Written Answers of 29 January 1990

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Government Data Network
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will bring the January 1987 service requirement for a Government data network that is currently in the Library up to date with current development.

  Mr. Ryder
  The service requirement for the Government data network was produced for procurement purposes and it would not be appropriate to update it as a record of development. I have placed a copy of the annual report of the GDN central support staff for 1988–89 in the Library. Since that report was prepared, 10 more Government users, Her Majesty's Treasury, Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Department of Energy, General Register Office (Scotland), the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce, Department of Trade and Industry, Welsh Office, Department of Transport and Ordnance Survey, have signed access agreements to use the network.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Ryder
  Her Majesty's Treasury is a member of the "Look After Your Heart" scheme, and, in that context, is reviewing its workplace policies, including that on smoking, which will contribute to the prevention of heart disease. I will write to my hon. Friend when that review has been completed.

  Inflation
  Mr. Simon Burns
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the year on year rate of inflation at April of each year for 1979 and 1989.

  Mr. Ryder
  In the 12 months to April 1979, the all-items retail prices index rose by 10·1 per cent., and the corresponding rate for April 1989 was 8·0 per cent. For the RPI excluding mortgage interest payments, the equivalent inflation rates were 9·1 per cent. and 5·9 per cent. in April 1979 and April 1989 respectively.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made with respect to the European Commission's 1992 value added tax approximation proposals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]: In May 1989, the Commission put forward revised VAT
  2
  proposals, the main changes being the suggestion of an (unspecified) minimum standard rate of VAT and an acknowledgement that some existing zero-rating could be continued. Subsequent discussions in successive Economic and Finance Ministers Councils agreed that the Council should decide on the tax approximation issue by the end of 1991. For further details of discussion at December ECOFIN, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Mr. Forman) on 20 December at column 244.

  The United Kingdom view remains that centrally fixed approximation of VAT rates is neither necessary nor appropriate to achieve the single market. While the Government have welcomed the Commission's acceptance of the need to continue zero-rating, they have continued to make clear that they could not accept any proposals which would restrict their ability to apply zero rates.

  Useful progress has, however, been made on technical arrangements for removing fiscal frontiers. The decisions taken largely reflected the United Kingdom approach and should ensure reduced compliance costs for businesses, while maintaining adequate controls against fraud.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received in relation to amelioration in the value added tax treatment of charities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ryder
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]: My right hon. Friend has received various representations from charitable bodies and individuals. The concerns expressed are being carefully considered, but any changes in taxation would be a matter for my right hon. Friend's Budget statement.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Creches
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service if he will list by location, where creche facilities are provided for working mothers employed in his Department; and if they have to make any payment for this service.

  Mr. Luce
  The Civil Service college at Sunningdale is planning to open a workplace nursery later this year for which users will make payment, and staff have access to a holiday playscheme financed by both parental and departmental contributions. My Department is considering the need for and feasibility of providing creche facilities.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service if there are any proposals to change the 1988–89 cash limit for the Office of the Minister for the Civil Service.

  Mr. Luce
  No, but subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for the Office of the Minister for the Civil Service (class XX, vote 1) will be increased by £728,000 from £35,189,000 to £35,917,000 for 1989–90. The increase will be charged to the reserve.

  The increase is required to cover the additional cost of making physical security improvements; increased expenditure on fees, etc; additional administrative support

  3
  for the Government Whips; promoting and implementing the "next steps" initiative; administering a revised discretionary pay system for the Civil Service senior open structure; and increased recruitment advertising by the Civil Service Commission.

  The foregoing increases in provision are partially offset by decreases resulting from a reassessment of capital provision, the grant in aid to the European Institute of Public Administration, and from savings in staff costs.

  Some of the foregoing changes in provision have a consequent effect on the Department's running costs limit, which will be increased by £791,000 from £31,248,000 to £32,039,000.

  In addition, the following amounts will be transferred to the Departments and agencies shown to meet part of the cost of increased management development training under the challenge funding scheme initiated by my Department. This will be met from existing but unallocated public expenditure provision.

  £'000

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  34

  Central Statistical Office

  5

  Her Majesty's Customs and Excise

  98

  Ministry of Defence

  34

  Department of Education and Science

  19

  Department of Employment

  365

  Department of Health

  26

  Home Office

  9

  Inland Revenue

  200

  Her Majesty's Land Registry

  1

  Northern Ireland Civil Service

  31

  Ordnance Survey

  2

  Office of Population, Censuses and Surveys

  1

  Property Services Agency

  1

  Department of Social Security

  25

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  13

  Welsh Office

  8

  Office of Arts and Libraries

  1

  Total

  873

THE ARTS

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Minister for the Arts if he will give details of any proposed changes to the cash limits of his Department's votes in 1989–90.

  Mr. Luce
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates as appropriate, the cash limits of the following votes will be changed as indicated:

  Class and Vote

  Current Cash Limit£

  Change£

  Revised Cash Limit£

  XIII, 1

  157,599,000

  -61,000

  157,538,000

  XIII, 2

  178,466,000

  +2,800,000

  181,266,000

  XIII, 4

  1,561,000

  +61,000

  1,622,000

  Additional provision of £2,800,000 is being sought in a spring Supplementary Estimate on class XIII, vote 2, to augment the main estimate provision for assets accepted in lieu of tax. The increase of £2,800,000 will be charged to the reserve and will therefore not add to the planned total of public expenditure.

  Additional provision of £61,000 is being sought on class XIII, vote 4. The Office of Arts and Libraries running costs
  4
  provision is to be increased by £75,000 to meet additional staff costs. That increase is partially offset by economies on capital expenditures of £10,000 and an increase in appropriations in aid of £4,000. The net increase of £61,000 will be offset by savings on research, surveys and other services on class XIII, vote 1, so there will be no addition to the planned total of public expenditure.

PRIME MINISTER

  Eastern Europe
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a further statement on the implications for United Kingdom defence policy of recent political changes in eastern Europe.

  The Prime Minister
  We welcome the recent political changes in eastern Europe. NATO's policy of pursuing dialogue with the East whilst maintaining sufficient defences to preserve security has played a major part in promoting these changes. The Alliance is a force for stability in Europe at a time of great uncertainty, and our commitment to it is undiminished.

  Tourism
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent representations she has received on the promotion of tourism.

  The Prime Minister
  I have received a number of representations on the promotion of tourism, both from members of the public and from the industry itself.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a further statement on the United Kingdom's contribution to international co-operation against terrorism.

  The Prime Minister
  We contribute actively to international co-operation against terrorism in every way we can. Our starting point is to seek the widest possible agreement to our own policy, based on no substantive concessions to terrorists' demands. We also exchange effective, practical measures to prevent and counter terrorism.

  We are prominent in the Trevi Group in Europe, where we are currently strengthening procedures for communicating information about terrorist activities, and examining the scope for action against the funds that sustain terrorism. Elsewhere, we are contributing to the International Civil Aviation Organisation's work on devising an international regime for marking explosives for detection.

  We provide advice, assistance and training in counter-terrorism to many overseas Governments and agencies; and our police forces are in daily contact with their counterparts in the common effort to prevent terrorist acts and to bring terrorists to justice.

  Health Promotion
  Mr. Boswell
  To ask the Prime Minister how she co-ordinates the work of Government Departments in health promotion.

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health, together with my right
  5
  hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Northern Ireland ensure that these matters are effectively co-ordinated within Government.

  Creches
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Prime Minister whether creche facilities are provided for working mothers employed in her Department; and if they have to make any payment for this service.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Warwick University
  Mr. Grylls
  To ask the Prime Minister when she last visited the advanced technology centre at Warwick university; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I officially opened the advanced technology centre at Warwick university during my visit on 8 January. I was much impressed by the excellent facilities and the commitment of the staff. The centre is an outstanding example of what can be achieved through co-operation between higher education and industry.

  EC (Responsibilities)
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment she has made of the level of transfer of direct responsibility to the European Community since the passage of the Single European Act; and if she will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The Single European Act's main objectives, in particular the programme to complete the single market, are being fulfilled, but the SEA did not fundamentally affect the institutional balance in the Community. The final word remains with member states in the Council of Ministers, who remain accountable to their national Parliaments.

  British Intelligence (History)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if she will make a statement on the current position in relation to Professor Sir Michael Howard's commissioned history of British Intelligence.

  The Prime Minister
  "Strategic Deception" by Professor Sir Michael Howard is being prepared for publication as volume V of the series entitled "British Intelligence in the Second World War". The current position is that the text has now been returned to Her Majesty's Stationery Office for printing and binding. Publication is expected to take place in the summer.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Inspectors
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, further to his reply of 13 December 1989,Official Report, column 702, relating to the appointment of an inspector, what was (a) the name of the inspector and his firm, (b) the company he investigated, (c) the investigations being simultaneously undertaken and (d) the date on which his Department became aware that one of its inspectors was being investigated.
  6
  Mr. Redwood
  As indicated in my reply of 13 December, inspectors are appointed to investigate the affairs or membership of companies, not individuals.

  The answers to the hon. Member's questions are:

  (a) Mr. P. L. Ainger FCA of Messrs. Price Waterhouse.

  (b) Gilgate Holdings Limited.

  Raybourne Group Limited.

  Calomefern Limited.

  Desadean Properties Limited.

  (c) Those at (b) and Ramor Investments Limited.

  (d) I cannot say.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is his policy on appointing inspectors from accountancy firms found wanting by his Department.

  Mr. Redwood
  It is usual to appoint inspectors from firms of accountants who have not been the subject of recent criticism.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether any individual from Thornton Baker, now Grant Thornton, has been appointed a Department of Trade and Industry inspector since September 1981.

  Mr. Redwood
  Three individuals from Grant Thornton have been appointed inspectors since September 1981.

  Children's Bicycles
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received on the brake systems of children's bicycles with a saddle height of less than 25 in.; what representations he is making to the EEC Commissioner on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  Representations have been made by the cycle industry about the level of safety and appropriateness of the European harmonised standard EN71 in respect of the braking performance tests specifically in relation to cycles with saddle heights between 435 mm and 635 mm. I am concerned by the suggestions that the tests may not provide the level of safety required by the essential requirements of the European directive on the safety of toys. The United Kingdom delegation to the European Committee for Standardisation sought to have the braking test specified in the International Standard Organisation standard 8098 incorporated into the harmonised standards, but there was insufficient support for this from other CEN delegates.

  The matter is being urgently considered. If the Department concludes that any harmonised standard does not meet the essential requirements the procedure is for the Government to refer the matter to the standing committee set up under the directive for re-consideration. If appropriate, we will proceed accordingly. In the meantime, my officials have told the manufacturers that, when toys do not conform in whole or in part to harmonised standards, type approval may be obtained from an approved body. The approved body is concerned to establish that the model submitted for approval meets the essential requirements, and in so doing may, if the harmonised standard is inappropriate, have regard to other appropriate tests.

  Supervisory Bodies
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give full publicity to the arrangements offered by supervisory bodies seeking recognition under the Companies Act 1989; and if he will give the public an opportunity to comment on the acceptability of such arrangements.

  Mr. Redwood
  My right hon. Friend can give no undertakings to publicise the details of any application he receives, since this would rule out the possibility of a body including information supplied in confidence in its application. He will, however, carry out such consultation as he thinks necessary to enable him to reach a view on an application. He will take into account any comments he receives.

  Rechem International
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will take steps to instigate an inquiry under the Companies Acts of alleged insider dealing in the shares of Rechem International.

  Mr. Redwood
  The power to appoint inspectors to investigate possible insider dealing offences is in section 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986.

  The surveillance division of the stock exchange looks at cases of price movements before price-sensitive announcements, and where appropriate it passes information to my Department for consideration of whether further investigation, in particular by the appointment of inspectors, is desirable. Such appointments are not normally announced.

  Newspaper Acquisitions
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many applications have been made for newspaper acquisitions under the terms of the Fair Trading Act 1973 since 19 December 1980; and how many of these were refused.

  Mr. Redwood
  Since 19 December 1980, decisions have been taken on 66 applications. Sixty-two consents have been given, of which two were given conditionally.

  A number of applications have also been received which have been withdrawn before any final decision has been taken.

  Carbon Technology
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the Government's policy on the export to eastern European countries of carbon technology with regard to filtration systems for emissions from industrial processes.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 24 January 1990]: The Government's policy is to encourage export of goods and technology which do not give rise to strategic or other concerns. Applications for export licences are considered case by case on their merits.

  BOM Holdings plc
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he will make a statement about BOM Holdings plc and the extent to which his Department is monitoring the company under the Companies Acts;

  (2) what representations he has received about proposed land sale transactions and other activities by BOM Holdings plc in the past three months; and if he intends any action in respect of this company.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 25 January 1990]: BOM Holdings plc has not filed its first accounts by the due date, 31 August 1989, nor has it filed an annual return due on 1 November 1989. The Registrar of Companies is taking appropriate action.

  My Department has received a number of representations about the company's recent activities including a contract for the sale of an area of land which is a major asset. We are considering urgently whether action is appropriate, but I cannot indicate whether any action will be taken.

  Somalia
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what commodities the British Government trade with Somalia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]: The British Government do not trade with Somalia. Trade by United Kingdom companies with Somalia is published in the "Overseas Trade Statistics" book held in the House of Commons Library.

WALES

  Special Educational Needs
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the most recent figure for the number of pupils and students with statements of special educational needs in Wales.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  At January 1989, there were 11,742 pupils in Wales with statements of special educational needs under the Education Act 1981.

  Felinheli Bypass
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales following his recent announcement of his intentions to upgrade land communications in north Wales, what is the latest estimate for the commencement date for work on the Felinheli bypass; and what is the target date for this road to be open.

  Mr. Wyn Roberts
  The A487 Felinheli bypass is programmed to start early in the period April 1991-March 1994. Construction is expected to take about two years.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.
  9
  Mr. Grist
  The Department operates a "no smoking" policy which aims to provide a smoke-free environment for the health and comfort of all staff. Smoking is mainly restricted to special designated areas where those who wish to smoke are free to do so. The policy is working well.

  Wintech
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency; and if he will raise the future status, staffing and funding of Wintech.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  I meet regularly with the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency to discuss matters concerning the whole range of its activities, including the work of its technology development arm, which is now known as Welsh Development Technology.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he proposes to make any changes to his Department's cash limits in the current year.

  Mr. Peter Walker
  Yes, the cash limit for class XVII, vote 2, regional and industrial development Wales, is being reduced by £3 million from £89,448,000 to £86,448,000 in order to take account of lower than expected demand in the current financial year for regional enterprise grant. At the same time gross expenditure by the Welsh Development Agency is being increased by a similar amount to allow it to retain an additional £3 million of grant in aid receipts.

  The cash limit for class XVII, vote 8, hospital and community health services, etc., Wales, is being reduced by £600,000 from £835,510,00 to £834,910,000. This will meet the Welsh share of the additional assistance to be paid from class XIV, vote 3, to haemophiliacs infected with HIV, as announced by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Health on 23 November 1989 at columns 11–12.

  Finally, a token Supplementary Estimate will shortly be presented for class XVII, vote 13. A parliamentary answer giving full details of the cost of water privatisation will be given soon.

  NHS
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the total cost of staging the one-day conference, "Strategic Intent and Direction for the National Health Service in Wales", held on 17 November 1989 at the Angel hotel, Cardiff.

  Mr. Grist
  [holding answer 25 January 1990]: The total cost of preparing for and staging this major conference of 260 delegates was £21,000, with a further £4,600 spent on the production of materials which are continuing to be used. Of the total cost, £3,000 was met from the Department's NHS budget, and the balance from the Department's publicity budget.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Archaeological Site, Ballycarry
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the significance of the archaeological site at Bridgend road, Ballycarry, Co. Antrim.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  The site is regarded as of great archaeological importance. It is a circular enclosure, recognised from aerial photography and interpreted as an ecclesiastical settlement of the early Christian period (5th to 12th centuries AD). Such enclosures are not common in Northern Ireland.

  Early 19th century records of human remains and stone-lined graves confirm the presence of an early graveyard within the enclosure.

  A medieval parish church was recorded on the site in 1306 AD. The ruins of a later church, built in 1622 AD, still stand within the enclosure and have been scheduled for protection under the Historic Monuments Act (Northern Ireland) 1971.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to excavate the archaeological site at Templecorran, Bridgend road, Ballycarry, Co. Antrim.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  There are no such plans.

  Archaeological Excavations
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the Department of the Environment (historic buildings and ancient monuments branch) receives as an annual budget for archaeological excavations.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  In the 1989–1990 financial year, the Department of the Environment's historic monuments and buildings branch budget for archaeological excavations and related work was £103,400.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on cash and running cost limits for the Northern Ireland departmental services and the Northern Ireland Office in 1989–90.

  Mr. Cope
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary associated Supplementary Estimates, it is proposed that the cash limit for the Northern Ireland Office (NIO1) will be increased by £12,660,000 from £625,649,000 to £638,309,000. This increase reflects a transfer of £12,240,000 from the cash limit for Northern Ireland Departments (NID1) and an increase of £420,000 for capital carryover from 1988–89 under end-year flexibility arrrangements.

  The cash limit for NI departmental services (NID1) for 1989–90 will be decreased by £0·8 million from £2707·1 million to £2706·3 million. This change reflects the transfer to NIO1, and a reduction of £0·2 million to cover NI's contribution to the Macfarlane Trust in respect of haemophiliacs who have become infected with HIV, as announced on 23 November 1989 at column 11–12, offset by increases of £7·7 million for Health Service pay, £2·1 million for capital carryover from 1988–89 under the

  11
  end-year flexibility arrangements, £2·1 million for the beef special premium scheme (offset by a reduction in the cash limit for the Intervention Board of Agricultural Produce—class IV, vote 2—as announced on 23 May 1989 at column 473) and £0·7 million transferred from the Department of Social Security for administration costs relating to social security operations undertaken on an agency basis in NI (offset by a reduction of the same amount in the cash limit for DSS class XV vote 7).

  The net increase resulting from these changes will be charged to the reserve.

  The running cost limit for NIO and NI Departments will be decreased by £3,730,000 from £543,030,000 to £539,300,000 reflecting efficiency savings emerging, notably in the prisons sector, and other easements resulting from variations in estimated demand.

