target

  Performance to date

  Percent.

  Percent.

  6 Weeks

  75

  83·8

  Other bills

  1993–94

  1993–94

  Time taken

  Target

  Performance to date

  Percent.

  Percent.

  6 Weeks

  92

  95·4

  Small Motor Accident Claims
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what reason small motor accident claims are excluded from the small claims court procedure in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The scope of the small claims procedure in Northern Ireland is a matter for the Northern Ireland County Court Rules Committee. In line with the different historical development of the procedure in that jurisdiction, motor accident claims are currently excluded from the small claims court. In the light of a recent report by the General Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, I understand that the Rules Committee will be invited to re-examine this issue early in the new year.

  Know-how fund: Pre-investment feasibility studies (PIFS) scheme

  Number of investment operations:

  Year

  Number of applications approved1

  Total grant offered

  Number of reports on studies submitted to date

  going ahead

  not going ahead

  not yet decided2

  Number of reports awaited

  £

  1990

  10

  111,965

  10

  7

  2

  1

  —

  1991

  65

  1,723,467

  60

  33

  19

  8

  5

  1992

  94

  2,501,922

  64

  37

  13

  14

  30

  31993

  80

  2,050,928

  30

  25

  0

  5

  50

  Totals

  249

  6,388,282

  164

  102

  34

  28

  85

  1 This column excludes 24 offers of grant which were accepted, but subsequently withdrawn, by applicants, or which lapsed.

  2 ie at time of submission of report on study to FCO.

  3 To 14 December.

  Investment Personnel Scheme
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many training for investment personnel scheme places have been paid for by the Government; and what was the total cost per year since the creation of the scheme.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The information is as follows:

  Know-How Fund: Training for investment personnel scheme (TIPS)

  Year

  Number of trainees

  Total grant offered

  £

  1990

  35

  80,147

  1991

  166

  643,629

  1992

  491

  1,029,808

  1 1993

  460

  843,594

  Total

  1,152

  2,597,178

  1 to 14 December

  Note:

  The TIPS scheme finances the training of key indigenous personnel employed in British investment operations located in countries covered by the know-how fund. The training can take place either in the United Kingdom, or in-country, or—very often—both. Training in the United

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Know-how Funds
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which companies benefited from the training for investment personnel scheme in each year since the scheme's inception.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  A total of 102 businesses have taken up training for investment personnel scheme grant offers under the know-how fund since 1990. A list has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how many pre-investment feasibility studies have been carried out in each year since the know-how funds' creation; and what was the total cost in each year of the Government contribution to the cost of those studies;

  (2) how many pre-investment feasibility studies have resulted in projects or investments going ahead, by year, since the creation of the know-how funds.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The information is in the table.

  Kingdom is limited to small numbers of key personnel, whereas in-country training is usually spread more widely among operational staff. A priority in all cases is to identify and train indigenous trainers who can multiply and continue the training provided under the TIPS scheme. The rate and amount of grant offered varies in each case, up to a maximum of £50,000.

EDUCATION

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Care is taken to ensure that the special adviser does not have access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. The special adviser is not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Stockport LEA
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what information he has about the number of staff employed other than in schools by the Stockport local education authority; and what are the corresponding figures for earlier years.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information on the number of employees of each local education authority is compiled by the Local Government Management Board from data collected on behalf of the Joint Staffing Watch. The table shows the total numbers of teaching staff and other education staff employed by the Stockport local authority, both in schools and elsewhere. It is not possible to separate out those among them who were not employed in school.

  Teachers and Lecturers

  Education—Other2

  March

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  1990

  2,511

  1,356

  1,021

  2,468

  1991

  2,381

  1,492

  1,058

  2,510

  1992

  2,379

  1,476

  974

  2,823

  1 The table covers all staff in the LEA maintained nursery, primary and secondary schools sector, special and further education—including colleges which have since transferred to the new FE sector—and central administration.

  2 "Other" includes educational support, clerical, school meals and premises-related staff employed in schools and colleges, together with central services and administration within the education service.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Boswell
  Figures for the number of press officers are available only for the last four years. These are as follows:

  Year

  Press officers

  1990

  9

  1991

  8

  1992

  8

  1993

  11

  National Union of Students
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many student unions are affiliated to the National Union of Students; and which student unions have opted out or have attempted to opt out of the National Union of Students in the past five years.

  Mr. Boswell
  Affiliation arrangements are a matter between the National Union of Students and the student unions at institutional level. Comprehensive information on student unions' affiliation decisions is not available centrally.

  The NUS's annual report for 1991–92 indicates that some 800 student unions throughout the United Kingdom were affiliated. The information available to the Department is that the student unions at Edinburgh, Glasgow and St. Andrew's universities, and at King's and Imperial colleges, London, are not currently affiliated to the NUS.
  922
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will publish the amount of money given to the National Union of Students(a) directly and (b) indirectly by the Government in the last year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Boswell
  The National Union of Students is not supported directly from central Government funds. It is a confederation of campus student unions and depends for its main income on affiliation fees from local unions. Student unions' funds originate from a variety of sources: principally profits on their trading activities, and block grant from their parent institutions, paid out of funds deriving from a mix of public and private sources. NUS affiliation fees for 1991–92 amounted to £2·57 million, some 93 per cent. of a total NUS income of £2·76 million.

  Special Needs
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many copies of his draft code of practice on the identification and assessment of special needs have been printed; to whom and how many an initial distribution was made; how many were distributed in response to requests; and if he will ensure that at least one copy will be dispatched to each maintained school in England and Wales.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  As of 15 December, a total of 23,000 copies of the draft code had been printed. The Department made an initial distribution of over 1,000 copies of a first print run of 2,500 to all local education authorities, social services departments and regional and district health authorities, as well as to other interested bodies, such as voluntary organisations and teacher unions.

  The Department's distribution centre has distributed a further 22,000 copies of the draft code in response to requests. Our intention is, subject to Parliament's approval, to issue a revised version of the code in the early summer, to come into effect on 1 September. We shall send copies to all maintained schools and take steps to ensure that the code's messages are widely understood.

  Music Education
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many hours on average of music education were available per pupil in(a) infant, (b) primary and (c) secondary schools in 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92; and if he will make a statement on Government policy in this area.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested for infant and junior schools is not centrally available.

  Information is available for 1992 for secondary schools from the secondary schools staffing surveys which collected data from representative samples of maintained secondary schools in England. The table shows the percentage of total pupil periods recorded as having been spent on music for pupils in each year group.

  Year group

  January 1992

  7

  4·2

  8

  4·0

  9

  3·4

  10

  0·8

  11

  0·8

  923
  Music is a foundation subject in the national curriculum. For the first time, all pupils will complete a full and rigorous course in music, up to the age of 14. After 14, schools can offer pupils the opportunity to study music if they so wish.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local education authority in England are or have been eligible to apply for grant-maintained status;

  Results of parental ballots on self-governing status

  LEA

  Primary eligible

  Primary ballots

  Yes votes

  No votes

  Primary 12/13

  Secondary eligible

  Secondary ballots

  Yes votes

  No votes

  Secondary 12/13

  Corporation of London

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Camden

  41

  0

  0

  0

  0

  11

  3

  2

  1

  0

  Greenwich

  79

  1

  1

  0

  1

  15

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Hackney

  70

  1

  1

  0

  1

  10

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Hammersmith

  38

  1

  1

  0

  1

  10

  1

  1

  0

  0

  Islington

  57

  0

  0

  0

  0

  9

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Kensington

  27

  2

  2

  0

  0

  4

  1

  1

  0

  1

  Lambeth

  77

  5

  5

  0

  0

  10

  5

  5

  0

  0

  Lewisham

  72

  1

  1

  0

  0

  13

  2

  0

  2

  1

  Southwark

  75

  5

  5

  0

  0

  14

  5

  5

  0

  1

  Tower Hamlets

  73

  0

  0

  0

  0

  15

  2

  1

  1

  0

  Wandsworth

  72

  5

  3

  2

  1

  10

  8

  7

  1

  1

  Westminster

  42

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Barking

  55

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Barnet

  89

  5

  2

  3

  0

  21

  11

  10

  1

  1

  Bexley

  64

  4

  3

  1

  0

  17

  6

  5

  1

  0

  Brent

  64

  4

  4

  0

  1

  13

  13

  11

  2

  2

  Bromley

  78

  7

  6

  1

  0

  17

  14

  13

  1

  2

  Croydon

  98

  3

  3

  0

  0

  20

  9

  7

  2

  0

  Ealing

  92

  4

  4

  0

  2

  13

  8

  6

  2

  8

  Enfield

  70

  4

  1

  3

  0

  17

  6

  5

  1

  0

  Haringey

  77

  0

  0

  0

  0

  9

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Harrow

  54

  0

  0

  0

  0

  10

  2

  1

  1

  0

  Havering

  74

  0

  0

  0

  0

  19

  6

  4

  2

  1

  Hillingdon

  72

  11

  11

  0

  0

  15

  15

  14

  1

  2

  Hounslow

  62

  0

  0

  0

  0

  14

  3

  2

  1

  0

  Kingston

  36

  1

  1

  0

  0

  10

  4

  4

  0

  0

  Merton

  49

  1

  0

  1

  0

  11

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Newham

  67

  0

  0

  0

  0

  14

  1

  1

  0

  1

  Redbridge

  56

  0

  0

  0

  0

  14

  2

  1

  1

  0

  Richmond

  39

  0

  0

  0

  0

  8

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Sutton

  43

  4

  3

  1

  0

  14

  8

  8

  0

  0

  Waltham Forest

  61

  1

  0

  1

  0

  16

  2

  2

  0

  0

  Birmingham

  336

  11

  6

  5

  0

  79

  24

  l7

  7

  0

  Coventry

  109

  1

  0

  1

  0

  19

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dudley

  83

  1

  1

  0

  0

  22

  9

  7

  2

  1

  Sandwell

  112

  0

  0

  0

  0

  20

  4

  1

  3

  2

  Solihull

  70

  1

  1

  0

  0

  13

  2

  1

  1

  0

  Walsall

  106

  3

  2

  1

  0

  21

  11

  7

  4

  0

  Wolverhampton

  101

  1

  0

  1

  1

  20

  6

  5

  1

  2

  Knowsley

  68

  0

  0

  0

  0

  11

  3

  1

  2

  1

  Liverpool

  198

  0

  0

  0

  0

  36

  5

  3

  2

  0

  St. Helens

  72

  1

  1

  0

  1

  12

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Sefton

  94

  0

  0

  0

  0

  22

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Wirral

  106

  0

  0

  0

  0

  21

  4

  2

  2

  0

  Bolton

  105

  1

  1

  0

  0

  16

  3

  3

  0

  1

  Bury

  71

  2

  1

  1

  0

  14

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Manchester

  174

  0

  0

  0

  0

  28

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Oldham

  104

  0

  0

  0

  0

  15

  1

  0

  1

  1

  Rochdale

  76

  7

  4

  3

  0

  14

  3

  1

  2

  2

  Salford

  88

  0

  0

  0

  0

  18

  4

  1

  3

  0

  Stockport

  110

  0

  0

  0

  0

  14

  2

  0

  2

  0

  Tameside

  82

  1

  0

  1

  0

  18

  5

  3

  2

  2

  Trafford

  78

  0

  0

  0

  0

  16

  6

  4

  2

  1

  Wigan

  125

  0

  0

  0

  0

  21

  1

  1

  0

  1

  Barnsley

  96

  1

  1

  0

  1

  15

  2

  0

  2

  1

  Doncaster

  127

  5

  4

  1

  4

  34

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Rotherham

  115

  0

  0

  0

  0

  18

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Sheffield

  164

  17

  15

  2

  10

  32

  8

  6

  2

  4

  Bradford

  167

  5

  3

  2

  0

  88

  8

  6

  2

  0

  Calderdale

  91

  4

  4

  0

  0

  16

  7

  6

  1

  2

  Kirklees

  158

  2

  0

  2

  0

  34

  5

  3

  2

  1

  924
  how many in each case have held ballots; how many ballots in each case resulted in votes to seek grant-maintained status; how many of these have been subject to section 12 or 13 notices; and how many ballots in each case resulted in votes against seeking grant-maintained status.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested is set out in the tables.
  925

  LEA

  Primary eligible

  Primary ballots

  Yes votes

  No votes

  Primary 12/13

  Secondary eligible

  Secondary ballots

  Yes votes

  No votes

  Secondary 12/13

  Leeds

  249

  3

  1

  2

  0

  46

  1

  1

  0

  0

  Wakefield

  130

  2

  2

  0

  1

  38

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Gateshead

  82

  0

  0

  0

  0

  13

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Newcastle

  82

  1

  0

  1

  0

  22

  1

  0

  1

  0

  North Tyne

  61

  2

  1

  1

  1

  26

  3

  2

  1

  2

  South Tyne

  58

  0

  0

  0

  0

  11

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Sunderland

  105

  0

  0

  0

  0

  17

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Isles of Scilly

  4

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Avon

  369

  5

  0

  5

  0

  60

  4

  2

  2

  1

  Bedfordshire

  218

  3

  3

  0

  0

  71

  18

  11

  7

  1

  Berkshire

  275

  10

  7

  3

  0

  59

  12

  10

  2

  1

  Buckinghamshire

  290

  8

  6

  2

  0

  45

  11

  10

  1

  0

  Cambridge

  267

  9

  7

  2

  0

  44

  25

  17

  8

  2

  Cheshire

  454

  8

  5

  3

  3

  68

  11

  4

  7

  3

  Cleveland

  203

  0

  0

  0

  0

  44

  3

  0

  3

  0

  Cornwall

  249

  1

  1

  0

  0

  31

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cumbria

  306

  23

  18

  5

  0

  42

  14

  14

  0

  4

  Derbyshire

  450

  13

  7

  6

  0

  61

  24

  14

  10

  4

  Devon

  442

  8

  2

  6

  1

  64

  9

  6

  3

  0

  Dorset

  200

  2

  1

  1

  0

  56

  16

  14

  2

  4

  Durham

  298

  0

  0

  0

  0

  43

  1

  0

  1

  0

  East Sussex

  219

  0

  0

  0

  0

  34

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Essex

  581

  78

  72

  6

  0

  105

  75

  71

  4

  1

  Gloucestershire

  262

  11

  10

  1

  0

  43

  35

  29

  6

  3

  Hampshire

  580

  20

  18

  2

  8

  94

  21

  17

  4

  2

  Hereford and Worcester

  288

  2

  0

  2

  0

  76

  8

  5

  3

  0

  Hertfordshire

  432

  13

  10

  3

  0

  88

  31

  26

  5

  2

  Humberside

  354

  5

  3

  2

  0

  60

  4

  0

  4

  0

  Isle of Wight

  46

  0

  0

  0

  0

  21

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Kent

  570

  25

  23

  2

  2

  136

  73

  69

  4

  12

  Lancashire

  605

  4

  2

  2

  0

  106

  16

  9

  7

  1

  Leicester

  334

  2

  0

  2

  0

  79

  9

  5

  4

  1

  Lincolnshire

  293

  30

  26

  4

  0

  63

  28

  28

  0

  2

  Norfolk

  397

  19

  15

  4

  0

  52

  16

  12

  4

  0

  North Yorkshire

  394

  2

  0

  2

  0

  59

  2

  0

  2

  0

  Northants

  270

  13

  10

  3

  0

  65

  20

  14

  6

  4

  Northumberland

  143

  0

  0

  0

  0

  61

  3

  1

  2

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  426

  1

  0

  1

  0

  82

  8

  3

  5

  3

  Oxfordshire

  241

  1

  1

  0

  0

  44

  2

  0

  2

  0

  Shropshire

  214

  3

  3

  0

  2

  37

  7

  7

  0

  1

  Somerset

  229

  5

  3

  2

  0

  39

  2

  2

  0

  0

  Staffordshire

  414

  4

  3

  1

  0

  85

  10

  5

  5

  0

  Suffolk

  255

  0

  0

  0

  0

  77

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Surrey

  372

  21

  19

  2

  10

  51

  14

  14

  0

  2

  Warwickshire

  244

  0

  0

  0

  0

  37

  9

  8

  1

  1

  West Sussex

  246

  0

  0

  0

  0

  41

  3

  0

  3

  0

  Wiltshire

  264

  15

  12

  3

  0

  44

  23

  16

  7

  0

  Totals

  18,905

  506

  392

  114

  52

  3,657

  843

  640

  203

  100

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what applications were received from grant-maintained schools for capital grant for the financial year 1993–94; and what has been the level of grant approved in each case.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I have placed in the Library copies of papers detailing the applications and allocations of named project capital grant to self-governing—grant maintained—schools in 1993–94.

  Ballots on self-governing (GM) status initiated by parental petition

  LEA

  School

  Result

  Date ballot closed

  Barnsley

  Wortley CE Controlled J and I School

  Yes

  30 May 1991

  Barnsley

  Dearneside Comprehensive School

  No

  26 July 1990

  Berkshire

  Reading Girls' School (previously Southlands)

  Yes

  30 May 1989

  Bexley

  Burnt Oak Junior School

  No

  2 July 1993

  Birmingham

  Bishop Challoner RC School

  Yes

  14 May 1993

  Birmingham

  King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls

  Yes

  24 July 1992

  Birmingham

  Manor Park Primary School

  Yes

  28 October 1993

  Birmingham

  King Edward VI Handsworth School

  Yes

  24 July 1992

  926
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for
  Education if he will list, by local education authority, the schools which have held ballots on grant-maintained status as a result of a parental petition stating, in each case(a) whether the ballot resulted in a yes or no majority, (b) the number of registered pupils at the school and (c) the date the ballot closed.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information requested is set out in the table. The table does not contain details of pupil numbers for each school, which are taking a little longer to assemble. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as they are available.
  927

  LEA

  School

  Result

  Date ballot closed

  Birmingham

  Lordswood Boys' School

  No

  14 July 1993

  Birmingham

  King Edward VI Aston School

  Yes

  24 July 1992

  Birmingham

  King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys

  Yes

  24 July 1992

  Birmingham

  Oldknow Junior School

  No

  10 Decenber 1992

  Birmingham

  Handsworth Grammar School for Boys

  Yes

  9 February 1990

  Birmingham

  King Edward VI Five Ways School

  Yes

  24 July 1992

  Birmingham

  Baverstock Grant-Maintained School

  Yes

  6 February 1989

  Bolton

  Crompton Fold Primary School

  Yes

  17 December 1991

  Bradford

  St. Joseph's RC Priamry School

  No

  3 December 1993

  Bradford

  Killinghall First School

  Yes

  22 March 1993

  Brent

  Copland Community School and Technology Centre

  Yes

  27 February 1991

  Brent

  Claremont High School (Grant-Maintained)

  Yes

  3 April 1989

  Bromley

  Bullers Wood School for Girls

  Yes

  22 May 1990

  Bromley

  Ramsden School for Girls

  Yes

  17 January 1989

  Bromley

  Beaverwood School for Grils

  Yes

  22 July 1991

  Bromley

  Langley Park School for Boys

  Yes

  8 March 1991

  Buckinghamshire

  Wycombe Royal Grammar School

  Yes

  17 July 1992

  Calderdale

  The Crossley Heath School

  Yes

  19 December 1989

  Calderdale

  The North Halifax Grammar School

  Yes

  18 December 1989

  Calderdale

  All Saints' CE (VC) Primary School

  Yes

  28 June 1993

  Cambridgeshire

  The Park Lane Primary School

  Yes

  28 February 1992

  Cambridgeshire

  Hinchingbrooke School

  No

  22 March 1991

  Cambridgeshire

  Gamlingay (Grant-Maintained) Village College

  Yes

  7 May 1991

  Cambridgeshire

  Orton Wistow Primary School

  Yes

  3 July 1992

  Cambridgeshire

  The King's School (Peterborough Cathedral School)

  Yes

  6 July 1992

  Camden

  William Ellis School

  No

  6 April 1993

  Cheshire

  St. Joseph's RC High School

  Yes

  24 December 1992

  Cheshire

  Hassall Green Methodist Primary School

  Yes

  4 July 1991

  Cheshire

  Arley County Primary School

  Yes

  25 March 1991

  Cheshire

  Victoria Road County Primary School

  No

  8 January 1993

  Cheshire

  Kettleshulme St. James CE GM Primary School

  Yes

  18 February 1991

  Cheshire

  Culcheth High School

  No

  11 May 1993

  Cheshire

  Darwin Street Country Primary School

  No

  8 November 1993

  Cleveland

  Gillbrook School

  No

  16 November 1992

  Coventry

  Potters Green Primary School

  No

  29 June 1993

  Cumbria

  Eden School

  Yes

  11 June 1991

  Cumbria

  St. Aidan's County High School

  Yes

  12 February 1991

  Cumbria

  Trinity School, Carlisle

  Yes

  1 November 1991

  Derbyshire

  Lady Manners School

  Yes

  25 January 1993

  Derbyshire

  Grancville Community School

  No

  21 May 1993

  Derbyshire

  Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School

  No

  9 November 1992

  Derbyshire

  The Ecclesbourne School

  Yes

  28 February 1990

  Derbyshire

  Repton Priamry School

  Yes

  12 October 1992

  Derbyshire

  Chellaston Junior Grant Maintaines School

  Yes

  12 March 1993

  Derbyshire

  Silverhill Primary School

  No

  26 February 1993

  Derbyshire

  Noel-Baker Community School (GM)

  Yes

  3 November 1992

  Derbyshire

  The Dronfield School

  No

  4 December 1992

  Derbyshire

  John Port School

  Yes

  28 October 1992

  Derbyshire

  Belmont Primary School

  Yes

  3 July 1991

  Derbyshire

  Netherthorpe School

  Yes

  17 January 1989

  Derbyshire

  Chellaston School

  Yes

  29 June 1992

  Devon

  Teigh School

  Yes

  31 July 1992

  Devon

  Holsworthy CE Primary School

  No

  25 May 1993

  Devon

  Torquay Boys' Grammar School (GM)

  Yes

  15 June 1992

  Devon

  Poughill CE Primary School

  Yes

  15 December 1992

  Devon

  Warberry CE (Controlled) Primary

  No

  7 December 1992

  Doncaster

  Braithwell First and Middle School

  Yes

  2 November 1992

  Doncaster

  Barnby Dun Middle School

  No

  14 April 1993

  Doncaster

  Armthorpe Comprehensive School

  No

  23 April 1990

  Doncaster

  Fishlake Endowed First School

  Yes

  25 January 1993

  Doncaster

  Warmsworth St. Peter's CE VC First School

  Yes

  13 August 1993

  Doncaster

  Brodsworth CE First and Middle School

  Yes

  19 April 1993

  Dorset

  Poole Technical High School (Ex Henry Harbin)

  Yes

  5 November 1992

  Dudley

  The Summerhill School

  No

  21 December 1992

  Dudley

  The Kingswinford Grant-Maintaines School

  Yes

  29 October 1992

  Ealing

  Greenford High school

  Yes

  20 May 1991

  Ealing

  Wood End Middle School

  Yes

  12 April 1991

  Ealing

  Brentside High School

  Yes

  1 July 1991

  Ealing

  Drayton Manor High School

  Yes

  4 February 1991

  Ealing

  Dormers Wells Middle School

  Yes

  12 April 1993

  Ealing

  Wood End First School

  Yes

  25 March 1991

  Ealing

  Dormers Wells Middle School

  Yes

  28 April 1993

  East Sussex

  Blatchington Mill School

  No

  1 February 1993

  Enfield

  Raglan Infant School

  No

  26 May 1993

  Enfield

  Hadley Wood Primary School

  No

  28 September 1993

  Essex

  The Sweyne School

  No

  4 August 1993

  Essex

  St. Clare's RC Primary School

  Yes

  4 December 1992

  Essex

  St. Andrew's Grant Maintained CE Primary School

  Yes

  13 July 1992

  928 929

  LEA

  School

  Result

  Date ballot closed

  Essex

  Beauchamps Grant-Maintained School

  Yes

  18 November 1991

  Essex

  Westborough County Primary School

  Yes

  4 August 1992

  Essex

  Anglo European School (Ingatestone)

  Yes

  26 October 1992

  Essex

  Edwards Hall County Infant School

  No

  17 August 1993

  Essex

  Bromfords School, Wickford

  Yes

  18 November 1991

  Gloucestershire

  Robinswood Primary School

  Yes

  5 November 1991

  Gloucestershire

  The Crypt School

  Yes

  30 April 1991

  Gloucestershire

  Stroud High school

  Yes

  22 May 1989

  Gloucestershire

  Ribston Hall High School

  Yes

  28 March 1989

  Gloucestershire

  Marling School

  Yes

  22 May 1989

  Greenwich

  Hawksmoor Primary School

  Yes

  18 March 1993

  Hackney

  St. Thomas's CE Priamry School

  Yes

  27 October 1992

  Hammersmith

  Harwood School

  Yes

  29 January 1991

  Hampshire

  Boundary First School

  Yes

  8 June 1992

  Hampshire

  The Priory School

  Yes

  6 July 1992

  Hampshire

  Testwood School

  Yes

  15 July 1992

  Hampshire

  Calmore Grant-Maintained Middle School

  Yes

  28 July 1992

  Hampshire

  Purbrook CE First School

  Yes

  22 February 1993

  Hampshire

  The Burgate School

  Yes

  16 November 1990

  Hampshire

  Mill Rythe First School, Havant

  Yes

  20 March 1992

  Hampshire

  Mengham Middle School

  Yes

  24 April 1992

  Hampshire

  Mengham First School

  Yes

  26 March 1992

  Hertfordshire

  Hertingfordbury Cowper JMI School

  Yes

  23 December 1991

  Hertfordshire

  St Mary's Catholic Primary School

  Yes

  1 March 1991

  Hertfordshire

  Christ Church CE School

  Yes

  21 June 1991

  Hertfordshire

  Rickmansworth School

  Yes

  15 May 1989

  Hertfordshire

  Sir James Altham School

  Yes

  30 January 1989

  Hertfordshire

  Francis Bacon School

  Yes

  27 November 1989

  Hillingdon

  The Douay Martyrs School

  Yes

  3 August 1992

  Hillingdon

  Charville Primary School

  Yes

  16 March 1993

  Hillingdon

  Grange Park Junior School

  Yes

  28 September 1992

  Hillingdon

  Queensmead School

  Yes

  20 December 1990

  Hillingdon

  Oak Farm Junior Mixed School (GM)

  Yes

  27 February 1992

  Hillingdon

  Oak Farm Infant School (Grant-Maintained)

  Yes

  27 February 1992

  Hillingdon

  Northwood School

  Yes

  18 April 1991

  Hillingdon

  Barnhill School

  Yes

  13 June 1991

  Hillingdon

  Vyners School

  Yes

  1 February 1991

  Humberside

  Barmby Moor CE Priamry School

  Yes

  2 June 1993

  Humberside

  Healing Comprehensive School

  No

  4 January 1993

  Kensington

  St Charles' RC Primary School

  Yes

  16 July 1993

  Kensington

  Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School

  Yes

  13 March 1989

  Kent

  The Maplesden Noakes School

  Yes

  7 March 1990

  Kent

  Hoo St Werbugh Middle School, Kent

  No

  23 January 1992

  Kent

  The Bradbourne School

  Yes

  2 December 1991

  Kent

  Swanscombe High School

  Yes

  27 July 1990

  Kent

  Cliffe Woods Primary School, Rochester

  Yes

  18 February 1991

  Kent

  Cliffe Woods Middle School

  Yes

  3 August 1990

  Kent

  St Bartholomews RC Primary School

  Yes

  28 May 1993

  Kent

  Chaucer Technology School

  Yes

  8 January 1993

  Kent

  Senacre Technology School

  Yes

  7 May 1991

  Kent

  Rede Secondary School, Strood

  Yes

  3 December 1991

  Kent

  Queen Elizebeth's School

  Yes

  25 January 1993

  Kent

  Appledore CE Primary School

  Yes

  25 March 1991

  Kent

  Barton Court Grammar School

  Yes

  8 February 1993

  Kent

  Edenbridge Middle School

  Yes

  7 December 1990

  Kent

  Herne Bay High School

  Yes

  12 August 1992

  Kent

  Wrotham School

  Yes

  20 May 1991

  Kirklees

  Heckmondwike Grammar School

  Yes

  22 December 1988

  Kirklees

  Deighton High School

  Yes

  4 November 1991

  Knowsley

  Prescot School

  No

  30 November 1992

  Lambeth

  Archbishop Tenison's School

  Yes

  4 December 1992

  Lancashire

  Lancaster Royal Grammar School

  Yes

  30 May 1989

  Lancashire

  Lancaster Girls Grammar School

  Yes

  7 June 1990

  Lancashire

  Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School

  Yes

  24 February 1989

  Lancashire

  St Richard's RC High Scool

  Yes

  12 June 1992

  Lancashire

  Newton Bluecoat C of E GM Primary School

  Yes

  28 February 1991

  Leeds

  St Michael's CE (VA) Primary School

  No

  5 July 1993

  Leeds

  Lady Elizabeth Hastings CE Primary School

  Yes

  26 April 1993

  Leeds

  Abbey Grange CE (GM) High School

  Yes

  9 June 1993

  Leeds

  Bramhope Primary School

  No

  21 May 1993

  Leicestershire

  Kestral's Field Primary School

  No

  29 November 1993

  Leicestershire

  South Wigston High School

  Yes

  26 November 1992

  Lewisham

  Turnham Primary with Nursery GM School

  Yes

  25 March 1991

  Lincolnshire

  King Edward VI School

  Yes

  18 June 1990

  Lincolnshire

  The Kings School Grantham

  Yes

  3 February 1989

  Lincolnshire

  Hartsholme County Primary School

  Yes

  20 March 1993

  930 931

  LEA

  School

  Result

  Date Ballot closed

  Lincolnshire

  Rauceby School CE GM

  Yes

  12 June 1991

  Lincolnshire

  Queen Elizabeth's GM Grammar School

  Yes

  30 December 1988

  Lincolnshire

  Queen Elizabeth's GM Grammar School

  Yes

  22 October 1991

  Lincolnshire

  Ermine Junior Grant Maintained School

  Yes

  16 December 1991

  Liverpool

  St. Mary's RC Girls High School

  Yes

  28 July 1993

  Liverpool

  St. Francis Xavier's College

  Yes

  27 February 1989

  Liverpool

  Our Lady of Fatima RC High School

  Yes

  5 February 1993

  Manchester

  Trinity CE High School

  No

  29 October 1992

  Merton

  Bond First School

  No

  29 October 1992

  Newcastle

  Wallbottle School

  No

  26 October 1992

  Newcastle

  Knop Law First School

  No

  14 June 1993

  Newham

  Stratford School

  Yes

  26 September 1989

  Norfolk

  Cliff Park High School (Grant Maintained)

  Yes

  18 September 1992

  Norfolk

  Peterhouse Middle School

  No

  5 July 1993

  North Tyneside

  Coquet Park First School

  No

  16 April 1993

  North Tyneside

  South Wellfield Middle School

  Yes

  19 March 1993

  North Tyneside

  Marden High School

  No

  11 November 1992

  North Yorkshire

  Norton School

  No

  31 March 1993

  North Yorkshire

  Wheatcroft County Primary School

  No

  28 Januray 1993

  Northamptonshire

  Walgrave County Primary School

  No

  14 June 1993

  Northamptonshire

  All Saints Middle School

  No

  11 December 1992

  Northamptonshire

  Southfield School For Girls

  Yes

  3 February 1989

  Northamptonshire

  Woodnewton Way Infant School

  Yes

  11 June 1993

  Nottinghamshire

  The George Spencer School

  Yes

  16 October 1992

  Nottinghamshire

  Racvensdale Grant Maintained Middle School

  Yes

  14 May 1991

  Oldham

  Failsworth School

  No

  30 July 1990

  Oxfordshire

  Milham Ford Upper School

  No

  7 December 1992

  Rochdale

  Crossgates Primary School

  Yes

  2 March 1991

  Rochdale

  St. John's RC Primary School

  No

  12 November 1993

  Rochdale

  Milnrow Parish CE Primary

  No

  6 December 1993

  Salford

  Walkden High School

  No

  4 November 1992

  Salford

  St. Ambrose Barlow RC High School

  Yes

  15 December 1992

  Sandwell

  Manor High GM Community School

  Yes

  17 Septembter 1990

  Sandwell

  Wood Green High School

  No

  22 November 1993

  Sheffield

  Bolsterstone CE J and I School, Shefield

  Yes

  11 December 1991

  Sheffield

  Bole Hill Primary School

  Yes

  11 August 1993

  Sheffield

  Clifford CE Grant-Maintained School

  Yes

  12 November 1991

  Sheffield

  Handsworth First School, Sheffield

  Yes

  23 December 1991

  Sheffield

  Shirebrook Nursery/Infant and Junior School

  Yes

  7 May 1993

  Sheffield

  Roscoe Bank Junior and Infants School

  Yes

  20 December 1991

  Sheffield

  Carter Lodge School

  Yes

  7 May 1993

  Sheffield

  Gleadless Valley School

  Yes

  11 August 1993

  Sheffield

  Burncross Primary School

  Yes

  13 August 1993

  Sheffield

  Broomhill Infant School

  Yes

  2 August 1993

  Sheffield

  Norfolk Secondary School

  Yes

  9 December 1991

  Sheffield

  Dr. John Bingham Primary School

  Yes

  31 March 1993

  Shropshire

  The Manor School

  Yes

  28 October 1992

  Shropshire

  The Down County Primary School

  Yes

  24 January 1991

  Shropshire

  The Corbet Grant-Maintained School

  Yes

  5 November 1992

  Shropshire

  Ercall Wood School

  Yes

  26 November 1992

  Shropshire

  Ellerdine County Primary School

  Yes

  29 January 1991

  Shropshire

  Abraham Darby School

  Yes

  20 November 1992

  Solihull

  Hatchford Grant-Maintained Primary School

  Yes

  20 June 1991

  Somerset

  St. John's VE CE Primary School

  Yes

  21 April 1993

  Southwark

  The London Nautical School

  Yes

  9 January 1989

  St. Helens

  Rainhill Park Primary School

  Yes

  22 March 1993

  Staffordshire

  Codsall High School

  No

  20 November 1992

  Staffordshire

  Hollinsclough CE Primary School

  Yes

  5 October 1992

  Staffordshire

  St. Thomas More RC High School

  Yes

  6 July 1992

  Staffordshire

  St. Mildred's CE Primary School

  Yes

  25 September 1992

  Staffordshire

  Edgecliff High School

  No

  25 January 1993

  Surrey

  The Manor County First School

  Yes

  20 March 1991

  Surrey

  Blindley Heath CE First School

  Yes

  27 August 1991

  Surrey

  Alford County First School

  Yes

  3 August 1992

  Surrey

  Hawkedale First School

  Yes

  3 June 1991

  Surrey

  Send C of E First School (Grant-Maintained)

  Yes

  27 March 1991

  Surrey

  Park Mead County First School

  Yes

  30 April 1992

  Surrey

  Dunsfold C of E First School

  Yes

  3 July 1992

  Sutton

  The John Fisher School

  Yes

  9 July 1991

  Sutton

  Cheam Fields Pimary Shool

  No

  26 November 1993

  Tameside

  West Hill School

  Yes

  19 September 1992

  Tameside

  Audenshaw High School

  Yes

  5 December 1988

  Tameside

  Fairfield High Schoo for Girls (GM)

  Yes

  20 November 1992

  Tameside

  Longdendale High School

  No

  12 February 1993

  Wakefield

  Southmoor Road First School

  Yes

  26 November 1993

  Wakefield

  Wolloey CE First School

  Yes

  20 May 1991

  Walsall

  Streetly School

  Yes

  26 November 1991

  Walsall

  St. Thomas More RC Comprehensive GM School

  Yes

  7 November 1991

  932 933

  LEA

  School

  Result

  Date ballot closed

  Walsall

  Aldridge School

  Yes

  22 February 1993

  Walsall

  Park Hall County Junior School

  Yes

  14 May 1993

  Walsall

  Park Hall County Infant Scool

  Yes

  14 May 1993

  Wandsworth

  Huntingfield Primary School

  Yes

  23 September 1991

  Wandsworth

  Ethelburga Primary School (Grant-Maintained)

  Yes

  9 July 1991

  Warwickshire

  The Avon Valley Grant-Maintained School

  Yes

  23 October 1990

  Warwickshire

  Alcester Grammar School

  Yes

  13 July 1992

  Warwickshire

  Queen Elizabeth School, Atherstone

  Yes

  5 November 1991

  West Sussex

  Manhood Community College

  No

  27 January 1933

  Wigan

  Hindley Park High School (Now Closed)

  Yes

  6 March 1989

  Wiltshire

  St. George's RC Primary School

  Yes

  28 June 1993

  Wiltshire

  St. Edmund's RC Primary School

  Yes

  22 March 1993

  Wiltshire

  Greendown Community School

  No

  5 February 1993

  Wiltshire

  Frogwell County Primary School

  Yes

  9 June 1993

  Wirral

  Wirral Grammar School for Boys

  Yes

  19 January 1993

  Wirral

  Wirral County Grammar School for Girls

  No

  11 June 1993

  Wolverhampton

  Valley Park School

  Yes

  30 November 1992

  Wolverhampton

  Cotton Hills School

  No

  23 June 1993

  Wolverhampton

  The Bilston High School

  Yes

  27 July 1992

  Wolverhampton

  Aldersley High School

  Yes

  4 June 1993

  Note: While information held centrally on the method of initiation covers most schools where there have been ballots, it is not fully comprehensive.

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list the grant-maintained schools which have sought his approval for a change of character(a) by extending the age range of pupils for which the school provides and (b) by selecting pupils according to aptitude or ability, stating in each case whether their application has been successful.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The following self-governing—grant-maintained—schools have published proposals under section 89 of the Education Reform Act 1988 to make a significant change in the character of the school by extending the age range, and by the introduction of arrangements for the admission of pupils by reference to ability or aptitude.

  Proposals published under section 89 of the Education Reform Act 1988 for a significant change in the character of a school by extending the age range

  School

  Nature of change

  Decision

  Havering

  The Francis Bardsley School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c1

  Waltham Forest

  Highams Park School

  11–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Highams Park School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Birmingham

  Baverstock GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Small Heath School

  11–17 to 11–18

  approved

  Dudley

  Alder Coppice GM Primary School

  5–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Wolverhampton

  Moseley Park GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Trafford

  The New Wellington High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Sheffield

  Clifford First School

  5–8 to 5–11

  rejected

  Kirkless

  Castle Hall GM School

  9–13 to 11–18

  rejected

  Castle Hall GM School

  9–13 to 11–16

  approved

  Cambridgeshire

  The Queen's School

  11–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Sawtry Village College

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  934

  School

  Nature of change

  Decision

  Cumbria

  Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

  13–18 to 11–18

  approved

  Derbyshire

  Chellaston School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  The Merrill Community School

  11–16 to 11–19

  u/c

  Noel Baker Community School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Essex

  Beauchamps GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Bromfords School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Chalvedon School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  The King John School

  11–16 to 11–19

  u/c

  The Philip Morant School

  11–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Thorpe Bay High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  West Hatch School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Katherines Primary School

  5–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Gloucestershire

  Robinswood Primary School

  4–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Hampshire

  The Arnewood School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  The Burgate School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Humberside

  World Newton GM primary School

  5–11 to 30–11

  u/c

  Kent

  Aylesford School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  The Cornwallis School

  11–17 to 11–18

  approved

  The Maplesden Noakes School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Meopham GM School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Oldborough Manor Community College

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Ringwood School (GM Comprehensove)

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Senacre Technology School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Thamesview School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Wrotham School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Lincolnshire

  Gleed Girls GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  William Far CE School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Bourne Abbey (GM) Primary School

  4–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Norfolk

  Costessey High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Sheringham High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Surrey

  Heathside Secondary School

  12–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Yattendon Middle School

  8–11 to 7–11

  u/c

  Hawkedale First School

  5–8 to 3–7

  rejected

  The Manor County First School

  4–8 to 3–7

  rejected

  935

  School

  Nature of change

  Decision

  Warwickshire

  Queen Elizabeth School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Wiltshire

  St. Augustine's RC (GM) Comprehensive

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  1 u/c, under consideration.

  Proposals published under section 89 of the Education Reform Act 1988 for a significant change in the character of the school by the introduction of arrangements for the admission of pupils with reference to ability or aptitude

  School

  Decision

  Selection wholly or in part by reference to ability

  Kirklees

  Castle Hall GM School

  rejected

  Berkshire

  Southlands School (now Reading School)

  approved

  Cumbria

  Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

  approved

  Dorset

  Budmouth GM School

  2u/c

  Sutton

  Cheam High School

  2u/c

  Selection by aptitude

  Kent

  Chaucer Technology School

  aptitude in technology 2u/c

  2u/c, under consideration.

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) if he will list the grant-maintained schools which have sought his approval for changes in their admissions policy which(a) constitute or (b) do not constitute, a significant change in character; and if he will state, in each case, whether their application has been successful;

  (2) if he will list the grant-maintained schools which have sought his approval for changes in their admissions policy to introduce the selection of pupils by reference to their aptitude or ability, stating in each case (a) whether this constituted a significant change of character and (b) whether their application has been successful.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The grant-maintained schools listed in table 1 have published proposals under section 89 of the Education Reform Act 1988 to make a significant change in the character of the school by extending the school's age range or by the introduction of arrangements for the admission of pupils by reference to ability or aptitude.

  My right hon. Friend has approved a large number of changes to the admissions criteria of grant-maintained schools which have not required statutory proposals. Table 2 lists those agreed or under consideration which involve selection of up to 10 per cent. of the school's intake of the basis of aptitude or ability in music, sport, drama, dance, art or technology. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible giving details of all other changes that have been approved or requested.
  936

  Table 1

  Proposals puplished under section 89 of the Education Reform Act 1988 for a significant change in the character of the admissions of a school

  School

  Nature of change

  Decision

  Havering

  The Francis Bardsley School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c1

  Sutton

  Cheam High School

  selection by ability

  u/c

  Waltham Forest

  Highams Park School

  11–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Highams Park School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Birmingham

  Baverstock GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Small Heath School

  11–17 to 11–18

  approved

  Dudley

  Alder Coppice GM Primary School

  5–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Wolverhampton

  Moseley Park GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Trafford

  The New Wellington High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Sheffield

  Clifford First School

  5–8 to 5–11

  rejected

  Kirklees

  Castle Hall GM School

  selection by ability

  rejected

  9–13 to 11–18

  rejected

  9–13 to 11–16

  approved

  Berkshire

  Southlands School (now Reading School)

  selection by ability

  approved

  Cambridgeshire

  The Queen's School

  11–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Sawtry Village School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Cumbria

  Queen Elizabeth Grammar School

  selection by ability

  approved

  13–18 to 11–18

  approved

  Derbyshire

  Chellaston School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  The Merrill Community School

  11–16 to 11–19

  u/c

  Noel Community School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Dorset

  Budmouth GM School

  selection by ability

  u/c

  Essex

  Beauchamps GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Bromfords School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Chalvedon School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  The King John School

  11–16 to 11–19

  u/c

  The Philip Morant School

  11–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Thorpe Bay High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  West Hatch School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Katherines Primary School

  5–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Gloucestershire

  Robinswood primary School

  4–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Hampshire

  The Arnewood School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  The Burgate School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Humberside

  Wold Newton GM Primary School

  5–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Kent

  Aylesford School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Chaucer Technology School

  selection by aptitude in technology

  u/c

  937

  School

  Nature of change

  Decision

  The Cornwallis School

  11–17 to 11–18

  approved

  The Maplesden Noakes School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Meopham GM School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Oldborough Manor Community College

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Ringwood School (GM Comprehensive)

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Senacre Technology School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Thamesview School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Wrotham School

  11–17 to 11–18

  rejected

  Lincolnshire

  Gleed Girls GM School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  William Farr CE School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Bourne Abbey (GM) Primary School

  4–11 to 3–11

  u/c

  Norfolk

  Costessey High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Sheringham High School

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  Surrey

  Heathside Secondary School

  12–16 to 11–18

  rejected

  Yattendon Middle School

  8–12 to 7–11

  u/c

  Hawkedale First School

  5–8 to 3–7

  rejected

  The Manor County First School

  4–8 to 3–7

  rejected

  Warwickshire

  Queen Elizabeth School

  11–16 to 11–18

  approved

  Wiltshire

  St. Augustine's RC (GM)

  Comprehensive

  11–16 to 11–18

  u/c

  1 Under consideration.

  Table 2

  Applications by grant-maintained schools for 10 per cent. selection for ability or aptitude in art, dance, drama, music, sport or technology

  School

  Nature of selection

  Approved

  Kensington and Chelsea

  Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music

  Lambeth

  Dunraven School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music

  La Retraite High School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music

  Barnet

  Mill Hill County School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music

  Bromley

  Beaverwood School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music or Dance

  Bullers Wood School

  Up to 10 per cent. of for preference for single sex provision

  Cooper's School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music, Drama, Art, Dance or Sport

  Havering

  Abbs Cross School

  Up to 10 places for Music

  Cambridgeshire

  The King's School

  Up to 8 places for Music

  Essex

  King Edward VI Grammar School

  Up to 3 places for Choristers

  Kent

  Canterbury High School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music

  Langley Park School for Boys

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music or Sport

  Westlands High School

  Up to 10 per cent. For Music

  938

  School

  Nature of selection

  Hertfordshire

  Bishop's Stortford High School

  Up to 15 places for Sport, Music or Drama

  Dame Alice Owen School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music or Sport

  Queen's School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music, Art or Sport

  Surrey

  Heathside School

  Up to 15 places for Music or Sport

  Under Consideration

  Bromley

  Kemnal Manor School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Technology

  Essex

  Rainsford High School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music or Drama

  Kent

  Chaucer Technology School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Technology

  Wiltshire

  Ridgeway School

  Up to 10 per cent. for Music or Swimming

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many local education authorities have been required by his Department to justify the text of publications relating to grant-maintained status; how many of these publications have been found to be(a) misleading and subject to further action and (b) not misleading and hence not subject to further action; and how many local education authorities, or their officers, have been sent an apology for the unjustified suggestion that publications have been misleading.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Over the past 18 months, the Department has corresponded with more than 60 local education authorities about publications relating to grant-maintained status. In nearly all cases, officials have pointed out and sought comments on potentially misleading statements in one or more documents issued by the authority. Where appropriate, local education
  authorities are asked to correct misleading statements and include the correct version in their future publications on grant-maintained status. The Department does not keep summary records of the outcome of this correspondence.

  Primary Schools
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if primary schools, subject to local management of schools must meet the cost of administering, invigilating and staffing entrance examinations to(a) opted-out schools and (b) independent schools.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Arrangements for holding entrance examinations are a matter for the schools concerned, involving the LEA as appropriate.

  Sex Education
  Mr. Sedgemore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will incorporate the advice of the British Medical Association and others contained in the document
  939
  "Confidentiality and People Under 16" in the guidelines on sex education he is sending out for consultation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Consultative draft guidance on the new arrangements for sex education in schools in England was published on 6 December 1993, inviting comments by 18 February 1994. A copy has been sent to the British Medical Association. The draft guidance addresses issues of confidentiality as they apply to schools. Any views expressed by the British Medical Association or others will be taken into account in preparing the guidance in final form which we intend to issue to schools next spring.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list the regional and area offices of his Department, of the Office for Standards in Education, of the higher, and further education funding councils, of the Funding Agency for Schools and of other public bodies for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Boswell
  The Department does not have separate regional or area offices. Of the Department's 2,255 staff, 1,200 are based in London and 1,055 are on five sites in Darlington.

  The Further Education Funding Council has the following regional offices:

  South East—Kings Road, Reading

  London—Percy Street, London WI

  Northern—Amethyst Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Yorkshire and Humberside—Blenheim Court, Leeds

  West Midlands—Quinton Road, Coventry

  North West—Cornbrook. Manchester

  East Midlands—Quinton Road, Coventry

  South West—Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton

  Eastern—Cowley Road, Cambridge

  (The Council's new headquarters is also at Quinton Road, Coventry).

  Other non-departmental public bodies for which my right hon. Friend has responsibility do not have separate regional offices.

  In the case of OFSTED, I am asking Professor Sutherland to write to the hon. Member direct with the information.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Boswell
  In accordance with recommendations made in 1990 by the Government's efficiency unit, the Department no longer routinely issues acknowledgements to letters which are to be replied to by Ministers. Of the nearly 3,500 ministerial replies issued between 1 September 1993 and 30 November 1993, 76 per cent. were issued within three weeks and 90 per cent. within four weeks of receipt of the incoming letter.

  The Department does not collect the data requested for incoming letters which are to be replied to by officials.

  In line with the Department's approach, the Teachers Pensions Agency does not issue routine acknowledgements. Between 1 April and 30 November, the TPA replied to 98 per cent. of ministerial correspondence and
  940
  85 per cent. of general correspondence within 15 days. The figures are based on the 80 per cent. of correspondence that is subject to detailed monitoring.

  Teacher Training
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will name the institution to which he referred, in a broadcast interview on the BBC programme "The World this Weekend", on 14 November, as having provided no school-based experience during the first two years of a teacher training course; and if he will describe the action he has taken to remedy the situation.

  Mr. Patten
  It would not be appropriate to name an individual institution on the basis of comments made to me in confidence by a constituent. I am confident that the new criteria for courses of initial teacher training which I have published in recent circulars will, when fully implemented, ensure that all student teachers receive suitable classroom experience throughout their training.

  Public Meetings
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what requirements are imposed on (i) maintained county and voluntary schools, (ii) grant-maintained schools, (iii) city technology colleges, (iv) colleges of further education and sixth form colleges, (v) the Funding Agency for Schools and (vi) the further education and the higher education funding councils, to hold meetings in public of the main governing body concerned, any committees, and any sub-committees; and what rights of access the public have to agendas, minutes, and reports to such bodies, committees and sub-committees.

  Mr. Boswell
  All these bodies are free if they wish, but are not required by law, to admit members of the public to meetings. Governing bodies of maintained county and voluntary schools, grant-maintained schools, and further education and sixth form colleges are required to ensure that copies of agendas, minutes and reports in relation to every meeting of the governing body are made available at the institution to any person wishing to inspect them. Material relating to named pupils or students and to staff, and to any members which the governing body regard as confidential, may be omitted.

