Written Answers of 2 November 1989

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Gaelic Television Services
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from organisations and individuals supporting an expansion of Gaelic television services.

  Mr. Mellor
  We have received representations from a number of organisations, from Members of Parliament and from members of the public in support of an increase in the provision of Gaelic television programmes.

  Traffic Offences
  Mr. Tebbit
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many alleged traffic offences within the Metropolitan police area are currently under consideration for prosecution; whether that number is increasing or decreasing; and what was the position two and four years ago.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Tebbit
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what has been the longest time between the commission of an alleged traffic offence and notification of the intent to prosecute during the past two years;

  (2) what is the average time between the alleged commission of a traffic offence and the notification of the driver concerned of whether a prosecution will be brought.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The information requested is not available.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information his Department has on the length of time taken to respond to letters from hon. Members.

  Mr. Waddington
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him on 30 October 1989 at column 38.

  Forensic Services
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in the light of new regulations involving payment by the police forces for forensic services, he will consider establishing independent forensic units, along the lines of that based on Strathclyde university; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  There are no such regulations, but we have accepted the recommendations of the Select Committee on Home Affairs that the police should pay 266
  directly for the forensic science services they use. The establishment of forensic science units independent of the Government is a matter for private initiative, and the police would be free to use such units if they wished to do so.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many cases are pending with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at the latest date;

  (2) how many cases have been dealt with by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at the latest available date.

  Mr. John Patten
  On 30 September 1989, the number of applications resolved since the board's inception was 433,276 and 94,113 cases awaited resolution.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons whose cases were referred to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board subsequently died before determination.

  Mr. John Patten
  The board does not collate this information.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much compensation has been paid in(a) Liverpool and (b) Merseyside by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at the latest available date;

  (2) what is the highest payment by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to a claimant from Liverpool at the latest available date.

  Mr. John Patten
  The board does not keep information on the payment of compensation by locality. Details of the highest award made each year are given in the board's annual reports, copies of which are in the Library.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how much has been paid in compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at the latest available date;

  (2) what is the amount of compensation awarded by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at the most recent date.

  Mr. John Patten
  Between 1 April 1964 and 30 September 1989, the board paid £389,718,739 in compensation. The board does not keep a running total of awards made but not yet paid.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he has any proposals to improve the working of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he has plans to put the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  We are in close touch with the chairman of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board about the means of tackling the board's acknowledged problems of delay and the increased workload and backlog of cases of which it is the result. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 provides for a criminal injuries compensation scheme closely resembling the present non-statutory arrangements, but the most pressing task is to overcome the board's immediate problems. This must take priority over the introduction of the statutory scheme.
  267
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will include deaths or injuries caused by joy riders within the cover of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

  Mr. John Patten
  Compensation will generally be available under the owner's insurance or arrangements made by the Motor Insurers' Bureau for injury or death caused by either an uninsured driver or an untraced driver. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board will entertain claims where death or injury is caused by a driver who intentionally drives at the victim. We therefore see no need to extend the criminal injuries compensation scheme.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the reasons for the delay in resolving the claim of Mr. Terence Anthony Lafferty of Liverpool to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

  Mr. John Patten
  As the board is independent in its day-to-day operations I have asked the board to write to the hon. Member about this case.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to include victims of rape as possible claimants to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

  Mr. John Patten
  They are already included.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is the practice of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to answer letters from solicitors acting for people who have made an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

  Mr. John Patten
  I understand from the board that it is its normal practice to reply to letters which require an answer as soon as possible.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average waiting time for cases to be decided by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at the most recent convenient date;

  (2) what is the longest waiting time for a case to be accepted by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board at the latest date.

  Mr. John Patten
  The board does not keep information about waiting times in cases now disposed of. Information about the percentage of cases resolved by the board within certain periods from registration is shown in paragraph 6 of its latest annual report (Cm. 536), a copy of which is in the Library.

  DNA Testing
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce a centrally organised DNA testing scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The Government's intention to introduce DNA testing into the entry clearance process was announced earlier this year. We will shortly be inviting tenders for the work of carrying out DNA tests. We will make a further announcement about the implementation of the Government scheme when the necessary arrangements have been completed.

  Firearms Certificates
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he has given to the proposed directive on the national regulations of firearms certificates; and if it will be determined by majority vote.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  My hon. Friend is no doubt referring to the Commission's proposals for a Council directive on the control of the acquisition and possession of weapons. The Commission has signalled its intention to put forward a revised draft of the directive, but it has not yet been formally submitted to us. We will of course look at any new proposals very closely, including the legal basis, to ensure that the Commission's plans do not weaken in any way our ability to carry out those checks which we believe necessary to preserve security and maintain public safety.

  British Summer Time
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers have been given to the EEC in relation to the determination of British summer time after the three-year period of consultation permitted to the United Kingdom in terms of EEC document 7876/88.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The position of the EC will be same for the sixth directive on summer time arrangements covering 1993 onwards as for the current fifth directive covering the period 1990 to 1992 inclusive.

  Drugs
  Mrs. Maureen Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those places which have been selected for locally-based drug prevention teams.

  Mr. Mellor
  We are not yet in a position to do so.

  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many representations (i) he and (ii) immigration officers received from Members of Parliament during(a) the first quarter of 1988 (b) the first quarter of 1989 to delay the removal of passengers refused entry at British ports of entry; and, for both periods, how many representations resulted in (i) the delay of the passenger's removal for up to a week, (iii) the delay of the passenger's removal for more than a week and (ii) reversal of the immigration officer's decision.

  Mr. Waddington
  [pursuant to the reply, 28 July 1989, c. 1057]: I regret that the information contained in that reply was incorrect. In the first quarter of 1988 representations received by Ministers resulted in deferment of removal of passengers refused entry in 382 cases. The rest of the information requested is not available centrally.

TRANSPORT

  Hong Kong Shipping Register
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the strategic implications for the United Kingdom of the transfer of the Hong Kong shipping register to the Chinese flag.
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  Mr. McLoughlin
  On the transfer of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China in 1997 vessels on the Hong Kong shipping register will not be available to the United Kingdom for defence purposes.

  Studies (Costs)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total cost to date of the London assessment studies and, separately, the central London rail study.

  Mr. Portillo
  The total cost of the four London assessment studies to date is about £8½ million. The central London rail study is expected to cost about £800,000.

  Pedestrian Footbridges
  Mr. Conway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice his Department offers to local authorities seeking to build pedestrian footbridges with transport supplementary grant from his Department with regard to access for the disabled.

  Mr. Atkins
  We recommend that for schemes supported by TSG local highway authorities should use the technical design standards issued by the Department. The Department's design criteria for footbridges are contained in departmental standard BD29/87. This standard lays particular emphasis on the importance of ensuring that the needs of disabled people are taken into account. It specifies "enhanced criteria" which should be adopted as far as practicable for the benefit of disabled people, such as the provision of both ramps and stairs and a minimum clear width of 2m.

  I am arranging for a copy of the standard to be placed in the Library.

  A5 (Shropshire)
  Mr. Conway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce a start date for the A5 road improvements in Shropshire.

  Mr. Atkins
  The inspector's report on the recent inquiry into the final statutory orders for the A5/A49 Shrewsbury bypass is being considered. The decision will be announced later this month. Subject to that being favourable I hope construction will start next April.

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Holt
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what figures are available on the makes of cars involved in fatal and serious injury accidents on Britain's roads over the past two years.

  Mr. Atkins
  No information is available on makes of cars involved in fatal and serious injury accidents on Britain's roads over the past two years. However, arrangements are now in hand to ensure that this information is recorded for future years.

  Aircraft Incident (Edinburgh)
  Mr. Snape
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, when he next meets the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, he will discuss with him the incident involving British Midland Airways flight BD 057 at Edinburgh on Sunday 22 October; and if he will make a statement.
  270
  Mr. McLoughlin
  The statutory responsibility for the safety regulation of United Kingdom civil aviation rests with the Civil Aviation Authority. The incident will be the subject of a mandatory occurrence report submitted by British Midland Airways to the authority, and on receipt of that report, the authority will decide what action needs to be taken. I have drawn the hon. Member's question to the attention of the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority.

  Learner Drivers
  Mr. Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider changing the regulations relating to learner drivers so that no passengers may be carried other than the experienced driver accompanying the learner driver.

  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to introduce legislation to impose a maximum speed limit on drivers in the first 12 months following the date on which they obtained a full United Kingdom driving licence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  We have a major programme of research in hand to cast light on the accident record of learner and newly qualified drivers. As the results become available we shall be considering whether there are any aspects of the driver licensing regime that need to be improved.

  Mr. Ward
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to change the regulations concerning the driving experience of those who accompany learner drivers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  I am reviewing whether there is any case for this.

  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to introduce legislation to require those supervising learner drivers to(a) have attained a prescribed minimum age or (b) have held a full driving licence for a specified number of years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  I am reviewing whether there is any case for this.

  Radioactive Material
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to study the recent critical appraisal of the safety of flasks designed for the air transport of plutonium, presented to the annual conference of the Safety and Reliability Society in Bath in October.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The International Atomic Energy Agency's regulations for the safe transport of radioactive materials are subject to continuous review and updating. Any relevant information on this transport will be studied.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information he possesses on the current considerations by the International Atomic Energy Agency's standing advisory group on the international safety regulations for the carriage of radioactive materials.
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  Mr. McLoughlin
  The chairman's report of the seventh meeting of the group has been received and its conclusions and recommendations are being studied.

  Air Traffic
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to open an east coast airway for commercial air traffic to serve areas between the north of Scotland and the south of England; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  This is a matter for the Civil Aviation Authority and the National Air Traffic Services. I will draw the hon. Member's question to the attention of authority's chairman.

  Mersey Tunnels
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the financing of the Mersey tunnels; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  The financing of the Mersey tunnels is a matter for the Merseyside passenger transport authority. Over the last three years we have had extensive discussions with the authority about the debts of the Mersey tunnels and we have helped to produce projections of the tunnel's financial performance. If the PTA considers that it has a case for Government financial assistance we will be prepared to consider it.

  Roll-on Roll-off Vessels
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many roll-on roll-off vessels have been lost at sea since 1979.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Between 1 January 1981 and 31 December 1988, a total of 23 roll-on roll-off vessels have been lost at sea worldwide. The figures for earlier years do not identify losses of roll-on roll-off vessels.

  Manchester Ship Canal Company
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to be able to announce his decision on the inspector's report on the public inquiry into the harbour revision order applied for by the Manchester Ship Canal Company.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I have been considering, in the light of the inspector's report, whether all the provisions sought in the order properly could and should be included in a harbour revision order, and hope to be able to reach a decision in the reasonably near future.

  Port Authorities
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what means of redress or appeal exists in the case of maladministration or inefficiency by a body such as a port authority.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Harbour authorities that are companies or statutory trusts are autonomous bodies running commercial undertakings. Any complaint should be made to the chief executive or chairman, and if 272
  satisfaction is not obtained the complaint can ultimately be pursued through the courts. For harbours run by local authorities there are also the usual channels for seeking a remedy from the actions of a local authority. In addition, there are two statutory rights of appeal to the Secretary of State: in respect of all harbour authorities, against their dues and, if they are competent harbour authorities under the Pilotage Act 1987, their pilotage charges; and in respect of a few authorities whose local legislation contains power to license works in the harbour area, against their licensing decisions.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he has any plans to abolish the Clyde port authority and to replace it with another body.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  No. But I understand that the authority has been considering the possibility of seeking a change in its status.

  Vehicle and Component Approvals Division
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the latest annual report of the vehicle and component approvals divsion is to be published; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  The report for 1988–89 was published at the end of September. Copies are available in the Library.

  The certification work carried out by VCA staff makes an important contribution to road safety through checks on vehicle and equipment design and quality standards. During the year covered by the report, the VCA handled an increased workload and managed to better its first unit cost target.

  Further steps were also taken to move to a businesslike footing with adoption of new accounting methods and the preparation of the first business plan. These will help provide a firm financial structure for the proposed move to executive agency status next spring.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Family Law
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the Government Departments represented on the interdepartmental working party established to oversee work on family law and business following the passage of the Children Bill.

  The Attorney-General
  The Government Departments represented on the family law and administration working party are as follows:

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  Home Office

  Department of Health

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  Department of Social Security

  Welsh Office

  Traffic Offences
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list the criteria used by the Crown Prosecution Service in deciding whether or not to prosecute in respect of traffic offences.

  The Attorney-General
  In deciding whether or not to prosecute in respect of traffic offences, as with all criminal
  273
  offences, the Crown Prosecution Service has to satisfy the two criteria set out in the code for Crown prosecutors. promulgated under section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. These require that there is sufficient admissible, substantial and reliable evidence to afford a realistic prospect of conviction and that the public interest requires a prosecution in the circumstances.

  Northern Ireland Court Service
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Attorney-General whether any changes have been made to the cash limit and running cost limit for the Northern Ireland court service.

  The Attorney-General
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit for class XI vote 8 has been increased by £21,000 from £14,725,000 to £14,746,000 and the running costs limit by £21,000 from £11,700,000 to £11,721,000. This increase has been charged to the Reserve and will not add to the planned total of public expenditure. The increases arise from a policy decision which transferred responsibility for the funding of the PRAMIS computer project from Northern Ireland Departments 1 (NID 1) to individual Departments (including Northern Ireland Court Service). The corresponding decrease in NID 1's cash limit and running costs limit was announced on 13 July 1989.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Student Loans
  Ms. Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what annual level of inflation has been used to calculate the projected cost of the student loan scheme.

  Mr. Jackson
  The costings set out in annex E of Cm. 520 were expressed in constant 1990 prices. To estimate the pace at which inflation will erode the real value of the grant, an inflation rate of 3 per cent. per annum was assumed.

  Mr. John P. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the progress of the introduction of student loans.

  Mr. Jackson
  The preparatory work described in my right hon. Friend's statement on 19 June,Official Report, columns 21–22, is proceeding.

  Schools (Data Protection Act)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, further to his answer to the hon. Member for Leyton,Official Report, 17 October, column 87, how many schools he estimates are currently in breach of the Data Protection Act; and if he will place in the Library the guidance to schools he intends to publish.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The Department does not collect information about schools' compliance with the Data Protection Act. A copy of the promised guidance will be placed in the Library on publication.

  Committee of Vice Chancellors
  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he last met the Committee of Vice Chancellors; and what matters were discussed.
  274
  Mr. Jackson
  My right hon. Friend discussed a wide range of higher education matters with the committee at its annual meeting on 27 September. We meet representatives of the committee from time to time in the course of normal business.

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what grant assistance is provided by his Department to local education authorities to fund in-service training for teachers.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The main source of grant assistance is the local education authority training grant scheme, details of which are set out in Department of Education and Science circular 20/89, a copy of which is in the Library. In 1990–91 the scheme will support expenditure of £214·7 million with grant of £125·7 million.

  Teachers' Negotiating Rights
  Mr. Flannery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans he has to ensure that teachers' negotiating rights are restored as soon as possible.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend is currently engaged in a series of meetings with the teacher unions and the employers at which a range of possibilities for new permanent pay determination arrangements is being discussed.

  European Research Council Meeting
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the outcome of the European Research Council meeting in Luxembourg on 17 October.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I have been asked to reply.