  Enrolment (January)

  PrimarySchool

  1989

  1980

  1975

  Date of Opening/Closure (where applicable)

  1.Controlled

  Londonderry Model

  336

  266

  310

  —

  —

  Ebrington

  553

  525

  520

  —

  —

  Groarty

  41

  63

  70

  —

  —

  Culmore

  52

  63

  47

  —

  —

  Ballougry

  39

  22

  32

  —

  —

  Kilaloo-Cumber

  97

  94

  74

  —

  —

  Drumahoe

  230

  260

  297

  —

  —

  Maydown

  96

  97

  128

  —

  —

  Eglinton

  225

  181

  211

  —

  —

  Newbuildings

  319

  345

  378

  —

  —

  Straidarran

  67

  67

  74

  —

  —

  Strathfoyle

  70

  205

  277

  —

  —

  Greenlaw

  240

  213

  192

  Opened

  4 October 1971

  FortJames

  226

  233

  210

  Opened

  4 September 1973

  Lisnagelvin

  563

  510

  —

  Opened

  4 January 1978

  Lisdillon

  —

  —

  —

  Closed

  31 August 1973

  Killymallaght

  —

  —

  —

  Closed

  31 August 1973

  2.Maintained

  St.Eugene's Convent Senior

  332

  285

  308

  —

  —

  St.Eugene's Convent Infants

  226

  226

  291

  —

  —

  The Cathedral

  25

  40

  54

  —

  —

  Carlisle Road

  62

  62

  62

  —

  —

  Rosemount

  441

  466

  750

  —

  —

  First Derry

  52

  57

  48

  —

  —

  Nazareth House Convent

  413

  402

  369

  —

  —

  Holy Child

  476

  506

  596

  —

  —

  Hollybush

  184

  143

  158

  —

  —

  Glendermott

  167

  200

  201

  —

  —

  Cumber Upper

  28

  44

  42

  —

  —

  St.Patrick's Boys

  319

  368

  506

  —

  —

  St.Patrick's Girls

  307

  337

  473

  —

  —

  St.Patrick's Infants

  416

  426

  585

  —

  —

  Craigbrack

  83

  69

  59

  —

  —

  Broadbridge

  171

  144

  139

  —

  —

  St.Mary's

  120

  124

  169

  —

  —

  Listress

  38

  42

  49

  —

  —

  Mullabuoy

  164

  248

  264

  —

  —

  St.John's

  675

  657

  902

  Opened

  1 September 1971

  St.Anne's

  743

  686

  497

  Opened

  1 May 1972

  Central Claudy

  326

  371

  417

  Opened

  1 September 1972

  Steelstown

  706

  921

  1,060

  Opened

  10 April 1972

  Carnhill

  537

  812

  309

  Opened

  2 September 1974

  St.Oliver Plunkett

  206

  252

  295

  Opened

  7 January 1975

  Slievemore

  722

  696

  —

  Opened

  1 September 1977

  St.Columba's

  102

  164

  —

  Opened

  1 September 1977

  Trench Road

  405

  493

  —

  Opened

  1 April 1979

  Dungiven Road

  423

  —

  —

  Opened

  18 March 1980

  Lenamore

  478

  —

  —

  Opened

  1 September 1983

  Chapel Road

  187

  —

  —

  Opened

  18 March 1980

  Holy Family

  656

  —

  —

  Opened

  1 September 1987

  Longtower

  559

  —

  —

  Opened

  1 September 1988

  Waterside Girls

  —

  n/a

  568

  Closed

  31 March 1980

  Christchurch

  —

  —

  88

  Closed

  31 August 1975

  Primary Schools, Londonderry
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table in the Official Report to show for each primary school in the Londonderry council area for the latest available year (a) the number of children, (b) whether the school is controlled, or maintained or voluntary, indicating what the figures were for each school in 1980, 1975 and 1970; which schools have closed and the date of closure since 1970; and which schools were first opened with the date of opening since 1970.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 23 January 1990]: Information on enrolments in 1970 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The other information requested is as follows:
  13

  Enrolment (January)

  PrimarySchool

  1989

  1980

  1975

  Date of Opening/Closure (where applicable)

  Rossdowney

  —

  —

  226

  Closed

  31 December 1977

  Clooney

  —

  —

  300

  Closed

  21 December 1977

  Brow-of-the-Hill

  —

  —

  201

  Closed

  31 August 1976

  Waterside boys

  —

  n/a

  655

  Closed

  31 August 1980

  Aghakillymaude

  —

  —

  25

  Closed

  31 August 1976

  Rossnagallagh

  —

  —

  121

  Closed

  31 August 1977

  Enagh

  —

  —

  —

  Closed

  31 August 1974

  3. Voluntary 1

  St. Joseph's Convent

  —

  —

  129

  Closed

  31 August 1975

  St. Columb's Convent Infants

  —

  58

  130

  Closed

  31 August 1985

  1 There are no voluntary primary schools in the area at present.

  n/a = Not available.

  Brandywell Stadium
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sums of public money have been spent on the Brandywell stadium in Londonderry; and for what purposes in each of the last 10 years.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 23 January 1990]: In the 1988–89 and 1989–90 financial years, grant of £50,000 and £100,000 respectively was paid to Derry city council by the Department of Education towards costs incurred on construction works associated with terracing and stand facilities for spectators, floodlighting and related health and safety works.

  Football Membership Scheme
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to impose card membership of football supporters in Northern Ireland.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 23 January 1990]: I have no such plans.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Soviet Foreign Minister
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met the Soviet Foreign Minister; and what was discussed.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met Mr. Shevardnadze on 19 December and they discussed bilateral relations, human rights and the full range of East-West issues.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his latest assessment of the potential of exploiting hydrocarbons around the Falkland Islands.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Seismic surveys were carried out in the waters around the Falkland Islands in the 1970s. The results were commercially confidential and thus do not allow us to make any assessment of the potential for the exploitation of hydrocarbons.

  Nepal
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions in 1989 the Government approached the King of Nepal concerning violations of human rights in that land.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  We have several times raised British concerns with Nepalese Ministers and officials. These matters are not however, normally discussed at the level of Heads of State.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Nepal concerning conditions in Nepalese prisons and detention centres and the continued use of torture and ill-treatment of Christians.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  None. The Nepalese Government are well aware of our concern about cases involving Christians, about which we have approached them many times.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Nepalese authorities concerning the detainees held without trial in Nepal for up to three years under the Public Security Act.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The Nepalese Government are well aware of our concerns about human rights issues. We note that recent legislation has reduced the maximum period for detention without trial to 18 months.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government have done to bring to the attention of the United Nations the continued violation of human rights in Nepal.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  We express British concerns as and when necessary to the Nepalese Government.

  Postage Stamps (Cyprus)
  Mr. Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he will take, including representations to the Turkish Government, with respect to the issuing by the authorities in Turkish-occupied Cyprus of postage stamps which depict the royal family.

  Mr. Maude
  We are drawing the attention of the Turkish Cypriot authorities to the unauthorised use of the royal image on a recent stamp issue.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Since early 1989 a smoking policy has been in force in all FCO and ODA premises which prohibits smoking at meetings, in shared offices (except with the consent of all occupants) and in most common areas. The aim of the policy is to provide smoke-free working conditions for all staff who want them.

  Arms Control and Disarmament
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to invite a representative from(a) the Verification Technology Information Centre, (b) the British-American Security Information Council, (c) the Defence Fax Organisation and (d) the European Proliferation Information Centre to participate in the next meeting of his ad hoc Advisory Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Verification Technology Information Centre and the European Proliferation Information Centre receive invitations to attend the Minister of State's bi-annual meetings with nongovernmental organisations interested in arms control and disarmament issues. These meetings have superseded for NGOs the Advisory Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament, which has been in abeyance since 1987. There has been no recent contact with the British-American Security Information Council and none with the Defence Fax Organisation.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his ad hoc Advisory Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament last met; what subjects were discussed; and which individuals and organisations participated.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Minister of State's Advisory Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament last met on 30 April 1987. The subjects discussed were as follows: the public presentation of the Government's arms control and defence policies, the prospects for an INF agreement, United Kingdom arms sales, the East-West balance in conventional and chemical forces, nuclear deterrence and arms control, prospects for a chemical weapons convention, and public perceptions of the various areas of arms control. Those participating included academics, religious leaders, journalists, and members of NGOs involved with arms control and disarmament issues.

  Since then, a series of briefing and discussion meetings for non-governmental organisations interested in arms control has been held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which I have chaired.

  Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to include discussion of policy developments in regard to the 16
  forthcoming fourth review conference of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty during meetings with his counterparts from foreign ministries abroad in the period leading up to the review conference in August.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  It is already our policy to take every appropriate opportunity to discuss this issue at suitable levels in our contacts with other foreign ministries.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to place the forthcoming fourth review conference of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and the development of United Kingdom policies for this conference on the agenda for the next meeting of his ad hoc Advisory Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The question of United Kingdom policy at the forthcoming review conference of the non-proliferation treaty is one that is discussed at the regular bi-annual meetings between the Minister of State and a wide range of non-governmental organisations interested in arms control and disarmament. These meetings superseded for the NGOs the Advisory Panel on Arms Control and Disarmament, which has been in abeyance since 1987.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the present total of states that are recognised by the United Kingdom which have both signed and ratified the 1968 Nuclear non-proliferation treaty; and how many additional states not recognised by the United Kingdom have(a) signed and (b) ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  There are 139 states recognised by Her Majesty's Government which have signed and ratified the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT), or which have acceded to the Treaty since it came into force. In addition, Taiwan and North Korea, which are not recognised as states by Her Majesty's Government, are parties to the treaty. There are no states which have signed but not ratified the treaty.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he proposes to make any changes in his Department's diplomatic wing cash limits and running cost limits for 1989–90.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The cash limit for class II, vote 1 (overseas representation) will be increased by £24,327,000 from £453,770,000 to £478,097,000. In addition, the running costs limit on vote 1 will be increased by £14,146,000 from £434,521,000 to £448,667,000. These changes reflect increased costs due to the introduction of new visa regimes in Turkey and the Mahgreb, and the adverse effect of overseas price movements.

  The cash limit for class I, vote 2 (other external relations) will increase by £3,573,000 from £171,499,000 to £175,072,000. This takes account of increased costs on ONUCA, Mozambique military training and higher than forecast expenditure on our contributions to international organisations due to the adverse effect of overseas price movements.

  The cash limit for class II, vote 4 (the British Council) will increase by £285,000 from £64,111,000 to £64,396,000 to take account of the adverse effect of overseas price movements.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department has compiled a list of all known sea and land-based disposal sites for surplus and redundant chemical weapon stocks; and what proportions, by total volume of chemical agents, have been disposed of at current or former Ministry of Defence sites.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Procurement on 25 January 1989 at column 653.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Betting Offices
  Dr. Woodcock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to allow amusement with prizes machines in licensed betting offices.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  We have no such plans at present.

  Dr. Woodcock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to amend the law to allow evening opening of licensed betting offices.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I refer my hon. Friend to my reply on 17 January to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Langbaurgh (Mr. Holt) at column 272.

  Drugs
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the estimated value of illegally imported drugs into the United Kingdom in 1989.

  Mr. Mellor
  The clandestine nature of the illicit traffic in controlled drugs has made it impossible to obtain a reliable estimate of the amount imported into the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his assessment of the progress being made in the United Kingdom to combat drug abuse and dealing.

  Mr. Mellor
  The Government give the highest priority to tackling both the demand for and the supply of drugs. The ministerial group on the misuse of drugs, which I chair, co-ordinates and monitors regularly progress in implementing our strategy for combating the misuse of and traffic in drugs.

  Recent developments have included: introducing provisions in the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation) Bill to enable the United Kingdom to ratify the new United Nations convention against illicit drug trafficking; organising, in association with the United Nations, a world ministerial summit to reduce the demand for drugs and to combat the cocaine threat, to be held in London next April; increasing, from £2 million a year to £3 million in 1990–91, the Home Office programme of overseas drug-related law enforcement assistance to producer and transit countries and providing an emergency package of drug-related assistance to Colombia; providing £1 million for a central fund to meet
  18
  some of the additional costs of overseas drugs investigations by the police and rewards to major informants; tightening domestic controls with the addition of buprenorphine and pemoline to the list of drugs controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; deterring drug traffickers by the confiscation of assets—so far, some £16 million has been ordered to be confiscated from convicted drug traffickers; requiring, under the science part of the national curriculum, all primary and secondary schools to provide education about the harmful effects of drugs, and in addition making available continued grant support for local education authority drugs education co-ordinators and in-service teacher training on drugs; increasing to over £18 million earmarked funding for drug treatment and rehabilitation services.

  Data Protection Act
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the progress made by the team reviewing the Data Protection Act.

  Mr. Mellor
  The committee has made substantial progress since last summer when the Data Protection Registrar reported on the outcome of his consultations about the operation of the Act. I expect it to report to my right hon. and learned Friend in the next few months.

  Oil Trading Frauds
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many oil trading frauds are being investigated by the fraud divisions of(a) the Metropolitan police and (b) the City of London police; and whether any other police forces are involved.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and the Commissioner of Police for the City of London that the figures are(a) nine and (b) none. No other police forces are known to be involved in any of the cases under investigation.

  Prison Sanitation
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many prison cells will be without sanitation on completion of the current integral sanitation programme;

  (2) what effect the provision of integral sanitation in prisons has had on the number of cells available;

  (3) what effect the provision of integral sanitation will have on future prison cell accommodation;

  (4) whether he has any plans to provide integral sanitation for those prison cells not included in the current integral sanitation programme.

  Mr. Waddington
  It is not possible to answer these questions with precision. All new prisons built or planned since 1979 have integral sanitation. Major refurbishments under way or planned for existing establishments will reduce the number of cells without access to sanitation by over 7,000. The effect of this on the number of cells ultimately available will depend on whether the refurbishment involves the addition of sanitary annexes or the installation of toilets and hand basins in individual cells; this has not yet been decided in many cases.

  In addition, there is an on-going programme to instal toilets and hand basins in individual cells where major

  19
  refurbishment is not planned. When this on-going programme was announced in February 1989, 6,500 cells had been identified as suitable for this type of conversion. This programme is kept under continuous review, and the number of cells identified has now risen to over 8,000. The effect on availability of cells will be very temporary and will involve small numbers at any one time, because the conversions are fitted into each establishment's normal works programme.

  Completion of the programme described will reduce the number of cells without access to sanitation to fewer than 7,000 by the end of the century. This number may be further reduced by closure of some establishments if the prison population remains stable.

  Green Goddess Fleet
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many qualified mechanics are employed in servicing the green goddess fire appliance fleet based at Bruntingthorpe aerodrome;

  (2) what inspection system his Department has introduced to check the quality of maintenance of work carried out on the green goddess fire appliance fleet by private contractors;

  (3) what steps are taken to ensure that the green goddess fire appliance fleet, based at Bruntingthorpe aerodrome, is being properly serviced.

  Mr. John Patten
  Under interim arrangements, five qualified mechanics, supported by two labourers, are employed in servicing the appliances currently based at Bruntingthorpe, and the work is overseen by a Home

  Number of seizures (and weight in grams) of "crack" in 1989 by police region in which seized and month of analysis

  August

  September

  October

  November

  December

  Police region

  Seizures

  Weight

  Seizures

  Weight

  Seizures

  Weight

  Seizures

  Weight

  Seizures

  Weight

  1.Greater Manchester Merseyside Lancashire North Wales

  3

  (3·21)

  1

  (0·79)

  4

  (1·64)

  4

  (1·41)

  —

  —

  2. North East

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3. Nottinghamshire South Yorkshire West Yorkshire

  3

  (25·21)

  —

  —

  1

  (trace)

  4

  (5·45)

  2

  (0·65)

  4. West Midlands

  4

  (3·39)

  2

  (0·07)

  —

  —

  1

  (2·03)

  —

  —

  5. Essex

  2

  (0·11)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  (0·35)

  6. Surrey

  —

  —

  1

  (trace)

  1

  (trace)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7. Avon and Somerset Dorset

  6

  (1·07)

  4

  (8·71)

  1

  (0·33)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8. South Wales

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9. Metropolitan Police

  16

  (11·84)

  —

  —

  15

  (9·57)

  14

  (12·69)

  110

  (1·40)

  10. Scotland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  11. Northern Ireland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 Includes one seizure of 0·2 gram by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise analysed by the Laboratory of the Government Chemist. Crack is not generally imported but produced in the United Kingdom from cocaine.

  Forensic Pathology
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to implement the recommendation in paragraph 3·32 of the Gordon
  20
  Office official on site. It is planned to support inspection procedures by the appointment of permanent quality assurance officers.

  Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to improve arrangements for emergency procedures in the event of a fire at Bruntingthorpe aerodrome in respect of departmental equipment.

  Mr. John Patten
  Due consideration has been given to arrangements for fire safety in the temporary accommodation at Bruntingthorpe, and relevant advice has been sought from the Leicestershire fire brigade.

  Crack
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state(a) the street value, (b) the amount and (c) the city or town of seizure of crack seized in Britain for each month in 1989.

  Mr. Mellor
  Information is not available in the form requested by the hon. Member. In 1989, a provisional total of 139 seizures of crack, amounting to approximately 243g and with an estimated street value of £24,380, were reported to the national drugs intelligence unit.

  Provisional forensic science service figures for the number and weight of seizures, by police region and month of analysis, are set out below. This breakdown is not available for earlier months than August 1989.

  Wasserman report on forensic pathology that he should fund a number of lectureships in forensic pathology and forensic medicine; and if he will make a statement.
  21
  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The Home Office has only recently received the last of the replies from organisations which were invited to comment on the report of the working party on forensic pathology. We shall be considering all the working party's recommendations, including that contained in paragraph 3.32, shortly.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Waddington
  The Department's policy is to discourage smoking in its premises and wherever possible

  Young Offender Institutions

  Establishments

  1987–88 Total student hours

  Average weekly student hours 1987–88

  1988–89 Total student hours

  Average weekly student hours 1988–89

  1989–90 Total student hours

  Average weekly student hours 1989–901

  Midland Region

  Aylesbury

  27,914

  536·8

  44,164

  849·3

  27,729

  924·3

  Glen Parva

  107,582

  2,068·8

  127,606

  2,453·9

  76,098

  2,536·6

  Onley

  54,214

  1,042·5

  54,582

  1,049·6

  29,919

  997·3

  Swinfen Hall

  34,371

  660·9

  32,169

  618·6

  21,772

  725·7

  Wellingborough

  49,907

  959·7

  55,949

  1,075·9

  32,776

  1,092·5

  Whatton

  —

  —

  74,460

  1,431·9

  28,824

  960·8

  Hewell Grange

  34,131

  656·3

  31,409

  604·0

  21,977

  732·5

  Lowdham Grange

  69,031

  1,327·5

  69,178

  1,330·3

  30,111

  1,003·7

  South East Region

  Bullwood Hall

  18,902

  363·5

  19,890

  382·5

  12,375

  412·5

  Dover

  44,263

  851·2

  29,799

  573·0

  14,648

  488·2

  Feltham

  54,381

  1,045·7

  56,854

  1,093·0

  26,439

  881·3

  Hollesley Bay

  67,856

  1,304·9

  57,141

  1,098·8

  29,860

  995·3

  Huntercomber/Fin Wood

  61,723

  1,1869

  84,703

  1,628·9

  47,950

  1,598·3

  Mount

  —

  —

  50,023

  961·9

  34,184

  1,139·4

  Rochester

  25,584

  492·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South West Region

  Campsfield House

  5,773

  111·0

  14,675

  282·2

  13,900

  463·3

  Erlestoke

  20,750

  399·0

  35,373

  680·0

  28,256

  941·8

  Portland

  52,496

  1,009·5

  66,949

  1,287·4

  42,458

  1,415·2

  Eastwood Park

  —

  —

  42,214

  811·8

  20,238

  674·6

  Haslar

  —

  —

  19,551

  375·9

  11,088

  369·6

  Usk

  —

  —

  49,915

  959·9

  26,487

  882·9

  Guys Marsh

  26,626

  512·0

  21,927

  421·6

  9,800

  326·6

  North Region

  Castington

  58,251

  1,120·2

  48,060

  924·2

  36,450

  1,215·0

  Deerbolt

  97,726

  1,879·3

  83,983

  1,615·0

  53,889

  1,796·3

  Everthorpe

  106,636

  2,050·6

  88,661

  1,705·0

  54,104

  1,803·4

  Northallerton

  54,046

  1,039·3

  45,558

  876·1

  38,241

  1,274·7

  Stoke Heath

  90,033

  1,731·4

  75,070

  1,443·6

  44,133

  1,471·1

  Werrington

  40,207

  773·2

  34,760

  668·4

  19,904

  663·4

  Wetherby

  53,690

  1,032·5

  41,591

  799·8

  29,516

  983·8

  Buckley Hall

  58,550

  1,125·9

  48,365

  930·0

  30,419

  1,013·9

  Kirklevington

  42,884

  824·6

  32,618

  652·3

  11,468

  382·2

  Hatfield

  47,414

  911·8

  40,594

  780·6

  25,695

  856·5

  Thorn Cross

  75,007

  1,442·4

  66,058

  1,270·3

  38,590

  1,286·3

  1 To date.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average number of prisoner-hours of education per week in each remand centre in 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89 and to date in 1989–90.
  22
  to establish a non-smoking environment; in particular, smoking is prohibited in conference rooms, lifts and toilets. Consideration is being given to what further measures might be taken to reinforce this policy.