  National Curriculum Council
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list(a) the number of staff employed by the National Curriculum Council who were made redundant as a result of the dissolution of that council, (b) the total sum of redundancy payments received by staff employed at the National Curriculum Council and (c) the cost of relocating staff formerly employed by the National Curriculum Council and now employed by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  A total of 61 former employees of the National Curriculum Council—NCC—were made redundant at a cost of £1·76 million. The eventual cost of relocating former NCC staff who are now employed by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority—SCAA—is estimated at £0·7 million. These one-off costs should be set against estimated annual efficiency savings of
  941
  £1·4 million as a result of dissolving the NCC and the School Examinations and Assessment Council and establishing the SCAA.

  Special Purpose Grants
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list the applications received and payments made for special purpose grant—restructuring—in respect of head teacher posts in grant-maintained schools.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information is not held in the form requested.

  Schools (Capital Allocations)
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on capital allocations for local education authority maintained schools for 1994–95.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Local education authorities have today been informed of their annual capital guidelines—ACGs—for schools which, together with supplementary credit approvals to be issued later, will total £403 million in 1994–95. They have also been informed of their allocations for capital and repairs spending by the governors of voluntary-aided and special agreement schools in their areas—the overall grant to be made available in 1994–95 will be £113·6 million. Provision for both sectors reflects the continuing transfer of local authority schools to the grant-maintained sector.

  In distributing ACGs, we have again given priority to the second and third year expenditure on work approved in earlier years; basic need projects to provide new school places in areas of growing demand; cost-effective projects to remove surplus places.

  Allocations in the basic need and surplus place removal categories are at historically high levels, reflecting growth in pupil numbers and the success of the pressures we have put on LEAs to remove spare capacity.

  ACGs do not represent the full total of resources available to LEAs for capital expenditure. Authorities are also able to spend additional sums from capital receipts and from their revenue budgets if they so choose. The substantial sum available for 1994–95 should enable LEAs to continue to make significant progress in improving the school building stock.

  Of the total of £113·6 million grant for voluntary-aided schools, £45·6 million has been set aside for repairs. The remainder—£68 million—is to be provided for capital work. A total of £18 million of this will support new work to provide for new school places, cost-effective removal of surplus capacity, as well as a range of improvement and replacement projects. Twenty-three major projects have been authorised to start and a further 29 to proceed to initial design work.

  Details of individual LEAs' ACGs and grant allocations have been placed in the Library.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Re-offending
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many instances of reoffending have occurred in the last three years in respect of offenders during home leave granted to prisoners who have been convicted of offences of violence.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Jonathan Evans, dated 17 December 1993:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many instances of re-offending have occured in the last three years in respect of offenders during home leave granted to prisoners who have been convicted of offences of violence.
  At present such information is not available centrally. We are considering whether and if so how such information can be available in the future.

  Prisoners (Home Leave)
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of his review on the issue of home leave for dangerous or violent offenders.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Jonathan Evans, dated 17 December 1993:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the progress of the review being carried out by the Prison Service to review the operation of the home leave and temporary release schemes, particularly in relation to dangerous or violent offenders.
  The Working Group set up to conduct the review has prepared a summary of its main conclusions and recommendations. These are now being considered.

  Litter Louts
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many litter louts have been prosecuted under the recent legislation.

  Mr. Maclean
  In England and Wales in 1992 there were 811 prosecutions under section 1(3) of the Litter Act 1983 and 828 prosecutions for depositing litter under section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  Bail
  Mr. Stephen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will make a commencement order under the Bail (Amendment) Act 1993 so as to give the prosecution a right of appeal against decisions by magistrates to grant bail.

  Mr. Maclean
  We hope to bring the Bail (Amendment) Act 1993 into force early in the new year.

  Asylum
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the address of the centre for information, discussion and exchange on asylum and the name of its director.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The centre has no permanent address or director. Its meetings are chaired by the country currently holding the presidency of the European Union and serviced by the general secretariat of the Council.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations have taken place between institutions operating on the basis of the second pillar of the Maastricht treaty, on foreign and security policy and those of the third pillar, on justice and home affairs matters, on matters which relate to immigration and asylum policy.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  It has been agreed that joint reports will be prepared under the auspices of the common foreign and security policy on the situation in third countries. These will be made available to member states via the clearing house for information, discussion and exchange on asylum set up under the third pillar.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration was given to matters concerning immigration and asylum policy at the meeting of the Justice Council which took place in Brussels at the beginning of December.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  If the hon. Member is referring to the meeting of the Interior and Justice Council on 29 and 30 November, I would refer him to the reply I gave to him on 7 December, columns 165-66.

  National Alliance of Women's Organisations
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will approve in full the funding application made by the National Alliance of Women's Organisations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The request made by the National Alliance of Women's Organisations for funding in 1994–95 and beyond is among a number of applications currently under consideration by the Voluntary Services Unit. The outcome should be known within the next few weeks.

  Refugees
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements have been made to implement the decisions arising out of the December 1992 Edinburgh summit meeting on refugees from countries on which there is considered generally to be no serious risk of persecution.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  It is for individual member states to decide whether to take any specific action in response to this conclusion. We have no present plans to formalise a list of countries meeting the criteria it sets out.

  Charity Commission
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the reason for the Charity Commission determining that some of the payments made 944
  by the Foundation for Business Responsibilities to Marketforce Communications were unjustified; how much money was involved; how this money had been spent and by whom; how many of the donors to the Foundation for Business Responsibilities between 1987 and 1990 were interviewed during the Charity Commission's investigation into the Foundation for Business Responsibilities in 1991–92, to find their motivation for giving money to the charity; and what was the involvement of Dame Shirley Porter and Michael Ivens in these payments.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  During the course of the commissioners' investigation, the trustees of the Foundation for Business Responsibilities themselves had decided that there was substance in the suggestion that some of the payments made by the Foundation to Marketforce Communications Ltd. during 1989 and 1990 were not necessarily justified having regard to the services provided by Marketforce to the foundation.

  The trustees decided that all payments made by the foundation to Marketforce during 1989 and 1990, totalling £98,897·96, should be recovered regardless of whether or not some of the payments were justified. This was done and the commissioners were satisfied that any possible misapplication of charitable funds had been remedied.

  Michael Ivens, then director of the foundation, authorised the payments to Marketforce. The commissioners' inquiry did not reveal any evidence of involvement of Dame Shirley Porter in the payments.

  None of the Foundation's donors were interviewed during the commissioners' investigation.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the conclusion of the Charity Commission's investigation into the relationship between the Aims of Industry organisation and the Foundation for Business Responsibilities; what prompted the investigation; and in what months the investigation was carried out.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The commissioners' inquiry into payments by the Foundation for Business Responsibilities to Marketforce Communications Ltd. showed that £62,390·09 had been paid by the foundation to Aims of Industry during 1988–91.

  There was no evidence to suggest that the payments to Aims of Industry were otherwise than in providing legitimate services to the foundation—namely, management services, accommodation, research and printing works.

  The investigation into the payments made to Aims of Industry was carried out between March and September 1992.

  Police
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has held with the Secretary of State for Transport concerning appraisal-related pay, in relation to transport-related functions of the police; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  None. We have made it clear that pay should be related to overall performance, which does not mean measuring it against crude indicators such as numbers of arrests or crimes cleared up, or in relation to specific police functions.

  Bogus Charities
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what safeguards exist to prevent bogus charities collecting on the streets.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  If a person represents that he or she is collecting on behalf of a charity when that is not the case, this could amount to obtaining property by deception which is an offence under section 15 of the Theft Act 1968.

  If in doubt about a collector's bona fides, members of the public should inquire whether or not the collector has the necessary authority by asking to see his badge or certificate. If the collection is said to be for a charity, a member of the public can ask whether the charity is registered with the Charity Commission. If someone has doubts about an organisation or collector soliciting donations, he or she should not give but should consider reporting the matter to the local authority, Charity Commission or police.

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how the work of the ad hoc group on immigration will be co-ordinated with that of the co-ordinating committee established on the basis of article K4 of the Maastricht treaty.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Following implementation of the treaty on European Union, the ad hoc group on immigration has been replaced by a group of senior officials, known as steering group I, covering immigration and asylum matters. Steering group I reports to the article K4 committee, whose role is to oversee and co-ordinate this and other intergovernmental work under title VI of the treaty.

  Extradition (Zimbabwe)
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the extradition arrangements between the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe; and if he will list how many people have been extradited from Zimbabwe to the United Kingdom in each year since the arrangements were made.

  Mr. Maclean
  Our extradition arrangements with Zimbabwe are governed by the Commonwealth scheme for the rendition of fugitive offenders. There have been no extraditions from Zimbabwe since that country's independence in 1980.

  Seals
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide continuing protection for seals under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, following the expiry of the order laid under section 3(1) in 1990.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I have now laid before Parliament the Conservation of Seals (England) Order 1993, which provides permanent close season protection for common seals and grey seals for three years in an area stretching along the North sea coast from the border between England and Scotland to Newhaven on the south coast. The order will come into force on 19 December, to coincide with the expiry of the order laid in 1990.

  Squatters
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to local authorities of dealing with squatters in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment that this information is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimates he has as to the number of squatters there are currently in England; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The nature of squatting makes it impossible to assess the number of squatters with any degree of accuracy, but estimates as to the total number of people squatting in England and Wales generally range between 30,000 and 50,000. More precise information is, however, available about the number of local authority dwellings under unauthorised occupation: on 1 April 1993 there were 2,963 local authority dwellings so occupied, of which 88 per cent. were in inner London: Hackney—1,152; Lambeth—327; Tower Hamlets—232; Camden—153; and Islington—135—being among the areas worst affected.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many representatives he has received from(a) local authorities and (b) other sources in the last 12 months regarding squatters.

  Mr. Maclean
  During the last 12 months, we have received one representation from a local authority about squatting, and 139 representations from other sources including hon. Members, organisations supporting the homeless, retail groups and individual members of the public.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the number of incidents in the last 12 months where squatters were required to move and of the type of ownership applicable in the properties concerned; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Squatters may be required to leave property in certain circumstances under the provisions of the Criminal Law Act 1977. No information is, however, collected centrally about the number of occasions on which this power is used.

  From October 1992 to September 1993, 28,981 orders for possession were made by the civil courts as a result of actions for possession where the action was not a consequence of a default in mortgage payments. Of these, 8,203 orders were granted to private landlords, 5,715 to housing associations, and 15,063 to other social landlords, including local authorities. It is important to bear in mind, however, that these figures do not indicate how many properties were actually repossessed, as not all the orders made will have resulted in the issue and execution of warrants of possession. It should also be noted that not all actions to repossess property are in respect of squatters, and there is no information as to what proportion of the figures given in fact relate to instances of squatting.

  Homicide
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) female and (b) male victims of homicide there were in 1992; and if he will give a breakdown in each case in terms of their ethnic origin.

  Mr. Maclean
  There were 240 female and 382 male victims of offences currently recorded as homicide in England and Wales in 1992 as at 27 August 1993.

  A breakdown by ethnic origin is not available from the statistics collected centrally.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the regional and area offices of his Department, Her Majesty's inspectorate of police, and of the Fire Service, of the Commission for Racial Equality, and of other inspectorates, agencies, and other public bodies for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Howard
  The information requested is as follows:

  Organisation and regional offices

  Animals (Scientific Procedures) Inspectorate

  Shrewsbury

  Swindon

  Harrogate

  Dundee

  Cambridge

  Guildford

  HM Fire Service Inspectorate (Territorial)

  Cambridge

  Birmingham

  Leeds

  Swindon

  HM Fire Service Inspectorate (Crown Premises)

  Birmingham

  Leeds

  Swindon

  Woking

  HM Inspectorate of Probation

  Manchester

  Forensic Science Service

  Birmingham

  Aldermaston

  Chepstow

  Chorley

  Huntingdon

  Wetherby

  Gaming Board

  Bristol

  Edinburgh

  Manchester

  Nottingham

  HM Inspectorate of Constabulary

  Cambridge

  Sheffield

  Worcester

  Bristol

  Woking

  United Kingdom Passport Agency

  Belfast

  Glasgow

  Liverpool

  Newport, Gwent

  Peterborough

  Women's Royal Voluntary Service

  Lancaster

  Manchester Chester

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Darlington

  South Humberside

  Leeds

  Worcester

  Nottingham

  948

  Birmingham

  Bedford

  Reading

  Ipswich

  Tonbridge Wells, Kent

  Bristol

  Exeter

  London

  Cardiff

  Edinburgh

  Commission for Racial Equality

  Birmingham

  Leeds

  Manchester

  Leicester

  Edinburgh

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Howard
  Various targets are set for acknowledging and answering different types of correspondence in different areas of the Home Office and its agencies. Information in the form requested by the hon. Member is not, however, readily available for the Department as a whole, nor for individual agencies.

  Richmond Fellowship
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has received from the Charity Commission concerning his investigation of the Richmond Fellowship.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I understand that the commissioners' inquiry into the Richmond Fellowship has been concluded and that the charity appears to be on a stable footing.

  Essex Police
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the strength of the Essex police force for each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The information requested is set out in the table. The latest figure available for 1993 is August:

  Essex Police—Strength as at 31 December

  Year

  1984

  2,649

  1985

  2,678

  1986

  2,718

  1987

  2,725

  1988

  2,763

  1989

  2,799

  1990

  2,884

  1991

  2,878

  1992

  2,917

  1993 (August)

  2,985

  Secure Training Centres
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department where the five proposed secure training centres will be sited; and if he will list the county and region in which each centre is located and the counties and region or regions to be served by each.
  949
  Mr. Maclean
  No final decisions have been taken about where the secure training centres will be sited or the areas which they will serve.

  Category C Prisoners
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at what point during a life sentence or a prisoner's term of imprisonment might he or she be considered for category C status.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Jean Corston, dated 17 December 1993:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the point at which a life sentence prisoner might be considered for category C conditions.
  In the case of male prisoners, there is no fixed point at which a life sentence prisoner is considered for category C conditions. Each case is considered on its merits and in the light of reports from the establishment in which he or she is held. Factors which influence the decision to move a life sentence prisoner to a category C prison are whether the risk he or she presents is commensurate with category C security; whether the prisoner has addressed any areas of concern, such as alcohol addiction, and the timing of the first review of his or her case by the Parole Board.
  Establishments for women are not categorised on the same basis as those holding men. But the same general principles for a move to less secure conditions apply.

  Crime Prevention
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of police expenditure is devoted to crime prevention; and what steps he is taking to increase the proportion.

  Number of persons remanded on bail

  (Thousands)

  Offence Group

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Indictible

  248·1

  268·0

  277·2

  271·0

  304·6

  314·7

  321·8

  Summary (other than motoring)

  36·9

  43·8

  48·7

  69·9

  76·0

  72·8

  71·0

  Summary motoring

  28·8

  33·5

  38·2

  51·7

  61·3

  65·0

  65·9

  Total

  314·0

  345·2

  364·0

  392·6

  441·9

  452·5

  458·7

  Information on the numbers offending while on bail is not collected centrally. A Home Office research report, "RPU report 65, Offending while on bail; a survey of recent studies", gives some information on recent studies relating to offences while on bail. The survey concludes that, on average, between 10 and 12 per cent. of defendants are subsequently convicted of an offence committed while on bail and nowhere was the figure more than 17 per cent. A copy of this report is available in the Library of the House.

  Table A

  Persons proceeded against at magistrates courts for all offences by type of offence and result 1986–1992 England and Wales

  Year/result

  Indictable

  Summary non-motoring

  Summary motoring

  All offences

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  1986 Prosecutions

  460,152

  100

  501,533

  100

  1,166,729

  100

  2,128,414

  100

  Found guilty

  302,311

  66

  438,300

  87

  1,041,657

  89

  1,782,268

  84

  Dismissed

  14,324

  3

  11,471

  2

  14,664

  1

  40,459

  2

  950
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Many of the 128,000 police officers in England and Wales are involved in crime prevention to a greater or lesser extent but it is not possible to identify what percentage of police expenditure this represents. Nearly 1,000 of these officers are employed as crime prevention specialists. In 1992–93 the estimated expenditure on the police increased to £5·9 billion, an increase in real terms of 83 per cent. since 1978–79.

  On 13 November 1992, following consultation with the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Home Office sent a circular letter to chief officers of police with the aim of consolidating and expanding crime prevention activities through each force. The circular recommends that each force should develop a crime prevention strategy and that specialist crime prevention officers should be integrated into local command management units in order to allow greater co-ordination of crime prevention and operational policing. Chief officers are encouraged to deploy beat officers for crime prevention surveys while employing the expertise of the crime prevention specialist within crime management teams.

  Crimes Committed on Bail
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many defendants have committed further crimes while on bail in each of the last seven years; and if he will provide a breakdown of the seriousness of the crimes committed in the first instance, and those committed while on bail.

  Mr. Maclean
  Figures on the numbers remanded on bail are published annually in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales", table 8·5. These are broken down by seriousness of offence into indictable, summary, other than motoring, and summary motoring. The figures for the last seven years are shown in the following table.

  Convictions and Acquittals
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many defendants have been convicted in(a) the magistrates courts and (b) the Crown courts in each of the last seven years; how many cases have been dismissed in the magistrates courts and how many acquittals there have been in the Crown courts; and what each figure represents as a percentage of the cases brought.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is given in the tables.
  951

  Year/result

  Indictable

  Summary non-motoring

  Summary motoring

  All offences

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  1987 Prosecutions

  485,175

  100

  499,920

  100

  829,135

  100

  1,814,230

  100

  Found guilty

  297,696

  61

  425,960

  85

  721,675

  87

  1,445,331

  80

  Dismissed

  14,832

  3

  12,343

  2

  13,152

  2

  40,327

  2

  1988 Prosecutions

  491,455

  100

  537,836

  100

  808,901

  100

  1,838,192

  100

  Found guilty

  292,581

  60

  451,317

  84

  699,618

  86

  1,443,516

  79

  Dismissed

  16,218

  3

  13,599

  3

  13,654

  2

  43,471

  2

  1989 Prosecutions

  445,742

  100

  563,641

  100

  827,713

  100

  1,837,096

  100

  Found guilty

  253,646

  57

  466,937

  83

  705,905

  85

  1,426,488

  78

  Dismissed

  15,282

  3

  15,979

  3

  15,585

  2

  46,846

  3

  1990 Prosecutions

  464,939

  100

  571,737

  100

  828,272

  100

  1,865,948

  100

  Found guilty

  259,412

  56

  461,102

  81

  690,273

  83

  1,410,787

  76

  Dismissed

  16,601

  4

  17,476

  3

  17,387

  2

  51,464

  3

  1991 Prosecutions

  486,241

  100

  567,862

  100

  876,790

  100

  1,930,893

  100

  Found guilty

  257,512

  53

  448,234

  79

  699,156

  80

  1,404,902

  73

  Dismissed

  18,916

  4

  18,349

  3

  22,186

  3

  59,451

  3

  1992 Prosecutions

  487,636

  100

  595,784

  100

  921,909

  100

  2,005,329

  100

  Found guilty

  247,282

  51

  465,795

  78

  710,227

  77

  1,423,304

  71

  Dismissed

  19,338

  4

  19,153

  3

  25,512

  3

  64,003

  3

  Note:

  Found guilty and Dismissed will not total to Prosecutions which also includes "discontinuances", "discharge under section 6 of the M agistrates' Courts Act 1980", "charge withdrawn" and "committed for trial".

  Table B

  Persons tried at the Crown Court for all offences by type of offence and result 1986–1992 England and Wales

  Year/result

  Indictable

  Summary non-motoring

  Summary motoring

  All offences

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  Number

  Per cent

  1986 Tried

  96,768

  100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  96,768

  100

  Found guilty

  79,444

  82

  —

  —

  —

  —

  79,444

  82

  Acquitted

  14,657

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14,657

  15

  1987 Tried

  103,406

  100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  103,406

  100

  Found guilty

  86,254

  83

  —

  —

  —

  —

  86,254

  83

  Acquitted

  14,759

  14

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14,579

  14

  1988 Tried

  110,483

  100

  —

  —

  —

  —

  110,483

  100

  Found guilty

  90,996

  82

  —

  —

  —

  —

  90,996

  82

  Acquitted

  16,737

  15

  —

  —

  —

  —

  16,737

  15

  1989 Tried

  101,700

  100

  1,653

  100

  996

  100

  104,349

  100

  Found guilty

  83,049

  82

  1,638

  99

  930

  93

  85,617

  82

  Acquitted

  16,401

  16

  14

  1

  55

  6

  16,470

  16

  1990 Tried

  98,895

  100

  2,322

  100

  588

  100

  101,805

  100

  Found guilty

  80,263

  81

  2,299

  99

  587

  100

  83,149

  82

  Acquitted

  16,458

  17

  20

  1

  1

  0

  16,479

  16

  1991 Tried

  96,915

  100

  2,347

  100

  624

  100

  99,886

  100

  Found guilty

  77,882

  80

  2,324

  99

  617

  99

  80,823

  81

  Acquitted

  16,893

  17

  20

  1

  7

  1

  16,920

  17

  1992 Tried

  95,134

  100

  2,035

  100

  531

  100

  97,700

  100

  Found guilty

  75,556

  79

  2,018

  99

  525

  99

  78,099

  80

  Acquitted

  17,157

  18

  13

  1

  6

  1

  17,176

  18

  Note:

  (a) Found guilty and Acquitted will not total to Tried which also includes "not tried".

  (b) From 1989 onwards sections 40 and 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 allowed certain summary offences to be dealt with at the Crown court if related to a charge for an offence either triable on indictment or triable either way.

  Immigration Procedures
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effect the European Economic Area agreement will have on immigration procedures.
  952
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  As from 1 January 1994, when the Europen Economic Area agreement enters into force, nationals of Austia, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden will benefit from European Community rights of free movement and residence. Nationals of these countires will be treated in the same way as European Community nationals for immigration purposes. This means they may
  953
  work here and reside freely in accordance with Community law and they will be admitted to the United Kingdom on production of a valid passport or national identity card and may use the separate channel for EC/EEA nationals at major ports and airports.

  Active Termination of Life
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what inquiries have been made by his Department in connection with the statement of 11 November by Mr. Richard Turner of the western European department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, that non-voluntary active termination of life is a practice which occurs in the United Kingdom, although it is illegal; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) how many cases of non-voluntary active termination of life by medical personnel have been notified to his Department in each of the last five years for which figures are available; in how many of those cases prosecutions were brought; and in how many convictions were obtained.

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answers 14 December 1993]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to her question by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on 14 December, column 574.

  Drugs
  Sir Malcolm Thornton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to publish the findings of his Department's surveys of drug usage.

  Mr. Maclean
  I am today publishing a report by the university of Sheffield, "Drug usage and Drugs Prevention: the views and habits of the general public"; together with a summary of that report; and "Research Findings No. 7: self-reported drug misuse in England and Wales: main findings from the 1992 British Crime Survey". Copies of all three documents are being placed in the Library.

PRIME MINISTER

  Policy Objectives
  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the policy objectives of the Government which have been fulfilled since the general election of 1992.

  The Prime Minister
  Among the more important objectives fulfilled since the last general election have been getting inflation down and keeping it down so that it now stands at 1·4 per cent., the lowest level for 26 years; the continuing fall in unemployment, for the eighth month running this year; the achievement of a successful GATT deal which will benefit industry and consumers alike; the continuing rise in retail sales and manufacturing output; reforms of the education system to provide children with a better education and a wider choice of qualifications and parents with more information; an intensified fight against crime; the continuing progress with the citizens charter, with resulting improvements in public services; and further progress with NHS reforms and an increase in the number of patients treated.

  Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister when he received a copy of the letter signed by members of the United States Congress, the Japanese Diet and right hon. and hon. Members appealing for a public inquiry on and review of the thermal oxide reprocessing plant at Sellafield.

  The Prime Minister
  A copy of the letter was received in my office on Monday 13 December and has now been passed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment for consideration.

  Regional and Urban Policy
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will detail the duties of sponsor Ministers in relation to regional and urban policy.

  The Prime Minister
  The duties of sponsor Ministers in relation to regional and urban policy are set out in a note placed in the Library of the House by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on 4 November,Official Report, columns 515-24, when he announced the package of urban and regional policy measures. A copy of that note has been sent to my hon. Friend. In carrying out their duties, sponsor Ministers will liaise as necessary with hon. Members.

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what is his policy towards the correction of answers given to Parliament where civil servants responsible for drafting, or Ministers or former Ministers have told the Scott inquiry that they were inaccurate.

  The Prime Minister
  Lord Justice Scott's inquiry is still in progress: his conclusions will be published in the inquiry's report. The Government will respond to the report when it is published and hon. Members will then be able to table questions on the report and on the Government's response.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what contact, either by written communication or telephone or telefax, his office has had with Mr. Frank Machon of Glasgow in regard to matters raised at the Scott inquiry.

  The Prime Minister
  Mr. Machon wrote to my office once during 1991, and once in 1992. In addition, the Member for Glasgow, Shettleston (Mr. Marshall) wrote on three occasions on Mr. Machon's behalf during 1992.

  Ex-Ministers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to this answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 143, if he will name (a) the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office who recieved a severence payment on 14 April 1992 (b) the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office who received a severance payment on 27 April 1992.

  The Prime Minister
  Lord Belstead's appointment as Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, ceased on, 14 April 1992. On 27 April, Lord Cavendish resigned as a Lord in Waiting, but was erroneously referred to as Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office.

  EC Directives
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral statement of 13 December,Official Report, column 686, if he will publish a list of the 17 directives which the European Council agreed should be repealed, withdrawn or amended.

  The Prime Minister
  The 17 directives are listed in an annexe to the Commission's report on subsidiarity, which has been made available to the House. The Brussels European Council on 10 and 11 December called for early action to put the report into effect.

  Home and Justice Affairs
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Prime Minister what matters were agreed in principle at the European Council in Brussels on 10 to 11 December concerning home and justice affairs; when such matters were debated in the House, or any of its Standing Committees; and when he expects publication of conventions of the European Union incorporating these matters.

  The Prime Minister
  The European Council expressed its determination to use the new provisions of the Maastricht treaty on co-operation in the field of justice and home affairs to the full. It noted the work which had already been done in these areas and approved the action plan prepared by the Interior and Justice Council, in particular in relation to a number of specific areas.

  The Government followed the practice adopted for the former immigration/Trevi ministerial meetings and deposited in the Library of the House documents approved by the Interior and Justice Council on 29 and 30 November. The action plan and work programmes sent to the European Council have now also been placed in the Library.

  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has made proposals for future parliamentary oversight of title VI work, which will include sending to Parliament important documents before they go to the Council. We look forward to the House's reaction to these proposals and to putting an effective scrutiny procedure in place. Any conventions that are found to be necessary to achieve the aims of the interior and justice programme of work will be dealt with in accordance with this procedure.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Prime Minister what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his office and (b) each of his office's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  The Prime Minister
  My office aims to acknowledge correspondence within five days and provide a substantive reply within 15 days.

  South Africa
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to encourage South Africa under a majority Government to join the Commonwealth.

  The Prime Minister
  While it will be for the new democratically elected Government in South Africa to 956
  decide on whether it should seek to return to the Commonwealth, Her Majesty's Government and their Commonwealth partners look forward to welcoming a non-racial and democratic South Africa back into the association at the earliest opportunity.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Prime Minister what Civil Service rules or guidelines exist in relation to contact between civil servants and hon. Members and their personal staff; whether there have been any recent changes to any such rules or guidelines; and if he will place copies of any such rules or guidelines in the Library.

  The Prime Minister
  There have been no recent changes in guidelines concerning briefing of MPs by civil servants.

  It is an established principle that civil servants should not engage in activities likely to call into question their political impartiality, or to give rise to criticism that people paid from public funds are being used for party political purposes.

  Accordingly, the following rules apply:

  (a) civil servants in their official capacity are prohibited from attending conferences arranged by political parties;

  (b) they may not attend meetings of policy or subject groups of the parliamentary parties;

  (c) they may not attend all-party subject groups or committees except to accompany a Minister and to respond to factual questions;

  (d) these rules need not inhibit factual briefing by officials of MPs on overseas or regional visits;

  (e) Ministers may also arrange factual briefings by officials, for MPs of one party provided that a Minister attends the meeting and similar facilities are offered to MPs of other parties;

  (f) Ministers should always be present when MPs are to discuss sensitive areas of public policy with officials.

  Written briefing material provided by officials to Ministers may be distributed to Back-Bench Members provided that it would be released to any bon fide inquirer and that hon. Members of all parties may have access to it.

  The rules do not prevent agency chief executives and managers of local offices, with the Minister's approval, from communicating with hon. Members about problems of individual constituents.

  The convention governing pre-election contacts between senior civil servants and Opposition leaders was set out in my reply to a written question by the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 27 November 1991, at column 527.

  Post Office Privatisation
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister when he received the report from the hon. Member for Gainsborough and Horncastle (Mr. Leigh) on the privatisation of the Post Office; and if he has now completed his consideration of it.

  The Prime Minister
  I have received a number of papers from colleagues at the Department of Trade and Industry arising from the review of the structure and organisation of the Post Office, both before and since the departure from the Government of my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough and Horncastle. No decisions on the outcome of the review have been taken.

  Northern Ireland
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out his views on the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

  The Prime Minister
  I support it and will uphold it for so long as it remains the democratic wish of a greater number of the people in Northern Ireland.

  Subsidiarity
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the European Commission's lists of(a) proposals which fail the subsidiarity test and will be dropped or changed and (b) Community laws which the Commission believes must be simplified or abolished, to which he referred in his oral statement of 14 December 1992, Official Report, column 24, on the European Council at Edinburgh; and what progress has been made in the past year on each of those directives.

  The Prime Minister
  The lists referred to by my hon. Friend were included as an annexe to the conclusions of the Edinburgh European Council, copies of which were made available to the House. Details of progress are contained in the Commission's report on subsidiarity, which has been made available to the House.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Care is taken to ensure that special advisers do not have access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. They are not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the names and job descriptions of each special ministerial adviser employed in his Department showing any particular outputs for which each adviser is responsible.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The special advisers to this Department are Michael Maclay and Maurice Fraser.

  Their duties vary.

  European Election Boundaries
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the progress towards ratification of the new European election boundaries in each member country of the EC.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Ireland, Denmark, Belgium and Germany have notified the Council secretariat that they have completed the necessary procedures for the implementation of the Council decision increasing the 958
  number of seats in the European Parliament. All other member states have the necessary legislation in hand. They have committed themselves to completing the process in time for the European parliamentary elections in June next year.

  Sudan
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures the British Government are taking to further the peace process in Sudan and bring the fighting to an end; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have welcomed the initiative of the Kenyan, Ugandan, Ethiopian and Eritrean Presidents to try to encourage dialogue between the Government of Sudan and the factions of the Sudan People's Liberation Army. With other European Union member states, we are addressing ways of putting further pressure on the parties to respond positively to mediation efforts.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures the British Government are taking to ensure that human rights are respected in Sudan; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 16 December to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace),Official Report, column 767.

  Entry Appeals
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when was the last date on which appeals against refusal of entry to visitors were allowed; and how many non-appeal representations he has received from those subsequently refused.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Applications for visit entry clearances decided on or after Monday 26 July 1993 do not have the right of appeal following the enactment of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993. The information about representations could not be provided except at disproportionate cost. However, there has been no discernible increase in Members' representations on entry clearance matters.

  Visa Applications
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring he is carrying out to ensure that a different entry clearance officer is examining second applications for visitors' visas after a refusal of the first application; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Following enactment of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 instructions have been issued to our posts overseas that, wherever possible, a different ECO should examine re-applications from people previously refused.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many individuals have put in a second application for a visitors' visa having had the first one rejected since the coming into force of the abolition of the right of appeal contained in the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993.
  959
  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  These figures are not available centrally. The information requested could not be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Kenya
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his new travel advice for Kenya.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The latest travel advice for Kenya issued on 17 November and is available to the public on BBC 2 Ceefax and from the FCO's travel advice unit, telephone 071–270 4129, fax 071–270 4228. It is as follows:"Except as indicated below, game reserves and the main tourist areas at the coast are generally safe.
  Visitors should avoid North Eastern Province, the Tana River district of Coast Province and the Isiolo and Marsabit districts of Eastern Province (apart from the Samburu Game Reserve and when accompanied by tour operators, the Shaba Game Reserve). Even when estorted, traffic on the Malindi/Garsen/Lamu road is vulnerable to attack. The road should not be used.
  Exercise common prudence everywhere, but especially in the main urban centres, when travelling after dark and in isolated places. In particular, do not go about Nairobi or coastal towns on

  Date

  Name of the case

  Government Department

  Court's finding

  Government action where appropriate

  13 August 1981

  Young, James and Webster - Closed shop

  Employment

  Violation

  Legislation introduced

  22 October 1981

  Dudgeon - Homosexuality in Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland Office

  Violation

  Legislation introduced

  5 November 1981

  X - Right to have detention reviewed

  Home Office

  Violation

  Legislation introduced

  25 February 1982

  Campbell and Cosans - Corporal punishment in schools

  Scottish Office

  Violation

  Legislation introduced

  25 March 1983

  Silver and Others - Prisoners' correspondence

  Home Office

  Violation

  Prison rules amended

  28 June 1984

  Campbell and Fell - Prison Boards of Visitors

  Home Office

  Violation

  —

  24 August 1984

  Malone - Telephone tapping

  Home Office

  Violation

  Legislation introduced

  27 May 1985

  Ashingdane - Access to court for mental patient

  Health and Social Security

  No Violation

  —

  28 May 1985

  Abdulaziz, Cabales and Balkandali-Immigration

  Home Office

  Violation

  New immigration rules introduced

  21 February 1986

  James and Others - Leasehold reform

  Environment

  No violation

  —

  8 July 1986

  Lithgow and Others - Shipbuilding

  Trade and Industry

  No violation

  —

  17 october 1986

  Rees - Private life and right to marry

  Home Office, Health and Social Security, General Register Office

  No violation

  —

  24 October

  Agosi - Confiscation of Krugerrands

  Customs and Excise

  No violation

  —

  2 March 1987

  Monnell and Morris - Appeal Proceedings

  Lord Chancellor's

  No violation

  —

  2 March 1987

  Weeks - Discretionary lifer

  Home Office

  Violation

  —

  8 July 1987

  0, H, W, B and R - Parental access

  Health and Social Security, Lord Chancellor's

  Violation

  Legislation introduced

  27 April 1988

  Boyle and Rice - Prisoners' complaints

  Scottish Office

  Violation

  —

  28 November 1988

  Brogan and Others - Detention under PTA

  Home Office, Northern Irland Office

  Violation

  Derogation

  30 March 1989

  Chappell - Anton Pillar Order

  Lord Chancellor's

  No Violation

  —

  7 July 1989

  Gaskin - Access child care records

  Health and Social Security

  Violation

  Legislation to be introduced

  7 July 1989

  Soering - Extradition United States

  Home Office

  Potential Violation

  —

  21 February 1990

  Powell and Rayner - Aircraft noise

  Transport

  No violation

  —

  28 March 1990

  Granger - Scottish legal aid

  Scottish Office

  Violation

  Practice Note

  30 August 1990

  Fox, Campbell and Hartley - Arrest under Emergency Provisions Act

  Northern Ireland Office

  Violation

  Legislation changed

  30 August 1990

  McCallum - Prisoner's correspondence

  Scottish Office

  Violation

  Change in Prison Standing Orders

  960
  foot at night, and avoid empty beaches. Muggings can take place anywhere in the country. Armed car hijackings are prevalent in the Nairobi area."

  European Court of Human Rights
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the policy and legislative changes introduced by successive British Governments to comply with the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights since 1963.

  Mr. Douglas-Hogg
  Judgments against the United Kingdom since 1981 are listed in the attached list. Pre-1981 figures would be available only at disproportionate cost as such records are not held by any one department.

  Where no Government action is shown in response to the court's finding of a violation, this is because the judgment hinged on the individual circumstances of the case and no legislation or procedural changes were found to be necessary.

  The judgments against the United Kingdom since 1981 are as follows:
  961

  Date

  Name of the case

  Government Department

  Court's finding

  Government action where appropriate

  27 September 1990

  Cossey - Private life and right to marry

  Home Office, General Register office

  No violation

  —

  25 September 1990

  Thynne, Wilson and Gunnell - Discretionary lifers

  Home Office

  Violation

  Change in legislation

  30 October 1991

  Vilvarajah - Asylum

  Home Office

  No violation

  —

  26 November 1991

  Observer Spycatcher

  Treasury Solicitor's

  Violation

  —

  Guardian Spycatcher

  Sunday Times Spycatcher

  25 March 1992

  Campbell - Prisoners' correspondence

  Scottish Office

  Violation

  Change in Prison Standing Orders

  16 December 1992

  Edwards - Fair trial

  Home Office

  No violation

  —

  25 March 1993

  Costello-Roberts - Corporal punishment

  Education

  No violation

  —

  20 April 1993

  Sibson – Closed shop

  Employment

  No violation

  —

  26 May 1993

  Brannigan & McBride - Derogation under PTA

  Home Office, Northern Ireland Office

  No violation

  —

  28 June 1993

  Colman - Doctors advertising restrictions

  Health

  No violation

  —

  28 June 1993

  Lamguindaz - Immigration

  Home Office

  No violation

  —

  26 October 1993

  Darnell - Medical discipline-length of proceedings

  Health

  Violation

  —

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The number of press officers employed in the FCO news department and the ODA for the years in question is as follows:

  Year

  FCO

  ODA

  1983

  11

  2

  1984

  11

  2

  1985

  11

  2

  1986

  11

  2

  1987

  10

  2

  1988

  10

  2

  1989

  9

  2

  1990

  10

  2

  1991

  10

  2

  1992

  9

  2

  1993

  9

  2

  Nuclear Proliferation
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals he has to improve nuclear counter-proliferation policies.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We attach the highest importance to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. At its meeting on 9 December, the Defence Planning Committee and the Nuclear Planning Group of NATO, a copy of whose communiqué has been placed in the Library of the House, recognised the need for intensive efforts to prevent proliferation and to address and counter if necessary the associated risks to alliance security.

  Iraq
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates and for what purposes Iraqi military personnel have been officially received in Britain since August 1990.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No such visits have been made.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring of the human rights situation in East Timor is undertaken by his Department; and what representations are made by his Department to the Government of Indonesia.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We have consistently made clear to the Indonesian authorities our concern that human rights should be respected in East Timor. We raise our concerns whenever appropriate in the relevant international bodies and in our bilateral contacts with the Indonesian
  authorities. The most recent occasion was on 23 November during the visit of the Indonesian Minister of Research and Technology.

  We monitor the sitution in East Timor through reports from members of our embassy in Jakarta who have visited the territory. We also follow closely reports from others who are involved on the ground, including nongovernmental organisations.

  Ministerial Hospitality
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money has been spent on alcohol in Ministers' offices by his Department since 9 April 1992.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Ministers in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including the Minister for Overseas Development, have spent £54,087 on official entertainment from 1 April 1992 to date. It would involve disproportionate cost to calculate the proportion of this spent between 1 April, the beginning of the financial year,
  963
  and 9 April 1992. There are no records readily available to show what proportion of this sum was spent on alcoholic drinks and how much on soft drinks, food, catering and other staff costs.

  Honduras
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of Honduras concerning violation of human rights and the whereabouts of missing persons.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Her Majesty's ambassador in Tegucigalpa regularly reminds the Honduran authorities of the concern in this country over human rights and is in frequent contact with the Honduran human rights ombudsman. European Union ambassadors discussed human rights with the presidential candidates before the elections on 28 November.

  Western Sahara
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the United Nations to hold the planned referendum on the future of the Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In his report dated 24 November 1993 the UN Secretary-General has stated that he hopes to submit a further report to the Security Council early next year, with a view to holding the referendum in mid-1994.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Statistics showing the response time of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, the Wilton house conference centre, our only agency, and the Overseas Development Administration to ministerial correspondence are contained in the reply given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 23 March 1993, columns 550–54, to the hon. Member for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson). Statistics for 1993 will be published early in 1994.

  It is standard practice for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to acknowledge correspondence addressed to Ministers on the day it is received. The Wilton house conference centre does not issue acknowledgements, as it normally replies immediately. The Overseas Development Administration does not issue acknowledgements.

  Russia
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of the Government towards any expansion by Russia against republics that used to belong to the former Soviet Union; and if economic assistance towards Russia is dependent on full compliance with constitutional norms internally.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We, along with the international community, recognised as independent and sovereign the 964
  countries of the former Soviet Union when it broke up in 1991. The Russian Government did likewise. We have no reason to suppose that President Yeltsin intends to call that into question: the British Government would take very seriously any change in policy. We have provided economic assitance to Russia in support of democratic and economic reforms and will continue to do so on that basis. We are pleased that the Russian people have endorsed a new constitution providing a democratic framework and guaranteeing human rights.

  Foreign Affairs Council
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council held on 6 and 7 December.

  Mr. Hurd
  I attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 6 and 7 December. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs also attended.

  The Council agreed the text of a joint declaration to be made on the occasion of President Yeltsin's visit to Brussels on 8 and 9 December, and the Commission reported on progress in negotiations for a participation and co-operation agreement between the European Community and Russia.

  The Council agreed a code of conduct governing public access to documents held by the Council and the Commission, in accordance with a commitment entered into at Maastricht.

  Following the Council's agreement on 4 October on a procedure for the publication of formal Council votes, the Council unanimously agreed a more automatic procedure for publishing votes on legislative acts, and a code of conduct for handling this in the Council.

  The Council agreed new rules of procedure for its activities. Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands voted against. The rules have been revised to take account of the Maastricht treaty, the December 1992 Edinburgh European Council's commitment to greater openness, new procedures on CFSP and justice/home affairs, and a number of other minor editorial changes.

  The Council agreed a directive which lays down detailed arrangements allowing citizens of the union residing in a member state of which they are not nationals to vote and stand as candidates in elections to the European Parliament.

  Mr. Delors presented the Commission's report on subsidiarity. This was welcomed by the Council. There was some discussion of presidency proposals on the institutional changes required for accession of the EFTA countries to the union.

  Mr. Delors introduced the Commission White Paper on growth, competitiveness and employment which had been commissioned at the Copenhagen European Council. He stressed that the document was not aimed at increasing the powers of the Community or Commission. I and others regretted the absence of a full and substantive presentation to the Economic and Finance Council on the previous day.

  The Council approved reports on the European Union's initiative to launch a pact on stability in Europe, which was subsequently confirmed at the Brussels European Council.

  Ministers discussed with Lord Owen latest developments in the search for a negotiated settlement in the

  965
  former Yugoslavia and the implementation of the Council's joint action on facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Bosnia.

  The Council adopted the text for a joint action by the European Union to prepare for and monitor the elections in South Africa on 27 April next year. The Council also agreed to consider soon the future relations of a democratic South Africa with the Union.

  The Council received a report from the Commission on the recent EC/US GATT Uruguay round negotiations. There was broad agreement that significant progress had been made, although it was noted that it had not been possible to reach agreement on treatment of the audio-visual sector. The Council agreed that the Commission should pursue negotiations with other parties in Geneva on the basis of the understandings reached with the United States. It was agreed that the Council should meet again as necessary in the light of developments.

  The Council approved a mandate for the Commission to start talks with Morocco on an updated agreement between the European Union and Morocco. The United Kingdom underlined Gibraltar's particular interest in this agreement and that this would need to be taken into account as negotiations proceed. The Commission also presented to the Council draft negotiating mandate for updated agreements between the EU and Israel and the EU and Tunisia. The United Kingdom urged that the mandate for Israel should be agreed at the 20 December FAC; the Council agreed with this objective.

  The Council agreed a text to implement a language regime for the Community Trade Mark Office.

  Liberia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring of the human rights situation in Liberia is undertaken by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Although Britain has no resident diplomatic representation in Liberia, we continue to monitor human rights through contacts with relief agencies

  Number of taxpayers benefiting and change in tax revenue resulting from abolition of rates in excess of 40 per cent.

  (£ millions)

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  Region of residence

  Numbers

  Amount

  Numbers

  Amount

  Numbers2

  Amount

  Numbers2

  Amount

  North

  20

  50

  20

  50

  30

  50

  30

  50

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  50

  100

  60

  150

  80

  200

  70

  200

  North West

  60

  150

  80

  250

  90

  250

  90

  350

  East Midlands

  40

  100

  60

  150

  60

  150

  60

  200

  West Midlands

  60

  150

  60

  150

  80

  250

  70

  250

  East Anglia

  30

  100

  30

  100

  50

  150

  40

  150

  South East

  490

  1,600

  530

  1,800

  630

  2,150

  630

  2,550

  South West

  70

  200

  60

  300

  80

  250

  90

  250

  Wales

  20

  50

  30

  100

  30

  50

  30

  50

  Scotland

  50

  100

  70

  100

  80

  150

  80

  200

  Northern Ireland

  10

  —3

  10

  50

  20

  50

  20

  50

  United Kingdom1

  930

  2,600

  1,030

  3,200

  1,240

  3,700

  1,210

  4,300

  1Includes members of the forces and merchant navy and a small number of civil servants servants serving overseas who are not all allocated to regions.

  2For 1990–91 onwards the figures relate to the number of taxpaying individuals following the introduction of independent taxation.

  3Under £25 million.

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many extra pence in the pound on the standard rate of income tax would be required in 1994–95 to replace, and raise a sum equivalent to, the total effect of the changes in taxation and spending announced in the March and November Budgets this year.
  966
  and the UN. We lent our full support to the UN investigation into the massacre at Harbel in June. We hope that the efforts of the UN and the Economic Community of West African States to restore peace to Liberia will lead to a general improvement in the human rights situation in the country.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Nelson
  The number of press officers employed by Her
  Majesty's Treasury is as follows:

  Numbers

  1986–87

  10

  1987–88

  10

  1988–89

  10

  1989–90

  10

  1990–91

  10

  1991–92

  9

  1992–93

  9

  1993–94

  9

  Information for the years prior to 1986–87 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the net revenue forgone as a result of the reduction in personal income tax for higher rate taxpayers introduced by the Finance Act 1988 and the total number of beneficiaries in each year by region.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Available information is given in the table. Some regional estimates are based on small samples and all amounts are given to the nearest £50 million.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The total direct effect of the revenue and spending measures announced in the March and November Budgets is approximately £12 billion in 1994–95. The full-year yield from changing the basic rate of income tax by 1p is around £1·8 billion, so the basic rate would have to rise by about 7p in the pound to raise an equivalent sum.
  967
  This would be a far more damaging way of raising the funds required to get borrowing down than the measures announced by the Government in the last two Budgets.

  Foreign Seamen
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many(a) full-time and (b) part-time staff working for the Inland Revenue have responsibility for collecting income tax from foreign seamen working in United Kingdom waters.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Most of the tax due from employed seamen, who are liable to United Kingdom tax, is collected by employers via the pay-as-you-earn system. Once the PAYE procedures have been set in place, it is estimated that up to two staff units are needed to deal with the tax affairs of foreign seamen.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the full amount of income tax collected in each month in 1993 from foreign seamen working in United Kingdom waters; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will estimate for each month this year the amount of income tax due but not collected by the Inland Revenue from foreign seamen working in United Kingdom waters.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give full details of the liability of foreign seamen working in United Kingdom waters for the payment of income tax.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Seamen who are not resident in the United Kingdom for tax purposes are liable to United Kingdom income tax on their earnings arising from duties within the United Kingdom, subject to the provisions of any double tax conventions between the United Kingdom and their home countries.

  Private Finance Projects
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 8 December,Official Report, column 233, if he will name the private finance projects contained in the appendix to the text of his speech to the CBI Scotland's annual dinner that have been completed, or, in the case of services, the contracts signed, and which are under construction, or, in the case of works, for which contracts have been signed.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The following projects have been completed or, in the case of services, the contracts for them have been signed:

  Manchester Metrolink

  Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing

  Dialysis Centre, Sheffield Northern General NHS Trust

  Relocation of Standing Committee on Post-Graduate Medical Education

  Beds for the elderly, Greater Glasgow Health Board

  Psycho-geriatric beds, Lanarkshire HB

  Beds for the demented elderly, Lanarkshire HB

  Beds for the elderly mentally infirm Grampian HB

  Analyser equipment, Dundee Hospitals Trust

  Welsh Development Agency joint ventures

  Housing for Wales joint ventures

  Local renal units, Wales

  Contracts for the following projects, which are for
  968
  works or leases, have been signed:

  Jubilee Line Extension

  Heathrow Express

  Second Severn Crossing

  South Yorkshire Supertram

  Clinical waste incinerator, Oldham

  Clinical waste incinerator, King's College Hospital

  Magnetic Resonance Imager for Royal Victoria Hospital, Newcastle

  Molecular Medicines Centre, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh

  Nunnery Square development, Sheffield

  Immigration Service detention accommodation

  Royal Armouries New Museum, Leeds

  Development of managed workspace, London

  Belasis Hall Technology Park

  In addition, development work for the Croydon Tramlink is under way on the basis of a contract signed with a group of private sector companies group.

  The following projects in an active stage of preparation but contracts have not yet been signed:

  Clinical waste incinerators, Plymouth and Ashford

  Long-stay residential care unit, Barnet

  Machinery and Plant
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements are being made to publish the legislation which gives effect to his proposals on capital allowances for machinery and plant announced on Budget day.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Inland Revenue will today be making available the clauses which will implement the Chancellor's proposals on capital allowances for machinery and plant. These clauses introduce new rules which will help clarify the boundary between buildings, structures and land on the one hand and plant on the other; and new time limits for giving written notification of qualifying expenditure on machinery and plant for which a capital allowances claim may be made. The Chancellor's intention in bringing forward this legislation is to protect the Exchequer.

  The legislation for these measures will be included in the 1994 Finance Bill. I will be placing a copy of the Inland Revenue press release containing the proposed legislation in the Library of the House of Commons.

  Lloyd's
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give further details of his proposals for changes to the tax arrangements for members of Lloyd's.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The transitional administrative arrangements that will apply in the move from the present basis of assessing individual members to the new basis have now been finalised; these arrangements are subject to the legislative proposals being enacted in due course. The detail is set out in a note which is being placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what was the number of staff in post in central Departments at 1 October.

  Mr. Portillo
  On 1 October 1993 there were 546,339 permanent staff in post in central Government, the lowest
  969
  number in the post-war period. This is a decrease of 21,500 in the last year, the largest 12-monthly fall since January 1986.

  Of the total staff in post, 497,783 were non-industrials and 48,556 were classified as being in industrial work. A summary staff in post by Department has been placed in the Library.

  Tobacco Taxation
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue was raised from taxes on tobacco products in the last year for which figures are available.