  I represented Her Majesty's Government at the meeting of the Community's Council of Ministers (Research) in Luxembourg on 17 October.

  The Council adopted a common position on a Community programme of research on the competitiveness of agriculture and management of agricultural resources. The programme will receive Community funding of 55 mecu (37 million) over five years. Priority will be given to research work which helps to identify alternative outlets for products and uses for land, conserves natural resources and develops production systems in harmony with the environment.

  There was also a further exchange of views on several aspects of the Commission proposal for a framework programme of Community activities in the field of research and technological development (1990–1994).

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list(a) the total amounts raised by domestic rates in each of the years 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87 and 1987–88, (b) the rate in the pound in each year and (c) the estimated number of domestic

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  hereditaments on which rates were payable for each year in the London boroughs of (i) Islington, (ii) Camden and (iii) Lambeth.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The figures sought are:

  Domestic rate income £m

  Average domestic rate poundage Pence

  Number of domestic hereditaments '000s

  Islington

  1984–85

  49·1

  233·5

  68·6

  1985–86

  46·9

  229·1

  69·0

  1986–87

  42·8

  184·3

  69·4

  1987–88

  41·5

  172·1

  70·5

  Lambeth

  1984–85

  62·3

  233·1

  104·6

  1985–86

  60·4

  224·6

  105·4

  1986–87

  58·4

  217·2

  106·6

  1987–88

  54·5

  205·6

  108·3

  Camden

  1984–85

  59·2

  202·7

  78·2

  1985–86

  60·9

  209·0

  79·2

  1986–87

  62·6

  209·4

  80·1

  1987·88

  65·1

  213·2

  81·5

  Note: Figures for domestic rate income are net of rate relief grant and gross of rebates.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the current cost of a revaluation of domestic properties for rateable purposes.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The Government do not consider a revaluation of domestic property to be viable using rental values because of the lack of market rental evidence. I have therefore made no such estimate.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what policy has applied since 1982 towards the revaluation of domestic properties for rateable purposes; what estimates he has of the number of domestic properties in the London boroughs of(a) Islington, (b) Camden and (c) Lambeth, which have been revalued for rateable purposes since 1982; and what are the general reasons for those revaluations having taken place.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Since the last general revaluation in 1973 rateable values of domestic properties have been altered most commonly because of a change in the physical state of the property or in its environment. I estimate that some 3,200,000 alterations have been made to the rateable values of domestic property in England since 1982. No estimates are available for particular local authority areas.

  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the percentage registration for the community charge in the Cherwell district council area.

  Mr. Chope
  I understand that registration for the community charge is going ahead successfully in Cherwell and that to date some 98 per cent. of chargepayers have been registered.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the community charge.

  Mr. Chope
  I have received representations from individual local authorities and other bodies. My Department has also held a number of discussions with the local authority associations.
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  Mrs. Maureen Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any consideration has been given to exempting foreign language assistants employed in the United Kingdom from paying the community charge.

  Mr. Chope
  It would not be appropriate to provide exemption for foreign language assistants. They will be subject to a personal community charge if they are solely or mainly resident in Great Britain. Foreign language assistants who fall within the definition of full-time students will be eligible for 80 per cent. relief of the charge. Decisions on whether an individual is solely or mainly resident in Great Britain, and is a full-time student, are initially for the community charges registration officer.

  Property Revaluation
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has of the number of domestic properties in England that have been revalued for rateable purposes since 1982; and what are the general reasons for these revaluations having taken place.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today.

  Chief Inspector of Pollution (Resignation)
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek permission from the author to publish the letter of resignation submitted by Mr. Rod Perriman, the former chief inspector of pollution.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  No. I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the then Secretary of State for the Environment, my right hon. Friend the Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Ridley) on 29 November 1988 at column 135.

  Property Services Agency
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has now reached his decision on the future of the Property Services Agency in Cardiff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The PSA is in the process of reorganising into two main businesses: PSA Projects dealing with major projects, and PSA Building Management dealing with maintenance, estate management and smaller projects. Both businesses intend to maintain offices in Cardiff, drawing their staffing initially from the existing PSA Wales Office.

  Sellafield
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make an assessment of the recent report by Professor David Bowen of the University of Wales Institute of Earth Studies on the geological stability of the sub-seabed region off Sellafield and the geology below Sellafield with regard to plans to dispose of the radioactive waste underground near the British Nuclear Fuels Sellafield site.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  In the first instance it is for UK Nirex Limited to consider such reports in submitting proposals to Government for the development of an
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  underground radioactive waste disposal facility for low and intermediate level waste. In assessing these proposals, HMIP will take into account any relevant information.

  Habitats
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report the Government's response to the draft European Community directive on the protection of semi-natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora; whether he will seek to amend the draft directive (a) to provide funding to encourage individuals to adopt management and development practices and (b) to tackle the devastation and destruction of habitats outside the envisaged network of special protection areas; and whether he will seek to allow non-governmental organisations to attend meetings under the directive as observers.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We have made clear on several occasions that we, in common with all other member states, regard the present draft text as deeply flawed. The House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities reached a similar conclusion in its scrutiny report published in August.

  We are keen to see progress towards a worthwhile Community measure in the field of nature conservation. It is for the French Presidency to decide how to take things forward, and I understand that discussions are taking place with a view to breaking the deadlock. Matters such as funding, protection of habitats outside special protection areas, and observer status for non-governmental organisations can be expected to feature in these deliberations. We shall continue to contribute constructively to the discussions on all aspects of the dossier.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new initiatives he will take to reduce the present level of homelessness in young people aged under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The conclusions of our review of the homelessness legislation will be announced shortly.

  Radioactive Waste Management
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has met the chairman or officials of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee to discuss(a) environmental management of and (b) international safeguards applicability to plutonium contaminated wastes at civil nuclear facilities and safeguardable nuclear material balance areas in dual-purpose facilities.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  My right hon. Friend has not yet met the chairman and members of Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee, but plans to do so in January. The agenda for the meeting has yet to be decided.

  Estate Action
  Mr. Knowles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total budget for the current year for Estate Action.
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  Mr. Chope
  A total of £190 million is being made available for my Department's Estate Action programme in 1989–90. In addition, local authorities are normally expected to contribute about 50 per cent. of the total cost of approved projects as a measure of their commitment to those schemes.

  Safety Glazing
  Mr. Michael Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the consultation document on the standard of safety glazing to be included in the building regulations.

  Mr. Chope
  I hope to be in a position to publish the consultative document shortly.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Share Ownership
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent changes have been made to the ceilings of percentage in shares of Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace respectively which may be held by persons or bodies not within the United Kingdom; what communications he has received from the Commission of the European Communities on this and the period within which any such new limitation shall operate; and if he will place copies of any such correspondence in the Library.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced on 3 August that the Government had decided that, following discussions with the European Commission on Rolls-Royce, the limit on foreign shareholdings could reasonably be increased for both Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace from 15 per cent. to 29·5 per cent. Extraordinary general meetings of the two companies held respectively on 11 September and 16 August approved special resolutions to raise the limit to the new level. In reaching this decision the Government took into account not only the concern expressed by the Commission about the effect of the restriction on other EC nationals wishing to buy shares in Rolls-Royce, but the wishes of Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace to have the limit increased given the international nature of their business. As the discussions with the European Commission were confidential, documents cannot be placed in the Library. The Government agreed with the Commission that it would review at the end of 1992 the limit on foreign shareholdings in the light of any changes in the structure of the European defence industry and in the pattern of defence procurement over the period.

  North East Shipbuilders
  Mr. Clay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North, on 20 October,Official Report, columns 268–69, if he will estimate the cost to Her Majesty's Government arising from the closure of North East Shipbuilders Ltd., excluding any costs incurred by British Shipbuilders but including (a) unemployment benefit to redundant employees, (b) housing and other social security benefits to redundant employees, (c) remedial measures taken by Her Majesty's Government and (d) any other costs.
  279
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is very difficult to give an assessment of the Exchequer costs, because no one can reliably forecast the circumstances of Sunderland and other places that would have been affected had those decisions not been taken. For instance, had the Government decided not to close the yards at the end of 1988, very substantial redundancies would in any event have been necessary, and costs would have been incurred elsewhere, particularly on the Clyde, had other sales notified to the Commission in December 1988 been frustrated by delayed EC clearance.

  Had the Government decided to notify new shipbuilding proposals in July, the likelihood would have been a delay to the economic recovery of Sunderland as a result of the uncertainty about the enterprise zone and other measures. On the other hand, talks are taking place between British Shipbuilders and interested parties about the use of various of the assets of NESL which in turn may generate additional employment to that likely to result from the enterprise zone.

  My right hon. Friend announced on 7 December a remedial package for Sunderland estimated at £45 million. Of that sum, £10·5 million is being provided through British Shipbuilders, to fund the activities of Sunderland Enterprise and Training Ltd., including those being administered by the Wearside Opportunity.

  Insurance Companies Act
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will now introduce regulations to require companies to report on their arrangements to meet the duty imposed by section 31A of the Insurance Companies Act 1982.

  Mr. Redwood
  I undertook on 26 July to consider introducing a new regulation requiring insurance companies to report on their arrangements to meet the duty imposed by section 31A of the Insurance Companies Act 1982. This section requires insurance companies to ensure that adequate arrangements are in force for securing that transactions affecting assets of the company (other than transactions outside its control) do not operate unfairly between different funds of the company. I have now made regulations, which come into effect on 1 March 1990, which have been laid before Parliament today. The regulations require a certificate to be signed by the directors, to be annexed to the annual report, which will state that for the past financial year the company has had in force arrangements to meet this duty.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give(a) the total number of applications for regional selective assistance received between 1 April 1988 and 30 September 1989, (b) the total number of applications approved, (c) the total amount of expenditure involved and (d) the total estimated expenditure for 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92 in cash and constant prices for each of the Department of Trade and Industry regions.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 30 October 1989]: The number of applications for regional selective assistance received between 1 April 1988 and 30 September 1989 was 2,542. The number of regional selective
  280
  assistance applications approved between 1 April 1988 and 30 September 1989 was 1893 and the value approved was £165·2 million.

  Expenditure on regional selective assistance in 1988–89 by the DTI region was as follows:

  £ million

  North East

  34

  North West

  22

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  21

  East Midlands

  1

  West Midlands

  25

  South West

  4

  England

  Actual

  129

  at 1989–90 prices

  137

  At the regional level the figures include only industrial and training grants. The England total also includes some unallocated project grants and expenditure under the business improvement services and exchange risk guarantee schemes which it is not possible to provide on a regional basis. The figures are net of domestic receipts.

  The forecast provision for 1989–90 is £145 million; this figure is contained in the Supply Estimates for 1989–90. The above figure is net of domestic receipts and includes expenditure on industrial and training grants, and the business improvement services and exchange risk guarantee schemes: Figures for future years will be reflected in the 1990 public expenditure White Paper.

  Investment and Innovation Grants
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give(a) the total number of applications for investment grants and innovation grants from 1 April 1988 to 30 September 1989, (b) the total number of applications approved, (c) the total amount of expenditure involved and (d) the total estimated expenditure planned for 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92 in cash and constant prices for each of his Department's regions.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [holding answer 30 October 1989]: Regional enterprise grants (REGs) became available on 1 April 1988 in the development areas and on 1 September 1988 in South Yorkshire. The information requested, for the English regions for which the DTI is responsible, for 1 April 1988 to 30 September 1989 is as follows:

  Number of applications

  Number of offers

  Value of offers £000

  North East

  968

  692

  4,880

  North West

  857

  502

  4,240

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  516

  320

  3,289

  East Midlands

  78

  56

  612

  South West

  279

  197

  1,191

  Total England

  2,698

  1,767

  14,212

  "Total expenditure for regional enterprise grants in 1988–89 was £0·9m (£0·95 million at estimated constant 1989–90 prices).

  The provision for investment and innovation grants as published in the June revised supply estimates, for 1989–90 is £27·6m.

  Plans for future years will be reflected in the 1990 public expenditure White Paper.

  The amount of expenditure which will be paid out in any particular area will depend on demand for the scheme and the appraisal of individual applications."

  Regional Development Grants
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give(a) the total number of applications for regional development grants outstanding at 31 March 1988, (b) the total number of applications processed by 30 September 1989, (c) the total amount of expenditure involved and (d) the total estimated

  North East

  North West

  Yorkshire & humberside

  East Midlands

  South West

  Number of applications outstanding at 31 March 1988

  3,260

  2,740

  830

  240

  540

  Number of those applications processed by 30 September 1989

  3,251

  2,736

  830

  240

  540

  Amount approved £m

  55

  36

  9

  7

  4

  Expenditure in respect of the original and revised regional development grant schemes in 1988–89 by DTI region is as follows:

  £ million

  North East

  79

  North West

  50

  Yorkshire & Humberside

  19

  East Midlands

  8

  South West

  6

  England

  Actual

  162

  1989–90 prices

  170

  Notes:

  The figures shown are net of domestic receipts.

  Planned provision in respect of both schemes for 1989–90 is £125 million (as contained in the Supply Estimates for 1989–90). This figure is net of domestic receipts.

  The level of provision is expected to be reduced in the forthcoming winter supplementary estimates. Figures for future years will be reflected in the 1990 public expenditure White Paper.

  Industrial Output
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will supply figures on the level of industrial output, in constant terms, for each standard planning region of the United Kingdom for every year since 1979 and for each month since 1 January.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 23 October 1989]: I have been asked to reply.

  The information is not available in the form requested. However current price estimates of regional gross domestic product by industry are published annually in Economic Trends. The latest published figures may be found in Economic Trends No. 421, November 1988 pages 92 and 93: a copy is available in the Library. Constant price estimates are not made because there are no regional price indices.

  Investment Spending
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will supply figures on spending on investment expressed in constant value terms, for each standard planning region of the United Kingdom for every year since 1979 and for each month since 1 January.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 23 October 1989]: I have been asked to reply.
  282
  expenditure planned for 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92 in cash and constant prices for each of his Department's regions.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [Holding answer 30 October 1989]: The information requested in respect of the revised regional development grant scheme with regard to applications outstanding at 31 March 1988, the number of those processed by 30 September 1989 and the amount approved to date on those applications, is as follows:

  The information is not available in the form requested. However current price estimates of regional investment by selected industries and by the Government are published annually in Economic Trends. The latest published figures may be found in Economic Trends No. 421, November 1988 pages 97 and 98: a copy is available in the Library. Constant price estimates are not made because there are no regional price indices.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Incomes
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give for each year since 1974 the average annual increase in real income for(a) a married man with two children, (b) a single person and (c) a retired person, including tax changes and price rises.

  Mr. Lilley
  Consistent information since 1974 is available only for pensioners. This is given in table 1. A more limited range of years is available on a constant basis for the other family types and the average annual growth rates in real incomes are given in table 2. Figures are derived from the family expenditure survey and are subject to sampling variation.

  Table 1

  Percentage annual change in average real net income of pensioners

  per cent.

  1974

  6·2

  1975

  -0·5

  1976

  -0·3

  1977

  -1·1

  1978

  7·0

  1979

  -1·7

  1980

  1·9

  1981

  4·9

  1982

  -0·9

  1983

  10·5

  1984

  -1·1

  1985

  1·7

  1986

  4·5

  Notes:

  1. The figures show, for the each year, the percentage increase over the previous year in average real net incomes (ie incomes net of tax, adjusted for changes in the Retail Price Index).