  Prisoners (Education)
  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the average number of prisoner-hours of education per week in each young offender institution in 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89 and to date in 1989–90.

  Mr. Waddington
  The figures requested are shown in the following table for 1987–88 onwards. Statistics for the period 1986–87 are not readily available in the same form as those quoted for later years.

  Mr. Waddington
  The figures requested are shown on the schedule for 1987–88 onwards. Statistics for the period 1986–87 are not readily available in the same form as those quoted for later years.
  23

  Remand Centres

  Establishments

  1987–88 total student hours

  Average weekly student hours 1987–88

  1988–89 total student hours

  Average weekly student hours 1988–89

  1989–90 total student hours

  Average weekly student hours 1989–901

  South West Region

  Pucklechurch

  36,845

  708·5

  30,646

  589·3

  14,862

  495·4

  North Region

  Low Newton

  104,656

  2,012·6

  84,509

  1,625·1

  66,269

  2,208·9

  Hindley

  72,187

  1,388·2

  57,692

  1,109·4

  51,423

  1,714·1

  Risky

  34,804

  669·3

  27,960

  537·6

  19,973

  665·7

  Midland Region

  Brockhill

  24,923

  479·2

  29,423

  565·8

  20,320

  677·3

  South East Region

  Ashford

  11,752

  225·4

  9,340

  179·6

  34,185

  1,139·5

  Brixton

  15,616

  300·3

  35,892

  690·2

  32,164

  1,072·1

  Latchmere House

  36,496

  701·8

  40,452

  777·9

  18,868

  628·9

  1 To date.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total expenditure on prison education in the most recent available year and the three years previously; how much of the increase is attributable to inflation; and to what extent the increase is accounted for by educational provision at new prisons.

  Mr. Waddington
  Total expenditure on education in prison establishments for the most recent year available and the previous three years was as follows:

  £ million

  1988–89

  25·2

  1987–88

  21·4

  1986–87

  18·9

  1985–86

  21·4

  Between 1985–86 and 1988–89, the effect of inflation was £3·5 million: during the same period, £1·1 million was spent on providing education facilities at new prisons.

  Horses (Tethering)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to make the tethering of horses a criminal offence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Horses are already protected against cruelty generally by the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and against cruel tethering, in particular, by the Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act 1988. We have no plans to introduce legislation to make all tethering unlawful.

  Police Manpower
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance is given to police forces on mutual aid rates charged between neighbouring forces for seconded manpower; and what is the average mutual aid rate in England.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Home Office circular 38/89 entitled "Financial arrangements for mutual aid" was issued to all clerks to police authorities and chief officers of police in England and Wales on 28 April 1989. I have arranged for a copy of the circular to be placed in the Library.

  Information on mutual aid payments between police authorities is not held centrally, and it is not possible to say
  24
  what the average mutual aid rate is for England. This would vary according to the type of aid given and whether the police authorities concerned followed the circular or agreed other arrangements.

  Game Licences
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the estimated cost to public funds of administering the sale of game licences in each of the years from 1981–82 to 1988–89, inclusive.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]: Until 1988, the cost of administering the sale of both game licences and dog licences fell as a single item to the Department of the Environment, so no separate figure for game licences is available. For the years 1988–89 and 1989–90, during which the Home Office has been responsible for administering the sale of game licences, the costs were £162,809 and £172,406.

  Illegal Drugs
  Mr. Benn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has on exports from the United Kingdom of chemicals used in the production of(a) cocaine and (b) other illegal drugs; and what licences are required for the export of such chemicals.

  Mr. Mellor
  I have been asked to reply.

  Since 1971, trade in selected chemicals has been monitored under arrangements made between the Home Office, the law enforcement authorities and industry. Exports, imports and transhipments of chemicals destined for illicit processing of drugs in the amphetamine group have been detected; but more recently a number of consignments for possible use in the illicit production of cocaine have been identified.

  Although licences are not required for the export of such chemicals, which have wide, legitimate industrial use, the Government's plans for placing the monitoring arrangements on a statutory footing, contained in the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Bill published on 30 November 1989, will strengthen the attack on the illicit manufacture of drugs.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Director of Public Prosecutions
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Attorney-General when he last met the Director of Public Prosecutions; and what matters were discussed.

  The Attorney-General
  I meet frequently with the Director of Public Prosecutions to discuss matters of departmental interest.

  Lenient Sentences
  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases he has referred to the Court of Appeal for review of overlenient sentences; how many of these have resulted in increases in the sentence; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave today to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall).

  County Courts
  Mr. French
  To ask the Attorney-General if he has any plans to improve the administration of cases in the county court.

  The Attorney-General
  The Lord Chancellor has embarked upon a wide-ranging series of reforms which will improve the administration of cases in the county court. He has already announced his intention to increase the number of staff in the court service by around 350 during the next financial year, and subsequently by up to around a further 100 during the transitional period while the new initiatives are being introduced. In addition, a computerised summons production centre, which will improve service to plaintiffs, began operations last week. By the end of 1990, the centre expects to have issued 800,000 summonses. This initiative, when fully operational, together with the curtailment of the county court banking function which takes place in about eight weeks' time, will release staff time savings equivalent to around 350 posts. This injection of resources and release of staff time will take place during 1990–91 and will put the courts in a strong position to implement, from 1991 onwards, the proposals flowing from the civil justice review, which include greater openness between parties and speedier case progression, and the provisions of the Children Act 1989.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Attorney-General how many people received legal aid(a) in 1979 and (b) in 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The information at present available is as follows: 190,677 civil legal aid certificates (including those relating to summary jurisdiction) were issued in 1979–80. A total of 247,117 civil legal aid certificates were issued in 1988–89.

  In 1980–81 assistance by way of representation substantially replaced summary jurisdiction certificates. In 1988–89, 69,503 ABWOR applications were granted.

  In 1979 387,581 applications for criminal legal aid were granted (excluding the House of Lords). In 1988, the comparable figure was 616,366.
  26
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Attorney-General what is(a) the highest and (b) the lowest sum paid to an individual receiving legal aid in the past year; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  Legal aid is paid to lawyers rather than their clients. The highest sums paid in respect of a single defendant in a criminal case in the Crown court during the last 12 months were £82,897·72 for a solicitor and £47,788·25 for counsel. Similar figures for civil legal aid and magistrates courts proceedings are not kept in the form requested.

  House of Fraser
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the progress of consideration by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the director of the Serious Fraud Office on the inspectors' report on the takeover of the House of Fraser.

  The Attorney-General: The investigation has been concluded save for certain inquiries outside our own jurisdiction. I hope that a conclusion will be reached shortly.

  City Fraud
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Attorney-General when he next expects to meet the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding City fraud; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  Matters relating to City fraud are usually dealt with by the director of the Serious Fraud Office. I meet him frequently to discuss issues of departmental interest, and expect to do so shortly.

  Stuart William Ross
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will reconsider his decision not to seek a longer sentence of imprisonment upon Stuart William Ross who was convicted of killing unlawfully and with premeditation Miss Emma Worthington at Woolacombe in June 1989.

  The Attorney-General
  I have considered the case again, but I am satisfied that my decision is correct.

  Tribunals and Inquiries (Costs)
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask The Attorney-General if he will give favourable consideration to the proposal that the legal costs of determining issues of general public importance in tribunals and public inquiries should be paid for out of public funds.

  The Attorney-General
  Tribunals and public inquiries can be set up in a variety of ways. So far as ad hoc tribunals and inquiries are concerned (for example, into major accidents) the Government already pay the administrative costs. So far as the costs of legal representation of parties to any inquiry are concerned, where the Government have a discretion they always take careful account of the recommendations on costs of the tribunal or inquiry concerned. In general, the Government accept the need to pay out of public funds the reasonable costs of any necessary party to the inquiry who would be prejudiced in seeking representation were he in any doubt about funds becoming available. The Government do not accept that the costs of substantial bodies should be met from public funds unless there are special circumstances.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask The Attorney-General what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  The Attorney-General
  No specific provision is made, in the offices and other places of the Departments for which I am responsible, for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers. However, arrangements are made to ensure that, as far as is practicable, a smoking member of any of the Departments concerned (legal secretariat to the Law Officers, Treasury Solicitor's Department, Crown prosecution service and Serious Fraud Office) does not share office accommodation with a non-smoker, and so that those who smoke may do so without harm or irritation to others. Smoking in common areas is generally discouraged.

  Children's Ombudsman
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask The Attorney-General if he will make a statement about Government plans to appoint a children's ombudsman to deal with cases of parental custody and kidnapping.

  The Attorney-General
  The Government have no such plans.

  Conciliation Services
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask The Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the future of the conciliation services.

  The Attorney-General
  It is premature to reach a view on the future of the conciliation services until it is clear what appropriate role conciliation might play in any possible new divorce process. The Law Commission is presently reviewing the law on divorce and is expected to present its report later this year. Meanwhile, the Law Commission's discussion paper "Facing the Future", and the report published by Newcastle university in April 1989 on the cost and effectiveness of conciliation, are under detailed consideration.

  Paul Malone
  Mr. Terry Fields
  To ask The Attorney-General if, pursuant to the reply in the Official Report, column 431, on 19 January, document DHH/1 is included in the five reports already processed by the Director of Public Prosecutions; and if this document can be released to Paul Malone's legal representative so that further forensic tests can be done on this original document.

  The Attorney-General
  As I indicated to the hon. Member in my answer of 19 January at column 431, the DPP is still considering all six reports. It would therefore not be appropriate to release the document DHH/1 to Paul Malone's legal representative.

  Public Record Office
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask The Attorney-General whether any changes have been made to the class XX, vote 11, cash limit and running costs limit for the Public Record Office.

  The Attorney-General
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the 28
  cash limit for class XX, vote 11 will be increased by £238,000 from £16,332,000 to £16,570,000. This increase will be charged to the reserve. The increase arises as a result of additional costs incurred in respect of retirement and dismissal compensation, audit costs and a VAT surcharge.

  The running costs limit for the Public Record Office will as a result also be increased by £238,000 from £14,610,000 to £14,848,000.

  Lord Chancellor's Department
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask The Attorney-General whether any changes will be made to the Lord Chancellor's Department's cash limit and running costs for 1989–90.

  The Attorney-General
  Yes. Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary supplementary estimate, the cash limit for the Lord Chancellor's Department, class XI, vote 5, will be increased by £11,798,000 from £248,480,000 to £260,278,000. This reflects mainly an increase of £11,000,000 to maintain progress on the court building programme and £1,500,000 to meet previously unexpected VAT on rents. The overall increase is partly offset by an increase in net recoveries from fees of £1,500,000. This net increase will be charged to the reserve.

  The Supplementary Estimate also gives effect to the transfer of £50,000 from the Home Office (class XI, vote 3) for the purchase of recording equipment to be used in the Crown court; a reorganisation of expenditure within the sub-heads; a grant in aid of £163,000 to the Council for Licensed Conveyancers; and the recovery of £50,000 from the Public Record Office (class XX vote 11) in respect of audit costs.

  The running costs limit for the Department will be increased by £165,000 from £238,334,000 to £238,499,000. This reflects the increase of £1,500,000 in respect of increased VAT on rents, partly offset by a reduction of £1,335,000 to compensate for an overspend in 1988–89.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Education Standards, EC
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if his Department has commissioned any research studies into education standards in the EEC; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Department has not commissioned any such studies and has no present plans to do so.

  Private Educational Establishments
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list by name the private educational establishments in England and Wales, stating the amount of public assistance, financial or otherwise, which each one receives.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Information about assistance from local education authorities to individual independent educational institutions is not collated centrally. Grants paid by the Department to independent educational institutions in England in the financial year 1988–89 were as set out below. In addition to these sums, fee remission and incidental expenses totalling £50·9 million were paid by the Department in support of 27,083 pupils holding
  29
  assisted places at 226 independent schools in England; and fee remission and incidental expenses totalling £3·7 million were paid in support of 509 pupils holding aided places under the music and ballet scheme at five independent specialist schools in England.

  Expenditure in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  DES Financial Assistance to Independent Educational Institutions, Financial Year 1988–89

  Expenditure £

  1. Capital Grants to Independent Colleges of Further Education Catering for Handicapped Students

  Queen Alexandra College, Birmingham Royal Institute for the Blind

  30,000

  2. Direct Grant Establishments

  Royal Hospital School, Holbrook

  6,104

  Edith Cadbury. Nursery School

  5,488

  Selly Oak Nursery School

  3,193

  3. Capital Grant paid under the Education (Grants) (Royal Ballet School) Regulations 1988

  Royal Ballet School

  250,000

  4. Capital Grants to Non-maintained Special Schools

  Birkdale

  787

  Burton Hill House

  9,969

  David Lewis

  3,141

  Dawn House

  60,739

  Lingfield Hospital

  28,310

  Mary Hare

  10,006

  Muntham House

  7,506

  St. Elizabeths

  72,550

  St. Francis

  48,682

  West of England

  7,820

  Student Maintenance
  Dr. Hampson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what percentage of student maintenance costs are borne by parental contributions currently; and what was the comparable proportion for 1979–80.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information is not available in the precise form requested.

  In 1987–88, the latest year for which figures are available, assessed contributions from parents, spouses and students themselves accounted for 40·4 per cent. of students' total assessed requirements under the mandatory awards arrangements. In 1979–80 the comparable figure was 20·5 per cent.

  How much in practice is contributed by parents and spouses is not known.

  Governing Bodies
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will identify by name and by size of governing body in each case only those colleges and polytechnics in the PCFC sector for which he has agreed revised instruments of government under the Education Reform Act 1988 where the size of the governing body is in excess of 21 persons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  For those institutions in the PCFC sector re-established as higher education corporations (HECs) under sections 121 and 122 of the Education Reform Act 1988, the size of the governing body is governed by the 30
  provisions of schedule 7 to the ERA within which the size of each governing body is decided by the institution itself. Those HECs with governing bodies in excess of 21 persons are as follows:

  Number

  Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education

  25

  Polytechnic of East London

  25

  Humberside College of Higher Education

  25

  Lancashire Polytechnic

  25

  The London Institute

  25

  Luton College of Higher Education

  23

  Newcastle Polytechnic

  25

  Salford College of Technology

  25

  Sheffield Polytechnic

  25

  Teesside Polytechnic

  24

  Thames Valley College of Higher Education

  23

  Assisted institutions which were designated under section 129(2) of the ERA were asked to bring their intruments in line with those of the HECs, and these were subsequently agreed by my right hon. Friend. Those with governing bodies in excess of 21 persons are as follows:

  Number

  City of London Polytechnic

  25

  Polytechnic of North London

  25

  Thames Polytechnic

  25

  Central School of Speech and Drama

  25

  Derbyshire College of Higher Education

  25

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will identify by name and by size of governing body in each case only those further education and higher education colleges in the maintained sector for which he has agreed revised instruments of government under the ERA 1988 where the size of the governing body is in excess of 21 persons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  To date my right hon. Friend has approved for the following institutions instruments of government which provide in each case for a governing body in excess of 21 members:

  Members

  Blackburn College

  22

  Bradford and Ilkley Community College

  22

  Croydon College

  23

  Newcastle College

  22

  Preston College

  22

  Sandwell College of Further and Higher Education

  22

  Solihull College of Technology

  22

  South Tyneside College

  22

  Suffolk College of Higher and Further Education

  22

  In addition, my right hon. Friend has indicated that he would be prepared to approve an instrument of government for Central Manchester college of technology providing for a governing body of 22 members.

  School Buses
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will seek powers to require a no smoking sign to be displayed in all school buses.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  It is for local education authorities to decide whether such signs should be displayed. My right
  31
  hon. Friend does, however, fully support the campaign launched recently by the Health Education Authority to encourage schools to eliminate smoking from educational establishments and out-of-school activities involving pupils in the four to 19 age range.

  Education Regulations
  Mr. Hanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement about the Education (School Curriculum and Related Information) Regulations 1989.

  Mr. MacGregor
  In the light of representations I have decided to bring forward amendments to those provisions of the Education (School Curriculum and Related Information) Regulations 1989 which cover the submission of statistical information (the annual curriculum return). I gave details of my intentions in my speech to the Society of Education Officers on 25 January, copies of which have been placed in the Library. My proposals will represent a substantial reduction in the burden on primary schools, from which the main anxieties about the annual curriculum return have come.

  I intend to bring forward these amendments in time for them to come into effect for completion of the first returns by schools this summer term. I shall be consulting shortly about the details of what I propose, as required by section 22 of the Education Reform Act 1988.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  Smoking is prohibited in lifts and toilets but the Department's policy generally is to encourage staff who wish to smoke to have regard to the convenience and comfort of non-smokers. It is customary not to smoke in conference rooms or in shared offices unless a majority of the staff sharing the office agree to allow it.

  GCSE
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received concerning reforms of the operation of the GCSE examination system.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend and I have received a substantial amount of correspondence from parents, teachers and other interested parties. The vast majority have been supportive of the principles behind the new examination.

  Geography Working Group
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received in respect of the interim curriculum report from the geography working group.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The national curriculum geography working group has received just over 700 letters from schools, organisations and individuals commenting on its interim report, which was published on 20 November last.
  32
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he expects to receive the working group's final report on the geography curricula.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The terms of reference given to the geography working group on its establishment in May last year require it to submit a final report by 30 April 1990.

  Head Teachers
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many letters he has received from head teachers expressing concern about conditions and morale in their school, for each education authority.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The information is not readily available in the form requested. My right hon. Friend frequently receives correspondence from head teachers about various aspects of education provision.

  Gaelic and Welsh
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has received any recent representations concerning the position of the Gaelic and Welsh languages in the European Community's Mercator programme of information and documentation networks on minority languages; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Department has received no representations. Schools are free to provide any language they wish after they have met the requirement of the national curriculum.

  Playing Fields, Bexley
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he intends to grant his consent to the request from the Inner London education authority for the disposal of the playing fields at Camdale road, Welling in the borough of Bexley; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  My right hon. Friend is considering the Inner London education authority's application for consent and will inform the authority of his decision as soon as possible.

  Universities Funding Council
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on the criteria used by the Universities Funding Council for determining guide prices for the public funding of university students.

  Mr. Jackson
  Details of these matters, which are for the Universities Funding Council, were given in the council's circular letter 39/89, "Funding and Planning: 1991–92 to 1994–95", in particular the recently issued annex D, a copy of which is being placed in the Library.

  Vocational Training
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what statistics he collects relating to the allocation of discretionary grants made by local authorities for full-time vocational training; and what information he has on the effect of such grants on full-time vocational training;
  33
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he collects statistics relating to the allocation of discretionary grants made by local education authorities for full-time vocational training; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  I have been asked to reply to the first question.

  Departmental statistics do not routinely distinguish vocational training. However, in 1987–88 about 138,000 awards were made by local education authorities in England and Wales under section 2 of the Education Act 1962 to students undertaking full-time and sandwich further education (FE) courses of all types. These awards cover maintenance grants, and fees where applicable. Overall, there were 354,000 full-time and sandwich students on FE courses of all types at colleges in England in 1987–88 and 367,000 in 1988–89.