  Sir John Cope
  The information available is as follows:

  Tobacco Duty receipts

  VAT on tobacco expenditure

  £ million

  £ million

  1992–93

  6,041

  1,520

  Value added tax has been estimated from Central Statistical Office figures on consumers' expenditure on tobacco products.

  Performance Measures
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what performance measures are being introduced to measure productivity gains and losses in each Government Department, non-departmental public bodies and next steps agencies.

  Mr. Portillo
  Measures on productivity and other aspects of performance are included in departmental reports, and in the annual reports of next steps agencies and non-departmental public bodies. Copies are available in the Library of the House. For agencies, information on these measures is also brought together in the "Next Steps Review 1993"—Cm 2430—published by the Office of Public Service and Science.

  Golf Club Subscriptions
  Mrs. Gillan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Customs and Excise have resolved the position over who is exempt from registration for VAT on subscription cheques for golf clubs and sports clubs; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir John Cope
  Customs and Excise are currently considering the responses to their consultation paper on the scope of the VAT exemption for sporting services supplied by non-profit-making clubs and local authorities. In response to requests they will be holding further consultations about the detailed effects. I hope to make a further announcement in the new year.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his oral statement of 7 December,Official Report, column 238, what estimate he has made of the proportion of the reduction of the 1994–95 public expenditure control total that will be met by (a) public sector pay measures, (b) efficiency gain measures and (c) other proposals.
  970
  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The information is not available in the form requested. The 1993 public expenditure survey set cash limits to departments' expenditure. The freezing of public sector pay and running costs will operate within those cash limits.

  Taxation
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list each of the changes to national insurance contributions and income tax for each Budget since May 1979, that raise more than £5 million in revenue, in 1993–94 prices, giving for each change the full year yield in 1993–94 prices.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Information in terms of money of the day is available in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" and "Autumn Statement" for the years in question. Reliable estimates of the revenue effects of measures from previous Budgets for 1993–94 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It is not appropriate simply to revalorise the orginal estimates by the change in the retail prices index because this does not take proper account of changes in incomes, profits, interest rates, and so on between the year to which the orginal estimate relates and 1993–94.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimates he has made of the increase to the average family's tax bill when taking into account(a) changes in excise duties and (b) the imposition of indirect taxes on air travel and most general insurance premiums.

  Sir John Cope
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Warwickshire, North (Mr. O'Brien) on 16 December 1993,Official Report, column 842.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much he estimates the cumulative effects of an increase in the rate of employees' national insurance contributions, the restriction in value of the married couple's tax allowance and of mortgage interest tax relief, and the imposition of VAT on fuel at 8 per cent. will cost the average family from(a) April 1994 (b)

  Sir John Cope
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Cardiff, Central (Mr. Jones) on 16 December 1993,Official Report, column 1263.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the extra revenue the Treasury forecasts it will raise in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97 as a direct result of the proposals outlined in both this year's Budgets will be accounted for by (i) freezing personal allowances, (ii) indirect taxes and (iii) higher employees' national insurance contributions.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The answers are given in the table—rounded to the nearest percentage point:

  Per cent.

  1995–96

  1996–97

  Personal allowances

  9

  9

  Indirect taxes

  37

  43

  Employee NICs

  13

  12

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the names and job descriptions of each special ministerial adviser employed in his Department, showing any particular outputs for which each adviser is responsible.

  Sir John Cope
  The Chancellor of the Exchequer's special adviser is Mrs. Tessa Keswick, and the special adviser to the Chief Secretary is Mr. David Ruffley. Their duties vary.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Sir John Cope
  Care is taken to ensure that special advisers do not have access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. They are not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Bank of England
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has now made an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of an independent Bank of England.

  Mr. Nelson
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is listening with interest to the many views expressed and will study with care the report of the Treasury and Civil Service Select Committee on this subject.

  Flight Tax
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Scottish island and inter-island air services will be(a) affected by and (b) exempted from the new flight tax.

  Sir John Cope
  Based on details in October 1993 airline timetables, and information available about proposed changes in aircraft to be used on certain routes, but not allowing for any seasonal variations which there may be, the following Scottish island and inter-island services use aircraft which will be exempt from air passenger duty: Orkney inter-island and Shetland inter-island services and some of the services from Inverness, Glasgow or Wick to Orkney and from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Shetland. Other services from the mainland to the islands or between the islands will be taxable.

  Budget Measures
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the consequences of the income tax and national insurance measures announced in the March and November budgets, for a married man with two children aged under 16 years with(a) an earned income of £20,000 and a mortgage of £50,000, (b) an earned income of £40,000 and a mortgage of £90,000 and (c) an earned income of £60,000 and a mortgage of £150,000 in both the 1994–95 and 1995–96 financial years.
  972
  Mr. Dorrell
  The additional income tax and national insurance contribution liabilities are given in the table.

  Additional income tax and national insurance liability1 (£ per year) for married man2 with

  Earned income =£20,000 Mortgage =£50,000

  Earned income =£40,000 Mortgage =£90,000

  Earned income =£60,000 Mortgage =£150,000

  1994–95

  348

  676

  676

  1995–96

  554

  882

  882

  1Additional liability compared with 1993–94 regime. The 1995–96 figures take no account of statutory indexation of allowances and thresholds. The estimates are calculated using the current mortgage interest rate of 8 per cent., which does not take account of the reduction in base rate announced on 23 November.

  2The presence of children aged under 16 years in a family does not affect income tax or national insurance liabilities. The figures assume that the married man has the full married couple's allowance. The effect of the March and November Buget measures on mortgage interest relief is the same for all mortgages of £30,000 or more.

  American Depositary Receipts
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of stock exchange turnover by value is accounted for by American depositary receipts in United Kingdom companies.

  Mr. Nelson
  In the first 11 months of 1993, turnover on the London stock exchange in American depositary receipts in UK companies was £22·9 billion. Total turnover in United Kingdom equities on the London stock exchange, including ADRs, was £508·2 billion. ADRs therefore represented 4·5 per cent of the London stock exchange's total turnover.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total market value of holdings in American depository receipts issued on behalf of United Kingdom companies.

  Mr. Nelson
  The information requested is not readily available.

  Home Income Plans
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will direct the Securities and Investments Board, under section 105(9) of the Financial Services Act 1986, to exercise its powers on the question of failed home income plans.

  Mr. Nelson
  The power to carry out investigations under section 105 of the Financial Services Act has been transferred to the Securities and Investments Board. I have no power to issue such directions.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers the Securities and Investments Board has under the Financial Services Act 1986 to intervene with building societies and life assurance companies on the question of failed home income plans.

  Mr. Nelson
  The Securities and Investments Board has a wide range of enforcement and intervention powers under the Financial Services Act 1986. These can be exercised, where there are appropriate grounds, against persons carrying on investment business in the United Kingdom.

  European Investment Bank
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the present borrowing limits of the European investment bank; what sum they have borrowed to date; and if he will make a statement outlining the manner in which the bank raises its borrowing.

  Mr. Nelson
  There is no quantitive limit on the bank's power to borrow; however, it will do so only to the extent that it needs to raise money to finance its lending operations. Its total outstanding lending is limited by its statute to 250 per cent. of its subscribed capital. Since this currently stands at 57·6 million ecu, lending is limited to 144 million ecu. During 1992, the latest period for which final figures are available, the bank borrowed a total of 12,920 million ecu, and at the year end, total outstanding borrowings stood at 67,949,420,610 ecu. The bank raises the bulk of its funds from the international capital markets.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a table setting out(a) the amounts borrowed from the European investment bank in 1992 and (b) estimates for the amount borrowed in 1993 by British borrowers by category of borrower.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The information is as follows:

  EIB lending to the United Kingdom

  £ million

  1 January 1992 to 31 December 1992

  Water and sewage projects in England and Wales

  496·2

  Private sector transport (including Channel tunnel)

  264·5

  Energy (power generation and North Sea oil)

  520·0

  Industrial investment

  251·9

  Local authority infrastructure (including water and sewage projects in Scotland)

  263·0

  Total

  1,795·0

  1 January 1993 to 31 December 1993 (provisional estimate)

  Water and sewage projects in England and Wales

  700·0

  Private sector transport (including Jubilee Line Extension)

  282·0

  Energy (power generation and North Sea oil)

  444·7

  Industrial investment

  55·0

  Telecommunications

  300·0

  Global loan (loan to Barclays Bank for on-lendings to small and medium sized enterpries)

  100·0

  Local authority infrastructure (including water and sewage project in Scotland)

  463·5

  Total

  2,345·2

  Promoter

  Project

  £ million

  Eurotunnel

  Channel Tunnel

  139·7

  Seven River Crossings plc

  Severn road bridge

  66·0

  Gwent County Council

  Road schemes

  30·0

  West Galmorgan County Council

  Road schemes

  23·0

  Strathclyde Regional Council

  1Road and other

  100·0

  South Galmorgan County Council

  1Road and other

  50·0

  Humberside County Council

  Road and runway extension

  24·0

  Lothian Regional Council

  1Road and other

  21·0

  Greater Manchester PTA and Greater Manchester PTE

  Manchester Light Railway

  15·0

  British Airways

  Renewal of long haul jet fleet

  58·8

  1NB Only a part of these loans were intended to finance transport projects. The reminder was devoted to other infrastructure works.

  974
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor fo the Exchequer what is the number and the total value of loans from the European investment bank in 1992–93 and so far this year, giving a breakdown between loans to the private sector and public sector.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: In 1992, the bank lent a total of £1,795·6 million for 27 separate projects in the United Kingdom, of which £263 million—seven projects—was lent to the public sector and £1,532·6 million—20 projects—was lent to the private sector. The final figures for lending this year are not yet available, but the latest information we have suggests that the bank may lend about £2,345 million to some 27 projects, of which £464 million—13 projects—may be lent to the public sector and £1,881 million—14 projects—may be lent to the private sector.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much assistance the European investment bank has given to(a) the second Severn crossing and (b) the Manchester light railway.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The bank has provided a loan of £66 million towards the construction of the second Severn crossing, and £15 million towards construction of the first phase of the Manchester light railway.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer who is responsible for paying the interest on European investment bank loans paid to the private sector.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: All borrowers from the bank are responsible for paying the interest due on their loans.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list all the transport porjects financed in whole or part by the European investment bank, giving the sum borrowed in each case;

  (2) if he will list the transport projects in which loans from the European investment bank were made to the private sector, giving the sum in each case.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: In 1992, the letest year for which we have final figures, the EIB lent the following amounts to transport projects in the United Kingdom:

  Merit Pay
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which Government Departments, non-departmental public bodies and next steps agencies have
  975
  introduced merit pay in the past five years; and how much extra money has been allocated to cover the costs of implementing this.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Government's policy is that pay systems in the public sector need to make a regular and direct link between an individual's pay and the contribution he or she makes to the organisation. Merit or performance pay has therefore been introduced widely in Government Departments and next steps agencies, and in those non-departmental public bodies with staff whose pay follows that of civil service grades. The cost of performance pay is part of the overall pay costs of each organisation.

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the cost of advertising by his Department has been for each year since 1979 and for each of the last 12 months.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 15 December 1993]: The expenditure by the Department on advertising in the period 1988–89 to 1992–93 and during the past 12 months is shown in the table. Expenditure in 1985–86 was £42,000. I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mr. Grocott) on 10 December, Official Report, column 404. Figures for the other years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Year

  (£)

  1988–89

  49,310

  1989–90

  57,568

  1990–91

  43,610

  1991–92

  104,602

  1992–93

  174,139

  1992–93

  December

  17,738

  January

  5,656

  February

  10,958

  March

  62,283

  Total

  96,635

  1993–94

  US$ millions

  Country

  GNP 19921

  Principal due 1993

  Interest due 1993

  Total Debt Service due 1993

  Debt Service/GNP Per cent

  1 Nicaragua

  1,353

  609

  211

  820

  60·6

  2 Guyana

  245

  64

  64

  126

  51·4

  3 Sao Tome

  37

  9·6

  2·1

  11·7

  31·5

  4 Congo

  2,565

  493

  133

  626

  24·4

  5 Guinea

  219

  34·1

  11·6

  45·7

  20·9

  6 Cote D'ivoire

  8,692

  1,098

  700

  1,798

  20·7

  7 Zambia

  1,822

  252

  124

  376

  20·6

  8 Algeria

  43,167

  7,033

  1,759

  8,792

  20·4

  9 Angola

  6,207

  947

  288

  1,235

  19·9

  10 Jordan

  4,454

  551

  282

  833

  18·7

  11 Mauritania

  1,120

  153

  41

  194

  17·3

  12 Jamaica

  2,801

  280

  181

  461

  16·5

  13 Nigeria

  28,000

  2,555

  1,970

  4,525

  16·2

  14 Madagascar

  2,850

  309

  120

  429

  15·1

  15 Somalia

  835

  95

  28

  123

  14·7

  16 Equatorial Guinea

  149

  15·6

  5·2

  20·8

  14·0

  17 Ecuador

  12,029

  1,176

  476

  1,652

  13·7

  18 Bulgaria

  10,967

  1,210

  250

  1,460

  13·3

  19 Zaire

  8,257

  708

  366

  1,074

  13·0

  20 Tanzania

  2,502

  210

  101

  311

  12·4

  21 Honduras

  3,129

  208

  148

  356

  11·4

  22 Morocco

  27,538

  1,401

  1,096

  2,497

  9·1

  976

  Year

  (£)

  April

  2,076

  May

  1,819

  June

  3,803

  July

  3,219

  August

  1,615

  September

  11,843

  October

  3,001

  November

  2,070

  Total

  29,436

  Total 12 months

  126,071

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's policy is regarding the use of executive search consultants in making appointments to public bodies; and if he will(a) list the appointments where such consultants have been used and (b) list the cost in each case since April 1992.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The use of executive search consultants is one option HM Treasury considers when making appointments to public bodies.

  Executive search consultants have not been used by the HM Treasury in making appointments to public bodies since April 1992.

  Debtor Countries
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in descending order the 30 developing countries with the highest percentage of debt servicing in relation to their national wealth, stating the percentage in each case.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The 30 developing countries with the highest percentage of debt servicing due in 1993 on long-term external debt in relation to gross national product—the best available proxy for national wealth—are:
  977

  Country

  GNP 19921

  Principal due 1993

  Interest due 1993

  Total Debt Service due 1993

  Debt Service/GNP Per cent

  23 Cameroon

  9,758

  489

  323

  812

  8·3

  24 Liberia

  1,063

  65

  23

  88

  8·3

  25 Syria

  16,204

  1,137

  196

  1,333

  8·2

  26 Peru

  21,271

  882

  740

  1,622

  7·6

  27 Bolivia

  5,077

  208

  142

  350

  6·9

  28 Niger

  2,314

  96

  60

  156

  6·7

  29 Egypt

  34,602

  1,110

  1,194

  2,304

  6·7

  30 Panama

  5,799

  274

  101

  375

  6·5

  Source: World Debt Tables 1993–94

  1or earlier if 1992 unavailable

  Press Releases
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press releases his Department has issued in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The number of press releases issued by my Department was as follows:

  Number

  1979

  195

  1980

  205

  1981

  192

  1982

  244

  1983

  224

  1984

  221

  1985

  181

  1986

  157

  1987

  94

  1988

  104

  1989

  101

  1990

  87

  1991

  106

  1992

  146

  Mr. Christopher Muttukumaru
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what functions Mr. Christopher Muttukumaru has exercised and what information he has received on behalf of the Treasury Solicitor in respect of the Treasury Solicitor's shareholding in International Military Services Ltd.

  The Attorney-General
  I have been asked to reply. Mr. Christopher Muttukumaru served as an assistant Treasury Solicitor between 25 January 1990 and 23 November 1992 when he was appointed as secretary to Lord Justice Scott's inquiry. By virtue of his status as an assistant Treasury Solicitor he might in theory have been asked to perform duties on behalf of the Treasury Solicitor under the Treasury Solicitor Act 1876 in relation to the Treasury Solicitor's shareholding in International Military Services Ltd. In fact, having checked the relevant files, the record shows that Mr. Christopher Muttukumaru did not during that time exercise any function or receive any information on behalf of the Treasury Solicitor in respect of the Treasury Solicitor's shareholding in International Military Services Ltd.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Copyright Library (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals he has to establish a copyright library in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Sproat
  My right hon. Friend and I plan shortly to consider with Cabinet colleagues proposals for a review of the libraries given deposit status under the Copyright Act 1911. I would expect such a review to address, also, the case for a deposit library for Northern Ireland.

  Libraries
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will give the number and value of publications supplied by publishers to(a) the National Library of Scotland, (b) the National Library of Wales, (c) the Bodleian library, Oxford, (d) Cambridge university library and (e) the library of Trinity college, Dublin, on foot of demands from the Copyright Licensing Agency in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Sproat
  The information requested by the hon. Member is not held centrally. I will write to the hon. Member in due course and place a copy of my letter in the House Libraries.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since its establishment.

  Mr. Sproat
  My Department was established in April 1992.

  From April to the end of December, my Department employed seven press officers.

  This year, 1993, we have the same number of press officers.

  Arts Expenditure
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the aggregate spending of English and Welsh local authorities on arts and museums for 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  Although no definite figures for local authority expenditure on the arts are available, it is estimated that total spending in England and Wales for 1992–93 amounted to over £200 million.

  Total local authority expenditure on museums and galleries in England, as set out in my Department's annual report, is shown in the table.

  979

  £ million

  1989–90

  126

  1990–91

  125

  1991–92

  134

  Local authority funding for museums and galleries in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the average value of(a) corporate and (b) Government spending on the arts for 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  The table shows the total departmental expenditure on the arts for the relevant years as published in my Department's annual report, together with figures for total business support and the money produced by the business sponsorship incentive scheme:

  £ million

  Total arts funding1

  Total business supports2

  Total BSIS funding3

  1989–90

  162·1

  n/a

  6·9

  1990–91

  182·6

  57·1

  8·4

  1991–92

  212·1

  65·4

  9·3

  1These totals include grant in aid for the Arts Council and Crafts Council; support for the BSIS and Government art collection and other arts support, including research.

  2Including corporate memberships.

  3Including awards made and sponsorship matched under the scheme.

  Arts Boards
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions his Department has had with the North West arts board about the preparation of a corporate plan for the board and of published policies for the support of individual art forms.

  Mr. Brooke
  None. These are matters for regional arts boards to take forward in discussion with the Arts Council.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what guidance is given to arts boards on their criteria in the selection of arts organisations for appraisal, and in the conduct of such appraisals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  The Arts Council has provided guidelines to regional arts boards on such issues. Under the arm's-length principle, my Department has no involvement in them.

  Departmental Bodies
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the regional and area offices of his Department, of English Heritage, the tourist authority and boards, the Sports Council, the Arts Council, and of other inspectorates, agencies, and other public bodies for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Sproat
  My Department does not have any regional or area offices. Of those bodies for which my Department is responsible, English Heritage has regional offices serving the north, midlands, south-east, south-west 980
  and London; and the Sports Council of Great Britain has regional offices serving the north, north-west, Yorkshire and Humberside, the east midlands, west midlands, the east, south-east, south, south-west and Greater London regions.

  The English tourist board provides funds to 11 regional tourist boards; the Arts Council of Great Britain provides funds for the Scottish and Welsh Arts Councils and 10 regional arts boards in England. From 1 April 1994 responsibility for the Scottish and Welsh Arts Councils will be transferred to the respective Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales. The Museums and Galleries Commission funds seven area museums councils.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Brooke
  During the month of October 1993, my Department received 536 letters requiring a ministerial reply, including correspondence about policy matters relating to the work of my Department's executive agencies. Of those, 70 per cent. received a reply within 15 working days. My Department aims to acknowledge every letter from hon. Members within five working days.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage which of the appointments made to public bodies by his Department since April 1992 have been advertised.

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The only appointment made to a public body by the Department of National Heritage since April 1992 which has been advertised is the regulatory adviser for the national lottery.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what his Department's policy is regarding the use of executive search consultants in making appointments to public bodies; and if he will(a) list the appointments where such consultants have been used and (b) list the cost in each case since April 1992.

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The Department has internal guidelines on public appointments procedures which supplement the "Guide on Public Appointments Procedures" produced by the Public Appointments Unit. In respect of identifying candidates for public appointments our guidelines make it clear that there may be a small number of the most important appointments when it would be useful to use executive search consultants. All proposals to do so must be cleared in advance with the Permanent Secretary. The only appointment where such consultants were used, and the cost, since April 1992 was as follows:

  Appointment

  Cost

  Regulatory Adviser for National Lottery

  £19,550+VAT

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what the cost of advertising by his Department has been for 1992 and 1993 and for each of the last 12 months.

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The cost of advertising by this Department in 1992–93 was £2,000. Expenditure over the last 12 months was:

  £

  April 1993

  12,800

  June 1993

  200

  July 1993

  800

  August 1993

  500

  September 1993

  700

  November 1993

  100

  There was no expenditure in any of the other months.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Plutonium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the total quantity of plutonium exported to the United States of America since 1963 in the form of experimental fast reactor fuel pins; how many fuel pins were involved; to which facilities in the United States of America they were sent; and what quantities of plutonium have subsequently been returned.

  Mr. Eggar
  For the period from May 1979, plutonium in experimental fast reactor fuel pins was sent by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority under international safeguards to the United States of America in financial years 1980–81, 1981–82 and 1986–87. The pins were sent for research work under the joint United Kingdom and United States fast reactor research programme which was completed in 1987. There have been no net transfers of plutonium—other than in gram quantities—between the United Kingdom and the United States arising from the programme. The specific details are a matter for the parties concerned.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has anything to add to the information conveyed to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil (Mr. Rowlands) in the letter of 27 September 1984 by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy, in regard to plutonium exports to the United States of America.

  Mr. Eggar
  I have nothing to add.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on stockpiling plutonium in the United Kingdom; and what information he has on the policies on plutonium stockpiling of those countries currently contracted to United Kingdom reprocessing plants for their spent nuclear fuel to be reprocessed and returned.

  Mr. Eggar
  The essential factors in any arrangements for holding stocks of civil plutonium, whether in the United Kingdom or overseas, are that—whatever the amounts being stored—they are held safely under international safeguards and subject to stringent internationally agreed standards of physical protection.

  Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he first learned of the report commissioned by British Nuclear Fuels plc from Touche Ross on the economic viability of THORP; when BNFL made available to his Department a copy of the report; and what assessment he has made of its robustness.

  Mr. Eggar
  In view of its shareholding, my Department sees a large number of financial and commercial documents from British Nuclear Fuels plc on a confidential basis. It would not be appropriate to confirm whether particular commercially confidential documents have been made available any more than it would be for me to disclose the contents of any that have been seen. However, I can assure the hon. Member that all my Department's requests to the company for information relating to the economics of the thermal oxide reprocessing plant have been met in full.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those Ministers, Government Departments and officials to whom the Touche Ross analysis of the economics of THORP has been circulated.

  Mr. Eggar
  No.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the names and job descriptions of each special ministerial adviser employed in his Department showing any particular outputs for which each adviser is responsible.

  Mr. Heseltine
  My special advisers are Lady Strathnaver, Dr. Alan Kemp and Dr. Walter Eltis. Apart from Dr. Eltis, who is my chief economic adviser, the advisers do not have formal job descriptions.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. Heseltine
  Dr. Eltis has elected to be subject to the business appointment rules so that he can have full access to papers. Care is taken in the case of Lady Strathnaver and Dr. Kemp to ensure that they do not have access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. Special advisers are not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Gas Market
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the future of the gas market.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is giving careful consideration to the important issues raised by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the gas market, and will announce his decision as soon as possible.

  Swan Hunter
  Mr. Trotter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in seeking the approval of the European Commission to the Government's proposal to provide intervention funding to Swan Hunter for the building of merchant ships.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  As a result of a number of discussions with directorate-general IV agreement has been reached on a proposal for making special intervention funding available for Swan Hunter, subject to certain conditions.

  It Is expected that this proposal will be considered by the Commission before Christmas.

  I hope for a favourable decision.

  Laboratory Agencies
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what were the resources allocated to each of his laboratories and agencies in 1992–93 and 1993–94 in both cash and standard prices; and what resources were allocated to the central scientific advice functions in each year on a similar basis.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Cash expenditure incurred by the Department's agencies which are under net running cost control in 1992–93 and 1993–94 is shown in the 1992–93 Supply Estimates class IV, vote 2 sections C and L to Q and in the 1993–94 Supply Estimates class IV, vote 1 sections E to J. Forecasts of expenditure and receipts for all the Department's agencies are set out in table 23, as amended, at page 41 of Cm 2204.

  Scientific advice is provided to Ministers from many sources, including management units whose budgets fall within section C of the DTI Vote—Administration—in 1993–94 and section A in 1992–93. The amounts spent on central scientific advice are not separately identified. In addition, £527,000 and £414,000 was allocated to the office of the DTI's chief adviser on science and technology in 1992–93 and 1993–94 respectively.

  The Department does not calculate expenditure in "standard prices".

  Animals (Cosmetic Testing)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of animals used for testing cosmetics in the United Kingdom during the last 12 months.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  According to the information set out in the Home Office publication "Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals Great Britain 1992", in 1992 there were 2,164 procedures involving animals for the purpose of evaluating the safety of cosmetics and toiletries. This represented under 0·08 per cent. of the 2,928,254 procedures undertaken in the year.

  Kenya
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the value of exports and imports between the United Kingdom and Kenya during each of the last five years.

  Mr. Needham
  Information on the topic is regularly published in "Business Monitor MA20, Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Wind Turbines
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on progress made in the study he commissioned through "Lloyd's Register" in October of conformity assessment for wind turbines.

  Mr. Eggar
  The study will establish a conformity assessment system for wind turbine generators. Work began in July 1993 and is scheduled to be completed in June 1994.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the response received by his Department to the seminar "Renewable Energy—A Commercial Opportunity", sponsored by his Department in London on 3 December; and if he will set out to whom he has made available the two guides on financing renewable energies launched at the conference.

  Mr. Eggar
  My Department has received a very positive response to the recent seminar on renewable energy. Copies of the guides on financing renewable energy projects were made available to lenders, investors and advisers attending the seminar. Further copies are being sent to financiers who have expressed an interest in renewable energy, but who were unable to attend. The availability of the guides is also being publicised through other events and publications organised by the energy technology support unit, acting for my Department. Both guides are available direct from the inquiries bureau at ETSU and copies have also been placed in the Library of the House.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to previous answers to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 15 January 1993,Official Report, column 852-53, and to the hon. Member for the The Wrekin (Mr. Grocott) on 3 December 1993, Official Report, column 764. The total number of staff currently employed in the Department's press office is 34.

  Radio Scanners
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation to control the sale of radio scanners.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Sir David Calcutt, in his review of press self-regulation, Cm 2135, recommended that the Government should give further consideration to the legislation covering interception of telecommunications with a view to identifying all significant gaps and determining whether further legislation is needed. The Government have accepted this recommendation in principle and are looking again at the details of the relevant legislation covering the use of radio equipment, such as scanners, which might be used to intercept communications. But we have no plans to place further restrictions on the sale of scanning receivers.

  Electricity Supply
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the breakdown of electricity supply on Merseyside.

  Mr. Eggar
  I understand that a malfunction in equipment belonging to the National Grid Company led to a cut in electricity supplies in the Liverpool area to some 230,000 Merseyside and North Wales Electricity Board customers between about 13·15 and 14·30 on 13 December. NGC is conducting an inquiry and my Department's engineering inspectorate has called for a report of the incident.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Heseltine
  Ministers in my Department have a 10-day, rather than a 15-day, target for sending a substantive reply to ministerial correspondence. The heads of my Department's agencies have the same target for ministerial correspondence from hon. Members which is delegated to them for reply. In the first 10 months of this year, performance against the target was as follows:

  Percentage of substantive replies in 10 days

  Per cent.

  Department of Trade and Industry

  65

  Companies House

  46

  Insolvency Service

  96

  Radiocommunications

  100

  Accounts Services Agency

  100

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  83

  National Physical Laboratory

  100

  Patent Office

  100

  Other agencies not listed did not have any correspondence from hon. Members delegated to them for reply during the period.

  My Department does not at present send acknowledgements, but hopes to introduce such a procedure shortly.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the regional and area offices of his Department, and of inspectorates, agencies, and other public bodies for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Heseltine
  The information requested is published in a
  number of sources, for example:

  Civil Service Yearbook (HMSO)

  Guide for Business (DTI)

  PMS Parliamentary Companion

  Vacher's Parliamentary Companion

  which are available in the Library of the House.

  Steel Redundancies
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many made redundant from the steel industry in the Sheffield travel-to-work area have benefited from the iron and steel employees readaptation benefits scheme programme each year since its introduction.
  986
  Mr. Sainsbury
  Detailed figures could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Blank Tape Levy
  Mr. Page
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which countries of the EC have not yet introduced a blank tape levy.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The United Kingdom has not introduced a blank tape levy; nor, to the Government's knowledge, have Ireland or Luxembourg. The Government also understand that there is no levy scheme in operation in Belgium, Greece, Italy or Portugal. However, we believe that in these four member states legislation for a levy is either planned or already in place.

  Extended Warranty Schemes
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps his Department is taking to ensure that consumers are informed of manufacturers' extended warranty schemes at the point of sale.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The means by which manufacturers and retailers inform consumers about the existence of extended warranty schemes is a commercial matter for them.

  British Gas
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to announce his decision on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report into British Gas.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  [holding answer 13 December 1993]: My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is giving careful consideration to the important issues raised by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the gas market, and will announce his decision as soon as possible.

  Toxteth (Funding)
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his Department's funding in the Toxteth area of Liverpool.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  [holding answer 14 December 1993]: In the financial years from 1990 to 1993 my Department paid a total of £2 million in regional selective assistance and £113,000 in regional enterprise grant in the Toxteth area.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what his Department's policy is regarding the use of executive search consultants in making appointments to public bodies; and if he will(a) list the appointments where such consultants have been used and (b) list the cost in each case since April 1992.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: Guidance on the various ways of finding and selecting candidates for public appointments is given in the "Guide on Public Appointment Procedures" produced by the Public Appointments Unit. The use of executive search consultants is one option which may be appropriate for certain important appointments.
  987
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which of the appointments made to public bodies by his Department since April 1992 have been advertised.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The Director General of Gas Supply, the Director General of Telecommunications and the chairman of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission.

  British Nuclear Fuels plc
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade who is responsible for the security vetting of staff at BNFL; and what special precautions are taken for staff who have access to plutonium.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: Security vetting of British Nuclear Fuels employees is the responsibility of the security directorate of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority which, in co-operation with British Nuclear Fuels, ensures employees are vetted in a manner appropriate to the nature of their work in accordance with Government policy. All plutonium is protected by appropriate security arrangements and is subject to strict conditions of nuclear materials accountancy and control.

  Spent Nuclear Fuel
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many shipments of spent nuclear fuel flasks have, in the last 12 months, been transported to Sellafield and Dounreay from(a) Germany, (b) Switzerland and (c) Japan.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: Information about annual receipts of irradiated fuel from overseas reactors is contained in the annual plutonium figures. Specific details of shipments of spent nuclear fuel from Germany, Switzerland and Japan to Sellafield and Dounreay are an operational matter for the owners of the spent fuel transported and for British Nuclear Fuels plc and the Atomic Energy Authority.

  European Regional Development Fund
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to use private funding as a means of matching European moneys allocated to the European regional development fund.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 8 December 1993]: United Kingdom Community support frameworks, which govern the use of grants from the ERDF and other European structural funds, already refer to contributions from private sources as well as from the public sector. Projects are being approved for ERDF grant which will be part funded from the private sector.

  It is the Government's policy to encourage partnerships with the private sector for funding infrastructure investments. Government Departments will therefore give every consideration to eligible applications for ERDF grant for infrastructure projects co-financed by the private sector. ERDF grant will, however, be paid only when the economic benefit of the project in question accrues to the area concerned.

  Warship Yards
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on access to EU intervention funds for United Kingdom warship yards.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 13 December 1993]: Negotiations with the European Commission have been under way since May this year to attempt to obtain access to the shipbuilding intervention fund for all warship-builders. It has become clear that the Commission will not amend the 1985 agreement, which removed warship-builders' entitlement to support for all four companies involved.

  As a result of a number of discussions with directorate general IV, agreement has been reached on a proposal for making special intervention funding available for Swan Hunter, subject to certain conditions.

  It is expected that this proposal will be considered by the Commission before Christmas.

  I hope for a favourable decision.

DEFENCE

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures are used by the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation to assess(a) efficiency, (b) productivity, (c) product cost and (d) quality performance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  Responsibility for this matter falls to the chief executive of the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Captain D. Symonds to Dr. David Clark dated 16 December 1993:

  1. In your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence, you asked about the measures used by the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation (NARO) to assess efficiency, productivity, product costs and quality performance. Details of the measures are below:

  (a) Efficiency is measured by comparing the time taken to complete the work with the Basic Time as defined in BS3138.

  NARO Efficiency Index=Measured Work Content Measured Time Taken (Basic Time)

  (b) Productivity is basically a measure of output per employee and is measured by:

  Productivity=Direct Output Units Achieved Total Number of Employees (DOU)

  where a DOU is a standard hour of work (as detailed in BS3138). (The Total Number of Employees does not include apprentices).

  c. Product Cost is measured in 2 ways:

  (1) Firstly

  Cost per DOU=Consumption Budget—Costs incurred by non NARO units DOU

  (2) Secondly, product cost where the full cost of an item including labour, overheads and material costs are deflated using HM Treasury GNP deflator index.

  (d) Quality Performance is measured by reviewing the weighted number of Allied Quality Assurance Publication non-conformances over a period.

  2. If I can provide any further details I will be more than happy to do so.

  HMS Malabar
  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of HMS Malabar, Bermuda.

  Mr. Hanley
  HMS Malabar, a small Royal Navy base in Bermuda, has provided the United Kingdom with a valuable asset in what has in the past been a strategically significant location. In the changed environment, however, its strategic importance has greatly diminished, and after careful consideration, the Government have decided that the base should be closed in April 1995. The Government are most grateful to the Government and people of Bermuda for the support which they have given the base, and intend that continued visits by vessels of the Royal Navy will maintain the service's close association with the island.

  Defence Exports
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement on the export of three combat aircraft from the United Kingdom to India as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the export of 29 armoured combat vehicles, one combat aircraft and missiles and missile launchers from the United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms;

  (3) if he will make a statement on the export of five combat aircraft from the United Kingdom to Zimbabwe as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms;

  (4) if he will make a statement on the export of one armoured combat vehicle from the United Kingdom to Papua New Guinea as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms;

  (5) if he will make a statement on the export of 10 combat aircraft from the United Kingdom to the Republic of Korea as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms;

  (6) if he will make a statement on the export of 25 battle tanks from the United Kingdom to Nigeria as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms;

  (7) if he will make a statement on the export of four large-calibre artillery systems from the United Kingdom to Brazil as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms;

  (8) if he will make a statement on the export of missiles and missile launchers from the United Kingdom to the United Arab Emirates as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms.

  Mr. Hanley
  In accordance with the requirements of the United Nations arms register, the United Kingdom has reported a number of defence equipment exports. However, it is not our practice to comment on the detail of individual defence export contracts.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the export of eight large-calibre artillery systems from the United Kingdom to Nepal as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms; and for what reasons this appeared in the submissions by Nepal, but not that by the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Hanley
  No large-calibre artillery systems were transferred to Nepal in 1992.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what further consideration has been given to the establishment of an ethics committee for experiments involving animals at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down.

  Mr. Hanley
  This is a matter delegated to the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 16 December 1993:
  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what further consideration has been given to the establishment of an ethics committee for experiments involving animals at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down (Question 17, Order Paper 14 December 1993) has been passed to me to reply as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.
  2. Our present arrangements for the identification and scrutiny of proposed animal experimentation at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down demonstrate that we have an essentially independent review of all proposals for animal experiments outside the line management chain which provides us with many, if not all, of the advantages of an Ethics Committee for animal experiments.
  3. Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act of 1986, CBDE is required to seek both personal and project licenses. We have just completed the first five year review of the project licenses and this has been accomplished without any difficulties although we recognise that the project licenses are now being drawn up in a more stringent way. The Home Office Inspectorate, supported by the Animal Procedures Committee, provides an independent review of our work with animals. We also comply with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons cost of practice for named veterinary surgeons employed on scientific procedures establishments and breeding and supplying establishments under the Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.
  4. When members of CBDE are considering a new project license, they first discuss the proposed license with their line manager and the Superintendent of their Division to confirm that there is indeed a need for animal experiments and that the information required cannot be obtained by another means. They then draft the experimental protocol that will, if approved, form the basis of the license. The next step is to discuss this with our Named Veterinary Surgeon who is free to bring any concerns she may have to the attention of my Director of Life Sciences or to myself. Our veterinary surgeon provides an independent assessment of the project in which informal discussion may take place with the Home Office Inspectorate. Following this, the project licence application is submitted formally to the Home Office Inspectorate over the signature of my Director of Life Sciences. The Home Office Inspectorate may, it they wish, submit a project license application to its own Animal Procedures Committee. I take a personal interest in all of this as the certificate holder for the Establishment under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and I review all aspects of our work with animals at six monthly meetings.
  5. In respect of our consideration as to whether to establish an ethics committee for animal experiments, we are having discussions with experts in academia concerning the pros and cons of an ethics committee; whilst there would be presentational advantages, there would clearly be additional work and potential delay imposed by the introduction of a further review process. We are continuing our discussions and at this stage have not yet decided whether an ethics committee would present significant added value over the present arrangements with the Home Office.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many laboratories under the control of his Department have ethics committees for experiments involving animals.

  Mr. Hanley
  None.
  991
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Ethics Committee for experiments involving humans at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, was first established.

  Mr. Hanley
  This is a matter delegated to the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 16 December 1993:
  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking when the ethics committee for experiments involving humans at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, was first established (Question 42, Order Paper, 14 December 1993) has been passed to me to reply as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.
  2. The Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment Ethics Committee was established in July 1991. This Committee follows the guidelines laid down by the Royal College of Physicians of London and its membership includes lay members, members of both sexes from the local community, a nurse and a general medical practitioner.
  3. The Ethics Committee has subsumed previous arrangements for the ethical review of proposed volunteer studies. For some 30 years, a committee on the safety of human experiments had been set up at this Establishment involving all the medical officers on the staff of the Establishment whose task was to review all the protocols for proposed volunteer studies to ensure that they were as safe as possible; this committee had the right of veto. Following such reviews, protocols were then considered by an ethical sub group of the Medical Committee of the Defence Scientific Advisory Committee which involved independent experts.

  Defence Imports
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the importing of 6,888 missiles and missile launchers from Germany as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms.

  Mr. Hanley
  For operational reasons it is not our practice to comment on the import of missiles and missile launchers.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the importing of one armoured combat vehicle from Canada as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms.

  Mr. Hanley
  The armoured combat vehicle was imported for use as a museum exhibit.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the importing of 14 large-calibre artillery systems from France as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms.

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement gave the hon. Member for East Lothian (Mr. Home Robertson),Official Report, column 605, on 1 December 1993.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the importing of one battle tank from the Russian Federation as listed in the United Nations register of conventional arms.
  992
  Mr. Hanley
  The tank was imported for defence research and development purposes.

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which British nuclear tests at the Nevada test site were carried out in association with(a) Los Alamos National Laboratory and (b) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

  Mr. Hanley
  The information is given inthe table. Information is not readily available to confirm the United States host laboratory for the first three tests, namely Pampas, Tendrac and Cormorant, bt it is believed that all three were carried out in conjunction with the Los Alamos national laboratory.

  Event

  Date

  US Laboratory

  Pampas

  1 March 1962

  Tendrac

  7 December 1962

  Cormorant

  17 July 1964

  Courser

  25 September 1964

  LANL

  Charcoal

  10 Septemper 1965

  LANL

  Fallon

  23 May 1974

  LLNL

  Banon

  26 August 1976

  LLNL

  Fondutta

  11 April 1978

  LLNL

  Quargel

  18 November 1978

  LLNL

  Nessel

  29 August 1979

  LLNL

  Colwick

  26 August 1980

  LLNL

  Dutchess

  24 October 1980

  LANL

  Serpa

  17 December 1980

  LLNL

  Rousanne

  12 November 1981

  LANL

  Gibne

  25 April 1982

  LLNL

  Armada

  22 April 1983

  LLNL

  Mundo

  1 May 1984

  LANL

  Egmont

  9 December 1984

  LLNL

  Kinibito

  5 December 1985

  LANL

  Darwin

  25 June 1986

  LLNL

  Midland

  16 July 1987

  LANL

  Barnwell

  8 December 1989

  LLNL

  Houston

  14 November 1990

  LANL

  Bristol

  26 November 1991

  LLNL

  LANL—Los Alamos National Laboratory

  LLNL—Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

  Small Arms Cartridges
  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 23 November,Official Report, column 41, when production in the United Kingdom of manufacture of the propellant powder for small arms cartridges known as small arms nitro compound ceased; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  Production in the United Kingdom ceased in December 1992.

  Contracting Out
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how he proposes to safeguard military and naval security in making decisions to contract out work at the Hydrographic Office and the Military Survey.

  Mr. Hanley
  Private contractors undertaking work on behalf of the Hydrographic Office, the Directorate General Military Survey or any other defence agency are contractually obliged to conform to strict guidelines and to implement protective security measures, laid down by the Ministry of Defence, appropriate to the classification and
  993
  sensitivity of the work undertaken. Adherence to these guidelines and directives is monitored under the Department's standard monitoring arrangements.

  Depleted Uranium Shells
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantities of depleted uranium shells are stored at the Dundrennan and West Freugh test sites in advance of experimental test firings.

  Mr. Hanley
  No stocks of depleted uranium projectiles are kept at test and evaluation establishment West Freugh. No DU trials have taken place there since 1990 and we have no plans to hold any more.

  The stocks held at T and EE Kirkcudbright vary depending on the nature of a particular trial and the intensity of the trials firing programme. On 15 December 1993, 111 rounds were held at the range in anticipation of a number of trials.

  Beryllium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what testing facilities beryllium is used by his Department.

  Mr. Hanley
  Testing of beryllium is carried out at atomic weapons establishment sites.

  Aldermaston
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) in what form and quantity(a) chromium, (b) acetone, (c) aluminium hydroxide, (d) ammonium persulphate, (e) benzene, (f) butyl acetate, (g) cadmium, (h) carbon tetrachloride, (i) chloroform, (j) copper, (k) cyanide, (l) 1, 2-dichloroethane, (m) 1, 1-dichloroethylene, (n) ethanol, (o) ethyl acetates, (p) ferric chloride, (q) hexachlorobutadiene, (r) hydrochloric acid, (s) hydrofluoric acid, (t) lanthanum, (u) lead, (v) lithium chloride, (w) manganese, (x) mercury and (y) methyl chloride are used by the atomic weapons establishment, Aldermaston;

  (2) in what form and quantity (a) methylene chloride, (b) methyl ethyl ketone, (c) molybdenum, (d) nickel, (e) nitrates, (f) nitric acid, (g) phosphoric acid, (h) selenium, (i) silver, (j) sodium hydroxide, (k) sodium nitrate, (l) sodium thiosulphate, (m) sulphuric acid, (n) tetrachloroethylene, (o) thallium and (p) toluene are used by the atomic weapons establishment, Aldermaston.

  Mr. Hanley
  Like any major industrial site, university and school laboratory, AWE Aldermaston uses a wide and varied range of chemicals. It is not possible to list the form and quantity in which they are used without disproportionate cost.

  Research and Development
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the spending on research and development in each of the last five years given in 1992–93 prices in his Department.

  Mr. Hanley
  The expenditure on research and development by the Ministry of Defence for the last five years, at constant prices, is given in table 2.3.2 of the "Cabinet Office Annual Review 1993", page 38. The base year for these figures is 1991–92. Those for 1992–93 are not yet available.

  Merchant Ships
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will hold a public inquiry into the chartering of merchant ships during the Gulf war; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  There is no intention to hold a public inquiry into the chartering of merchant ships during the Gulf conflict. My Department's internal auditors fully investigated all aspects of the chartering of merchant ships during the Gulf conflict and their recommendations are being implemented. In addition, the National Audit Office has issued a report into the movements of personnel, equipment and stores to and from the Gulf, which drew heavily on the internal auditors' findings. The accounting officer has given evidence to the Public Accounts Committee and publication of the PAC report is imminent. The Department will respond to that Committee's observations in the usual manner.

  Staff Christmas Party
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how much of his Department's money has been authorised for the 1993 staff Christmas party;

  (2) what was the cost of his Department's 1992 staff Christmas party, including man hours lost.

  Mr. Hanley
  Each year, my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, his ministerial colleagues and the staff of the ministerial offices host a party to thank departmental officials and their military colleagues for the work and support given during the year and 1992 and 1993 were no exception. The costs of these events are met by Ministers and the staff of the ministerial offices. The events take place out of office hours and, apart from a few staff hours of preparation beforehand, no staff hours were lost.

  Iraqi Military Personnel
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates and for what purposes Iraqi military personnel have been officially received in Britain since August 1990.

  Mr. Hanley
  No such visits have been made.

  Ministerial Hospitality
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence. how much money has been spent on ministerial hospitality by his Department since 9 April 1992.

  Mr. Hanley
  Since 9 April 1992 some £105,000 has been spent on ministerial hospitality from the defence budget.

  Official Cars
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many official cars are currently at the disposal of his Department; and how much of his Department's budget has been allocated for their provision in the financial year 1993–94.

  Mr. Hanley
  The number of staff cars in use are as follows:
  995

  Type

  Army

  RAF

  Navy

  Total

  Grade A

  181

  30

  43

  154

  Grade B

  1828

  722

  334

  1,884

  Grade C

  1877

  545

  210

  1,632

  Totals

  1,786

  1,297

  587

  3,670

  1The Army listings include vehicles held in the London district and other pools for the use of ministers and civil servants

  The current grade A car is the Rover 825D, the current grade B car is the Rover Montego Diesel and the current grade C car is the Vauxhall Corsa Diesel. The estimated expenditure in 1993–94 is some £8,545,000.

  Date

  RN

  Army

  RAF

  All

  1 January 1979

  1:948

  1:1,383

  1:1,124

  1:1,187

  1 January 1990

  1:905

  1:1,578

  1:1,240

  1:1,285

  1 January 1993

  1:989

  1:1,615

  1:1,228

  1:1,321

  Other ranks are warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, ratings and equivalents. These ratios exclude locally enlisted personnel.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Hanley
  The Department does not maintain central records of correspondence received from members of the public, although the aim is to provide at least an initial reply within 15 working days—20 working days in the case of complaints about low flying. For letters from hon. Members, in 1993 up to the end of September, 100 per cent. received an acknowledgement within five days of receipt and 77 per cent. were answered within 15 working days.

  All defence agencies aim to provide a reply within 15 working days and I understand that this is achieved in the vast majority of cases, but they are not required to maintain statistics on their performance in dealing with correspondence.

  Submarine Exercises
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the(a) duration, (b) locality and (c) involvement of representatives of fishermen's associations in all the submarine exercises carried out off the west coast of Scotland in 1993; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  The information requested is available only for major planned exercises involving one or more submarines.

  Overseas Visits
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by his Department on travelling abroad by(a) Ministers and (b) officials in each of the last three financial years; and which countries were visited.

  Mr. Hanley
  The information is not recorded centrally in the form requested and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Generals
  Dr. Reid
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the ratio of officers of general and equivalent ranks to other ranks in each of the three services in 1979, 1990 and 1993.

  Mr. Hanley
  The ratios of senior officers—major general equivalents and above—to other ranks in each of the three services for the dates specified is as follows:

  Exercise

  Duration

  Location

  SMCC 1/93

  24 May 1993 to 4 June 1993

  Southern CXAs

  Northern and

  17 June 1993 to 22 June 1993

  Southern CXAs

  SMCC 2/93

  18 October 1993 to 29 October 1993

  Southern CXAs Northern and

  10 November 1993 to 15 November 1993

  Southern CXAs

  JMC 391

  10 February 1993 to 18 February 1993

  Northern CXAs

  JMC 932

  9 June 1993 to 17 June 1993

  Northern CXAs

  JMC 933

  1 November 1993 to 3 November 1993

  Southern CXAs

  3 November 1993 to 11 November 1993

  Northern CXAs

  SMCC=Submarine Command Course

  JMC=Joint Maritime Course

  CXAs=Clyde Exercise Areas

  Both SMCCs were notified to fishermen at the Clyde fisheries liaison meeting on 4 December 1992 and the programmes for these exercises were widely distributed to fishermen's associations. Advance notice of all three JMCs was issued through notices to fishermen. Additionally, a detailed programme for JMC 933 was sent to fishermen's associations.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve the safety and reliability of British nuclear weapons.

  Mr. Hanley
  We are confident in the safety and reliability of our in-service warheads and that Trident will enter service as a safe and reliable system. We intend to maintain the highest levels of safety and reliability.

  Nuclear Transport
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if vehicles carrying nuclear warheads on public roads are obliged to display radiation hazards signs.
  997
  Mr. Hanley
  Requirements for the display of such hazard signs are set out in the Radioactive Substances (Carriage by Road) Regulation 1974, as amended in 1985. Paragraph 20 of these regulations provides an exemption in the case of the carriage of nuclear weapons.

  Honduras Armed Forces
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what training is offered to officers of the Honduras armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  No training is currently on offer to the Honduras armed forces.

  Ammunition and Propellant
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which foreign companies currently supply the armed services with ammunition and propellant.

  Mr. Hanley
  [pursuant to the reply 8 December 1993, c. 292]: The following firms were inadvertently omitted from the list of overseas companies which currently supply the Ministry of Defence with ammunition and propellant:

  Aerospatiale—France

  Rheinmetall—Germany

  Raufoss—Norway

  Sumdstrand Corporation—United States of America

HEALTH

  NHS Management Board
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on how many occasions, during the period that he was chief executive of the NHS management board, Sir Leonard Peach signed documents indicating that he would have no personal involvement in any action of the NHS management board regarding the purchase and use of information technology systems on the ground of potential conflict of interest; and if she will provide a list of those occasions and the contracts to which they referred.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I will write to the hon. Member with further details.