  2. Pensioners are defined as all single people over the statutory retirement age together with married couples where the husband is over retirement age.

  283

  Table 2

  Percentage change in average real net income at an annual rate

  Married man with two children (non-retired) per cent.

  Single person (non-retired) per cent.

  1979–81

  -2·3

  -2·1

  1981–85

  3·1

  0·6

  1985–86

  7·1

  8·6

  Note:

  The figures express at an annual rate the increase between the years shown in average real net incomes (ie incomes net of tax and national insurance adjusted for changes in the Retail Price Index).

  Equities
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of United Kingdom quoted equities are held by(a) pension funds, (b) unit trusts and (c) investment trusts.

  Mr. Lilley
  Reliable up-to-date figures are not available, but I understand that the stock exchange will shortly be publishing a survey giving the proportion of equities held by different types of investor. I will write to my hon. Friend and arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library in due course.

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the annual yield of capital gains tax in each year since 1979 (i) at 1979 prices and (ii) at 1989 prices.

  Mr. Lilley
  Estimates of receipts of capital gains tax paid by individuals and trusts are as follows:

  £ million

  Year of receipt

  Actual receipts

  At 1979–80 prices1

  At 1989–90 prices1

  1979–80

  431

  430

  860

  1980–81

  508

  430

  850

  1981–82

  526

  400

  800

  1982–83

  632

  450

  900

  1983–84

  671

  460

  910

  1984–85

  730

  480

  950

  1985–86

  908

  560

  1,120

  1986–87

  1,064

  640

  1,270

  1987–88

  1,379

  790

  1,560

  1988–89

  2,323

  1,230

  2,450

  1989–902

  2,100

  1,060

  2,100

  1 Converted using the GDP market price deflator.

  2 Forecast.

  Receipts in each year result from liabilities incurred over several previous years. These figures exclude receipts from capital gains of companies taxed within corporation tax.

  Fiduciary Issue
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has any plans to amend the limit of the fiduciary issue as part of his anti-inflationary policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  No. Interest rates are the only way to deal with inflation.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information his Department has on the length of time taken to respond to letters from hon. Members.

  Mr. Ryder
  Letters from hon. Members to Treasury Ministers receive a deadline for reply of not more than 15 working days. Most are replied to within this period.

  Northern Region
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will estimate the number of shareholders in the northern region as a percentage of the adult population.

  Mr. Lilley
  The Joint Treasury-International Stock Exchange survey in January 1989 estimated that 13 per cent. of adults in the northern region were shareholders. This proportion will have increased as a result of the recent flotation of Abbey National plc.

  Delors Report
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in consideration of the Delors report on economic and monetary union in the European Community.

  Mr. Major
  The Delors report suggests a three-stage process leading to economic and monetary union. The Government's acceptance of stage I, which will start on 1 July 1990, was reported by the Prime Minister in her statement on 29 June,Official Report, columns 1107–22. I have today laid before Parliament, and placed in the Library of the House and in the Vote Office, copies of a paper entitled "An Evolutionary Approach to Economic and Monetary Union". This paper sets out the Government's views on an alternative approach to stages II and III as described in the report by the Delors committee, and will be a contribution to discussion at Ecofin on 13 November.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate(a) the impact of every 1 per cent. rise in interest rate on the costs to industry, (b) the estimated extra costs likely to have been incurred by industry in the period May 1989 to October 1989 as a result of interest rates rises and (c) the estimated costs to industry of the present interest rate level continuing for a period of three months, six months and 12 months.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 26 October 1989]: The estimated direct cost to industrial and commercial companies of a one percentage point increase in United Kingdom bank base rates is about £0·5 billion in the first year after the change, based on industrial and commercial companies' current holdings of assets and liabilities with variable rates of interest linked to United Kingdom bank base rates. The estimate takes no account of possible changes in net borrowing following a change in interest rates or of consequential changes in tax liabilities.

  By comparison a one percentage point interest rate increase costs industrial and commercial companies far less than a one percentage point rise in pay settlements.

  It is not possible to answer parts (b) and (c) without making assumptions about the actual responses to interest

  285
  rates and changes in borrowing for any other reason. But the key point is that industry would suffer much more from a general rise in inflation than from interest rate increases.

  Voluntary Giving
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans or programmes he has for publicising schemes for voluntary giving, such as Work Aid, and other similar statutory arrangements; and what funds have been allocated from what votes for what specific purposes.

  Mr. Lilley
  [holding answer 17 October 1989]: It is primarily for the voluntary sector to promote voluntary giving. Leaflets are available from the Inland Revenue explaining the tax reliefs for charitable giving. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has made a grant of £25,000 to the Payroll Giving Association to support its work on promoting the payroll giving scheme. The grant is on a matching pound-for-pound basis. A further grant of up to £25,000 may be made on the same basis. The payroll giving scheme is available to all civil servants and to Members of Parliament. This opportunity has been publicised.

  Exchange Rate
  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to permit sterling to establish its value in the exchange markets without intervention directed to any particular exchange rates with other major currencies.

  Mr. Ryder
  [holding answer 31 October 1989]: Foreign exchange intervention will continue to be used as necessary to check undue fluctuations in the exchange rate.

  Mr. Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the net contribution to the EEC in 1989.

  Mr. Ryder
  [holding answer 31 October 1989]: The Government's latest published estimate of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the Community budget in 1989 is £1,966 million. A new estimate of the United Kingdom's net payments to European Community institutions for the financial year 1989–90 will be published in the Autumn Statement.

  Contingency Reserve
  Mr. Gordon Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what amount has been allocated from the contingency reserve so far in the current financial year; and whether he will list the amount by Department.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  [holding answer 1 November 1989]: The Autumn Statement will show the estimated outturn for the 1989–90 planning total by Department, along with changes from the plans in the 1989 public expenditure White Paper.

WALES

  Children with Special Needs
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has made any estimate of the extra resources needed to enable children with special needs to participate fully in the national curriculum.
  286
  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The cost of implementing the national curriculum will be met from the redirection of existing resources. However, the Government are making specific grants available to local education authorities to support the introduction of the national curriculum. In Wales, in this financial year, there is support for almost £7 million expenditure.

  It is for authorities to decide how much to spend within this total to enable children with special educational needs to participate fully in the national curriculum where appropriate.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will ask health authorities in Wales to review their adherence to WHSC(IS)117 and report back.

  Mr. Grist
  The 1989 manpower resource planning exercise currently being undertaken in the NHS in Wales includes an assessment by district health authorities of the demand for and availability of staff who are able to practise through the medium of Welsh. We will also be reviewing the guidance contained in WHSC(IS)117 "The Health Service and the Welsh Language" in the light of the Welsh Language Board's strategy document and proposals for the public sector.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure that those patients whose first choice of language is Welsh are adequately provided for.

  Mr. Grist
  The quality of service provided to all those who come into contact with the Health Service is of paramount importance. The Department recognises that there must be appropriate arrangements for those who are more fluent in Welsh than in English, and for many years the Health Service has been encouraged to adopt a language policy through guidance contained in WHSC(IS)117 "The Health Service and the Welsh Language". We will be reviewing that guidance in the light of the Welsh Language Board's strategy document and proposals for the public sector.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision is proposed for the professions allied to medicine, speech therapy and psychology to receive training in the Welsh language for those whose first language is Welsh, and if he will support the proposed establishment of a centre for health studies in University College of North Wales to develop such training.

  Mr. Grist
  The future extent, format and location of training provision for these professions in Wales and the proposal to establish a centre for health studies in north Wales are currently being considered in the light of the manpower resource planning exercise being undertaken within the NHS in Wales, the implications of the proposals contained in the White paper "Working for Patients" and the recommendations contained in the report of a review of the role of the combined training institute at Cardiff.

  Environmental Research
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his Department's role in the radioactivity, research and environmental monitoring committee since its inception.
  287
  Mr. Grist
  The Department has been represented on the committee since its inception in 1986 by a scientific adviser who reports to me its activities relevant to the Welsh environment.

  Rents into Mortgages Scheme
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to promote his rents into mortgages scheme and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Grist
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already written to every tenant of the Development Board for Rural Wales to explain the basis of flexi-ownership and the Department will be announcing the formal start of the scheme very soon.

  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will estimate the amount a tenant, paying an average Welsh council home rent, would pay if he participated in his Department's rents into mortgages scheme, showing the method of calculation.

  Mr. Grist
  The Development Board for Rural Wales will make two adjustments to rents when calculating how much tenants will need to pay when buying their homes under flexi-ownership. First, 10 per cent. will be added to the rent to reflct the greater benefit deriving from home ownership, then £5 (£7·50 in the case of flats) will be deducted as a notional allowance for insurance and maintenance costs. So, for example, if the rent was £21·84 (which is the current Welsh average council house rent) adding 10 per cent. and deducting £5 would give a figure of £19·02 per week. The amount of low start mortgage which this figure would buy is the amount the tenant would have to pay initially to buy his house under flexi-ownership. The balance between this amount and the market value of the home would be met by discount and deferred payment. Discounts will be 15 per cent. less than the right-to-buy discount entitlement.

  Low-paid Workers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the total numbers of(a) male and (b) female workers in (1) Gwent and (2) the rest of Wales who are in receipt of wages below the wages council's recommended levels.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  The information is not available in the form requested. In 1988, wages inspectors identified 897 workers in Wales who had been paid less than the statutory minimum due. Inspectorate records do not identify whether workers are male or female. Statistics are not compiled for areas smaller than Wales as a whole.

  Environment in Trust
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many copies of the Environment in Trust leaflets and brochures were published by Her Majesty's Government; how many have been distributed in Wales since May; and if he will list all the titles of Environment in Trust literature published to date.

  Mr. Grist
  A total of 36,000 sets of the leaflets have been printed and about 700 sets have been distributed in Wales since March. Information on numbers issued since May is not available.

  The titles are as follows:
  288

  Environment in Trust

  Cleaner Seas

  Air Quality

  River Quality

  Radioactive Waste Management—A Safe Solution

  The Countryside

  Pollution Control Systems

  A further leaflet in the series entitled "One World" has recently been published and will be distributed in the near future.

  Welsh Water
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy that the land holdings of Welsh Water plc shall be transferred into a public trust prior to the sale of shares and that the trustees be obliged to oversee such land for the benefit of the people of Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  The hon. Gentleman no doubt welcomed the announcement made by Welsh Water on Tuesday that a charitable trust has been set up to care for approximately 43,000 acres of its landholdings in the Elan valley. Much of the land remaining in the ownership of Welsh Water is in national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty or other areas of special scientific interest which are safeguarded by the provisions of the Water Act 1989.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy that Welsh Water plc shall concentrate on providing high-quality wholesome water and an efficient sewerage service to the people of Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  The duties of water and sewerage undertakers are set out in the Water Act 1989. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has taken steps to ensure that these will be carried out by appointing Dwr Cymru Cyfyngedig to be the water and sewerage undertakers for the area of the former Welsh water authority.

  Dr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the names, occupations and salaries of the board members of Welsh Water.

  Mr. Ian Grist
  The information requested concerning appointments to the Welsh Water plc is set out in the following table:

  1. Executive Directors:

  John Elfed Jones—Group Chairman (£43,860)

  David Abbot Jeffrey—Group Managing Director (£59,125)

  Graham Alfred Hawker—Group Finance Director (£46,440)

  2. Non-executive Directors:

  John Mansel James—(£5,375). Appointed group managing director of Laura Ashley Holdings in 1981 and promoted to chief executive and vice-chairman in 1988. He is also a non-executive director of Control Techniques.

  David Grant Hawkins—(£5,375). Chairman of Target Computer Group where he has been a director since 1980. Prior to this he was, for three years, finance director of Sterling Credit Holdings, a company in the Sterling Credit Group.

  Iain Richard Evans—(£5,375). A founding partner of the LEK partnership and is currently the senior partner in their London office.

  Timothy Knowles—(£5,375). He is a chartered accountant and was, until recently, group managing director of the HTV Group.

  Small Bakeries
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will make it his policy that food regulations affecting Wales shall take into account the operational needs of small bakeries and family bakers in Wales.

  Mr. Grist
  Consultations have recently been conducted with a number of interested organisations on draft amendments to the food hygiene regulations. The proposed amendments involve particularly extending temperature controls to certain foods for retail sale in order to safeguard public health. It is proposed there should be certain exemptions for bakery products, including pies, pasties and sausage rolls which are for sale within 24 hours of preparation. The comments which have been received in these consultations are currently receiving consideration.

  Schools
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales ( 1 ) if he will list for Wales tables showing(a) the total amount bid for schools' capital expenditure by local education authorities, (b) the total amount allocated by his Department, and (c) the percentage of (b) over (a), broken down by (i) county and voluntary-controlled schools, (ii) voluntary-aided schools, and (iii) all maintained schools for each financial year from 1974–75, and in constant and current prices, and showing the percentage of each year's allocation represented by (i) basic needs and (ii) re-organisations;

  Table 1

  Public Expenditure figures for Education Capital

  £ million

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  Cash

  30

  34

  35

  34

  29

  40

  50

  49

  51

  Constant Prices 1988–89

  43

  46

  45

  42

  34

  45

  54

  49

  48

  Table 2

  Capital Allocations to Voluntary Schools

  £ million

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  Cash

  1·00

  1·10

  1·20

  1·30

  1·60

  2·50

  2·10

  2·70

  Constant Prices

  1·35

  1·42

  1·47

  1·51

  1·81

  2·68

  2·10

  2·56

  Table 3

  Capital Bids for New Starts at Voluntary Schools

  £ million

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  Cash

  0·87

  1·38

  2·96

  1

  6·05

  4·00

  5·00

  7·00

  Constant prices

  1·17

  1·78

  3·64

  2

  6·83

  4·29

  5·00

  6·64

  1 No bids required as levels of outstanding commitment pre-empted available resources.

  2 Constant prices revalued to 1988–89 prices using GDP.

  Health Service
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the total spending per head on the National Health Service for Wales for the most recent 10 years.

  Mr. Grist
  The information requested is set out in the following table:

  National Health Service Expenditure per Capita (£)

  Year

  Amount

  1979–80

  171

  1980–81

  220

  1981–82

  251

  290
  (2) if he will list in the Official Report tables showing the capital allocation for each local education authority in Wales made by his Department for capital expenditure for (a) county and voluntary-controlled schools, (b) voluntary-aided schools and (c) all maintained schools, the amount of the bid in respect of each such allocation, and the percentage which each allocation bears to its respective bid, in current prices and in constant prices for each year from 1984–85 to 1989–90.

  Mr Wyn Roberts
  The information is not available in the form requested as the system of capital allocations to local education authorities is formula rather than bid based. Capital allocations since 1984–85 are unhypothecated between services. The public expenditure provisions for education capital at an all-Wales level for those years is shown in table I.

  The system of allocation to voluntary-aided schools falls outside local authority block allocations. Table 2 shows allocations to voluntary-aided schools for new build, alterations and works of repair and maintenance. These figures are shown from 1982–83, which is the earliest year for which they are available, and can be given only on an all-Wales basis. Figures for earlier years and an analysis by local education authority could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Bids are required for major new build and alteration work only at voluntary aided schools. The total of those bids since 1982–83 are set out in table 3.