  Portage Schemes
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to continue funding support for portage schemes; what assessment he has made of current schemes; and what assessment he has made of the consequences of ending Government financial support for the schemes.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Department will continue to fund those portage schemes to which it has committed expenditure up to 1990–91 through the education support grant (ESG). The ESG funds provided from 1986–87, and amounting to more than £8 million, were made available for pump-priming purposes. LEAs are free to continue funding portage schemes after the Department's three-year commitment ends, and to develop others from within their own resources, if they wish to do so. Many are doing just that. An HMI survey on portage projects funded by ESGs will be published on 9 February. I shall be placing a copy in the Library in the normal way.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Student Loans
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much money he anticipates will be saved in housing benefit in Scotland by the introduction of student loans in 1990–91.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Estimates of housing benefit expenditure are made on a Great Britain basis, and no disaggregation for individual countries is possible. I regret that it is therefore not possible to provide information in the form requested.

  Equal Treatment Directive
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the laws, regulations and administrative provisions, whose texts have been communicated to the European Commission under article 8 of the Equal Treatment Directive.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I refer the hon. Member to the report on the application of directive 79/7/EEC of 19 December 1978 on the progressive implementation of the 34
  principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security (COM(88)769) presented by the European Commission, a copy of which is in the Library. The report specifies the changes made by each member state to implement the requirements of the directive and notified to the Commission in accordance with article 8 of the directive.

  Industrial Disease Benefits
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security at what date he will commence recovering the full amount of any benefits paid to victims of industrial disease who have been awarded compensation either by a court or agreed by an out-of-court settlement; and how long this procedure will take in individual cases.

  Mr. Scott
  The scheme under which amounts equivalent to benefit are recovered from compensation payments starts on 3 September 1990. Any compensation payment over £2,500 made on or after that date will be subject to recovery. It will apply to industrial diseases if the first claim for benefit naming the disease for which compensation is sought was on or after 1 January 1989.

  Before a court award is made or a settlement offered, the compensator will seek a certificate showing how much is to be deducted and paid to the Department. On receipt of a properly completed application, legislation requires the Department to supply the information to the compensator within four weeks.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  A smoking policy has been introduced which prohibits smoking in areas where there is a statutory ban, where there is a fire risk and in public reception and interview areas. The policy also directs that all offices should move as quickly as possible to provide additional extensive smoke-free working areas. Local discussions on those areas are now taking place between management and unions.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for travelling expenses were granted from the social fund for claimants to visit relatives in hospital; and how many refused during the months of May 1989 and November 1989.

  Mr. Scott
  I regret that the information requested is not collected.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether demand on the social fund has led to some community care grants being only partially met by grants and partially by loans.

  Mr. Scott
  I regret that the information requested is not available. However, in the period April to December 1989, 25,000 loan applications which were refused resulted in a community care grant being awarded instead.
  35
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what plans he has for the social fund loans budget to become self-financing; and by what date.

  Mr. Scott
  None.

  Loans
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants on income support each month since January 1989 were repaying a budgeting or crisis loan and how many were(a) one-parent families, (b) sick and disabled claimants, (c) pensioners and (d) unemployed claimants.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. Wigley) on 22 January 1990 at col.575–78.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the total amount of budgeting or crisis loans out on loan to claimants on income support for each month since January 1989.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Caernarfon on 22 January 1990 at column 577.

  Concessionary Coal
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the extent to which a local housing authority may disregard cash in lieu of concessionary coal paid by British Coal in the calculation of housing benefit claims and taking into account any recent decision on this subject taken by a local Department of Health and Social Security tribunal.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  In the income-related benefits, the normal rule is for all forms of income to be taken into account. Regulations provide for certain types of income to be disregarded, in part or fully. Cash in lieu of concessionary coal paid to a retired mineworker or to a mineworker's widow is not specified as disregardable income, and therefore has to be taken fully into account in the calculation of housing benefit and the other income-related benefits. Local authorities do not have any discretion in this matter.

  Appeals (Listing)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations have been received following the letter issued by the chairman of the north-eastern region of the social security appeal tribunals changing the arrangements for listing cases; and if he will arrange for this letter to be withdrawn and for the previous arrangements for listing cases to continue.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The administration of social security appeal tribunals is the responsibility of the president of social security and medical appeal tribunals, His Honour Judge Holden, and the hon. Member may care to contact him direct.

  Remote Benefit Assessment
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has and what research he is conducting on the numbers of staff or the percentage of their time released by remote benefit assessment.
  36
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Up to now, estimates of staff time released by computerisation of social security benefits have been based on a comparison between existing clerical processes and the theoretical timings of the computerised systems. These currently indicate savings of 12,250 by 1995. The timings will be confirmed through the normal review programme which assesses staff resources and which will include particular reference to the impact of remote benefit assessment in all work areas.

  Research can be undertaken only when the systems are fully operational in sufficient offices to ensure a statistically acceptable sample.

  Local Offices (Area)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the minimum, the average and the maximum geographical area serviced by his Department's local offices.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I regret that this information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Communications (Study)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the status and purpose of the study in communications commissioned within his Department; and when it will be published.

  Mr. Scott
  The communications and the operational strategy study is a pilot exercise being conducted in the London south region over the next three months. Its purpose is to help local office management draw up local communications plans; collect views on the adequacy of the centrally produced material on training, manuals and briefings; and to test new ideas on guidance for users of information technology. A communication focus group has been set up in the region to monitor the exercise. Good ideas that emerge will be spread to other regions. It is too early to say when the results will be made available and in what form.

  "Service in the 90s" Initiative
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the authority for the expenditure of approximately £400,000 before April 1990 under the "service in the 90s" initiative; when the decision was made; how the money will be allocated between the offices; what is the purpose of the expenditure; who will oversee the expenditure and to whom they are accountable; whether any new expenditure is involved; and to which section of his Department's budget the cost will be charged.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The eight local offices involved in the "service in the 90s" initiative were allocated provision of up to £50,000 each, to be spent by the end of the 1989–90 financial year, to meet costs incurred in experimenting with improvements to current working practices. This decision was taken in December 1989. The expenditure will be met from within the Department's resources, and normal financial control procedures will apply.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of claimants paying the share fishermen's rates of national insurance contributions claiming(a) income support and (b) family support in the latest available year.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I have been asked to reply.

  I regret that this information is not readily available and could be obtained only al disproportionate cost.

  Retirement Income
  Sir Anthony Meyer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average income of all retired married couples.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I have been asked to reply.

  The average net weekly income of all married couples over state pension age in 1986 was £123·77. (Source: Family Expenditure survey.)

  Young Persons
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to reply to the question from the hon. Member for Oldham, West on benefit changes affecting young people following his holding answer of 15 December 1989.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I shall let the hon. Member have the details shortly.

  Total expenditure on hospital and community health services (HCHS) at 1988–89 prices

  Revenue expenditure

  Percentage increase| (decrease) on prior year

  Capital expenditure

  Percentage increase| (decrease) on prior year

  Total expenditure

  Percentage expenditure| (decrease) on prior year

  £000

  £000

  £000

  Trent region1

  1978–79

  811,883

  —

  110,994

  —

  922,877

  —

  1979–80

  846,014

  4·2

  84,826

  (23·6)

  930,840

  0·9

  1980–81

  931,369

  10·0

  85,888

  1·3

  1,017,257

  9·3

  1981–82

  937,494

  0·7

  100,303

  16·8

  1,037,797

  2·0

  1982–83

  941,674

  0·5

  89,015

  (11·3)

  1,030,689

  (0·7)

  1983–84

  958,657

  1·8

  89,614

  0·7

  1,048,271

  1·7

  1984–85

  978,272

  2·0

  89,379

  (0·3)

  1,067,651

  1·9

  1985–86

  984,300

  0·6

  90,697

  1·5

  1,074,997

  0·7

  1986–87

  1,032,768

  4·9

  87,499

  (3·5)

  1,120,267

  4·2

  1987–88

  1,082,574

  4·8

  81,290

  (7·1)

  1,163,864

  3·9

  1988–89

  1,121,344

  3·6

  93,186

  14·6

  1,214,530

  4·4

  Doncaster health authority2

  1978–79

  40,486

  —

  2,656

  —

  43,142

  —

  1979–80

  42,072

  3·9

  1,256

  (52·7)

  43,328

  0·4

  1980–81

  46,265

  10·0

  1,698

  35·2

  47,963

  10·7

  1981–82

  47,117

  1·8

  2,246

  32·2

  49,363

  2·9

  1982–83

  51,850

  10·0

  2,958

  31·8

  54,808

  11·0

  1983–84

  52,798

  1·8

  1,960

  (33·7)

  54,758

  (0·1)

  1984–85

  53,040

  0·5

  2,052

  4·7

  55,092

  0·6

  1985–86

  52,957

  (0·2)

  4,062

  98·0

  57,019

  3·5

  1986–87

  56,812

  7·3

  3,630

  (10·6)

  60,442

  6·0

  1987–88

  59,348

  4·5

  5,213

  43·6

  64,561

  6·8

  1988–89

  62,620

  5·5

  6,050

  16·1

  68,670

  6·4

  1 Annual accounts of the Trent Regional Health Authority (RHA) and the district (formerly area) health authorities comprising the Trent region—including Doncaster.

  2 Annual accounts of the Doncaster district (formerly area) health authority.

  Notes

  1. The figures for the earlier years have been expressed at 1988–89 prices by the use of the gross domestic product deflator. The figures for the financial year 1988–89 are provisional in that they are as yet subject to audit.

  2. Hospital and community health services (HCHS) includes hospital, community health, patient transport (ie ambulance), blood transfusion and other services.

  3. Expenditure on family practitioner services (FPS) is excluded. Such expenditure is accounted for by family practitioner committees (FPCs)

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the latest estimate of the cost to local authorities of operating the poll tax rebate system for 1989–90.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I have been asked to reply.

  The latest estimate of the cost of administering community charge rebates is £10·7 million.

HEALTH

  Expenditure (Trent)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the total spending allocated to Doncaster health authority for each year for the last 10 years to date, adjusted for inflation; and if he will also show in his answer, by year, the percentage increase;

  (2) if he will list the total spending in the Trent regional health authority for each year for the last 10 years to date, adjusted for inflation; and if he will also show in his answer, by year, the percentage increase.

  Mr. Freeman
  Information derived from annual accounts submitted to the Department is shown in the table:
  39
  and cannot strictly be attributed to particular regions or districts. However, prior to 1 April 1985 the Doncaster and other authorities within the Trent region each had an associated FPC and their expenditure figures included small elements in respect of the administrative expenses of FPCs which are not separately identifiable.

  4.Capital expenditure in particular regions and districts tends to fluctuate year on year mainly reflecting changes in the pattern of capital investment throughout the country.

  5.The expenditure figures for the Doncaster authority include sums in respect of capital schemes within the district recorded as capital expenditure in the annual accounts of the Trent RHA but exclude revenue and capital expenditure incurred by the RHA for the region as a whole.

  6.Prior to 1 April 1982 the Doncaster health authority's predecessor health district operated as a single-district area health authority and was broadly comparable to the present district health authority.

  Regional Health Authorities
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the chairmen of regional health authorities; and what matters were discussed.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State last met the chairmen of regional health authorities on 17 January, when the main topics discussed were implementation of "Working for Patients" and "Caring for People", and the ambulance dispute.

  Laboratory reports to CDSC England, Wales and Ireland 1984–88 Outbreaks formally reported to CDSC

  Year

  Outbreaks

  Suspected source

  Total

  Family

  Nursery

  Other

  Contact with farm animals

  Raw milk(+/-)contact with farm animals

  Abroad

  Not known

  1984

  6

  4

  2

  —

  1

  1

  —

  4

  1985

  7

  7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  6

  1986

  6

  4

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  5

  1987

  9

  5

  3

  11

  —

  —

  —

  9

  1988

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  31989

  11

  7

  2

  22

  1

  0

  2

  8

  1 Campsite.

  2 School party hotel abroad.

  3 Provisional.

  There are no data on the number of outbreaks in Scotland.

  Dental Health
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give the decayed, missing and filled levels for each district health authority; what is the national average; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested is not collected centrally by the Department.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what Government action is being taken to deal with dental health promotion and dental health education(a) nationally and (b) in north Staffordshire; what are the costs of such programmes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Department has commissioned two dental health education projects which are currently being piloted. The first, in the north-western region, is being run by the Health Education Authority, which has received financial support of £450,000 for the project in the last two years. The other, organised by the community dental health unit of Birmingham university and centred on the Dudley family practitioner committee area, has received £500,000 over the same period. Decisions on how to follow up these projects will depend on their evaluation.

  Cryptosporidium
  Mr. Gould
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list outbreaks of cryptosporidium in the United Kingdom since 1980.

  Mr. Freeman
  Laboratory notification of cryptosporidium outbreaks to the communicable disease surveillance centre did not commence until 1983. Full-year data are available only from 1984 onwards, and are as follows:

  Abortions
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the methods used to terminate an unborn baby during selective reduction of pregnancy; and if he will give the gestational age at which such procedures are normally performed.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The method and gestational age at which a legal abortion is performed are matters for the clinical judgment of the doctor concerned, having regard to all the circumstances of the particular case.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if his Department requires doctors performing selective reduction of pregnancies to require a certificate stating the grounds for termination of unborn babies under the Abortion Act 1967; and if he will make a statement.

  (2) if terminations of unborn babies by performing selective reductions of pregnancies are included in the abortion statistics issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Abortion Regulations 1968 SI No. 390, as amended, require a certificate of opinion and notice of termination to be given in respect of every abortion performed. The published statistics are derived from the notifications received.

  The regulations do not require a certifying doctor specifically to mention cases of selective reduction of pregnancy.

  Community Care
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give priority to his reassessment of the part played by joint finance under his community care proposals.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The part played by joint finance is being reassessed in the light of the policies contained in the White Paper "Caring for People". However, there are no immediate plans for changes to existing arrangements.

  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he considered the training needs of service providers under his community care proposals; whether voluntary organisations with experience in this area were involved in his discussions on the issue; and whether he will issue guidance on this to local authorities.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The training needs of service providers, whether in the statutory or independent sector were considered in formulating our proposals announced in the White Paper "Caring for People". The Department is in regular consultation with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations and individual voluntary organisations. Training is an integral part of implementing our proposals. There are no immediate plans to issue formal guidance to local authorities specifically on training.

  Adoption and Fostering
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he intends to issue further guidance in connection with the adoption and fostering of children from minority ethnic groups.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The chief inspector of the social services inspectorate has written to all directors of social services, setting out within a legal and professional framework the principles which should inform family placement work in relation to issues of race and culture. His letter also goes to voluntary child agencies and approved adoption societies so that they too may benefit from it. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  The letter emphasises and reinforces existing guidance on the importance of providing a fostering and adoption service which can meet the needs of children from all ethnic groups. Racial origin, cultural background and religion are important factors in choosing new families for children who can no longer remain with their own families. These matters are the subject of a document shortly to be issued by the Council for Racial Equality, entitled "Adoption and Fostering of Ethnic Minority Children:The Race Dimension."

  In the great majority of cases, placement with a family of similar ethnic origin and religion is most likely to meet a child's needs as fully as possible and best safeguard his or her welfare. Authorities and other agencies need to persuade people from all ethnic groups in the community to come forward as foster parents and adopters. In some circumstances placement with a family of different ethnic origin may be the best choice for a particular child. Full consideration of a child's welfare requires that all relevant factors be properly identified and weighed.

  I am confident that the chief inspector's letter will remove any grounds for the misunderstandings which may have existed about the requirements of legislation, guidance and good professional practice in this area.
  42
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has completed his consideration of issues highlighted by an Appeal Court decision on the placement for adoption of a child of mixed ethnic origin; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Department's social services inspectorate has made a thorough investigation of the case in question, with the full co-operation of the director of social services and his staff.

  I am satisfied from the inspectorate's inquiries that, in reaching its decision to remove the child from his foster mother and place him with another family for adoption, the authority gave first consideration to his welfare, as it was required by law to do. The child's ethnic origins were, rightly, a factor in its considerations, but this was considered alongside other factors and was neither the only nor even the principal reason for the decision.

  However, the inspectorate did find, and the authority agrees, that the child and his foster mother received no visits or any other support from social services for 10 weeks after he was placed with her. The authority was thus in breach of the Boarding-Out of Children Regulations 1955 which were then in force and specified minimum visiting requirements. The authority also allowed the wardship to lapse. However, the inspectorate did find that, after the first 10 weeks, the authority handled the case carefully and professionally.

  Clearly the failures identified were serious. I am glad that the authority has already taken steps to ensure that there is no repetition in future. The inspectorate has made a number of important recommendations for further improvement, and I am confident that the authority wi.11 respond to these positively.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether any changes will be made in the cash limits and running costs limit of his Department for 1989–90.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The cash limit for class XIV, vote 1, hospital and community health and other services, England, will be reduced by £2,357,000 (front £11,909,826,000 to £11,907,469,000) to offset £1,600,000 of the cash limit increase on class XIV, vote 3 and to take account of an agreed control adjustment of £757,000 in respect of the use of conventional finance.

  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates, the cash limit for class XIV, vote 3, Department of Health, administration, miscel laneous health services and personal social services, England, will be increased by £20,246,000 (from £677,061,000 to £697,307,000) reflecting the following changes: an additional £24,000,000 for the cost of a grant to a voluntary organisation in respect of financial support to certain haemophiliacs who have become infected with HIV, partly offset by savings elsewhere in the vote; an extra £1,600,000 to meet the cost of updating family practitioner service computer data, fully offset by savings on class XIV, vote 1; £26,000 transferred from the Cabinet Office: Office of the Minister for the Civil Service, for expenditure on departmental administration in connection with senior management development training; and £20,000 transferred from class VII, vote 2, Department of Employment: employment programmes and central services, for expenditure on the Alcohol Concern

  43
  workplace advisory service. As a result of the changes on this vote, the Department's running costs limit is reduced by £1,897,000 from £246,156,000 to £244,259,000.

  The net effect of these changes will be charged to the reserve.

  AIDS
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will approve the AIDS Care Education and Training application for a grant under section 64 for the current financial year.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Department has already awarded AIDS Care Education and Training a section 64 grant of £50,000 for the current financial year. Its application for section 64 funding for 1990–91 is under consideration.

  Alternative Medicines
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the Government's policy about the impact of European Community laws on the availability of alternative medicines.

  Mr. Freeman
  The European Community is committed to directives on homoeopathic medicines and conditions of supply of medicines to the public, but specific proposals have yet to be submitted to the Council of Ministers. When European Community proposals are published, we shall consider them carefully for compatibility with United Kingdom traditions and communicate with interested parties as to the United Kingdom input to negotiations.

  Viable Births
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the latest medical evidence available to him as to(a) the earliest gestational age at which a child is capable of being born alive, (b) the earliest gestational age at which a child is capable of being born alive and surviving and (c) the earliest gestational age at which a child is capable of being born alive and surviving without disabilities and what statistics are available to him about numbers and rates in the above categories; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The 22nd gestational week is considered by doctors to be the earliest time that there is the slightest possibility of a foetus being born alive since before then the lungs are not mature enough to function even if ventilated. Between the 22nd and 24th weeks of gestation, the chance of being born alive and the chance of surviving afterwards increase, but up to 24 weeks, both are rare. Whether or not any particular foetus is capable of being born alive must therefore be a matter for the clinical judgment of the doctor concerned, in the full knowledge of the circumstances of the particular case.

  Babies who are born premature are at high risk of disability. The statistics requested about numbers and rates are not available, as information on gestation is not collected for live birth registrations.