  Number of unrestricted GPs by family health services authority in London initiative zone

  FHSA

  1989 October

  1990 October

  1991 October

  1992 October

  1993 April

  Brent and Harrow

  291

  281

  263

  270

  272

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  379

  371

  370

  367

  372

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  217

  214

  194

  190

  189

  Barking and Havering

  191

  186

  183

  181

  182

  Camden and Islington

  209

  211

  221

  215

  218

  City and East London

  340

  348

  347

  351

  355

  Enfield and Haringey

  273

  279

  278

  278

  277

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  240

  233

  227

  225

  225

  Greenwich and Bexley

  216

  214

  210

  213

  213

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  416

  400

  402

  410

  419

  Croydon

  167

  165

  160

  163

  160

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  321

  321

  322

  323

  323

  TOTAL IN LONDON IMPLEMENTATION ZONE

  3,260

  3,223

  3,177

  3,186

  3,205

  Notes:

  1. Data are not yet available for October 1993.

  2. Figures may have been affected by the introduction of statutory retirement for GPs from April 1991.

  Orthodontic Care
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were refused orthodontic treatment at Guy's hospital in 1993; and how many children by health authority were refused treatment in 1993 because of the limitation of extra-contractual referrals.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of Guy's and St Thomas's hospital trust, Lord Hayhoe, about orthodonic treatment at Guy's hospital.

  Charitable Trusts
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what purposes a regional health authority is authorised to apply the charitable trust acquired by reason of the distribution of the national fund in 1974.

  Mr. Sackville
  Health authorities that hold charitable funds on trust are required to administer them for the purposes specified in the trust instruments.

  NHS Trusts (Salaries)
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish a table setting out the current salaries of the chief executives of all the trusts within the Greater London area, and indicating the percentage increase received by each chief executive in the course of the last 12 months.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally.

  General Practitioners
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give the number of unrestricted general practitioners in the 12 family health services authority areas which fall wholly or partly within the London initiative zone in each of the last five years.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The available information is shown in the table:

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she takes in the event of a dispute between a contractor and an NHS trust to ensure that the trust has acted wholly within the law.

  Mr. Sackville
  Where a dispute about a national health service contract is referred to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State under section 4(3) of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, my right hon. Friend may either determine the matter or appoint another person to consider and determine it in accordance with the National Health Service Contracts (Dispute Resolution) Regulations 1991.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the total numbers of chairpersons and non-executive board members of NHS trusts in England.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 16 December Official Report, column 817.

  Resource Management
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the expenditure in England on resource management in each year since 1988.

  Mr. Sackville
  The total of funds made available in the years 1988–89 to 1993–94 to regional health authorities, special health authorities, and trusts in England for resource management will be £291.813 million. The amount each year is:

  Year

  £ million

  1988–89

  2·300

  1989–90

  20·839

  1990–91

  68·525

  1991–92

  86·688

  1992–93

  83·294

  1993–94

  30·167

  The amount in 1988–89 relates to funds made available to the pilot sites which were part of the resource management initiative. The resource management programme, including a regional infrastructure and the initial allocations to the first wave of acute hospital sites began in 1989–90—hence the increase in funds made available. As sites throughout England have joined the programme and have progressed through the implementation the central funds made available have reflected this pattern. A sum of less than £9 million is expected to be required from central funds in 1994–95 and a final sum of about £0·5 million in 1995–96.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the name and job description of each special ministerial adviser employed in her Department, showing any particular outputs for which each adviser is responsible.

  Mr. Sackville
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has one special adviser, Mr. Richard Marsh, who advises on matters relating to health and social services.
  1000
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in her Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. Sackville
  The special adviser to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health is not given access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. He is not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Departmental Offices (Heating Bills)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list, by location the annual fuel heating bills for each of her Department's offices for the last four years, and for this year to date.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Census, Tower Hamlets
  Ms Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give the percentage of people answering Somali to the ethnic group question in the 1991 census by enumeration district within Tower Hamlets.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Ms Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give the figures from the 1981 and 1991 census returns for Tower Hamlets for(a) the method of daily travel-to-work statistics in percentages, (b) the hours worked on average per employed person per week and (c) the numbers of people who have a degree or professional/vocational qualification by type.

  Mr. Sackville
  The percentage of employees and self-employed people resident in Tower Hamlets travelling to work by various means of transport, as recorded in the 1981 and 1991 censuses, are shown in the table.

  Percentages

  Means of travel to work

  1981

  1991

  British Rail

  1·6

  2·4

  Other rail (including underground)

  19·1

  25·2

  Bus

  29·3

  16·8

  Car: Driver

  17·9

  23·0

  Passenger

  2·7

  2·9

  Motor cycle

  1·1

  1·0

  Pedal cycle

  1·9

  2·4

  On foot

  20·7

  18·9

  Works at home

  2·2

  2·5

  Other means or not stated

  3·4

  4·9

  Total employees and self-employed

  100·0

  100·0

  The average hours worked per person per week, estimated from the results of the 1991 census for all employees and self employees and self employed in Tower Hamlets, was 36·4. In this estimate, it is assumed that those working 61 hours or more per week worked 70 hours. There are no comparable figures for 1981, as a question on hours worked was not asked in the 1981 census.

  The estimated numbers of residents in Tower Hamlets with degrees or professional or vocational qualifications, as recorded in the 1981 and 1991 censuses, are shown in the table.

  1001

  Estimated number of residents

  1981

  1991

  With higher degree

  1—

  1,440

  With degree

  1—

  7,690

  With diploma, etc

  1—

  3,240

  Total qualified

  4,800

  12,370

  1 Available only at disproportionate cost.

  Fluoridation
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to fluoridate all potable water supplies.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The Government believe that fluoridation is a safe and effective way of improving oral health and encourage the setting up of fluoridation schemes wherever it is practicable to do so. Decisions about the fluoridation of water supplies are, however, properly taken at a local level.

  Medical Devices Directorate
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the planned salary bill to her Department for the current financial year of the medical devices directorate, separately distinguishing the numbers of personnel employed at each salary scale.

  Mr. Sackville
  The directorate is responsible for ensuring that medical devices and equipment for sale or use in the United Kingdom meet acceptable standards of safety, quality and effectiveness and that these standards comply with relevant European Community directives. It is responsible for evaluation of medical devices and for good manufacturing practice standards in the field of medical devices.

  The estimated cost of staff in the medical devices directorate for 1993–94, excluding temporary appointments, is £4·93 million. The whole-time equivalent number of staff, by grade, working in the directorate on 1 December 1993, excluding temporary appointments, was
  one grade 4; two grade 5; two senior medical officers; six grade 6; one nursing officer; three grade 7; 20·5 principal professional and technical officers; four senior executive officers; 44 senior professional and technical officers; one pharmaceutical officer 1; five higher executive officers; 25·5 higher professional and technical officers; one administration trainee; 17 executive officers; two professional and technical officers; 20 administrative officers; five administrative assistants; two senior personal secretaries; 6·5 personal secretaries.

  Dentists
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many posts for salaried dentists in England have been advertised for each health authority area; how many inquiries were received for the post; how many applications were received for each post; and how many appointments have been made.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  There are currently 88 salaried dentists in post. The remaining information is not available centrally.

  Homeless Mentally Ill People
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what consultation was undertaken with local authorities before the homeless mentally ill initiative was launched; what responsibilities local authorities have had in each year of the initiative for finding revenue support for the projects located in their areas; what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment on this subject; and if she will make a statement;

  (2) how many schemes under the homeless mentally ill initiative in London have required Department of Health funding for care support; if she will list each scheme, showing the original date of application, the amount of Housing Corporation grant approved, the number of bed spaces and her Department's decision on funding in each case; and if she will make a statement;

  (3) if she will make a statement on the progress of the homeless mentally ill initiative to provide housing and care support for homeless mentally ill persons in London.

  Mr. Bowis
  Five hostels offering temporary accommodation for homeless mentally ill people have been opened under the homeless mentally ill initiative—HMI. A further five are planned. All capital costs are being met by the Department of Health, as are the revenue costs, averaging £15,000 per bed space. No capital has been provided by the Housing Corporation for these hostels. There are plans to provide permanent accommodation for those currently in the hostels so that they can move on once they are ready to do so. The capital costs of this will be funded by the Housing Corporation. The table shows the hostels opened or planned and gives the number of spaces provided and the date of application.

  Hostel

  Bedspaces

  Date of Application

  Varden street, E11

  11

  28 August 1990

  Argyle Walk, WC11

  12

  16 September 1990

  Shirland Road, W91

  18

  18 March 1991

  Elgin Avenue, W9

  9

  18 March 1991

  Aberdour Street, SE11

  10

  7 December 1990

  Galleywall Road, SE151

  10

  8 February 1991

  Lambeth High Street, SE1

  24

  13 November 1992

  Challinor Street, W14

  20

  3 December 1993

  Grays Inn Road, WC1

  14

  2 August 1993

  Marsh Hill, E9

  16

  22 September 1993

  1 Already open

  Ministers in all relevant Departments, including the Department of the Environment, were closely involved in discussions during the development of the HMI and meetings were held with all statutory authorities at that crucial state. Officials at the Department of Health continue to collaborate with local authorities, in view of their duties and responsibilities arising from the National Assistance Act 1948, and they also liaise closely with colleagues in the Department of the Environment, the Housing Corporation and the regional health authorities involved in the HMI.

  By 1994–95, over £20 million will have been spent in offering accommodation and psychiatric care to mentally ill people sleeping rough on the streets of London under the HMI. In addition to the provision of short-stay hostels, we have set up five multi-disciplinary community psychiatric teams who have made contact with people who many had written off as being beyond help. The initiative has raised the profile of homeless mentally ill people and, together

  1003
  with the Department of the Environment's rough sleepers initiative, has been instrumental in reducing numbers sleeping on the streets.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance is given by her Department to employing bodies within the national health service on the enforcement of health and safety regulations;

  (2) if she will make a statement on her Department's policy on the enforcement of health and safety regulations in the national health service.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  National health service management executive guidance EL(93)66 draws NHS employers attention to the importance of achieving a high standard of health and safety management at work. It refers to the serious consequences of failing to comply with health and safety legislation and gives particular emphasis to the new requirements of the regulations that came into effect in January this year. Copies of the guidance are available in the Library.

  Occupational Health Services
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the number of consultant-led occupational health services in each region.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally.

  Tobacco Advertising
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the banning of tobacco advertising was discussed at the meeting of the EC Health Ministers on 13 December; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  The draft European Community directive on tobacco advertising was discussed by the Health Council on 13 December and was remitted for further consideration. The United Kingdom Government continue to oppose the draft directive on the basis that it is not necessary for the completion of the single market.

  Dental Handpieces
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to make it mandatory on manufacturers of dental handpieces to issue with each handpiece instructions as to its sterilisation.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  A European Council directive due to come fully into force in 1998 will make it mandatory for manufacturers to include information on the method of sterilisation of dental handpieces.

  Research Units
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement about the future of(a) the national perinatal epidemiology unit and (b) all other Department of Health-funded research units.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 26 November, at columns 242–44, and to the
  1004
  reply my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville) gave the hon. Member for Preston (Mrs. Wise) on 29 November, at columns 300-1.

  Psychiatric Nurses
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what ratio of trained psychiatric nurses to population is the agreed formula for the provision of suitable levels of care outside hospitals;

  (2) what provision she intends to make for psychiatric nursing care in the community.

  Mr. Bowis
  There is no formula. Service providers, in discussion with purchasers, must determine the numbers and grades of staff that are deployed in the community.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many psychiatric nurses were employed in Crewe district health authority in(a) 1980, (b) 1990 and (c) 1993; and what were the numbers of redundancies among such staff in each of these years.

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the South and East Cheshire health authority for this information.

  St. Cross Hospital
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 14 December 1993, from how many people she has received representations about the consultation document issued by the Warwickshire health authority about the hospital of St. Cross in Rugby; and if she will list them.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The recorded number of correspondents is 176. The names have been placed in the Library.

  Research and Development
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the spending on research and development in each of the last five years given in 1992–93 prices in her Department.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information is as follows:

  £ million

  1988–89

  64·2

  1989–90

  69·4

  1990–91

  78·5

  1991–92

  160·8

  1992–93

  259·3

  1 The reduction in expenditure between 1990–91 and 1991–92 can be attributed to the termination of the locally organised research scheme (LORS) in 1991. LORS was a programme of research commissioned locally but funded directly by DH. The research work of LORS has continued at a local level.

  The reduction in expenditure, when adjusted to 1992–93 prices, between 1991–92 and 1992–93 can be principally attributed to a reduction in expenditure by the National Blood Authority—formerly the Central Blood Laboratories—from £6·2 million to £1·1 million.

  2 Estimate.

  These figures do not include expenditure which supports research-related activities in special health authorities and national health service hospitals. The total of NHS research and research-related expenditure is estimated currently at £320 million. Further information is available in "Research for Health", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many press officers her Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Sackville
  The available information is shown in the table.

  Numbers

  1989–90

  13

  1990–91

  14

  1991–92

  13

  1992–93

  14

  1993

  13

  Midwives
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response she has made to the conclusions of the second report of the Health Select Committee of Session 1991–92 on maternity services—HC 29—that midwives should be responsible for their own practice and education.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Government's response—Cm 2018—to the Select Committee report was published in July 1992. Paragraphs 2.12.2, 2.12.3 and 2.205 et seq set out our position on these issues. The Government's response to the Select Committee announced the establishment of an expert committee to review policy on care during child birth. That work was completed in August 1993 with the publication of "Changing Childbirth". Copies of both reports are available in the Library.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received about the qualifications of university chairs of midwifery; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  None.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the regional and area offices of her Department and of inspectorates and other public bodies for which she is responsible.

  Mr. Sackville
  Regional offices of the social services inspectorate are in London; Gateshead; Leeds; Birmingham; Bristol; Manchester and Nottingham.

  There are six regional outposts of the national health service management executive and they are based in Manchester; Leeds; Brentwood, Essex; Craven Hill, London; Bristol and Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

  Of the Department's non-departmental public bodies as listed in the Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies", copies of which are available in the Library, the following have regional and area offices: the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work has regional offices at Pentonville road, London; Bristol; Rugby and Leeds; the English National Board of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting has offices in London; Bristol; Sheffield; Chester and York; the Public Health Laboratory Services Board has 53 area laboratories, situated in: Ashford, Kent; Bangor; Bath; Birmingham; Brighton; Bristol; Cambridge; Cardiff; Carlisle; Carmarthen; Park Royal,
  1006
  London; Chelmsford; Chester; Coventry; Dorchester; Dulwich, London; Epsom; Gloucester; Guildford; Hereford; Hull; Ispwich; Leeds; Leicester; Lincoln; Liverpool; Luton; Manchester; Middlesbrough; Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Norwich; Nottingham; Oxford; Peterborough; Plymouth; Poole; Portsmouth; Preston; Reading; Rhyl; Salisbury; Sheffield; Shrewsbury; Southampton; Stoke-on-Trent; Swansea; Taunton; Tooting, London; Truro; Watford, Whipps Cross, London; Wolverhampton; the National Radiological Protection Board has centres in Glasgow and Leeds, apart from its main centre in Didcot in Oxfordshire; the mental health review tribunals have four regional offices in Nottingham; Liverpool; Stanmore, Middlesex and Surbiton, Surrey; and the Health Education Authority has other premises in Canterbury and Oxford, apart from its main London headquarters.

  NHS Appointments
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list all the appointments that she has made to posts in the national health service in the last year where there has been no advertisement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Many candidates nominated for public national health service appointments are identified as a result of advertising. The numbers are not available centrally. It is not our poicy, nor would it be economical, to advertise posts individually.

  Child Hospital Patients
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children admitted to hospital have been treated on adult wards in the last year; and what percentage this represents of total children patients.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what number and percentage of children receiving intensive care in the last year were treated in adult intensive care units.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally. A survey carried out by the British Paediatric Association in connection with preparation of the report "The Care of Critically Ill Children", copies of which are available in the Library, showed that, in 1991, a total of 12,822 children received intensive care, of whom 2,627—20·5 per cent.—children were treated in adult intensive care units. We are taking action to improve the availability of paediatric intensive care facilities, and we will be issuing guidance to health authorities early in the new year.

  GP Fundholders
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 13 December,Official Report, column 478, what amounts of the fundholding allocation were retained by general practitioner fundholders in each region.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Regional level information will not be available until all fundholder accounts have been audited and local arrangements for the voluntary return of savings have been completed.
  1007
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost of reimbursing general practitioner practices for preparations to become fundholders in each region in each year to date.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 13 December,Official Report, column 478, how the figure retained by general practitioner fundholders was calculated.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Latest information available indicates that the total of general practitioner fundholder underspending in 1992–93 was £31·9 million, though some unaudited information is included in this. GP fundholders have already voluntarily returned £2·4 million of this and further voluntary returns are expected to result in about £28 million efficiency savings to be retained by GP fundholders.

  Secure Units
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list each of the local authority secure places, and secure units in youth treatment centres, in England and

  Table A

  Secure accommodation by region

  Regions and locations

  Managing authorities

  Type

  Number of places

  Northern

  New Aycliffe Royston House

  Durham

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  14 mixed

  Aycliffe Community Home Special Unit

  Durham

  Community Home (Education)

  36 mixed

  Netherton Park Elm Secure Unit

  Northumberland

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  5 mixed

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Moor Community Home

  Leeds

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  27 boys

  Sutton Place Safe Centre

  Humberside

  Community Home (Education)

  10 mixed

  North Western

  Redsands Centre Oak House Unit

  Cheshire

  Community Home (Education)

  6 mixed

  Redbank Community Home Vardy House

  Lancashire

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  6 boys

  Redbank Community Home Special Unit

  Lancashire

  Community Home (Education)

  26 boys

  St. Catherine's Community Home Labour House

  Nugent Care Society (St. Helens)

  Community Home (Education)

  5 girls

  Briars Hey Community Home Orchard House

  Lancashire

  Community Home (Education)

  8 girls

  Dyson Hall Community Home

  Liverpool

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  8 boys

  Park House Barton Moss Secure Unit

  Salford

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  7 boys

  West Midlands

  St. John's Safe Centre

  Birmingham

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  8 mixed

  Stoke House Sherbourne Unit

  Coventry

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  8 mixed

  East Midlands

  Kesteven House

  Lincoln

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  4 mixed

  Derbyshire Children's Centre

  Derby

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  5 mixed

  Greenacres Secure Unit

  Amberdale Community Home

  Nottinghamshire

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  8 mixed

  Thames Anglia

  Salters

  Cambridgeshire

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  6 girls

  Thornbury House

  Oxon

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  3 boys

  London

  Middlesex Lodge Heathlands Unit

  Hillingdon

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  9 girls

  Little Heath Lodge

  Newham

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  6 boys

  Orchard Lodge

  Southwark

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  8 boys

  Frant Court Community Home

  Greenwich

  Community Home (Education)

  2 girls

  Stamford House

  Hammersmith

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  16 boys

  Southern

  Lansdowne Children's Centre

  East Sussex

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  5 mixed

  Beechfield

  West Sussex

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  6 mixed

  1008
  Wales, indicating the number of places in each and the proposed locations of the planned 65 new secure places announced in 1991 together with tables showing the number of (a) old and (b) new places falling into each (i) county and (ii) region in England and Wales.

  Mr. Bowis
  There is a national network of 295 approved local authority secure places in England, to which all local authorities have access. Details of these, and the secure places in the two youth treatment centres, are shown in table A.

  Because of a rise in the number of 15 to 16-year-old boys remanded to prison since 1991, a capital programme to increase the national stock of secure accommodation in England by a further 100 places is now planned. Details of proposals to provide these additional places currently brought forward by local authorities are shown in table B. Final confirmation of proposals is dependent, in some cases, on local authority agreement and on obtaining necessary planning consents.

  Information about the provision of secure accommodation in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
  1009

  Regions and locations

  Managing authorities

  Type

  Number of places

  Fairfield

  Hampshire

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  3 girls

  Glen House Intensive Care Unit Medina Unit

  Hampshire

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  8 mixed

  South Western

  North Community Home Atkinson Unit

  Devon

  Observation and Assessment Centre

  12 mixed

  Kingswood Secure Unit

  Avon

  Community Home (Education)

  20 boys

  Youth Treatment Centres

  St. Charles Centre, Brentwood, Essex

  —

  Youth Treatment Centre

  30 boys

  Glenthorne Centre, Birmingham

  —

  Youth Treatment Centre

  30 mixed

  Table B

  Capital programme—proposals brought forward by local authorities in England

  region and authority

  additional

  Northern

  Northumberland

  5

  Tyneside (location to be identified)

  12

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  Leeds

  9

  West Midlands

  Coventry

  4

  Staffordshire

  8

  East Midlands

  Derbyshire

  3

  Nottinghamshire

  8

  Lincolnshire

  4

  Thames/Anglia

  Cambridge

  6

  Leicestershire/Northamptonshire

  16

  London

  Southwark

  8

  Southern

  Hamspire

  8

  West Sussex

  10

  South West

  Devon

  4

  NHS Chief Executive
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she will announce the name of the new NHS chief executive, and the salary for the post.

  Mr. Sackville
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State hopes to do so shortly. The salary offered is £82,925 plus performance-related pay, but more may be available for a candidate with exceptional qualifications or experience.

  Public Meetings
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what requirements are imposed on district health authorities, regional health authorities, and health service trusts, to hold meetings in public of the main governing body, any committees, and any sub-committees; and what rights of access the public have to agendas, minutes, and reports of such bodies, committees and sub-committees.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The meetings of regional health authorities, district health authorities and family health services authorities are governed by the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960. This requires any full meeting of the authority, at which approval for a specific action is required, to be open to the public. But the public may be excluded from the whole or part of a meeting when 1010
  confidential business is to be discussed. The provisions of the 1960 Act do not apply to committees or sub-committees of authorities, but committees comprising the full membership of the authority must meet in public unless a resolution to exclude the press and public is passed. The 1960 Act also requires authorities to supply the press, on request, with a copy of the agenda for each full meeting.

  National health service trusts, and their committees or sub-committees, are not subject to the 1960 Act. Trusts are required to have one public meeting per year, in accordance with the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. Many NHS trusts have developed substantial programmes of public meetings and regular meetings with community health councils.

  NHS trusts are required to publish annual reports, business plans and accounts. Regional health authorities, district health authorities and family health services authorities are not required to do so, but many publish annual reports, and their audited accounts are publicly available on request.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of correspondence received by(a) her Department and (b) each of her Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department and all its agencies have targets for answering all correspondence within 28
  days of receipt. All letters receiving a ministerial reply are acknowledged within five days of receipt. For the period 1 January 1993 to 30 November 1993, 71·5 per cent. of such letters received a reply within the target period. More detailed information on correspondence receiving a response from officials could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Asthma
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies have been done on the links between vehicle movements, exhaust emissions and asthma in Greater London; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 20 October, at column 236.

  Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her estimate of the annual number of deaths which will result from radioactive discharges from the operation of THORP.
  1011
  Mr. Sackville
  No such estimates have been made. The National Radiological Protection Board—NRPB—has made an assessment of the collective radiation doses from discharges at Sellafield. The results of the NRPB work confirm that the discharges from the THORP plant will result in radiation doses much lower than natural background radiation levels. It has described the annual attributable risk to individuals in the world population as "vanishingly small".

  "Keep Warm Keep Well"
  Mr. Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many inquiries have been made to the "Keep Warm Keep Well" initiative so far during the current winter to date.

  Mr. Bowis
  Since the launch of the "Keep Warm Keep Well" campaign in mid-October 1993, the freephone telephone inquiry line has received 8,783 calls for advice or information, and 28,938 individuals and organisations have requested supplies of the "Keep Warm Keep Well" brochure, copies of which will be placed in the Library.

  European Year of Older People
  Mr. Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations she has received about the success of the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations;

  (2) what evaluation has been made of the impact of the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations;

  (3) what plans she has to work with other Government Departments to take forward programmes and ideas arising from the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations.

  Mr. Bowis
  The year is widely regarded as having been successful, although no formal representations on the matter have yet been received. An evaluation exercise has recently commenced to identify the key achievements of the year and its implications for future work.

  Mr. Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in which programmes and events for the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations she has been directly involved.

  Mr. Bowis
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has been directly involved in a number of initiatives, including the launch of the year in the United Kingdom at the age resource awards in London last December, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; an interview on BBC Television's "Primetime" in January with Lady Sally Greengross, director of Age Concern, England; opening the European year exhibition in the House of Commons in February; contributing to the regular news bulletin produced for the year; providing the foreword for a publication produced by sixth form students from the Royal borough of Kingston upon Thames; speaking at a reception hosted by Age Concern, England in October; launching the "Aging Well" pilot programme in November.

  Other Ministers have also been present at a number of events during the year and, on behalf of the Secretary of State, I thanked participants at a finale event at St. Martin-in-the-Fields on 15 December, following which I hosted the closing reception.
  1012
  During the United Kingdom's presidency of the Council of Ministers, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State opened a major conference on health promotion and sickness prevention for older people. These issues have been taken forward during the course of the year, both at national and at European level.

  Mr. Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the total Government expenditure on promoting the European Year of Older People and Solidarity between Generations in the United Kingdom; and what was Government expenditure on previous European years.

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department of Health has funded the operation of a secretariat for the year, based at Age Concern, England headquarters, at a total cost for the period to 31 March 1994 of £330,000, including a contribution of £79,000 from the Department of Social Security. The Departments of Health and Social Security have also provided officers on secondment to the secretariat, at an approximate cost to March 1994 of £18,000.

  It is estimated that the costs of publicity for the year provided through the Department of Health information division will be in the region of £130,000.

  The Department of Health set up an advisory group for the year, at an approximate total cost of £8,000. The Department has two part-time officers working exclusively in connection with the year at an aggregate annual cost of £18,500. A substantial further, unquantifiable, level of staff input is also being provided by staff in the Departments of Health and Social Security and elsewhere in Government.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health launched the United Kingdom programme for the year on 17 December 1992 in the presence of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre. The Department of Health contributed approximately £14,000 to this event.

  A number of other Government Departments have contributed to the promotion of the year by providing information and practical support for particular events. it is not possible to quantify the total costs.

  Expenditure on previous European years is a matter for relevant Departments in each case.

  Mental Health
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research or monitoring has been undertaken about the implementation of section 117 of the Mental Health Act 1983, relating to aftercare for certain detained patients.

  Mr. Bowis
  The implementation of section 117 is monitored by the Mental Health Act Commission on its visits to hospitals and at meetings with health authorities and social services departments. In its fifth biennial report, published on 10 December, the commission notes that authorities are linking section 117 arrangements to the care programme approach. Copies of the report are available in the Library.

  Section 117 requires health and local authorities to provide aftercare for patients who have been detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983. The care programme approach, which we introduced in April 1991, requires that all patients about to be discharged after in-patient treatment for a mental illness, whether or not

  1013
  they have been detained, should be systematically assessed in respect of their health and social care needs, have an individual care programme and be allocated a named key worker. For those patients who have been detained under the Act, the requirements of section 117 will be met by proper implementation of the care programme approach.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the outcome of the comprehensive autumn round of monitoring by regional health authorities and the social services inspectorate of community care for the mentally ill.

  Mr. Bowis
  The monitoring suggested that authorities had made generally good progress in putting in place the basic structures and systems required. The national monitoring round did not look at services for specific client groups, but services for people with a mental illness under new arrangements are being examined as part of one of a range of special studies currently being carried out by the social services inspectorate and national health service management executive in a sample of authorities.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she proposes to take to respond to the criticisms of psychiatric services made in the recently published report of the Mental Health Act Commission; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be making a full response to the commission's report. This will be laid before Parliament.

  Ashbourne Pharmaceuticals
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received regarding the pricing charges to the NHS for drugs of Ashbourne Pharmaceuticals.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee and others have made representations. We are currently carrying out an inquiry into the discounts received by dispensing doctors from their suppliers. It is hoped that the report will be available by the spring of 1994.

  Nursing Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) nurses and (b) midwives were in training in each health region in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 6 December 1993]; This information will be placed in the Library.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Information Security
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement about the operation of his Department's sensitive documents unit; how many staff are employed in its operation; and approximately how many documents per annum come within its purview.

  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council Office does not have a sensitive documents unit.

  Government Car Service
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what was the annual cost to the Department of the car service for Ministers in 1990–91; and how many vehicles were involved.

  Mr. Newton
  The cost in 1990–91 was £114,755 for two vehicles.

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what the cost of advertising by his Department has been for each year since 1979 and for each of the last 12 months.

  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council Office incurs no costs in respect of advertising.

  Press Office
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many press releases his Department has issued in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Newton
  On average, two.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Newton
  None.

  European Documents
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Lord President of the Council (1) if he will tabulate in the Official Report, grouped under subject content, in respect of each of the European Community Documents of which note was taken by resolution of the House on Thursday 9 December (a) the European Council and/or Commission number, (b) the Command, House of Commons European Select Committee number, or other United Kingdom reference, (c) the title, and number of pages, (d) the purpose of the document and if it amends, or adds, to a previous related document, (e) the date first received by Her Majesty's Government, (f) the date first published by the originating or publishing body, (g) the date when placed in the Vote Office, (h) the date of ministerial signature on any explanatory, or supplementary explanatory memoranda, and the date if placed in the Vote Office more than three days after signature, (i) the date and reference numbers of published related reports of the Select Committee on European Legislation, (j) the date when any typescript report of the Select Committee on European Legislation not in (i) above was placed in the Vote Office, together with the relevant reference number of any forthcoming report, (k) the date of any debate in a European Standing Committee or the Floor of the House concerning that document and (1) the column number in the Official Report of any principal references to that document made by a Minister in the course of debate on 9 December; and if he will state the means whereby any member of the public could be informed of the existence of any of these documents of the European Community and be informed and obtain, a copy of the related ministerial memoranda;

  (2) if he will provide details of the references and dates relating to the documents listed on the Order Paper of 9

  1015
  December as relevant to the motion relating to European Communities, in the same manner which has been requested by the hon. Member for Newham, South in respect of the documents listed in the motion.

  Mr. Newton
  The information requested in regard to points(a) to (j) is set out in the table, which groups together, first, the documents included in the motion for debate, the subject of the first question, and, secondly, those shown as relevant to the debate, the subject of the second question. In regard to point (k), none of the

  Documents included in the Motion for debate

  a

  b

  c

  d

  e

  f

  g

  h

  i

  j

  EC Budget and Finance related documents

  (1) HM Treasury unnumbered EM of 6 December 1993

  14938

  Commission Recommendation for the broad guidelines of the economic policies of the Member States drawn up in conformity with Article 103(2) of the Treaty onEuropean Union (informal EC text attached to EM, 5 pages)

  Text of Commission Recommendation

  EC document 10691/93 received 13 December 1993

  24 November 1993

  (1) HM Treasury unnumbered EM with text attached 6 December 1993

  6 December 1993

  HC 48-ii (1993–94) To be published

  8 December 1993

  (2) COM(93)700 (informal text)

  14937

  Commission white Book on Growth, Competitiveness and Employment (185 pages)

  Commission paper for discussion at the European Council on 10 December 1993

  6 December 1993

  Not formally published yet

  (2)7 December 1993 (informal text)

  3 December 1993 (HM Treasury unnumbered EM)

  HC 48-ii (1993–94) To be published

  8 December 1993

  (3)7665/93 (COM (93)400)

  14625

  Preliminary Draft General Budget of the Ec for 1994 (serveral volumes, Totalling 1,851 pages)

  Commission proposal for the community budged for 1994

  15 September 1993 (Vol.2) 2 July 1993 (other Volumes)

  15 June 1993

  (3)15 September 1993 (Vol. 2) 2 July 1993 (other Volumes)

  15 July 1993

  HC 79-xxxvi (1992–93) Published on 5 August 1993

  No MS report

  (4) 9303/93 (Previously the subject of HM Treasury unnumbered EM of 18 October 1993)

  14824

  Letter of Amendment No. 1 to the Preliminary Draft Budget for 1994 (33 pages)

  Commission amendments

  25 November 1993

  8 October 1993

  (4) 29 November 1993

  18 October 1993

  HC 79-xxxviii (1992–93) Published 16 November 1993

  No MS report

  (5)8012/93

  14760

  Draft General Budget of the EC for 1994 (7 volumes totalling 1,815 pages)

  Council of Ministers'proposal for Community budget for 1994

  16 September 1993

  Documents undated

  (5) 16 September 1993

  20 September 1993

  HC 79-xxxvii (1992–93) Published 16 November 1993

  No Ms report

  (6)9922/93 (Previously the subject of HM Treasury unnumbered EM of 5 November 1993)

  14886

  European Parliament's proposed amendments to the Draft General Budget for 1994 (727 pages)

  See Column (c)

  3 November 1993

  28 October 1993

  (6) 8 November 1993

  5 November 1993 (HM Treasury unnumbered EM)

  HC 48-i (1993–94) To be published

  2 December 1993

  (7) HM Treasury unnumbered EM of 22 November 1993

  14898

  Council Decision on European Parliament's proposed amendments and modifications to the Draft General Budget for 1994

  Text of proposed Decision

  Formal documents not yet received

  See Column (e)

  (7)22 November 1993 (HM Treasury unnumbered EM)

  22 November 1993

  HC 48-i (1993–94 To be pbblished

  2 December 1993

  (8) HM Treasury unnumbered EM of 2 November 1993

  14864

  Commission proposal for a Revision of the Financial Perspective (informal text (3 pages) attached to EM)

  To revise the 1994 expenditure ceilings agreed at the Edinburgh European Council

  Formal document not yet received

  See Column (e)

  (8) 2 November (informal text attached to HM Treasury unnumbered Em of 2 November 1993)

  2 November 1993

  HC 79-xxix (1992–93 Published 8 December 1993

  No Ms report

  (9) OJ C309 Vol. 36

  14927

  Annual Report of the European Court of Auditors together with replies from the Institutions (404 pages)

  See Column (c)

  22 November 1993

  16 November 1993 (Date of OJ C309 Vol. 36

  (9)22 November 1993

  1 December 1993

  HC 48-ii (1993–94 To be published

  8 December 1993

  Subsidiarity

  (10) COM(93)545

  14941

  Commission Report to the European Council on the adaptation of Community legislation to the subsidiarity principle (28 pages)

  Follow-up to the Commission's review of the compatibility of EC legislation with subsidiarity

  1 December 1993

  24 November 193

  (10)2 December 1993

  6 December 1993

  HC 48-ii (1993–94)To be published

  8 December 1993

  Internal Market

  (11) 7194/93 (COM(93)256)

  14654

  (i)Commission Communication to the Council and the European Parliament entitled "Reinforcing the effectiveness of the Internal Market" (6 pages)

  Commission Papers outlining, for consultation, a draft strategy for the Single Market post 1993

  25 June 1993

  2 June 1993

  (11)14 July 1993

  14 July 1993

  HC 79-xxvi (1992–93 Published on 5 August 1993

  No MS report

  (ii)Commission Working Document entitled "Towards a strategic Programme for the internal Market"

  1016
  documents had been the subject of a previous debate either in European Standing Committee or on the Floor of the House. In respect of point (1), I refer the hon. Member to the Official Report.

  Members of the public can obtain copies of published European Community documents from the European Commission's public information services. The Government's explanatory memoranda on European Community documents are made available to a number of outside organisations and libraries and can also be obtained from the relevant Government Department.
  1017

  Documents shown as relevant to the debate

  a

  b

  c

  d

  e

  f

  g

  h

  i

  j

  (1) 6203/93 (COM(93)141)

  14521

  Annual Report for the Commission on the fight against fraud

  Describes the work 7 May 1993 achieved in 1992 in the fight against Fraud affecting the Community's financial interests and the 1993 Action Programme

  7 May 1993

  20 May 1993

  (1) 12 May 1993

  20 May 1993

  HC 79-xxx (1992–93)

  No MS report

  (2) 8366/93 (COM(93)339) (previously the subject of unnumbered EM submitted by the MAFF on 8 September 1993)

  14735

  (i)Proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC) amending Council Regulation (EEC) No. 386/90 on the monitoring carried out at the time of export of agricultural products reciving refunds or other amounts

  Commission report including draft Regulation to amend the Regulation on the procedures for examining export refunds

  6 September 1993

  19 July 1993

  (2) 10 September 1993

  8 September 1993 (MAFF unnumbered EM)

  HC 79-xxxvii (1992–93)

  No MS report

  (ii) Supplementary report on the application of Regulation (EEC) No. 360/90

  (3) 8340/92 (SEC(92)582)

  13908

  Sweden—Commission opinion on the application for accession

  See Column (c)

  26 August 1992

  7 August 1992

  (3) 16 September 1992

  FCO cover-note

  HC 79-vi (1992–93)

  No Ms report

  (4)5725/93 (SEC(92)2048)

  14340

  Finland's application for membership—opinion of the Commission

  See Column(c)

  30 November 1992

  4 November 1992

  (4) 10 February 1993

  16 February 1993

  HC 79-xx (1992–93)

  No MS report

  (5) 7839/93 (COM(93)313) (previously the subject of unnumbered EM submitted by FCO on 16 July 1993)

  14669

  Commission opinion on Cyprus' application for membership of the EC

  See Column (c)

  22 July 1993

  30 June 1993

  (5)26 July 1993

  16 July 1993 (FCO unnumbered EM)

  HC 79-xxxvi (1992–93)

  No MS report

  (6)7838/93

  14668

  Commission opinion on Malta's application for membership of EC

  See Column (c)

  22 July 1993

  30 June 1993

  (6) 26 July 1993

  16 July 1993 (FCO unnumbered EM)

  HC 79-xxxvi (1992–93)

  No MS report

  (7)9806/93 (SEC(93)1599)

  14899

  Communication from the Commission to the Council promoting economic recovery in Europe (the Edinburgh Growth Initiative) Autumn 1993 review

  Commission paper describing economic developments in the Community since the launch of the Growth Initiative in December 1992 and discusses possible further measures which might be taken to promote growth and employment

  17 November 1993

  20 October 1993

  (7)22 November 1993

  2 December 1993

  HC 48-ii To be published

  8 December 1993

SCOTLAND

  Departmental Offices (Heating Bills)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by location the annual fuel heating bills for each of his Department's offices for the last four years, and for this year to date.

  Mr. Lang
  The table gives the annual fuel heating bills since 1991–92 for those of my Department's offices where heating costs can be isolated from other energy costs. The Property Services Agency paid for most fuel used up to and including 1990–91.

  Building

  1991–92£

  1992–93£

  1993£

  1 John's Place, Edinburgh

  1,508·51

  1,501·83

  580·62

  10 Keith Street, Stornoway

  1,119·18

  572·70

  301·99

  132 Seagate, Dundee

  1,312·39

  978·43

  800·53

  16–22 Picardy Place, Edinburgh

  3,041·20

  1,910·10

  598·18

  16 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh

  11,351·37

  8,799·42

  6,153·68

  161 Brooms Road, Dumfries

  3,606·13

  3,013·58

  718·02

  2 Greenside Lane, Edinburgh

  1,767·40

  3,907·53

  1,082·93

  2 St. Ninians Road, Stirling

  2,064·54

  2,281·19

  739·37

  1018

  Building

  1991–92 £

  1992–93£

  1993£

  25 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh

  3,350·79

  4,922·63

  1,798·65

  26 Victoria Road, Kirkcaldy

  307·88

  104·14

  13·30

  43 Jeffrey St., Edinburgh

  13,323·46

  15,500·82

  9,155·41

  44 York Place, Edinburgh

  749·96

  177·94

  53·87

  631 Paisley Road West, Glasgow

  3,337·22

  4,428·16

  1,303·61

  83 East High Street, Forfar

  1,392·59

  1,405·63

  660·99

  83 Princes Street, Edinburgh

  —

  —

  81·94

  Alhambra House, Glasgow

  6,987·60

  10,569·60

  5,213·88

  Atholl House, Aberdeen

  6,138·56

  5,019·27

  2,056·00

  Balloch Road, Keith

  1,721·81

  2,731·16

  1,062·10

  Bankhead Avenue, Edinburgh

  932·48

  1,184·60

  465·76

  Barrack Street, Hamilton

  1,083·78

  1,443·51

  595·53

  Bute House, Edinburgh

  1,877·44

  2,133·63

  756·53

  Calton House, Edinburgh

  5,066·84

  10,516·72

  4,363·70

  Charlotte House, Lerwick

  730·74

  555·38

  244·79

  Corunna House, Glasgow

  10,205·82

  5,288·86

  0·00

  Custom House, Stornoway

  83·70

  240·70

  80·90

  Dalrymple Street, Greenock

  0·00

  67·96

  34·80

  Dover House, London

  1,508·53

  763·79

  2,008·00

  Girnigoe Street, Wick

  491·15

  503·34

  177·72

  Governor's House, Edinburgh

  1,941·97

  31·60

  591·91

  Grange Street, Kilmarnock

  355·97

  31·60

  0·00

  Greyfriars House, Aberdeen

  570·83

  415·59

  0·00

  Gyleview House, Edinburgh

  6,780·37

  7,575·00

  3,452·84

  1019

  Building

  1991–92 £

  1992–93 £

  1993 £

  James Craig Walk, Edinburgh

  18,148·61

  45,016·85

  24,133·52

  Jeanfield House, Perth

  2,475·62

  2,174·85

  1,004·24

  Keith House, Peterhead

  820·06

  1,017·64

  651·14

  Longman House, Inverness

  3,975·67

  4,418·46

  1,863·53

  Mason Street, Motherwell

  350·33

  105·79

  0·00

  New St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh

  210,289·05

  301,815·67

  167,414·58

  Pentland House, Edinburgh

  18,681·58

  19,679·48

  7,187·06

  Playfair House, Edinburgh

  3,745·62

  4,777·62

  1,514·87

  Queen Street, Buckie

  33·34

  167·74

  —

  Ruby House, Aberdeen

  —

  624·42

  243·59

  Russell House, Ayr

  2,147·88

  2,435·04

  996·96

  Saughton House, Edinburgh

  18,740·12

  20,878·22

  11,116·74

  Scorrybreck, Portree

  0·00

  285·12

  315·92

  Southlands, Elgin

  3,640·68

  2,373·65

  1,375·27

  St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh

  68,551·01

  56,703·71

  14,713·29

  St. Margaret's House, Edinburgh

  5,988·96

  7,597·93

  478·22

  Station Street, Stranraer

  2,177·67

  940·88

  48·41

  Strathbeg House, Thurso

  1,972·14

  2,018·05

  1,498·69

  Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall

  2,315·74

  2,230·96

  1,265·82

  Thainstone, Inverurie

  —

  —

  1,472·39

  The Vine, Dundee

  1,657·60

  628·91

  —

  Tormore, Dumfries

  370·15

  175·33

  0·00

  Tweedbank, Galashiels

  4,118·98

  4,491·62

  2,427·24

  Kilgarth Tip
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  to ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 10 December,Official Report, column 411, if he will publish the correspondence relating to his decision about the application by City of Glasgow district council in respect of Kilgarth tip, Coatbridge.

  Mr. Lang
  I do not intend to publish the correspondence relating to my decision in the Kilgarth case. It is our normal practice to treat such papers as private matters involving only the parties directly concerned. After decision letters are issued it is for each party to decide whether, or to what extent, it wishes to disclose details of the case.

  Cows and Ewes
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what according to(a) the most up-to-date and comprehensive data he has available and (b) the farm business survey, was the average number of (i) beef cows and (ii) ewes, carried on less-favoured areas livestock farms, by county and in Scotland.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The table provides information by region—county information is not readily available—on the average number of beef cows and ewes on cattle and sheep farms wholly or mainly in the less-favoured areas—LFAs—in Scotland from the agricultural census as at June 1992. As the farm accounts scheme covers only farms that are considered to be full-time commercial businesses, very small farms are excluded from the survey. The farm accounts scheme records the average number of livestock on the holding throughout the year. On LFA livestock farms, the average number of beef cows and ewes recorded by the farm accounts scheme in 1992–93 was 48 and 1020
  372 respectively. This compares with averages as at June of 46 and 364 respectively for similar farms from the agricultural census at June 1992.

  Average number of cattle and sheep farms wholly or mainly in the less-favoured areas at June 1992

  Region

  Beef cows

  Ewes

  Islands1

  10

  90

  Highland

  18

  189

  Grampian

  44

  128

  Tayside

  43

  505

  Fife

  44

  197

  Lothian

  47

  391

  Borders

  51

  647

  Central

  31

  457

  Strathclyde

  31

  285

  Dumfries and Galloway

  50

  343

  Scotland

  28

  239

  1Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles.

  Forest Parks
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the hectarage of each forest park in the United Kingdom.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The area of each national forest park in Great Britain is given in the table.

  Name

  Area (hectares)

  Afan

  3,300

  Argyll

  22,100

  Border

  71,700

  Coed y Brenin

  3,100

  Dean

  13,700

  Delamere

  600

  Galloway

  76,100

  Glenmore

  2,700

  Grizedale

  2,400

  Gwydyr

  5,600

  New Forest

  26,700

  North Riding

  12,600

  Queen Elizabeth

  21,400

  Sherwood Pines

  1,000

  Tay

  18,200

  Thetford

  18,700

  Whinlatter

  1,200

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been sold and from which forest parks since 1981 as part of the programme to dispose of Forestry Commission land.

  Sir Hector Monro
  Since 1 April 1989, the Forestry Commission has sold the following areas in national forest parks:

  Year

  Forest park

  Woodland

  Area (hectares)

  1990

  Thetford

  12 Acre Wood (part)

  0·1

  1990

  Border

  Stonehaugh

  0·9

  1992

  Border

  Sleetbeck

  0·6

  Sales of Forestry Commission land in national forest parks were not recorded separately before 1 April 1989 and the information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  1021
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will name the forest parks which he has no plans to privatise.

  Sir Hector Monro
  Ministers will await the advice of the forestry review group before considering what action, if any, should be taken in respect of the ownership and management of Forestry Commission woodlands.

  Farm Holdings
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average size of farm holding in the less-favoured areas as sampled by(a) the most recent farm business survey and (b) the most up-to-date and comprehensive data he has available, by country and in Scotland.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The table provides information by region—county information is not readily available—on the average size, in hectares, of cattle and sheep farms wholly or mainly in the less-favoured areas—LFAs—in Scotland from the agricultural census at June 1992. As the farm accounts scheme covers only farms that are considered to be full-time commercial businesses, very small farms are excluded from the survey. The average size of livestock farms wholly or mainly in the LFA as recorded in the farm accounts scheme sample for 1992–93 is 439 hectares, compared with 393 hectares for the average of similar farms in the agricultural census at June 1992.

  Average size of cattle and sheep farms wholly or mainly in the LFA at June 1992

  Region

  1Hectares

  Islands (Orkney, Shetland and Western Isles)

  48

  Highland

  403

  Grampian

  148

  Tayside

  763

  Fife

  101

  Lothian

  273

  Borders

  380

  Central

  418

  Strathclyde

  278

  Dumfries and Galloway

  214

  Scotland

  254

  1Total area of holding

  Spent Fuel Store, Torness
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to(a) make his decision on and (b) publish the report of the public local inquiry into the objections to the application to build a spent fuel store at Torness.

  Mr. Stewart
  My right hon. Friend expects to announce a decision in the new year. The report of the public inquiry will be made available at that time.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Lang
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. Copies of my reply will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Scottish Transport Group
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the board members of the Scottish Transport Group as at 7 September.
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: The Scottish Transport Group board members at 7 September 1993 were:

  Ian S. Irwin CBE (Chairman)

  Ronald S. McNeill CBE

  Robert S. Temple

  John Stark

  Archibald Douglas

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland from what source of funds the payments to former Scottish Transport Group managers, as described in a letter from Mr. A. Douglas, board member, of 7 September, are to be met.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The payments have been met from the Scottish Transport Group's cash balances.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he took on whether there was a legal obligation to offer payments in lieu of BUPA membership to former Scottish Transport Group managers; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This was a matter for the Scottish Transport Group. Legal advice obtained by the STG board was that contractual obligations existed in relation to BUPA membership.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many former members of Scottish Transport Group management have been sent letters from Mr. A. Douglas, board member, dated 7 September concerning payments in lieu of BUPA membership; and how many have responded so far.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I understand that the Scottish Transport Group sent letters to 27 individuals and that all responded.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the offer of payments in lieu of BUPA membership made in a letter of 7 September by Mr. A. Douglas was available to board members of the Scottish Transport Group.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The offer of payments in lieu of BUPA membership was available to executive board members of the Scottish Transport Group.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current value of assets owned by the Scottish Transport Group.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The value is £8·7 million.

  Gas Pipeline
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions have taken place with local fishermen's associations and other maritime-interest groups concerning the installation of the gas pipeline between the south of Scotland and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
  1023
  Sir Hector Monro
  Premier Transco Ltd., a British Gas subsidiary, has conducted a series of consultations with a wide range of fishery and other maritime interest groups. This consultation is taking place prior to Premier Transco formally submitting its application to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry should the company decide to proceed with the development.

  Shrieval Bench Vacancies
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications were received following the intimation for two judicial vacancies on the Shrieval bench in the "Scots Law Times;" and how many applicants were female.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Applications specifically resulting from the intimation in the "Scots Law Times" numbered 11, of which four were from female candidates.

  Laurence Peterken
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will provide substantive answers to the outstanding questions from the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill of 2 December relating to Mr. Laurence Peterken.

  Mr. Stewart
  I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The table shows the number of information officer grades employed in the Scottish Office information directorate in each year since 1983:

  Number of information officer grades

  Vacancies

  1983

  20·0

  —

  1984

  20·0

  —

  1985

  19·0

  1

  1986

  20·0

  2

  1987

  22·0

  1

  1988

  23·0

  1

  1989

  28·0

  3

  1990

  31·5

  —

  1991

  33·5

  —

  1992

  29·5

  2

  1993

  31·5

  —

  Agriculture Census
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the variation of the acreage listed under the heading of roads, yards and buildings in the June censuses for the years 1982 to 1992; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The area of roads, yards and buildings is included in the category "other land" in the agricultural census. The figures in hectares for this category of land on main holdings are as follows:1024

  Hectares

  1982

  45,212

  1983

  45,108

  1984

  35,795

  1985

  37,025

  1986

  38,358

  1987

  38,193

  1988

  40,035

  1989

  44,314

  1990

  52,239

  1991

  47,470

  1992

  46,002

  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total land area in Scotland as shown in the June census figures(a) in 1986 and (b) in 1987; and what was the reason for the difference.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The total agricultural area on main holdings in 1986 and 1987, including common grazings, was 5,967,552 hectares and 5,954,416 hectares respectively. These figures are consistent with the main holdings definition introduced in 1991. Explanations for differences in areas from year to year are not collected in census returns. However, the bulk of the change in total agricultural area reflects a change in the area of rough grazings.

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the areas of Forestry Commission woods in the Clydebank and Milngavie constituency.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 13 December 1993]: The only Forestry Commission woodland in the hon. Member's constituency is part of Auchineden wood.