  Year

  Amount

  1982–83

  277

  1983–84

  294

  1984–85

  318

  1985–86

  339

  1986–87

  363

  1987–88

  401

  1988–89

  445

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his proposals for the implementation of the community charge transitional relief scheme.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I am completing my talks with local authorities.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Cambodia
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will withdraw United Kingdom recognition from any Cambodian delegation at the United Nations which derives support from the Khmer Rouge; and if he will make a further statement on United Kingdom policy towards Cambodian representation at the United Nations.

  Mr. Maude
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton, South (Mr. Devlin) on 25 October.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the various factions contesting for power in Cambodia.

  Mr. Maude
  We support the non-Communist factions of the Cambodian resistance. We do not support the Khmer Rouge and have made clear our abhorrence of Pol Pot. Neither do we have dealings with the Phnom Penh regime. Our aim is a comprehensive political settlement in which the Cambodian people can elect a Government of their choice.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department has on the length of time taken to respond to letters from hon. Members.

  Mr. Maude
  As a general rule, letters from hon. Members should receive a substantive reply within a three-week period. In practice, the large majority of letters will receive a reply within two weeks. Exceptionally, replies to some letters about complicated immigration cases or matters receiving considerable public attention at the time of writing, may be delayed until a substantive reply can be sent. In most cases the delay should be no longer than four weeks.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to implement those provisions of(a) the Genocide Act 1969, (b) the Geneva Convention Act 1957, (c) the Nuremberg principles, (d) the Geneva protocal 1977 and (e) all other customary and conventional law which would make it an offence to use, or to plan to use, weapons of mass murder; and if he will make a statement.
  292
  Mr. Waldegrave
  While the use of certain weapons of mass destruction is controlled or prohibited by international treaty, there is no treaty dealing specifically with the use of nuclear weapons. However, any such use would be governed by the applicable laws of war, as is the case with other weapons. Since the use of nuclear weapons would, according to the circumstances, be lawful, so the deterrent threat of their legitimate use is similarly lawful. The enforcement of the Acts of Parliament referred to is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will support the proposed referral of the question of the legality of the deployment of nuclear weapons to the International Court of Justice through the United Nations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We are not aware of any proposed referral of this question to the International Court of Justice.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department was represented at(a) the International Congress of Scientists in London in April; (b) the conference in Brighton in September of the International Peace Bureau; and (c) the conference in The Hague in September of the International Associations of Lawyers against nuclear arms; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  No.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the members of the Commonwealth that have not ratified the international convention on human rights.

  Mr. Maude
  Thirty Commonwealth countries have not yet acceded to or ratified the international covenant on civil and political rights or the international covenant on economic, social an cultural rights: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Dominica, Ghana, Grenada, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Nauru, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Swaziland, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa and Zimbabwe.

  The Solomon Islands and Uganda have ratified the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights but not the international covenant on civil and political rights.

  Conventional Forces Treaty
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to publish the report on the verification of a conventional forces treaty in Europe, commissioned jointly from the Verification Technology Information Centre and the United Kingdom Council for Arms Control, and delivered to his Department on 29 September; how many copies of the report will be printed; and to which organisations and bodies he intends to circulate the report.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The report was commissioned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on a classified basis,
  293
  for use by British officials in formulating policy, both nationally and in consultation with our allies, on the verification of a conventional arms control agreement. The authors are aware that should they wish to produce an unclassified version of the report, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office would be prepared to publish it.

  Environmental Protection Conference
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what involvement Ministers and officials of his Department have had in the conference on environmental protection in Sofia in October organised by the conference on security and co-operation in Europe; what papers were presented on behalf of the United Kingdom; and if any official United Kingdom representatives at the conference have had any meeting with the unofficial Ecoglasnost Bulgarian environmentalist organisations.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We have sent a delegation to the CSCE meeting in Sofia on the protection of the environment which includes officials from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of the Environment and the Health and Safety Executive. A member of the Green Alliance was also in the delegation. Our delegation has not itself submitted any proposals to the meeting, but has played an active part in the processing of ideas advanced during the meeting. It has co-sponsored a proposal drawing attention to the role of independent organisations and individuals in the field of the environment.

  Members of the delegation have had a number of contacts with representatives of Bulgarian non- governmental organisations interested in the environment, including Ecoglasnost. Her Majesty's ambassador in Sofia and the head of the United Kingdom delegation jointly hosted a reception at the embassy on 25 October which was attended by representatives of these organisations.

  Conventional Forces Reductions
  Mr. Sean Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment has been made of the prospect for further talks on the reduction of conventional forces in Europe after the conclusion of the current round of negotiations on conventional forces being held in Vienna.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The third round of the negotiations on conventional armed forces in Europe (CFE) concluded on 19 October. Progress to date has been encouraging and there is a good prospect of a treaty being achieved by the end of next year.

PRIME MINISTER

  Fishing Vessels (Registration)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Prime Minister if, following the recent interim injunction of the European Court of Justice, Her Majesty's Government have any proposals to repeal section 14 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1988, relating to the registration of British fishing vessels; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  An Order in Council was made yesterday to give effect to the interim order of the president 294
  of the European Court of Justice on 10 October 1989. This Order in Council removes the British citizenship requirements (but not the residence and domicile requirements) of section 14 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1989, so far as they relate to fishing vessels which were fishing under the British flag up to 31 March 1988 and were owned by nationals of member states of the European Communities.

  Environmental Protection
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on recent initiatives by the Government to protect the environment.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government have taken a wide range of initiatives to protect the environment. Nationally this includes the creation of the National Rivers Authority to control water pollution and approval of a major programme of investment by the water industry over the next 10 years. We have recently submitted to the EC a programme for full compliance with the EC bathing waters directive in the 1990s costing £1·1 billion. We have now one of the largest programmes in Europe to control airborne pollution by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

  Internationally this Government have taken a lead in securing commitments to cut down ozone damaging chemicals, and in proposing in the United Nations a conference on global climate change.

  We shall build on these achievements in the years to come. At the centre of our efforts will be environmental protection legislation, and a White Paper on the environment to guide policy in the last decade of the century.

  West Yorkshire
  Mr. Kirkhope
  To ask the Prime Minister when she next proposes to visit West Yorkshire.

  The Prime Minister
  I have at present no plans to do so.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Prime Minister when she next expects to pay an official visit to a textile mill in West Yorkshire.

  The Prime Minister
  I have at present no plans to do so.

  Education Reform
  Mrs. Maureen Hicks
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the progress of the Government's education reforms.

  The Prime Minister
  Substantial progress has been made in implementing the Government's education reforms which will improve the quality, relevance and efficiency of education at all levels.

  Lockerbie Air Crash
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Prime Minister on what date she was informed of the difficulties that existed between the Strathclyde police investigating the crash at Lockerbie and the West German federal police; and what action she took to facilitate a speedy resolution of the problems.

  The Prime Minister
  The Dumfries and Galloway constabulary, who are carrying out the investigation with
  295
  the assistance of Strathclyde and other forces report to my noble and learned Friend, the Lord Advocate, who has confirmed that a good working relationship has been maintained with the West German police and prosecution authorities.

  From very early in this investigation arrangements have been in place to enable the police to obtain the Government's assistance in international aspects of their inquiries. These arrangements have operated very satisfactorily and it has not been necessary for any matters to be referred to me.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will convene an inter-departmental committee to promote action to reduce the number of young people under 18 years of age who are homeless.

  The Prime Minister
  There is already good liaison between the Ministers and Departments with relevant responsibilities, who will continue to keep this area under review.

  Engagements
  Mr. Lofthouse
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 2 November.

  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 2 November.

  Mr. Andrew F. Bennett
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 2 November.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 2 November.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will list her official engagements for Thursday 2 November.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in the House I shall be having further meetings later today.

SCOTLAND

  Environmental Protection
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what funding has the Scottish Office devoted specifically to environmental protection matters in each year since 1979.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  It is not possible to provide a breakdown of all Scottish Office expenditure on environmental protection except at disproportionate cost. However, the actual expenditure on(a) the running costs of Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate and of the hazardous waste inspectorate within the Scottish Development Department, and (b) grant paid to local authorities and other bodies are as follows:

  Table 1

  Year

  HMIPI £

  HWI £

  1983–84

  —

  20,000

  1984–85

  —

  30,000

  1985–86

  —

  50,000

  296

  Year

  HMIPI £

  HWI £

  1986–87

  624,630

  119,000

  1987–88

  819,628

  124,000

  1988–89

  920,728

  194,000

  Note: Until 1987–88 the running costs of HMIPI were partly met by the Health and Safety Commission. The Scottish Office contribution in those years cannot be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Table 2

  Year

  Clean Air Grants

  Special Environmental Grants

  UK 2000

  £

  £

  £

  1979–80

  65,148

  —

  —

  1980–81

  65,938

  —

  —

  1981–82

  83,978

  —

  —

  1982–83

  94,320

  —

  —

  1983–84

  54,442

  —

  —

  1984–85

  105,843

  —

  —

  1985–86

  164,535

  —

  —

  1986–87

  130,967

  —

  55,970

  1987–88

  178,222

  150,000

  249,959

  1988–89

  52,991

  200,000

  200,000

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to secure the founding of the European Environment Agency in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The funding of the proposed European Environment Agency is not a matter for the Scottish Office. However, its location is under consideration and siting it in Scotland is one of the options advanced on behalf of the United Kingdom.

  Planning Appeals
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average time taken to decide planning appeals submitted to him; how many such appeals are outstanding for the district of Angus; and how long each such appeal has been before him.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The average time during 1988 was 34 weeks. There are 14 planning permission appeals currently being processed for the district of Angus. Of these four were accepted as valid appeals in July; two in August; two in September and the remainder in October.

  Acid House Parties
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to co-ordinate action against acid house parties; and if he is considering the introduction of a police special intelligence unit similar to that set up in England.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend, in consultation with my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary, is keeping this matter under careful review. The policing of parties of this nature is an operational matter for chief constables. They are well aware of the problems which these events might cause and will take whatever action is necessary.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information his Department has on the length of time taken to respond to letters from hon. Members.
  297
  Mr. Rifkind
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 24 October 1989, at column 456.

  European Environment Agency
  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry seeking Government action to persuade the European Community to locate the proposed European Environment Agency in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The council's northeast area committee has sent to the Secretary of State a copy of its submission to the Secretary of State for the Environment proposing a location for the agency in the Grampian region.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has made a study of the relevance to the Scottish nuclear industry of the 1989 report "Plutonium Fuel: An Assessment" by an expert group of the Nuclear Energy Agency at the Organisation for Environment Co-operation and Development.

  Mr. Lang
  I am aware of the report. Plutonium fuels are currently in use in Scotland in the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's prototype fast reactor at Dounreay. For technical reasons mixed uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel is unsuitable for use in Magnox reactors. I am advised that, for economic reasons, it is unlikely to be used in advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGRs) in Scotland.

  New Towns
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to publish the full details of the surveys on the transfer of housing assets and related matters undertaken in the new towns of Cumbernauld, Glenrothes, Livingstone and Irvine.

  Mr. Lang
  It is intended that the full results of the tenants' survey will be published on 30 November 1989 as a Scottish Office central research unit paper. I will place a copy in the Library of the House. Further copies will be available from The Librarian, Room 144, New St. Andrew's House, Edinburgh, priced £3.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of the number of young people under 18 years of age who are currently homeless; and how these estimates have changed over the last three years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Development Department does not make such estimates, and the information is not available in that form.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what new initiatives he will take to reduce the present level of homelessness in young people under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Government's continuing concern with the problem of homelessness in 298
  relation to young people has been demonstrated by the various initiatives taken to ensure that housing needs in Scotland are more closely matched by housing availability. In particular, the Government have pursued policies to introduce more choice in the housing market, including the revival of the private rented sector and the expansion of the housing association sector, both of which will benefit young people.

  The Government are committed to maintaining an effective legislative framework for dealing with homelessness. Section 25 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 makes it clear that homeless families with dependent children have a priority need for accommodation. It is for local authorities to deal with cases of homelessness and the Scottish Development Department has emphasised to them in its code of guidance on the exercise of their homelessness functions that homeless young people who are at risk of sexual or financial exploitation should also have a priority need.

  We have also been concerned to ensure that local authorities and other bodies which deal with homelessness are adequately resourced. We have provided grant aid lo voluntary bodies such as the Scottish Council for the Single Homeless which are particularly concerned with homeless young people. Local authorities have been encouraged to take additional measures to deal with homelessness, including the adoption of cash incentive schemes to encourage their tenants to move into the private sector, thus releasing houses for homeless families.

  The Government will continue to monitor the problems of homelessness and will bring forward new initiatives when appropriate.

  Noise
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what statutory powers are available to environmental health officers to take action to prevent noise made by commercial premises situated in residential areas disturbing members of the public who live in the vicinity; what plans he has to strengthen those powers; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Local authorities' duties and powers in relation to noise are defined in Part III of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and include provision to take legal action against the perpetrators of a noise nuisance. The Act also allows private individuals to take similar action on their own account.

  I am not aware of any serious criticism of the noise provisions of the Act.

  Glasgow Community Conference
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Scottish Office received a request from the organisers to provide a speaker at the Glasgow east end community conference on 28–29 October; whom the Scottish Office provided; what was the cost to public funds; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  A request for a speaker was made to the Scottish Conservative party rather than to the Scottish Office. No Scottish Office representative took part in the conference.

  NHS Spending
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the total spending per head on the national Health Service for Scotland for the most recent 10 years.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Total gross expenditure on the National Health Service in Scotland per head of population, since 1979–80, is set out in the table:

  Total gross NHS expenditure per head of population in Scotland

  £

  1979–80

  205

  1980–81

  259

  1981–82

  296

  1982–83

  321

  1983–84

  344

  1984–85

  369

  1985–86

  392

  1986–87

  419

  1987–88

  455

  1988–89

  504

  Skye Bridge
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans for further consultations with residents throughout Skye and Lochalsh over the provision of Skye bridge; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  It is proposed that promotion of the Skye bridge will follow procedures similar to those for a publicly financed scheme in Scotland. There will therefore be the usual scope for discussion and comment on the scheme.

  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Ross, Cromarty and Skye of 18 October,Official Report, columns 163–64, he will now, in the light of Highland Regional Council's recent decision concerning a Skye bridge, announce approval for replacement ferries on the Kyle of Lochalsh-Kyleakin route; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Caledonian MacBrayne and the Scottish Development Department have already begun a detailed appraisal of the case for replacement ferries in the light of Highland regional council's decision. This will take into account up-to-date information on all relevant factors, including the significant increase in traffic this summer. An announcement will be made as soon as the appraisal has been completed.

  Vacant Dwellings
  Mr. Maxton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will show vacancy rates as a proportion of the total stock of dwellings in each tenure in 1989, or in the latest year available.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 1 November 1989]: It is estimated that at 31 March 1989, 3 per cent. of the public sector stock was vacant. Comparable figures for the private sector are not collected centrally.

  Respiratory Disease
  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information his Department has of the incidence of respiratory disease among the Scottish agricultural work force; and what steps he is taking to promote improvement in this situation.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I have been asked to reply.

  Only one case of occupational respiratory disease occurring in agricultural workers in Scotland was reported to the Health and Safety Executive under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1985, in the two years 1986–87 and 1987–88, the two years for which information is available. However, data collected under the regulations is regarded as an incomplete measure of the true incidence of occupational disease.