  Abortions
  Ms. Richardson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will place in the Library a copy of the information contained in his reply to the hon. Member for 44
  Maidstone (Miss Widdecombe) referred to in his answer of 16 November 1989, Official Report, columns 424-25, on the number of abortions in 1988 on girls aged 15 and under, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 years, by grounds and category of premises and by grounds and marital status.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Freeman
  It is the Department's policy to move as quickly as possible, after local discussion and agreement, to provide a smoke-free environment for those staff who wish it at all workplaces and other areas within its offices not covered by a mandatory ban on smoking. The mandatory ban covers places such as stationery stores, computer rooms, first aid rooms, food preparation areas and confined spaces with limited ventilation. Many individual offices are already smoke-free by the agreement of the occupants.

  Capital Trusts (Yorkshire)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will set out the costs in consultancy fees in(a) the Yorkshire regional health authority, (b) Leeds Western health authority and (c) Leeds Eastern health authority in relation to the establishment of capital trusts.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  This information is not held centrally. The hon. Member may wish to approach the chairmen of the health authorities concerned.

  Botulism
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what work is being carried out involving botulism toxins; for what purpose; and whether such work has commercial applications or export potential.

  Mr. Freeman
  A number of establishments are known to be involved in research on botulinum toxins including the PHLS Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research at Porton Down. In the first instance, fundamental research is in progress on the structure and function of the several botulinum toxin molecules. The knowledge generated from this work is being applied in a number of areas: in the development of botulinum toxin for human therapeutic use; the CAMR is developing bolutinum toxoid vaccines for human use and is developing sensitive rapid in vitro assays for the detection of botulinum toxins. These areas could have commercial and export potential.

  The Agricultural and Food Research Council's Institute of Food Research also has a programme of research in relation to clostridium botulinum and food safety, and is carrying out work with this organism under a number of different conditions relevant to food preservation. This work is part of a programme funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on modelling microbiological growth. The institute will shortly begin work on the genetic relationships of the different botulinum toxins. This is part of a noncommercial major food safety programme.

  Perinatal Aid
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many perinatal and neo-natal deaths were recorded for each health authority in England and Wales for 1987 and 1988.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  FPCs (Expenditure)
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for England and Wales for each year since 1979 the total family practitioner committee expenditure(a) under the ancillary staff scheme and (b) for the cost of providing premises under the rent and rate scheme; and if he will give an indication of the costs adjusted for general price inflation.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information requested for England is given in the following table. Information in relation to family practitioner services in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Expenditure ( England)Total of direct reimbursements to GPsfor ancillary staff costs

  Cash1

  Real terms at 1988–89 prices

  £ thousands

  £ thousands

  1979–80

  50,927

  95,886

  1980–81

  66,307

  105,495

  1981–82

  78,769

  114,145

  1982–83

  89,480

  120,933

  1983–84

  102,721

  132,633

  1984–85

  114,632

  141,008

  1985–86

  134,028

  156,464

  1986–87

  143,838

  162,436

  1987–88

  166,798

  178,891

  1988–89

  200,508

  200,508

  1 Based on FPC annual accounts prepared on an income andexpenditure basis.

  2 Real terms prices have been calculated using the gross domestic product deflator.

  Total of direct reimbursements to GPs for rents and rates costs1

  Cash2

  Real terms at1988–89 prices3

  £ thousands

  £ thousands

  1979–80

  19,555

  36,818

  1980–81

  25,385

  40,388

  1981–82

  30,717

  44,511

  1982–83

  37,327

  50,447

  1983–84

  45,267

  58,449

  1984–85

  51,309

  63,115

  1985–86

  63,093

  73,655

  1986–87

  71,203

  80,409

  1987–88

  79,855

  85,645

  1988–89

  92,570

  92,570

  1 Comprises reimbursements for rents, rates, notional rent, costrents and local authority economic rents.

  2 Based on FPC annual accounts prepared on an income and expenditure basis.

  3 Real terms prices have been calculated using the gross domestic product deflator.

  General Practice Cost Rent Scheme
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give for each of the last five years and for England and Wales the total amount outstanding under the general practice cost rent scheme.
  46
  Mr. Freeman
  The cost rent scheme gives a general medical practitioner an enhanced annual rental reimbursement which reflects the value of the capital investment he or she has made in acquiring or developing purpose-built surgery premises or their equivalent. The cost rent remains in payment until it is more advantageous for a GP to opt for rent reimbursement based on an assessment of the current market rental value of his or her surgery premises. As this can vary with local circumstances, it is not possible to identify the long-term total expenditure commitment represented by cost rents in payment at any one time.

  OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

    Southern Africa
    Mr. Squire
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the United Kingdom will contribute to the forthcoming southern African development co-ordination conference; and if he will make a statement.

    Mrs. Chalker
    I shall represent Her Majesty's Government. I shall announce a new pledge of £10 million to add to the ?60 million we have committed over the last 10 years.

    Mr. Hayward
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government will participate in the southern African development co-ordination conference with a view to co-ordinating aid from different sources.

    Mrs. Chalker
    Membership of the southern African development co-ordination conference is limited to countries in the region. I shall attend their annual consultation meeting with donors in Lusaka on 1 and 2 February.

    Mr. Boswell
    To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Minister of his Department will represent Her Majesty's Government at the southern African development co-ordination conference.

    Mrs. Chalker
    I shall represent Her Majesty's Government.

  Kenya
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last visited Kenya.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I last visited Kenya in my previous capacity in January 1989 and am planning a further visit early in the spring.

  My predecessor as Minister for Overseas Development, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bath (Mr. Patten), visited Kenya in March 1987 and the then Secretary of State, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Surrey, East (Sir G. Howe), visited in September 1988.

  Rain Forests
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give details of the projects to be assisted in Brazil to preserve the tropical rain forest, sannounced following the
  47
  visit there by the right hon. Member for Bath (Mr. Patten); and whether similar assistance is being planned for Colombia.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We are developing possible projects in Brazil related to sustainable forest management and the effects of deforestation on climate, as well as research into the genetic resources of the rain forest. Similar assistance to Colombia may be considered in the future, but for the time being we are using our resources to establish the Brazilian programme.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking as a result of the mission to Brazil of Mr. Tim Synott of his Department, in relation both to rain forest and savannah grassland problems.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I refer the hon. Member to the two replies I gave him on 22 January at columns 506 and 507. Savannah grassland problems were not included by the Brazilian Government among the initial priority areas for United Kingdom assistance. However, we would consider assistance in this field if, in our continuing contacts with the Brazilians, it emerged as a priority concern.

  Eastern Europe (Free Markets)
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a further statement on Government assistance towards creating free markets in the emerging eastern European democracies.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I have little to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Billericay by the Prime Minister on 9 January in response to her question on assistance to Poland and Hungary. We will extend the know-how funds to the other countries in eastern Europe once they are fully committed to reform.

  Vietnam
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Government now have any plans to make overseas aid available to Vietnam.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to provide aid for Vietnam.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I refer the hon. Gentlemen to the answer I gave on 16 January to my hon. Friend the Member for Taunton (Mr. Nicholson).

  Namibia
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has for increasing aid to Namibia.

  Mrs. Chalker
  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House last year that we would provide aid to an independent Namibia. We are planning several exploratory missions to Namibia to identify areas in which we may be able to assist. A team arrived at Namibia yesterday to assess the need for police training.

  Developing Countries (Debt)
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what new proposals the Government have to reduce the debt burden of developing nations.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The United Kingdom has played a prominent part in the measures agreed over the last few years to assist heavily indebted countries pursuing economic reforms. The priority for these countries now is to continue with the implementation of reforms to lay the basis for long-term growth. The United Kingdom will continue to play a constructive part in discussions of the debt strategy in the relevant international forums.

  Know-how Funds
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what sums have been paid to date from the know-how funds to political movements in Poland and Hungary.

  Mrs. Chalker
  No sums from the know-how funds have been paid directly to political movements in Poland and Hungary, but funds are being used to finance political projects, broadly defined. We are supporting seminars for Polish Members of Parliament training in media techniques, and training directly relevant to the local government elections to be held in Poland this year.

  By the end of the financial year, we expect to have spent a total of £150,000 on such projects.

  El Salvador
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government will be reviewing their policy on aid to EI Salvador in the light of recent developments in that country.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I have no plans to do so. We have a very small programme, the principal focus of which is the provision of training in Britain. We are also ready to provide emergency or humanitarian assistance in the appropriate circumstances.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the British Government's aid and trade relations with Sri Lanka in the light of increasing political violence and disregard for human rights.

  Mrs. Chalker
  We have made our concern about human rights abuses clearly known to the Sri Lankan Government, although we recognise the main threat to the democratic process and human rights remains terrorism and intimidation by extremist groups.

  We have as yet made no link between human rights and our aid programme on trade relations. Much of our bilateral aid in Sri Lanka is directed towards helping the poorest people and reconstructing facilities damaged in the course of the conflict, including in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

  Somalia
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the development aid needed by Somalia and the contribution that can be made by the United Kingdom towards meeting those requirements; and what conditions regarding human rights, democratic processes and the rule of law he attaches to aid to Somalia.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Somalia has in general a need for a significant volume of development assistance. Britain participated with others in the provision of such help until October 1988 when concern about human rights violations led to the suspension of new British aid. More recently, deteriorating security conditions have caused a reduction in the scale of existing activity. We remain ready to consider requests from international and British voluntary agencies for humanitarian assistance for victims of the civil conflict in the north, but current conditions make it very difficult for such agencies to operate.

  Aid Budgets
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any changes have been made in the last six months to the Government's projected aid budgets to eastern Europe, Africa and Asia.

  Mrs. Chalker
  In the Autumn Statement, the Government announced increases in the overseas aid programme of £75 million in 1990–91 and £105 million in 1991–92. Even allowing for new multilateral commitments, these increases mean that our aid to Asia and Africa over the period 1990–91 to 1991–92 will be higher than previously planned.

  Within the last six months, the Government have also increased their assistance for eastern Europe. They have doubled their know-how fund for Poland from £25 million to £50 million, contributed ․100 million to the Polish stabilisation fund, are identifying a Polish agricultural project worth up to £15 million and have introduced a £25 million know-how fund for Hungary to start from 1 April this year. This substantial package of assistance for eastern Europe is additional to and separate from the overseas aid programme for developing countries.

  Furthermore, as I informed the House on 22 January at column 601, the know-how fund will be extended to cover other countries of eastern Europe once they are firmly committed to reform, and substantial additional resources will be made available to the fund for this purpose.

  Cash limits
  Miss Widdecombe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes have been made in 1989–90 cash limits for expenditure by the Overseas Development Administration.

  Mrs. Chalker
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit on the overseas aid vote (class II, vote 5) will be increased by £62,710,000 from £1,365,579,000 to £1,428,289,000. The increase includes a contribution to the currency stabilisation fund for Poland (20 December 1989, column 266), and a contribution to the UNHCR for refugees from Vietnam. Pending approval of the Supplementary 50
  Estimate, the payment to the stabilisation fund has been financed by a repayable advance of £61,710,000 from the contingencies fund. This amount is additional to and separate from the resources for overseas aid. The net effect of these changes will be charged to the reserve.

SCOTLAND

  Poisoned Birds
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Caerphilly, 13 December 1989,Official Report, column 671, on which estates or properties in the Tayside region the illegally poisoned birds were found; and whether any prosecutions resulted.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The properties or locations where illegally poisoned birds were found in Tayside region are as follows. No prosecutions have resulted.

  Where found

  1987

  Crows

  Eradynate estate

  Rook

  Monzie estate

  Gulls

  Monzie estate

  Buzzard

  Ballyorkan, near Pitlochry

  1988

  Rooks

  Dron wood, Longforgan parish, near Dundee

  Buzzard

  Poloskie Scraloch, near Blairgowrie

  Buzzard

  Monzie estate

  Gulls

  Strathallan castle estate

  Eagle

  Caenlochan national nature reserve

  1989

  Crow

  Scone estate

  Crow

  Glen Isla estate

  Crow

  Strathmore estate

  Buzzard

  Monzie estate

  Electoral Registration
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department is taking to increase electoral registration in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The preparation of electoral registers is the statutory duty of electoral registration officers. The Scottish Home and Health Department supports them each year with publicity campaigns.

  Remand Prisons
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many remand prisoners there were in Scottish prisons at a convenient date in each of the past 10 years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The available information is set out in the table:

  Average daily remand population in Scottish penal establishments 1980–89

  Numbers

  1980

  705

  1981

  746

  1982

  844

  1983

  863

  51

  Numbers

  1984

  942

  1985

  1,092

  1986

  1,017

  1987

  938

  1988

  844

  11989

  768

  1Provisional.

  Student Allowances
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether extra allowances under the SED student allowances scheme to students with dependants will continue to be paid and uprated annually should a student loans scheme be introduced.

  Mr. Lang
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 23 January to the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) at column 626.

  Scottish Heart Health Study
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library a copy of his reply to the letter of Professor Hugh Tunstall Pedoe, director of the cardiovascular epidemiology unit in the university of Dundee, of 15 December 1989, on the Scottish heart health study; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A copy of the reply to Professor Hugh Tunstall Pedoe's letter of 15 December has been placed in the Library I expect to announce shortly the Government's conclusions on the review of health education in Scotland undertaken by Touche Ross management consultants and on a report by the Scottish health service advisory council's working group on the prevention of coronary heart disease. The latter report and the results of the Scottish heart health study will inform the Government's strategy on coronary heart disease prevention in Scotland.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Rifkind
  After a full survey of staff views and extensive consultations, and with the support of staff interests my Department will in April this year introduce a policy restricting smoking in offices and other working areas. For a period of about six months thereafter, smoking will be permitted only in specially designated areas in staff restaurants and during specified periods in working rooms. Thereafter, restrictions will be further extended and smoking will be permitted only in areas specially designated for smoking. The need to allow smokers time to adjust to this policy has been recognised, and special counselling services will be arranged if there is sufficient demand for them.

  Sea Fish Conservation Act 1967 (Charges)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the judgment delivered by Sheriff Risk at Aberdeen sheriff court on 19 January 52
  dismissing charges under the Sea Fish Conservation Act 1967 against Mr. Ian Sutherland and 11 others; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Wilson) on 25 January.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will place in the Library a copy of Sheriff Risk's judgment in the case of the procurator fiscal at Aberdeen against Mr. Ian Sutherland and 11 other skippers.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Yes, arrangements are being made to place a copy in the Library.

TRANSPORT

  East London River Crossing
  Mr. Sedgemore
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport why, and under what provisions, over 3,000 objections to the east London river crossing proposal have been invalidated; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the reason for the requirement that objections already registered to the redesigned bridge and other related changes to the east London river crossing must be repeated in writing by 22 February if they are to be considered.

  Mr. Atkins
  Draft orders to authorise a revised design for the east London crossing bridge and to modify the arrangements for cyclists and pedestrians were published on 17 August 1989. These attracted over 3,000 objections. Further changes to the junctions on either side of the bridge were subsequently proposed. The draft orders already published were withdrawn and new draft orders giving effect to all the changes were published on 11 January.

  The Department wrote to all the objectors to the original draft orders inviting them to say if they wanted their previous objection amended or supplemented as necessary to stand in relation to the new orders.

  Transport Supplementary Grant
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will list those projects in the Darlington borough council area awarded transport supplementary grants since 1983; and whether he will estimate the proportion this represents of transport supplementary grants awarded to Durham county council area as a whole.

  Mr. Atkins
  No major road scheme (costing over £1 million) in Darlington borough council's area has been accepted for transport supplementary grant since the present system was introduced in 1985–86. Transport supplementary grant for minor works is not given for specified schemes but in a single block. We do not know how much Durham county council has spent on minor works in Darlington borough council's area. Before 1985£86 transport supplementary grant was paid as a single block for capital and current expenditure on roads and public transport.

  Road Surfacing (Whitehall)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions took place between his Department and Westminister city council before the road surfacing work now taking place in Whitehall was commenced: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  No discussions took place. Westminster city council, which is the highway authority for Whitehall, was under no obligation to notify my right hon. Friend before the resurfacing work started.

  Sound of Seil (Fire)
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has concerning the fire on board the ferry Sound of Seil in January; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is conducting an investigation into this incident to establish the cause of the fire. The investigation is not yet completed.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Atkins
  My Department's policy for its offices is to create a non-smoking environment, with facilities for those who wish to smoke. We will arrange for non-smokers and smokers to occupy separate offices where other management considerations permit. Where all the occupants of any office agree, staff may display "no smoking" signs in that office. It is open to local management and staff to agree further measures to apply locally, on a voluntary basis.

  In addition, since November 1989, a general "no smoking" policy has been applied in the waiting rooms of driving test centres throughout the country.

  Driving Licence Holders (Names)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport to what bodies, persons, groups, companies or other organisations the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre in Swansea has given names and addresses of licence holders; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre is required under regulation 15 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 1971 to release the names and addresses of vehicle keepers, who will in most cases be motor vehicle licence holders, free of charge to the police. Local authorities are given these details free for any purpose connected with the investigation of an offence. This regulation also requires the same information to be released to any person who can show reasonable cause for having it, and on payment of the prescribed fee—currently £3·50. "Reasonable cause" is not defined in law but is generally taken to mean an inquiry related to an incident involving the use of a vehicle.

  Scrapped Vehicles
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has regarding the number of vehicles in the United Kingdom scrapped during the last full year for which figures are available; and what was the number reported to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre in Swansea.

  Mr. Atkins
  The only information available is that reported to DVLC. In 1989 there were 310,439 vehicles in Great Britain reported as being either scrapped or exported. To extract from this total the number of vehicles scrapped could be done only at disproportionate cost.

  River Craft (Culverts)
  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that any road works for which he is responsible which pass over a navigable waterway will include a culvert to allow river craft to pass without obstruction; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  It is my right hon. Friend's general policy to design and construct bridges over navigable waterways so as to enable river craft to pass without obstruction so far as is reasonable. When designing new bridges, our practice is to consult the navigation authority. It is sometimes reasonable not to provide for the unfettered continuation of use, for example where a navigation is little used by craft of larger sizes. Restrictions to navigation may then be imposed, either permanently or during the course of the construction. Such restrictions may range from minor restrictions on draught up to more major interference. Powers relating to the construction of bridges over navigable waters and powers relating to diversions of navigable and non-navigable water courses are contained in part VI of the Highways Act 1980.

  Heathrow Airport
  Mr. Franks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, at his next meeting with the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority, he will discuss the proposals put forward by British Midland Airways for increasing the efficiency of London's Heathrow airport.

  Mr. Parkinson
  My Department has frequent contacts with the CAA, and is already in touch with the authority about British Midland Airways' proposals. The chairman and I will discuss them as necessary.

  East Anglia (Links with Europe)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the steps he is taking to improve East Anglia's road, rail and air links with Europe after 1993.

  Mr. Portillo
  Our latest plans to improve the motorway and trunk road network in East Anglia are set out in our White Paper "Roads for Prosperity", which recognises the challenges presented by the single European market in 1992 and the opening of the Channel tunnel in 1993. In the East Anglian counties of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire schemes worth over £500 million have been added to the existing programme which will result in comprehensive improvement of the A1, A11, A12 and A47 trunk roads.
  55
  It is for British Rail to plan the pattern of rail services in the United Kingdom including services through the Channel tunnel. BR's section 40 plan proposes a daily service through the Channel tunnel to Brussels and Paris on the newly electrified east coast main line. Connections to and from Ely and Norwich will be made at Peterborough. New rolling stock and locomotives capable of 140 mph speeds are currently being delivered to the line. Firm proposals in respect of freight movement by rail from East Anglia are still being developed. Journey times from stations between Cambridge and King's Lynn to London will be improved by electrification. We are negotiating hard to liberalise the provision of air services within the Community including those involving regional airports. Stansted, Cambridge, Ipswich and Norwich airports should benefit from these expanding opportunities. A new rail link to Stansted is under construction.