  Harbours
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the amounts of public funds spent on each harbour during the past 10 years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Departmental Files
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many files marked "Not for National Audit Office eyes" are held by the Department; and how many are marked "Not for Public Accounts Committee eyes".

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 6 December 1993]: There is a total of 263 subject files in my Department which carry the marking "Not for NAO Eyes".

  The marking "Not for NAO eyes" is used in accordance with guidance from the Treasury and agreed by the National Audit Office under which documents relating to the handling of relations between Departments and the NAO are not automatically available to NAO while they are current.

  The marking is removed once the subject matter is no longer current. The Scottish Office audit unit checks from time to time to ensure that the marking is being used and removed correctly.

  There are no files marked "Not for PAC eyes".

  New Towns
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many staff are expected to be employed in each of the new town corporations at the time of their winding up; how many will have been transferred before the winding up of each of the new towns; how many of the transferred staff will be covered by the Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Regulation 1981 and the European Community acquired rights directive; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 8 December 1993]: It is not possible to predict how many staff will be employed at final wind-up. Staff will retire or be transferred to other bodies or be made redundant at different times during the wind-up period, depending on the completion of projects, the outcome of negotiations with the bodies to receive transferees and the demands of the complex process of winding up. Whether the TUPE regulations apply to a group of staff is a matter for decision in each case, in the light of legal advice, by the body which takes over the associated function. Therefore it is not possible to predict how many staff will transfer by virtue of TUPE. Current staff members for each development corporation were given in my answer to the hon. Member for East Kilbride (Mr. Ingram), on 6 December 1993, Official Report, column 84.

  Set-aside Land
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the area, in hectares, of new entrants to the five-year set-aside scheme for Scotland in the year beginning September 1991, the number of hectares which came out of the scheme in the year ending September 1991 and the number of hectares that have joined the scheme since September 1992.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 14 December 1993]: The areas, as reported, in respect of the five-year set-aside scheme in Scotland are as follows:

  (a) New entrants in the year from 1 October 1991: 3,765 hectares.

  Expenditure in real terms (1992–93) on NDPBs under the Secretary of State for Scotland's control

  1990–91 £ million

  1991–92 £

  1992–93 £

  1993–94 £million

  Edinburgh New Town Conservation Committee

  0·9

  0·9

  0·9

  0·9

  Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland

  2·0

  3·8

  2·7

  2·6

  Scottish Natural Heritage

  ..

  ..

  33·5

  35·0

  National Board for Nursing

  27·7

  28·6

  29·3

  4·0

  Scottish Medical Practices Committee

  31·8

  36·2

  36·9

  34·9

  Scottish Council for Post Graduate Medical Education

  3·1

  2·4

  2·8

  3·2

  Scottish Enterprise

  ..

  401·6

  380·7

  360·8

  Highlands and Islands Enterprise

  0·3

  61·7

  62·8

  58·9

  Scottish Tourist Board

  13·7

  13·0

  13·9

  13·1

  Craigie College

  2·6

  1·7

  1·5

  ..

  Jordanhill College

  14·0

  11·1

  9·6

  ..

  Moray House College

  10·6

  7·0

  7·4

  ..

  St. Andrews College

  5·0

  3·8

  3·9

  ..

  Northern College

  7·9

  5·1

  5·1

  ..

  National Galleries of Scotland

  8·0

  7·8

  9·0

  9·7

  National Library of Scotland

  10·7

  12·5

  14·9

  20·4

  National Museums of Scotland

  13·9

  14·0

  16·0

  16·4

  Scottish Sports Council

  6·1

  7·3

  9·8

  10·0

  Scottish Community Education Council

  0·6

  0·6

  0·6

  0·6

  Scottish Council for Educational Technology

  1·6

  1·5

  1·4

  1·4

  Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  ..

  ..

  1·8

  404·8

  Scottish Film Council

  0·6

  0·6

  0·8

  0·8

  Scottish Vocational Education Council

  ..

  ..

  0·7

  1·3

  1026
  (b) Withdrawals in the year ending 30 September 1991: 1,720 hectares.

  (c) Land entered into the scheme from 1 October 1992: 400 hectares.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what is(a) the 1993–94 estimated outturn and (b) the 1994–95 planned provision of local authority net capital expenditure in Scotland.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 14 December 1993]: The information is (a) £878 million and (b) £918 million respectively, resulting in an increase of over £39 million or 4·5 per cent.

  The figures for both years are inclusive of capital grants. They exclude expenditure carried forward from previous years under the end-year flexibility arrangements. The also exclude capital expenditure funded from revenue and from the European regional development fund. The planned provision for 1994–95 is provisional since detailed expenditure allocations are subject to revision until final plans are published in the departmental report "Serving Scotland's Needs".

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing in 1992–93 prices, the gross public spending for each year since 1990–91 and the projected expenditure for each year to 1995–96 for each executive non-departmental public body sponsored by his Department, as listed in "Public Bodies 1992".

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 15 December 1993]: The following table shows the amount of central Government funding received by each body in the years 1990–91 to 1993–94.

  The figures for 1993–94 are expected outturn.

  The expenditure allocations for future years are not decided more than one year ahead and those for 1994–95 are not yet available in all cases.

  Further information will be published in the departmental report "Serving Scotland's Needs."
  1027

  1990–91 £ million

  1991–92 £ million

  1992–93 £ million

  1993–94 £ million

  New Town Development Corporations

  Cumbernauld

  233·2

  12·6

  13·3

  3·7

  East Kilbride

  6·4

  10·2

  12·0

  24·9

  Glenrothes

  150·5

  12·5

  15·7

  2·8

  Irvine

  175·8

  12·7

  11·8

  12·5

  Livingston

  209·9

  64·3

  25·3

  34·6

  Scottish Homes

  253·0

  468·0

  566·9

  299·4

  Animal Diseases Research Association

  4·0

  3·7

  4·0

  3·9

  Hannah Research Institute

  3·4

  3·3

  3·6

  3·5

  Rowett Research Institute

  6·5

  12·4

  7·7

  6·8

  Scottish Crop Research Institute

  7·5

  7·5

  8·6

  8·9

  Crofters Commission

  1·1

  1·4

  1·3

  1·3

  Red Deer Commission

  0·4

  0·4

  0·4

  0·4

  Royal Botanic Garden

  5·1

  4·9

  5·6

  6·2

  Police (Scotland) Examination Board

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Scottish Conveyancing and Executry Services Board

  ..

  ..

  0·1

  0·0

  Scottish Legal Aid Board

  77·3

  86·0

  112·2

  116·5

  Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman

  ..

  ..

  0·1

  0·7

  Greater Glasgow Health Board
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many firms were invited to tender for the public relations contract at Greater Glasgow health board; and what is the minimum number of firms that are required to be invited to ensure competitive tendering.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 25 November 1993]: I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Libraries of the House.

EMPLOYMENT

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 14 December 1993 by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minster,Official Report, column 561.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the name and job description of each special ministerial adviser employed in his Department, showing any particular outputs for which each adviser is responsible.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My special adviser is Mr. Michael McManus. His job is to advise Ministers on policy matters.

  Access to Work Scheme
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what plans he has to extend the period when employers would not be expected to contribute towards the purchase of equipment or services under the access to work scheme;

  (2) when the initial six-month period when employers will not be required to contribute towards the purchase of specialist equipment or services for disabled employees will commence;
  1028
  (3) when he expects to make an announcement on
  (a) the level of the ceiling for employer contributions and (b) the level of ceiling on allocations for individual employees within the new access to work scheme;

  (4) if he will outline the procedures for making needs assessments under the new access to work scheme;

  (5) if he will outline the impact of the introduction of employer contributions towards the purchase of specialist equipment and services for disabled employees upon (a) self-employed disabled people, (b) part-time disabled employees, (c) disabled employees working from home, (d) disabled employees on temporary contracts of one year or less and (e) disabled people contracted to work concurrently for two or more separate employers;

  (6) if he will make a statement on what transitional arrangements will be put in place for those disabled employees currently in receipt of equipment and services under special schemes, following the commencement of the access to work scheme;

  (7) if he will make it his policy to establish a mechanism enabling disabled employees to lodge appeals against capping limits set under the new access to work scheme.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made a statement about access to work to the House on 22 June 1993,Official Report, column 102. Access to work will replace and extend four of the Department's current special schemes and enable us to help more disabled people and meet a much wider range of their employment related needs. Clients' needs will be assessed by the Employment Service's placing, assessment and counselling teams in consultation with clients and their employers and buying in expert advice where necessary.

  There have been a number of issues on access to work on which my right hon. Friend has still to make decisions. We are currently listening to the views of a number of interested parties and individuals. My right hon. Friend will make decisions on these areas and make an announcement as soon as possible.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment has been made by his Department of the impact of the introduction of an employers' contribution and individual employee caps under access to work upon those employees requiring new equipment or services as a result of internal promotions.
  1029
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The possibility of an employee needing new help on promotion is one which we are taking into account in setting ceilings, both for individuals' entitlement and employer contribution.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what steps he is taking to prevent employers from attempting to recover the costs of employer contributions for disabled employees under access to work through reducing salaries and pay rises of the particular employees;

  (2) if he will indicate what provisions are in place to assist a disabled person to keep his or her job in the event of an employer refusing to make a financial contribution towards equipment and services under the new access to work scheme.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Placing assessment and counselling teams will work closely with employers who have employees being helped under access to work to ensure that they are fully aware of the benefits of retaining those employees. The PACTs will help the employer identify cost-effective help to ensure that any necessary contribution is minimised. In addition, the maximum contribution will be capped at a modest level. We believe that employers will be willing to pay a reasonable contribution to retain the services of valued existing employees, but employers who do deduct pay in these circumstances may face claims under the Wages Act 1986.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the disability organisations he has met to date to discuss the requirement upon employers to pay a contribution towards the purchase of special equipment and services for disabled employees as set out in the access to work proposals.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met representatives of the Royal National Institute for the Blind, MENCAP, the Spinal Injuries Association, the Royal National Institute of Deaf People, RADAR, Deaf Accord and the Employers' Forum on Disability, to discuss the new scheme, access to work, about which he made a statement to the House on 22 June 1993,Official Report, columns 102-03. My noble Friend Lord Henley has also met representatives from the National Federation for the Blind in the United Kingdom and from the Homeworkers Action Group for Blind and Partially Sighted People.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on the average amount of time spent in assessing the needs of disabled employees under each of the current special schemes for employment for each of the last three years.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Health and Safety Executive
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what costs have so far been incurred by the Health and Safety Executive in the course of its pay and grading review, including both the costs of external consultants and in-house staff.
  1030
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Up to 14 December 1993 the Health and Safety Executive had incurred costs of £178,010·72 in connection with its pay and grading review. This figure includes purchase of software, consultants' fees, and associated travel and subsistence expenses. The cost in terms of in-house staff is not available and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost. Staff throughout the organisation are involved in aspects of this initiative.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many factory inspectors were employed in the Health and Safety Executive on 1 June; and what proportion of these were in the class II grade.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 1 June 1993 the Health and Safety Executive employed 722·5 factory inspectors. Of these 29 per cent. were in the class II grade.

  Figures given are full-time equivalent counts; part-timers are counted as half units.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people occupied posts in the Health and Safety Executive at grade 4 level and above on 1 April 1990 and on 1 December 1993.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 1 April 1990 the number of posts occupied by the Health and Safety Executive at grade 4 level and above was 12; on 1 December 1993 it was 14.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what imbalances in grade mix had been identified by the Health and Safety Executive in the period up to April 1990; and what action the Health and Safety Executive had taken to reduce these imbalances.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No imbalances in grade mix were identified by the Health and Safety Executive in the period up to April 1990, or have been since.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many staff in the Health and Safety Executive, and in what grades, have been identified as surplus.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Health and Safety Executive has not identified any as being surplus.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what customer satisfaction surveys have been conducted by the Health and Safety Executive; and what were the results of these surveys in terms of percentage of respondents who identified the service they received from the Health and Safety Executive as good or excellent.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Health and Safety Executive carried out customer satisfaction surveys in 1992, and 1993 as part of its commitment to the citizens charter. Results for 1993 show that 85 per cent. of people were satisfied with the way HSE responded to inquiries, and 95 per cent. described the service obtained as good or excellent.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what grant in aid was paid to the Health and Safety Executive in 1991–92, 1992–93, and 1993–94 to date; and what sums are due to be paid in 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1997–98.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Health and Safety Executive received £157·7 million grant in aid in 1991–92
  1031
  and £171·3 million in 1992–93. For 1993–94, up to 30 November 1993, HSE had received £118·2 million. Information about provision for HSE in future years, will be published in the departmental report.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what recruitment of staff is planned by the Health and Safety Executive before 1994.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Health and Safety Executive is considering plans to announce recruitment competitions for certain groups of specialist inspectors such as railways inspectors. The timing of any such recruitments has not been decided.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of accidents reported at work are investigated by the Health and Safety Executive; and what are the criteria for deciding which accidents to investigate.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Provisional figures for the financial year 1992–93 show that 6·4 per cent. of the total number of workplace injuries reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985 and associated legislation were investigated.

  All fatalities are investigated and the proportion of other injuries investigated varies according to the severity of the injury incurred, the magnitude of the hazard and the potential risk to workers or the public. Other criteria taken into account include the likelihood that a serious breach of the law has occurred, whether the accident appears to be one of a series of recurring events and whether investigation will provide better information about a new process.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many staff in the Health and Safety Executive were approached to take early retirement in 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1993–94 to date.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of staff who took early retirement from the Health and Safety Executive in the relevant years are as follows:

  Numbers

  1990–91

  33

  1991–92

  27

  1993 to date1

  45

  115 December 1993.

  The reasons for early retirement are varied, including medical and compassionate grounds. Records do not distinguish between self-nomination and invitation. None of the posts from which these staff retired had been identified as surplus.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many agricultural inspectors were employed in the Health and Safety Executive on 1 June; and what proportion of these were assistant agricultural inspectors.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 1 June 1993 the Health and Safety Executive employed 185 agricultural inspectors. Of these 29 per cent. were assistant agricultural inspectors.

  Figures given are full-time equivalent counts, part-timers are counted as half units.
  1032
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what impact the surpluses of staff in the employment group as a whole will have upon the staffing levels and grade mix in the Health and Safety Executive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Health and Safety Executive has offered, and will continue to offer, vacancies which arise to suitable surplus staff from the Employment Group. This has had no impact on staffing levels or grade mix within the executive, nor is any foreseen in the future.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many of the Health and Safety Executive's staff were employed on 1 December on deregulation initiatives from either himself or the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  On 1 December, the Health and Safety Executive had a deregulation unit with three staff. It also had four staff working on the Health and Safety Commission's review of regulation. However, staff throughout the organisation are involved in aspects of this initiative.

  Health and Safety Commission
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the composition and accountability of the members of the Health and Safety Commission.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Health and Safety Commission is currently composed of a chairman and nine members. The members are appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in accordance with section 10(2) of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.

  The accountability of the commission to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and via him to Parliament, laid out in paragraphs 14 and 15 of schedule 2 to the HSWA.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the future role of the Health and Safety Commission in the introduction of, and repeal of, health and safety legislation.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, Ministers have the power to make health and safety regulations for the general purposes of the Act. These are, in essence, to secure the health, safety and welfare of people at work and of others affected by work activities. Such regulations must be made either on the basis of proposals submitted by the Health and Safety Commission, or after consultation with the commission.

  This procedure applies both to the introduction of new health and safety legislation and to regulations which repeal or modify existing legislation.

  Focus Project
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current cost to the Health and Safety Executive of the FOCUS project; when the system will be introduced; and whether it has fulfilled all the objectives set for it.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The cost of the FOCUS project was £4·42 million at 30 November 1993, the latest date for which information is readily available.
  1033
  The Health and Safety Executive plans to introduce the system in stages, commencing in April 1994.

  Objectives relating to the increased efficiency of text production have been met. Objectives which relate to the use of improved intelligence cannot be met until the system is fully operational and contains significant amounts of data.

  Manufacturing Jobs
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list by parliamentary constituency in London the number of manufacturing jobs lost since April 1992.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The information requested is not available. The latest employment information for parliamentary constituencies is for 1989 and 1991, from the periodic censuses of employment. This can be used to estimate the net change in the number of employees in employment. Information from these censuses, for manufacturing industry and by parliamentary constituency, can be obtained from the NOMIS database available in the Library.

  Education and Training
  Dame Angela Rumbold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has for maintaining the national targets for national education and training until the target date of 1996.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Government endorse the national targets and have established the National Advisory Council for Education and Training Targets to

  Employment Department

  Function

  Regional Office

  Area Office (s)

  Industrial Tribunals

  Birmingham

  Exeter

  Bristol

  Exeter

  Bury St Edmunds

  Bedford

  Cardiff

  Shrewsbury

  Leeds

  Sheffield

  London (North), WC1

  London (South), Croydon

  Ashford

  Manchester

  liverpool

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Nottingham

  Leicester

  Southampton

  Brighton

  Reading

  Redundancy Payments Offices

  Birmingham (South West, Midlands and Wales Group)

  Manchester (Northern Group)

  Manchester Edinburgh

  London and South Eastern Counties, Watford

  Race Relations Employment Advisory Service

  Brimingham

  Leeds

  London

  Manchester

  Nottingham

  Wages Inspectorate

  London NW1

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Employment Agency Licensing Offices

  Watford

  Birmingham

  Leeds

  Training, Enterprise and Education Directorate

  Birmingham

  Manchester

  Basingstoke

  London WC1

  Nottingham

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  1034
  monitor progress towards them and to give advice on policies affecting that progress. Towards the end of 1994, the council plans to begin consulting on a review of the targets.

  Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what decisions were made at the Brussels summit of 10 and 11 December affecting the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The European Commission, in its report to the Council, stated its intention to bring forward a proposal to amend the acquired rights directive-77/187/EEC—in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 give effect to the directive in the United Kingdom.

  The European Council asked the Commission to submit formal proposals in this and other subject areas at an early date, for adoption as quickly as possible.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the regional and area offices of his Department, and of inspectorates, agencies and other public bodies for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The regional and area offices of the Department are given in the following table:
  1035

  Function

  Regional Office

  Area Office(s)

  Manchester

  Bristol

  Leeds

  Cambridge

  Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service Regional Office

  Birmingham

  Bristol

  Cardiff

  Aldershot

  Glasgow

  Leeds

  Manchester

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  London, NW1

  Health and Safety Executive

  Regional Director housed at

  Area Office

  Cardiff

  Bristol

  Cardiff

  Luton

  Basingstoke

  Chelmsford

  Luton

  Southwark, London SE1

  East Grinstead

  Barking

  Southwark, London SEI

  Birmingham

  Northampton

  Birmingham

  Newcastle-under-Lyme

  Nottingham

  Leeds

  Sheffield

  Leeds

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Manchester

  Manchester

  Bootle

  Preston

  Edinburgh

  Edinburgh

  Glasgow

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  Middlesbrough

  Washington

  Durham

  Leeds

  Bradford

  Sheffield

  Hull

  Wakefield

  Leeds

  Nottingham

  Derby

  Northampton

  Leicester

  Norwich

  Nottingham

  London WCI

  Luton

  London EC3

  Reading

  Colchester

  London SW1

  Fareham

  Canterbury

  London SE1

  London NW1

  Bromley

  Goodmayes

  Wimbledon

  Hayes

  Shoreham-by-Sea

  London W4

  Bristol

  Bristol

  Truro

  Exeter

  Bournemouth

  Gloucester

  Cardiff

  Wrexham

  Swansea

  1036

  Regional Director housed at

  Area Office

  Newbridge

  Pontypridd

  Birmingham

  Birmingham

  Kidderminster

  Coventry

  Newcastle-under-Lyme

  West Bromwich

  Wolverhampton

  Manchester

  Warrington

  Liverpool

  Cockermouth

  Rochdale

  Preston

  Worsley

  Bootle

  Edinburgh

  Kilmarnock

  Inverness

  Glasgow2

  Edinburgh

  Hamilton

  Dundee

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Miss Widdecombe
  For correspondence received from members of the public, the information is not available in the form requested. Such correspondence is dealt with by officials who are required to clear all letters within 10 working days. However, no central records are kept of the proportion that are cleared within this target.

  For correspondence received from Members of Parliament from 1 January 1993 to date, 85 per cent. received a substantive reply within 15 working days. The Department does not routinely send acknowledgements. However, where it is not possible to reply within 15 days, an interim letter is sent explaining the reason for the delay.

  The chief executive of the Employment Service provided hon. Members with substantive replies to 97 per cent. of letters received in the same period. The Employment Service acknowledges all letters received from hon. Members within five working days.

  Public Meetings
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what requirements are imposed on training and enterprise councils to hold meetings in public of the main governing body, any committees and any sub-committees; and what rights of access the public have to agendas, minutes, and reports of such bodies, committees and sub-committees.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Training and enterprise councils are accountable to their local communities in a number of ways. Their contract requires that they hold a public
  1037
  meeting at least annually, make publicly available their corporate plan and publish an annual report and audited statement of accounts.

  However, TECs are private companies and access to their meetings and to matters relating to these meetings is entirely for them to decide.

  North Norfolk Action
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the extra cost of North Norfolk Action over and above the benefits previously paid to participants and the overall saving from those who have left the unemployment register due to moving directly from North Norfolk Action to regular employment or from ceasing to claim benefit after interview for North Norfolk Action participation; and what was the overall saving made in the first six months.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Sir Ralph Howell, dated 17 December 1993.
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about the extra cost of North Norfolk Action and the overall saving from those who have left the unemployment register due to moving from North Norfolk Action to employment or ceasing to claim benefit.
  The extra cost of North Norfolk Action in addition to the cost of the benefit previously paid to participants up to 30 November 1993 is £167,300. The breakdown of how the expenditure was made up is as follows:

  £

  (a) Provider Fees

  111,101

  (b) Allowances £10 per week per participant

  17,780

  (c) Fares to work

  3,436

  (d) Publicity

  1,500

  (e) Running cost (including management of the programme contract and administration of the caseload element)

  33,483

  As I have previously explained, it is not possible to estimate the benefit savings made as a result of North Norfolk Action. This is because only through a proper evaluation exercise is it possible to take into account the effect of such factors as "deadweight" and "substitution". Evaluation results will be available later next year.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which organisations have tended to manage job clubs in Scotland and the north-east of England under his market-testing initiative; which have been shortlisted; and when a decision will be made to award contracts.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Alan Milburn, dated 17 December 1993:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about which organisations have tended to manage Jobclubs in
  1038
  Scotland and the North East of England under his market-testing initiative; which have been shortlisted; and when a decision will be made to award contracts.
  A total of 168 organisations expressed an interest in bidding to run Employment Service (ES) Jobclub Services in Scotland and 102 in the ES Northern region, under the Employment Service's market testing programme. A list of these organisations is attached. In addition, a further 48 organisations expressed an interest in bidding in two or more ES Regions. A list of those organisations is also attached. These may or may not have bid for Jobclub Services in Scotland and ES Northern Region; this information is not available without considerable research which would be at disproportionate cost.
  There was no shortlisting undertaken for the Jobclubs market test and therefore all organisations on the attached list were bidders and were evaluated against strict criteria involving performance assessment, commercial assessment and risk assessment.
  The decision on award of contracts for this market test is currently being discussed, and results will be announced early in the New Year.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Market Testing: Jobclub Services (Northern)

  Action Community College Ltd.

  Administration Management Ltd.

  Aker Contracts plc

  Apex Trust (N/NW/Y and H)

  Ashwood House Associates

  Aycliffe (ITEC) Ltd.

  B. B. Training 7 Enterprise

  Beam Ltd.

  British Coal Enterprise (Northern)

  Castle Training

  Central Employment Agency

  CICT Ltd.

  City of Sunderland

  COTEC Training Services Ltd.

  CRA Accredited Trainers

  Crosby Training

  CTF Training (3)

  CTF Training (North Shields)

  Cumbria Training Company Ltd.

  D.I.S.C. Ltd.

  D. W. Associates Ltd.

  Employment Service (Northern)

  F. A. M. Helliwell

  Finchale Training College

  Flagstaff Services

  FPAC

  Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council

  Gordon Hill

  Graduate into Enterprise North East

  Grangetown Primary Services Ltd.

  Grangetown Primary Services Ltd. (J)

  Guisborough Community Resource Centre

  Hands Business Support Ltd.

  Hartlepool Borough Council

  Hartlepool College of Further Education

  Highland Training and Development

  ICI Chemicals and Polymers Ltd.

  Initiative Management (North East) Ltd.

  Jobclub IHB (Ainwick)

  Jobclub IHB (Ashington 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Ashington 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Cramlington 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Cramlington 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Crook)

  Jobclub IHB (Darlington)

  Jobclub IHB (Durham)

  Jobclub IHB (Gateshead 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Gateshead 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Middlesbrough 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Middlesbrough 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Newcastle 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Newcastle 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Newcastle 3)

  Jobclub IHB (Peterlee)

  Jobclub IHB (Redcar)

  Jobclub IHB (Stanley)

  1039

  Jobclub IHB (Stockton)

  Jobclub IHB (Sunderland 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Sunderland 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Wallsend 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Wallsend 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Wallsend)

  Johnstone Wintrip Associates Ltd.

  Key Training Ltd.

  LL Associates

  Mantech Training

  Microcom

  Midas Management

  Nowbray Park Hotel

  N C T C

  Neeta Ltd.

  Neil Chapman

  Neta Training Trust

  Northumberland College of Arts and Technology

  Northumbrian Industrial Mission

  Peterlee College

  Pole Positions

  Positive People Development

  Primat Recruitment

  Project North East

  R D Recruitment Ltd.

  S Y C G Training Ltd.

  Shaw Project

  South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

  Specialised Technical Services Ltd.

  Stenvenson College

  Stockton and Billingham College

  Taylor Nash Wilmington

  Team Moore

  Tedco

  Teesside Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  The Business Club

  The Lamb Inn

  The Northern Training Trust

  Training Advice Centre

  Training Co Ltd.

  Training Developments

  Tyne and Wear Enterprise Trust Ltd.

  Tyne and Wear Chamber of Commerce

  Van Hee

  Walker Hall Associates

  Market Test Jobclub Services (Scotland)

  A. S. A. International Ltd.

  Aberdeen Business and Computer Training

  Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce

  Action for Workers

  Adam Associates (Strathclyde) Ltd.

  Adult Community Training (Dundee) Ltd.

  Aker Contracting plc

  Balvenie House Ltd.

  Best Ltd.

  Blackness Training Company

  Brag Enterprises Ltd.

  Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise Co.

  Central Regional Council

  Central Training Consultants Ltd.

  CHT Training Services

  Ciel

  Clyde Marine Consultants Ltd.

  Coatbridge College

  Comhairle Nan Eilean

  Cumbernauld Chamber of Commerce

  Cumbria Training Company Ltd.

  Dave Edwards

  Development Options

  Directions

  Drumchapel Opportunities

  Drummond and Company

  Dundee and Tayside Chamber of Commerce

  Dundee Enterprise Trust

  Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

  Edinburgh University Settlement

  Employment Service (Scotland)

  Enable

  Facilities Support Services

  Fairweather Associates

  1040

  Fife Marketing

  Fife Regional Council

  FT Training Centre Ltd.

  Fyrish Ltd.

  Glasgow Opportunities Enterprise Trust

  Glenrothes College

  Grampian Regional Council (Grampian TRG)

  Greater Easterhouse Development Company

  Hamperhill Associates

  Heat Development Dundee Ltd.

  High Profile PR

  Highland and Perthshire Development Co.

  Highland Regional Council

  Highland Training and Development

  Hotel and Leisure Management Services

  Human Resources Management Services

  I. M. S. (JC)

  Ipedex UK Ltd.

  James McGillivray

  JCS Training Services Ltd.

  Jobclub IHB (Aberdeen)

  Jobclub IHB (Airdie 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Airdie 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Aniesland 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Aniesland 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Ayr)

  Jobclub IHB (Coatbridge 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Coatbridge 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Cumbernauld 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Cumbernauld 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Dalkeith)

  Jobclub IHB (Dumfries)

  Jobclub IHB (Dundee 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Dundee 1)

  Jobclub IHB (East Kilbridge 1)

  Jobclub IHB (East Kilbridge 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Easterhouse 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Easterhouse 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Edinburgh 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Edinburgh 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Elgin 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Elgin 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Galashiels)

  Jobclub IHB (Greenock)

  Jobclub IHB (Invergordon)

  Jobclub IHB (Inverness)

  Jobclub IHB (Irvine)

  Jobclub IHB (Kilmarnock 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Kilmarnock 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Kirkaldy 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Kirkaldy 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Livingston)

  Jobclub IHB (Maryhill 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Maryhill 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Paisley)

  Jobclub IHB (Parkhead 1)

  Jobclub IHB (Parkhead 2)

  Jobclub IHB (Peterhead)

  Jobclub IHB (Poterbello)

  Jobclub IHB (Renfrew)

  Jobclub IHB (Wester Hailes)

  Johnstone Winstrip Associates Ltd.

  Kirkcaldy District Council

  Lagta Ltd.

  Lauder College

  Leap

  Lews Castle College

  Link Training (Ayrshire)

  Link Training (Clydebank)

  Link Training (Glasgow)

  Link Training (Grampian)

  Link Training (Lanarkshire)

  Link Training (Lothian)

  Link Training (Tayside)

  Link Training Centre

  Livingston Development Corporation

  Lothian Management Training

  M.D.S. Ltd.

  M.I. Technologies Ltd.

  Margaret L. F. Miller

  1041

  Melville Craig Selection

  Mentor

  Microcom

  Mid-Argyll Friends of A.R.M.S. Ltd.

  Midas Management

  Morrision (T and C)

  Nailet

  Nevis Training Centre

  Nicola Brown

  North East Fife District Council

  Oilfab Group Ltd.

  Paisley/Renfrew Enterprise Trust Ltd.

  Perth College

  Peter Gunn Associates

  Petrology Ltd.

  Primat Recruitment

  Queen Margaret College

  Ross and Cromarty District Council

  Royal National Institute for the Blind

  Scot West Training Services Ltd.

  Scottish Association for Mental Health

  Scottish Business Services

  Scottish Council for Spastics

  Scottish National Council for YMCAS

  Sight and Sound Education Ltd. (2)

  Specialised Technical Services Ltd.

  Step Ahead

  Stevenson College

  Strathkelvin District Council

  Strathkelvin Enterprise Trust

  Support Training Ltd.

  Support Training Ltd. (Mainland)

  Tank Refurbishment Ltd.

  Tayside Regional Council

  Tayside Training Company Ltd.

  Teleford College

  Tell Training Ltd.

  The Cuplan Recruitment Agency

  The James Dey Consultancy

  The Scottish Training Foundation

  The Wise Group

  Training Co Ltd.

  Training Enterprise Cumberland Ltd.

  Training Exchange Services

  Unity Enterprise

  University of Strathclyde

  Vera Farquhar

  Vistol Limited

  Weir, O'Neill Partners

  Wellpark Consultancy Services

  William M. Irving

  WLR Associates Ltd.

  Workwise Ltd.

  Market test: jobclubs national

  Adia Prime Candidates

  AGCAS

  Aintree Training Services

  Apex Trust

  Association of British Chambers of Commerce Brook Street

  Cepec Ltd.

  Charlstone Training Services

  Choice Training Services

  Chusid Lander Consultants

  Community Industry (2)

  Computer arid Banking Consultancy Selection

  Cornwall College

  CRA Accredited Trainers (National)

  Enhancement Ltd.

  Grand Metropolitan Community Services

  H.D.A.

  JHP Training Ltd.

  JIL Training Services

  Joblink Trust

  Jobworld

  Learn a Living Ltd.

  Link Training (HO)

  Mack

  Margaret Bardsley

  Methven Career Development Ltd.

  1042

  Microtech Computer Services (N.W.) Ltd.

  Nacro

  NES International Ltd.

  Northavon Enterprise Ltd.

  P O C Associates Ltd.

  Pauline Hyde and Associates

  Pauline Hyde and Associates Ltd.

  Psychology at Work

  Right Associates

  Rite Associates

  Royal National Institute for the Blind

  Sanders 7 Sidney plc

  Scott-Grant Management Services Ltd.

  Shaw Trust

  Sight and Sound Education Ltd.

  Skills Training 2000

  Technology Project Services

  The Brettonwood Partnership Ltd.

  The Training and Factory Business

  Training Network Ltd.

  University of Strathclyde (National)

  Y Training Services (JC)

  Expressions of interest:=48

  Health and Safety Legislation
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what consideration he has given to consulting(a) the insurance industry and (b) the Employment Medical Advisory Service on the Health and Safety Commission review of health and safety legislation; and what were his reasons in each case for his decision on whether they should be consulted.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not expect to receive the Health and Safety Commission's final report on its review of health and safety regulations until April 1994. He will then consult widely and welcome any representations.

  Tree Removal, Wanstead
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which health and safety regulations applied in the continued use of heavy machinery with protesters still chained to it, trying to prevent the felling of the chestnut tree at George Green, Wanstead.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 15 December 1993]: Health and safety legislation is not generally intended to afford protection to protesters who seek to disrupt work activity through civil disorder.

  I understand that the police attended the incident referred to and that they have a duty in common law to preserve the peace.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made as to the effectiveness of co-operation between the Crown Prosecution Service and the Merseyside police; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  There is excellent co-operation between the Crown Prosecution Service and the Merseyside police. However, if the hon. Member is concerned about any particular cases, he is welcome to bring them to my attention.
  1043
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases forwarded by the police to the Crown Prosecution Service were not proceeded with during each of the last seven years.

  The Attorney-General
  I refer my hon. Friend to my answer to him on 13 December 1993,Official Report, columns 454–55.

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases the Crown Prosecution Service has dropped because the defendant could not be traced for each of the last seven years; and what has been the gravity of the crimes with which the defendants were charged.

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service does not drop cases because the defendant cannot be traced. But such cases cannot proceed since the defendant's whereabouts are unknown, summonses and adjournment notices cannot be served, and bench warrants cannot be executed. Where the defendant is eventually found, proceedings will normally be reinstated. The number of cases falling into this category has only been recorded centrally since April 1991. The numbers are:

  Defendant not traced

  Bench warrant not executed

  1991 (April—December)

  16,422

  24,966

  1992

  22,145

  43,246

  1993 (January—September)

  17,468

  49,400

  No information is held centrally about the nature of the offences in these cases.

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases have been adjourned sine die at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service in each of the last seven years; and what were the reasons for the requests.

  The Attorney-General
  The number of cases adjourned sine die has been recorded centrally only since April 1991. The figures are:

  Number

  1991 (April to December)

  13,148

  1992

  21,830

  1993 (January to September)

  14,594

  No information is held centrally about the reasons for requesting that cases are adjourned sine die, but the most common reason is likely to be because the defendant is being proceeded against for other more serious charges in another court.

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General what has been the cost in real terms of the Crown Prosecution Service for each of the last seven years for which figures are available.

  The Attorney-General
  The cost of the Crown Prosecution Service as measured by gross expenditure, converted to real terms using the GDP deflator figures published in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1994–95", was:

  £000

  11986–87

  106,363

  1987–88

  182,264

  1988–89

  200,202

  1044

  £000

  1989–90

  219,710

  1990–91

  235,658

  1991–92

  251,993

  1992–93

  273,748

  1Part year.

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many claims have been brought against the Crown Prosecution Service for costs, following cases in which the defendant was acquitted; and what were the costs of the claims.

  The Attorney-General
  Full records of the number of awards of costs made against the Crown Prosecution Service have been recorded centrally only since April 1991. The number of such awards and expenditure by the service on awards of costs during each of the last two financial years is:

  Number of Awards

  Expenditure on Cost Awards

  £

  1991–92

  721

  229,915·20

  1992–93

  682

  477,788·39

  The information held centrally does not reveal the number of occasions on which a claim for costs was rejected by the court, nor whether an award for costs was made after the defendant had been acquitted or convicted.

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service because the defendant had died in each of the last seven years for which figures are available.

  The Attorney-General
  The number of cases in which the Crown Prosecution Service has been unable to proceed because the defendant has died has only been recorded since April 1991. The available figures are:

  Number

  1991 (April-December)

  654

  1992

  758

  1993 (January-September)

  533

  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many part-time staff have been employed by the Crown Prosecution Service in each of the last seven years for which figures are available.

  The Attorney-General
  Comprehensive figures on the numbers of part-time staff employed by the Crown Prosecution Service are available for each of the past three years only.

  In August 1991 the Department employed 333 part-time staff, or approximately 5·9 per cent. of total staff in post. By April 1992, this figure has increased to 410—6·5 per cent.—and by 30 June 1993 the total had reached 480—7·3 per cent. The total, as at 16 December 1993, stands at 521, or approximately 7·9 per cent. of staff in post.

  Departmental Offices (Heating Bills)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list by location the annual fuel heating bills for each of his Department's offices for the last four years, and for this year to date.
  1045
  The Attorney-General
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. George Staple
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General (1) what plans he has to replace Mr. George Staple as head of the Serious Fraud Office;

  (2) when Mr. George Staple's term of office expires.

  The Attorney-General
  (1) None. (2) Mr. Staple's present term of office expires on 20 April 1997.

  Roger Levitt
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what opportunity was given by Mr. Justice Laws to Crown counsel to justify his acceptance of the plea on the basis of only the Financial Intermediaries, Managers and Brokers Regulatory Association charge in the Levitt case; and what response was made.

  The Attorney-General
  The judge questioned whether the Crown's decision to accept the plea required his approval and was satisfied by prosecuting counsel, on the authorities, that it did not.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what considerations underlay the decision by the Serious Fraud Office not to pursue the charges relating to Mr. Frederick Forsyth in the Levitt case.

  The Attorney-General
  The plea tendered by Mr. Levitt encompassed his use of forged documents presented to FIMBRA, including documents purporting to show monies obtained from Mr. Forsyth and his agents as genuine income of TLG Ltd.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what consideration Crown counsel in the Levitt case gave to appealing against the judge's ruling of 19 May on the limits in law of the offence of fraudulent trading.

  The Attorney-General
  Having considered all the curcumstances, prosecuting counsel advised against an appeal.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what assessment was made by the Serious Fraud Office of whether the plea on the basis of misleading the Financial Intermediaries, Managers and Brokers Regulatory Association only offered by Mr. Roger Levitt and accepted by the Crown adequately reflected the criminality of his case.

  The Attorney-General
  The Serious Fraud Office took the view that the plea tendered by Roger Levitt reflected the criminality of his conduct and conferred sufficient sentencing power on the trial judge.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what account the Serious Fraud Office took of the result of the Terry Ramsden case before accepting Roger Levitt's guilty plea.

  The Attorney-General
  The result of the Terry Ramsden case was not regarded as relevant to the decision whether to accept the plea.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what options on pleas to the charges were offered to Mr. Roger Levitt prior to the Crown opening speech.
  1046
  The Attorney-General
  I refer my hon. Friend to my earlier answer today. However, I have been assured by prosecuting counsel that, although potential pleas may have been discussed on a counsel-to-counsel basis, no offers were made by the Crown to Mr. Levitt. Mr. Levitt's plea was accepted on 22 November. Counsel have also told me that they would not regard any approach by them to the defence as constituting an offer unless they had firm instructions to accept an affirmative response.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what possible pleas each of the Crown counsel, suggested or discussed with counsel for Roger Levitt before 22 November.

  The Attorney-General
  I refer my hon. Friend to my earlier answers today.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what consultations Mr. David Cocks, QC, had with any person in his Department before writing his article of 7 December in The Times in relation to the Levitt case; and what guidance was given on the line such an article should take.

  The Attorney-General
  None.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what Crown Counsel were told by Mr. Levitt's counsel about their intentions to cite precedents in seeking a non-custodial sentence before accepting his guilty plea to only the Financial Intermediaries, Managers and Brokers Association charge.

  The Attorney-General
  I am informed by counsel that they were not informed of any such intention.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General for what reasons Crown counsel, Mr. Fisher, asked the judge through his clerk on 9 November not to sit the following day in the Levitt case.

  The Attorney-General
  I am informed that Mr. Fisher made no such request. He acquiesced in a request made by leading counsel for Mr. Levitt.

  Reed, Price and McNamara
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General on what occasion prior to the Crown opening speech, counsel offered to counsel for any of the co-defendants Reed, Price or McNamara an arrangement as regards pleas falling short of the full offence of fraudulent trading as both particularised in court 1; and if he will give details.

  The Attorney-General
  It would not be appropriate for me to answer questions about counsel-to-counsel discussions of such a nature.

  Crown Counsel
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Attorney-General what restrictions are imposed on QCs engaged as Crown counsel on writing newspaper articles on the cases in which they have been engaged.

  The Attorney-General
  Such issues are governed by the code of conduct for the Bar of England and Wales. Counsel appearing for the Crown are not subject to any special restrictions.

  Bail
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will publish the criteria used by the Crown Prosecution Service when deciding whether to object to bail.

  The Attorney-General
  If a Crown prosecutor decides to object to bail he will need to satisfy the court that grounds exist under the Bail Act 1976 for a remand in custody. The criteria which he will apply, in deciding whether to object to bail, therefore mirror those set out in the Act which the court will consider in hearing an application for bail.

  Incitement to Racial Hatred
  Mr. Shore
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases of incitement to racial hatred under the Public Order Act 1986 were referred to him by the Crown Prosecution Service in each year since 1987; how many were not proceeded with(a) through insufficient evidence, (b) because prosecution was judged not to be in the public interest and (c) for other reasons.

  The Solicitor-General
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 December 1993, c. 748]: In each of the years since 1987, the Crown Prosecution Service has referred cases to the Attorney-General asking for consent to prosecute offences contrary to part III of the Public Order Act 1986 in respect of the following numbers of persons:

  Numbers

  1987

  0

  1988

  3

  1989

  1

  1990

  2

  1991

  8

  1992

  3

  1993

  1

  Consent to prosecute was withheld twice on evidential grounds and twice on public interest grounds. Proceedings were commenced by the CPS against 13 defendants, and in the final case although consent was originally granted it was later withdrawn on public interest grounds.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Fisheries
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list each of the last three years and the current year the number of(a) salmon, (b) grilse and (c) sea trout taken by commercial fishing engines in (i) estuaries, (ii) coastal netting stations and (iii) drift nets; and if he will indicate the numbers of such nets and number of licences issued in those years, the number of persons employed in Northern Ireland in such activity indicating the number of full-time and part-time fishermen and the value and number of fish taken from the Foyle Fisheries Commission—FFC—area and the fisheries conservation area.

  Mr. Ancram
  (i) Commercial salmon catch returns do not differentiate between salmon and grilse and the statistics sought are not available in the form requested. The only information available in the FFC area relates to 1048
  catch statistics by class of commercial fishing engine and is contained in the commission's annual reports, copies of which are available in the Library. The only information available in the Fisheries Conservancy Board area is shown in the table. Information relating to 1993 is not currently available.

  Method

  Year

  Total salmon caught

  Coastal netting stations

  Drift nets

  Others

  1990

  10,214

  7,580

  252

  2,382

  1991

  7,513

  5,058

  838

  1,617

  1992

  10,049

  7,414

  2,267

  368

  (ii) The number of nets in use is equivalent to the number of licences issued. This information is available in the annual reports of the Foyle Fisheries Commission and the Fisheries Conservancy Board, copies of which are in the Library. The number and type of licences issued in 1993 are shown in the table:

  Number

  FFC

  Drift sea

  20

  Drift lough and sea

  80

  Drift lough

  12

  Draft A-R Foyle

  62

  R Roe

  1

  Fixed engine

  1

  Total

  176

  FCB

  Bag nets

  14

  Fixed

  6

  Drift

  9

  Draft

  4

  Salmon

  4

  Total

  37

  (iii) Accurate figures of full-time and part-time fishermen are not available. It is estimated that there are 83 part-time fishermen in the Fisheries Conservancy Board area and 400 part-time fishermen in the Foyle Fisheries Commission area. There are no fishermen engaged in salmon fishing on a full-time basis.

  (iv) The number and estimate value of salmon and grilse taken are shown in the table. There are no figures available for sea trout.

  FFC1

  FCB

  Number

  Estimated value £

  Number

  Estimated value £

  1990

  22,210

  309,100

  10,214

  132,638

  1991

  12,908

  191,901

  7,513

  104,738

  1992

  21,129

  292,312

  10,049

  146,579

  1 These figures represent half the total catch of salmon in the Foyle Area which for statistical purposes in equally divided between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list for each of the last three years and the current year the number of(a) salmon, (b) grilse and (c) sea trout taken in each river by anglers in Northern Ireland; and what are the totals for the Foyle

  1049
  Fisheries Commission areas in (i) Northern Ireland, (ii) the Irish Republic and (iii) in the area covered by the Fisheries Conservancy Board.

  Mr. Ancram
  Separate records for salmon and grilse are not available. The total catch by anglers is not known. The only rod catch statistics available are contained in the annual reports of the Foyle Fisheries Commission and Fisheries Conservancy Board, copies of which are available in the Library. No figures are currently available for 1993.

  Roads
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums he intends to spend on new roads in Northern Ireland in the next financial year; how much of this is available for the construction of new bypasses; and which bypass projects he intends to go to contract in that year.

  Mr. Atkins
  It is currently estimated that approximately £22 million, including £9·2 million on the cross harbour road link, will be spent on new roads in the 1994–95 financial year. Of this, approximately £4·1 million will be spent on new bypasses. Precise estimates will depend on the final determination of the 1993 public expenditure round. During 1994–95, it is intended to go to contract for Newry bypass, stage 3, roadworks.

  A21
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland with which organisations he consulted before his decision to downgrade from A21 to unclassified that section of roadway in Francis street, Newtownards from Castle place to its junction with Zion place; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  I shall write to the right hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the volume of traffic in Newtownards at(a) route A21 from Georges street to New road and (b) the unclassified roadway at Francis street from Castle place to its junction with Zion place.

  Mr. Atkins
  The information requested is as follows:

  (a) approximately 15,700 vehicles per day;

  (b) approximately 13,900 vehicles per day.

  Departmental Offices (Heating Bills)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by location the annual fuel heating bills for each of his Department's offices for the last four years, and for this year to date.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Glass-fronted Fires
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to ensure that a comprehensive investigation into the safety performance of glass-fronted fires in public sector houses is carried out.

  Mr. Atkins
  There are no grounds that I am aware of at present for such an investigation.

  I am assured by the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive that all new appliances are tested to an approved standard and existing appliances are inspected and maintained in a planned maintenance cycle.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what investigations have been carried out to investigate the safety of glass-fronted fires in public housing stock.

  Mr. Atkins
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that, while there have been no specific investigations, the Housing Executive is satisfied with current measures in place to ensure the safe operation of these appliances.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many fires have occurred in each of the past five years in public sector houses; and in how many cases the causes were related to glass-fronted fires.

  Mr. Atkins
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that while no records are held centrally of the number of fires in public sector houses, it is not aware of any where the causes were specifically related to glass-fronted room heaters.

  House Fires
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many individuals have been killed or injured as a result of house fires in Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Atkins
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that detailed information of this nature is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Ward and Bed Closures
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list the wards which have been closed in each hospital in the Southern health and social services board area in each of the past five years;

  (2) how many hospital beds have been closed in each hospital in the Southern health and social services board areas in each of the past five years.

  Mr. Ancram
  Information about the wards closed in individual hospitals and the number of hospital beds that have been closed is not collected centrally. The table shows the average number of available beds in each hospital within the Southern health and social services board area in each of the last five years.
  1051

  Average number of available beds in hospitals in the Southern Health and Social Services Board

  Hospital

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Armagh Community

  55

  41

  26

  18

  16

  Ballyards Castle

  36

  36

  36

  22

  —

  Banbridge

  116

  111

  111

  71

  70

  Cowan Heron

  24

  24

  24

  23

  20

  Craigavon Area

  460

  445

  364

  358

  362

  Craigavon PNU

  —

  —

  80

  80

  80

  Daisy Hill

  295

  302

  300

  295

  293

  Drumglass House

  25

  25

  17

  —

  —

  Loane House

  60

  60

  60

  60

  60

  Longstone

  235

  229

  201

  219

  235

  Lurgan and Portadown

  163

  161

  156

  156

  156

  Manor House

  45

  45

  45

  28

  36

  Mourne

  48

  41

  40

  40

  40

  Mullinure

  —

  43

  72

  72

  72

  Navan House

  20

  20

  20

  20

  6

  South Tyrone

  243

  241

  217

  213

  212

  Spelga House

  —

  —

  —

  38

  23

  St. Lukes

  409

  409

  385

  350

  350

  Tower Hill Special Care

  62

  34

  34

  32

  28

  Tower Hill Maternity

  4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tower Hill General

  65

  26

  —

  —

  —

  Nurses
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many full-time or part-time nurses have been laid off by the Southern health and social services board in each of the past five years.

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is as follows:

  Numbers

  1989

  8

  1990

  2

  1991

  1

  1992

  6

  1993

  11

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many nurses employed on a temporary basis by the Southern health and social services board have not had their contracts renewed, in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is as follows:

  Numbers

  1989

  74

  1990

  81

  1991

  68

  1992

  57

  1993

  114

  Farm Holdings
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average size of farm holding in the less-favoured areas as sampled by(a) the most recent farm business survey and (b) the most up-to-date and comprehensive data he has available, by county and in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ancram
  The farm business survey does not contain very small farms and data are not available at county level. The only farm type identified by their 1052
  less-favoured area status are those on which cattle and sheep are the dominant enterprises. The average size of farm in these categories in the 1992–93 survey was 93 hectares.

  In the June 1993 agricultural census in Northern Ireland, the average sizes of all active holdings in the less-favoured areas were:

  County

  All farms in the LFA Average size (ha)

  All cattle and sheep LFA farms Average size (ha)

  Antrim

  43·8

  45·7

  Armagh

  22·2

  20·2

  Down

  27·8

  25·3

  Fermanagh

  34·9

  34·5

  Londonderry

  42·9

  44·5

  Tyrone

  36·0

  35·4

  Northern Ireland

  35·2

  35·0

  For farms similar to those covered in the farm business survey, the average size was 63 hectares.

  Cows and Ewes
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what according to(a) the most up-to-date and comprehensive data he has available and (b) the farm business survey, was the average number of (1) beef cows and (2) ewes, carried on less-favoured areas livestock farms, by county and in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ancram
  The farm business survey does not cover very small farms and data from it are not available at county level. The only farm type identified by its less-favoured area status is that on which cattle and sheep are the dominant enterprises. For farms in these categories in the 1992–93 survey the average number of beef cows was 34 and the average number of ewes was 155.