  The Executive's employment medical advisory service is about to begin a publicity campaign lasting 12 months, on occupational lung disease with the objective of increasing the awareness of employers, employees and the medical community to this group of diseases. Also, the Executive is currently supporting a project on the surveillance of occupational lung disease from reports of consultant chest physicians and occupational physicians.

ENERGY

  Nuclear Plants (Robots)
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what research is sponsored by his Department on the use of robots for remote intrusive maintenance of nuclear plants; what consultations he or officers of his Department have had with the United States Department of Energy over its research programme in this field; and whether he has any information on developments in Japan and France in this specific use of robots.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  My Department contributes towards the costs of certain UKAEA programmes which cover a number of robotics and remote handling applications, particularly in the areas of radioactive waste management and decommissioning. My Department is also participating in a European Community research and training programme (TELEMAN), which is concerned with the contribution that robots and remote handling equipment can make to nuclear safety in routine inspection and maintenance, in accident management, and in decommissioning. This programme keeps us in touch with the programmes of our Community partners, including France. (Further details of this programme are available in the Official Journal of the European Communities dated 3 August 1989 and 22 September 1988, copies of which are available in the Library of the House).

  Consultations with the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) are carried out under a formal co-operation agreement with the UKAEA. There have also been discussions on the application of robotics to decommissioning with USDOE, both as part of a bilateral agreement and as part of the OECD/Nuclear Energy Agency exchange agreement on decommissioning.

  Information on developments in Japan is received through published documents and through the atomic energy counsellor in the British Embassy in Tokyo.

  Plutonium Fuel
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has made a study of the relevance to the United Kingdom's nuclear industry of the 1989 report, "Plutonium Fuel: an assessment", by an expert group of the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Co-operation and Development.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  For technical reasons, mixed uranium/plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel is not suitable for use in Magnox reactors. As stated in the report, its possible use in advanced gas-cooled reactors (AGR) and pressurised water reactors (PWR) has been examined by the Central Electricity Generating Board in conjunction with British Nuclear Fuels Limited. The results suggest that there is more to be gained from MOX use in PWRs than in AGRs. However, it is not envisaged that the recycle of plutonium could be undertaken in the United Kingdom on any significant scale before the turn of the century.

  Electricity Boards
  Mr. Michael Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Doncaster, North of 30 October, if he will list the individuals appointed to the electricity boards and their respective backgrounds.

  Mr. Michael Spicer
  The individuals appointed to the electricity boards since 1 October 1987, in chronological order, are as follows:

  J. F. Harris

  J. C. Smith, CBE

  R. W. Gurney

  The Rt. Hon. Baroness Gardner of Parkes, JP

  A. Crowder

  J. A. Harmsworth

  Mrs. V. Pollard

  J. M. Griffiths, OBE, JP

  M. J. Calvert, JP

  A. G. Stoughton-Harris

  Mrs. J. M. Wilson

  R. T. Gales

  I. D. Coutts, CBE

  Professor R. J. Eden, OBE

  G. A. Squair

  R. V. Giordano

  W. Waring

  D. H. Jones

  P. D. Nicholson

  Dr. R. H. Cummings, OBE

  A. G. Schroeder

  J. W. Evans

  D. A. Ross

  D. J. Prosser

  J. N. Hardman

  G. M. W. Owen

  J. A. Rigg, CBE

  K. G. Harvey

  G. H. Wilson

  R. A. Cox, CBE

  D. A. Davis

  D. R. Morris

  Mrs. D. J. Parker

  A. P. Hichens

  A. N. Thatcher

  C. M. Fisher

  D. S. Barber

  R. N. Gunn

  Sir Ian McLeod JP

  P. W. L. Morgan

  C. A. Prendergast CBE

  A. N. R. Rudd

  302

  Mrs. D. C. Eccles

  J. N. Duncan

  M. S. Schreiber

  Sir Graham Wilkins

  J. O. Gough MBE

  F. C. Graves OBE

  L. W. G. Priestley

  Sir Keith Stuart

  D. B. Clark CBE

  J. Porteous

  In addition four appointments have been offered but not yet announced, and Mr. Harvey has been appointed twice to different boards.

  It is not possible without disproportionate cost to provide details of each appointee's background.

  Electricity Privatisation
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the price of nuclear-generated electricity after privatisation.

  Mr. John Wakeham
  Negotiations on contracts for the supply of nuclear-generated electricity are currently taking place between National Power and the area electricity boards. I cannot pre-empt their outcome.

  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has made an assessment of the impact of privatisation on prices of electricity to industry.

  Mr. Wakeham
  Prices for large industrial users of electricity will depend on the outcome of individual negotiations between customers and suppliers or generators, subject to relevant statutory and licence requirements. The resulting prices are likely to depend on a number of factors, including the degree of load management that the customer is prepared to accept.

  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has made an estimate of job losses in the coal industry as a result of electricity privatisation.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The coal industry will need to ensure that its future output and prices meet the needs of its main customers including the privatised electricity generators. Employment in the industry will depend both on demand for coal and on future productivity gains.

  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy whether he has made an estimate of the sale proceeds of National Power, Power Gen, the area boards and the national grid.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The level of proceeds from the electricity industry sales will depend on a number of factors including the overall capital structure of the individual companies, and the state of the market at the time of flotation. It is therefore too early to speculate on the outcome.

  Electricity Industry (Coal)
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is the tonnage of British coal agreed between National Power, Power Gen and British Coal for the next triennial year.

  Mr. Wakeham
  This is a matter for commercial negotiation between each of the generators and British Coal.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the occasions on which he has visited the Duchy of Lancaster since he took office.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  In the course of my duties with the Duchy of Lancaster I have attended upon Her Majesty on her visit to the Whitewell estate in Lancashire on 7 August.

  I have also attended upon my magisterial duties in Birkenhead on 27 September, and have of course visited the Duchy Office in London.

EMPLOYMENT

  Employment Training
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what were the number of accidents on employment training, fatal, major and minor, for each month since the start of the scheme to the latest available date; and in that same period how many employer-based work placements and how many project-based work placements have either been rejected or closed on health and safety grounds.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Employment training accident figures are collected quarterly the same as for YTS. Table A gives the accident figures.

  Table A

  Accidents1

  Fatal

  Major2

  Minor

  5 September to 31 December 1988

  Nil

  24

  91

  1 January to 31 March 1989

  Nil

  31

  161

  1 April to 30 June 1989

  Nil

  53

  276

  1 July to 30 September

  Nil

  52

  286

  Separate figures for closures and rejections for employer-based and project-based work placements are not kept. However table B gives the figures of closures and rejections on health and safety grounds from 5 September 1988 to the present date. These figures are provisional.

  Table B

  Closed

  Rejected

  15

  Nil

  1 Training Agency figures have been compiled on a similar basis to those prepared by the Health and Safety Executive on employed persons. However, the Training Agency's figures will include a number of accidents to trainees in educational establishments and road traffic accidents which may not have been reportable to the Health and Safety Executive had the individuals been employed.

  2 Major injuries are classified according to the severity criteria laid down in the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has on the number and proportion of employment training leavers who have obtained a recognised qualification on their course and on the nature of the qualifications gained.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 7 July,Official Report, column 318.

  Construction Industry Training Board
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his policy on the future of the construction industry training board and its levy.

  Mr. Nicholls
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Rutland and Melton (Mr. Latham) on 31 October 1989. My right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to make an announcement shortly.

  Wages Council Inspectors
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the number of wages council inspectors per 1,000 workers for each year from 1974 to 1989.

  Mr. Nicholls
  Statistical returns of the numbers of workers employed in establishments within scope of wages councils are not collected but periodic estimates are made. The information in the following table uses those estimates.

  Average number of wages inspectors

  Year

  per 1,000 workers

  1974

  0·04

  1975

  0·04

  1976

  0·04

  1977

  0·05

  1978

  0·05

  1979

  0·06

  1980

  0·06

  1981

  0·04

  1982

  0·04

  1983

  0·04

  1984

  0·04

  1985

  0·04

  1986

  0·03

  1987

  0·03

  1988

  0·03

  Figures for 1989 are not yet available.

  The reduction in the inspector/worker ratio for the last three years reflects the simpler and quicker task of checking compliance with wages orders following the reform of the wages council system in 1986.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was(a) the number and (b) number per 1,000 claimants of Department of Employment staff employed to investigate benefit fraud by unemployed people claiming benefits in each year from 1978 to the latest available date.

  Mr. Eggar
  This Department's fraud investigation work was reorganised in 1984 and comparable figures for earlier years are not available.

  The number of fraud investigators and the number of fraud investigators per 1,000 claimants are as follows:

  Number of fraud investigators

  Number of fraud investigators per 1,000 claimants

  1984–85

  450

  0·15

  1985–86

  650

  0–20

  1986–87

  720

  0·23

  305

  Number of fraud investigators

  Number of fraud investigators per 1,000 claimants

  1987–88

  785

  0·29

  1988–89

  820

  0·39

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the amount of money recovered from successful prosecutions of unemployed claimants, in current and constant prices in each year from 1978 to the latest available date.

  Mr. Eggar
  Actions to recover compensation awards and overpayments are undertaken by the courts and/or local benefit offices. In consequence, the information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what was the number and proportion of unemployed claimants successfully prosecuted for benefit fraud who were prosecuted for claiming benefit whilst working in each year from 1978 to the latest available date;

  (2) what was the number and proportion of unemployed claimants successfully prosecuted for benefit fraud in each year from 1978 to the latest available date.

  Mr. Eggar
  This Department's fraud investigation work was reorganised in 1984 and comparable figures for earlier years are not available.

  The number of legal proceedings instituted by this Department are as follows:

  Girocheque fraud

  Benefit fraud

  Total

  1984–85

  253

  1,997

  2,250

  1985–86

  639

  2,161

  2,800

  1986–87

  1,139

  2,511

  3,650

  1987–88

  924

  3,036

  3,960

  1988–89

  571

  3,474

  4,045

  This Department does not collect information centrally on the outcome of prosecutions and the information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Young Workers
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the employers who have indicated that they are employing young people whom they would not otherwise have employed because of the removal of young people from wages council protection in 1986.

  Mr. Nicholls
  It is not this Department's practice to disclose the authorship of correspondence that it receives.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what, in percentage terms, was young workers' pay relative to their adult counterparts in each year from 1979 to 1989.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The information from the new earnings survey is provided in the table:

  Earnings of those aged under 18 as a percentage of the earnings of those aged 18 and over

  Percentage

  1979

  43·7

  1980

  43·0

  1981

  42·9

  306

  Percentage

  1982

  42·4

  1983

  40·1

  1984

  38·8

  1985

  39·8

  1986

  39·6

  1987

  40·0

  1988

  40·8

  1989

  40·0

  Note: Average gross weekly earnings of all full-time employees working a full week, April of each year.

  New Claimants (Cumnock)
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many new claimants signed on each week of 1989 at the Cumnock unemployment benefit office; what delays there are in interviewing them; what requests have been received for additional staff; and what has been his response.

  Mr. Eggar
  The number of new claimants who signed on each week of 1989 is shown in the table. Claimants are generally interviewed within three days of making a n appointment.

  The area manager responsible for Cumnock met with the trade union side on 2 October to discuss issues including staffing numbers throughout the area including Cumnock. It was subsequently agreed that an additional executive officer would be posted into the Cumnock office from 13 November 1989.

  Claims taken at Cumnock UBO from January 1989 to present

  Week ending:

  Number of claims taken

  6 January

  28

  13 January

  185

  20 January

  78

  27 January

  67

  3 February

  68

  10 February

  68

  17 February

  38

  24 February

  49

  3 March

  85

  10 March

  54

  17 March

  56

  24 March

  48

  31 March

  46

  7 April

  48

  14 April

  79

  21 April

  56

  29 April

  48

  5 May

  39

  12 May

  47

  19 May

  78

  26 May

  52

  2 June

  100

  9 June

  78

  16 June

  103

  23 June

  129

  30 June

  86

  7 July

  129

  14 July

  49

  21 July

  46

  28 July

  71

  4 August

  51

  11 August

  53

  307

  Week ending:

  Number of claims taken

  18 August

  83

  25 August

  46

  1 September

  73

  8 September

  74

  15 September

  71

  22 September

  50

  29 September

  42

  6 October

  91

  13 October

  67

  20 October

  69

  Note: These figures represent the numbers of new claims for which a national insurance number if readily available input to the Computer. Details of the number of non-computer claims are not available.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current establishment, at each grade, of the unemployment benefit office at Cumnock; how many deal directly with interviewing of new claimants; what representations he has received concerning the lack of staff to deal with claimants; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  The number of staff in each grade is as follows:

  Number

  Higher executive officer

  1

  Executive officer

  13

  Administrative officer

  14

  Administrative assistant

  5

  Casual administrative assistant

  1

  1 Of which one is an administrative officer on temporary promotion.

  One executive officer deals directly with new claimants, with a second executive officer having an element of interviewing within his post. Area management met with the trade union side on 2 October to discuss area issues including staffing requirements. It has subsequently been agreed that the third executive officer post would be filled on a permanent basis.

  Women aged 60–64 years inclusive (thousands, spring 1988)

  United Kingdom

  Scotland

  All (000s)

  of which: married (000s)

  All (000s)

  of which: married (000s)

  All women aged 60–64

  1,515

  1,031

  141

  88

  of which:

  in employment

  282

  196

  24

  15

  full time1

  86

  53

  10

  —2

  part time 1

  196

  143

  14

  —2

  Source: Department of Employment, preliminary 1988 labour force survey estimates.

  1Based on the respondent's own assessment, not on the number of hours actually worked.

  1Estimate not shown: less than 10,000 in cell.

HEALTH

  Funding
  Mr. Baldry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether additional funding will be given to Oxford regional health authority to ensure a growth range of

  Health and Safety (Ethnic Minorities)
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, in relation to each of the occupational categories identified in the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys occupational mortality decennial supplement, what proportion of each occupational category, by sex, are drawn from ethnic minority groups.

  Mr. Freeman
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information on ethnicity is not available for the occupation categories identified in Office of Population Censuses and Survey's occupational mortality decennial supplement, since questions on ethnic origin were not asked in the 1981 census and are not asked at time of death registration.

  The nearest available information on ethnicity by occupation is derived from the labour force survey, a sample survey conducted by Office of Population Censuses and Surveys on behalf of the Department of Employment. From this survey, the Department of Employment publish aggregated years data on ethnicity by broad occupation group. The most recent published data covers the years 1985 to 1987, and can be found in the Department of Employment Gazette, December 1988, page 638. A copy of this and the latest edition of the labour force survey (1987), can be found in the Library.

  Mr. Galloway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many women aged 60–65 years there are(a) in the United Kingdom, (b) in Scotland, (c) in full/part-time employment, United Kingdom and Scotland and (d) married, and receiving their full state pension entitlement.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I have been asked to reply. The information requested in parts(a), (b) and (c) of the question is supplied in the table. Information is not available as to the number of married women who receive their full state retirement pension.

  Since 1 October 1989 women aged 60–65 years are now able to choose to continue working and claim their own, category A, state retirement pension.

  between 1·25 and 1·75 per cent. is maintained, in view of the higher level of inflation than forecast at the time of this commitment.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The range of 1·25 per cent. to 1·75 per cent. to be assumed for real terms growth nationally in 1990–91, published in the Resource Assumptions and Planning Guidelines (HC(89)24), was provided to assist authorities in their short-term planning. The figures form
  309
  a largely technical part of the planning process and are to be used as a basis for cautious and prudent planning. Actual allocations for 1990–91 have yet to be decided and are dependent on the outcome of this year's public expenditure survey.

  Burnley General Hospital
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will call for a report from the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale health authority regarding the emergency closure at Jackson ward in the Edith Watson maternity ward unit at Burnley general hospital.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  There is no requirement upon district health authorities to report to the Secretary of State for Health when implementing temporary closures or changes in the use of hospital wards. We have been advised that the temporary closure of one of the three maternity wards at Burnley general hospital reflects a reduction in the number of maternity cases since last year and was not undertaken until detailed discussions had taken place with the consultant obstetricians and directors of midwifery services. The situation is being kept under review and the ward will be reopened if there are sufficient patients to justify that decision.

  Insulin
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on the number of doctors who have transferred their patients from animal to human insulin.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We do not collect this information centrally.

  Spending
  Mr. Haselhurst
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the latest comparative figures on health spending per capita and as a proportion of gross domestic product for the United Kingdom and its European Community partners; and what is the effect on these figures of the distinction between public and private funding.

  Mr. Freeman
  The tables show public, private and total expenditure on health per capita and as a percentage of GDP for the United Kingdom and its European Community partners in 1986, the latest year for which comparative figures are available for most of the countries.

  The source of these figures is the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

  Per capita expenditure on health in EEC countries in 1985, £ sterling

  Public expenditure per head £

  Private expenditure per head £

  Total expenditure per head £

  Belgium

  357

  107

  464

  Denmark

  457

  80

  536

  France

  493

  128

  622

  Germany

  507

  143

  650

  Greece1

  99

  5

  104

  Ireland

  278

  42

  320

  Italy

  309

  79

  389

  Netherlands

  441

  117

  558

  Portugal1

  57

  23

  80

  310

  Public expenditure per head £

  Private expenditure per head £

  Total expenditure per head £

  Spain1

  131

  52

  183

  United Kingdom

  324

  53

  377

  Source: OECD.

  Note:

  Luxembourg excluded due to reported inconsistencies in its national health accounts.

  1 Data for 1984.

  Public, private and total expenditure on health as a percentage of GDP, 1986

  1986 Public

  1986 Private

  1986 Total

  Belgium

  5·5

  1·6

  7·1

  Denmark

  5·2

  0·9

  6·1

  France

  6·7

  1·8

  8·5

  Germany

  6·3

  1·8

  8·1

  Greece

  3·7

  0·2

  3·9

  Ireland

  7·0

  0·9

  7·9

  Italy

  5·2

  1·5

  6·7

  Netherlands

  6·6

  1·7

  8·3

  Portugal

  4·0

  1·6

  5·6

  Spain

  4·3

  1·7

  6·0

  United Kingdom

  5·3

  0·9

  6·2

  Source: OECD.

  Note:

  Luxembourg excluded due to reported inconsistencies in its national health accounts.

  Pay Review
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about pay review procedures for Health Service workers.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Pay review bodies were established for doctors and dentists in 1969, and for nurses, midwives and the professions allied to medicine in 1983.

  Health Service Review
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what latest representations he has received about the Health Service review; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We have received more than 12,000 representations regarding the Government White Paper "Working for Patients".

  Female General Practitioners
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many female general practitioners are currently in practice; and what was the figure 10 years ago.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  In 1988 there were 5,686 female general practitioners in England. This figure comprises unrestricted principals and assistants. In 1978 the equivalent figure was 3,273.

  Alternative Medicine
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to bring suitable forms of alternative medicine within the scope of the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Department of Health is primarily responsible for medical treatment provided under the
  311
  NHS, and there is already provision for the use of complementary therapies within it. NHS practitioners can offer to use any form of treatment, including any of the complementary therapies, if they consider it to be in the interest of their patients and they feel competent to provide it.

  The wider use of complementary therapies in the NHS depends on those doctors already practising these methods convincing more of their fellow practitioners of the benefits and effectiveness of these forms of treatment.

  NHS Reform
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what safeguards for the future of medical education and research will be introduced to coincide with the implementation of the National Health Service White Paper; and what will be the effect of the changes to the National Health Service on(a) multi-centre clinical trials and epidemiological studies and (b) rapid dissemination of research results in the service.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  My right hon. and learned Friend explained in a speech on 10 July to leading members of the medical academic community how we will safeguard medical education and research. We have placed copies in the Library. We do not believe that multi-centre clinical trials, epidemiological studies, or the dissemination of research results will in general be harmed by our plans for a more efficient Health Service.

  Welsh-speaking Patients
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps will be taken in the National Health Service White Paper to safeguard the linguistic rights of Welsh-speaking patients.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We have no plans to take any additional steps to safeguard the linguistic rights of Welsh-speaking patients in England. Nor are we introducing any changes that would adversely effect any existing safeguards. The question of appropriate measures for such patients in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Pharmaceuticals
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his estimates of the yield of the discount clawback levy imposed from 1 May 1988 on community pharmacists in respect of the assumed trade in parallel imports of pharmaceuticals.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The most recent month for which information is available is July 1989. We estimate that in the period between May 1988 and July 1989 some £7 million has been recovered from pharmacies in England in respect of discounts obtained on parallel imports.

  Counterfeit Medicines
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of counterfeit medicines reaching the United Kingdom distribution system have been reported to his Department in the last 12 months; what countries were the alleged sources of fake products; and what estimates he has of the number of National Health Service patients who have been dispensed counterfeit medicines in the current year.
  312
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  During the past 12 months the Department has had one report of a counterfeit medicine entering the United Kingdom distribution chain. The product was a copy of Greek Zantac 150 mg. The source is under investigation.

  The counterfeit was marked with a genuine batch number. The evidence suggests that only one importer may have been supplied with counterfeits. He distributed 240 packs from the batch in question, each containing 20 tablets. This would be sufficient for one month's supply for 80 patients. But it is not known what proportion of the 240 packs may have been counterfeit so no accurate figure can be given of the number of patients to whom counterfeits may have been dispensd. On analysis the counterfeit product appeared to present no hazard to patients. As a fast-moving product, it proved impossible to recall any of the batch from retail pharmacies.

  A separate incident also involving counterfeiting of Greek Zantac was reported to the Department in which the importer recognised the product as outside specifications and returned it to his supplier before any of the product was distributed within the United Kingdom. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my hon. and learned Friend gave on 10 March at columns 718–19.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he proposes to ensure that National Health Service patients are protected from receiving counterfeit medicines; and whether he has any proposals to tighten the regulations covering the licensing of parallel imports of pharmaceuticals.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Existing controls involve;

  (1) a sampling and testing programme operated by the Medicines Inspectorate with analysis undertaken by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's medicines testing laboratory at Edinburgh.

  (2) An annual programme of inspection carried out by inspectors of the Medicines Control Agency and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. All manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and community pharmacists are inspected regularly.

  (3) particular checks carried out by licensed importers to verify the identity of each batch of imported material.

  We are considering whether any changes may be necessary to the United Kingdom parallel import licensing scheme. We have received proposals and need to consult with all interested parties, taking account of our European Community obligations.

  Medicines (Imports)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has any plans to reconsider the discount clawback arrangements in respect of purchases of parallel imported medicines by community pharmacists.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  No.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimates he has of the number of community pharmacists who now trade in parallel imports of pharmaceuticals; and what was the figure up to 1 May 1988.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We do not routinely collect information on the number of pharmacies which dispense parallel imported medicines. An inquiry conducted in 1986 showed that about 1,600 pharmacies were using parallel imports at that time. A further inquiry is taking place this year.
  313
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the value of imports of pharmaceuticals from Greece in 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989 to the latest available figures.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  I understand that the information requested, which is contained in division 54 of table 2 of the overseas trade statistics of the United Kingdom, which is available in the Library, is as follows:

  £'000

  1986

  4,075

  1987

  6,728

  1988

  11,845

  11989

  9,652

  January to August

  NHS Computer Programme
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the latest assessment of the cost of the National Health Service computerisation programme; and if he will give an estimate of the extra staff needed to run the system.

  Mr. Freeman
  In general, the responsibility for deciding how much to spend and how many staff to employ on hospitall computer systems rests with NHS managers. However, hospitals receiving computer based information systems as part of the hospital information and support systems and resource management programmes in 1989–90 will have a substantial part of the cost of those systems met centrally.

  Food Temperature Control
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make it his policy that food temperature control regulations should be so set as to keep the controls on fresh-baked produce, such as sausage rolls, to the minimum consistent with public health requirements;

  (2) whether he will make it his policy that food temperature regulations shall take into account the needs of small and family bakeries which produce traditional products such as pork pies.

  Mr. Freeman
  Draft amendments to the Food Hygiene Regulations, on which consultations have recently been conducted, propose extending temperature controls to certain foods for retail sale, consistent with the need to protect public health. Certain exemptions are proposed for bakery products, including pies, pasties and sausage rolls for sale within 24 hours of preparation. Comments received in the consultations on the amendments are currently being considered.

  Mentally Handicapped People
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make special provision for local authorities to enable them to offer a day place to every mentally handicapped person in their area who requires one.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government's proposals for the future organisation and funding of community care announced by my right hon. and learned Friend on 12 July at columns 975–98, will create a unified source of funding for social care services. This will enable local authorities to 314
  plan and deliver these services so as to meet individual needs more effectively, but the extent of provision of any particular form of service will continue to depend on the resources available locally.

  Acute Care at Home
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has received a copy of the proceedings of the Kings fund conference on acute care at home held in June; and whether he will take steps to set up a national community care development agency to promote the idea of hospital at home.

  Mr. Freeman
  An advance copy of the report "Hospital at Home—the Coming Revolution" is being studied by officials. We have no plans to set up a national development agency for community care.

  NHS Expenditure
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the total spending per head on the National Health Service for England for the most recent 10 years.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested is as follows:

  NHS spending per head (England) £s

  1979–80

  166

  1980–81

  216

  1981–82

  242

  1982–83

  264

  1983–84

  280

  1984–85

  300

  1985–86

  316

  1986–87

  340

  1987–88

  371

  1988–89

  411

  1989–90

  444

  Medical Negligence
  Sir Michael McNair-Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in introducing a health authority indemnity scheme for medical negligence.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  We announced on 25 July that, subject to a satisfactory resolution of the outstanding issues, the Government intended to introduce arrangements with effect from 1 January 1990 whereby health authorities would take financial responsibility for the negligent acts of their medical and dental staff in the course of their National Health Service employment. I am pleased to say that those issues have now been resolved and that the new arrangements will apply to claims for damages (in respect of negligent acts) which were initiated in earlier years as well as to new claims arising from 1 January 1990. This agreement is subject to the satisfactory conclusion of detailed discussions about the allocation of existing assets of the medical defence organisations to meeting liabilities which will be taken over by health authorities. The arrangements will apply to the hospital and community health services only. Detailed guidance on the operation of the new scheme, including the handling of both new and existing claims, will be issued to health authorities in due course.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list in the Official Report the criteria for defining a bovine spongiform encephalopathy-free herd.

  Mr. Curry
  There is no official definition of a bovine spongiform encephalopathy-free herd.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list in the Official Report the representatives of the National Farmers Union and the Scottish National Farmers Union with whom he met prior to the implementation on 30 July of new European Community animal health rules on bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

  Mr. Curry
  My officials met representatives from the National Farmers Union and a number of other organisations on 27 July to discuss implementation of Commission decision 89/469. The Scottish National Farmers Union, although invited, was not represented. The composition of the delegations attending such meetings is a matter for the organisations concerned.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total money being spent by Government-funded institutions on research into the effects of bovine spongiform encephalopathy on(a) the hereditary chain and (b) the food chain.

  Mr. Curry
  It is estimated that Government-funded institutions will spend over £2 million on research into bovine spongiform encephalopathy in 1989–90, including some in relation to the hereditary and food chains.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many live cattle have been declared as unfit for export following upon the implementation on 30 July of new European Community animal health rules on bovine spongiform encephalopathy;

  (2) how many live cattle, already cleared for export, were returned from exit ports to the farms of origin, as a result of the implementation on 30 July of new European Community animal health rules on bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

  Mr. Curry
  I have received no reports of cattle, presented for export following implementation of Commission decision 89/469 on 30 July, being declared unfit for export to other member states because they failed to meet the certification requirements of that decision in relation to bovine spongiform encephalopathy. However, several export consignments had to be rejected before 30 July because the Republic of Ireland unilaterally imposed import restrictions on 25 July. I have no information about the number of live cattle involved.

  Cereal Substitutes
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list in the Official Report the total tonnage of cereal substitutes imported into the United Kingdom for each of the last five years, indicating the country of origin where possible.
  316
  Mr. Curry
  The total tonnages of cereal substitutes imported in to the United Kingdom in each of the last five years (1984–88) were set out in columns 284–85 of the Official Report for 10 April 1989 in response to an earlier question.

  The 1988 total tonnage has now been revised to 1,108,000 tonnes. Nearly half of the total consists of maize gluten feed, almost all of which comes from the United States of America.

  Horses (Transporting)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the retention or amendment of the minimum values regulations governing the conditions under which live horses are transported from the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The system of minimum values designed to prevent the export of horses for slaughter is a purely national agreement. As part of the single market programme the Commission has made a proposal for a Community regulation on the protection of animals during transport and as drafted this makes no provision for our controls on horse exports to continue. Our objective will be to ensure that there will be adequate welfare standards during all journeys and that these are implemented and enforced rigorously throughout the Community to protect horses and ponies.

  Animal Feed
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the ban on the use of animal protein in animal feed is currently in force; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  A ban on feeding ruminant-derived protein to ruminant animals is currently in force.

  Research
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the activities that are carried out in his Department's(a) veterinary investigation centres and (b) farm and countryside service laboratories.

  Mr. Gummer
  The veterinary investigation centres provide laboratory and veterinary support to the field service of the state veterinary service in respect of my statutory animal and public health obligations and in the investigation of new and emerging diseases. They also provide diagnostic, advisory and consultancy services to the livestock industry through practising veterinary surgeons, liaise with medical and local authorities on the control of zoonotic disease and support approved research and development.

  The farm and countryside service laboratories provide professional analytical chemistry, (covering crop husbandry, soil and animal nutrition), entomology, plant pathology, microbiology, and wildlife and storage biology services in respect of my statutory obligations, in support of research and development, and in the provision of advice on a direct commercial basis to the agricultural and related industries.

  Food Advisory Committee
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the organisations with whom he consults prior to a Food Advisory Committee meeting about the subjects to be discussed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  The agendas of the Food Advisory Committee meetings are published in advance of each meeting as a press release. This is distributed on a standard circulation list to nearly 900 individuals and organisations known to have an interest in food matters, including trade, academic, consumer and enforcement bodies. Any requests for addition to the list will be sympathetically considered.

  Food Safety Directorate
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on the setting up of a food safety directorate within his Department.

  Mr. Gummer
  The food safety directorate that I am establishing in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, will bring together under the Minister responsible for food, my hon. Friend the Member for Penrith and The Border (Mr. David Maclean) all the main aspects of food safety work for which the Minister is responsible. At the same time, I am setting up a consumer panel chaired by my hon. Friend to keep under review from a consumer's viewpoint, the implementation of policies on food safety and consumer protection. The food safety directorate, together with new arrangements for bringing to bear more directly and systematically the views of consumer organisations, will strengthen my Department's organisation for dealing with food safety issues.

  The food safety directorate will consist of four main groups, each headed by a grade 3 under-secretary. The food safety group will have overall responsibility for policy on food safety and quality, including composition, labelling, additives, contaminants and new production processes. The food science group, headed by the chief scientist (Food) and staffed at senior levels by scientists, will provide the scientific back-up on food safety issues. This group includes the new food science laboratory at Norwich which will carry out necessary analytical and research work in support of food policy additional to that commissioned from other laboratories. The third group will deal with pesticide safety approvals, veterinary medicines and biotechnology issues. Finally, the fourth group will handle meat hygiene, animal health and the related public health issues, and animal welfare. The initial complement of the food directorate is 695. The resources devoted to this work have been increased and will be kept under review.

  The consumer panel will provide a forum in which the Minister will be able to hear directly from representatives of consumers their views on food safety and consumer protection issues. The consumer panel will include representatives nominated by each of the main consumer bodies. The panel will provide a more formal and systematic means of maintaining contact between my Department and the consumer organisations. I shall make an announcement shortly on the membership and terms of reference of the consumer panel.
  318
  These new arrangements do not diminish in any way the continuing need for advice from the existing expert and independent committees, namely the food advisory committee, the advisory committee on pesticides and the veterinary products committee, as well as the Department of Health committees on medical aspects of food, toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity and the joint MAFF/ DoH Committee on novel foods and processes. The food safety directorate will work closely with the state veterinary service and will be advised on public health questions by the Government's Chief Medical Officer.

  These changes will focus my Ministry's resources more effectively on to maintaining the safety and quality of the nation's food supplies. The food safety directorate will be responsible for keeping the public informed on food safety matters.

  Export of Animals
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will undertake to ban all export of animals for scientific purposes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Government have no plans to introduce such a ban.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Pensions
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received concerning discrimination on grounds of sex and the state pension age; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  We received a total of 274 representations between 19 October 1988 and 17 October 1989.

  Young People
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment has been made of the minimum income after paying rent and rates required by single people below(a) 25 years, and (b) 18 years to meet other costs of living.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  No such assessment has been made. The level of support approved by Parliament for those receiving income-related benefits varies according to personal circumstances, including factors such as disability.

  Service Pensions
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cumulative total number of those service men who have been in receipt of a war pension or allowance from his Department because their deaths were attributable to their service in the armed forces who died(a) in service, (b) after retirement from the armed forces and (c) after being invalided out of or medically discharged from the armed forces for each year from 1959 to the latest available date; and, for each of the above categories for the latest year for which records exist, what was the number of war widows' pensions in payment from his Department.
  319
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  This information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. A total of 57,571 war widows pensions were in payment at the end of 1988.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what new initiatives he will take to provide additional benefit to young people who are under 18 years of age and who are homeless.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Homeless people, including 16 and 17-year-olds, continue to be entitled to claim a range of benefits in the usual way.

  The need for most 16 and 17-year-olds to rely on benefit was removed in September 1988 when a youth training scheme place, with a training allowance, was guaranteed for all those not in a job or full time education. Certain groups of young people may receive income support. These include lone parents, the disabled and the long-term sick who may claim at any time. Young people forced to live independently can claim income support during the child benefit extension period while they look for work or a youth training scheme place. They can also receive housing benefit. Moreover, a package of changes was introduced in July which recognised the special difficulties being experienced by some 16 and 17-year-olds with no option but to live away from home. An important element of this was to pay them higher rates of both income support and housing benefit.

  We have an important safety net which enables those 16 and 17-year-olds who would otherwise not be entitled to be paid income support to prevent severe hardship.

  Those who are homeless may claim a social fund crisis loan to enable them to secure accommodation.

  We continue to monitor the 1988 Social Security reforms including those affecting young people.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications there have been for family credit in each month since April 1988; and how many awards have been made.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The information is as follows:

  1988

  Claims

  Awards

  April

  96,505

  40,213

  May

  41,721

  June

  52,293

  36,145

  July

  46,100

  37,912

  August

  46,376

  40,249

  September

  47,759

  24,158

  October

  56,373

  44,944

  November

  57,850

  46,234

  December

  44,834

  35,797

  1989

  January

  63,638

  42,712

  February

  60,318

  45,180

  March

  68,637

  47,184

  April

  96,752

  43,300

  May

  123,038

  39,187

  June

  107,276

  73,778

  July

  66,075

  50,004

  August

  62,397

  48,158

  September

  80,792

  54,498

  October

  80,670

  50,510

  Notes:

  1. The figures are for the four or five weeks ending on the last Friday
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  of the month.

  2. The figures for claims received include those made to renew existing awards and those made more than four weeks before the expiry of an existing award (and therefore invalid).

  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what proportion of family credit recipients are women.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  A total of 315,000 comprising over 98 per cent. Apart from lone parent families headed by a man, family credit is almost invariably paid to women, since in two-parent families the claim is made by, and payment is made to, the woman unless the circumstances are quite exceptional.

  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a table showing(a) the number of families and (b) the number of children receiving family credit and what proportion each makes up of those entitled to family credit.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The latest comprehensive information is for July 1989 when over 320,000 families, containing 671,000 children, were receiving family credit. Estimates of the total eligible population at that stage cannot be made until information from the 1989 family expenditure survey becomes available.

  Income Support
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social security how many children are in families receiving income support.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The latest available information is that there are 2,092,000 children in families receiving income support.

  War Widows
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was his Department's total expenditure, at 1979 prices, on war widows' pensions in the years 1978–79 to 1988–89.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  [holding answer 25 October 1989]: The information requested is in the table.

  Actual expenditure

  Expenditure at 1978–79 prices

  £

  £

  1978–79

  116,705,438

  116,705,438

  1979–80

  128,840,466

  110,455,980

  1980–81

  145,803,473

  105,437,973

  1981–82

  165,598,881

  109,115,611

  1982–83

  174,091,975

  107,127,120

  1983–84

  177,358,000

  104,304,650

  1984–85

  176,325,000

  98,814,576

  1985–86

  192,859,160

  102,449,032

  1986–87

  191,496,000

  98,563,466

  1987–88

  189,581,000

  92,716,484

  1988–89

  199,695,000

  91,020,184

  Industrial Injuries
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when Statutory Instrument 1989/1824 was referred to the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council; and what advice the council gave.
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  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 31 October 1989]: The proposals relating to the regulations in this statutory instrument were referred to the council in January this year. They did not raise any formal objection.

  Child Benefit
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children are in families that will receive child benefit in 1990–91.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I refer the hon. Member to table 15.6 of the Public Expenditure White Paper (Cm 615) published in January this year.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Anglo-Irish Relations
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on recent developments in Anglo-Irish relations.

  Mr. Brooke
  There have been three recent meetings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental conference, at which issues affecting the confidence of the community in the security forces figured prominently. Copies of the joint communiques issued after each meeting have been placed in the Library of the House and the Vote Office. As a result of recent events a number of measures have been set in train by the Government. The recent difficulties in Anglo-Irish relations have illustrated the value of the agreement in permitting discussion of the issues involved, with a view to resolving differences.

  UDR Soldiers (Murder Convictions)
  Mr. Maginnis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he has taken to discover if an injustice may have been done to four Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers convicted of the murder of Adrian Carroll; and if, in the light of experience gained from the Guildford case, he will seek to have examined a radio statement by the main witness that she was deceived into giving incorrect evidence.

  Mr. Cope
  All the representations made and documents presented in this case to date, along with the transcript of the radio programme, have been carefully examined. No grounds have been found to justify referring the case to the Court of Appeal, but my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will consider any new evidence or representations which may be made to him.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the use of animals for experiments at Queen's university; how many animals are presently kept at the university; what is the nature of the experiments; and what level of pain and suffering is estimated to be inflicted on the animals.

  Mr. Needham
  It is not the practice to disclose information about experiments authorised under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 at any particular establishment.

  Long-term Unemployment
  Mr. Bidwell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the impact of the Social Security Order (1989), on the long-term unemployed.

  Mr. Needham
  It is too early to assess the impact.

  Anglo-lrish Agreement
  Mr. Flannery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether a further date has been arranged for the next meeting of the signatories to the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

  Mr. Brooke
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Riverside (Mr. Parry) earlier today.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. Ashdown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was discussed at the last Intergovernmental Conference; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  The Intergovernmental Conference last met on 18 October. Discussions continued on a range of issues relating to confidence in the security forces and the system of justice. Security co-operation, cross-border economic co-operation and the implementation of the conclusions of the review of the working of the conference were matters also discussed. The joint statement issued after the meeting was placed in the Library of the House and the Vote Office.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on recent meetings of the Anglo-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the discussions he has had within the framework of the Anglo-Irish Agreement.

  Mr. Brooke
  There have been three recent meetings of the Intergovernmental Conference, and copies of the joint statements issued after each have been placed in the Library of the House and the Vote Office. A large part of the meetings was taken up with issues affecting the confidence of the community in the security forces in Northern Ireland, and further discussions are likely at future conference meetings.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he intends to take to reduce unemployment in west Belfast.

  Mr. Needham
  Much action has already been taken to tackle the problems of unemployment in west Belfast. The Belfast action team and the "making Belfast work" initiatives have focussed attention and resources on encouraging employment and enterprise in west Belfast. To date these initiatives have proved successful in stimulating local enterprise. Further plans have been
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  drawn up to build on the initial local successes which have been assisted by major private sector investments such as the choice by Montupet of the former De Lorean factory for its 1,000 job project.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he intends to act upon the recommendations of the Phoenix West Belfast development trust.

  Mr. Needham
  I am pleased to say that many of the recommendations are already being implemented, particularly under the "making Belfast work" and Belfast action team initiatives. Contacts have also been made to enable Phoenix to discuss its proposals for jobs creation directly with IDB and LEDU.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the current level of unemployment in the Province.

  Mr. Needham
  On 14 September 1989, the latest date for which figures are available, seasonally adjusted unemployment in the Province stood at 103,000 which is its lowest level since November 1982.

  UDR Recruits (Vetting)
  Mr. Barry Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning vetting procedures for recruits to the Ulster Defence Regiment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cope
  Recent events have given rise to concern that a small minority of members of the Ulster Defence Regiment may have associations with members of illegal paramilitary organisations, or other associations, which are incompatible with membership of the security forces. This is unacceptable and the General Officer Commanding has therefore made improvements in the process of screening new recruits to the UDR, including transfers from other Army units, and for follow-up action such as re-screening in cases of doubt. Among the new measures is the establishment of a special unit for screening UDR recruits, which will be manned by members of the Regular Army. They will have advice from the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Some representations have been received which, in general, support these changes.

  Local Government
  Mr. Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what response he has received in relation to the consultative document on local government in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  Over 60 responses to the local government consultative paper were received.

  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what ways he intends to change the system of local government in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The Government's proposals for changes in the system of local government in Northern Ireland were set out in the local government consultative paper last November. Responses to that paper are being considered.

  EC Structural Fund
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to promote the types of cross-border developments eligible for European Community structural fund awards.

  Mr. Cope
  In anticipation of an EC Commission initiative to introduce a transfrontier programme, Ministers from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland following a recent intergovernmental conference, instructed officials of both Governments to prepare proposals for submission to the Commission. A preliminary list of cross-border proposals has already been passed to the Commission, and further work is continuing. A formal application cannot be lodged until details of the EC programme become available.

  Mr. David Young
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to further cross-border programmes eligible for support from the European Community structural fund.

  Mr. Cope
  In anticipation of an EC Commission initiative to introduce a transfrontier programme, Ministers from the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland following a recent intergovernmental conference, instructed officials of both Governments to prepare proposals for submission to the Commission. A preliminary list of cross-border proposals has already been passed to the Commission and further work is continuing. A formal application cannot be lodged until details of the EC programme become available.

  Devolution
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from which constitutional political parties he has received a written submission as a framework for devolution in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Brooke
  I have been told by the leaders of all the main constitutional parties in Northern Ireland that they support devolution and they have drawn my attention to ideas, expressed earlier in writing and orally, about how progress towards that objective might be achieved.

  Home Helps
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he will take to prevent further cutbacks in the home help service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  The level of resources devoted to particular services is a matter for Health and Social Services boards to determine. Northern Ireland provides the highest number of home helps per 1,000 population in the United Kingdom, and there has been no reduction in the level of funding for the home help service in 1989–90. There has however been increasing demand, and in order to avoid overspending, several boards have reassessed the need among individual clients for the number and extent of visits. In each case every effort has been made to minimise the effect on clients and to ensure that the service is targeted on those most in need.

  Debt Payments
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has had seeking the repeal of the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971.

  Mr Cope
  In the last year there have been three questions from hon. Members and one written representation on this subject.

  Transport
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the transport needs of Northern Ireland in the context of the single European market.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The transportation programme was submitted to the European Community on 25 September and the Government await a formal response.

  Voters (Identification)
  Mr. Molyneaux
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take action to simplify the rules for identification of voters at polling stations.

  Mr. Cope
  The list of specified documents used for electoral purposes is kept under review. I should be pleased to consider any improvement which the right hon. Gentleman or other hon. Members would care to suggest.

  UDR
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to alter the role of the Ulster Defence Regiment in relation to the Royal Ulster Constabulary; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cope
  No.

  The Royal Ulster Constabulary has primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order in Northern Ireland; the Armed Forces, including the Regular Army and Ulster Defence Regiment, will continue to operate in support of the police but only for so long as the threat from terrorism makes that support necessary.

  Roadworks
  Mr. Clifford Forsythe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will specify the anticipated completion dates for(a) the Killead bypass and (b) the dualling of the A26.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  It is not possible, at this early stage, to specify the completion date for either of these schemes.

  Arts
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the level of spending per capita on arts in Northern Ireland.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Government spending per capita is £2·85.

  Accident Statistics
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the level of public funding in each of the past three years for which figures are available 326
  to counter deaths and injuries as a result of (a) road accidents, (b) accidents in the home and (c) terrorist attacks.

  Mr. Cope
  It is not possible to separate out the precise level of public funding attributable to these purposes.

  Maryfield Secretariat
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total cost of the Maryfield secretariat, including security, from the signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement to date; and what is the total cost of security for the same period.

  Mr. Cope
  The cost to the British Government in maintaining the Anglo-Irish secretariat since its establishment in December 1985 to 30 September 1989 was £3,132,000, of which £2,003,000 related to manpower costs for security. The cost to the Irish Government is a matter for them.

  Mr. Paul Hill
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of transporting Paul Hill from the Old Bailey to Belfast on 19 October; and what method was used.

  Mr. Cope
  The cost of transporting Paul Hill from the Old Bailey to Maghaberry prison on 19 October 1989 was £2,890·78. He was flown from RAF Northolt to RAF Aldergrove. Connection journeys were by road.

  Japanese Investment
  Mr. Yeo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the level of investment in Northern Ireland by Japanese companies.

  Mr. Needham
  There are three manufacturing companies in Northern Ireland which are either wholly or partly owned by Japanese companies.

  In addition a fourth Japanese company operates a marketing and distribution outlet there.

  It is not possible to give precise figures for investment.

  Further Education
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to extend further education in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Enrolment at colleges of further Education has increased by almost 40 per cent. over the last 10 years. The Department of Education and the area boards have responded to increased demands by the provision of new permanent and temporary accommodation, increased staffing and enhancement of equipment.

  We will continue to respond to needs as they arise.

  Political Parties (Discussions)
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last met representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Brooke
  Over the past three months I have had introductory meetings with the leaders of the Alliance
  327
  party of Northern Ireland, the Democratic Unionist party, the Social Democratic and Labour party, the Ulster Unionist party, the Ulster Popular Unionist party and the Workers party, and with other elected representatives. My meetings with the party leaders covered a wide range of subjects, including especially the prospects for achieving political progress in Northern Ireland.

  Education and Library Boards
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total membership of each of the five education and library boards; how many female members he has appointed to each of these boards; and if he will make a statement on the level of female representation on the education boards.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The membership of each of the five Education and Library boards is:

  Membership

  Of whom: are female

  Belfast

  35

  7

  South-Eastern

  35

  3

  North-Eastern

  35

  6

  Southern

  35

  7

  Western

  32

  5

  In making appointments to Education and Library boards the Department of Education is keen to ensure that boards are representative of a wide range of educational interests. Bodies which are asked to put forward names for consideration are encouraged to include the names of women.

DEFENCE

  UDR
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Ulster Defence Regiment.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Ulster Defence Regiment is an indispensable element of the Army's efforts in support of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland. I have every confidence that the overwhelming majority of the UDR will continue to carry out their duties professionally, loyally and impartially. The UDR will continue to play its part in the fight against terrorism and no changes are envisaged in its role.

  Anti-tank Weapons
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the implications for the design of anti-tank weapons of the development of protective armour on Warsaw pact tanks.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The implications of developments in the protective armour of Warsaw pact tanks are kept under review, and, where necessary, improvements made to the design of our anti-armour weapons.

  Quality Assurance Headquarters
  Mr. Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will report progress on the relocation of the quality assurance headquarters and laboratories from London to a site in Teesside; and if he will make a statement.
  328
  Mr. Neubert
  My Department is hard at work on a whole range of matters including the definition of user requirements, the selection of an external consultant to manage the design and construction work, negotiations for the purchase of land and the provision of utilities and road access, and various personnel aspects of relocation.

  Mr. Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is the policy of his Department in relation to the appointment of an external project manager with regard to the relocation of the defence quality assurance headquarters and laboratories to Teesside; what consideration is given to the appointment of local firms; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what is the policy of his Department with regard to the involvement of locally based companies in the process of relocation of offices and services out of London to the provinces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neubert
  The Department's policy generally and in relation to the appoinment of external project managers is to follow the Government rules for fair and open competition. Successful bidders need to demonstrate that they have a clear understanding of departmental requirements, practical and efficient proposals to meet them and the necessary capacity and experience to manage projects of the size and complexity envisaged. Local knowledge is considered to be a useful additional asset.

  Decentralisation
  Mr. Bell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy with regard to decentralisation of offices and services out of London to the provinces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neubert
  As has been stated in the House on several occasions, it remains our objective to see a more even spread of defence employment across the regions. We are currently examining a range of further relocation possibilities and shall continue to pursue every opportunity to relocate defence work. But all such moves must be justifiable in both operational and economic terms.

  UKADGE
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who owns the intellectual property rights associated with the improved United Kingdom air defence ground environment.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. Member on 7 July at column 302.

  Service Pensions
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service men killed in action from 1 April 1973 to the latest date for which records exist, who were engaged on pensionable terms, failed to complete the minimum period of service required in their rank for the award of an occupational pension from his Department before being killed in action.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Pensions awarded under the occupational scheme for the Armed Forces include long-service pensions, invaliding pensions, and attributable invaliding pensions. Since 31 March 1973 there has been no minimum period of service required to qualify for
  329
  the award of an attributable invaliding pension. Consequently, all married service men killed in action since that date have been able to qualify their eligible widow for an occupational pension from the Ministry of Defence.

  However, I assume that the hon. Member, in referring to the award of an occupational pension, is concerned with those long-service pensions awarded on normal retirement or discharge. The minimum period of reckonable service normally required to qualify for such awards is, for officers, 16 years and, for other ranks, 22 years.

  Information on the number of service men killed in action since 1 April 1973 who had not given these periods of service before their death is not readily available and could he obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cumulative total number of those service men whose deaths were attributable to their service in the armed forces who died(a) in service, (b) after retirement from the armed forces and (c) after being invalidated out of or medically discharged from the armed forces, from 1959 to the latest available date; and, for each of the above categories for the latest year for which records exist, what was the number of war widows' pensions in payment from his Department.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The information requested on the number of service men whose death was attributable to their service in the Armed Forces is not available. Where applicable, war widows pensions corresponding to those deaths are paid by the Department of Social Security.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence why the award to the widow of a service man of an attributable forces family pension does not assume the promotion of her husband beyond the rank in which he was killed.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It is normal practice in occupational pension schemes that benefits, whether payable on retirement or death in service, are based on the level of salary actually received by the scheme member at or preceding the last day of service. The Armed Forces pension scheme uses rank held as an alternative to actual salary.

  Service Ranks
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average period of time for which a service man remains in the rank of private or equivalent, for the latest year for which records exist and for each of the armed forces.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The average times spent in the rank of senior aircraftman (SAC) for those leaving the rank on promotion or exit during 1988–89 are given in the table. The time does not include time spent as an aircraftman (AC) or leading aircraftman (LAC). Similar figures are given for promotions during 1988 from able seaman (not including time spent as an ordinary seaman) and marine 1 (not including time spent as marine 2). The average time spent in the ranks of able seaman and marine 1 for those leaving the RN or RM during 1988 are not readily available. Figures for the Army are not readily available.
  330

  Average time (in years) spent in the ranks of Able Seaman/Marine 1/SAC

  Total

  On promotion

  On exit

  Able Seaman (1988)

  n.a.

  4·7

  n.a.

  Marine 1 (1988)

  n.a.

  5·7

  n.a.

  SAC (1988–89)

  5·7

  6·3

  5–3

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the average period of time for which a service man remains in the rank of Army captain or equivalent, for the latest year for which records exist and for each of the armed forces.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The average times spent in the rank of flight lieutenant for those leaving the rank on promotion or exit during 1988–89 are given in the table. Similar figures are given for promotions during 1988–89 from Lt(RN) and Lt(RM). The average times spent in the ranks of Lt(RN) and Lt(RM) for those leaving the Royal Navy or Royal Marines during 1988–89 are not readily available. Figures for the Army are not readily available.

  Average time (in years) spent in the ranks of Lt(RN)/Lt(RM)/Fl Lt(RAF)

  Total

  On promotion

  On exit

  Lieutenant (RN)

  n/a

  8·4

  n/a

  Lieutenant (RM)

  n/a

  7·3

  n/a

  Flight Lieutenant (RAF)

  9·4

  8·5

  10·7

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average period of time for which a service man remains in the rank of corporal or equivalent for the latest year for which records exist and for each of the armed forces.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The average times spent in the rank of RAF corporal for those leaving the rank on promotion or exit during 1988–89 are given in the table. Similar figures are given for promotions during 1988 from leading hand (RN) and Royal Marines corporal. The average times spent in the ranks of leading hand and RM corporal for those leaving the RN and RM during 1988 are not readily available. Figures for the Army are not readily available.

  Average time (in years) spent in the equivalent rank of corporal

  Total

  On promotion

  On exit

  Leading hand (1988)

  n/a

  4·1

  n/a

  RM corporal (1988)

  n/a

  5·8

  n/a

  RAF corporal (1988/89)

  5·7

  6·8

  4·7

  Marconi Communications Sets
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Marconi 2955A radio communications test sets have been ordered for the Royal Air Force and Army; and for which services it is his intention to order more.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  A total of 330 of these sets were ordered in December 1988 after a competitive tendering action had produced an assessment that they represented the most cost-effective technically viable solution to a particular problem.
  331
  Future requirements, should they arise, may also be subject to a competitive tendering exercise.

  Submergence Rescue Vehicle
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his intention to publish the results of the recent trials by the Royal Navy of the deep submergence rescue vehicle.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It is not our normal practice to publish the results of such exercises but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that this exercise, which is conducted at regular intervals, successfully achieved all its objectives.

  Advanced STOL Aircraft
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the development of the advanced short take off and vertical landing aircraft.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  We are engaged with the United States Government in a bilateral programme of studies into the technologies which might be required for an advanced short take off and vertical landing aircraft. This programme, which began in 1986, is expected to take some five years to complete.

  Battle Tanks
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy towards the NATO future main battle tank.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  For a statement on plans to co-ordinate the development of the next generation of tanks I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Mr. Jones).

  Upholder Class Submarine
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the most up-to-date prediction of the date of delivery to the Royal Navy of the first type 2400 Upholder class submarine.

  Mr. Neubert
  We currently expect that the first type 2400 Upholder class submarine to be delivered to the Royal Navy next summer.

  Anti-Air Warfare
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to announce his decision between the NATO anti-air warfare system and the family of anti-air missile systems for Royal Navy warships.

  Mr. Neubert
  An announcement will be made in the near future.

  Army Equipment Exhibition
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the 1990 British Army equipment exhibition will be held; and on which days it will be open to(a) overseas customers, (b) the press and (c) the British public.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  The British Army equipment exhibition will be held at Aldershot during the week 3 to 8 June 1990. 3 June is a press day which the national 332
  provincial and technical press may attend. Overseas customers may attend from 4 to 8 June 1989. The exhibition is not open to the general public.

  Potton Island (Wastes)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what amount of(a) toxic wastes and (b) radioactive wastes arising from military experiments exist at Potton island in Essex; under what environmental regulations these wastes are managed; what is the long-term plan for the disposal of these wastes; and what is his estimate of the total cost of this disposal strategy.

  Mr. Neubert
  There are no known toxic or radioactive wastes at Potton island. The area is being cleared of residual conventional munitions and explosives. To date this has cost some £40,000.

  Nevada Test Site
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total charge levied by the United States in collective historic pounds and in current pounds for United Kingdom use of the Nevada test site for the nuclear testing of United Kingdom warheads(a) since the programme began and (b) since 1979; and what arrangements have been made by the United States authorities for the management and disposal of radioactive wastes arising from these United Kingdom nuclear warheads.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  It is not our policy to publish the costs of these tests. Arrangements for the management and disposal of radioactive wastes are included in the costs levied by the United States authorities. Such wastes are disposed of by the United States under recognised procedures.

  Chemical Warfare Agents
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what volumes and what types of chemical warfare agents are maintained at the Porton Down chemical warfare research establishment as part of his Department's defensive prophylactic research programme; when the entire stocks of these chemical warfare agents will be destroyed; and under what conditions.

  Mr. Neubert
  As has frequently been stated in previous answers, the MOD does not possess a chemical warfare research establishment. The role of the Chemical Defence Establishment, Porton Down, is to provide effective protective measures for the United Kingdom Armed Forces against the threat that chemical or biological weapons may be used against them. The United Kingdom abandoned all offensive chemical warfare work over 30 years ago.

  As stated in my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member on 25 January at column 653, the MOD holds small experimental quantities of agent, for research into protective measures against chemical and biological attack.

  These small quantities will be maintained for as long as necessary. As stated in my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member on 23 March at column 754, the MOD does not disclose details of the location of these small quantities for security reasons.

  Military Aircraft Flights
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if flights by non-Royal Air Force military aircraft over the United Kingdom require prior authorisation; and if all such flights are recorded.

  Mr. Neubert
  It is standing operational practice for each flight undertaken by a military aircraft operating within the airspace of the United Kingdom to be authorised by a competent authority. No central record of such flights is maintained.

  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions, to the latest available date in 1989, and in each of the last three years, unauthorised flights by military aircraft have taken place over the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neubert
  Reports of unauthorised flights are investigated by the appropriate authorities. No central records are kept of such flights.

  Frigates
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if there has been any alteration in the last six months of the long-term plans to order type 23 frigates;

  (2) if there has been any alteration in the level of funds available for future orders for the type 23 frigate.

  Mr. Neubert
  It is not our practice to comment on long-term planning assumptions. Decisions on orders will be announced as appropriate. The Government remain committed to maintaining a force of about 50 destroyers and frigates and will order sufficient new ships to achieve this target.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what ability those type 23 frigates not fitted with an automated command and control system will possess to identify aircraft as either friendly or hostile.

  Mr. Neubert
  The classification of an aircraft as friendly or hostile is based on information from a variety of sources including the ships identification friend or foe (IFF) system and other sensors. In T23 frigates not fitted with a command system this information will be available but will not be correlated automatically.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the average annual number of frigates that have been ordered between 1982 and 1988, excluding those vessels ordered to replace Falkland losses.

  Mr. Neubert
  Fourteen frigates were ordered in the period. Excluding the four ordered to replace Falkland losses, this gives an average annual number of 1·4.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what regard he has had to the employment implications of future orders for the type 23 frigate;

  (2) what regard he has had to the industrial investment implications of future orders for the type 23 frigate.

  Mr. Neubert
  The Government's policy is to place orders for warships following competition, the aim being 334
  to secure best value for money for the defence budget. Tender prices and compliance with contract conditions will be the major considerations in the current competition for type 23 frigates.

  However, as the MOD confirmed in its response to the 31 report from the Committee of Public Accounts (Session 1987–88), its strategy is to maintain sufficient warship-building capacity to meet likely future defence requirements and a competitive base and these twin objectives are always taken into account in the placing of individual ship and submarine orders.

  RAF Flights
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Royal Air Force is able to account for all flights by its aircraft over the United Kingdom in 1988.

  Mr. Neubert
  No detailed account of such flights is required.

  Destroyers
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the implications of the Government's withdrawal from the NFR90 collaborative project;

  (2) what assessment has been made of the need to replace the type 42 destoyer.

  Mr. Neubert
  The Royal Navy has a continuing requirement for a replacement for the type 42 destroyer to come into service at the turn of the century. Following the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the NFR90 programme, we are now addressing how best to proceed with this requirement, including the possibility of alternative collaborative arrangements for elements of the programme.

  Warship Building
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on the amounts of Government subsidy provided to warship building yards in other NATO nations.

  Mr. Neubert
  None.

  Thailand and Cambodia
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what military assistance has been provided to the Government of Thailand in the last 10 years;

  (2) whether any Cambodian nationals have received military training or instruction from serving members of the British armed forces at any time in the last 10 years;

  (3) whether any military assistance has been provided by the Government for Cambodian guerrillas at any time in the last 10 years;

  (4) whether any service personnel, apart from those attached to the British embassy, have worked in Thailand at any time in the last 10 years.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) on 30 October 1989 at column 43.

  FOOD SAFETY DIRECTORATE
  FOOD SAFETY DIRECTORATE
  ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION IN THE EC: RESPONSE TO DELORS REPORT
  ECONOMIC AND MONETARY UNION IN THE EC: RESPONSE TO DELORS REPORT
  ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: REPORT
  ADMINISTRATIVE LAW: REPORT