  Escalators (St. John's Wood)
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will call for a report from the chairman of London Underground Ltd. as to the safety implications of the prolonged closure of one escalator and the intermittent closure of the other escalator at St. John's Wood station; what was the cost of the repairs undertaken on these escalators over the past year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  I understand that the escalator, which has been undergoing major repair, will be back in service this week. The cost of the repairs is a matter for London Underground Ltd.

  London Underground Ltd.
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to improve the level of management competence at London Underground Ltd.

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend's direct responsibilities in this area are limited to the appointment of members of the board of London Regional Transport. Mr. Wilfred Newton and his senior management team enjoy the full support of the Government in the initiatives they are taking to tackle the many serious problems confronting London Underground Ltd. We also welcome the new emphasis being given by London Underground Ltd. to management training and career development.

  Storm (25 January)
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the cancellation of ferries to and from the Isle of Wight during the storm of 25 January.

  Mr. Parkinson
  I understand that all the operators decided to suspend services, at least during the middle of

  Total number of new claims taken during 1989

  Doncaster 'A'

  Doncaster 'B'

  Doncaster 'C'

  Mexborough

  January

  832

  532

  712

  384

  February

  501

  413

  516

  452

  March

  404

  349

  409

  290

  April

  488

  376

  449

  342

  May

  517

  477

  561

  303

  June

  499

  527

  494

  311

  July

  775

  708

  770

  403

  56
  the day. In addition, the Queen's harbour master closed Portsmouth harbour from 11.30 am until 2.30 pm. I understand that Sealink restarted from Fishbourne just after 3 pm, and thereafter ran a two-hourly (rather than the normal one-hourly) service to Portsmouth. All other services to the Isle of Wight remained suspended for the rest of the day.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the effectiveness of maritime services, marine rescue radio services etc., during the storm of 25 January.

  Mr. Parkinson
  Despite the extreme conditions and a number of power supply interruptions, the maritime rescue services coped with all requests for assistance. The marine rescue radio services, Her Majesty's Coastguard and British Telecom international coast radio stations, maintained a distress watch throughout.

  A3 Litter
  Mr. Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what authority is responsible for clearing litter from the verges of the A3 in Surrey; and what steps he takes to ensure that this is done on a regular basis.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]Under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 the district councils are responsible for cleaning for purposes of public health and amenity. My Department is responsible for cleaning for maintenance and safety purposes only. Surrey county council acts as the Department's agents, operating under our code of practice. The code prescribes the frequency of litter clearance, which can be varied to meet local circumstances.

  The Environmental Protection Bill proposes that district councils become wholly responsible for litter clearance on all roads other than motorways.

EMPLOYMENT

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many new claimants signed on each week of 1989 at(a) Doncaster and (b) Mexborough unemployment benefit offices; what delays there were in interviewing them; what requests have been received for additional staff; and what has been his response.

  Mr. Eggar
  Information about the number of new claimants who registered as unemployed at these offices each week during 1989 is not available. Details of the number of people who made new claims during 1989 were collected on a monthly basis and these figures are given in the table:
  57

  Doncaster 'A'

  Doncaster 'B'

  Doncaster 'C'

  Mexhorough

  August

  563

  688

  553

  382

  September

  568

  509

  587

  418

  October

  639

  546

  611

  392

  November

  520

  419

  480

  317

  December

  346

  334

  388

  358

  Notes.—Figures represent local count total number of claims taken during the month shown.

  Creches
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list by location, where creche facilities are provided for working mothers employed in his Department; and if they have to make any payment for this service.

  Mr. Nicholls
  At the present time the Employment Department group does not provide any day nursery facilities (creches) for its staff. However, we are actively considering or planning for nurseries in a number of locations, often in conjunction with other Government Departments or other employers. It is expected that staff who wish to take advantage of these facilities will be required to contribute towards the running costs.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Nicholls
  The policy of the Employment Department group is to discourage non-smokers from taking up smoking, positively to encourage smokers to give it up or to cut down and to create a no-smoking environment, with facilities for those who wish to smoke, rather than the other way round.

  The implementation of smoking policies rests with line management who are encouraged to review the practices in their offices and to consider setting up no-smoking schemes either in individual offices or in larger areas, such as regions. Significant progress is being made and no-smoking schemes already exist, or are in preparation, in a number of locations across the group.

  European Social Fund
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in the Official Report the total amount of European social fund moneys which have been allocated in each of the past five years to training projects run by voluntary organisations; and if he will show these moneys as a percentage of the total of European social fund moneys granted to Britain.

  Mr. Eggar
  The table shows European social fund allocations to projects run by voluntary organisations in Great Britain for years 1987 to 1989 inclusive, and these amounts expressed as a percentage of the total allocation to Great Britain.

  £ million

  Percentage

  1987

  15·5

  4·11

  1988

  20·4

  5·76

  1989

  22·8

  6·11

  58
  The figures for earlier years can be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what level of funding he anticipates his Department granting from the European social fund to voluntary organisations for training projects in the next financial year.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Commission's allocation of European social fund money to the United Kingdom for 1990 is likely to be lower than in 1989. Against that background and the priorities of the Community support frameworks approved recently by the European Commission, I am considering all eligible applications for ESF support including those of voluntary bodies. I cannot yet say what the allocations to voluntary organisations for training will be.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether any changes will be made to his Department's cash limits or running costs limits for 1989–90.

  Mr. Howard
  Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimates, the following changes will be made.

  The cash limit for class VII, vote 1 (training programmes) will be reduced by £19,694,000 from £2,619,336,000 to £2,599,642,000. This is the net effect of a token £1,000 estimate; a decrease of £18,886,000 to offset the increase sought on class VII, vote 2, to repay the European Commission for European social fund overpayments in respect of 1987 and 1988, and a decrease of £809,000 to fully offset the increase sought on class VII, vote 5 for the main sale expenses of the Skills Training Agency (STA).

  There is also some switching of provision within the vote, the most notable being a transfer of £38,410,000 from employment training (section B1) to the Skills Training Agency (section G); £19,183,000 of this transfer is to cover excess expenditure on running costs and £19,227,000 is because income is expected to be lower than in the original estimate.

  As a result of these changes, there will be an increase of £20,210,000 in the DE training programmes running costs limit from £211,627,000 to £231,837,000. This increase is net of the £2,267,000 reduction to compensate for a breach of the same amount in the 1988–89 Training Agency class VII, vote 2 running costs limit.

  The cash limit on class VII, vote 2, will be increased by £16,719,000 from £641,009,000 to £657,728,000. The increase is more than offset by a £19,694,000 reduction in the cash limit on class VII, vote 1. The increase is the net result of an increase of £20,089,000 to repay the European Commission for European social fund overpayments In respect of 1987–88 offset by a reduction in provision in

  59
  class VII vote 1; the transfer of £365,000 from the Cabinet Office: Office of the Minister for the Civil Service (class XX, vote 1) in respect of the challenge funding scheme for senior management development training; the transfer to class VII, vote 1 of £2,000,000 to cover increased cost of the introduction of training and enterprise councils; the net transfer of £1,471,000 to class VII, vote 1, as final adjustment of the provisional split of provision between the Department of Employment and the Training Agency following the transfer of some small firms and enterprise functions to the Training Agency with effect from 1 July 1989; increased appropriations in aid of £244,000 from the Department of Social Security (class XV, vote 7) as a result of provision transferred to the employment service in the revised estimate; and the transfer of £20,000 to the Department of Health (class XIV, vote 3) to fund the Alcohol Concern workplace advisory service.

  There is also some switching of provision within the vote, the most notable of which is the transfer of provision between the employment service and other Department of Employment administration of £14,796,000 in preparation for the employment service becoming an agency.

  As a result of these changes, there will be a decrease of £2,863,000 in the running costs limit for employment programmes and central services from £645,129,000 to £642,266,000.

  The cash limit on class VII, vote 5, (sale of Skills Training Agency) will be increased by £809,000 from a token £1,000 to £810,000. This is required to fund the main sale expenses of the Skills Training Agency, which are mainly advisers' fees and is more than offset by the reduction on class VII, vote 1.

DEFENCE

  Warheads
  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy,Official Report, 12 January, column 779, if he will make it his policy to arrange for a study to be conducted of the arrangements for the safeguarding of fissile material from warheads dismantled as part of arms reduction agreements.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  No, since to date British nuclear weapons have not been the subject of any arms control agreement.

  Boxer System
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what priority was given to the need to provide a secure communication link following the privatisation of British Telecommunications in the decision to proceed with the Boxer system and the application to build a 300 ft mast at Brizlee Wood, near Alnwick.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The proposed radio mast at Brizlee Wood will establish the east coast Boxer 2 route to defence units in the northern United Kingdom, and will thus be an essential link in the national and NATO communications network. Brizlee Wood was selected as the preferred location for this mast because it is already an important defence installation. The need for the Boxer 2 communications bearer system is based on the requirement to provide a nationwide secure and survivable 60
  communications system. The system will be introduced into service progressively during the early 1990s. The need for such a system was recognised many years before the privatisation of the British Telecom national network.

  Tornado Jets
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to the answer to the hon. Member for Leeds, West on 14 December,Official Report, column 818, if he will estimate the amount and type of toxic emissions (a) per mile and (b) per minute of a Tornado jet (i) with use of afterburner, (ii) without use of afterburner, and (iii) at various power settings of the engine.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The amount and mixture of emissions from the Tornado's jet engines without use of afterburner are broadly similar to those of modern civil jet aircraft. When the afterburner is in operation the exhaust may contain a rather higher proportion of unburnt fuel, but the main constituents of the emissions remain the same.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what verification research is being conducted by his Department and consultants on the assessment of canisters which do not need intrusive assay to evaluate the chemical contents of chemical weapons.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  As part of the United Kingdom's active and practical support for the negotiations in Geneva for a comprehensive, global and verification chemical weapons convention, the Ministry of Defence, together with other Departments concerned, is undertaking work on various aspects of the verification technology which will be needed to underpin the convention. This includes the evaluation of non-intrusive techniques such as X-ray, ultrasonics or neutron activation analysis.

  Service School Teachers
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the last review of the pay and conditions of service of locally employed teachers in service schools was completed; what review is taking place at the present time; and when that review will be completed.

  Mr. Neubert
  The pay and conditions of service of teachers who are employed on a locally entered basis by the MOD overseas are dealt with in the context of the arrangements applicable to locally entered civilian (LEC) staff generally. The most recent LEC pay reviews carried out by the commands in Germany, Gibraltar and Hong Kong were implemented from 1 April 1989. The last general pay review date for staff in Cyprus was 1 October 1987, but there is a separate system of interim cost of living allowances. The arrangements for LECs who are dependants of service and United Kingdom-based personnel serving overseas are normally reviewed in the wake of general LEC awards. Account is taken, however, of any differences in their position in relation to taxation and access to other facilities. Such other factors as recruitment and retention and affordability may also have to be taken into consideration. A special review of the terms and conditions applied to dependant LECs is being carried out in Germany. It is too early to say what the implications might be for any particular group.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Neubert
  Smoking is discouraged throughout the Department and is prohibited in lifts and other enclosed spaces. A number of no-smoking areas have been established in offices, recreational areas, staff restaurants and other communal rest areas. No-smoking areas will be developed and extended in response to the wishes of staff.

  "Ways Out of the Arms Race"
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will obtain a copy of the book "Ways Out of the Arms Race", edited by J. Hassard, T. Kibble and P. Lewis, published by World Scientific. December 1989, for his departmental library.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  A copy has been ordered by the Ministry of Defence library.

  ECR-90 Radar
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if, during the recent discussions with the Minister of Defence for West Germany about the ECR-90 radar, there was any discussion of collateral arrangements for the United Kingdom to acquire German-produced armoured vehicles.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  No.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in the contract for the ECR-90 radar with Ferranti, there is a provision for recourse to Ferranti for any cost overruns on sales to West Germany.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, East (Mr. Strang) on 23 January 1990 at columns 869–72.

  Military Detention
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average term of military detention imposed on service men found guilty of being absent without leave over the last five years.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  This information could not be produced without disproportionate effort. Each case is considered individually. The length of detention varies from a few days to two years, depends on a number of factors, including the length of absence, whether or not the absentee surrendered or was arrested, and whether or not he had a record of any previous convictions.

  Consideration is also given to any mitigating circumstances of a compassionate nature and to the length of time the accused may have spent in custody awaiting trial.

  Radiation Leakages
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what radiation leakages there have been aboard nuclear submarines in or near Scottish docks in this year.
  62
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  During the past 12 months there have been no radiological incidents aboard Royal Navy nuclear-powered submarines in or near Scottish ports which have resulted in a hazard to naval personnel or members of the public, or any measurable contamination of the environment.

  Ferranti
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he was informed of GEC's intention to bid for Ferranti Defence Systems Ltd.; whether he or any of his Ministers or officials met the boards of either or both companies before the talks with the West German Defence Minister on 22 January; whether he was consulted by either of the companies involved in the takeover before the announcement of 23 January and in what respects he assessed the bid by GEC for Ferranti differently from those made by the same company for Plessey in 1986 and 1989.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  My right hon. Friend and 1, and Ministry of Defence officials, maintain contact with the management of all major defence contractors, including Ferranti and GEC; the details of our discussions are always confidential. However, I can say that the two companies informed the Ministry of Defence that discussions were taking place between them. The proposed acquisition will be assessed in the normal way by the Director General of Fair Trading under the provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1973.

  Community Charge
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has any information as to the numbers of RAF apprentices and officer trainee pilots who are on full pay and have been classified as students for community charge purposes.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I understand that 411 RAF apprentices and technicians have been classified as students for community charge purposes. I am not aware that any RAF officer trainees have been so classified.

  HMS Conqueror
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 15 January,Official Report, column 120, to the hon. Member for Linlithgow, if he will declassify the captain's narrative of HMS Conqueror's Falklands deployment.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  No.

ENVIRONMENT

  Parliament (Stonework Cleaning)
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his current detailed timetable for the cleaning and restoration of the stonework of the inner courtyards of the Palace of Westminster.

  Mr. Chope
  The repair, restoration and cleaning of the stonework of the Palace of Westminster is being carried out in a number of phases. The next phase will cover the Victoria Tower and south elevation, overlooking the Victoria Tower gardens. This is due to start in April 1990 and will take about four years to complete.
  63
  The final stage of the programme covering the inner courtyards will be tackled after that, but it is too early to say yet precisely when the work will start, or how long it will take.

  Fire Services (Cumbria)
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much extra money would be needed by Cumbria county council above its standard spending assessment for fire services to comply with the standards recommended by the Home Office inspectorate of fire services.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The standard spending assessment for fire and civil defence services is the Government's estimate of an appropriate level of expenditure consistent with the efficient provision of a standard level of service. It takes into account the characteristics of Cumbria as specified in the Revenue Support Grant Distribution Report (England) and is consistent with the figure for total standard spending by all local authorities announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 19 July 1989. However, budgetary decisions for these services remain the responsibility of Cumbria county council. The Home Office inspectorate of fire services closely monitors the performance of brigades against the nationally recommended standards of fire cover.

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any proposals for legislation to prohibit public footpaths crossing waste landfill sites.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The consideration of the diversion of any footpath would be a matter for the planning authority at the time of consideration of the planning application.

  Dr. Thomas
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has had any meetings with the chairman or officers of the National Association of Waste Disposal

  Total expenditure £ million

  Increase Per cent.

  Rate support grant £

  Increase Per cent.

  GDP Deflator Per cent.

  Exeter

  1987–88

  7·036

  60·7

  4,621,206

  -16·4

  5·3

  1988–89

  6·139

  -12·7

  4,902,078

  6·1

  7·25

  1989–90

  6·840

  11·4

  5,169,351

  5·5

  7·00

  Devon

  1987–88

  390·072

  8·3

  162,988,858

  7·5

  5·3

  1988–89

  396·869

  1·7

  166,253,251

  2·0

  7·25

  1989–90

  456·617

  15·1

  162,550,732

  -2·2

  7·00

  Notes:

  1. For the years 1987–88 to 1989–90 the rate support grant for Devon consists of block grant only whereas Exeter received both block grant and domestic rate relief grant.

  2. Under the new local government finance system, which comes into force on 1 April, there are no target figures.

  3. In 1990 –91 Exeter will receive £12·4 million of revenue support grant.

  Uniform Business Rate
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give(a) the figures of business rate contribution to Exeter city council for the following years: 1987–88, 1988–89 and 1989–90, (b) the expected business
  64
  Contractors since 22 November 1989; and whether he has made any assessment of the effects on Her Majesty's pollution inspectorate of the code of self-regulation.

  Mr. Trippier
  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, the Member for Wells (Mr. Heathcoat-Amory) met the chairman and representatives of the National Association of Waste Disposal Contractors on 17 January. During the course of wide-ranging discussions the association's code of self-regulation was not specifically discussed. But the Department is aware of the code which we see as a positive step in promoting the necessary high standards that should prevail throughout waste management. Adoption of the code will not affect the work of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution in regard to its responsibilities for waste as these rest primarily in monitoring the performance of the waste disposal authorities and in setting a framework of national standards for waste management practice.

  Water Privatisation
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the fees paid to each of the accountancy firms connected with the water privatisation; and how much money has been paid to firms criticised by the Department of Trade and Industry or the disciplinary committees of the accountancy profession.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  It is not our policy to comment on individual contracts. The full costs of privatisation will be reported to Parliament in due course in the normal way.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the figures for Exeter city council and Devon county council authorities(a) expenditure, (b) Government grant support, (c) percentage increase on previous years and (d) inflation percentage for the following years: 1987–88, 1988–89 and 1989–90 together with the target figures for 1990–91.

  Mr. Chope
  The figures requested are as follows:

  rate contribution to the uniform business rate in 1990–91 and (c) the allocation of uniform business rate to Exeter city council in 1990–91.

  Mr. Chope
  The available information is as follows:
  65

  Non-domestic rate yield in Exeter net of rebates:

  £ million

  1987–88

  16·1

  1988–89

  19·3

  1989–90

  21·1

  Allocation of uniform business rate:

  1990–91

  21·5

  The business rate contribution to the uniform business rate in 1990–91 is not yet known.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will show in the Official Report the numbers and grades of his staff engaged on GRE or SSA development in (a) 1988, (b) 1989 and (c) planned for 1990.

  Mr. David Hunt
  [holding answer 25 January 1990]The number of staff in my Department engaged on GRE or SSA development and calculation are shown in the table for 1988 and 1989. Future figures are not yet known.

  The figures include professional economists and statisticians plus support staff who have been engaged on GRE or SSA development and calculation in the period. Not all of these staff have been engaged wholly on GRE or SSA development.

  1988

  1989

  Grade 5

  1

  1

  Grade 6

  1

  3

  Grade 7

  3

  3

  SEO

  1

  1

  HEO and professional equivalent

  1

  1

  EO and professional equivalent

  2

  2

  AO

  1

  1

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether people living in communities run by(a) the Moonies, (b) Hare Krishna, (c) the Children of God, (d) the Scientologists and (e) other religious cults will be exempt from the poll tax; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Individuals who are members of religious communities, the principal occupation of which is prayer, contemplation, the relief of suffering or education; who have no income or capital of their own; and who are dependent upon the community concerned for their material needs, are exempt from the community charge. It is for community charges registration officers to decide in each case whether a person falls within the terms of the exemption.