  In the June 1993 agricultural census in Northern Ireland, the average number of beef cows and ewes on all cattle and sheep LFA holdings in the less-favoured areas were:

  1053

  All cattle and sheep LFA farms

  Average number per farm

  County

  Beef cows

  Ewes

  Antrim

  17

  102

  Armagh

  11

  21

  Down

  10

  67

  Fermanagh

  18

  19

  Londonderry

  14

  101

  Tyrone

  13

  53

  Northern Ireland

  14

  58

  For farms similar to those covered in the farm business survey, the average number of beef cows was 27 and the average number of ewes was 126.

  Lisnevin Training School
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the research conducted by the Northern Ireland Office, completed in 1993, into the Lisnevin training school, will be published.

  Sir John Wheeler
  In 1990, the Northern Ireland Office commissioned an independent researcher to carry out a study of young offenders released from all training schools. The researcher submitted a draft of his report for comment in October 1993, to which the office responded in November. The researcher is, we understand, now working on the final version of this report.

  While the Northern Ireland Office does not normally itself publish evaluative reports of this kind, it does in principle support the dissemination of research findings from commissioned projects. Any proposal by the author to offer papers based on this research for publication in appropriate journals would, accordingly, be sympathetically considered.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Ancram
  Information regarding general correspondence could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  It is no longer standard practice to acknowledge incoming correspondence. Information in respect of ministerial correspondence for the Northern Ireland Office and NI Departments can be obtained from chart 11.4 of the Northern Ireland expenditure plans and priorities, a copy of which is held in the Library. My right hon. Friend will write to the hon. Member about correspondence received by departmental agencies.

  Policing Structures
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on policing structures in Northern Ireland.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  Following my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary's examination of policing structures in England and Wales and the report of the Sheehy inquiry, I have examined the operation of the tripartite policing structure in Northern Ireland and believe that some change is necessary.
  1054
  The present arrangements date back almost a quarter of a century and were designed for very different circumstances. In present conditions, they make it difficult to ensure the police are fully accountable to the concerns and needs of the community as a whole, and to achieve the most effective and efficient use of the considerable resources allocated by Government to the police service in Northern Ireland.

  The Government believe that substantial improvements can be achieved in the effectiveness and responsiveness of policing in Northern Ireland by strengthening and rationalising each part of the structure. I accordingly intend to publish a paper setting out views on how to redefine the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties and strengthen lines of accountability, in line with the principles of the citizens charter. The Government are firmly committed to the continuance in Northern Ireland of a tripartite structure of policing, to sustaining the operational independence of the RUC in exercising responsibilities for law enforcement and to ensuring that the Chief Constable is properly accountable to the community in Northern Ireland and is able to make the most effective use of all the resources allocated to policing, without unnecessary beauracracy and duplication.

  The Government's aim is that the revised arrangements should create a new and stronger partnership between the police, the community and the Government, working with commitment and efficiency to serve the whole community of Northern Ireland better.

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the cost of advertising by his Department has been for each of the last 12 months. year since 1979 and for each of the last 12 months.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support Agency
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many mothers are no longer living on social benefits as a result of intervention by the Child Support Agency on their behalf.

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available. In the long run, we estimate that increased payments of child maintenance under the Child Support Act 1991 will result in some 60,000 to 80,000 lone parents moving off income support. It is expected that the majority of these will move on to family credit. Of lone parents already on family credit, we estimate that around 10,000 will move off this benefit in the long run. These estimates are based on 1987–88–89 family expenditure survey data.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the budget for the Child Support Agency for each of the next three years; and how much public expenditure they expect to release through work in(a) tracking down fathers who never paid maintenance for their children and (b) upgrading the contributions that parents living with another partner on income support make for the welfare of their children.
  1055
  Mr. Burt
  Agency budgets from this year's public expenditure settlement have not yet been finalised. However, planned expenditure in the 1992 settlement is in the table.

  £ million

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Running costs

  109

  128

  130

  Capital

  7

  3

  2

  Other

  5

  4

  4

  Total

  121

  135

  136

  Source: DSS Departmental Report 1993.

  No decisions have yet been made about the benefit savings targets for the Child Support Agency next year.

  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether it is the practice of the Child Support Agency to send to ex-wives the agency's assessment of the wages of the ex-husband; and how this complies with the agency's obligations of secrecy under the Data Protection Act 1984.

  Mr. Burt
  Regulation 10 of the Child Support (Maintenance Assessment Procedure) Regulations 1992 provides for a maintenance assessment notification, which is sent both to the parent with care and to the absent parent, to show the details of both parents' assessable income, so that both have the information necessary to enable them to ask for a review or appeal should they believe there are grounds for this. The Data Protection Act 1984 allows for the disclosure of information which is provided for under other legislation.

  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he proposes to announce his conclusions after his study of the work and operations of the Child Support Agency.

  Mr. Burt
  I have been examining comments and concerns raised about some aspects of the child support arrangements and their implementation, and am considering the first report of the Social Security Select Committee on the operation of the Child Support Act. I shall make an announcement as soon as possible.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures the Child Support Agency is taking to speed up the process by which all cases referred to it are handled.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, dated December 1993:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking about the measures the Child Support Agency is taking to speed up the processing of cases.
  In the light of operational experience over the first three months of activity, we decided there were benefits in terms of productivity in increasing the involvement of our field offices in the processing of cases. The initial part of this process, involving the issuing of maintenance application and enquiry forms has already been transferred from our regional centres to field offices.
  1056
  The Agency is committed to keeping processing times to a minimum, and we will continue to monitor and evaluate our performance as the business develops.
  I hope you will find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of the cases dealt with by the Child Support Agency since the inception involve the reassessment of maintenance payments by fathers already paying maintenance; and how many cases involve fathers who have previously not paid maintenance; and how many cases involve payments to women who are in receipt of income support.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Mike Hall, dated 17 December 1993:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking questions about the operations of the Child Support Agency.
  To the end of October, the Agency has processed over 107,000 cases. Of these 56,800 have resulted in the assessment of maintenance. Figures are not kept on the proportion of these cases in which a maintenance arrangement was already in operation. We estimate, however, that about 50 per cent. of cases taken on by the Agency were already receiving maintenance.
  You also asked how many cases involve payments to women who are receiving income support. The Agency does not collect information on the number of assessments made, split by the status of the parent with care of children, so it is not possible to say in how many cases the parent with care was receiving income support.
  I hope you will find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many inquiry packs were printed by the Child Support Agency; and at what total cost.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 17 December 1993:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking for details about the enquiry packs.
  The number of maintenance enquiry packs printed in the first year of operations of the Child Support Agency is 1,110,500. These packs contain a maintenance enquiry form, together with a leaflet about the Agency, helpnotes, and, since October 1993, a leaflet explaining the standards a client can expect from the Agency. The total cost was £692,752·82 inclusive of Value Added Tax.
  I hope that you find this information useful.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many officials are employed in the Child Support Agency; and what is the current total salary bill.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 17 December 1993:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking for details about the number of staff employed in the Child Support Agency and the total of their salaries.

  1057
  At the end of October 1993, the Agency had 4,794 members of staff. The current allocation for staff salaries is £73,780,000.
  I hope you find this information useful.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement as to the location of each Child Support Agency in the United Kingdom and give details of the office space used, rent paid and, the accommodation has been purchased, if it is freehold or leasehold.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to my hon. Friend.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Anthony Steen, dated 17 December 1993:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking for details about Child Support Agency accommodation.
  The Agency has six major operational centres supported by a network of field staff co-located with Benefits Agency district offices and specialist Headquarters staff in London and Newcastle.
  Accommodation for headquarters staff in Newcastle and for field staff in Social Security offices is funded centrally by the Department of Social Security, and is not charged separately to the Agency.
  I am pleased to attach information on the remainder of the accommodation as an Annex to this letter.

  Annex

  Child Support Agency Accommodation

  Location

  Space sq. ft.

  Rent sq. ft.£

  Status

  Falkirk

  77,825

  11·63

  Leased building

  Belfast

  74,578

  10·29

  Leased building

  Birkenhead

  79,717

  9·53

  Leased building

  Dudley

  84,956

  10·90

  Leased building

  Hastings

  103,275

  4·15

  Crown property

  Plymouth

  82,903

  9·81

  Leased building

  Millbank Tower London

  18,522

  25·58

  Leased building

  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how quickly the Child Support Agency varies its assessment of wages when evidence can be produced that an earlier assessment of wages is too high.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Paul Channon, dated 17 December 1993:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking how quickly the Child Support Agency will reassess a case when evidence is produced that the earlier assessment was based on wages which were too high.
  The Child Support Officer (CSO) has a legal requirement, when conducting a review, to notify both parties to the maintenance assessment. Both parties are then allowed to submit evidence to the CSO, and are then given the opportunity to comment on the review. Because of the necessity of gathering a great deal of information to ensure the review is carried out accurately, it is not yet possible to set specific clearance times for reviews. I am happy to reassure you that Agency staff are aware of the need to complete reviews as quickly as possible given the circumstances of each case.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. Scott
  Care is taken to ensure that special advisers do not have access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. They are not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Benefit Cuts
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people he estimates will be affected by the proposed cuts in invalidity benefit and unemployment benefit announced in November's Budget.

  Mr. Scott
  All new claimants to incapacity benefit who would have been entitled to invalidity benefit under the current scheme will be affected. Existing invalidity benefit recipients will experience no cash reduction at the point of change; about 200,000 may lose entitlement to incapacity benefit over the first two to three years of the new scheme through application of the new medical test. The number affected by proposals to introduce the new job seeker's allowance will depend on the level of unemployment and the rates of benefit in 1996–97. Our current estimate is that about 250,000 people may at any one time find they would have been better off under the unemployment benefit scheme.

  Equal Pensions (Appeal)
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the latest estimate of the likely impact on the national insurance fund of the appeal to the Court of Appeal in the case of Secretary of State for Social Security and Rose Graham if the appeal by the Secretary of State is dismissed: and how these figures are affected by the announcement on 30 November that the retirement age for both sexes is to be equalised at age 65.

  Mr. Hague
  The effect on the national insurance fund would depend on the precise terms of the ruling. The latest estimates are shown in the table. Under our proposals, the phased implementation of equal state pension ages will not begin until 2010, and will not affect these estimates.

  Estimated cost to National Insurance Fund4

  Financial year

  £ million

  1993–94

  2105

  1994–95

  80

  11995–96

  3100

  1 Estimates for later years are not available.

  2 Estimates for 1993–94 include arrears from 1 April 1992, the date of the commissioner's decision.

  3 Estimates for 1995–96 take account of the proposed introduction of incapacity benefit from April 1995.

  4All estimates are expressed in constant 1994–95 benefit rates, and are rounded to the nearest £5 million.

  Appointed Day Requirements
  Mr. Bates
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce the appointed day requirements as set out under the Social Security Act 1990.

  Mr. Hague
  The appointed day requirements in the Social Security Act 1990 refer to the limited price indexation—LPI—of salary-related occupational pensions. The implementation of LPI is one of the many issues for the Government to consider in the light of the recommendations in the Pensions Law Review Committee report "Pension Law Reform" and the responses to our series of discussion papers on non-state pensions issued on 3 December.

  European Court of Justice
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the outcome of recent European Court of Justice cases affecting his Department's policies.

  Mr. Hague
  Since the beginning of April 1993, three such cases have been decided, but none has required a change of policy. In the first case, the European Court of

  Headquarters

  Benefits Agency

  Contributions Agency

  Child Support Agency

  August 1988 to April 1989

  8

  —

  —

  —

  April 1989 to April 1990

  8

  —

  —

  —

  April 1990 to April 1991

  8

  —

  —

  —

  April 1991 to April 1992

  8

  1

  —

  —

  April 1992 to April 1993

  110

  2

  1

  —

  April 1993

  110

  3

  1

  3

  1 Includes one press officer on long-term secondment to Motability.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply time within 15 days.

  Mr. Hague
  Correspondence to Ministers from hon. Members is registered and an acknowledgement produced on the day of receipt. The departmental target for substantive replies is 20 working days. This has been achieved in 77 per cent. of cases this year to date.

  Letters to Ministers from members of the public are not acknowledged due to the large number involved. The target reply is again 20 working days.

  The chief executive of the Benefits Agency—BA—tells me that all correspondence received from hon. Members is acknowledged within 24 hours of receipt. The latest available figures show that 51 per cent. of all such letters receive a substantive reply within 15 working days and 84 per cent. within 20 working days.

  The BA charter sets out a commitment to reply to correspondence from customers within 10 working days. If only a partial reply is possible within that time, the customer should be told how long it will be before a comprehensive reply can be made.

  Of the replies sent by the chief executive of the Contributions Agency—CA—to hon. Members, 46 per cent. were sent within 15 working days and 70 per cent. in 20 working days.
  1060
  Justice ruled that survivors' benefits in occupational pension schemes should be equal for men and women. It also confirmed that its earlier ruling in the Barber case, requiring equality in occupational pensions, applied only in respect of pensionable service after 17 May 1990. In the second case, the court upheld the validity of national time limits for payment of benefit relating to periods before the date of claim. In the third case, the court held that in certain circumstances occupational "bridging pensions" could be paid to men between the ages of 60 and 65.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Hague
  Information for the years 1983 to 1988 is not available in the form requested. The Department of Social Security did not exist independently until August 1988.

  The figures for 1988 onwards are in the table. They include the Benefits Agency, Contributions Agency and Child Support Agency where indicated.

  The CA's target is to dispatch either a full reply or an informative response to 95 per cent. of all customer inquiries within 10 working days. In 1992–93, this target was surpassed, with 98·5 per cent. of responses being within this time scale.

  All letters from hon. Members to the chief executive of the Child Support Agency—CSA—are now acknowledged on the day of receipt. The agency has a target to reply within 20 working days. The CSA has received 2,027 letters in a short space of time. To date, 458 have received replies. Of these, 63 per cent. were within 15 working days and 75 per cent. within 20 working days.

  Letters from members of the public are usually referred to CSA centres to respond on individual cases. Their target is to acknowledge letters within two working days, which has been successful in 90 per cent. of cases, and to send a full reply within 10 working days. This has been achieved in 65 per cent. of cases.

  The chief executive of the Information Technology Services Agency received only 15 letters last year. All were acknowledged within five days and 14 of the 15 replies were sent in 15 days.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the regional and area offices of his Department, and of inspectorates, agencies, and other public bodies for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Hague
  In view of the length of this reply, I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  Child Support
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the formula for phasing in child support maintenance; if he will limit the increase in maintenance payments in cases of an existing court and order.

  Mr. Burt
  The existing provisions for phasing in child support maintenance payments apply where an absent parent with a court order or written maintenance agreement has a second family and a new liability of less than £60 a week which is over £20 more than his previous liability. In these circumstances the amount of any increase will be limited to £20 for the first 12 months. The Social Security Select Committee has recommended an extension of these arrangements. I am still considering the Committee's report and shall make an announcement as soon as possible.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the decision not to restore disability living allowance to Daniel Mark Hadlow, JJ 57 29 82 C.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.

  Estimated proportion of people over state pension age expected to be entitled to:

  Full-rate basic retirement pension

  Less than full-rate basic retirement pension

  Some SERPS

  Income support

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  Per cent.

  1993–94

  66

  28

  40

  16

  1998–99

  67

  28

  53

  —

  2003–04

  67

  29

  67

  —

  2008–09

  68

  29

  80

  —

  Note:

  No figures readily available for income support entitlement for 1998–99, 2003–04 and 2008–09 but the analysis which underpins "The Growth of Social Security" for 1999–2000 is consistent with a relatively unchanged percentage to the end of the century.

  Source: GAD/DSS Analytical Services.

  Benefits
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the saving in the whole range of social security benefits, including exemption from prescription charges and other associated benefits, if everybody were deemed to have earned £100 per week between the ages of 18 to 65 years who was fit and able to work.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 6 December 1993]: The information is not available in the precise form requested. It is estimated that if everybody between the ages of 18 to 65 who was fit and able to work earned £100 per week gross of tax and national insurance contributions there would be a reduction in expenditure on social security benefits and on welfare foods and free school meals for social security benefits recipients of approximately £17 billion in the financial year. It is not possible to estimate what effect this change would have on the NHS low-income scheme which exempts those on low incomes from prescription, dental and optical charges.
  1062
  Letter from Tony Laurance to Mr. Barry Field, dated 16 December 1993:
  As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is the responsibility of Mr. Michael Bichard to answer questions about relevant operational matters. However, as Mr. Bichard is away on annual leave at the moment, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security. This was about the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim for D. Hadlow.
  I should explain that all claims to DLA are decided by independent adjudicating authorities who are specially appointed for this purpose under legislation approved by Parliament. They are responsible for deciding if the conditions for entitlement ere satisfied. Neither Ministers nor officials of the Benefits Agency can influence or alter decisions made by these authorities.
  In order to provide you with the full details personal to this case I have written separately to you.

  Pensioners
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of people over state pension age are expected to qualify for(a) basic state pension at the full rate, (b) basic state pension at a reduced rate, (c) an element of state earnings-related pension scheme and (d) an element of income support in the tax years (i) 1993–94, (ii) 1998–99, (iii) 2003–4 and (iv) 2008–9.

  Mr. Hague
  [holding answer 29 November 1993]: The information is in the table.

  Any savings would, of course, be offset by future expenditure arising from entitlement gained to retirement pension and other contributory benefits.

  Occupational Pensions
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he is yet in a position to publish the discussion papers on occupational pensions issues to which he referred in his statement to the House on 3 November,Official Report, columns 354–65.

  Mr. Hague
  [pursuant to his reply, 3 December 1993, c. 817]: The final two discussion papers will be published today. Copies of the papers will be placed in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list all Forestry Commission woods in the Newbury constituency.
  1063
  Mr. Jack
  The only Forestry Commission woodland in the hon. Member's constituency is part of Cake wood, near Hungerford.

  Milk Industry
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how she proposes to compensate those milk producers who choose not to join Milk Marque, the successor to the Milk Marketing Board, for resources employed by the Milk Marketing Board in seeking to establish Milk Marque as the dominant force in the milk industry.

  Mr. Jack
  Expenditure by the Milk Marketing Board on promoting its proposed successor body, Milk Marque, has been approved by the EC Commission under state aid rules. The board's reorganisation scheme makes no provision for repayment of part of the sum in question to producers who choose not to join the successor body. Nor, so far as I am aware, does the board have plans to do so outside the framework of the reorganisation scheme. It is not for Government to make proposals in this regard.

  Fisheries Conservation
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment she has made of the alternative conservation document prepared by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, a copy of which has been sent to her; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  As I informed the House in the annual fisheries debate on 14 December,Official Report, columns 894-936, valuable work has been done by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations on technical conservation. I will discuss these ideas with the industry and will wish to see what part it can play in balancing conservation and fishing effort and meeting our Community obligations.

  Slaughtermen
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average number of units per year one slaughterman is able to deal with in(a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) Northern Ireland for the most recent year in which figures are available.

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is not available in the format required.

  Equine Industry
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to her reply of 6 December,Official Report, column 262, if she will make a statement on her meeting of 9 December with representatives of the equine industry; and what action has been taken and will be taken by her Department to combat and eliminate equine viral arteritis.

  Mr. Soames
  I had a useful discussion on 9 December with representatives of the equine industry on possible ways of providing horse owners with increased protection from infection with equine viral arteritis, particularly from "carrier" stallions. I undertook to prepare proposals for further consultation with the industry, while making it clear that the Government cannot undertake any liability for compensation in connection with this disease.

  Forestry, Hillsborough
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list all Forestry Commission woods in the constituency of Sheffield, Hillsborough.

  Mr. Jack
  The only Forestry Commission woodland in the hon. Member's constituency is part of Wharncliffe wood.

  Less-favoured Areas
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the average size of farm holding in the less-favoured areas as sampled by(a) the most recent farm business survey and (b) the most up-to-date and comprehensive data she has available, by county and in England.

  Mr. Jack
  The table provides information on the average size, in hectares, of cattle and sheep farms, wholly or mainly in the less-favoured areas—LFAs—in England from the agricultural census as at June 1992. As the farm business survey covers only farms that are considered to be full-time commercial businesses, very small farms are excluded from the survey. The average size of cattle and sheep LFA farms in England as estimated from the farm business survey sample for 1992–93 is 159 hectares, compared with 130 hectares for similar farms in the agricultural census at June 1992. Results from the farm business survey are not available by county.

  Average size1 of cattle and sheep farms, wholly or mainly in the LFA as at June 1992

  County

  Hectares

  Cleveland

  73

  Cheshire

  61

  Cornwall

  49

  Cumbria

  107

  Derbyshire

  67

  Devon

  60

  Durham

  91

  Hereford and Worcester

  47

  Lancashire

  71

  Northumberland

  195

  Shropshire

  62

  Somerset

  97

  Staffordshire

  30

  Greater Manchester

  42

  South Yorkshire

  63

  North Yorkshire

  111

  West Yorkshire

  35

  ENGLAND

  86

  1 Total area of holding.

  Hill Livestock Compensatory Allowances
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the autumn review of hill livestock compensatory allowances statistical tables and charts draws on information published in the annual farm business survey; and what other sources of information are used to establish farm size, livestock and numbers and farm income indices.

  Mr. Jack
  The data on farm incomes which is presented in the statistical tables and charts are derived from the farm business survey in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
  1065
  and the farm accounts system in Scotland. Data on livestock numbers are derived from the agricultural census and from records of the claims for hill livestock compensatory allowances. When average survey results of two or more groups of sample farms are combined, the results for each group are given a weight proportional to the total number of holdings in that group recorded at the June agricultural census.

  Departmental Offices
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list the regional and area offices of her Department, and of inspectorates, agencies, and other public bodies for which she is responsible.

  Mr. Jack
  The information requested by the hon. Member is included in the publications "At the Farmers' Service", section 10, and "Public Bodies 1992". Copies of both publications are lodged in the Library of the House of Commons.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of correspondence received by(a) her Ministry and (b) each of her Ministry's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Jack
  The Ministry keeps central records of the time taken to reply to Ministers' correspondence, but does not have a central record in relation to letters replied to by civil servants.

  This Department's target is for Ministers to reply within 21 days of receipt to letters from hon. Members and noble Lords. In the past 12 months, Ministers received 11,053 of these letters and 7,516—68 per cent.—were replied to within 21 days. Our records do not indicate how many replies were sent within 15 days and correspondence is not generally acknowledged.

  Correspondence dealt with solely by executive agencies is a matter for which responsibility is delegated to them and I have therefore asked the chief executives to reply to the hon. Gentleman direct.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Mr. Michael Meacher, dated 17 December 1993:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the speed of the Intervention Board's replies to correspondence.
  The Agency's target when letters require an answer from the Chief Executive is for me to reply within 10 working days of receiving a letter. Correspondence is not routinely acknowledged. The percentage of replies within this deadline in the last year was 89·7 per cent.

  Letter from Dr. Julian Walsh to Mr. Michael Meacher, dated 16 December 1993:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to part (b) of your question concerning acknowledgements and replies of correspondence.
  The ADAS Agency keeps central records of the time taken to reply to Chief Executive's correspondence with MPs but does not have central records related to letters replied to by its staff.
  The ADAS target for despatch of reply to Chief Executive correspondence with MPs is ten working days. The percentage of such letters replies to within this deadline in the last year was 100 per cent. If it is anticipated that a substantive reply will take more than five working days to despatch, all correspondence is routinely acknowledged.
  1066
  Letter from Dr. P. I Stanley to Mr. Michael Meacher, dated 17 December 1993:
  In its Charter Standards Statement the Central Science Laboratory (CSL) stated its aim to answer correspondence within three weeks of its receipt. Where a full reply cannot be given within this time scale an interim response is sent as soon as possible within the three week period and the reason for the delay is given together with the name and telephone number of the person dealing with the correspondence.
  CSL's Charter Standards Statement was published in July 1993. All staff were alerted to the need to adhere to this standard and office procedures have been introduced to ensure that correspondence is dealt with efficiently. Our records do not indicate how many replies were sent within 15 days and we do not acknowledge correspondence as a matter of routine.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Mr. Michael Meacher, dated 17 December 1993:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about the Ministry of Agriculture and its Agencies response time for correspondence.
  The CVL carries out the majority of its work on a contract basis for MAFF and other Government and commercial customers. Enquiries tend to be technical, specific and to a named individual. No central record is kept of this. However, the Agency has recently set a target for replies to general enquiries relating to our work. Our aim is to provide a full reply within fifteen working days. If it becomes evident that a delay is likely we advise the correspondent immediately.
  Since this arrangement is a new procedure we do not yet have the historical records to judge our performance against this target. These will be available in 1994.

  Letter from G. K. Bruce to Mr. Michael Meacher, dated 17 December 1993:
  The Pesticides Safety Directorate aims to deal efficiently and helpfully with all correspondence received. The central Information Section received 3,567 written enquiries in the period 1 April to 30 November and 96 per cent. of these were acknowledged within five days. Our records to not indicate how many substantive replies were sent within 15 days but every effort is made to respond quickly.
  Our Policy Group deals with Ministers' correspondence for MAFF on pesticide issues and observes the standards set by the Ministry in respect of response times. We do not have central records of other correspondence dealt with by the staff of the Agency.

  Letter from J. M. Rutter to Mr. Michael Meacher, dated 16 December 1993:
  The Minister of State has asked me to reply for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to your Question about the response time for correspondence in the Ministry's Agencies.
  The VMD receives approximately 11,500 items of external correspondence each year. Unless an immediate reply is appropriate, all should receive an acknowledgement within five days. The length of time taken to provide a substantive reply where one is required will vary dependent on the nature and complexity of the issues raised. For those letters sent on behalf of Ministers, in the last year 97 per cent. received a reply within 21 days. Our records do not indicate how many of these replies were sent within 15 days.

  Thames Cockle Fishery
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when there will be a public inquiry into the proposed regulating order for the Thames cockle fishery.
  1067
  Mr. Jack
  A public inquiry will be held if the objections which have been made in relation to the Kent and Essex sea fisheries committee's proposed regulating order are not withdrawn. I understand that the committee has not yet ruled out the possibility of meeting the objectors' concerns.

  Agriculture Council
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Brussels between 13 and 16 December; and if she will make a statement.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I represented the United Kingdom at this meeting of the Agriculture Council, which took place from 13 to 17 December.

  The Council reached agreement on changes to the regionalisation and set-aside rules under the arable regime; on measures to implement the agreement between the European Community and the United States on oilseeds; on changes to the agrimonetary system; on a one-year rollover of the sugar regime; and on a number of other issues. With the exception of oilseeds, all measures were agreed unanimously.

  The Council had been considering set-aside since July and decisions were long overdue. The agreement met the United Kingdom's two key aims. The set-aside requirement for mixtures of rotational and non-rotational set-aside in the United Kingdom will be 18 per cent. of a farm's arable area, the same as for non-rotational set-aside, not 20 per cent. as originally proposed. Farmers finishing a five-year set-aside scheme will be able to enter all the land in that scheme into arable set-aside for a further five years, including, for those who finished five-year agreement this autumn, any land already cultivated for harvest in 1994.

  It was also agreed that there will be changes to alleviate the impact of the overshoot of the main arable base area in Scotland. This will be widely welcomed there.

  In addition, the Commission will examine the relationship between set-aside and land withdrawn from production for woodland or environmental purposes. While this does not go as far as I would like, it represents an important step forward.

  On oilseeds, the Council decided that any cuts in aid arising under the agreement with the United States should fall on those member states in which the area of oilseeds exceeds a level calculated by reference to the 1989–91 average area, but with certain adjustments. I regarded this as unsatisfactory and, with Portugal, voted against.

  The changes agreed to the agrimonetary system will reduce the likelihood of green rate revaluations. The Council did not, however, accede to the request by some member states to extend the potentially costly switchover mechanism to floating currencies.

  The sugar regime will be extended for a further year, until the end of June 1995. This will enable it to be revised from 1 July 1995 to take account of the Community's new obligations under the GATT and other factors.

  The Council agreed to maintain the current level of imports of butter from New Zealand for 1994, pending the implementation of the GATT agreement. The Council also approved voluntary restraint agreements on the import of sheepmeat from third countries during 1994 which will broadly continue 1993 quantities.
  1068
  Agreement was reached on the abolition of the headage limit on the annual ewe premium and on provisions permitting member states to attach environmental conditions to the payment of the ewe premium and the beef special premium. These were measures particularly sought by the United Kingdom and the ending of headage limits will be especially welcomed by producers.

  Agreement was reached on a measure to improve the welfare of animals at slaughter. But I refused to support proposals on the welfare of animals during transport since, in their present form, they would have allowed unacceptably long intervals between feeding and watering and minimum rest periods that were too short. These proposals clearly need further discussion.

  The Council decided that the current moratorium on the use of bovine somatotrophin should be extended for one further year instead of for the longer period proposed by the Commission. It also reached agreement on a proposal on harmonised charging arrangements for the veterinary inspection of fresh meat and on a Community system for inspection of meat from third countries.

  I drew the attention of the Council to the serious implications for United Kingdom glasshouse lettuce and other vegetable growers of a proposed Commission measure to control nitrate levels in lettuce. I pointed out that the Scientific Committee for Food was, in any case, still considering the advice it should put forward on the intake of nitrate from vegetables. I am glad to say that the Commissioner accepted the need to examine this issue in the light of both the public health and the economic implications. He confirmed that the Commission would act in the light of the further advice that it expected from the scientific committee.

  Welfare of Battery Hens Regulations 1987
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement about the implementation of the Welfare of Battery Hens Regulations 1987.

  Mr. Soames
  Many questions have been raised on the application of the Welfare of Battery Hens Regulations 1987, which come fully into force on 1 January 1995. It is our intention that the regulations should be applied sensibly and consistently. A paper has been prepared by the Agriculture Departments in order to provide detailed guidance to producers on the approach which it is intended to follow. The paper has been placed in the Library of the House and copies will be made available to producers and any others with an interest.

  Forests, Honiton
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list the Forestry Commission woods in the Honiton constituency.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 13 December 1993]: The Forestry Commission is preparing such a list and I shall send a copy to my right hon. Friend as soon as possible. I shall also arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Farm Incomes
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the average net farm income and average cash income per livestock farm in the less-favoured areas and per lowland livestock farm for each year since 1982.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 15 December 1993]: Estimates of net farm income and cash income based on results of the farm business survey are provided in the tables. The method of farm classification has been changed and results are only available on the new classification from 1986–87 onwards. Estimates for lowland cattle and sheep farms for 1992–93 are not yet available.

  Year-to-year comparisons can best be made by reference to the indices shown in the tables, which are based on results from constant samples of farms.

  Table 1

  Average net farm income and cash income on LFA cattle and sheep farms in England

  Year1

  Net farm income

  Cash income

  £'000 per farm

  Indices2

  £'000 per farm

  Indices2

  1986–87

  6·7

  80

  7·1

  67

  1987–88

  9·4

  113

  10·8

  101

  1988–89

  12·7

  145

  11·0

  101

  1989–90

  9·1

  103

  14·1

  92

  1990–91

  6·6

  78

  13·2

  91

  1991–92

  8·8

  119

  14·3

  117

  1992–933

  12·9

  174

  18·4

  151

  1993–943

  16·4

  221

  22·0

  180

  Table 2

  Average net farm income and cash income on lowland cattle and sheep farms in England

  Year1

  Net farm income

  Cash income

  £'000 per farm

  Indices2

  £'000 per farm

  Indices2

  1986–87

  3·3

  121

  6·6

  59

  1987–88

  6·3

  227

  10·8

  97

  1988–89

  7·5

  226

  11·9

  100

  1989–90

  5·0

  120

  14·5

  94

  1990–91

  2·4

  61

  15·6

  108

  1991–92

  4·8

  120

  16·7

  98

  Welsh Office annual fuel1 expenditure by property

  £s

  Property

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  21993–94

  £

  £

  £

  £

  Cathays Park, Cardiff

  250,886

  283,155

  293,810

  201,302

  Pontllanfraith

  1,412

  449

  1,491

  3—

  St. Davids House, Cardiff

  726

  3,316

  2,593

  3—

  Curran Road, Cardiff

  4,483

  2,919

  4,021

  3,417

  Norbury Road, Cardiff

  1,041

  539

  182

  3—

  Pontfaen Road, Lampeter

  4,981

  4,627

  2,462

  2,832

  Barn Street, Haverfordwest

  3,288

  3,408

  2,465

  541

  Picton Terrace, Carmarthen

  15,309

  19,176

  15,720

  8,588

  Spa Road East, Llandrindod Wells

  12,846

  15,332

  12,152

  6,408

  Canal Road, Brecon

  3,367

  3,766

  2,416

  756

  Trawsgoed, Aberystwyth

  86,890

  80,762

  41,658

  12,873

  Arran Road, Dolgellau

  2,221

  2,374

  2,368

  1,614

  North Penrallt, Caernarfon

  15,049

  13,715

  13,420

  7,469

  Gwydyr House, London

  6,968

  9,179

  7,219

  7,867

  Gelliwasted Road, Pontypridd

  3—

  413

  1,186

  3—

  Gnoll Park Road, Neath

  1,314

  2,384

  2,131

  3—

  Bryn Adda, Bangor

  17,809

  11,854

  3—

  3—

  Colchester Avenue, Cardiff

  528

  385

  509

  3—

  Cardiff Road, Newport

  1,043

  1,039

  685

  3—

  Morgan Street, Tredegar

  647

  1,096

  1,116

  3—

  Ynys Street, Port Talbot

  1,626

  2,414

  2,668

  3—

  Unit K, Llanelli

  512

  532

  784

  3—

  1070

  1 Accounting years end of average in February.

  2 Average of 1989–90—1991–92=100.

  3 Provisional and forecast figures at the time of the 1993 Autumn Review of the economic conditions in the hills and uplands.

WALES

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. Redwood
  Care is taken to ensure that special advisers do not have access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. They are not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the name and job description of each special ministerial adviser employed in his Department showing any particular outputs for which each adviser is responsible.

  Mr. Redwood
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on Thursday 4 November,Official Report, column 334.

  Departmental Offices (Heating Bills)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by location the annual fuel heating bills for each of his Department's offices for the last four years, and for this year to date.

  Mr. Redwood
  Reliable information on fuel costs is available only from 1 April 1990, when my Department assumed responsibility for direct payment of fuel bills.

  The required information from 1990–91 is given in the following table.
  1071

  £s

  Property

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  21993–94

  £

  £

  £

  £

  Jobs Wells Lane, Carmarthen

  20,893

  26,071

  25,695

  14,968

  Williamson House, Cardiff

  398

  288

  540

  419

  Golate House, Cardiff

  1,077

  1,631

  1,708

  729

  Bessemer Road, Cardiff

  Nil

  Nil

  84

  50

  Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven

  430

  586

  551

  348

  Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

  288

  406

  206

  136

  Y Buarth, Aberystwyth

  8,399

  10,971

  10,123

  7,613

  Bolero Camp, Ruthin

  1,208

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Station Road, Ruthin

  13,014

  14,269

  8,848

  3,283

  New Dolanog House, Welshpool

  3—

  96

  93

  3—

  St. Agnes Road, Cardiff

  1,364

  7,237

  3,024

  361

  Ty Glas Road, Cardiff

  64,681

  73,602

  70,493

  28,347

  Angel Street, Bridgend

  852

  964

  951

  3—

  Grove House, Swansea

  415

  324

  274

  3—

  Caradog House, Cardiff

  9,011

  10,684

  3,916

  835

  Ty Nant, Swansea

  2,520

  2,958

  3,131

  139

  Dinerth Road, Colwyn Bay

  3,010

  4,612

  8,375

  2,851

  Regent Street, Wrexham

  336

  614

  689

  3—

  Chester Street, Wrexham

  1,247

  1,598

  749

  3—

  High Street, Bangor

  259

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Companies House, Cardiff

  275

  3—

  2,032

  Nil

  Park Street, Newtown

  2,152

  2,738

  736

  141

  1'Fuel' embraces all forms of energy used in Welsh Office buildings i.e. liquid fuel as well as electricity and gas.

  2to end of November.

  3Not in occupation/vacated.

  Health Services
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many posts for salaried dentists in Wales have been advertised for each health authority area; how many posts have been requested by each family health service authority; how many inquiries were received for the posts; how many applications were received for each post; and how many appointments have been made.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  1. The number of salaried dentists posts requested by family health services authorities in Wales are as follows:

  Clwyd—two applications under consideration.

  Dyfed—four, of which two were approved.

  Gwynedd—26 of which four were approved. The other applications will be reviewed when the approved vacancies are filled.

  Powys—two, of which one was approved and another is under consideration.

  2. The number of posts advertised, inquiries and applications received and appointments made to date are:

  Post advertised

  Enquiries received

  Applications received

  Appointments made

  Dyfed

  1

  13

  6

  1

  Gwynedd

  4

  6

  2

  1

  Powys

  1

  2

  0

  0

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many appointments he has made to non-departmental public bodies in Wales where one of the nominators was an hon. Member representing a Welsh constituency.

  Mr. Redwood
  Since becoming Secretary of State for Wales, I have appointed one member of a national health service body who was referred to the Department by an 1072
  hon. Member representing a Welsh constituency; there have been no such appointments to executive non-departmental public bodies.

  Cows and Ewes
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what according to(a) the most up-to-date and comprehensive data he has available and (b) the farm business survey, was the average number of (1) beef cows and (2) ewes, carried on less-favoured areas livestock farms, by county and in Wales.

  Mr. Redwood
  Information on the average number of beef cows and ewes on cattle and sheep farms, wholly or mainly in less-favoured areas in Wales, according to the agricultural census of June 1992 is shown in the following table. The farm business survey is a sample survey of only those farms which are considerd to be full-time commercial businesses and excludes very small farms. Also, unlike the census it records the average number of livestock on the holding throughout the year. On livestock farms wholly or mainly in the less-favoured areas the average numbers of beef cows and ewes recorded by the farm business survey on farms in Wales in 1992–93 were 20 and 643 respectively. The equivalent information at county level is not available.

  Average number on cattle and sheep farms wholly or mainly in less favoured areas as at June 1992

  Beef cows

  Ewes

  Clwyd

  11

  421

  Dyfed

  9

  213

  Gwent

  7

  208

  Gwynedd

  11

  337

  Mid Glamorgan

  13

  400

  Powys

  17

  440

  South Glamorgan

  5

  0

  West Glamorgan

  15

  213

  Wales

  12

  332

  Farm Holdings
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the averge size of farm holding in the less-favoured areas as sampled by(a) the most recent farm business survey and (b) the most up-to-date and comprehensive data he has available, by county and in Wales.

  Mr. Redwood
  The farm business survey is a sample survey of only those farms which are considered to be full-time commercial businesses and excludes very small farms. The average size of cattle and sheep farms in Wales, wholly or mainly in less-favoured areas, as recorded in the farm business survey for 1992–93 is 125 hectares. The equivalent information at county level is not available. The June agricultural census covers all main holdings and the average size of cattle and sheep farms, wholly or mainly in less-favoured areas, according to the census of June 1992, is shown in the following table:

  Average size1 of cattle and sheep farms wholly or partly in less-favoured areas as at June 1992

  Hectares

  Clwyd

  68·6

  Dyfed

  47·8

  Gwent

  38·3

  Gwynedd

  83·1

  Outcome of ballot

  Outcome of ballot

  Local education authority

  Number of primary schools eligible for GM status

  Number of primary schools that have held ballots

  For GM (number subject to S12-13 notice

  Against GM

  Number of secondary schools eligible for GM status

  Number of secondary schools that have held ballots

  For GM (number subject to S12-13 notice

  Against GM

  Clwyd

  243

  3

  2

  1

  29

  7

  4

  3

  Dyfed

  313

  0

  0

  0

  31

  0

  0

  0

  Gwent

  213

  1

  1

  0

  31

  4

  4

  0

  Gwynedd

  190

  1

  1

  0

  23

  0

  0

  0

  Mid Glamorgan

  305

  1

  1

  0

  42

  0

  0

  0

  Powys

  107

  1

  1

  0

  13

  1

  0

  1

  South Glamorgan

  158

  1

  0

  1

  25

  3

  3

  0

  West Glamorgan

  164

  0

  0

  0

  26

  3

  1

  2

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each grant-maintained school in 1993–94(a) the direct annual maintenance grant and (b) the central annual maintenance grant.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The information is as follows:

  School

  Direct AMG

  Central AMG

  £

  £

  Cwmcarn Comprehensive

  767,868

  92,448

  Bishop Vaughan Comprehensive

  2,009,465

  300,708

  Brynmawr Comprehensive

  1,157,403

  133,258

  Emrys ap Iwan Comprehensive

  2,075,410

  314,569

  Maelor Comprehensive

  1,069,140

  146,009

  Stanwell Comprehensive

  1,884,510

  215,833

  Caergeiliog Primary

  310,238

  53,694

  Derwen Primary1

  132,403

  23,117

  Eirias Comprehensive1

  1,150,134

  178,802

  Llanerfyl Primary1

  36,399

  2,630

  Pen-y-Bryn Primary1

  174,697

  32,718

  1 Schools incorporated as grant maintained with effect from 1 September 1993.

  1074

  Hectares

  Mid Glamorgan

  66·9

  Powys

  75·4

  South Glamorgan

  27·1

  West Glamorgan

  58·0

  Wales

  65·7

  1 Total area of holding

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) primary and (b) secondary schols in each local education authority in Wales are or have been eligible to apply for grant-maintained status; how many in each case have held ballots under section 61 of the Education Act 1988; how many ballots in each case resulted in votes to seek grant-maintained status and how many of these have been subject to section 12 or 13 notices; and how many ballots in each case resulted in votes against seeking grant-maintained status.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The information is as follows:

  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what applications were received from grant-maintained schools for capital grant for the financial year 1993–94; and what has been the level of grant approved in each case.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  In addition to the formula-related capital grant for the purchase of equipment or small-scale capital projects, which grant-maintained schools receive automatically, applications have been received in respect of the following specific projects:

  School

  Project Details

  Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan, Clwyd

  1. General rebuilding*

  Maelor, Clwyd

  1. Conversion of Science Block*

  2. Extension to Technology Suite

  Brynmawr, Gwent

  1. Refurbishment of Science Block and Technology Buildings*

  Cwmcarn, Gwent

  1. Replacement of roof on Arts and Science Block*

  2. General landscaping

  3. Refurbishment of heating system

  Ysgol Caergeiliog, Gwynedd

  1. Provision of 4 classrooms*

  Stanwell, South Glamorgan

  1. Rebuilding Science Block*

  2. Refurbishment/rebuilding of 4 storey tower block*

  3. Refurbishment of 3 storey tower block

  1075

  School

  Project Details

  Bishop Vaughan, West Glamorgan

  1. Replacement of curtain wall and roofing of 4 storey block*

  2. Replacement of main building's roof

  3. Refurbishment of heating system

  * Those marked with an asterisk have received approval in principle and schools have been invited to submit firm estimates and tenders. It is not possible therefore, at present to provide details of the final levels of grant involved.

  Cwm Carn School
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the headteacher of Cwm Carn school left his post; what the grounds were for his departure; and who is responsible for the payment of severence costs involved.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I understand that the resignation of Mr. Frank Elliott, the head of Cwmcarn grant-maintained school, is to take effect from 31 December 1993. The reasons for his departure are a matter between him and his employers, the governing body of the school. The responsibility for any financial settlement is that of the governing body, although my Department is making a contribution through a special purpose grant for staff restructuring.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Redwood
  The available information is as follows:

  Departmental correspondence received since 1 January 1993

  Ministerial per cent.

  1Official Per cent.

  Acknowledged within five days

  100

  100

  Substantive reply within 15 days

  82·3

  2—

  Cadw

  Acknowledged within five days

  100

  100

  Substantive reply within 15 days

  3—

  99

  1 Official correspondence transferred from another Department is not acknowledged on receipt to the Welsh Office.

  2 The Department has a target for replies to issue within 15 working days. Each division monitors its performance against the target; information is not collected centrally.

  3 This figure is included in the Department's total and cannot be identified separately.

  Power Cuts
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet representatives of electricity distributors in Wales to discuss what measures are required to prevent power cuts caused by the deposit of salt on electricity supply cables.

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  Agricultural Wages Committee

  1,639

  2,355

  1,960

  1,937

  1,863

  1,795

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation

  41,629

  34,267

  36,400

  44,939

  3—

  3—

  Countryside Council for Wales

  519

  15,172

  17,362

  19,272

  19,270

  19,202

  1076
  Mr. Redwood
  I have no plans at present. However, I understand that MANWEB's Gwynedd district is investing over £2·4 million annually on overhead line refurbishment and insulator redesign in an effort to relieve the problem.

  Local Government Review
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the draft ward boundaries proposed for the planned unitary authorities were sent to local councils; and if he will place a copy of the boundaries in the Library.

  Mr. Redwood
  I shall consult Welsh local authorities on proposed electoral areas soon and I will place a copy of my proposals in the Library.

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation
  Mr. Roger Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what funds will be made available to Cardiff Bay development corporation in the next financial year.

  Mr. Redwood
  During 1994–95 my Department will make available to Cardiff Bay development corporation grant in aid of £48·2 million.

  National Health Service
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what funding he proposes to make available to the national health service in Wales in 1994–95 and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  Spending on the NHS in Wales will increase by £100 million from £1,975 million to £2,076 million, which represents a cash increase of over 5 per cent. —well ahead of retail inflation and pay increases£or an extra £35 for every man, woman and child in Wales. This will bring expenditure up to £716 next year for every person in Wales, or nearly £3,000 for an average family.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table showing in 1992–93 prices, the gross public spending for each year since 1990–91 and the projected expenditure for each year to 1995–96 for each executive non-departmental public body sponsored by his Department, as listed in "Public Bodies 1992".

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 15 December 1993]: The information requested is shown in the following table. The figures for cash spend have been deflated using the GDP deflator, which is currently estimated to be running at a much higher level than the RPI or pay increases. These figures can therefore mislead on the true real value of the cash sums.
  1077

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  £000s

  Curriculum Council for Wales1

  1,421

  1,507

  1,555

  1,651

  3—

  3—

  Development Board for Rural Wales

  22,665

  22,576

  24,593

  25,426

  25,502

  24,061

  Housing for Wales

  112,291

  118,615

  162,650

  125,443

  113,019

  3—

  Land Authority for Wales

  10,325

  9,656

  9,516

  9,879

  9,499

  3—

  National Library of Wales

  6,062

  6,229

  6,443

  6,245

  3—

  3—

  National Museum of Wales

  20,003

  18,356

  16,561

  14,918

  3—

  3—

  Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales

  1,018

  953

  1,132

  1,170

  1,243

  1,200

  Sports Council for Wales

  7,8744

  7,830

  8,291

  9,021

  3—

  3—

  Wales Tourist Board

  14,819

  13,642

  15,287

  15,056

  14,975

  14,434

  Wales Youth Agency2

  3—

  3—

  383

  365

  359

  352

  Welsh Development Agency

  164,738

  164,377

  162,200

  166,005

  155,582

  3—

  Welsh National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting

  9,211

  9,517

  9,871

  1,249

  1,230

  1,212

  Notes:

  Figures for 1995–96 are dependent on the outcome of future public expenditure surveys.

  1The Curriculum Council will be replaced by the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales in 1994–95.

  2 The Wales Youth Agency was first established in 1992–93.

  3 Not available.

  NHS Salary Costs
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 25 November,Official Report, column 151, on national health service salary costs, (1) if he will update the figures to include 1992–93;

  (2) if he will update the table on national health service salary costs to include 1992–93 figures.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  [holding answers 13 December 1993]The information requested is as follows:

  1992–93

  £000s

  a. Administrative and Clerical

  91,237

  b. Managerial

  20,127

  c. Nursing

  424,937

  Source: Health authorities' annual accounts

  Pembrokeshire NHS trust accounts

  Charter

  Compensation paid (nearset £)000

  From

  To

  British Rail passengers charter

  4,427

  April 1992

  November 1993

  London Underground customers charter

  162

  August 1992

  8 December 1993

  Northern Ireland Railways passengers charter

  1

  November 1992

  30 Novembfer 1993

  Charter

  Compensation paid (nearest£000)

  From

  To

  Contributions Agency contributors and employers charters1

  76

  April 1991

  March 1993

  Benefits Agency customer charter

  4,071

  April 1992

  March 1993

  1Separate figures are not available for the Contributions Agency contributors and Contributions Agency employers charters. The figures represent payments made from April 1991, four months before the Contributions Agency charters were introduced.

DUNCHY OF LANCASTER

  Government Car Service
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the annual cost to the Department of the car service for Ministers in 1990–91; and how many vehicles were involved.

  Mr. David Davis
  The cost in 1990–91 to the then Office of the Minister for the Civil Service for use of the Government car service by its departmental Minister and the Government Whips was £243,931.

  Charters
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much has been paid out in financial compensation for the failure of(a) the British Rail passengers charter, (b) London Underground customers charter, (c) Northern Ireland Railways passengers charter, (d) Contributions Agency contributors charter, (e) Contributions Agency employers charter and (f) the Benefits Agency customer charter, to meet their stated targets.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  British Rail, London Underground Ltd. and Northern Ireland Railways have paid an estimated £4,590,000 in financial compensation as a result of failure to meet stated targets. This is broken down as follows:

  In addition, the Contributions Agency and Benefits Agency have paid an estimated £4,147,000 in special payments, broken down as follows:

  NORWEB
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what were the reasons for the award to NORWEB of a charter mark.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  NORWEB was awarded a charter mark because it was able to demonstrate to the Prime Minister's advisory panel on the citizens charter, by reference to its nine charter mark criteria, that it had achieved the required high degree of excellence in its services to the public.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what redundancy terms apply to Ministers' specialist advisers.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Appointments of special advisers automatically terminate with the end of the Administration, or on the day after polling day in a general election, or when their appointing Minister leaves his or her present post, or if they resign to take part in national political activities or for other reasons. In some of those circumstances, they may be reappointed. Otherwise, severance payments, subject to tax and national insurance, are made in accordance with the scale in the following table.

  Number of months pay in lieu of notice for those aged:

  Years of service

  Under 34

  34

  35 and above

  Less than two

  3

  3·0

  3

  Two but less than three

  3

  3·5

  4

  Three but less than four

  3

  4·0

  5

  Four and over

  3

  4·5

  6

  All special advisers, regardless of age, are entitled to one month's severance pay if their appointment is made within six months of the latest date by which a general election must take place, or if they resign to take part in national political activities within six months of their appointment.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements are made to ensure that special advisers to Ministers in his Department do not have access to the kind of information, and are not involved in the type of business, that would be likely to create suspicion of impropriety in relation to subsequent employment.

  Mr. David Davis
  Care is taken to ensure that special advisers do not have access to the kind of information likely to create suspicion of impropriety. They are not involved in evaluating tenders or letting contracts.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the name and job description of each special ministerial adviser employed in his Department showing any particular outputs for which each adviser is responsible.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I have appointed Mr. David Rutley to be my political adviser. Mr. Rutley will take up his 1080
  appointment on 4 January 1994. His duties will vary. Dr. John Nicholson provides me with expert advice on a range of issues relating to public sector management.

  Market Testing
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will detail the estimated cost of market testing by each Department in the current financial year; and what was the actual cost to each Department at current prices in the financial year 1992–93.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The 1992–93 "Competing for Quality" programme ran from April 1992 to September 1993. The 1993–94 programme runs from October 1993 to September 1994. It is not possible, from centrally held information, to detail the cost of market testing by Department for the current and 1992–93 financial years.

  The cost of market testing by Department for the 1992–93 "Competing for Quality" programme will be published in the citizens charter second report.

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which government Departments, non-departmental public bodies and next steps agencies are undergoing market testing at present; and which are planned to undergo market testing in the near future.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I refer the hon. Member to the "Citizen's Charter First Report"; the supporting material to my announcement of 4 November 1993 to the House of Commons Official Report, columns 526–37, on the "Competing for Quality" programme; and the "Market Testing Bulletin", all of which have been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Correspondence received by my office from 1 January to 30 November 1993 has generally been acknowledged within five working days, with the exception of write-in campaigns. For correspondence receiving a ministerial reply, 67 per cent. received a substantive reply within 15 working days, which is the departmental target. For correspondence receiving an official reply, 71 per cent. received a substantive reply within 20 working days, which is the departmental target. No record is kept against a 15-working-day target for official replies.

  The above figures include correspondence passed to agencies for replies to be drafted for ministerial signature. The position for correspondence received direct by agencies and answered by them is as follows:

  Chessington Computer Centre
  From 1 January to 30 November 1993 100 per cent. of written enquiries were acknowledged within 10 working days. 97 per cent. received a substantive reply within one calendar month. No records are kept against other targets.

  Civil Service College
  Correspondence from customers concerning courses has a target reply time of 24 hours. General correspondence has a target of 15 working days, with as much as possible answered within five. The College keeps no records against these targets.
  1081
  Occupational Health Service
  No records kept of reply times. However, all correspondence usually replied to within 15 working days. Acknowledgements are not usually sent.

  Recruitment and Assessment Services
  All letters are acknowledged within five working days and receive a substantive reply within 15 working days.

  Her Majesty's Stationery Office
  From 1 January to 30 November 1993. of MPs' letters passed to the chief executive to reply, 100 per cent. were replied to within five working days. 97 per cent. of correspondence for the chief executive was acknowledged, by letter or telephone, within five working days and 94 per cent. received a substantive reply within 15 working days. No records are held centrally of other correspondence received by HMSO.

  Central Office of Information
  All correspondence to the chief executive receives a reply within 15 working days. No records of other correspondence are held centrally.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what record is kept of the number of individuals who hold multiple positions on public bodies: and what is the policy in respect of their remuneration.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Responsibility for the 42,000 appointments to public bodies rests with individual Ministers and their Departments. No central record is kept of those appointed.

  The majority of public appointments are part time and unpaid. Those which are paid are the more senior public appointments which place greater demands on the individual, in terms of the size of the task and the time commitment. The remuneration for such appointments recognises this, and the Cabinet Office "Guide on Public Appointments Procedures" makes clear that in setting remuneration appropriate account should be taken of any existing paid public appointments.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Church Closures
  Mr. Bates
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, how many churches in the diocese of Durham have been closed since 1984; and for what reasons.

  Mr. Alison
  Since 1 January 1984, nine out of some 310 churches in the Durham diocese have been declared redundant under the provisions of the Pastoral Measure 1983. Two had not been used since 1964, one was replaced by a new place of worship and the remaining six were no longer required as parish churches or chapels of ease. We have been notified of one further new place of worship opening in the same period.

  Theological Colleges
  Mr. Roger Evans
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, representing the Church Commissioners, what funding the Church Commissioners provide to support theological colleges in England.

  Mr. Alison
  The commissioners have advanced loans totalling £3.75 million, on an equity-sharing basis, to theological colleges and courses to assist in the provision of housing for staff and students.

TRANSPORT

  Departmental Offices (Heating Bills)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by location the annual fuel heating bills for each of his Department's offices for the last four years, and for this year to date.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department holds information only for the last three financial years. A breakdown of the figures could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The heating bills were:

  £

  1990–91

  898,569

  1991–92

  1,036,760

  1992–93

  909,408

  Figures for the year to date are not held centrally.

  Marchioness Disaster
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what statements have been made since 8 December, other than by proceedings in Parliament, by Her Majesty's Government in relation to the Marchioness disaster.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department has responded to various sections of the media to the effect that the Channel 4 TV programme "Dispatches" broadcast on 8 December has not produced any material evidence on the loss of the Marchioness which was not considered by the marine accident investigation branch inquiry in 1989.

  Transport Projects
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the public transport projects the Government are planning to invest in outside London.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer my hon. Friend to the Secretary of State for Transport's reply on 15 December 1993 to the hon. Member for Dartford about the allocation of grant and credit approvals for roads and public transport in 1994–95. Tables 4 and 5 detail the package bids and local public transport projects to which resources will be allocated in 1994–95. A large part of the future public investment in the railway industry will also take place outside London.

  A560, Stockport
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are his current plans for the improvement of the junction of the A560 at Stockport road west and Ashton road at Bredbury, Stockport.

  Mr. Key
  We plan to improve the junction as part of our proposals for the A6(M) Stockport north-south bypass and hope to publish plans for public comment in spring 1994.

  Public Transport
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was expenditure on public transport in each region for 1992–93.
  1083
  Mr. Freeman
  This information is not available in the form requested.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the expenditure on public transport in Greater London and the south-east for 1992–93.

  Mr. Norris
  In 1992–93, current and capital expenditure by London Transport, docklands light railway and Network SouthEast totalled £4 billion. Expenditure on buses operating outside London in the south-east is not available.

  Nuclear Materials
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 136, if he will set out the reasons why his Department failed to provide a substantive reply within the statutory time limit of two months as set out in the Environmental Information Regulations 1992.

  Mr. Key
  Most of the time was taken in considering the legal aspects of the application.

  M65
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the social and economic cost of safeguarding land for the possible eastwards extension of the M65.

  Mr. Key
  None. Any safeguarding has been a local authority matter.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Norris
  Details of staff in post in the Department's press office from 1984, including adminstrative support, are as follows:

  Year

  Total staff in post

  1984

  12

  1985

  11

  1986

  11

  1987

  10

  1988

  10

  1989

  12

  1990

  12

  1991

  13

  1992

  13

  1993

  15

  Before 1984 the information division was a common service of the Department of Transport, Department of the Environment and Property Services Agency. Figures before 1984 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Traffic Management
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what staffing resources he has allocated to the monitoring and compliance of enforcement and traffic management duties undertaken by the police.
  1084
  Mr. Key
  In the first instance, it is the responsibility of individual chief officers of police to monitor the performance of their force. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary has the statutory duty of promoting the efficiency of police and there is constant liaison between his officials and mine about all the aspects of traffic policing. It is neither necessary nor appropriate for any of my officials to undertake any systematic monitoring of the way in which the police perform their traffic duties.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all enforcement and traffic management duties arising out of transport legislation which are currently the responsibility of the Home Secretary.

  Mr. Key
  Chief officers of police have responsibility for a wide range of traffic management and enforcement duties. A complete list could be provided only at disproportionate expense.

  Parking on Pavements
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures his Department is taking to raise public attention to the problems and dangers of parking on pavements.

  Mr. Key
  The Department has issued numerous posters and leaflets on this subject and has sent out the leaflets with the reminders issued to motorists when they need to tax their vehicles. We have also revised the section on parking in the new edition of the "Highway Code" so that it makes it clear that vehicles should not be parked on the pavement.

  A13
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he received, or expects to receive, the report from the inspector into the proposals for an underpass at the junction of the A13 Newham way and Prince Regent's lane, Newham, and when he expects to announce his decision concerning these proposals.

  Mr. Norris
  The inspector's report is not expected before early next year. The Secretary of State's decisions will follow as soon as possible thereafter.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he is giving to routing the channel tunnel rail link to King's Cross/St. Pancras in a deep tunnel; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Union Railways' report, which we received on 29 October, includes a tunnel alternative to the surface route to St. Pancras along the north London line corridor. We are considering the information contained in the report, together with the many comments we have received during the consultation process, and will announce our decisions early in the new year.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many letters he has received from Islington residents in support of a deep tunnel link of the proposed channel tunnel link between Stratford and King's Cross/St. Pancras.

  Mr. Freeman
  In response to Union Railways' latest proposals we have received some 980 letters—and
  1085
  petitions with a total of 340 signatories—in support of a tunnel alternative to the surface route to St. Pancras along the north London line corridor.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will estimate the number of Islington residents on the route of the surface channel rail link who will be affected by noise and vibration(a) during construction and (b) during train operation.

  Mr. Freeman
  Union Railways' specialist consultants have assessed the scale of the noise and vibration impacts as part of their comparative appraisal of the options presented in Union Railways' report. Their work formed part of Union Railways' report to Government and will be published when the Government's decisions are announced.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Islington residents live within(a) 25, (b) 50, (c) 100 or (d) 250 m of the proposed channel tunnel surface link to King's Cross-St. Pancras.

  Mr. Freeman
  This information is not available.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies have been undertaken by his Department into the value of houses along the route of the proposed channel tunnel link in Islington; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Union Railways is aware of the value of properties affected by the rail link which may have to be taken or which are seriously affected and has taken this into account in estimating the cost of various options.

  London Buses
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what meetings he has held with the board of London Buses to discuss route tendering and contracts; what conditions he has laid down for(a) London Buses and (b) private operators in the provision of licences; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The Secretary of State and I meet the chairman of London Transport regularly to discuss topics of mutual interest, including the development of a programme for tendering all LT's bus routes, whether currently operated by London Buses Ltd. subsidiaries or private operators, on a net cost basis. LT will announce the form and scope of the new arrangements in the new year.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many London Buses staff have been made redundant in 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1993–94 to date; and what was the cost to London Buses and the Government in each of those years.

  Mr. Norris
  London Buses Ltd. has advised that it has made the following staff redundant, and incurred the following costs:

  Financial Year

  Staff Numbers

  Cost

  £ million

  1991–92

  568

  15·8

  1992–93

  1,874

  35·0

  11993–94

  320

  7·8

  1 5 November 1993

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) and acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. MacGregor
  All correspondence received by my Department and replied to by Ministers receives an acknowledgement which is dispatched within two days. In 1993, up to the end of November, 65 per cent. of ministerial correspondence received a substantive reply which was dispatched within 15 days. Some 19,023 ministerial letters were answered in this period.

  Information about executive agencies' correspondence is not held centrally. This is a matter for the chief executives concerned.

  Severn Tunnel
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures have been taken to improve safety in the Severn tunnel following the accident in 1991.

  Mr. Freeman
  British Rail has implemented several measures to improve the detection of faults and maintenance of equipment. Interested parties are continuing to look at ways of improving liaison and site arrangements for the emergency services.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures have been taken to improve safety throughout the British rail system following the Severn tunnel accident in 1991.

  Mr. Freeman
  Where appropriate, the improvements being implemented at the Severn tunnel will be applied at other locations on the British Rail network.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to receive the Seymour inquiry report on the Severn tunnel accident which occurred in October 1991.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Health and Safety Executive expects to publish the Severn tunnel accident inquiry report by March.

  In the meantime, British Rail has taken steps, with the support of the railway inspectorate, which should prevent a recurrence.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the regional and area offices of his Department, and of inspectorates, agencies, and other public bodies for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department and its agencies have numerous offices of varying size throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These have been listed separately and copies of the information requested have been placed in the Library.

  Aviation
  Sir Keith Speed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the latest position reached in the bilateral talks on aviation matters with the United States Government.
  1087
  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The United Kingdom made an offer at talks on 7 to 9 December which provides for a much more liberal agreement with immediate benefits to passengers, airlines, airports and local communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

  There are still a number of major obstacles which it is the function of these talks to overcome and we look forward to continuing the dialogue in January.

  Shipping Accident, Arran
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will arrange for the marine accident investigation branch to carry out an investigation into the incident involving the fishing vessel Ocean Gem and the US Navy Ship Nitro off the coast of Arran on 10 October; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: The incident is reported as having occurred on 10 December. In accordance with normal practice, the case has been classified by the marine accident investigation branch as a hazardous incident and referred to the marine directorate for appropriate action.

  Heathrow and South-West Quadrant Report
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the Heathrow west and south-west quadrant orbital movements study report.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: Yes. Copies of the Heathrow access and south-west quadrant study report have now been placed in the House Library.

  Search and Rescue
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what consultations he had with the national marine safety steering committee before the Ministry of Defence decision on search and rescue provision on 7 December;

  (2) how many representations he made in respect of the Ministry of Defence review of search and rescue provision in south-west England and west Wales;

  (3) when he was informed that the Ministry of Defence was reviewing its decision of October 1992 on search and rescue provision in south-west England and west Wales;

  (4) what part his Department played in the review of search and rescue provision in south-west England and west Wales before the announcement made by the Ministry of Defence on 7 December;

  (5) what consultations he had with the Wales district marine safety sub-committee before the Ministry of Defence decision on search and rescue provision of 7 December;

  (6) when he was informed of the decision of the 1993 Ministry of Defence review of search and rescue provision in south-west England and west Wales.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: In October 1992, the MOD announced the decision to transfer Sea King coverage in the area from RAF Brawdy to RAF Chivenor, as part of the future provision of RAF search and rescue helicopters. In March this year, the Ministry of Defence informed the Department of Transport that a review of RAF training establishments was being carried out by RAF Support Command, which would include the future of RAF Chivenor. Officials in my Department
  1088
  discussed the implications of this for civil search and rescue. The Minister for Aviation and Shipping was informed on 6 December of the outcome of the MOD review of flying establishments and that the 1992 SAR decisions would stand. The United Kingdom search and rescue committee is responsible for reviewing the general arrangements for civil maritime and aviation search and rescue. Since the committee accepted the decisions in the 1992 open government document, there was no need to refer the conclusions of the review of training establishments to the committee.

  Suppliers List
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from the Italian company Arc-Sipra seeking to be included on his Department's approved list of suppliers; what has been his response; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  [holding answer 9 December 1993]: We have not received any communication from the company Arc-Sipra.

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Government Review
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many meetings he has had with representatives of the trading standards organisations in respect of the local government review.

  Mr. Baldry
  I shall be meeting Sir Gordon Borne and my hon. Friend the Member for Meriden, (Mr. Mills), on behalf of the Institute of Trading Standards Administration, on 12 January 1994.

  Urban Regeneration
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the initiatives through which urban regeneration funds have been made available and the amount that his Department provided.

  Sir George Young
  Several Government Departments contribute to urban regeneration through a wide range of programmes. My Department's main targeted urban group programmes are:

  City Challenge/Urban Programme

  City Grant/English Partnerships (URA)

  Derelict Land Grant

  Urban Development Corporations

  Inner City Task Forces

  City Action Teams

  Figures for total public expenditure under these initiatives were provided in my reply to the hon. Member on 29 November, Official Report, column 381.

  From 1 April 1994, the single regeneration budget will bring together 20 existing Government programmes worth over £1.4 billion in 1994–95.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evaluation he has made of the number of people likely to be homeless over Christmas.

  Sir George Young
  My Department makes no estimates of the number of households likely to become
  1089
  homeless. In the three months to 30 September 1993, local authorities in England accepted 33,690 households as statutorily homeless. This is some 1,910—5 per cent.—fewer than in the same period last year; the total of acceptances for the latest 12 months has now fallen in each of the last six quarters.

  As part of the £86 million rough sleepers initiative, the Government are funding the voluntary sector to run seven winter shelters for single people sleeping rough in central London. Around 360 bed spaces are being provided from 1 December to 31 March. A further 280 places are available at short notice in the event of particularly severe weather.

  Sunday Shopping
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evaluation he has made of the magnitude of increased emissions of air pollutants that would arise as a result of increased traffic and electricity consumption created by full deregulation of Sunday shopping.

  Mr. Yeo
  No specific evaluations have been carried out. However, my Department's monitoring programme indicates that concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are currently on average lower on Sundays than on weekdays by 16 to 26 per cent. in London.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total budget for the enhanced urban network air pollution monitoring programme for the current year and for the years 1993–94 and 1994–95.

  Mr. Yeo
  The total budget for the enhanced urban network air pollution monitoring programme for the current year—1993–94—is £2·722 million. The spend in 1994–95 will be determined when tenders from contractors have been assessed.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment by which date he intends to complete the expansion of the enhanced urban network air pollution monitoring programme to 24 towns and cities, as discussed in his recent consultation paper on air quality monitoring networks.

  Mr. Yeo
  The date for completion of the expansion of the enhanced urban network air pollution monitoring programme will be decided in the light of responses to the consultation paper on air quality monitoring networks.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will issue a discussion paper on the best ways of bringing pollution levels down to achieve new air quality targets or guidelines.

  Mr. Yeo
  Shortly.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish the second report of the quality of urban air review group.

  Mr. Yeo
  The second report of the quality of urban air review group will be published in January 1994.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total budget for his air quality research programme for the current year and for the years 1993–94 and 1994–95.
  1090
  Mr. Yeo
  The budget for air quality research for the current year—1993–94—is £9·657 million. The allocation for 1994–95 will be settled in due course.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will announce new air quality standards for ground level ozone, benzene and carbon monoxide.

  Mr. Yeo
  Reports by the expert panel on air quality standards recommending standards for ozone and benzene will be published shortly. The panel is still considering recommendations on carbon monoxide.

  Radon Gas
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of deaths from radon each year in the United Kingdom; what proportion of the United Kingdom housing stock has been surveyed for radon; what proportion of the housing stock has had remedial action taken; and whether data held by his Department on households where radon levels have been found to exceed the action level will be made available to environmental health departments so that remedial action can be encouraged.

  Mr. Yeo
  The Department of the Environment has been advised by the National Radiological Protection Board—NRPB—that an estimated 2,000 cases of lung cancer per annum may be attributable to the presence of radon in houses. It is the Government's policy to encourage measurements in radon-affected areas which are designated by the NRPB. We estimate that in those areas some 150,000 dwellings have been measured so far, which represents approximately 11 per cent. of the local housing stock. Regular reports of survey findings are provided to environmental health officers for the local authorities concerned. Reliable estimates of the number of households where remedial action has been taken are not available.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate has been made by his Department of the likely increase in annual carbon dioxide emissions from the additional heating and lighting of shops, and additional traffic generated from increased levels of Sunday trading.

  Mr. Yeo
  My Department has not undertaken a formal review on the impact on the environment resulting from the proposed change in Sunday trading laws, but estimates suggest that any increase in annual CO2 emissions is likely to be negligible. The expectation is that there will not be a significant effect on overall traffic levels, taking the week as a whole.

  Biodiversity
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan will accord with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources guidelines for the preparation of biodiversity plans.

  Mr. Yeo
  We aim to publish the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan after the House returns in the new year. The plan will explain our strategy for conserving wildlife and habitats. Account has been taken of the IUCN guidelines for the preparation of biodiversity plans.
  1091
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make the conservation of biodiversity an integral part of all Government policy and action.

  Mr. Yeo
  We aim to publish the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan after the House returns in the new year. The plan will explain our strategy for conserving wildlife and habitats including the role of Government policy.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the part to be played by the biodiversity action plan in helping to protect sites of special scientific interest and other important wildlife sites from neglect and destruction.

  Mr. Yeo
  We aim to publish the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan after the House returns in the new year. The plan will explain our strategy for conserving wildlife and habitats including protected areas.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those bodies that he has consulted in the last two months with regard to the preparation of the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan.

  Mr. Yeo
  We have consulted widely during the preparation of the plan. We received more than 1,000 pages of text from some 300 organisations on framework and content, and many of the views and ideas expressed have been incorporated as appropriate in parts of the plan. A two-day seminar organised by the Department of the Environment and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, held at the Royal Geographical Society in May, also assisted this process. A number of individuals and organisations outside Government have contributed to and commented on parts of the plan document. During the past two months, effort has concentrated on final drafting, design and printing rather than consultation.

  Passenger Transport
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what consideration he has given to funding local passenger transport executives by precept;

  (2) what representations he has received from local passenger transport executives on being funded by a precept.

  Mr. Baldry
  Passenger transport executives—PTEs—and passenger transport authorities—PTAs—are funded by levies issued by PTAs to constituent local authorities. One PTE and a number of PTAs have made representations that they should, instead, be funded by a precept. But it is the Government's view that the present arrangements are appropriate.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many press officers his Department has employed in each year since 1983.

  Mr. Gummer
  There are currently 16 press officers employed by the Department of the Environment's information directorate.

  Figures for prior years on the composition of the information directorate as a whole are published each year
  1092
  within the management information system for Ministers—MINIS—dating back to 1979 and are available in the Library.

  Tenants Incentive Scheme
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the tenants' incentive scheme in helping those who would otherwise not have been able to afford it to buy their own home.

  Sir George Young
  My Department has commissioned independent research into the effectiveness of the tenants incentive scheme by the Harris Research Centre. I expect to receive the report early in the new year.

  Aggregates
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many tonnes of aggregate dredged from British coastal waters was exported in each of the last five years;

  (2) how many licences have been issued for aggregate dredging in British coastal waters in each of the last five years;

  (3) how many tonnes of aggregate were dredged from British coastal waters in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Crown Estate licences the extraction of sand and gravel from British coastal waters and collects statistics relating to those licences. The Crown Estate has provided my Department with the following information.

  Year1

  Total amount dredged (tonnes)2

  Amount exported (tonnes)

  Number of licenses issued

  1988

  25,807,914

  2,379,391

  8

  1989

  28,038,429

  2,528,839

  6

  1990

  25,281,728

  3,817,947

  Nil

  1991

  20,343,856

  4,613,982

  8

  1992

  20,559,002

  6,317,232

  Nil

  1 Figures for 1993 not available yet.

  2 Includes beach nourishment and contract fill.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what environmental safeguards exist for the dredging of aggregate in British coastal waters.

  Mr. Baldry
  The decision to grant a licence for the extraction of marine sand and gravel rests with the Crown Estate after consultation with those whose interests may be affected by the proposed dredging. My Department is responsible for co-ordinating these consultations and formulating the Government view. Each proposal is considered on its merits and careful consideration is given to all potential environmental impacts before deciding whether or not to grant a favourable Government view. On the basis of a favourable Government view, the Crown Estate will decide whether to issue a licence to dredge and will lay down appropriate conditions to protect marine and coastal interests.

  Water-efficient Homes
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which statutory provisions ensure the building of water-efficient homes in(a) the public and (b) the private sector.
  1093
  Mr. Yeo
  Water fittings installed in a property must comply with the water byelaws. The byelaws set out requirements for the prevention of waste and contamination of water and regulate plumbing materials and installations. Water companies are responsible for their enforcement.

  Mentally Ill Homeless People
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the amount of capital funds available from his Department through the Housing Corporation for the provision of housing and care support for homeless mentally ill persons in London; and what steps he is taking or ensure that these funds are used to provide appropriate accommodation for these people.

  Sir George Young
  The Housing Corporation is making available up to £11.5 million of capital funding this year for the provision of housing accommodation in support of the Department of Health initiatives for homeless mentally ill people in London. These funds will be used by the Housing Corporation to support those housing association schemes which, in liaison with the authorities concerned, they judge will be most effective in providing for this client group.

  Travellers
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received regarding problems created by gipsies/travellers during the last 12 months from(a) local authorities and (b) other sources other than those received as part of his consultative exercise.

  Mr. Baldry
  My Department has received some 670 letters from local authorities, hon. Members and members of the public during the past 12 months, excluding formal responses to the consultation paper issued by the Department in August last year.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what was the cost to local authorities of dealing with problems of gipsies/travellers in the last 12 months for which figures are available;

  (2) what information he has of the number of attempts in the last 12 months to move gipsies/travellers; and whether any breakdown of the land ownership can be given in such cases.

  Mr. Baldry
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many gipsies/travellers there are currently in England; how many are on official sites; how many on unofficial sites on(a) private land and (b) public land; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  The latest biannual count of gipsy caravans, collected from information provided by district and borough councils, found 12,810 gipsy caravans in England on 21 July 1993. A total of 8,408 caravans were on authorised sites, of which 2,976 were on private land and 5,432 on council land; 4,402 caravans were in unauthorised encampments, but the local authority returns do not distinguish whether the land was in public or private ownership.

  Living over the Shops Initiatives
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each local authority(a) the address, (b) the date it was approved by his officials, (c) the overall scheme cost, (d) the level of subsidy, (e) the date of completion, (f) the date of withdrawal and (g) the letting date for each completed property for which a supplementary credit approval has been agreed by his Department under the living over the shops initiatives since the inception of the scheme.

  Sir George Young
  Not all the information requested is held by the Department. However, I have arranged for the information which is readily available to be placed in the Library.

  Thermal Oxide Reprocessing Plant
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what form of social cost-benefit analysis he has undertaken in order to justify the radioactive discharges and creation of nuclear waste resulting from the operation of THORP; if he will release this; and what other methods he has used to make the justification.

  Mr. Yeo
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on 15 December,Official Report, column 1094. Copies of the decision document which sets out in detail how the decisions were reached are in the House Library.

  Parish Reviews
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what effect the Local Government Act 1992 has had on the validity of circular 121/77.

  Mr. Baldry
  Under the provisions of section 13 of the Local Government Act 1992, the Local Government Commission is given powers, at the direction of the Secretary of State for the Environment, to undertake parish reviews. These powers replace those the Local Government Act 1972 conferred on district councils and the Local Government Boundary Commission, on which Department of the Environment circular 121/77 gives guidance. Circular 121/77 continues to reflect established policy.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will instruct the commission for local government reorganisation to cease referring to circular 121.77 in investigations and reports.

  Mr. Baldry
  No. Department of the Environment circular 121/77 on parish reviews continues to reflect current policy.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the recommended maximum waiting times for hearing an appeal at a council tax tribunal.

  Mr. Baldry
  Valuation tribunals are independent judicial bodies, and it would not be appropriate for my
  1095
  right hon. Friend to make recommendations of this kind. However, the tribunals are very conscious of the need to process appeals as expeditiously as is consistent with a full and fair consideration of the merits of each case.

  Housing Action Trusts
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the total numbers of chairpersons and non-executive board members of(a) housing action trusts and (b) urban development corporations.

  Sir George Young
  Currently, the established housing action trusts have in total 55 board members, including chairmen; the urban development corporations have 135 board members, including chairmen.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of correspondence received by(a) his Department and (b) each of his Department's agencies receives (i) an acknowledgement within five days and (ii) a substantive reply within 15 days.

  Mr. Gummer
  My Department aims to reply to letters within 15 days, and to send an acknowledgement if a full reply cannot be given within this time. Some 1.5 million letters are received annually at the Department's headquarters. Work is now under way to ensure the systematic monitoring of performance in replying.

  Urban Regeneration Agency
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the cost to public funds of the change of name of the Urban Regeneration Agency to English Partnerships; and if he will make a statement on the reason for the change.

  Mr. Baldry
  The name English Partnerships reflects the fact that the agency will operate in the whole of England and in partnership with the public, private and voluntary sectors. The adoption of this operating name did not entail any increase in its preparatory costs.

  Public Meetings
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what requirements are imposed on housing action trusts, housing associations and urban development corporations, to hold meetings in public of the main governing body, any committees, and any sub-committees; and what rights of access the public have to agendas, minutes, and reports of such bodies, committees and sub-committees.

  Mr. Gummer
  No requirements are imposed on housing action trusts or urban development corporations. However, as a matter of policy and in the light of citizens charter commitments, most housing action trust board, committee and sub-committee meetings are open to the public. Agendas, reports and minutes are available to the public on request. Most urban development corporations admit the public to discussions on land use planning matters unless they are commercially confidential issues. Similarly, the proceedings of some meetings of housing action trusts may not be open to the public, for example where personnel matters, audit and commercially confidential matters are discussed.
  1096
  The Housing Corporation has the statutory responsibility to fund and supervise registered housing associations. As part of its supervisory role, the corporation requires associations to provide a wide range of information on a regular basis covering the performance and management of associations. These returns are available to members of the public and may be viewed at the corporation's headquarters.

  Blue-collar Services

  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he intends to modify the arrangements for retendering of blue-collar services following his decision to accelerate the programme for reviewing the structure of English counties and districts.

  Mr. Baldry
  My Department's announcement to the House on 29 March 1993,Official Report, column 56, that shire counties and districts being reorganised following review by the Local Government Commission would not be required to continue compulsory competitive tendering —CCT—for manual services during the reorganisation period, was widely welcomed by local authorities. The acceleration of the commission's review programme requires some modification to these arrangements.

  Our objective is that authorities should, wherever possible, continue to subject services to the pressures of competition which can bring so many benefits. However, we would not wish to see new authorities tied to inappropriate arrangement made by their predecessors.

  I therefore intend that, for all high-value, long-term contracts, the exemption already announced should remain unchanged. This will commence when Parliament approves changes in an area and end 18 months after the new authority comes into being.

  For short-term, low-value contracts, I have concluded that CCT should continue to apply throughout the reorganisation period. Tendering for this work is a matter of routine practice, and new authorities would not be hampered by continuing with arrangements made by their predecessors for a short period. I therefore intend that the exemption will not apply where the period over which work is to be carried out is less than 12 months or the value of that work is less than £200,000 per annum.

  My officials have today written to the secretaries of the Association of County Councils and Association of District Councils giving further details of these modifications and those my right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing, Inner Cities and Construction and I announced on 15 December for white-collar and housing management services, Official Report, columns 733-35. I will place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Housing Resources
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to make an announcement about the distribution of housing resources for 1994–95.

  Sir George Young
  I am today announcing a number of decisions about the provision of resources for housing in 1994–95.

  Local housing authorities will today receive their housing investment programme—HIP—allocations for 1994–95. They total some £1.5 billion. Within that, £1,038 million are general purpose allocations, or housing "annual

  1097
  capital guidelines". As last year, these have been calculated 40 per cent. on the basis of a statistical assessment of local housing needs, and 60 per cent. on a discretionary basis related to published criteria. The primary criterion has been the efficiency and effectiveness of local authorities in making use of capital resources to meet housing needs.

  This year, for the first time, in addition to their bids for resources, local authorities have also been required to submit a separate housing strategy statement. Our aim is that these strategy statements should become important documents in their own right, setting out a planned framework for housing programmes looking at least three years ahead. They should present an all-embracing picture of the housing needs and resources of each area, covering not only the plans of the local authority, but also the contribution to be made by the private sector.

  In general, the picture emerging from the bids and strategy statements this year is one of continuing improvements in performance by local authorities, both in the management of their own stock and in their enabling role. Housing strategies are now better researched and the analysis of local problems and opportunities is conducted on a sounder basis. Local authorities are acting in a more corporate manner, drawing on all the available sources of funding and using their enabling powers to meet needs in fields such as community care. Further efforts have also been made to involve private housing interests, tenants and residents in the development of housing strategies. Authorities are also making increased use of the private sector to assist them in meeting the needs of those accepted as homeless. My announcement of both the housing investment programme and approved development programme resources today also demonstrates how the housing programmes of local authorities and housing associations are being brought closer together.

  Under the competitive HIP process, we have again been able to direct resources to a greater degree to local authorities who are best able to make use of them. I am glad to be able to publish today the names of the authorities that were judged the best performers in each region under the HIP process. All other authorities will have the assessment of their performance conveyed to them by the Department's regional offices. I am encouraged by the progress which many authorities have made this year, and hope that all authorities will continue to work for further improvements during 1994–95.

  A further £288 million has been allocated for private sector renewal and housing defects in the form of "specified capital grant", to assist councils with their expenditure in these areas. As with the annual capital guideline allocations, 40 per cent. of these resources has been distributed on a statistical assessment of local needs, and 60 per cent. on a discretionary basis.

  I am depositing tables in the Library of the House showing each authority's annual capital guideline and specified capital allocations. I am also depositing a list of the names of the authorities in each region who have been assessed as the best performers.

  From 1 April 1994, estate action will be part of the single regeneration budget. Within the budget, £306 million will be available in 1994–95 for estate action schemes already under way. A further £67 million will be available for new schemes which will be approved under current estate action guidelines. Local authorities are today being notified of the outcome of their bids for resources for
  1098
  new schemes next year, as well as of the resources being provided for continuing schemes. I am placing a list of the new schemes in the Library together with tables showing the latest position on the distribution of resources between authorities for continuation schemes.

  Turning to the housing revenue account subsidy determination for 1994–95, I can today announce the main results of our consultation exercise.

  I intend to confirm the proprosals to increase management and maintenance allowances by 4 per cent. overall and to continue to distribute the increase through a system of targets reflecting authorities' relative need to spend.

  For rent guidelines, I am confirming the proposal for an average increase of 7·5 per cent. This will result in an average increase in guideline rents of £2·20 per week over those which apply this year, with a range of between £1·50 and £2·90 for individual councils, bringing the national average guideline rent to £31·60. Responsibility for setting actual rents remains with individual local authorities. Housing benefit will normally meet the whole of any rent increase for tenants receiving it.

  The Housing Corporation's approved development programme for 1994–95 represents its fourth largest budget since housing association grant—HAG—was introduced in 1974. Overall, gross capital expenditure will amount to over £1·5 billion in 1994–95. Some £600 million is available for new schemes to start next year, of which £400 million will be for new homes for sale or rent.

  The Housing Corporation is confident that this programme will enable housing associations to provide some 58,000 new homes in 1994–95, bringing the total over the three years from 1992–93 to 1994–95 to 178,000. This more than fully meets our manifesto commitment to provide 153,000 homes over this period, and compares extremely well with the 70,300 new homes provided over the preceding three years, 1989–90 to 1991–92.

  The Housing Corporation estimates that, because of reductions in procurement and borrowing costs and increases in efficiency, coupled with the growing proportion of the programme targeted at tenants incentive scheme grants and other cost-effective home ownership initiatives, it should still achieve the estimate it made a year ago of at least 154,000 completions over the three years 1993–94 to 1995–96.

  The Housing Corporation has discussed priorities with local authorities before reaching decisions on new allocations to housing associations active in each area. These have been targeted on the basis of a statistical assessment of needs, an assessment of the enabling performance of the authority itself, and the value for money of bids. In this context, anticipated local authority contributions of discounted land or local authority HAG have increased by 15 per cent. over 1993–94. This, together with increased competition for resources and the reduction in grant rates, has led to an average HAG cost per unit which is 13 per cent. lower within the rented programme than the equivalent figure for 1993–94.

  A key aim of the 1994–95 approved development programme is to make the most productive use of the existing housing stock: funding for the tenants incentive scheme has been increased and do-it-yourself shared ownership will continue to be targeted principally at local authority and housing association tenants, thus freeing up more existing tenancies for new lettings; the mini-HAG programme for short-life housing has been increased to its

  1099
  highest ever level; within the mixed and publicly funded rented programme, 19 per cent. of 1994–95 allocations are for rehabilitation which represents an increase on the last few years; and the major repairs and miscellaneous works programme has been allocated £75 million, which represents the second highest figure ever.

  Planning Application Fees
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the level of planning application fees to increase; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  Fees for planning applications will increase by 15 per cent. from 13 January 1994 and a further 15 per cent. from 3 January 1995. These increases represent another important step towards applicants meeting the full costs incurred by local planning authorities in determining planning applications. Fees remain a very small proportion of overall development costs, and we believe it is right that applicants, rather than the community, should pay for this service. Amending regulations, approved by both Houses, have now been made.

  For the future, it is our intention to bring forward legislation, when parliamentary time is available, to allow local planning authorities to set their own fees. A consultation paper will be issued in due course. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland proposes similar arrangement for planning application fees north of the border.

  Meanwhile, I have decided that the results of research carried out for my Department by Price Waterhouse on local planning authorities' costs in determining planning applications should be published. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. The researchers found that some authorities do not have the procedures in place to establish the costs of processing applications. I expect that by the end of the financial year 1995–96, all authorities should be able to identify these costs as a prerequisite to setting their own fees.

  Gross expenditure by non-departmental public bodies

  £ million, 1992–93 prices

  Non-departmental public bodies

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Estimates

  Plans

  Plans

  Audit Commission

  51·33

  63·75

  74·30

  76·12

  N/a

  N/a

  British Board of Agrement

  4·19

  3·93

  3·60

  3·58

  4·38

  4·49

  Commission for the new towns (including former Development Corporations)

  239·50

  197·77

  166·90

  83·39

  82·88

  73·60

  Countryside Commission

  27·16

  30·74

  42·90

  42·81

  43·11

  39·60

  English Nature

  0·20

  31·67

  39·60

  37·38

  N/a

  N/a

  Housing Action Trusts Castle Vale

  —

  —

  —

  1·94

  12·11

  16·16

  Liverpool

  —

  —

  0·20

  18·40

  18·16

  22·44

  North Hull

  —

  10·25

  17·40

  28·28

  25·79

  17·95

  Tower Hamlets

  —

  —

  —

  8·23

  9·22

  10·77

  Waltham Forest

  —

  0·31

  14·60

  26·92

  35·76

  29·98

  Housing Corporation

  1,462·67

  1,894·05

  2,529·00

  1,948·62

  1,620·29

  1,533·10

  Joint Nature Conservation Committee

  0·88

  4·14

  5·20

  4·75

  N/a

  N/a

  Letchworth Garden City Corporation

  2·43

  1·97

  6·20

  6·49

  0·00

  0·00

  Local Government Commission

  —

  —

  2·10

  5·04

  7·73

  1·35

  London Pensions Fund Authority

  12·72

  11·31

  9·53

  9·42

  9·00

  8·60

  London Residuary Body

  239·77

  124·20

  76·50

  3·39

  0·00

  0·00

  National Rivers Authority

  407·01

  437·60

  433·20

  430·01

  425·74

  411·55

  Rural Development Commission

  38·49

  32·76

  35·33

  37·09

  40·25

  N/a

  United Kingdom Ecolabelling Board

  —

  —

  0·40

  1·16

  0·93

  0·90

  UDCs Birmingham Heartlands

  —

  —

  5·40

  9·59

  9·31

  9·34

  Black Country

  37·53

  50·72

  63·00

  58·21

  49·35

  33·21

  Urban Development Corporations
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest valuation of land held by each of the urban development corporations.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 14 December 1993]: The urban development corporations are required to include in their annual accounts and publish in their annual report, the value of their development assets, which comprise both land and buildings at the lower of cost or net realisable value. At 31 March 1993, these were as follows:

  £ million

  London Docklands

  39·109

  Central Manchester

  2·886

  Trafford Park

  19·250

  Leeds

  7·507

  Sheffield

  13·756

  Merseyside

  27·855

  Bristol

  13·787

  Black Country

  47·265

  Birmingham Heartlands

  0·281

  Teesside

  31·387

  Tyne and Wear

  33·866

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table showing in 1992–93 prices, the gross public spending for each year since 1990–91 and the projected expenditure for each year to 1995–96 for each executive non-departmental public body —NDPB—sponsored by his Department, as listed in "Public Bodies 1992".

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 15 December 1993]: The table shows, for all 32 executive NDPBs currently sponsored by my Department, gross expenditure outturn for past years, estimates for 1993–94 and NDPBs' provisional plans for future years, in 1992–93 prices. NDPBs' most recent plans available to the Department are those submitted in summer 1993.
  1101

  Non-departmental public bodies

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Outturn

  Estimates

  Plans

  Plans

  Central Manchester

  16·12

  16·56

  12·50

  16·08

  11·55

  9·69

  Leeds

  15·79

  16·56

  9·00

  8·33

  5·03

  0·00

  London Docklands

  368·26

  279·45

  188·60

  142·18

  84·27

  71·36

  Merseyside

  30·91

  35·71

  41·00

  32·06

  29·80

  28·18

  Plymouth

  —

  —

  —

  10·17

  6·05

  7·90

  Sheffield

  21·08

  15·42

  14·10

  18·50

  19·93

  11·49

  Teesside

  56·52

  60·24

  69·10

  49·30

  45·82

  33·84

  Trafford Park

  29·58

  31·88

  33·90

  35·93

  28·40

  29·26

  Tyne and Wear

  51·55

  50·92

  50·80

  54·62

  48·89

  40·84

  Urban Regeneration Agency—English Partnerships

  —

  —

  —

  33·12

  232·80

  269·28

  TOTALS

  3,129·48

  3,419·71

  3,969·96

  3,264·74

  2,927·87

  2,718·20

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those responsible for making appointments of(a) chairs and (b) members of the boards to each of the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 15 December 1993]: Appointments to the Rural Development Commission are made by Her Majesty the Queen.

  I am responsible for all appointments to the Department's other executive non-departmental public bodies except the following where responsibility is shared:

  Joint Nature Conservation Committee
  Seven of the 11 voting members are provided by English Nature, the Scottish and Welsh county councils and the Countryside Commission.

  Letchworth Garden City Corporation
  One each of the six members is appointed by Hertfordshire county council and North Hertfordshire district council respectively.

  National Rivers Authority
  Two of the 14 members are appointed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and one by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  United Kingdom Eco Labelling Board
  All members appointed jointly with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which of the appointments made to public bodies by his Department since April 1992 have been advertised.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 10 December 1993]: A vacancy for the post of local commissioner—local government ombudsman—was advertised early in 1993.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's policy regarding the use of executive search consultants in making appointments to public bodies; and if he will(a) list the appointments where such consultants have been used and (b) list the cost in each case since April 1992.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: Executive search consultants may be used where this is considered necessary to identify suitable candidates for appointment.
  1102
  Consultants were employed by my Department to assist with the selection of a local commissioner—local government ombudsman—earlier this year.

  The total fee paid to the consultants was £21,810·93, including VAT. Public advertisements cost a further £17,704.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if will publish a table showing for each of the non-departmental public bodies—NDPBs—sponsored by his Department, whether the public have a statutory right to(a) attend all board meetings and (b) inspect the minutes of the meetings.

  Mr. Gummer
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: There is no statutory right for the public to attend board meetings or inspect the minutes for any of the executive NDPBs sponsored by the Department.

  Water Charges
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be the likely impact on water charges for each of the years 1994–95 to 1997–98 of the outcome of discussions on the implementation of the urban waste water treatment and bathing waters directives.

  Mr. Yeo
  [holding answer 16 December 1993]: We welcome the decision of the European Council that a large proportion of Community legislation on water should be recast to make it consistent with the principle of subsidiarity. The Commission must now bring forward proposals for new and revised directives for consideration by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers. They would not become law until agreed by the Council of Ministers. It is too early to assess the impact of any changes on water charges, but arrangements which allow more flexibility to member states should reduce costs.

  Environment Council
  Mr. Bates
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Environment Council on 15 December.

  Mr. Yeo
  The Environment Council resumed its discussions on 15 December. I represented the United Kingdom. The Council agreed a common position on the packaging directive by qualified majority vote. The directive will set targets for member states for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste and will provide a framework which allows free circulation of packaging
  1103
  which meets essential requirements. The Council also adopted the decision agreed last March enabling the Community to ratify the United Nations framework
  1104
  Convention on climate change. The United Kingdom strongly support Community ratification, but abstained because of doubts about the choice of legal base.

Preamble
The House met at eleven of the clock: The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
Prayers—Read by the Lord Bishop of Guildford.

GATT
Lord Campbell of Croy Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:
What they expect to be the next steps in the international arrangements within the GATT organisation.
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, the agreements settled this week will be signed at a ministerial conference, not before April 1994, formally concluding the Uruguay Round. The delay arises from the need to complete the legal texts. The agreement establishing the World Trade Organisation will then be open for signature. An implementing conference in early 1995 will decide on arrangement for the entry into force of the agreements.
Lord Campbell of Croy: My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for that Answer. Yesterday the House expressed its general satisfaction that an agreement had been reached, but will the new World Trade Organisation make future GATT rounds unnecessary? What is the programme now for the negotiations which were not completed, in particular on financial services and shipping, both of which are of concern to the United Kingdom?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, it is too early to say whether further rounds will be required, but there is widespread agreement that new issues will need to be discussed. It is important to note that all service sectors were covered by the agreement. We expect there to be further discussions on financial services to improve the liberalisation commitments that have so far been made, but no formal process has been agreed. The negotiations on maritime transport should begin no later than one month after the ministerial conference next spring.
Lord Rea: My Lords, can the noble Viscount say whether copies of the GATT agreement will be available for those noble Lords who would like to have some light holiday reading? When will both Houses of Parliament have an opportunity to debate GATT in preparation for ratification?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, the Government intend to present a White Paper on the results of the round in the new year. That will be made available.
Lord Harmar-Nicholls: My Lords, is it not the position that any action which is necessarily to flow from the agreement cannot become operative until after April? If things are done in the interim, what is the sanction?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, the situation is as I have described it. The agreement has been settled. It has been agreed, but it has not formally been signed as yet. As I have said, the delay arises from the need to complete the legal texts.
Lord Morris: My Lords, can my noble friend explain briefly why it takes such a very long time between the agreement being struck and the agreement being implemented?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, it is important to note that the Uruguay Round was the most ambitious set of trade negotiations ever. By the end, 117 nations were negotiating on a wide range of sectors. A delay was inevitable in such complex negotiations on difficult issues which affect so many countries.
Lord Taylor of Gryfe: My Lords, will the White Paper, which will inevitably deal with the impact of GATT on our domestic economic situation, also cover the impact of GATT on the under-developed countries?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, I do not think that it would be appropriate for me to comment on that at the moment, but the White Paper will obviously cover the important issues. The agreement was significant for third world countries and has been widely welcomed.
Lord Richard: My Lords, can the Minister tell us what process of ratification the Government have in mind for GATT? Is it to be done under the prerogative as a normal Foreign Office treaty or in some other way?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, I have described the situation as regards the European Community. Both the Community and each member state will sign and ratify the World Trade Organisation agreement Member state ratifications will follow national constitutional processes.
Lord Campbell of Croy: My Lords, can my noble friend add any more to his reply on whether further rounds are expected, as has been the case in the past, such as the Uruguay Round, given that there is now a new World Trade Organisation?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, as I have said, there are bound to be further discussions on the various issues that are outstanding. It is important to note that the creation of the World Trade Organisation puts the system of international trade rules on a secure institutional basis for the first time. It will provide a better system of settling trade disputes and stronger disciplines on unilateral action.
Lord Harris of Greenwich: My Lords, will the noble Viscount be good enough to answer the question put to him by the noble Lord, Lord Richard; namely, will that be done under the prerogative or will legislation be put before Parliament?
Viscount Goschen: My Lords, I believe that legislation will not be required.

Humanism and the School Syllabus
11.12 a.m.
Lord Dormand of Easington Lord Dormand of Easington asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will include humanism in the religious education syllabus for schools.
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, Her Majesty's Government do not determine the content of any locally agreed syllabus for religious education in England and Wales. Each syllabus is agreed locally by a local authority syllabus conference. As humanism is not a religion, there is no requirement that it be represented on a conference or included in an agreed syllabus.
Lord Dormand of Easington: My Lords, is the Minister aware that opinion polls have shown consistently that some 20 per cent. of the adult population has no religious faith? In those circumstances, is it not proper and logical that the subject should be taught to children so that they can see what is involved? On the specific point that the Minister made, we all realise of course that humanism is not a religion, but there is no other appropriate place in the syllabus to put it. Will he comment on that point also?
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, guidance on what is meant by religion is taken from the case of Barralet and Others v. Attorney-General in 1980. The advice of our legal officers is that humanism is not a religion and should not therefore be taught as if it were. However, in the context of religious education, a syllabus might deal with non-theistic ways of life such as humanism.
The Lord Bishop of Guildford: My Lords, does the Minister accept that in some schools on the last day of term the final assembly sometimes has difficulty in focusing adequately on God? Does he agree that, were humanism to be included in religious education, it would be difficult on any logical ground to exclude Marxism, fascism, or any other ideology which does not take seriously the transcendent revelation, the spiritual, let alone God?
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, the right reverend Prelate focuses on an interesting point. I concur with what he said.
Viscount Tonypandy: My Lords, will the Minister continue not to be beguiled by the strange theological views coming from Durham? Will he bear in mind that this country's heritage is a Christian one, and that we have built our parliamentary democracy upon the Christian interpretation of the value of the individual? Because of Christianity, we know that no person in this realm is unimportant. Will he direct his thoughts more to Guildford than to Durham?
Viscount St Davids: My Lords, it is not for me to remind your Lordships' House that the basis of our laws and legal system, and indeed our culture, lies deep within the Christian tradition.
Baroness David: My Lords, does the Minister agree that within the Act religious education is defined as education and not instruction, and that it should be mainly Christian?
Viscount St Davids: My Lords, I concur entirely with the noble Baroness.
Lord Renton: My Lords, is my noble friend aware that humanism is a euphemism for atheism, which is in antagonism to all religion, and therefore cannot be part of religious teaching?
Viscount St Davids: My Lords, the answer my noble friend seeks would require from me a personal observation which I am not entitled to make.
Lord Avebury: My Lords, has the Minister noticed that in his annual report the Chief Inspector of Schools has commented upon the need felt by schools for further guidance on spiritual and moral education? Do the Government believe that that should reflect the reality that Britain is now a multi-faith society?
Viscount St Davids: My Lords, a range of national model syllabuses is being developed by the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority and will be issued for consultation in the new year. It would not be appropriate for me to comment upon their content before then.
Lord St John of Fawsley: My Lords, will my noble friend not allow himself to be led astray by the noble Lord, Lord Dormand of Easington, and, I am afraid, other noble Lords, including my noble friend Lord Renton, on this question of humanism? Will he strike a blow today, at Christmastide, against this monstrous hijacking by agnostics of the word "humanism"? Will he remind the noble Lord that in the English tradition the great humanists—Erasmus, More and Colet—were all Christian believers? Is it not much better to describe humanism as inhumanism, and call a spade a spade?
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, again, I have to reply to my noble friend that he is requiring from me a personal observation which I am not permitted to make.
Lord Stallard: My Lords, I listened with care to the remarks of the noble Viscount, Lord Tonypandy. My noble friend Lord Dormand is still a friend of mine, and I have the greatest respect and admiration for him and for what he tries to do in the House and outside (in fact some of my best friends are so-called humanists). But I believe that the Question is irrelevant and out of order. It represents a contradiction to me and to millions of other citizens who do not understand the relationship in this context of humanism and religion. Humanism is not a religion. It is not accepted as a religion. Perhaps some other place in the syllabus could be found to discuss it, but it should not be in the religious syllabus.
Viscount St Davids: My Lords, the intellectual integrity of the noble Lord, Lord Dormand of Easington, is well known in your Lordships' House. I should certainly incur your Lordships' displeasure were I to call into question his beliefs or his reasons for holding them.
Baroness O'Cathain: My Lords, if there is a worry about indicating to people what humanism is all about, should it not be studied as part of the history syllabus as development of thought, in particular during the Renaissance period? As has been said by many noble Lords, it is of no relevance to religious education.
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, the noble Baroness made a valuable point.
Lord Jenkins of Putney: My Lords, if only 20 per cent. of people declare themselves to be non-religious, or to be humanist, a large number of people are not practising their faith. Is it not the case, therefore, that possibly a majority of people in this country cannot today be described as being religious? Is it not proper that some place should be provided in which moral necessities outside the necessity of belonging in any faith can be taught to children? That is what my noble friend is properly seeking to provide and if it cannot be provided in the way he suggested perhaps it can be provided in another way.
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, I suggest to the noble Lord that it is for the parents and relations who are involved in humanism to teach it to their children if they see fit.
Baroness Elles: My Lords, is not the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Jenkins of Putney, that if people are not practising their religion there is all the more need for religious education?
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, my noble friend is correct.
Lord Dormand of Easington: My Lords, of course I expected your Lordships' overwhelming support in answer to my Question! I return to the Minister's answer about the provision of local religious education syllabuses. In view of what he said, is it acceptable that, if representations are made at a local level, they may be included in any local RE syllabus?
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education has received representations from the British Humanist Association. Its views will be fully taken into account before a final decision is taken on the text of the circular to be issued in the new year.
Lord Elton: My Lords, given the support in your Lordships' House for religious education to be taught in schools, will my noble friend recommend to his right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Education steps to strengthen the training of teachers of religious education?
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, I shall certainly report the views of my noble friend to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State.

EC Budget: Waste of Funds
11.23 a.m.
Lord Boyd-Carpenter Lord Boyd-Carpenter asked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they will take with the European Commission to ensure that there is no repetition of the waste of funds reported by the European Court of Auditors.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment (Lord Henley): My Lords, the Government have pressed and will continue to press the Commission to ensure that the Community budget is implemented with regard to the principles of sound financial management, as now required by the Maastricht Treaty.
Lord Boyd-Carpenter: My Lords, does my noble friend's Answer mean that the Government are satisfied that there will be no repetition of the large waste of funds which the Court of Auditors reported on?
Lord Henley: My Lords, we can never be complacent and we can never be totally satisfied that there will not be waste in the future. I want to make it clear that the Government are committed to sound financial management in terms of the Community's budget. We shall continue to identify problems and inform the Commission of deficiencies where we think fit. Certainly we have the commitment that my noble friend seeks.
Lord Bruce of Donington: My Lords, we realise that the Government can never be complacent in these matters, but many of us believe that it is high time that they got a bit angry about them. Will the Minister inform the House whether at the recent meeting of ECOFIN it was decided that the Council of Ministers would recommend to the European Parliament that it be granted discharge of the 1992 budget? But before embarking on that course, will the Minister assure the House that at least one member of the Cabinet will actually read the auditors' report for the financial year 1992 and report to the House on his reactions to it, which one hopes will be different to the vapid explanatory memorandum which the Government have just issued?
Lord Henley: My Lords, I can give an assurance that—well, I can say to the noble Lord—
Noble Lords: Hear, hear!
Lord Henley: My Lords, it is a matter for the Parliament as to its level of budget. The proposed increase is about 5.7 per cent. against a bid by the Secretariat of some 7 per cent. We believe that the European Parliament has at least heeded the need for budgetary restraint and has reduced its bid from a 7 per cent. increase to a 5.7 per cent. increase. I can also assure the noble Lord that all my right honourable friends will read all the appropriate documents as and when appropriate.
Lord Molloy: My Lords, does the Minister agree that the Court of Auditors is a very responsible body and that the Question tabled by the noble Lord, Lord Boyd-Carpenter, refers to funds and to this country's contribution to them, which comes from the British taxpayer? Ultimately, the Question is whether the British taxpayer will be defended from what is happening, which has been outlined by the court itself.
Lord Henley: My Lords, very much so. British taxpayers, and for that matter taxpayers in all the other European countries, are protected by the scrutiny which goes on in their own national parliaments. As the noble Lord knows, scrutiny in this Parliament is very effective. Certainly the Court of Auditors will continue to audit the accounts as appropriate.
Lord Peston: My Lords, we have been round this course several times before. I am always puzzled by the fact that we always utter the same words about how much we do not like waste and so forth and we are assured that the Government will look at the matter. Will the Minister answer a question which I have alluded to previously? What is the mechanism for doing so? Can he describe the step-by-step approach that leads to the waste being stopped? People can talk and complain, and today at least I can believe that Cabinet Ministers will read the documents—I can just about believe that. But what happens to prompt someone to say, "We must stop this waste and this is how we shall do it"?
Lord Henley: My Lords, it would take too long to describe the process in detail at Question Time and at the Dispatch Box. Put simply, under the Maastricht Treaty it will be for the Court of Auditors to identify waste and inappropriate expenditure. It will then be for the appropriate body that has made the inappropriate expenditure, if that expenditure was illegal, to recover it from those to whom it had been made.
Lord Peston: My Lords, I do not believe that the Minister understands the point. Thanks to my noble friend Lord Bruce of Donington, we are always identifying the problem. In terms of a business, if one sees waste one says to the people concerned, "You are responsible, you stop that waste. We don't want it to happen again". I cannot see the equivalent of that; I can hear the talk but I cannot see the action.
Lord Henley: My Lords, that is exactly how I answered the question and described what happened. Let us suppose that the Commission has spent money inappropriately and illegally. The Court of Auditors will tell it that it has done so, and it will then be for the Commission to recover those funds.
Lord Swinfen: My Lords, my noble friend said that it would take too long to answer the first question asked by the noble Lord, Lord Peston. But will he be kind enough to provide a Written Answer and place it in the Library of the House?
Lord Henley: My Lords, I should be absolutely delighted to answer a Written Question if my noble friend would care to table one.
Lord Bonham-Carter: My Lords, does the Minister agree that waste is not confined to the European Community? Only the other day Mr. Portillo admitted that the Treasury had mislaid no less than£1 billion.
Lord Henley: My Lords, it is possible that waste exists in all organisations. That is why Parliament scrutinises government expenditure to ensure that there is not waste.
Lord Aldington: My Lords, does not the key lie in the Council of Ministers? Is it not a fact that on two or three occasions reports to your Lordships' House have pointed to the importance of the Council of Ministers taking full notice of the reports of the auditors and not authorising the accounts of the Commission and the Community until action has been assured? That point has been made in countless reports from the Select Committee.
Lord Henley: My Lords, my noble friend is absolutely correct, but it is also important that we, as members of the Council of Ministers, play our own part. I was trying to give an assurance to the House that this Government will pursue fraud and waste as strongly as any other government.
Lord Harmar-Nicholls: My Lords, is my noble friend aware that the views of the noble Lord, Lord Peston, are widely held? There is disquiet that when points are made about waste and, in this case when the official auditors, with all their authority, make those points, still nothing seems to be done about it. There is no evidence that it is taken into account or that moves are made to eradicate the weaknesses.
Lord Henley: My Lords, I do not accept what my noble friend says. He is accusing the Government of mere fine words. There are those fine words, but we also press the Community to turn those words into action.
Lord Stewartby: My Lords, does the Treaty of Rome prevent the Comptroller and Auditor General from investigating the waste of British taxpayers' money in Europe? If it does not, would it not be good for the National Audit Office, which has done such an excellent job in investigating waste by public bodies in this country, to have a look at what is happening in Europe?
Lord Henley: My Lords, my noble friend has gone rather wide of the Question on the Order Paper. I am not sure that I can answer his question; I should prefer to write to him.
Lord Morris: My Lords, it is the responsibility of the nation states to pursue any fraud affecting European Community funds within the jurisdiction of the nation states. How many prosecutions for fraud have been brought by member states?
Lord Henley: My Lords, I am unable to answer my noble friend.

Bosnia: Humanitarian Aid
11.31 a.m.
Lord Hylton Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will seek to end the Owen-Stoltenberg mediation and to strengthen UNPROFOR's mandate to save lives in the former Yugoslavia during this winter.
Lord Henley: My Lords, the European Council in Brussels on 10th and 11th December reaffirmed its support for the co-chairmen's efforts to achieve a political solution to the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. The council also underlined its commitment to intensify its humanitarian efforts in Bosnia through the winter. We agree with the judgment of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees that the most effective way to save lives this winter would be to achieve an early negotiated settlement in Bosnia. European Union Foreign Ministers will meet the Bosnian parties again on 22nd December in an effort to bring this objective closer.
Lord Hylton: My Lords, is it not quite wrong that the safe areas defined by the United Nations are regularly shelled; that convoys are interrupted and delayed; and mat Tuzla airport is still not open? Will the Government take steps also to provide air cover for the United Nations' forces on the ground?
Lord Henley: My Lords, we provide a great deal of help to the former Yugoslavia in the form of humanitarian aid and the assistance which our soldiers are providing. In the end, that aid can get through only with co-operation. I do not believe that fighting our way through is an option. That would make the problems worse. As regards the reopening of Tuzla airport, as the noble Lord will know, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister stated yesterday mat Tuzla airport should re-open as soon as possible. We believe that it is the Bosnian Serbs who are responsible for blocking it. The United Kingdom and our European partners are ready to offer the necessary expert personnel to man that airport should it reopen.
Lord Ennals: My Lords, the Minister's reply that eventually there must be a political solution is to be welcomed. It would be folly of us to seek to blame either the noble Lord, Lord Owen, or Mr. Stoltenberg, who have done their best. Does the Minister agree that they must continue to do their best while at the same time strengthening the role of UNPROFOR?
Lord Henley: My Lords, we shall continue to do our best. The only solution that we have is to continue to negotiate and to continue to offer our support through the European Union to the noble Lord, Lord Owen. We have a very good record in this country of providing aid to the former Yugoslavia and we shall continue to provide aid as far as we can. I tried to make clear to the noble Lord, Lord Hylton,—and I think the noble Lord agrees with me—that in the end, we can get that aid through only with co-operation.
Lord Beloff: My Lords, does the Minister agree that we have heard previously about the necessity of a political settlement before aid can be successfully delivered? That is almost certainly true. But, on the other hand, there will be no settlement unless Serbia is coerced into abandoning its continual aggression. Will the Minister assure us that there is no question of lifting sanctions against the Serbian Government while their interference with the activities of the United Nations continues?
Lord Henley: My Lords, in the end a solution can be reached only if there is agreement among all the parties. I assure my noble friend that the Serbs face the threat of continued sanctions and international isolation if they show unwillingness to reach a settlement.
Lord Richard: My Lords, will the Minister confirm that the noble Lord, Lord Owen, and Mr. Stoltenberg have fixed a meeting with the warring parties on 22nd December, and that after last weekend's European Summit the Foreign Ministers decided to meet the warring parties on 21st December? Was that at the request of the noble Lord, Lord Owen, or in response to a feeling among the Foreign Ministers that the Owen-Stoltenberg initiative had run into the sand and that they needed to take it over? What is happening?
Lord Henley: My Lords, I cannot answer the question as to whether the meeting was fixed at the request of the noble Lord, Lord Owen. I should correct the noble Lord because it is important to have these matters right. On 21st December the noble Lord, Lord Owen, and the parties will meet in Geneva. On 22nd December, the following day, the European Union Foreign Ministers will meet the Bosnian parties in Brussels. More importantly, Mrs. Ogata, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, will also attend on that occasion.
Lord Jenkins of Putney: My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that until such time as it becomes possible to conclude this ghastly business in Yugoslavia, the impact of sanctions upon Serbia is greater, in some respects, than has been provided for? For example, it seems that medical supplies for children are not getting through as they are supposed to. Does the Minister agree that, while sanctions must remain, they should be applied in such a manner that they do not impact where they are not supposed to?
Lord Henley: My Lords, if there is evidence that that is happening, I should be prepared to look at the matter. I shall certainly pass on the views of the noble Lord to my noble friend. As regards the question put by the noble Lord, Lord Richard, I am fairly sure about the facts and the dates which I gave him. If I am wrong about that, I shall certainly write and let: the noble Lord know.
Lord Hylton: My Lords, are the Government seeking to strengthen the working mandate of UNPROFOR and, if so, in what way?
Lord Henley: My Lords, we are not seeking to strengthen that at the moment. As I made quite clear, we

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believe that it is important to continue with negotiations and also to continue to provide what humanitarian aid we can. In the end, if one is providing aid, one has two choices: one can either get the aid in with co-operation; or one can fight one's way in. We do not believe that the right way forward is to try to fight our way in with aid.

Social Security Contributions Bill
Brought from the Commons; read a first time, and to be printed.

Trade Marks Bill [H.L.]
The Chairman of Committees (Lord Ampthill):
My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.
Moved, That as proposed by the Committee of Selection the following Lords together with the Chairman of Committees be named of the Public Bill Committee to consider the Bill—

L. Airedale,

V. Allenby of Megiddo,

V. Goschen,

B. Hamwee,

E. Harrowby,

L. Haskel,

B. Hooper,

L. Howie of Troon,

L. Lucas of Chilworth,

L. Lyell,

L. Macaulay of Bragar, L. Monson,

L. Oliver of Aylmerton,

L. Peston,

L. Reay,

L. Strathclyde.

That the procedure of the Committee be so far as possible that of a Committee of the Whole House;
That the report of the Committee's debates be published from day to day and the Minutes of the Committee's proceedings be published as appendices to the Minutes of Proceedings of the House;
That the Committee do meet on Thursday 13th January next at half-past ten o'clock in the Moses Room.—(The Chairman of Committees.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.

Consolidated Fund Bill
Lord Henley: My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time.—(Lord Henley.)
On Question, Bill read a second time; Committee negatived.
Then, Standing Order No. 44 having been suspended (pursuant to Resolution of 16th December), Bill read a third time, and passed.

Coins and Banknotes
11.40 a.m.
The Earl of Kinnoull The Earl of Kinnoull rose to ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will review the design of the nation's coinage and banknotes.
The noble Earl said: My Lords, this last short debate before the Christmas break concentrates on a subject which I suggest has rather direct links to our festive cheer. Cynics may say that it has become too relevant and that commercialism is practically swamping the spirit. I do not subscribe to that as a thrifty Member of your Lordships' House. However, what is beyond dispute is that it is a very busy period for the use of our coinage and notes which will be at full stretch alongside the credit card system.
The purpose of the debate is simply to ask Her Majesty's Government whether they accept that there are serious criticisms of some of the recent designs introduced for our coinage and banknotes and, indeed, of the balance of these throughout. Some of that criticism and concern arose from the report of the Select Committee in another place published in May 1991. That committee set out to examine the very subject of today's debate. It produced some disquieting weaknesses of the system, especially as regards consultation procedures and market research of new denominations being introduced into the system.
I shall begin with a premise that our coinage and note system should combine simplicity, convenience and respect. Those are words used by the then Economic Secretary to the Treasury to the Select Committee. Do our present coinage and banknotes live up to that expectation? I believe that they fail on two counts; namely, simplicity and convenience. It was surely a basic madness to design and introduce a new£20 note which could easily be mistaken for an existing£10 note. Some may wish not to admit it, but the banks will tell you of customers' confusion, unhappiness and loss. I recall the noble Lord, Lord Peston—I could not name a sharper-minded economist and skilled Member of your Lordships' House—admitting his confusion and, in consequence, being regarded as a very generous man by a taxi driver.
It is surely a sadness, too, that we are reduced to the introduction of a cheap looking peseta-type five-pence coin. Perhaps we are lucky that it does not have a hole in it. It is a poor-looking, insignificant coin which slips through the slightest hole in your pocket. It is easy to lose, easy to drop and, indeed, is a miserable design.
As for the convenience of our currency, is it convenient to open a£5 note to purchase a packet of Polos to be confronted with apologies for being given eight to 10 coins in change and, by the end of the day, to suffer sagging pockets and bursting purses when you would much have preferred to have had, perhaps, a couple of£1 notes? At the Select Committee hearing a Treasury official said:
"Our coinage is in good shape and getting better".
When my noble friend replies perhaps he can enlighten your Lordships by saying on what basis those comments were made.
One of the faults of the present system is that we have lost a vital balance and ratio between our bank notes and our coinage. At present, we have eight coins of legal tender and next year we shall have nine. The USA has five coins and perhaps we should examine whether that balance has a better consumer advantage. The killing off by the Treasury of the£1 note 10 years ago on the spurious grounds of excessive cost is now, of course, a matter of history.
The policy of the Royal Bank of Scotland to retain the£1 note and to bring out a new design in 1994 (the Robert Louis Stevenson commemoration) is not history. When I asked the bank this week whether it was very expensive to retain the£1 note and why had it been continued, the answer was simple and direct. No, it is not too expensive; but, more importantly, it is what its customers really want. I hope that my noble friend will take note of that and see whether a proper independent market survey should be carried out to consider whether a£2 note should be introduced or perhaps even whether the£1 note should be reintroduced.
In its report, the Select Committee pinpoints, among other things, that the basic weakness was of consultation over design and changes in our coins and notes. As I understand it the coinage comes under the Royal Mint, which is assisted by an advisory committee. It is a formal committee that was set up in 1922 with the appropriate expertise in design. For banknotes, the Bank of England—with no official advisory committee—relies on the judgment of the Court of Directors, many of whom are non-executive and described to the Select Committee as coming from all walks of life other than banking. I do not question that their motives are not the best because, of course, they would be. But is it really appropriate in the present day, with its emphasis on accountability, that such people should have that responsibility? Would it not be better if a formal body with obvious expertise was set up, especially after the fiasco of the£20 note?
One issue upon which my noble friend may wish to comment is the effect on the use of our coinage and banknotes by the credit card system. We read that banks are confidently expecting to produce cards leaving us a cashless society. Is that really likely? Further, have the Government a view on the matter as regards the consumer?
conclude by saying that simplicity and convenience of our notes and coinage are particularly essential to the blind and the infirm. That is the important test. Moreover, the system must also serve all of us. I do not feel that the present system has a balance and a design of which we can be proud. It needs looking into. I hope, therefore, that my noble friend can give us a little extra Christmas cheer by saying something very positive today that will send us happily on our way.
11.46 a.m.
LordBroadbridge: My Lords, I have for a long time wanted to let off a bit of steam about the nation's coinage and banknotes, so I am grateful to the noble Earl, Lord Kinnoull, for tabling the Question. While certain tribes may still use salt and cowrie shells for their transactions, the effective globe is using coins and
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banknotes. Everyone will be familiar with the whole range of their own currency and often that of other countries too. It is said of the multi-millionaire, the late Nubar Gulbenkian, that he always idiosyncratically travelled in a London taxi, explaining that he did so,
"because it will turn on a sixpence".
After a pause he would add,
"whatever that is".
But I think that even he knew what a sixpence was. However, I move on now to more serious matters.
I should like, first, to speak of banknotes. Two factors predominate for the user; namely, size and design, though we must not forget security features. To me, our£50 notes much resemble an early English water-colour in design, not harsh but aesthetic. It is much larger than lower denominations. I suppose the fact that in most countries the higher the denomination the larger the size is the rule. I venture to suggest that it stems from earlier silver and gold coinage, where the citizen was given a coin which represented in size its denominational value in silver or gold. Thus, the 18th and 19th century crown was enormous because five shillings-worth of sterling silver had to be given. Of course, lower denominations were smaller, pro rata.
The paper money which has succeeded silver and gold coinage has no intrinsic value at all. But the custom lingers: big value, big note. I remember that the post-war high value Italian notes were the size of small tablecloths. Most countries make that distinction. But the USA, arguably the richest country in the world, has banknotes of uniform size for all denominations. While larger notes for high denominations can be partly justified on the basis that they would hardly be handed over by accident for a smaller sum because of their size, they are an awful nuisance in wallets, back pockets and purses because of their size. They usually have to be folded, and once folded lose much of their size distinction. I ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will seriously consider making all our banknotes the same size. The major problem that I believe I and most of the country have with our£20 and£10 notes is the complete lack of a clearly printed denomination value in the corners, particularly on the reverse. The£10 note has been improved towards what it should surely have been in the first place. Surely this vital element should have been properly designed by all those wise, aesthetic, user and technical committees that sit on banknote design as one to be printed large and in a dark colour. These notes have their denominations printed in small size in white out of pale pink and in lilac out of pink and lilac. Redesign has simply changed this to white out of pink. The first effort was well nigh invisible and the second is not much better. Confusion and fraud are the result.
Visitors to this country, whose good will and foreign exchange we desperately need, must surely be confused by the calligraphy and colour, and probably swindled as a result. This does not help good will and repeat visits. In conclusion on banknotes, I ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider making our notes all of the same size and printing the value on both faces in emphatic calligraphy.

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Secondly, I turn to our coinage. It seems to me the essential elements for consideration are size, shape, colour, design and weight. It is a commonplace mat our coinage is shrinking. While I think the 19th and 20th century silver crown was the finest coin ever produced by anyone anywhere, it is quite unsuitable to the pace of modern life. Coins should be fairly small, and I think we have got it about right, with one exception. The small size of our 5p coin seems to meet with universal obloquy, and I share in this. In a handful of coins it is pain and grief to try to pick it out. It should be larger but because we have 1p and 2p coins of copper and 10p coins of cupro-nickel, it could not really be made larger and of either of those alloys without confusion.
I ask Her Majesty's Government therefore for a larger 5p coin made out of a yellow alloy such as the£1 coin, but distinctive by virtue of being much thinner. Surely the blind would have no problem as the 10p coin is already£1 coin sized but thinner, and a new 5p could be either a little smaller than the 10p coin, or better still about the same size with the 10p coin made a little bigger. Even better, as we have 10p, 2p and 1p coins we could abolish it altogether. Does Her Majesty's Government really think that, with adequate 10p, 2p and 1p coins in circulation, we really need a 5p coin at all? Using my ancient brain to try to recollect what the noble Earl said in his opening speech, I believe he said the Americans have rather fewer denominations than ourselves. What I am really suggesting is that we may be overdenominated in any case. Do we need the horrible little thing or, putting it rather more soberly, do we need a coin of that value at all?
I have little to say about the shape of our coins except to express broad approval. With the old 10p and two-shilling piece gone, there is perhaps no need to have a 50p with flat edges, but we and our automatic machinery are now geared to it and I think it is rather distinctive. I hope it stays. Similarly, I generally approve of its colour. Of seven coins in circulation we have taken the opportunity of the added distinction which a yellow alloy would produce only once, with our£1 coin. Its diameter and thickness characterise it, particularly for the blind, and a lower denomination coin, if we have to have it, such as a new 5p coin as I have suggested, might without confusion, and indeed with greater clarity, be introduced in this colour. We would then have a yellow£1 coin, 50p and 10p coins in silver, a yellow 5p coin and copper 2p and 1p coins.
As regards the design of our coins, art is in the eye of the beholder and we could argue, probably until Christmas Day, about design. I am strongly against ephemeral and passing fancies for our regular coinage. Let those be the province of commemorative coins and medals. Our coins should embody an element of probity and permanence based on our island history and its stability in a changing world. This, of course, the Monarch's head does splendidly, but there is always the other side. Wildlife and birdlife have, I believe, been recently suggested, but while I am, as it were, proud of these, together with our statesmen, great inventors and
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much else besides, I believe they are better treated on postage stamps. Let our coins embody symbols of state and nationhood. They do, and I am happy with them.
Finally, I turn to the weight of coins. I remember when at school reading a Bank of England publication on the coinage which, far from dealing with technical aspects and problems of production, was a more philosophical treatise which made the point forcefully that money was of value and should have a significant though manageable weight. I am all against the weightless aluminium coinage of some countries. I well remember once cupping a handful of Italian coins in my hand and feeling that if the wind blew they would be gone. I thus approve this aspect of our coinage. In a busy modern world it is appropriate that our coins have shrunk somewhat, especially as we need more and more of them to reach the same value in real terms, and they are no longer based on intrinsic metal value. This cuts their weight down. Most of us have probably forgotten how heavy the old pre-decimal coinage was. However, will Her Majesty's Government undertake that no lightweight aluminium-type alloys will be used to make our coins? To do so would, I believe, debauch the perceived intrinsic worth of our coinage, if not its intrinsic value.
In conclusion, I think there is much to commend and be grateful for in our coins and banknotes, perhaps more so as regards the coins. However, when we make a mistake, we seem to make a big one, as with the£10 and£20 notes and the 5p coin. I am reminded of a visit I made to Russia 35 years ago when, on return through East Germany my name was missing from the collective group visa. "A small mistake", I told the heavily-armed border patrol man. "Iss beeg mistake", he hissed. I survived, but as is the case with the money I have mentioned, only with some delay and confusion. Could we not take some of the delay and confusion that I have mentioned out of our money? Surely it would be money well spent.
11.57 a.m.
Lord Gray: My Lords, I am delighted that my noble friend has extended this Yuletide invitation to Her Majesty's Government. As there is no possibility of suggesting what new designs we might have while standing on my feet in this Chamber, inevitably I must, like other noble Lords who have already spoken, offer criticisms of what is presently current. I apologise if I repeat any points, but perhaps I shall be able to give them a different emphasis or draw them out in a different way.
It is doubtless a good thing that our coinage and our banknotes should be aesthetically pleasing. It is certainly important that they should look and feel valuable; but most important of all they should be user friendly. User friendliness applies to both sides of every transaction. Having spent many hours, days and months over the past 20-plus years operating tills in situations where rapid flow transactions were involved, I have seen and continue to see user friendliness from both sides of the counter.
Noble Lords have already mentioned—and this has been mentioned before—the confusion that exists

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between the Bank of England English£20,£5 and£10 notes, particularly as regards the backs of the£5 and£20 notes. But there is the Scottish£1 note. I live and work in the West Highlands and in my till every day there are many Scottish£1 notes alongside the various£1 coins in issue.
The Scots banks have kept the traditional green for their£1 notes. The Bank of England has introduced a considerable area of green on the face of its£5 notes. The blue it uses has a greenish tinge. What is more, the notes are virtually the same size. Serious confusion arises, to the embarrassment of both parties to transactions and, on occasion, loss. I have learnt from reliable hearsay that in some corner shops in England£1 notes have been successfully passed off as fivers. I wish that in those far-off days when occasionally a wealthy godfather gave one a tip, similar confusion had been available and one could have had a fiver instead of a quid.
There is another aspect of confusion and legibility. Without my spectacles or in poor light I cannot read a single word or single numeral on any Bank of England note. However, in every case I can read the denomination in the form of a figure or a word on each and every one of the notes issued by the three banks in Scotland. Surely England can learn from Scotland yet again.
It would be unfair not to pay the Bank of England one compliment. I compliment it on the symbols—the roundel, diamond and square—of solid colour which appear on the face of the£5,£10 and£20 notes respectively, which are intended to assist those with poor eyesight. However, for goodness sake, why did they not print them on the back also? If one's sight is poor, one will not know which way up the note is in the first place.
I shall now leave the question of notes and turn to coins. I agree that it would be a good idea to have a more substantial 5p piece. However, I wish to comment on a different aspect of the recently issued coinage. We have a new 5p piece and a new 10p piece. First we had the 5p and then we had the 10p, but we were given the 10p piece before we had forgotten the feel and appearance of the old 5p piece. For several months there was confusion at tills and in purses. People handed over the wrong coin. With elderly people that still happens to this day.
I hope that the Government will be minded to have another look at our notes and coinage, having regard to my shopping list of requirements. My shopping list would include: a more substantial 5p piece; more strongly coloured, clearly marked and ostensibly different notes as between denominations; avoidance of the confusion which arises as, for example, when the new 10p piece was introduced.
Lastly, it should be recognised that it is not in the boardrooms and design studios that the Bank of England can tell whether a note will be a success. It is out on the streets and in the shops. I do not know what consultation takes place at present, but I suspect that it is inadequate. One would hope that consultation would go wider even than trade federations and involve people who handle
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money every day of their working lives. Perhaps it might be possible to devise a pilot scheme covering die introduction of new coins.
Again, I express my gratitude to my noble friend for having introduced the debate, and I am sorry that I had to be so critical at this festive season.
12.4 p.m.
Lord Leigh: My Lords, I am most grateful to my noble friend Lord Kinnoull for arranging this debate on the coins and banknotes of the United Kingdom. However, the timing of the debate—which probably has nothing to do with him—is most unfortunate. I am sure that many of our fellow Peers who have left for greener pastures would have liked to have spoken on the subject.
My noble friend will probably recall that we were colleagues higher up the Thames at Eton many moons ago, although he may prefer not to be reminded of that darker aspect of his life. Our paths have occasionally met—I was going to say "crossed" but that probably gives the wrong impression. However, I do not believe that either of us ever guessed that one day, lower down the Thames in your Lordships' House, I would be supporting him in a debate on the monetary system of our country.
Be that as it may, being in the early stages of geriatricy—or, to put it another way, at the end of the first third of the third age of man—I find it increasingly difficult to distinguish one banknote from another. Not only do uiey look alike at first glance; they also appear to be roughly the same size. They all have grey backs. Our banknotes look pretty, but in my opinion they are not well designed. The size and colours of the different denominations seem to merge one with another in my wallet or out of me bank cash slot machines. One has great difficulty in finding the figures on the banknotes, which are tucked away in one of the four corners and are in the same colours as the rest of the note, making them virtually indistinguishable. One has to look at the notes hard to ascertain the value, first finding where the figures are and then finding what they say. All the gentlemen on the reverse of the notes have long hair, and at a quick glance they all look alike, although on closer perusal one finds that they are quite different.
If one frequents the racecourse, as I often do, and bets; in cash, one has to identify the value of the note quickly when handed the same by the bookie or at me Tote before being jostled and harried, if not kicked, by the next customer. The same applies in the market-place.
I consulted both my stepson, who is 24, and my favourite stepdaughter, who is 17. They both commented on how alike the different notes look. If both me younger generation and I myself, in the early stages of geriatricy, find it difficult to distinguish between the different banknotes what chance have foreigners, especially the tourists who flock to these isles, not forgetting the old age pensioners? On the one hand, we try to attract tourists and, on the other, we try to baffle or delude them with our money.
The coins are no better. The 5p piece is virtually useless. The only slot machines that appear to take them are on the Underground, which is rapidly becoming a muggers' paradise. Many ladies and gentlemen I know

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will not travel on it. Our coffee bar and one or two Pakistani-run shops and multiples price in 5ps, but they are few and far between. Added to that, if any gentleman is fortunate enough to have one or more of these coins in his trouser pockets, together with his handkerchief, the chances are that he will lose them when he blows his nose or wipes his mouth, provided always that he uses a handkerchief and not just his thumb and forefinger or the back of his hand.
My favourite stepdaughter is of the opinion that we should follow the Japanese and/or the Chinese with larger more distinguishable coins. Recently when rummaging in my pocket while trying not to disclose its contents to my wife, I managed to muddle the 20p and£1 coins.
It has always puzzled me why we had to abolish the old notes and coins, when they were so easily distinguishable, and adopt these other bits and pieces. If our notes of differing denominations were different colours, with numbers, and our coins larger, we should all benefit, especially the old age pensioners. We should bring back the old 5p or one shilling coin, the old 10p or florin coin and retain the new 50p coin. We can forget the rest apart from the new 1p and 2p coins for use in supermarkets. The subject is indeed a grey area.
12.11 p.m.
Lord Annan: My Lords, perhaps I may be allowed to intervene for one moment to say how much I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Gray, about legibility of values on banknotes. It is extremely important. Today that leaves a little to be desired. I agree with what the noble Lord, Lord Broadbridge, said about coinage. However, I cannot agree that we should have notes of the same size. How many times have I sat in a taxi in New York in the dim light trying to distinguish whether I have a 100 dollar, a 20 dollar, a 10 dollar or a 5 dollar note in my hand? I hope that we shall preserve different sizes in our banknotes. If they could be more legible, it would be helpful. If the£10 and£20 note could each be a little more distinctive to avoid confusion, that would be of help.
12.14 p.m.
Lord Stewartby: My Lords, I apologise for not having put my name on the list. I did not think that I would be able to be present today.
I should like to thank my noble friend Lord Kinnoull for initiating the debate. It gives me an opportunity of making a confession to your Lordships' House. In the 1980s when I was in the Treasury, I found myself involved in a number of decisions which have resulted in the currency that we have today both with regard to coins and in particular the£1 note. I offer something of a confession. It is quite clear that not all the changes have been popular. Indeed, some I would criticise myself. On the other hand, there are a number of constraints. It is perhaps worth mentioning them because they limit the choices that the authorities have in producing banknotes and coins.
Perhaps I may, first, refer to the 5p coin. A number of noble Lords have discussed it this morning. One of
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the difficulties of choosing a size and weight for coins of low denomination is the need to avoid duplicating the size and shape of coins used by other countries with significantly different values. An international trade has grown up for use of coins in slot machines. It is an unfortunate fact but, with a great deal more travel between countries, it is necessary to have regard to the existing size and shape of other coins, in particular those in other European countries. I am told that that consideration was one of the reasons for the size of the 5p coin.
I do not admit responsibility for that decision in any way because it was taken after I left the Treasury. However, at the time I argued for a larger 5p rather than the size which was chosen, because I agree with noble Lords who have spoken today: the coin is too small to handle conveniently. I hope that it will be possible to have further thought about it.
I was interested in what my noble friends Lord Kinnoull and Lord Gray said about banknotes in Scotland. My impression is that slot machines are used less in Scotland than in England. There is major use of slot machines on the London Underground. There is a greater need for coins suitable for slot machines in England than in Scotland. However, I admire the banknotes produced in Scotland. When I return to England from Scotland, I always try to return with a walletful of Scottish banknotes because I think that they are more agreeable and it is easier to read the denominations.
There is a lesson for those who design the United Kingdom Bank of England notes. I entirely support what has been said about the difficulty of determining in particular the£10 note and the£20 note. Apart from protection against forgery, the one most important characteristic of any banknote is that its value should be obvious. One cannot say that of either the£20 note or the£10 note. I hope that the matter will be addressed urgently. I remember almost the first Question which I heard answered in your Lordships' House. My noble friend Lord Henley had been given an extraordinary answer to offer by his officials when the matter of banknotes was raised: that it was quite a good thing that people should have to look carefully at notes to see their value. As my noble friend Lord Leigh said, even if one looks carefully, it does not mean that one gets it right.
I do not have a copy of Dod's Parliamentary Companion within reach. I cannot check but it is possible that I am even younger than my noble friend Lord Leigh. However, I have trouble in determining between the two notes, as does almost everyone. I regard it as a matter of some urgency that changes are made.
In that connection perhaps I may make one suggestion. It would be perfectly possible to change the layout of the component parts of the design of the two notes. In addition to the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Broadbridge, that the figures should be easy to read, there is no reason why all the elements of the design should be in the same place on all the notes. If they were not, it would make it a great deal easier to see the denomination that they represent.

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I conclude with one thought for the Minister. It would be possible to have a£2 coin now that the old florin has been removed. A£2 coin, initiated in 1986 for the Commonwealth Games, was not capable of being made a general denomination at that time because of the existence of the florin. Now that the 10p has been reduced in size, we could have a£2 coin. I believe that it would be useful.
12.18 p.m.
Lord Peston: My Lords, perhaps I may add my voice to those expressing indebtedness to the noble Earl, Lord Kinnoull, for introducing this short debate. It is rare from this Bench that I am able to say that I agree with everything that has been said from the other side of your Lordships' House. But I am able to say that with regard to the noble Earl's speech.
Clearly notes and coins matter. Since the Government's favourite measure of the money supply is M.0, which is notes and coins, they would be lost without them if we moved over to a 100 per cent. cashless society. But we shall not be doing that. Therefore we have to take the matter seriously.
Perhaps I may briefly refer to the coinage. I think it is dreadful. I see no reason to be less than honest. However, the noble Earl referred to the 5p coin, and I found by pure chance a use for it only last week. The coin got into the lining of one of my ties and I find it quite a good weighting device for keeping the tie straight. I offer that as a helpful hint at this time of year to my noble friends.
The problem, as no doubt the noble Viscount, Lord St. Davids, will tell us, is that of negative seigniorage. The noble Lord, Lord Stewartby, will know of that from his Treasury days. We clearly do not want and cannot have a coinage which costs more to produce than its face value. The reverse is also a problem. But perhaps the noble Viscount will tell us something about that.
Whatever the costs of production, there is no excuse for not having coinage which is useful and we should not have more coins than we need. Nor do I believe that aesthetics are totally unimportant. I should like coins of which we could be reasonably proud. In ancient times that was an important criterion and I do not see why it should not be so now.
On the notes, I have nothing to add to what has been said, except that, although I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Stewartby, and others and do not regard myself as old, let alone geriatric, I do not find the notes easy to use. The noble Earl referred to my previous experience, which still applies. I ask the noble Viscount, Lord St. Davids, when responding to the debate to tell us what research has been done. Has there been any realistic research into real situations, not just of old people but of people in a hurry, mothers with young children and similar examples? What is the research basis for the present approach to the currency? We should bear in mind that people often are in a hurry and often use currency in bad light. Has there been any research into those circumstances which shows that our currency is effective?
I have carried out my favourite research in preparing for today's debate. I have asked my taxi drivers over the
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past couple of weeks what they think and I have received a 100 per cent. response. It was not statistically significant, but it was a fairly large sample. They said that the currency was just appalling and they believed that we could do better.
The noble Lord, Lord Stewartby, reminded me, since I took part in the debate on the Question to which he referred, that, although we all admire the noble Lord, Lord Henley, he produced what I regard as the best and most interesting Answer to a Question in the whole of my experience in your Lordships' House: he was advised by the Bank of England that it would be a bad thing if coins or notes were too easily spotted because we would not all then be looking for fraud. So my view that we should have a big£5, a big£10 and a big£20 note was rejected. I still regard that as the all-comers' record for an Answer to a Question in your Lordships' House.
Since what the noble Earl asks for is a review, I believe that a scientific review based on research would be helpful. We hope that there will be such a review, and it would report back to both Houses, certainly to our House, where we take an interest. Then we could adopt a constructive approach in the future.
I wish to conclude with what one noble Lord referred to when he started taking an interest. I began studying economics at the age of 16 when I was at school. I was given a book to read on money, written by the then editor of the Economist, now sadly deceased, Geoffrey Crowther. I believe that he ended up in your Lordships' House. It is about the only piece of economics that I remember. The book stated that money should have two qualities: it should be round so that it could circulate and flat so that it could be piled up.
12.22 p.m.
Viscount St. Davids: My Lords, I am grateful to my noble friend for giving us this opportunity to debate a subject which I know is of interest to a great many people both inside and outside this House, and on which there is a great diversity of strongly held views.
I must first explain that responsibility for coins and banknotes is divided between the Government on the one hand and the Bank of England on the other. The: Chancellor of the Exchequer—the Master of the Mint—is responsible for all matters concerning the coinage. The Bank of England, however, has full responsibility for the design and issue of its banknotes.
I shall begin with the coinage. There is a distinction between design and specification. By design we mean the illustrations that appear on the coin: the Royal effigy on one side and the various designs that appear on the other. Specification refers to the size, shape, weight and metallic composition of the coin.
Designs have changed little since decimalisation in 1971 when most current reverse designs were first used. In the case of the£1 coin, which was introduced in 1983, a number of different designs representing the constituent parts of the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom as a whole have been used. Next year the Mint will begin using a new series of designs beginning with

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the one for Scotland. Her Majesty's effigy on the obverse was changed on decimalisation and again in 1985.
The specifications too, have remained remarkably constant, despite recent changes. Changes in specification, and indeed in denominations, of coins are made only when there are sound and compelling reasons and then only after full consultation.
The noble Lord, Lord Peston, raised the matter of consultation. The public and special interests were widely consulted, particularly the blind, the elderly and the vending industry. Three thousand responses were received to a consultation in 1987 and the majority favoured change to smaller 5p and 10p coins.
While on the subject of the 5p coin, several noble Lords complained about its size, but of course it would be totally wrong to produce coins where the cost of production was greater than the face denomination of the coin.
In considering changes to coins, the aim is always to ensure that the coins are convenient to use. Individual coins should be readily distinguishable both visually and by touch. They should not be too large or heavy and be suitable for use in vending machines. They should, of course, command respect. Our coinage has to evolve to meet changing requirements and for this reason it is difficult at any one time to say that we have an ideal system. However, I believe that our present system achieves an appropriate balance between aesthetic and practical considerations, which serves the needs of most coin users.
During the 1980s surveys showed that people continued to regard the coinage system as being too heavy. Accordingly, in 1987, the Royal Mint, on behalf of the Government, issued a consultation pamphlet to which I have referred. In particular, comments were sought from the elderly, the blind, bulk handlers of coins and the manufacturers and users of coin-operated machines.
After careful consideration of all the responses, the Government announced their intention to introduce new smaller 5p and 10p coins but to leave the other coins unchanged. This was the option that most people said they preferred. Following detailed consultations with representatives of the blind and partially sighted, the coins were given a more pronounced milled edge to help blind people distinguish them.
The new 5p coin was introduced in 1990. Although there were, naturally, some complaints from members of the public who preferred the old size coin, the complaints were fewer than expected, and demand for the coin has remained high. The new 10p coin was introduced in 1992. I am pleased to say that the transition went very smoothly and that there have been very few complaints.
My noble friend Lord Gray commented that there were two 10p coins in circulation, one with a very flat edge and one with a more pronounced milled edge. The latter coin is the one that is currently in production.
The new 5p and 10p coins have together made a substantial reduction in the overall weight of the coinage. They have finally completed the process of
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decimalisation, since the withdrawal of the old 5p and 10p coins involved the withdrawal of the remaining old shilling and two shilling pieces which had circulated alongside them.
Several noble Lords have commented on the Scottish£1 note. Maybe the Scots are more careful with their money; tradition has it that they are, and the circulation rate is lower. However, I am informed that we could not revert to that because the life of the notes is too short.
I now turn my attention to banknotes which are the responsibility of the Bank of England. The Bank introduced the new "E" series banknotes for three reasons. The first was to provide a means of increasing the number and nature of security devices incorporated in the notes. This was to protect the public by making them as secure as possible from the threat of counterfeiting. I shall return to this matter in due course.
The second was to reduce the cost of the notes by making them smaller and also to make it easier for the higher value notes to fit into purses and wallets.
The third was that the time had come for change. Some of the outgoing "D" series notes had been in circulation for 20 years and, in that time, there had been major improvements in printing technology. A change in the notes offered the opportunity to combine the incorporation of enhanced security features with the reduction of costs.
The designs of the new series of banknotes take full account of the Bank's paramount requirement to maintain the integrity of their banknotes through the inclusion of sufficient robust security features. These are based on the use of common characteristics which are both instantly recognisable and hard to counterfeit. Bright colours or dominant numbers are avoided since they would draw attention away from the security features: the feel of the paper, the presence of the watermark, the quality of the printing and the presence of the security thread.
However, from the outset, the Bank was very concerned that the public should continue to be able to distinguish the different denominations. The Bank has maintained the differentials in the sizes of the notes to assist blind people.
Several noble Lords commented on the standard size of the issue in America. The noble Lord, Lord Annan, came down very strongly against that. I believe that his view would be supported by most people.
To assist partially sighted people the Bank specifically included a bold strong-coloured and different shaped symbol on each domination in the new series. These are a turquoise circle on the£5 note, a purple square on the£20 note and an orange diamond on the£10.
Nevertheless, in attempting to reach the right balance between security and ease of recognition, the Bank now accepts that it may have swayed a little too far in favour of security. Indeed, the Bank has taken account of the view of many people that the numerals showing the denominations were not clear enough.
During this year, therefore, the Bank has introduced variants of all the original "E" series notes. The denomination numerals on the£5 and£20 notes have been enhanced and made clearer on the fronts and backs

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of the notes. The£10 note had originally been issued with the enhanced numerals. The£10 and£20 variant notes also include a bold numeral in the top right hand corners of the fronts and backs of the notes.
Change is never easy so far as currency is concerned and the Bank does not make changes lightly. However, over time, as the new variants become more widely available, there will be no difficulty in distinguishing each note by its denominational figure. Furthermore, the new£50 note, which will be issued in the first half of next year, will have clear numerals.
In summary, the Bank has responded to the views of the public by giving greater clarity of denominational values on its banknotes. The Bank intends to minimise changes to the current designs since it does not want to confuse people. Furthermore, the Bank is making every effort to encourage the public to realise that its notes are designed to minimise the risks that they may be counterfeited.
I hope that what I have said today demonstrates that both the Government in respect of coins and the Bank in respect of notes keep the designs and specification under constant review but only make changes that are essential or for which there is a clear demand from the public; and that whatever changes are made, the public are consulted as widely as possible and their views taken fully into account. Debates such as this one assist in this and I have noted the many different views that have been expressed and will draw them to the attention of my right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and to the Governor of the Bank of England.

Royal Assent
12.32 p.m.
The Deputy Speaker (Lord Elliott of Morpeth): My Lords, I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that the Queen has signified her Royal Assent to the following Act:
Consolidated Fund (No. 3) Act.

Motion for the Adjournment
Viscount Ullswater: My Lords, in moving the adjournment of the House, I should like on behalf of noble Lords on these Benches to wish all noble Lords a happy Christmas, an enjoyable and refreshing Recess and a prosperous new year. At the same time, I should like to take the opportunity to thank, on behalf of the whole House, all those who serve us so well in this place and make possible all the work that we carry out. To those at the Table and elsewhere in the Parliament Office; to those in Black Rod's office; and particularly perhaps the Doorkeepers, whose celebration of the season began last night, I hope on an auspicious note; to the Custodians; the staff of Hansard; to the Refreshment Department; and to the security service and the police; to all of them I offer our best wishes for a happy Christmas and new year, and our continued thanks for the charm, courtesy and efficiency with which they each discharge their duties.
Lord Morris of Castle Morris: My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Graham, may I say that we on these Benches thoroughly endorse everything that the Chief Whip has just said.
It would be invidious of me to single out any group from those without whom your Lordships' House simply could not function, but I must confess that my curiosity has recently been aroused by my admiration for those who guard the gates of the Chamber and maintain order in its precincts. They seem to grow taller and larger by the hour. I was reminded of the words of the 17th century poet, John Donne, who referred to:
"the great eight foot high iron-bound serving man".
I have ascertained this morning that they are not eight feet tall, that there is no height test for the job, and that, indeed, two of them are, like me, the average height of the mature male in the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, I would not advise any visitor to attempt to abseil from the Upper Circle. To them, and to all others who look after us so kindly and so carefully, may I say, in contravention of the rules of this House:
"Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn newydd dda i chi gyd".
A merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all.
The Viscount of Falkland: My Lords, it falls to me to perform the happy duty of following the two noble Lords and echoing everything that they have already said. Last year I took the opportunity of thanking the people who look after our security so well, and particularly those who let me in and out of the barrier each day on whatever form of transport I choose to take. I repeat my thanks this year because they have done it with even greater companionability than before. But I would like to include particularly in my thanks, because I have been in early quite a lot this year—this place is so clean and shining and while visitors notice it, we take it for granted—the armies of people, including a high proportion of women, who perform their cleaning duties with such humour and efficiency. They need to be remembered.
From our point of view it has been an interesting year. We are all enthusiasts and volunteers here. The year has had its high points and its low points. Unfortunately, this year we have, like other sides of the House, lost some distinguished and valued colleagues. That is the sad aspect of each year, the passing of familiar faces of friends and people who serve the House well.
To turn to the high points, the best example of humour in this House this morning was the absolutely exemplary timing of the noble Earl, Lord Ferrers, who came in with his crutches decorated in festive manner with tinsel, completely straight-faced, with absolutely perfect timing. That in some way sums up this House—its good humour and its good taste, as well as its efficiency and its ability to carry out a job well. I should like to give my thanks to all who support us in our efforts to do that, and I wish them all a happy Christmas and, as the Scots say, "a guid new year".
Viscount Allenby of Megiddo: My Lords, on behalf of our Convenor and noble Lords who speak from these Benches, may I just briefly add a few words to what has already been said.

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First, we wish Black Rod a full recovery to health and look forward to having him back with us in the New Year. In doing so, we are most grateful to the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod for agreeing to stay on until the spring. As many noble Lords know, he will be working with the new Yeoman Usher, to whom we extend a very warm welcome, but in the hope that he will not be tempted to stamp his feet too hard or possibly to drill your Lordships. May I say a very sincere thank you from these Benches for all that he has done. His flight-path has been very complicated but with the utmost courtesy, his landings have been superb.
Noble Lords can hardly have failed to notice that the Victoria Tower has emerged from the jungle of scaffolding and sheeting. I have to tell your Lordships that that emergence is largely due to the newly appointed officer under the rather uninformative title of the House of Lords Administrative Officer. He now leads that department, formerly that of the Property Services Agency, to which we are most grateful for what it has done in the past. I am reliably advised that there is still two years' work ahead, and that noble Lords may have to put up with a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience before all the work is completed.
The noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Alloway, referred two days ago to the departure of two of our Doorkeepers
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who are leaving at this time. Together they had served for 56 years in the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, in many different ships and the commandos. Both joined us here in the 1970s and became senior Doorkeepers in 1986. For their 38 years of service, from these Benches we offer them our most sincere thanks and wish both a very happy retirement in pastures new. Others have left or are leaving: the staff restaurant cashier and an assistant librarian. To them go our thanks and best wishes for the future. Perhaps I may also say a word of appreciation for the research work undertaken so willingly by the staff members of the Library. We much appreciate their help and the hard work that they do on our behalf.
Finally, from these Benches I should like to wish all noble Lords a happy Christmas and—dare I say it?—a prosperous New Year, with the sincere wish that the peace initiatives currently under way in the Middle East and Ireland bear fruit in 1994.

Malvern Hills Bill [H.L.]
Reported from the Unopposed Bill Committee with amendments.
House adjourned for the Christmas Recess at twenty minutes before one o'clock until Monday, 10th January next.

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