  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what relief from the community charge will be available to those who currently receive relief on their rates because they are disabled; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  Disabled persons' rate relief ensures that disabled people do not have to pay higher rate bills where an adaptation of their home made necessary by their disability would raise its rateable value. There is no question of a disabled person having to pay more community charge because of his disability, so equivalent provision is not necessary. Rebates of up to 80 per cent. of the community charge are available to people, including 66
  disabled people, with little or no income who qualify for community charge benefit. Income support, for those receiving it, contains an amount to help pay the remaining 20 per cent. Disabled people may qualify for rebates at higher levels of income than other claimants because of the disability premium.

  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) by what percentage the rate imposed by Chelmsford borough council increased in each year from 1979 to date;

  (2) by what percentage the rate imposed by Essex county council increased in each year from 1979 to date; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The percentage changes over the previous years are as follows:

  Chelmsford borough council borough rate per cent.

  Essex county council precept per cent.

  1979–80

  -36·8

  +25·3

  1980–81

  +4·4

  +18·7

  1981–82

  +59·6

  +10·8

  1982–83

  -39·2

  +14·9

  1983–84

  +9·6

  +4·7

  1984–85

  +38·8

  +7·0

  1985–86

  + 26·1

  +7·4

  1986–87

  +7·1

  +18·8

  1987–88

  -13·3

  +10·8

  1988–89

  +38·5

  +17·8

  1989–90

  + 19·4

  +5·1

  Borough rate is the rate charged by the borough; precept is the rate levied by the county council.

  Mr. Madel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether university students sponsored by firms are eligible for the full community charge rebate; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The eligibility criteria defining full-time courses for the purposes of student relief make no reference to the source of a student's funds. Every person whose course fulfils these criteria will be liable to pay only 20 per cent. of the personal community charge.

  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the maximum level of community charge for Northampton at which no couple will be required to pay £3 per week extra as protected by the transitional relief; and how this divides between Northampton and Northamptonshire.

  Mr. Chope
  For the purposes of the transitional relief scheme, the assumed community charge for the area of Northampton borough council will be £294·13. The way in which this figure is derived does not permit a meaningful apportionment to be made between district and county; but the community charge bills which people receive will show separately how much of the actual community charge is due to county and district spending, and will show, for comparison, the cost of providing a standard level of service.

  Cleaning Contractors, House of Commons
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what supervision is given and by whom as to the standard of work by the cleaning contractors now employed in the House of Commons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The Parliamentary Works Office and the Department of the Serjeant at Arms staff work together on the inspection of cleaning work undertaken by the contractor.

  Ancient Monuments
  Mr. Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he intends to update and expand his schedule of ancient monuments; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  Before my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment includes a monument in the schedule that he maintains under section 1 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, he consults English Heritage. English Heritage's major programme of re-survey work, known as the monuments protection programme, is now under way. It is expected to run for some 10 years or so and could lead to an increase in the number of scheduled monuments in England from 13,000 to approximately 60,000. The object of the programme is to identify further or redefine monuments of national importance which should be protected by statutory controls; and to collect up-to-date information to assist in their future use and management.

  My right hon. Friend is now considering the first batch of 200 monuments recommended for scheduling by English Heritage. These cover monuments in the Salisbury Plain training area. To qualify for scheduling, monuments must be of national importance. Each case is considered on its merits. Because the characteristics which make a monument of national importance and worthy of scheduling are not always readily visible, its identification, and the subsequent decision whether or not to include it in the schedule, are matters for informed judgment in the light of professional advice given by English Heritage. The criteria on which the judgment is formed were first announced on 22 November 1983 and I now restate them:

  (i)Period: all types of monuments that characterise a category or period should be considered for preservation.

  (ii)Rarity: there are some monument categories which in certain periods are so scarce that all surviving examples which still retain some archaelogical potential, should be preserved. In general, however, a selection must be made which portrays the typical and commonplace as well as the rare. This process should take account of all aspects of the distribution of a particular class of monument, both in a national and a regional context.

  (iii)Documentation: the significance of a monument may be enhanced by the existence of records of previous investigation or, in the case of more recent monuments, by the supporting evidence of contemporary written records.

  (iv)Group Value: the value of a single monument (such as a field system) may be greatly enhanced by its association with related contemporary monuments (such as a settlement and cemetery) or with monuments of different periods. In some cases, it is preferable to protect the complete group of monuments, including associated and adjacent land, rather than to protect isolated monuments within the group.

  (v)Survival/Condition: the survival of a monument's archaeological potential both above and below ground
  68
  is a particularly important consideration and should be reassessed in relation to its present condition and surviving features.

  (vi)Fragility/Vulnerability: highly important archaeological evidence from some field monuments can be destroyed by a single ploughing or unsympathetic treatment; vulnerable monuments of this nature would particularly benefit from the statutory protection which scheduling confers. There are also standing structures of particular form or complexity whose value can again be severely reduced by neglect or careless treatment and which are similarly well suited to protection by scheduled monument legislation, even if these structures are already listed historic buildings.

  (vii)Diversity: some monuments may be selected for scheduling because they possess a combination of high quality features, others because of a single important attribute.

  (viii)Potential: on occasion, the nature of the evidence cannot be specified precisely, but it may still be possible to document reasons anticipating its existence and importance and so to demonstrate the justification for scheduling. This is usually confined to sites rather than upstanding monuments.

  CITES Conference
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he is giving to a habitat tax, as suggested at the CITES conference at Lucerne.

  Mr. Trippier
  None. This matter was not formally discussed at the CITES conference. I shall, however, be interested in the outcome of any discussions on this issue between the International Council for Bird Preservation, which proposed it, and the pet trade.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on the check list scheme contained in the resolution on the shipment of live animals passed at the seventh CITES conference; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  We support in principle efforts to improve transport conditions for live animals, and in the light of CITES conference resolution 7.13, are considering what further steps may be necessary to supplement the existing substantial safeguards which already operate in the United Kingdom.

  Commons Registration Act
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the working of the Commons Registration Act 1965; and when he expects to bring forward proposals to amend it.

  Mr. Trippier
  We recognise, as did the Common Land Forum, that there are deficiencies in the Commons Registration Act 1965. For our legislative intentions, I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 27 November 1989 to my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Sir J. Farr),(Official Report, Vol. 162, column 89).

  Standard Spending Assessments
  Mr. Gow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the resident population of the borough of Eastbourne for the purpose of calculating its standard spending assessment; how he arrived at the size of the resident population; to what extent and at what date the figure for the size of the resident population is accurate; whether he and the Eastbourne borough council
  69
  agree on the size of the resident population; and what representations he has received on this subject from the borough council.

  Mr. Chope
  The resident population of the borough of Eastbourne used for the purpose of calculating its standard spending assessment is 80,353. This figure is arrived at in accordance with the provisions of the Revenue Support Grant Distribution Report (England) and is the estimate of the registrar general for England and Wales of the resident population at 30 June 1988. I believe that this is the best information available for this purpose, being compiled on a consistent and impartial basis and providing the necessary breakdown between age groups. The community charges registration officer for Eastbourne has reported a figure of 67,903 as being the number of persons registered as subject to pay the personal community charge, with an adjustment for students, and estimated to pay collective community charge contributions at 1 December 1989. Eastbourne borough council has made representations that the figures from its community charges register should be used for the purpose of calculating its standard spending assessment in place of the registrar general's estimate. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State considered these representations before he made the distribution report but decided not to make the change suggested.

  Mr. Gow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what procedures exist for altering the standard spending assessment of a borough council for the year ending 31 March 1991 where it is discovered that the figure taken as the size of the resident population turns out to be misleading.

  Mr. Chope
  The standard spending assessment for each borough council, as for other councils, has been calculated in accordance with the Revenue Support Grant Distribution Report (England). The use of resident population figures calculated on a different basis from that specified in that report would require the making of an amendment report. If representations were made to that effect, my right hon. Friend would take them into account in considering whether to make an amendment report.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he proposes to make any changes to the cash limit on the Property Services Agency civil vote in 1989–90.

  Mr. Chope
  Yes, subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary Supplementary Estimate, the cash limit for class XX vote 18 will be increased by £11,725,000 from token provision of £1,000 to £11,726,000. A reduction of £3,960,000 was made in the main Estimate from provision of £791,436,000 to compensate for the cash limit breach on this vote in 1988–89, which resulted in an excess vote of £9,200,000. Against this, increases are needed to finance the acquisition of freehold and long leasehold office accommodation and increased rents payments, to offset a shortfall in capital receipts, and to finance additional expenditure on the parliamentary and the royal parks and palaces works programmes. The increase will be charged to the reserve.

  Storm Damage
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those county authorities which have requested assistance from his Department following the storm of 25 January; and if he will list the SSA for each authority.

  Mr. David Hunt
  No local authority has yet made a formal request for assistance, but in view of the obviously serious nature of the storm, the Government announced on 25 January that special financial assistance would be made available.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the isolation of a county from its neighbours in extreme weather conditions is a factor which was considered in calculating SSAs.

  Mr. David Hunt
  This was not a factor considered. Although the Isle of Wight councils provided a paper which argued their case for recognition of extra costs that they claimed by virtue of separation from the mainland, isolation in extreme weather conditions was not a factor which entered the case that they put forward.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement authorising those counties affected by the storm of 25 January to repair the damage under the Bellwin rules.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Special financial arrangements to help local authorities in emergencies—known as the Bellwin scheme—have been announced and will be available for the areas covered by the storm.

  Construction Products Directive
  Mr. Latham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress is being made in giving accreditation to third party certification bodies dealing with product conformity under the construction products directive; and whether he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope

  [holding answer 24 January 1990]The British Board of Agrement was designated on 22 November 1989 to issue European technical approvals. It will also act as the spokesman for the United Kingdom in the European organisation of technical approval bodies to be set up under the construction products directive.

  My Department is discussing with representatives of the construction industry, the European Commission and other member states, the appropriate arrangements for accreditation under the directive. We are also exploring with the National Measurement Accreditation Service and the National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies how they might assist my Department in designating testing laboratories and certification bodies.

  Revenue Support Grant
  Mr. Gow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the relevant population of the borough of Eastbourne for the purpose of calculating entitlement to revenue support grant; and how he arrived at the figure for the relevant population

  (2) what representations he has received from; the Eastbourne borough council about the size of the relevant population of the borough of Eastbourne for the purpose

  71
  of calculating revenue support grant for the year ending 31 March 1991; and whether he is satisfied that the figure for the size of the relevant population is as accurate as possible.

  Mr. Chope
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]The relevant population for the borough of Eastbourne for 1990–91 is 67,903. This figure has been calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Population Report (England) approved by the House on 18 January. For Eastbourne, the calculation is based on data provided and certified by the community charges registration officer for the borough, and I have no reason to believe that the figure is not accurate. I have received no representations about the size of the relevant population. The treasurer did, however, make representations about the estimates of population used in calculating standard spending assessments, which are derived from a different source. These representations were considered before my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made the Revenue Support Grant Distribution Report (England).

  Mr. Gow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what procedures exist for altering the distribution of revenue support grant for a district council for the year ending 31 March 1991 where it is discovered that an error has been made in assessing the size of the relevant population.

  Mr. Chope
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]The relevant population for each district council for 1990–91 has been calculated in accordance with the Population Report (England). I am not aware of any errors having been made in this calculation. If any errors were discovered, my right hon. Friend would consider what action was necessary, depending on the circumstances of the case.

  Local Government Finance, Eastbourne
  Mr. Gow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be the level of the community charge in the borough of Eastbourne and in the district of Wealden on the basis of figures published by him on 11 January; and what is his estimate of overspending by Eastbourne and by Wealden for adults for the current year.

  Mr. Chope
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]On the basis of the assumptions used for the revenue support grant settlement, the community charge for 1990–91 would be £298 in Eastbourne and £270 in Wealden. In 1989–90 Eastbourne's reported budgeted total expenditure is £919,000 more than its grant-related expenditure assessment, and Wealden's expenditure is £727,000 more than its GRE. Expressed as amounts per adult using the relevant population for 1990£91, these figures are £14 and £7 respectively.

  English Heritage
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list all grant offers and section 3A repair grant offers made by English Heritage for each year from 1984–85 to 1989–90, broken down by recipient organisation;

  (2) if he will list total grant offers made by English Heritage from 1984–85 to 1989–90, broken down by
  72
  category of grant, further subdividing section 3A repair grants between church and secular grants and showing each category as a proportion of the annual total;

  (3)what is English Heritage's salary bill for 1984–85 to 1990–91 in real terms and for each year, as a proportion of grant in aid;

  (4)what is the total staff complement of English Heritage for 1984–85 to 1989–90 and the estimates to 1992–93;

  (5)what proportion of grant in aid was (a) offered and (b) paid by English Heritage in grants from 1984–85 to 1990–91;

  (6)what was the Government's grant in aid to English Heritage in real terms from 1984–85 to 1992–93;

  (7)what were English Heritage's operating costs from 1984–85 to 1990–91, broken down by category and showing each category as a proportion of the annual total.

  Mr. Trippier
  [holding answer 26 January 1990]The detailed breakdown of expenditure on building repair grants, salaries and operating costs, and information on staff complement are matters for English Heritage. I have asked the chairman, Lord Montagu, to write to the hon. Member. Government grant in aid to English Heritage is as follows:

  Cash

  Real terms at 1990–91 prices

  1984–85

  49·9

  68·9

  1985–86

  52·2

  68·5

  1986–87

  60·1

  76·3

  1987–88

  65·3

  78·7

  1988–89

  66·2

  74·4

  1989–90

  72·4

  76·0

  1990–91

  78·0

  78·0

  Grant in aid for 1991–92 and subsequent years is allocated provisionally and is subject to revision during the appropriate year's public expenditure survey.

  Start-up Grant
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people in the past year have applied for a start-up grant, following advice from the Bradford enterprise centre; when applications were submitted to him; when he is going to take decisions on those applications; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Moynihan
  [holding answer 23 January 1990]I have been asked to reply.

  The Bradford enterprise centre provides a range of assistance and support for new and expanding businesses including start-up grants, which are available from a number of sources. No details are available on the numbers of people who may have applied for start-up assistance following advice from the centre, or of the outcome.

  As part of Bradford metropolitan district council's inner area programme, the Government do, however, fund a business development scheme, which offers start-up grants of up to £2,000 to applicants who meet agreed criteria. For this particular start-up scheme, there have been 47 applications in the current financial year. Thirty applications were received on 10 July 1989 and decisions on 28 of these were issued by the Department on 21 July. One was subsequently withdrawn and the remaining

  73
  application was determined in September on receipt of further information. Following the satisfactory conclusion on 8 January of discussions about the detailed operation of the scheme, the Department is now able to consider the 17 further applications received in November. Decisions can be expected shortly.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Sheep Scab
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the incidence of sheep scab in each county of England and Wales for each of the last three years.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is as follows:

  Number

  1987

  England

  Cheshire

  2

  Cornwall

  2

  Gloucestershire

  1

  Greater Manchester

  1

  Lancashire

  8

  North Yorkshire

  3

  Shropshire

  2

  Somerset

  1

  West Yorkshire

  3

  Total

  23

  Wales

  Clywd

  6

  Gwent

  1

  Gwynedd

  5

  Powys

  2

  Total

  14

  1988

  England

  Cheshire

  4

  Cornwall

  2

  Derbyshire

  2

  Devon

  3

  Dorset

  3

  Gloucestershire

  1

  Hereford and Worcester

  1

  Lincolnshire

  2

  Shropshire

  3

  Somerset

  4

  Warwickshire

  1

  Total

  26

  Wales

  Clwyd

  1

  Gwent

  1

  Gwynedd

  3

  Mid Glamorgan

  3

  Powys

  1

  Total

  9

  1989

  England

  Cambridgeshire

  1

  Essex

  1

  Avon

  1

  Cornwall

  15

  Devon

  15

  Dorset

  4

  Somerset

  10

  74

  Number

  Wiltshire

  3

  Cheshire

  1

  Derbyshire

  1

  Hereford and Worcester

  3

  Shropshire

  2

  Staffordshire

  3

  Total

  60

  Wales

  Clwyd

  2

  Dyfed

  1

  Gwynedd

  1

  Powys

  1

  Total

  5

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture,
  4Fisheries and Food when he received a document from the Soil Association entitled "20 per cent. of Britain Organic by the Year 2000"; what steps he has taken. or
  plans to take to assess the practicality of the proposals it
  contains; and what reply he has sent to the Soil Association.

  Mr. Curry
  I have not received from the Soil
  Association a copy of the document to which the hon. Member refers, although I am aware of it. In my reply on 16 January to a question from the hon. Member for Truro
  (Mr. Taylor) I referred to the steps being taken by the Government to encourage organic farming(Official Report columns 215-16).

  Mince
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture,
  Fisheries and Food if he intends introducing regulations governing the lean to fat ratios in mince; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Not for the present. I need to await
  developments in the European Community concerning
  proposals for the quantitative declaration of characterising ingredients of foodstuffs and the possible extension of the existing directive on minced meat to domestic
  production, both of which issues are likely to be discussed in the next few months.

  Food Colouring
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under what circumstances the inclusion in food of colouring matter is deemed to be necessary.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Food Advisory Committee (FAC),in its review of the Colouring Matter in Food Regulations 1973, discussed the need for colours to be added to food. It concluded that the responsible use of colours continues to have a role in providing consumers with a choice of attractively presented foods. It also, however, recommended stricter controls on their use including an extension to the list of foods which currently must not contain added colours. I announced in the House on 29 November last year the Government's acceptance of the FAC's recommendations. I therefore refer the hon. Member to
  75
  the committee's final report on the review and its response to comments received on its final report, copies of which have already been placed in the Library of the House.

  Sheep Offal
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is any evidence of danger to animals that are fed food containing sheep offal; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Sheep offal is subject to the prohibition on the use of ruminant-derived protein in ruminant feedstuffs as these species may be susceptible to the scrapie agent. There is no evidence to suggest that it poses a risk to non-ruminant species such as pigs and poultry.

  Captive Birds (Imports)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his reply of 20 December 1989,Official Report, column 300, what further steps he has taken to ensure that the requirements relating to the import of captive birds are being fulfilled.

  Mr. Maclean
  The review of post-import quarantine arrangements is continuing. Visits by veterinary staff to major exporting countries and meetings with representatives of the bird trade and conservation organisations are being arranged. I have written to the airlines emphasising the need for proper care in transporting birds.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Curry
  Restrictions on smoking already apply at certain buildings. The Department's aim is to establish a non-smoking regime at each of its buildings but with facilities for smokers. We are progressively moving towards this position.

  Animal Feed (Contamination)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) cattle and (b) sheep are restricted, as a result of lead-contaminated animal feed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Davies),Official Report, 24 January, columns 769-70. Details of numbers of individual animals under restriction are not held centrally.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all the countries in which restrictions are still imposed as a result of lead-contaminated animal feed; and, in each country, how many farms are under restriction.

  Mr. Maclean
  There are 1,512 farms still under restriction in England and a further 156 in Wales. The only other country known to have been affected was the Netherlands where I understand that one farm is still subject to restrictions.

  Hill Livestock Allowances
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to increase hill livestock compensatory allowances by at least £3 per head; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Dr. Thomas) on 23 January 1990, at column 641.

  Cattle Offal
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to ban the use of cattle offal from calves under six months old for human consumption.

  Mr. Maclean
  Offal from calves under six months of age do not present any risk. Such action would not, therefore, be justified.

  Live Cattle Exports
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the economic impact of the European Economic Community restrictions on live cattle exports in the British beef and dairy industries.

  Mr. Curry
  The restrictions that the Commission is expected to adopt would, if in force in 1988, still have allowed the export of 249,000 (94 per cent.) of the 266,000 live cattle and calves exported in that year. The most important effect of the restrictions is likely to be on exports of breeding animals which were some 7,000 head and worth about £5 million in 1988.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the legal basis for the decision of the European Economic Community to ban the import of live cattle(a) born prior to June 1988 and (b) over six months of age.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Commission's proposal refers to the treaty of Rome and article 9D of directive 64/432.

  Bovine Offal
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide details of restrictions imposed on the human consumption of bovine offal by the EEC member states other than the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maclean
  I am not aware that any other European Community member state has imposed restrictions on the consumption of offal.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what restrictions are imposed on the import of bovine offal currently banned from human consumption in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 25 January at column 821.

  Non-price Support Measures
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish details of the new non-price support measures proposed by the Commission which he questioned at the Council of Ministers' meetings on 22 and 23 January.
  77
  Mr. Curry
  The principal non-price elements proposed
  by the Commission as part of its price proposals are:An aid for small arable producers, defined as producers with not more than 20 hectares of land who derive the main part of their income from cereals, oilseeds and pulses;
  An aid to encourage the production of millet, canary seed and buckwheat ;
  The extension of suckler cow premium to suckler cows owned by small milk producers, who are defined as producers with a quota of not more than 60,000 kg a year;
  The introduction of a Community financed scheme for the purchase of milk quota from producers undertaking to cease milk production altogether. The quota obtained would be reallocated by the member state concerned to producers in less favoured and mountainous areas, to bring their quotas up to no more than 60,000 or 100,000 kg a year respectively;
  An increase of 4 ecu in the rate of annual ewe premium in less-favoured areas.

  Meat and Bone meal Exports
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what certificates are currently required by France, West Germany and Israel to accompany meat and bone meal exports from the United Kingdom; and if he will list those other countries which have made representations to him concerning the quality of such exports;

  (2) what representations he has received from other countries regarding the quality of meat and bone meal being exported from the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maclean
  The certification currently required is as
  follows:France—that the meat and bone meal is destined for use other than as food for ruminants:
  West Germany—application must be made to the appropriate Land authority for an import permit. This will state the particular certification which is required in each case. The Ministry is unaware that any application has been made and is not aware of any conditions which individual Laender may stipulate; and
  Israel—that the meal is derived from poultry.

  I have received no representations about the quality of United Kingdom exports.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to assess the risk of transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy through pet food.

  Mr. Maclean
  Infectivity and other studies of tissues
  from BSE-affected cattle are currently being funded by MAFF at the neuropathogenesis unit and the central veterinary laboratory.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimate of the Southwood committee for the likely weekly maximum of new reported cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy; and at what weekly level new cases are currently being reported.

  Mr. Maclean
  The report of the Southwood working party estimated that 350 to 400 new cases of BSE might occur per month. In recent months around 800 cases have been confirmed. This is consistent with the single source epidemic described by Southwood.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet determined what 78
  processes are necessary to deactivate the bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent in meat and bone meal; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Research is in hand to try and establish the processes which might inactivate the agent of BSE.

ENERGY

  Fiddler's Ferry Power Station
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to visit Fiddler's Ferry power station; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  1 have no present plans to do so.

  Nottingham Coalfield
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal to discuss the future of the Nottingham coalfield.

  Mr. Baldry
  My right hon. Friend and I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry, including the Nottinghamshire coalfield.

  Electricity Prices
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the rate of increase in the price of electricity to domestic customers for the year from 1 April.

  Mr. John P. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the percentage increase in domestic electricity prices in April for the following 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wakeham
  It is for the area boards to set their own domestic tariffs from 1 April this year following their contract negotiations with generators. Ministers have said that they will approve the initial contracts to ensure that the terms are reasonable.

  Mr. Gerald Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy by how much domestic electricity prices rose in the periods 1984 to 1989 and 1974 to 1979.

  Mr. Baldry
  In the period December 1984 to December 1989 domestic electricity prices decreased in real terms by 8 per cent.

  In the period May 1974 to May 1979 (the last five years of the last Labour Government) domestic electricity prices increased in real terms by 9 per cent.

  Offshore Oil and Gas
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many people are employed in the United Kingdom's offshore oil and gas installations.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Provisional figures indicate that 31,000 people were employed offshore on oil and gas installations in 1989, which is some 6 per cent. higher than in 1988.

  British Coal
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what matters were discussed.
  79
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last met the chairman of British Coal; and what matters were discussed.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

  Nuclear Electric
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he can now announce the terms and conditions of employment of the staff of the nuclear corporation.

  Mr. Baldry
  This will be a matter for Nuclear Electric. The company will need to offer salaries and benefits sufficient to retain and recruit the skilled staff it needs to run its nuclear stations safely and efficiently.

  Deep-mined Coal
  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if his Department has made any estimate of the likely production of deep-mined coal from Scottish pits in 1990 and 1991.

  Mr. Baldry
  No. Business projections are a matter for British Coal.

  Energy Efficiency
  Sir Fergus Montgomery
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the improvement in energy efficiency in the United Kingdom since 1979; and what information he has for the rest of the European Community.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Energy consumption is virtually unchanged, but GDP has risen by 20 per cent. Between 1982 and 1986, the latest period for which European Community figures are available, our rate of improvement was twice the Community average.

  Pit Closures
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he last discussed pit closures with the chairman of British Coal.

  Mr. Wakeham
  I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry.

  Insulation
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the costs and benefits of the neighbourhood energy action community insulation programmes.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Community insulation projects have played a valuable role in combining implementation of basic insulation measures in low-income households with training for the unemployed. The Social Security Bill, which received its Second Reading on 22 January, will give my right hon. Friend powers to introduce a new scheme of grant not dependent on the availability of trainees. The costs and benefits of this scheme will be monitored and evaluated in the normal way.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any further plans to encourage home insulation.
  80
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to encourage home insulation measures.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Existing programmes by the Energy Efficiency Office to encourage and promote energy efficiency in housing include publication of relevant information and advice under the best practice programme; support for community insulation projects; marketing and publicity initiatives, targeted on low-income households and on those moving house or undertaking improvements; and liaison arrangements with professional bodies in the building sector to encourage building professionals to give greater consideration to energy efficiency in the design of buildings.

  The Social Security Bill, which received its Second Reading on 22 January, will enable my right hon. Friend to build on the arrangements to promote energy efficiency in low-income households through the introduction of a new scheme of grants.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will restore the level of investment and employment in community insulation projects to that obtaining in 1988.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  The principal purpose of community insulation projects is to help those on low incomes to be more efficient in their use of energy. The Social Security Bill, which received its Second Reading on 22 January, will give my right hon. Friend powers to introduce a new scheme of grants towards the costs of insulation measures in low-income households. I expect the new scheme to increase significantly the rate at which such measures are implemented.

  Oil Production
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the prospects for oil production during 1990.

  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the prospects for oil production during 1990.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Prospects for the oil production industry are extremely encouraging. I expect continued recovery of oil output in 1990. Output could be up to 10 million tonnes higher than the 1989 level of 91 million tonnes.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are his latest estimates of North sea oil production for each year in the 1990s.

  Mr. Andrew Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the latest estimates of North sea oil production for each year in the 1990s.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  My Department is currently reviewing its forecast ranges for oil production for the next five years. This will be presented to Parliament when it is available.

  Greenhouse Gases
  Dr. Kim Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the prospective increase in greenhouse gases emission from all energy sources in the United Kingdom by the year 2005.
  81
  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Estimates of such emissions under a wide range of scenarios for economic growth and energy prices were included in a study, carried out last year by my Department, entitled, "An evaluation of Energy Related Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Measures to Ameliorate Them". This was part of the United Kingdom's input to the work of the energy and industry subgroup to the response strategies working group of the UNEP/WMO intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC). A copy of the study was placed in the Library of the House on 30 November 1989; and it is to be published this week as Energy Paper 58.

  Independent Electricity Generators
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the prospects for the establishment of independent generators after the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

  Mr. Brandon-Bravo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what assessment he has made of the prospects for the establishment of independent generators after the privatisation of the electricity supply industry.

  Mr. Baldry
  The encouragement of competition in generation has always been one of the fundamental aims of our privatisation proposals. My Department is aware of around 20 major private generation projects in prospect, totalling some 7GW of capacity. The first of the new independent generating companies to take advantage of the opportunities offered as a result of our proposals is Lakeland Power, which last October signed a contract with the North Western electricity board.

  Fabrication Sector
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a statement on current and projected levels of activity in the United Kingdom fabrication sector.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  New capital expenditure in oil and gas development is estimated to reach £3·7 billion in 1990 —an increase of 75 per cent. compared with £2·1 billion in 1988—which clearly will improve the prospects for the United Kingdom offshore supplies industry, including the fabrication sector, in 1990 and beyond. Current level of fabrication activity is 229,000 tonnes.

  Gas Prices
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy by how much domestic gas prices have increased since the privatisation of the gas industry.

  Mr. Hind
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy by how much domestic gas prices have increased since the privatisation of the gas industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Domestic gas prices have increased by less than 5 per cent. in current terms since privatisation. This represents a decrease of 13 per cent. in real terms.

  Energy Sources
  Dr. Michael Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what proportion of his Department's research budget was spent on alternative energy sources in the last year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  In 1988–89 8·9 per cent. of my Department's research and development budget was spent on renewable energy sources.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what progress has been made with the alternative energy projects currently funded or planned by his Department in Cornwall.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  There are three major renewable energy research and development projects in Cornwall.

  My Department contributed to the cost of the Cornwall energy project conducted by the Cornwall county council. Proposals for specific pieces of work arising from the first study are expected.

  The geothermal hot dry rocks project operated by the Camborne School of Mines is progressing to schedule. A review of progress of the programme and future possibilities with the school is under way.

  The Central Electricity Generating Board is progressing plans for an 8MW wind farm at Cold Northcott. My Department expects to contribute up to one third of the cost.

  Non-fossil Fuel Obligation
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his latest estimate of the additional cost of the non-fossil fuel obligation subsequent to vesting d ay in the electricity supply industry.

  Mr. Baldry
  Customers currently pay for nuclear power in their electricity bills. The introduction of the non-fossil fuel obligation will not change this. The additional cost of meeting the obligation compared with the cost of generating the same electricity from fossil sources will be shown in the fossil fuel levy. It is too early to say what the initial size of the levy will be.

  British Gas (Disconnections)
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many British Gas customers had their gas supply disconnected for debt in 1989; and what are the comparable figures for previous years.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood (Mr. Stewart).

  British Coal (Scottish Contracts)
  Mr. McLeish
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what discussions he has had with British Coal about the future of the industry in Scotland and the recent Court of Session judgments over the validity of contracts between British Coal and the South of Scotland electricity board.

  Mr. Baldry
  I meet the chairman of British Coal regularly to discuss all aspects of the coal industry. The Court of Session judgments over the validity of contracts between British Coal and the SSEB are a matter for the parties concerned.

  Combined Heat and Power
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy if he will make a further statement on his policy on combined heat and power schemes.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on 18 December,Official Report, column 8. I have nothing further to add.

  Sizewell B
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what has been the expenditure to date on Sizewell B nuclear power station.

  Mr. Baldry
  This is a matter for the CEGB.

  Tidal Power
  Mr. Fearn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps he is taking to encourage development of tidal power projects.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  My Department is supporting a wide-ranging programme of studies on potential tidal energy sites in the United Kingdom. The aim of the current work is to reduce the uncertainty on costs, performance and regional and environmental issues to the point where it will be possible to take decisions on whether to plan for construction.

  Coal Imports
  Mr. Hood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the most up-to-date figures or estimates available to him of the tonnage of coal imports into(a) Scotland and (b) Great Britain as a whole for 1989, 1990, 1991.

  Mr. Baldry
  Information on coal imports is available for the period January to November 1989 as shown in the table. We do not produce estimates for future years.

  Million tonnes

  Scotland

  1·5

  Great Britain

  10·9

  Source Her Majesty's Customs and Excise (port of entry basis)

  Mr. Buckley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are his most up-to-date figures for coal imports into the United Kingdom for 1989 and his latest estimate for 1990.

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner) earlier today.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what percentage of the United Kingdom coal-burn in 1989 was imported.

  Mr. Baldry
  Twelve per cent. of coal burned in the United Kingdom during the period January to November 1989—the latest period for which information is available—was imported.

  Pipelines (Shutdown Valves)
  Mr. Doran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many oil and gas pipelines on the United Kingdom continental shelf have had sub-sea emergency shutdown valves fitted.
  84
  Mr. Peter Morrison
  A total of 26 oil and gas pipelines to fixed offshore installations are fitted with sub-sea isolation systems. In addition, all oil and gas pipeline risers to the six floating production platforms on the United Kingdom continental shelf are fitted with these systems.

  Miners
  Mr. Cunliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the number of miners on British Coal's books on 1 January 1989, 1 January 1990 and 1 January 1991.

  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the level of colliery manpower on the books of British Coal by 1 January 1991.

  Mr. Baldry
  For the week ended 31 December 1988 there were 85,883 men on British Coal's colliery books. The equivalent figure for the week ended 30 December 1989 was 66,059. The Government do not make estimates of future manning levels in British Coal. Such levels depend on a number of factors, including the corporation's continued ability to raise its competitiveness.

  Coal Burning
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what steps his Department is taking to encourage the coal mining industry to develop new methods of burning coal.

  Mr. Baldry
  British Coal has an international reputation for research and development into new methods of burning coal and an impressive record of introducing new ideas commercially in association with plant manufacturers. Government support for pre-commercial research and development on new combustion technologies is made available from time to time as appropriate, such as at British Coal's Grimethorpe facility, where £ 17 million was provided for pressurised fluidised bed combustion over the period 1976 to 1984, and up to a further £8 million offered last year for a three-year programme on British Coal's topping cycle concept.

  Energy Conservation
  Mr. Ray Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his most up-to-date estimate of the level of investment in energy conservation by the(a) domestic, (b) industrial and (c) public sectors over the next five years.

  Mr. Peter Morrison
  Investment in energy efficiency measures is a matter for individual consumers and the information requested is not available; where the Government are directly responsible, we have begun a campaign which is expected to lead to Government Departments increasing their investment in energy efficiency by up to 10 per cent. of their annual expenditure on energy.

  Nuclear Electric
  Mr. Jack Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy when he next proposes to meet the chairman of the national nuclear company; and what matters he proposes to discuss.
  85
  Mr. Baldry
  My right hon. Friend and I intend to meet the chairman of Nuclear Electric whenever necessary to discuss matters of concern to Nuclear Electric.

  Nuclear Power
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what future plans his Department has for the development of the nuclear power industry in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Campbell-Savours) on 18 December 1989, column 6.

  Non-smokers
  Mr. Amos
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what provisions are being made in all the offices and other places under his Department's control for the convenience and comfort of non-smokers; and if he will make a statement on his Department's policy for non-smokers.

  Mr. Wakeham
  The only premises for which my Department has prime responsibility are its headquarters at I Palace street, SW1. The policy there is that staff are asked to refrain from smoking in offices where there is a non-smoker; and that smoking is not allowed in most common areas of the building. The operation of these arrangements will be kept under review in consultation with staff.

  Sulphur Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will make it his policy that the prospectuses for the sale of shares in National Power and PowerGen include the commitment to instal flue gas desulphurisation in 12,000 MW of generating capacity to achieve the EC target of 60 per cent. reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that Britain's electricity-generating industry pursues the EC programme of installing flue gas desulphurisation in 12,000 MW of generating capacity to achieve the 60 per cent. reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions by 2003;

  (3) if he will make it his policy to ensure that National Power and PowerGen complete the EC programme of flue gas desulphurisation to cut sulphur dioxide emissions by 60 per cent. by the year 2003;

  (4) what consultation he (a) has had and (b) expects to have regarding the British electricity-generating industry's programme to instal flue gas desulphurisation in 12,000 MW of capacity to achieve the EC target of 60 per cent. reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions by the year 2003.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Government are determined to implement in full the EC large combustion plants directive. This directive commits the United Kingdom to reduce its emissions of sulphur dioxide (and nitrogen oxides) from existing plants, such as fossil-fuelled power stations, but does not specify the means by which this should be done. Retrofitting flue gas desulphurisation equipment will play 86
  a major part in this, but the burning of low sulphur fuels, including gas, may also contribute. The prospectuses for the sale of National Power and PowerGen will explain how they plan to achieve the reductions required of them. The Government invited public comment last August on their plans to implement the directive. Further consultation will take place before a plan for reductions of emissions from existing plants is issued.

  Imported Electricity (France)
  Dr. Kim Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if supplies of French nuclear-generated electricity imported via the cross-Channel interconnector will be included within the non-fossil fuel quota of electricity supplied to the grid in the United Kingdom;

  (2) what steps he will be taking to ensure that there is no subsidisation of nuclear-generated electricity purchased from Electricité de France under the arrangements for the non-fossil fuel quota.

  Mr. Baldry
  The cross-Channel link was built to be used for electricity trading in both directions and mutual assistance. Recent trading has been in both directions. Negotiations are taking place with Electricité de France for these arrangements to continue in future. Given the interruptible nature of these arrangements, imports through the link will not qualify for inclusion in the non-fossil fuel obligation. Electricity sales through the link will be on a fully commercial basis, without subsidy.

  Dr. Kim Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what was the total in(a) GWh, and (b) cost, of electricity imported from France via the cross-Channel interconnector in 1989.

  Mr. Baldry
  Figures for the whole year are not yet available. For the first 11 months of 1989, imports totalled 13,210 GWh with a value of £285·3 million1.

  I understand that figures for December will show the United Kingdom was a net exporter of electricity to France.

  1 Source: Customs and Excise Overseas Trade Statistics.

  Director General of Electricity Supply
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the cost to the public purse for the office of the Director General of Electricity Supply.

  Mr. Baldry
  The costs of the Office of Electricity Regulation will be recovered through fees to be paid by the electricity industry.

  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what is his estimate of the total cost of establishing the office of the Director General of Electricity Supply.

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell) on 26 January 1990, at column 904.

  EC DEVELOPMENTS: SIX-MONTHLY WHITE PAPER
  EC DEVELOPMENTS: SIX-MONTHLY WHITE PAPER
  EC: CULTURAL COMPETENCE
  EC: CULTURAL COMPETENCE
  PAYMENTS INTO COURT
  PAYMENTS INTO COURT
  EMPLOYMENT APPEAL TRIBUNAL
  EMPLOYMENT APPEAL TRIBUNAL
  DR. KALMIN SIDDIQUE
  DR. KALMIN SIDDIQUE
  LISTED BUILDINGS: ENGLISH HERITAGE ADVICE
  LISTED BUILDINGS: ENGLISH HERITAGE ADVICE
  COMMUNITY CHARGE: INNER CITY SSAs
  COMMUNITY CHARGE: INNER CITY SSAs
  ANCIENT MONUMENTS PROTECTION PROGRAMME
  ANCIENT MONUMENTS PROTECTION PROGRAMME
  EMPLOYMENT APPEAL TRIBUNAL
  EMPLOYMENT APPEAL TRIBUNAL
  FETAL TISSUE: THERAPEUTIC USE
  FETAL TISSUE: THERAPEUTIC USE
  TRIDENT D5 PURCHASE
  TRIDENT D5 PURCHASE
  BBC: ADVERTISING GUIDELINES
  BBC: ADVERTISING GUIDELINES
  ECONOMIC LEAGUE
  ECONOMIC LEAGUE
  PREVENTION OF TERRORISM ACTS: EXCLUSION ORDERS
  PREVENTION OF TERRORISM ACTS: EXCLUSION ORDERS
  PROBATION SERVICE REORGANISATION: CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT
  PROBATION SERVICE REORGANISATION: CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT