Written Answers of 24 January 1991

EMPLOYMENT

  Employment Training
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list for each training agency area the employment training training agents and training managers who have since the start of the programme(a) gone into liquidation, (b) not had contracts with the training agency renewed and (c) ceased to provide employment training for any other reason.

  Employment Training

  Destination of trainees leaving in period August 1989 to July 1990 (estimated)

  Region

  Full-time job

  Part-time job

  Full-time Education/Training

  Self-employed

  Jobclub

  Unemployed claiming benefit

  Unemployed not claiming benefit

  Other

  per cent.

  per cent.

  per cent.

  per cent.

  per cent.

  per cent.

  per cent.

  per cent.

  South East

  27

  12

  2

  6

  3

  33

  8

  8

  London

  22

  6

  4

  7

  5

  41

  7

  5

  South West

  26

  8

  2

  10

  4

  35

  6

  8

  West Midlands

  26

  7

  3

  3

  4

  45

  5

  8

  East Midlands and Eastern

  25

  8

  2

  5

  5

  41

  5

  8

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  27

  7

  2

  6

  4

  43

  4

  6

  North West

  26

  7

  2

  7

  5

  43

  4

  6

  Northern

  27

  6

  2

  3

  5

  46

  5

  6

  Wales

  25

  7

  2

  8

  4

  40

  6

  7

  Scotland

  25

  5

  3

  4

  5

  47

  4

  7

  Great Britain

  25

  7

  2

  5

  5

  43

  5

  7

  Source: Respondents to the Employment Training Follow-up Survey.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list for each region and for Great Britain as a whole for each quarter since employment training was introduced the number of participants who(a) fell within the guarantee group and (b) fell within the aim group; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of places available on the employment training scheme for each year of operation; and how many places were in urban programme and partnership areas.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information is not available in the precise form requested. However, information is available on the estimated number of ET starts, as shown in the table:

  ET starts (GB)

  Percentage in inner cities

  September 1988-March 1989

  238,600

  42

  April 1989-March 1990

  430,600

  39

  262
  Mr. Jackson
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list for each region and for Great Britain as a whole, for the latest available period, the number and proportion of employment training trainees who three months after leaving were(a) in a full-time job, (b) in a part-time job, (c) in a full-time education or training course, (d) employed in their own business, (e) in a jobclub, (f) unemployed and claiming benefit and (g) unemployed and not claiming benefit.

  Mr. Jackson
  The following table gives the proportions of trainees leaving employment training in the last 12-month period for which information is available arid their destinations. Detailed numbers as requested are unavailable.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was Government spending on employment training at 1989 prices for each year of operation.

  Mr. Jackson
  The table shows expenditure on employment training for each year of its operation to date at 1989–90 constant prices.

  £ million

  1988–89 (from 5 September 1988)

  452

  1989–90

  1,097

  1990–91 (to end December 1990)

  675

  Enterprise Allowance Scheme
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment who is now responsible for recovering any overpayments that are made to people in receipt of the enterprise allowance scheme in areas covered by training and enterprise councils; in what circumstances recovery of overpayments will be sought; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  Training and enterprise councils are responsible for recovering overpaid moneys to people who are in receipt of the enterprise allowance in the areas they cover. Each training and enterprise council assumes this responsibility from the date it becomes operational.
  263
  The decision to take recovery action rests with the training and enterprise council.

  Part-time Workers
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the proportion of female part-time workers in Great Britain in April 1990 whose hourly earnings exclusive of overtime fell below(a) £3·10, (b) £3·40, (c) £4·00, (d) £4·60 and (e) £4·75.

  Mr. Jackson
  The estimated percentages of part-time adult female employees earning below specified amounts in the new earnings survey sample in April 1990 were:

  Hourly earnings excluding overtime less than:

  Percentage

  £3·00

  36

  £3·20

  44

  £3·40

  52

  £4·00

  69

  £4·50

  78

  £5·00

  83

  Estimates of the percentage earning below £3·10, £4·60 and £4·75 are not available; the nearest available figures have been given. The figures relate to employees on adult rates whose earnings for the survey period were not affected by absence.

  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the number of male part-time

  Training Agency Programme Expenditure 1989–90

  Expenditure (£ million)

  Region

  ET

  Residual AT

  YTS

  BGT

  SFS

  EAS

  BEP (Outside ET)

  WRFE

  TVEI

  Total

  South East

  31·21

  1·65

  74·55

  1·56

  0·41

  12·55

  0·45

  19·22

  26·57

  168·17

  London

  46·11

  3·54

  38·78

  1·80

  0·20

  14·82

  1·06

  14·28

  12·27

  132·86

  South West

  25·60

  1·42

  59·39

  0·87

  0·27

  12·32

  0·34

  9·66

  8·19

  118·06

  West Midlands

  43·23

  1·86

  87·65

  1·32

  0·25

  12·52

  0·35

  11·49

  13·06

  171·73

  East Midlands

  33·08

  1·66

  91·14

  0·98

  0·36

  12·81

  0·33

  12·40

  12·17

  164·93

  Yorks and Humberside

  50·97

  2·20

  87·11

  1·03

  0·29

  12·69

  0·34

  9·68

  9·99

  174·30

  North West

  56·11

  3·65

  120·94

  1·70

  0·52

  19·75

  0·83

  15·38

  13·80

  232·68

  Northern

  42·10

  1·31

  69·44

  1·01

  0·21

  7·72

  0·24

  4·51

  9·07

  135·61

  Wales

  32·74

  1·75

  50·75

  0·47

  —

  8·95

  0·20

  5·31

  7·50

  107·67

  Scotland

  60·70

  3·24

  102·69

  0·91

  —

  10·97

  0·33

  —

  11·54

  190·38

  TNPU

  109·30

  —

  181·34

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  290·64

  RTC

  7·37

  1·75

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  9·12

  GB

  538·52

  24·03

  963·78

  11·65

  2·51

  125·10

  4·47

  101·93

  124·16

  1,896·15

  Notes:

  1. Expenditure excludes training allowances and other costs administered centrally.

  2. The TECs and National Provider's Unit (TNPU) is based centrally and holds contracts for major companies who provide training throughout Great Britain.

  3. Figures given for residual AT include Voluntary Projects Programme (VPP), Community Programme (CP) and New JTS.

  4. Figures quoted are as at end March 1990 and some minor adjustments may have been made when the end year definite statistics were produced.

  5. London is Greater London.

  Youth Training
  Mr. Nellist
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what account he has taken of the representations on youth training funding for special needs young people, made to him by the Arthur Rank centre in its letter of 19 December 1990, in determining levels of such funding; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  [holding answer 23 January 1991]Decisions on the appropriate levels of funding for youth 264
  workers in Great Britain in April 1990; and what was the proportion of those workers falling below the hourly earnings threshold of (a) £3·40, (b) £4·60 and (c) £4·75.

  Mr. Jackson
  There were an estimated 906,000 part-time male employees in employment in March 1990. The estimated percentages of part-time adult male employees earning below specified amounts in the new earnings survey sample in April 1990 were:

  Hourly earnings1

  Per cent.

  £3·40

  49

  £4·60

  72

  £4·80

  74

  1 Including overtime.

  Estimates of the percentage earning below £4·75 are not available; the nearest available figures have been given. The figures relate to employees on adult rates whose earnings for the survey period were not affected by absence.

  Training Agency
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide a table of expenditure on the programmes run by the Training Agency in 1989–90, broken down by programme and cross-tabulated by standard regions, with Greater London shown as a separate region.

  Mr. Jackson
  The information requested is shown in the table:

  training providers are for local negotiation between the providers themselves and their local training and enterprise council.

ENVIRONMENT

  Council Housing
  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the public expenditure on housing as a percentage of gross domestic product in each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Yeo
  The figures given are for Great Britain. They are based on gross expenditure on housing including spending from receipts and expenditure on housing benefits:

  Year

  Gross domestic product per cent.

  1980–81

  2·7

  1981–82

  2·2

  1982–83

  2·3

  1983–84

  2·8

  1984–85

  2·8

  1985–86

  2·5

  1986–87

  2·4

  1987–88

  2·3

  1988–89

  2·1

  1989–90

  2·2

  Sewage Disposal
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment by what date the present method of dumping sewage into the sea will cease or be amended at Ilfracombe, Combe Martin and Lynmouth.

  Mr. Baldry
  The target date for completing improvement schemes for sewage discharges at Ilfracombe, Combe Martin and Lynmouth is end 1995.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish his timetable for his review of local government finance and structure.

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is conducting a thorough and fundamental review of local government functions, structure and finance to identify a stable basis for the future development of local government. It is premature to say when it might be complete.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table showing for 1990–91 for each local authority(a) the total amount of national non-domestic rate income to be collected, (b) his best estimate of the amount collected thus far and (c) the amount of national non-domestic rate income being made available to each authority in 1990–91.

  Mr. Portillo
  I am arranging for copies of the information to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the personal community charge payable in 1991–92 by each couple eligible for the community charge reduction scheme where the personal charge for 1990–91 was £350, and that for 1991–92 was £390, and where the total domestic rates paid by the household in 1989–90 was(a) £225, (b) £325, (c) £375 and (d) £275.
  266
  Mr. Key
  In general, assuming that the couple did not benefit from or contribute to the safety net in 1990–91, the amount payable by each partner in 1991–92 would be as follows:(a) £204·50, (b) £254·50, (c) £279·50 arid (d) £229·50.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to use a de minimis rule on the operation of community charge capping in 1991–92.

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend will decide whether to adopt a de minimis proviso and the figure for any such proviso in making his designation decisions under section 100 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. As we have made clear local authorities should not assume that there will be such a proviso.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish his final criteria for the purposes of community charge-capping designation in 1991–92.

  Mr. Portillo
  My right hon. Friend intends to take his designation decisions under section 100 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as soon as reasonably practicable after authorities have set their budgets for 1991–92.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the qualifying date relating to residence in a property for eligibility for the community charge reduction scheme in 1991–92.

  Mr. Portillo
  Broadly, as with the current transitional relief scheme, a person may be eligible if he or she was subject to a personal community charge by virtue of residence in the relevant property on 31 March 1990.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the maximum number of assumed poll tax charges that will be used per household for the purposes of calculating help under the community charge reduction scheme in 1991–92.

  Mr. Portillo
  As with the current transitional relief scheme, two community charges will be used in the calculation of a reduction where there are two or more eligible charge payers in a property. However, special rules will apply to residents of sheltered housing schemes who will be able to qualify for a reduction in their own right.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assumption of population mobility for 1990–91 and 1991–92 he used for the purposes of calculating the numbers of poll tax payers likely to qualify for help under his proposed community charge reduction scheme.

  Mr. Portillo
  A depletion rate of 10 per cent. per annum has been assumed in arriving at the estimates for the community charge reduction scheme, to allow for cessation of entitlement for charge payers who have moved or have died.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a table of expenditure on the urban programme 1989–90 showing expenditure broken down into economic, environmental and social categories and cross-tabulated by standards, region, with Greater London shown as a separate region.
  267
  Mr. Key
  [holding answer 22 January 1991]: Approved urban programme expenditure levels for 1989–90 for

  Urban programme region (£ million)

  Economic

  Environmental

  Social

  Northern

  21·006

  5·656

  9·695

  Northwest1

  21·452

  5·577

  9·010

  Merseyside1

  14·163

  7·698

  6·466

  West Midlands

  19·828

  5·665

  10·925

  East Midlands

  4·994

  2·157

  3·405

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  13·521

  4·917

  4·671

  Southwest

  0·998

  0·499

  0·689

  London

  24·416

  13·270

  11·147

  1 These two urban programme regions form one standard Northwest region. All other urban programme and standard regions are identical.

  North Devon Coast
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the cause and the content of the layers of brown, greasy material that coat areas of the sea bed off the coast of north Devon.

  Mr. Baldry
  I have no information on any unnatural or unusual materials coating the sea bed off the coast of north Devon.

  HM Inspectorate of Pollution
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the current staff complement of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution; and how many staff will be in post by the end of the current financial year;

  (2) how many inspectors and how many administrative staff are employed by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution; and what the numbers are expected to be for the next financial year;

  (3) how many staff will ultimately be required to enforce integrated pollution control.

  Mr. Trippier
  There are currently 220 staff in post in Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution (HMIP)—115 professional and 105 administrative staff.

  The approved complement for the end of the current financial year has recently been increased from 223 to 248, and the approved complement for the end of 1991–92 to over 300. HMIP will therefore continue to recruit and expand during 1991–92.

  Thereafter, complement may need to be increased further as IPC is progressively implemented and HMIP's workload increases further. Provisional assessments suggest that HMIP may ultimately require a total staff of up to around 400 when IPC is in full operation, but these assessments are subject to practical experience of operating IPC and are being kept under review.

  When HMIP was formed in April 1987 from the merger of three previous inspectorates, there were 133 staff in post. The substantial increase in HMIP's strength demonstrates the Government's commitment to the highest standards of environmental protection.

  Recruitment of further pollution inspectors is now in progress. Salary scales have been increased by 18 per cent., and this has overcome the recruitment difficulties previously experienced. The competition currently in progress has attracted nearly 600 good-quality applicants, showing a very encouraging level of interest among scientists in joining the inspectorate and being involved in its work of protecting the environment.
  268
  economic, environmental and social categories are shown below. The urban programme regions are cross-referenced to standard regions.

  The table shows the detailed complement and staff-in-post figures for HMIP since its formation in April 1987.

  Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution staffing1

  1 April 19872

  1 January 1991

  1 April 1991

  1 April 1992

  Complement

  199

  223

  248

  3300–310

  Staff in post

  133

  220

  —

  —

  1 All figures exclude the former Radioactive Waste Policy and Administrative Division, (25 administrative, two professional staff) which transferred from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution to the DOE Directorate of Pollution Control and Waste in November 1990.

  2 Date of formation of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Pollution.

  3 Provisional figures.

  Crown Suppliers
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he is satisfied that the price being agreed for the sale of the Crown Suppliers transport section fully reflects alternative uses of all five sites which form part of the sale;

  (2) whether the sale of the five land sites belonging to the Crown Suppliers transport section provides for a valuation based on existing use value, planning hope value, or a valuation based on approved planning applications following the completion of any sale.

  Mr. Yeo
  The Government are concerned to ensure that they obtain a fair price for the business, having regard, among other things, to the market value of the assets, including the land. To this end independent professional valuations of the freehold sites have been obtained.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make it his policy not to permit control of the transport section of the Crown Suppliers to be varied prior to the payment of moneys by the management buy-out for the transport section of the Crown Suppliers.

  Mr. Yeo
  The Secretary of State will retain control of the transport business of the Crown Suppliers in the run-up to any sale.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date Mr. Bill Pinkney first approached the Crown Suppliers or his Department directly with an offer to purchase the Crown Suppliers transport section.

  Mr. Yeo
  In April 1989.
  269
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what moneys have been allocated, paid or contracted for payment to the management buy-out for the Crown Suppliers transport section connected to Mr. Bill Pinkney and Mr. Bramall of Dewsbury.

  Mr. Yeo
  A total of £36,000 has been paid in support of professional fees incurred by a team lead by Mr. Pinkney. Provisional agreement has been reached to provide additional support of up to a further £111,000, subject to certain conditions being met. No commmitment to this further amount has so far been given. If Mr. Pinkney's team were successful in acquiring the business, the new company would have to repay all Government support.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he will make a statement as to the investigation carried out by the Property Services Agency audit section into the activities of Mr. Bill Pinkney;

  (2) whether he will list the actions taken by Mr. Bill Pinkney which led to an investigation being carried out by the Property Services Agency audit section.

  Mr. Yeo
  An audit of travel and subsistence, and certain other expenditure in the Crown Suppliers, including the transport business in which Mr. Pinkney is employed, has been undertaken by the Property Services Agency internal audit. The Crown Suppliers management have considered and are following up the matters arising from that audit.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the value of the orginal hid in cash terms submitted by the management buy-out led by Mr. Bill Pinkney for the transport section of the Crown Suppliers.

  Mr. Yeo
  It would not be in the interests of a successful sale to reveal at this stage the details of any bids for the business.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he took to satisfy himself that the offer to purchase the Crown Suppliers transport section by a group of persons led by Mr. Bill Pinkney is a valid management buy-out initiative.

  Mr. Yeo
  The members of the team, the sources of finance, control and structure of the proposed new company will be included in the factors to be taken into account in assessing their bid for the business.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what values have been placed on the five sites comprising the property portfolio which forms part of the assets of the Crown Suppliers transport section.

  Mr. Yeo
  The market values of the three freehold sites in 1989 were as follows:

  £ million

  Nine Elms, London

  1·5

  Burnett, Bristol

  0·7

  Biggleswade

  1·5

  Total

  3·7

  The leasehold sites are not considered to have any realisable value.
  270
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether any Minister in his Department or their officials have met Mr. Bramall of Dewsbury to discuss the privatisation of the Crown Suppliers transport section.

  Mr. Yeo
  Yes.

  Housing, Hyndburn
  Mr. Ken Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses in Hyndburn are classified as unfit.

  Mr. Yeo
  The latest available information on unfit dwellings relates to 1 April 1990 and was provided by Hyndburn borough council in their April 1990 housing investment programme return (HIP 1 ), a copy of which is in the Library.

  Mr. Ken Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the amount of housing investment programme allocation made to Hyndburn borough council for each year from 1978–79 up to the present time.

  Mr. Yeo
  Details of the allocations made to Hyndburn borough council since 1978–79 are listed in the table. Since 1981–82 authorities have been able to augment the borrowing power of their housing investment programme allocations by using the prescribed proportion of their capital receipts. For 1990–91 and 1991–92, under the new capital finance system, the housing investment programme allocation does not convey borrowing approval directly.

  Housing investment programme allocations for Hyndburn borough council

  £ thousands

  1978–79

  2,210

  1979–80

  2,388

  1980–81

  2,358

  1981–82

  3,600

  1982–83

  4,350

  1983–84

  3,390

  1984–85

  3,675

  1985–86

  3,315

  1986–87

  3,375

  1987–88

  3,870

  1988–89

  3,599

  1989–90

  5,401

  1990–91

  14,386

  1991–92

  23,525

  1 Provisional.

  2 Initial allocation only.

  Mr. Ken Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the housing investment programme for Hyndburn to take account of the number of unfit houses in Hyndburn.

  Mr. Yeo
  No. Account was taken of all relevant factors, including the likely demand for renovation grants arising from unfit housing, in determining Hyndburn's housing investment programme allocation for 1991–92.

  Her Majesty's Prison, Belmarsh
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what delays there have been in the Property Services Agency paying sub-contractors for work carried out on the construction of Her Majesty's prison, Belmarsh; and if he will take steps to ensure that the outstanding sums are now paid.
  271
  Mr. Yeo
  Payments to sub-contractors who have worked on the construction of Her Majesty's prison, Belmarsh are the responsibility of the management contractor.

  Enterprise Zones
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each enterprise zone, the number of(a) new businesess created, (b) jobs created, (c) business bankruptcies and (d) jobs lost in each year since the creation of each enterprise zone.

  Mr. Portillo
  The latest published information on new businesses and jobs is included in the Department's report "Enterprise Zone Information 1987–88", a copy of which is in the Library. Information for 1988–89 will be available shortly. Data on business bankruptcies and jobs lost in each year are not collected.

  Building Regulations
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the extent to which the changes proposed in his Department's amendments to approved document B of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) will affect levels of life safety.

  Mr. Yeo
  The consultation proposals for amendments to part B, "Safety in Fire" of the Building Regulations 1985 incorporate a number of provisions to improve levels of life safety. These include the new requirements relating to access and facilities for the fire service, the extension of the means of escape requirements and the proposals relating to smoke alarms in dwellings. A number of those who have commented have suggested that other proposals, such as those relating to the reduction of fire resistance periods, reduce levels of life safety, and these comments are being carefully examined by the fire advisory panel and the building regulations advisory committee.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made of the effect that the larger compartment sizes proposed in his Department's amendments to approved document B of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) will have on means of escape planning and the evacuation of a building in the event of fire with particular regard to maximum travel distances.

  Mr. Yeo
  The consultation proposals for amendments to part B, "Safety in Fire", of the Building Regulations 1985 incorporate detailed practical guidance relating to means of escape, including the provision and protection of escape routes, and maximum travel distances for escape purposes. This guidance is not affected by the proposals relating to compartmentation, as maximum travel distances are measured to a protected escape route or final exit, regardless of compartment size.

  Housing
  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will make a statement on the new role of local authorities as housing enabling authorities under the Housing Act 1988;

  (2) how local authorities will fulfil their statutory responsibilities under the Housing (Homeless Persons) Act 1977 in their enabling role under the Housing Act 1988.
  272
  Mr. Yeo
  Local authorities have been acting as enablers for many years-although often in a small way. The new emphasis on local authorities acting as enablers rather than direct providers of subsidised housing parallels the expansion of the housing association movement. Housing associations are becoming the principal providers of new subsidised housing. Local authorities can fulfil their duties under the homelessness legislation by placing those they accept as homeless in their own dwellings; by using nomination arrangements to place them in dwellings owned by housing associations; or through similar arrangements made with other providers.

  Mr. Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the latest evidence he has on changes in the level of private rented accommodation arising from the implementation of the Housing Act 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Yeo
  There is a significant anecdotal evidence of an increase in the amount of property available for new lettings in the private rented sector. We have a survey in hand which will provide firmer evidence, the results of which should be available within the next two to three months.

  Large Combustion Plants
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to issue his formal plan for reducing sulphur dioxide and NOx emissions from existing large combustion plants.

  Mr. Trippier
  The United Kingdom's programme and national plan for reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from existing large combustion plants was published on 20 December. Notice of the making of the plan was given in the London, Edinburgh and Belfast Gazette. Copies have been laid in the Libraries of both Houses and are also available from my Department.

  Long Sea Outfalls
  Mr. Bellotti
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy in respect of disposal of leachate from landfill sites through long sea outfalls; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Trippier
  It is for the NRA to set conditions on discharges through long sea outfalls.

  Ministerial Responsibility
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish in the Official Report a list of all those Ministers who have been given a specific responsibility for environmental matters within their respective departmental portfolios.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I am responsible, supported by my ministerial colleagues, for all environmental matters within my Department's remit. The current list of Ministers nominated to be responsible for considering the environmental implications of all their Department's policies and spending programmes and for following up the relevant parts of the White Paper "This Common Inheritance" (Cm. 1200) is as follows:
  273
  Department and Minister

  Lord Chancellor
  The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mackay of Clashfern

  Environment
  The Rt. Hon. Michael Heseltine, MP

  Transport
  The Rt. Hon. Malcolm Rifkind, QC, MP

  Energy
  The Rt. Hon. John Wakeham, MP

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
  The Rt. Hon. John Gummer, MP

  Trade and Industry
  The Rt. Hon. Peter Lilley, MP

  Law Officers'
  The Rt. Hon. Sir Nicholas Lyell, QC, MP

  Privy Council Office/Office of Arts and Libraries
  The Rt. Hon. Tim Renton, MP

  Overseas Development
  The Rt. Hon. Lynda Chalker, MP

  Home Office
  The Rt. Hon. Angela Rumbold, CBE, MP

  Treasury
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard, MP

  Defence
  Kenneth Carlisle, Esq., MP

  Education and Science
  Michael Fallon, Esq., MP

  Employment
  Eric Forth, Esq., MP

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office
  The Hon. Mark Lennox-Boyd, MP

  Health
  Stephen Dorrell, Esq., MP

  Northern Ireland Office
  Richard Needham, Esq., MP

  Scottish Office
  The Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, MP

  Social Security
  The Lord Henley

  Local Government
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will provide a list of statutory bodies set up to carry out successor functions of the Greater London council and metropolitan counties, showing the expenditure of each successor body in 1989–90 and the principal sources of income of each successor body.

  Mr. Key
  [holding answer 22 January 1991]: I have today arranged for the available information to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Interest Rate Swaps
  Sir Trevor Skeet
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement in the light of the House of Lords' judgment on local authority interest rate swaps.

  Mr. Heseltine
  The House of Lords' judgment concerns local authorities' powers to undertake interest rate swaps and similar business. The Government are considering the implications of the judgment.

  The statutory powers of local authorities to borrow money, and the protection provided by legislation to those who lend to local authorities, were not in issue in the Hammersmith and Fulham case. The legislation provides that a person lending money to a local authority does not have to ask whether the authority has power to borrow the money and the lender is entitled to repayment of the loan, together with any interest thereon, regardless of whether the borrowing was within the authority's power or not.

TRANSPORT

  London Underground
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the occasions, within the last 12 months, when a London Underground station has been evacuated, or closed for a period exceeding 10 minutes, listing(a) the length of time the station was closed or evacuated, (b) the reason for the closure or evacuation and (c) whether the closure or evacuation took place during the peak period.

  Mr. Freeman
  This information is not kept by my Department. It is an operational matter for London Underground Ltd.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all those bodies to which he makes appointments, giving the number of people whom he appoints to each body.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The majority of the appointments for which 1 am responsible are listed in either "Public Bodies 1990" published by HMSO or "Women into Public Appointments" produced by the Women's National Commission, copies of which are available in the Library of the House. The appointments which are not listed in either document are:Acting conservator of the River Mersey;
  Four delegates to the Central Rhine Commission;
  Chairman and six members of the honorary medical advisory panel on driving and diabetes;
  Chairman and five members of the honorary medical advisory panel on driving and disorders of the cardiovascular system; Chairman and eight members of the honorary medical advisory panel for driving and disorders of the nervous system and chairman and two members of the panel's sub-committee on mental health drug and alcohol misuse.

ENERGY

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what specific measures his Department has taken to promote energy efficiency; what further measures his Department intends to take to promote energy efficiency; and by what amount and what percentage of its total energy bill his Department's energy bill has been reduced over the past year.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Since 1983, the Energy Efficiency Office (EEO) has promoted a range of programmes and other services to encourage the adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency measures in industry and the domestic sector. These initiatives have led to recurrent annual energy savings now worth over £500 million a year and currently include:the ministerial group on energy efficiency which aims to promote awareness and raise the profile of energy efficiency; encourage an energy efficiency lifestyle at home, at work and in transport; and lead by example in the development of policy initiatives and by taking forward the energy efficiency campaign on the Government estate and in other public sector bodies;
  the best practice programme which provides independent and authoritative advice and information on energy use and efficiency in industry and commerce, and in the public sector and in housing; the programme will continue to promote combined heat and power;

  275
  regional energy efficiency officers who lead the drive to encourage energy efficiency by visiting main energy users to guide them in developing energy management programmes, promoting EEO programmes and energy efficiency seminars and exhibitions, and encouraging the energy efficiency industry;
  in the domestic sector, the home energy efficiency scheme, which began on 1 January 1991, replacing the community insulation programme which has insulated some 850,000 homes; it will offer grants towards the cost of basic energy efficiency measures in low-income households; the EEO has also launched a new domestic advertising campaign to motivate those moving house or improving their homes to improve their energy efficiency; This campaign is supported by a new information pack —"Energy in Your Home"—which provides information and advice on a wide range of measures.

  The EEO is also carrying forward a number of new initiatives which were announced in the White Paper on the Environment, "This Common Inheritance" (Cm 1200), and which include:
  developing proposals for a new scheme of project management assistance for implementation of energy efficiency investments;
  considering with the lighting industry how to overcome barriers to the uptake of high-efficiency lighting;
  pursuing appliance labelling and minimum standards with our own appliance industry and in the EC.

  With regard to the Department of Energy's own energy use, during the first year of occupation in our new headquarters building, which incorporates energy-efficiency systems, major energy initiatives were precluded by the process of ensuring that all plant and equipment were operating correctly and efficiently. However, during the coming year, my officials together with those of Property Holdings, will be investigating the feasibility of a contract energy management package. In addition, my Department will be running year-long schemes designed to promote staff awareness of the importance of energy efficiency through a variety of means including leaflets, poster campaigns and staff suggestions schemes.

  Orimulsion
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he has received approaches seeking consent by National Power for the use of Orimulsion in any of their power stations:

  (2) if he has received approaches seeking the consent by Power Gen for the use of Orimulsion in any of their power stations.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  No.

  Electricity Privatisation
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what consideration he has given to the postponement of the flotation of National Power and PowerGen until after the cessation of hostilities in the middle east.

  Mr. Wakeham
  Preparations for the flotation of National Power and PowerGen are proceeding to timetable. Subject to market conditions, I intend to float both companies next month.

  Flue Gas Desulphurisation
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy what are the present plans and timetable for the installation of flue gas desulphurisation equipment at Ferrybridge and Ratcliffe power stations.
  276
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  PowerGen has submitted applications for consent under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 to install flue gas desulphurisation equipment at its Ratcliffe-on-Soar and Ferrybridge C power stations. These applications are under consideration.

WALES

  Bristol Channel (Pollution)
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales by what date Welsh Water will cease the dumping of sewage sludge into the Bristol channel; and what quantities were disposed of by this method in the latest two years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  The sea disposal of sewage sludge is to be terminated as soon as possible and by 31 December 1998 at the latest. Welsh Water is preparing plans to meet this requirement. The amount of sewage sludge deposited by Welsh Water in the last two years for which figures are available is as follows:

  Thousand tonnes (wet weight)

  1988

  1989

  55

  62

  Community Charge
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give his estimate of the community charge for 1991–92, including precepts for each of the district councils in Wales.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  The level of community charges for 1991–92 will depend on the spending decisions of each local authority. If counties and districts spend in line with the realistic settlement that my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 17 January the average community charge component for each tier should be around £190 and £38 respectively, giving a combined community charge for standard spending of £228. The average community charge payable should not exceed £200 after allowing for the £62 million which the Government has provided for the community charge reduction scheme. This is £23 lower than the average actual charge for 1990–91 after relief, and is eminently achievable.

  Irradiated Food
  Mr. Geraint Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to ensure the adequate protection of the public in respect of irradiated food in Wales since last year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  Regulations permitting the irradiation of food came into operation on 1 January this year. The regulations incorporate a strict control framework both in respect of the licensing of food irradiation premises, and in respect of the categories of food which may be subjected to irradiation. Additionally, official recognition is needed for the use of the process in connection with imported foodstuffs.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency to discuss Wales's share of inward investment projects going to United Kingdom assisted areas.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I have regular discussions with the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency about a range of matters concerning the development of the Welsh economy, including inward investment.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Crawfordsburn Hospital
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations have taken place about the closure and subsequent disposal of Crawfordsburn hospital between the Eastern health and social services board and the Department of Health and Social Services.

  Mr. Hanley
  The Eastern health and social services board first sought the approval of the Department of Health and Social Services to the closure of Crawfordsburn hospital in September 1987. A further submission was made to the Department in September 1990 and formal approval to the closure was conveyed to the board on 25 October. No consultations between the board and the Department about disposal of the property have so far taken place.

  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the future of Crawfordsburn hospital was first discussed at a meeting of the Eastern health and social services board.

  Mr. Hanley
  A proposal to close Crawfordsburn hospital was first discussed by the Eastern health and social services board at its meeting on 26 March 1987.

  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will consider the conversion of Crawfordsburn hospital and its grounds into a retirement village for the elderly of North Down.

  Mr. Hanley
  The future use of Crawfordsburn hospital is a matter for the Eastern health and social services board in the first instance. Decisions about the disposal of the hospital will be taken in the light of any proposals put forward by the Board for its future use.

  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the future of Crawfordsburn hospital was discussed at a meeting of the North Down and Ards unit of management of the Eastern health and social services board.

  Mr. Hanley
  The future of Crawfordsburn hospital was first discussed by the then North Down and Ards district executive team in August 1982.

  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the owners of the Bryansburn Inn in Bangor were first notified by the eastern health and social services board that Crawfordsburn hospital was to be closed.
  278
  Mr. Hanley
  A document containing proposals for the closure of Crawfordsburn hospital was issued for public consultation by the Eastern health and social services board in March 1987. I am not aware of any contact between the Eastern board and the owners of the Bryansburn Inn about the future of the hospital.

  Hospitals
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans to reduce the concentration of hospital provision in west Belfast so as to achieve more equitable provision over the province as a whole.

  Mr. Hanley
  Responsibility for the provision of hospital services in Northern Ireland lies in the first instance with the four health and social services boards acting within the regional strategic guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Social Services. I am aware that the Eastern board is at present developing a strategic approach to the delivery of acute hospital services to its population, but so far no firm proposals have been put to the Department for approval.

  Health Service Funding
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated amount of funding that goes directly to the Eastern health board area for the treatment of residents of other board areas.

  Mr. Hanley
  Under the present arrangements, resources are allocated to health and social services boards on the basis of the levels of service provided by each board. Resources are not specifically earmarked or identified in the Eastern board's allocation for the provision of services to the residents of other board areas.

  Historic Buildings
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide an estimate for the total Government expenditure on the upkeep, care and protection of historic buildings and monuments in Northern Ireland in 1990–91 and 1991–92.

  Mr. Needham
  Estimated expenditure for 1990–91 is £4,664,000 and for 1991–92 is £5,028,000.

  Director and Co-ordinator of Intelligence
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement as to the present duties and activities of the present Director and Co-ordinator of Intelligence for Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Brooke
  It is not my practice, nor has it been that of successive Governments, to comment on such matters.

  Non-fossil Fuel Obligation
  Mr. Rost
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to apply the non-fossil fuel obligation to Northern Ireland; and what size tranche of renewable power he expects to grant.

  Mr. Needham
  The Electricity Act 1989, which contains the powers relating to the non-fossil fuel obligation, does not extend to Northern Ireland.

  Disability
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the work force in Northern Ireland is registered disabled.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 14 January 1991]: About 1 per cent.

  Thousands

  1978–79

  1988–89

  change

  percentage

  Public sector manpower: total

  6,565

  5,361

  -1,204

  -18·3

  Civil Service manpower: total

  734

  572

  -162

  -22·1

  Source: The Government's Expenditure Plans 1990–91 to 1992–93 (Cm 1021): chapter 21, appendix D.

  Had public sector manpower changed at the same rate as civil service manpower, it would have fallen by 1,449 thousand.

  Civil Service Posts, Renfrew
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to locate additional permanent civil service posts in Renfrew district.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The Government's relocation policy is not centrally directed. But I would refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the then Paymaster General gave on 25 October 1990, columns 303–5, to the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field), which listed civil service posts located or relocated out of the south-east since 1979 together with the relocation plans announced by Departments but still to be implemented.

  Retail Prices Index
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what poll tax figures he used for the purposes of calculating the retail prices index in 1990–91; and if he intends to make any change in 1991–92.

  Mr. Maples
  In 1990–91 the average community charge figures used in the retail prices index were:

  £

  England

  357

  Wales

  233

  Scotland

  306

  The same principles will be followed for the purpose of calculating the RPI 1991–92 as were applied in 1990–91.

  Redundancy Payments
  Sir David Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the transfer of employees of state enterprise which have been privatised, if he will list(a) those where there has not been any reduction in public service redundancy payments compared with those they would have received if they had remained in the public service and (b) those where there has been any such reduction.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Public Sector Manpower
  Mr. Ralph Howell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by how much manpower in the whole of the public sector has changed between 1978–79 and 1988–89; by how much civil service manpower has changed between those dates; what would have been the changes in manpower for the whole of the public sector if it had changed at the same rate as civil service manpower; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mellor
  The information is as follows:

  1981, civil servants transferred to a new employer on privatisation are entitled to redundancy compensation, which is identical to that available under the principal civil service pension scheme. The question of reduction in redundancy compensation therefore does not arise.

  Sir David Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of redundancy payments to(a) a civil service employee and (b) an employee of a normal commercial undertaking.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978 requires employers to make redundancy payments. The Act does not apply to the civil service. However, arrangements have been made to ensure that redundancy payments to civil servants are at least comparable with the requirements of the Act and, in common with other good employers, the civil service provides payments which are in almost all cases more favourable than those requirements. The compensation terms are set out in section 10 of the principal civil service pension scheme.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Rihand Power Station, India
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the terms of reference of the World bank environmental assessment of the area around the Rihand power station in India.

  Mrs. Chalker
  The environmental assessment of the Singrauli area, which includes the Rihand power station, is being conducted under terms of reference agreed between the World bank and the Government of India, which are not in the public domain. We are, however, satisfied from our discussions with both parties that the study will be wide-ranging and comprehensive.

  Environment and Development Conference
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what preparations he is making for the United Nations 1992 conference on environment and development; and if he will make a statement.
  281
  Mrs. Chalker
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gordon (Mr. Bruce) on 10 December 1990, c. 283.

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what specific measures his Department has taken to promote energy efficiency; what further measures his Department intends to take to promote energy efficiency; and by what amount and what percentage of its total energy bill his Department's energy bill has been reduced over the past year.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Department has actively encouraged local education authorities to conserve energy in educational buildings. Savings have been achieved by supporting development projects, dissemination of guidance on good practice and commissioned research. LEAs are currently spending £43 million a year less in real terms on energy than they did in 1978–79.

  Current initiatives include supporting work being undertaken by the building research energy conservation support unit (BRECSU) in connection with its four-year £1 million programme to save energy in schools. DES publications offering advice on how to make energy savings are also in the course of preparation.

  Regarding DES buildings, a sum of £10,000 was spent on power factor correction equipment at its Darlington headquarters offices in the 1989–90 financial year. This built on a sum of £28,000 spent on electrical lighting control sensors at the same site in the previous financial year. Expenditure on energy-saving equipment at the Department's London HQ cannot be justified as insufficient time remains in which to recover capital outlay prior to a move to new premises. A building management system has been specified as an energy-saving measure for the Department's new building which is in the course of construction.

  Complete statistics are not available to enable us to say by what amount and by what percentage the Department's total energy bill has been reduced over the past year, but our target savings for the 1990–91 financial year are 3 per cent. compared with the previous financial year.

  Rodent Carcases
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the Official Report all methods of disposal used by the Medical Research Council for irradiated rodent carcases since such disposals have been required following research; and what current licensing arrangements exist for disposal.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The disposal routes for such carcases used by the Medical Research Council are:

  1. Maceration followed by disposal to the sewer, or,

  2. Incineration and landfill.

  The disposal of irradiated rodent carcases is subject to authorisation by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution under the Radioactive Substances Act 1960. Authorisations are issued only after careful assessment of the environmental impact of the proposed disposals.

  Bomb Scares
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice is given to local education authorities and to governors of(a) local education authority maintained schools, (b) grant-maintained schools, (c) local education author:ity maintained colleges and (d) colleges of higher education and polytechnics about how the staff of these institutions should be involved with the police when searching for explosive material during a bomb scare.

  Mr. Eggar
  No advice is given by the Department on how to deal with local emergencies. The police, who should be the first point of contact in the event of an emergency, will give all necessary advice.

  Special Educational Needs
  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice the Government have given to governors of grant-maintained schools regarding support for, and integration of, children with special educational needs.

  Mr. Fallon
  Such advice is contained in "Guide to the Law for Grant-Maintained School Governors" issued in September 1989, in DES circular 10/88 "Education Reform Act 1988: Grant-Maintained Schools" and in DES circular 21/89 "Grant-Maintained Schools: Financial Arrangements". Governors of grant-maintained schools will also receive copies of other relevant guidance such as the recently issued DES circular 11/90—"Staffing for Pupils with Special Educational Needs".

  Reading Standards
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list in the Official Report all national surveys of reading standards conducted in the last 10 years which his Department has available, with dates of survey and publication, and the sponsor and executor of the research in each case.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Much of the available information about reading standards in the 1980s derives from surveys conducted by individual local education authorities. However, the following national surveys are also available:The results of the assessment of performance unit's annual surveys of reading at age 11 and 15 during the years 1979–1983, published in summary form in 1988 in "Language Performance in Schools—Review of APU monitoring 1979–1983". The APU was sponsored jointly by the DES, Welsh Office and Department of Education for Northern Ireland.
  An HMI inspection report on "Reading Policy and Practice at ages 5–14" based on a survey of primary and secondary schools in 1989 and published the same year.
  An HMI report on "The Teaching and Learning of Reading in Primary Schools" based on a survey of primary schools in autumn 1990 and other inspection evidence a nd published in 1991.
  A report by the National Foundation for Educational Research entitled "An Enquiry into LEA Evidence on Standards of Reading of Seven Year Old Children" based on information about reading standards among seven-year-olds during the 1980s submitted to the NFER by local education authorities. The work was sponsored by the School Examinations and Assessment Council (SEAC) at the request of my predecessor.

  History Teaching
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the principal differences between the recommendations of the National Curriculum Council relating to history and his proposals now the subject of consultation.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The principal differences between the draft order for history, published on 14 January, and the recommendations of the National Curriculum Council relating to history, are set out in the table. The programme of study for key stage 4 and certain of the non-statutory examples illustrating the attainment targets have been adjusted to focus on the first half of the 20th century, with references to events from the turn of the century to the 1960s. These changes reflect my view that the law should not require teaching about particular contemporary events and people as part of the national curriculum history syllabus because of the difficulty of treating such matters with an historical perspective.

  Summary of main changes

  Programme of study for key stage 4

  Page number of (a) NCC report (b) draft order

  The preamble to key stage 4 model 1 indicates a focus on events from the turn of the twentieth century to the 1960s

  (a) 56

  (b)36

  Sub-sections on "British Democracy" and "International Conflict and Co-operation" now specify study should be up to circa 1960

  (a) 59

  (b)39

  The supplementary study units in model 2 changed to set terms to the periods of study as follows:

  (a) 63

  (b)42

  —Russia and USSR 1905–1964

  —The United States of America 1917–1963

  —The Indian sub-continent 1914–1964

  —Africa south of the Sahara 1900–1963

  —The Middle East 1914–1967

  —Latin America 1910–1962

  —Japan 1904-mid 1960s

  —China 1911–1966

  In addition, the draft order includes a number of complementary changes to the non-statutory examples which will accompany the order but which do not form part of the national curriculum requirements.

  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he proposes to lay orders relating to the national curriculum, history.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  In March 1991.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science when he received the latest report of the Interim Advisory Committee on School Teachers' Pay and Conditions; and when he expects to publish it.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I received the report on 18 January and will publish it shortly.

  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he proposes that the recommendations of the Interim Advisory Committee on School Teachers' Pay and Conditions should be fully funded.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Funding for teachers' salaries for 1991–92 was settled when the Government announced 284
  increased education standard spending for that year. The increase took full account of the remit given to the interim advisory committee and would fund recommendations within that remit.

  City Technology Colleges
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science, pursuant to his answer of 21 January,Official Report, columns 25–26, what guidance he has given to local education authorities as to the maximum percentage of their budgets to be applied to the funding of city technology colleges.

  Mr. Eggar
  My right hon. and learned Friend has given no such guidance.

  Science Budget
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the distribution of the science budget for 1991–92.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have considered the recommendations of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils on the distribution of the science budget, and have decided to accept the board's advice that the £920·8 million for 1991–92 should, subject to approval by Parliament of the estimates in due course, be allocated as follows:

  Allocations for 1991–92

  £ million

  Agricultural and Food Research Council

  93·47

  Economic and Social Research Council

  35·51

  Medical Research Council

  200·42

  Natural Environment Research Council

  122·56

  Science and Engineering Research Council

  451·30

  The Royal Society

  15·74

  The Fellowship of Engineering

  1·39

  ABRC (Secretariat and Science Policy Studies)

  0·36

  Centre for Exploitation of Science and Technology

  0·08

  TOTAL

  920·83

  I have also accepted the board's recommendation that for planning purposes the following indicative allocations should be adopted for the years 1992–93 and 1993–94:

  Planned figures for 1992–93 and 1993–94

  £ million

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Agricultural and Food Research Council

  90·53

  91·58

  Economic and Social Research Council

  37·24

  37·71

  Medical Research Council

  206·35

  208·80

  Natural Environment Research Council

  119·99

  121·28

  Science and Engineering Research Council

  462·96

  469·16

  The Royal Society

  15·77

  15·97

  The Fellowship of Engineering

  1·44

  1·46

  Unallocated1

  88·94

  160·40

  1 Including £50 million (1992–93) and £100 million (1993–94) consequent on new arrangements for funding of scientific work in higher education institutions.

  In making these allocations I have accepted the board's advice that additional provision of £4·1 million, £6 million and £6 million in each of the three years 1991–92 to 1993–94 should be made available to the Medical Research Council for the restructuring of clinical research through its clinical research initiative.

  The indicative planning figures above contain an unallocated £39 million in 1992–93 and £60 million in

  285
  1993–94 on which I expect to receive further advice from the ABRC in the spring. The allocations to funded bodies also exclude the increases in the science budget of £50 million in 1992–93 and £100 million in 1993–94 to take account of the new arrangements for funding scientific research in higher education announced on 8 November, Official Report, columns 27–28.

PRIME MINISTER

  United Nations Security Council
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister what is his policy towards the establishment of a seat on the United Nations Security Council for a representative from the European Community in place of the United Kingdom and French representatives.

  The Prime Minister
  According to the charter of the United Nations, only states may be members of the Security Council.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister what proposals have been put to him relating to the relinquishing of the United Kingdom's seat in the Security Council.

  The Prime Minister
  No such proposals have been put to the British Government.

  European Community
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Prime Minister when he expects to put proposals on the subsidiarity of powers between the European Community and United Kingdom national and local government to Parliament.

  The Prime Minister
  We have already made clear in the political union intergovernmental conference that, provided that an acceptable definition can be agreed, we want to see the principle of subsidiarity recognised and observed by the European Community.

  Wealth
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will take urgent action to avoid negative redistribution of wealth between rich and poor in Britain.

  The Prime Minister
  Real personal sector wealth has increased by some 60 per cent. since 1979, while there has been little change in its overall distribution. Government policies will continue to promote a dynamic, wealth-creating economy.

  Kurds
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he will seek European Community and United Nations support for a homeland and state for the Kurdish people.

  The Prime Minister
  No. The United Kingdom is a signatory to the treaty of Lausanne of 1923 which established the present-day frontiers in the region bounded by Iran, Iraq and Turkey. There can be no question of our seeking support for the establishment of a separate Kurdish state within those boundaries.

  United Nations Resolutions
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Prime Minister when Her Majesty's Government last pressed the European Community for initiatives to enforce United Nations resolutions 242 of 1967 and 338 of 1973.

  The Prime Minister
  We are in regular contact with our EC partners about the peace process and the role of the Twelve in it. Community policy on the issue was set out in the European Council's Venice declaration of 1980. This made clear, as have subsequent Council statements, most recently on 15 December 1990, that Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 should be the basis of any settlement.

  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last discussed with Prime Minister Shamir the need to accept and abide by United Nations resolutions 242 and 338; and if he will make a statement on United Kingdom policy regarding the self-determination of the Palestinians and protection of the state of Israel.

  The Prime Minister
  I discussed the Arab-Israel peace process with Mr. Shamir during his visit to London last December. I reiterated the need for early progress towards a settlement based on Security Council resolutions 242 and 338. This will need to match the Palestinians' right to self-determination with Israel's right to security.

  British Muslims
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last met representatives of the British Muslim community.

  The Prime Minister
  I have had no recent meeting, but my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, saw a group of Muslims for discussion on the Gulf situation on 18 January, and has also seen a group of Muslim journalists: further meetings are in prospect. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Home Office met representatives of the United Kingdom action committee on Islamic affairs yesterday. Such meetings reflect continuing contacts at ministerial and official level.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidelines he has issued to British citizens in civilian employment in Saudi Arabia and their employers regarding conformity with civil air raid warnings.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The British embassy in Riyadh has given written advice to British nationals in the eastern and central provinces of Saudi Arabia on precautions to be taken in the event of conflict. The embassy has also issued respirators and full instructions on their use in the event of an attack by chemical weapons. The embassy maintains close and continuing contact with the British community both directly and through the wardens.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with his opposite numbers in the United Nations coalition
  287
  of nations in the Gulf hostilities regarding the co-ordination of guidelines for civilian employees and employers in Saudi Arabia in responding to air raid warnings.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have had frequent exchanges with the Governments of the coalition and other Governments about the protection of civilians in Saudi Arabia. The most important of these contacts have been with the Saudi Arabian Government, who are responsible for providing air raid shelters, instructions and air raid warnings.

  Squid, South Atlantic
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to safeguard Illex squid stocks in the South Atlantic.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  Yes. We and the Falkland Islands Government are conscious of the need to conserve these stocks. As part of our efforts to do so we agreed recently with the Argentine Government measures to enhance fisheries conservation in the south-west Atlantic, including the establishment of a Falkland Islands outer conservation zone in which all fishing has been banned for one year beginning on 26 December 1990. An Anglo-Argentine joint commission on fisheries, at which information about and ideas on conservation will be discussed, will meet in March.

HEALTH

  Mentally Ill People
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many mentally ill people are(a) in long-stay mental health institutions, (b) in care in the community, (c) in prison and (d) homeless.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The number of mentally ill residents in national health service hospitals and units on 31 March 1990 who had been resident for more than one year is estimated at 31,200.

  The precise number of mentally ill people in receipt of care in the community is not known. The number of people in homes and hostels for mentally ill people who are supported by local authorities under the provisions of schedule 8 to the National Health Service Act 1977, as at 31 March 1989, the latest available date, was 3,549.

  The total number of prisoners who suffer from some form of mental illness is not recorded centrally. A total of 245 prisoners were reported by prison medical officers on 31 March 1990, the latest date for which figures are available, to be mentally ill within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983, to a degree to meet the criteria for detention in hospital set out in that Act. Annually over 1,000 prisoners are transferred from prison to hospital under the provisions of that Act following reports by prison medical officers.

  The number of mentally ill people who are homeless is not recorded centrally.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he has any information on the staffing and management arrangements of mental nursing homes registered to take detained patients with particular 288
  reference to the responsibilities of such homes under the Mental Health Act 1983; and what plans he has to increase the information available on such mental nursing homes.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The numbers of registered mental nurses and registered nurses for the mentally handicapped in registered mental nursing homes are reported to the Department by district health authorities in return K036. The figures for 31 March 1989 were 1,050 full-time and 714 part-time registered mental nurses and 142 full-time and 65 part-time registered nurses for the mentally handicapped. We have no plans to collect any other information on the staffing of mental nursing homes.

  Registered mental nursing homes are subject to the Registered Homes Act 1984 and must meet the requirements of that Act before they can be registered. Homes registered to take patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 must comply with all the relevant sections of that Act, including those concerning patients' rights while detained and access to the mental health review tribunals and the Mental Health Act Commission. The responsibilities of managers of registered mental nursing homes under the 1983 Act are broadly comparable to those of managers of NHS hospitals.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of detained patients cared for in mental nursing homes during 1990; and how many mental nursing homes are registered to take detained patients.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The latest available information is for 31 March 1989 when there were 89 patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 in private mental nursing homes in England. This does not include patients cared for under contractual arrangements with health authorities. On the same date there were 60 mental nursing homes registered under part II of the Registered Homes Act 1984 and authorised to detain patients.

  Trent Regional Health Authority
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give details of the number of hospital beds by district health authority in the Trent regional health authority(a) in 1979, (b) in 1985 and (c) for the latest date for which he has figures.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The information requested is given in the tables.

  Number of beds available in Trent regional health authority and district health authorities 1979, 1985. 1989–90

  Years

  1979

  1985

  1989–90

  Regional total

  31,711

  29,391

  24,554

  North Derbyshire

  1,722

  1,749

  1,574

  South Derbyshire

  4,208

  3,535

  2,700

  Leicestershire

  5,140

  5,045

  4,436

  North Lincolnshire

  2,815

  2,110

  1,413

  South Lincolnshire

  1,894

  1,768

  1,481

  Bassetlaw

  403

  433

  409

  Central Nottinghamshire

  1,997

  1,794

  1,484

  Nottingham

  4,198

  3,931

  3,334

  Barnsley

  962

  1,134

  1,111

  Doncaster

  1,808

  1,879

  1,657

  Rotherham

  1,331

  1,251

  1,129

  Sheffield

  5,233

  4,771

  3,828

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  Number of inpatients treated in Trent RHA and DHAs—1979, 1985, 1989–90

  Finished hospital stays (discharges and deaths)

  Finished consultant episodes

  1979

  1985

  11989–90

  Trent regional health authority

  464,917

  578,370

  698,776

  North Derbyshire

  22,989

  28,185

  37,345

  Southern Derbyshire

  47,540

  53,724

  61,608

  Leicestershire

  74,454

  95,365

  110,970

  North Lincolnshire

  25,751

  29,279

  36,600

  South Lincolnshire

  23,535

  31,003

  39,124

  Bassetlaw

  9,111

  11,953

  15,110

  Central Nottinghamshire

  32,095

  36,472

  43,221

  Nottingham

  73,992

  97,291

  117,018

  Barnsley

  21,449

  27,512

  32,908

  Doncaster

  28,103

  39,936

  47,926

  Rotherham

  27,805

  30,727

  38,380

  Sheffield

  78,093

  96,923

  118,566

  1 Figures for 1989–90 refer to finished consultant episodes and should not be directly compared with earlier figures (discharges and deaths).

  In 1988–89 when data were collected on both bases, finished consultant episodes in Trent regional health authority exceeded discharges and deaths by 8 per cent.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what specific measures his Department has taken to promote energy efficiency; what further measures his Department intends to take to promote energy efficiency; and by what amount and what percentage of its total energy bill his Department's energy bill has been reduced over the past year.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The national health service has met the target of reducing energy consumption by 1–5 per cent. a year suggested by the Public Accounts Committee in 1980–81 and there is a commitment to save a further 15 per cent. in consumption over the next five years.

  Guidance is provided by the Department's "Encode" and the performance of regional health authorities is monitored by the national health service management executive.

  It is estimated that £379 million has been saved in the national health service in the last 10 years due to reductions in energy consumption, changes in fuel prices and rationalisation of the estate. The latest annual figures which have been validated are for 1986–87 and they show a saving of £4·7 million representing 2 per cent. of the total energy bill for that year.

  National Health Service Trusts
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the name, address and telephone number of each national health service trust.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The information requested has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been given with regard to the charging by national health service trusts of local authority social services departments for services currently provided freely by local health authorities.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  No guidance is being given to trusts on systems for charging local authorities for 290
  services. The powers for national health service trusts to charge for services are no different from the powers which continue to be available to health authorities. Health services to individual patients remain free at the point of delivery. Local authorities remain responsible for determining charges to clients for social care which they arrange or provide.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his Department's policy towards national health service trusts who may wish to make direct community care provision.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  National health service trusts can enter into contracts with district health authorities for the provision of any health service including community health services. National health service trusts may make direct community care provision for local authorities if they wish, bearing in mind that the funding of such provision is subject to section 7 of the Health and Medicines Act 1988.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements have been made for national health service trusts to purchase the services of hospital-based local authority social workers.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Local authorities will provide hospital social work services to national health service trusts on the same basis as to the rest of the hospital and community health services.

  Dental Charges
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average dental charge in 1988–89 and in 1990–91.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The average dental charge in England for the financial year 1988–89 was £19·84. The figure for 1990–91 is not yet available.

  British Sign Language
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which national health service district general hospitals in England and Wales provide British sign language interpreters for deaf people; and which charge for this service.

  Mr. Dorrell
  This information is not held centrally.

  Food Safety
  Mrs. Maureen Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made to ensure that United Kingdom food hygiene standards are maintained throughout the European Community.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Major changes are being introduced in England and Wales from 1 April to improve food hygiene by the appropriate use of temperature controls during production, distribution and sale. The controls apply to food whether produced in this country for consumption here or for export and to foods which have been imported. Different food hygiene requirements apply in individual member states of the European Community. Where the European Commission puts forward proposals for European standards the views of the United Kingdom Government are fully represented.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of local authorities have their own secure accommodation available for young people for whom it is judged necessary.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  On 31 December 1990, 26 local authorities, 24 per cent., in England provided secure accommodation. All local authorities have access to this national network of secure facilities.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local authority secure places were made available to other local authorities willing to pay for them, in the last year for which figures were available.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Of the 1,417 admissions to secure accommodation in England during the year ending 31 March 1989, 775 were placed by local authorities which did not provide such facilities; 11 were placed by local authorities outside England, and 60 were placed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local authority secure homes for young people have been closed in the last five years; and what proportion this is of the total at the beginning of the period for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  In January 1986 there were 46 community homes providing secure units. Ten (22 per cent.) of these units have since closed permanently, primarily because the associated open part of the home has become surplus to the requirements of the local authority. A further four such secure units are currently temporarily closed while the local authority reviews their long-term future.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from chief constables with regard to the availability of secure accommodation for young persons.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  There have been no representations from chief constables specifically about the availability of secure accommodation. The Department has received comments from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) on the draft regulations and guidance on secure accommodation that were issued for consultation under the Children Act 1989. ACPO's comments will be taken into account when the final version of these regulations and guidance are prepared.

  Care Homes
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list his estimate of the number of local authority care home trusts; and in which local authorities they are located.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to encourage the development of short-term respite care in both the local authority and the private sectors to avoid permanent admissions to care homes.
  292
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Government's White Paper "Caring for People" makes it clear that respite care has an important part to play in supporting carers and enabling dependent people to continue living in the community. The White Paper also asks local authorities to promote the involvement of and make maximum use of the non-statutory sector in improving community care.

  The Department has awarded a grant to the National Association of Family Based Respite Care and has funded research at Bristol university about respite care for families with children with a mental handicap.

  The report "Care for a Change", produced by the Department's social services inspectorate and published in 1987, a copy of which is available in the Library, gives guidance to local authorities on the provision of respite care.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is issued to registration authorities regarding arrangements that may be made by private care and nursing homes for insurance cover for contents, liability, and loss of revenue.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  None. These are matters for the organisations concerned.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evaluation he has made of the implications of the growth in private care homes for the type of resident now accommodated in local authority part III accommodation.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  It is the Government's policy, set out in the White Paper "Caring for People", to encourage the contribution the independent sector can make in providing residential care for vulnerable people, in order to increase the choice for individuals and promote competition among providers. It is for individual local authorities in drawing up their community care plans to identify the range of services required to meet their population's community care needs, assemble information about current and prospective demand and supply of services in their locality, and secure a supply of appropriate services.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his current estimate of the capital investment needed by local authorities to bring the structural standards of local authority residential care homes up to the level required by his Department.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  It is for local authorities to determine their capital needs for personal social services. The assessment of the need for structural work to be carried out in local authoritty residential care homes depends upon a number of factors, including the condition and suitability of the premises in the light of the standards they apply, as registration authorities, to independent homes, the extent to which they need to retain their own homes, and the availability of resources. Only local authorities themselves can carry out such an assessment.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been issued to local authorities with regard to the criteria which may be applied to the size of private care homes when contracts for the provision for care are being placed.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  It is for local social services authorities and health authorities, which are the
  293
  registration authorities for independent homes, to judge whether a home is of an acceptable size, in the light of such factors as the premises, staffing levels, the level of care required for residents and the quality of life offered.

  Guidance has been issued to local authorities about the size of new local authority residential care homes. The code of practice for residential care, "Home Life," a copy of which is available in the Library, advises that the size of the building and the proposed number of residents should be considered in the context of the stated aims of the home. We would expect local authorities to have regard to this guidance when arranging contracts with private care homes.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if a local authority's statutory responsibilities for residents in local authority care home trusts differ in any way from their responsibilities for residents in local authority part III accommodation.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide residential accommodation for persons who, by reason of age, infirmity or any other circumstances, are in need of care and attention which is not otherwise available to them. This duty can be exercised by social services authorities either by providing the individual with accommodation in a local authority residential care home or by sponsoring them in an independent sector residential care home.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken by his Department to develop alternatives to the institutional model of care for elderly or disabled people.

  Mr. Dorrell
  We are firmly committed to a policy of community care which enables elderly and disabled people, with appropriate support, to live in their own homes or in small homely settings in the community for as long as this is feasible and sensible.

  The White Paper "Caring for People" made clear that health and local authorities are expected to work closely together in preparing community care plans that are compatible and comprehensive. Following the passage of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, the Department issued guidance to assist authorities in this task and to develop good practice. We have continued to stress the key role of the voluntary sector in this process and the importance of ensuring that the wishes of the elderly or disabled person are taken carefully into account.

  Social Service Placements
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the total number of special agency placements by local authority social services departments for each year since 1979.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Information about the number of such placements is not available centrally.

  Community Care
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what feasibility studies his Department have undertaken into the comparative costs and benefits of differing forms of community care provision; and what were the results.
  294
  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The Department has undertaken a number of such studies in particular those carried out by the personal social services research unit at the University of Kent. They have shown that the costs and benefits of community care are dependent on a range of factors with a complex interrelationship. Copies of relevant studies will be placed in the Library.

  Child Welfare
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has any proposals to bring forward legislation on transferring responsibilities for child welfare within local authorities.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  There are no such proposals.

  Social Services
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has any proposals to transfer the responsibility for the provision of personal social services from local authorities to district health authorities or national health service trusts.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  There are no plans to do so.

  Home Care
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local authorities currently operate a 24-hour, seven days a week home care service.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Special Agency Placements
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the financial implications for local authorities of the increased use of special agency placements by social services departments.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  In deciding on appropriate finance for local authorities the Government take account of local authorities' assessments of the cost to social services departments of changes in policy, demand and demography.

  North Devon Health Care TN0
  Mr. Speller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library a copy of his letter, dated 4 December 1990, and that of his Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Baroness Hooper, dated 14 January 1991, both addressed to the hon. Member for Devon, North, indicating the deferral of the application for establishing a North Devon health care trust; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [pursuant to the reply, 22 January 1991, c. 161]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has now decided to approve the application from Northern Devon Healthcare, formerly known as North Devon Healthcare, to be an NHS trust. The criteria adopted in considering trust applications were previously listed on 4 December 1989 at columns 77–82. They included:
  that the establishment of a trust will give clear benefits and improved quality of service to patients;

  295
  that management has the skills and capacity—including strong, effective leadership, sufficient financial and personnel management expertise and adequate information systems—to run the unit effectively;
  that senior professional staff, especially consultants, are involved in the management of the unit.

  In the case of the Northern Devon Healthcare Trust my right hon. Friend agreed, in response to a request from the sponsors, to defer the establishment of the trust at the time he made his decision to approve 56 NHS trusts.

  My right hon. Friend has now decided, after careful thought and after having taken into account comments made during the consultation, to approve this application for trust status. The management team has now established itself and obtained the involvement of senior professional staff. The unit can now take advantage of NHS trust status.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Computers (Security)
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what measures he is taking to ensure the security of(a) his Department's computers in-house and (b) lap-top personal computers when used by his civil servants outside his Department's offices.

  Mr. Leigh
  It is not Government policy to disclose details of the protective security measures for safeguarding computers used for official purposes. To do so would be of assistance to potential attackers and therefore reduce the effectiveness of the measures. These measures are kept under review.

  The Gulf Crisis
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to enable British businesses directly affected by the economic impact of the Gulf crisis to weather the financial problems facing them at the present time.

  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 22 January 1991]: None. It is for businesses themselves, in consultation with their banks and financial advisers to consider what measures are appropriate to their specific circumstances. DTI regional offices are, however, giving priority to the needs of affected companies to help them find new markets. My Department is also taking appropriate action to assist British industry in playing a significant part in the reconstruction of Kuwait after its liberation.

  Local Government
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide a table of expenditure of his Department's programmes of grant aid and support to industry in 1989–90, broken down by programme and cross-tabulated by standard region, with Greater London shown as a separate region, and including programmes of grant and other financial aid and also programmes of advice and training.

  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 22 January 1991]: A regional breakdown of expenditure on the Department of Trade and Industry's regional programmes and for other industrial support under the Industrial Development Act 1982, including the consultancy initiatives, is provided in
  296
  the appendices to the Industrial Development Act 1982 annual report for the year ended 31 March 1990. A regional breakdown of expenditure on other programmes is not available, nor is separate information available for Greater London, except at disproportionate cost, but the total level of expenditure on each of the Department's programmes is shown in the appropriation accounts for 1989–90.

  Iraq (Loans)
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the total number of Export Credits Guarantee Department loans outstanding to Iraq, and the cost, per year for 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 of facilities to promote British trade with Iraq.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 23 January 1991]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 17 October 1990, Official Report, column 837. There are currently 19 ECGD supported loans outstanding to Iraq.

  The total cost by year of the various trade promotion facilities available for Iraq could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specific measures his Department has taken to promote energy efficiency; what further measures his Department intends to take to promote energy efficiency; and by what amount and what percentage of its total energy bill his Department's energy bill has been reduced over the past year.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The Department's initiatives have focused on the prison estate. Energy efficiency has been promoted on the estate in the following ways:

  the use of low-energy light units;

  the use of high-frequency light units;

  improved insulation of distribution pipework;

  the installation of decentralised boiler systems using gas;

  the use of automatic controls for lighting;

  the introduction of building management systems;

  water surveys;

  energy surveys;

  improved heat distribution;

  building insulation;

  the use of low-energy equipment;

  the use of fuel additives;

  waste-derived fuel trials;

  zone control of heating;

  the use of condensing boilers; and

  the use of workshop heating controls.

  Reductions in energy bills have resulted from tariff analysis, maximum demand analysis and power factor reduction.

  Future measures will include the following:
  the evaluation of combined heat and power systems and of waste gas fuel;
  considering the use of contract energy management; staff training; and equipment evaluation and testing.

  The energy bill for the prison estate was reduced from £19·43 million in 1988–89 to £19·2 million in 1989–90, a reduction of 1·2 per cent. despite an increase of 2·5 per cent. in the size of the estate.

  We intend to introduce a programme of similar measures in non-prison estate buildings in 1991–92. It is not possible to provide the information requested on costs

  297
  in respect of those buildings, because the Department has been billed directly for its use of energy in them since April 1990.

  Emergency Communications Network
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he received the report of Scicon Ltd's study of the emergency communications network; how much the study cost; what are the report's recommendations; and whether he will place a copy of the report in the Library.

  Mr. John Patten
  The study, which is expected to cost about £150,000, is not yet complete. A final report is due shortly. Because of the classified nature of some of the material, it is not proposed to place copies in the Library.

  Cardphones (Prisons)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's policy on allowing cardphones to be available at a prisoner's own expense for use in prisons in England and Wales; and if he will list the prisons where such a scheme now exists.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  We believe that the use of cardphones by prisoners is an important way of sustaining relationships with family and friends and relieving stress during the time in custody, and can help prisoners to prepare for release.

  Cardphones are now available for the use of prisoners at all the establishments listed in the table. This includes all open establishments and almost all category C and equivalent female and young offender establishments; the installation of phones is in progress at the remainder. In addition a trial is under way at Winchester under which unconvicted prisoners have access to cardphones. The trial will shortly be extended to Manchester prison.

  HM Prison Service establishments with cardphones for the use of prisoners

  Acklington

  Aldington

  Ashwell

  Askham Grange

  Blantyre House

  Camp Hill

  Campsfield House

  Channings Wood

  Cookham Wood

  Deerbolt

  Dover

  Drake Hall

  East Sutton Park

  Eastwood Park

  Erlestoke

  Everthorpe

  Featherstone

  Feltham

  Ford

  Glen Parva

  Gloucester

  Haslar

  Hatfield

  Haverigg

  Highpoint

  Hollesley Bay Colony

  Huntercombe and Finnamore Wood Camp

  Kirkham

  Kirklevington

  Lancaster

  Leyhill

  Littlehey

  298

  Lowdham Grange

  Morton Hall

  The Mount

  Northallerton

  Northeye

  North Sea Camp

  Norwich

  Onley

  Ranby

  Risley

  Rochester

  Rudgate

  Send

  Shepton Mallet

  Spring Hill

  Stafford

  Stoke Heath

  Styal

  Sudbury/Foston Hall

  Thorn Cross

  Thorp Arch

  Usk

  The Verne

  Wayland

  Wellingborough

  Werrington

  Wetherby

  Whatton

  Winchester

  Wymott

  Trevi Group
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the United Kingdom personnel in the Trevi group working on European policy; what are their terms of reference; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Baker
  I attend Trevi Ministers' meetings, and other meetings are attended by United Kingdom officials and police service representatives. Trevi exists to promote practical co-operation among European Community member states against terrorism, drug trafficking and other serious crime.

  I attended a special meeting of Trevi Ministers on 22 January in Luxembourg, at which we discussed measures to counter the threat of terrorism associated with hostilities in the Gulf and reaffirmed our determination to co-operate fully to the end.

  Police Posts
  Mrs. Maureen Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many extra police posts were authorised throughout the United Kingdom(a) between 1974 and 1979 and (b) 1979 to date.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  My right hon. Friend is responsible only for the police service in England and Wales. Between February 1974 and April 1979 the authorised establishment of the police service in England and Wales rose by 5,809. Since the Government took office in May 1979 the establishment of the police service has increased by 8,687 and my right hon. Friend has recently announced a further increase of 700 police posts to be implemented during 1991–92.

  Immigration
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what active steps he has taken to resolve the case of Mr. A. A. (Reference A413117/2 (S)); why there have been delays in resolving this case; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  As I explained to the hon. Member in my letter of 3 January further inquiries are necessary before we can reach a decision in this case. I shall write to the hon. Member when the inquiries are complete.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young offenders were sent to adult prisons whilst awaiting trial in the last year for which figures are available; and how many of them were involved in incidents where there were allegations of them being threatened or they came to physical harm.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  During 1989, the last year for which figures were available, 4,300 unsentenced young offenders were initially received in adult prisons. Information is available centrally on alleged assaults only where these gave rise to action by the police. In 1989, there were 13. Of these, 10 were carried out by other young offenders and three by adult males. There is no centrally available information on threats.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence his Department has obtained on the likelihood of young people awaiting trial to be sent to an adult prison if they live in a local authority which does not have its own secure centre as against those in an authority which does have such a centre.

  Mr. John Patten
  Local authority secure accommodation is a resource to which all local authorities in England and Wales have access. But the availability of secure accommodation locally and the local authority's willingness to use it for remanded juveniles may affect at present a court's decision whether it is necessary to remand a juvenile in Prison Department custody.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the daily cost of keeping a young person in(a) local authority secure accommodation and (b) an adult prison.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The daily cost of keeping a young person in an adult prison during 1989–90 was £44.

  I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health that the disparity in types of local authority secure accommodation makes in impossible to provide a realistic representative figure for the cost of accommodating a young person in such accommodation.

  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to stop young people awaiting trial being sent to adult prisons.

  Mr. John Patten
  We intend to issue very soon a consultation paper setting out our detailed proposals for reforming the arrangements for the remand of alleged offenders under 17. This will include proposals affecting the use of Prison Department establishments for remanded juveniles.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Ashley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unruly certificates were issued in the last year for which figures are available.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The information requested is not recorded centrally. The only information available relates to juveniles initially received on remand into prison service establishments. These statistics are published annually in "Prison Statistics England and Wales" (table 2·7 of the volume for 1989, Cm. 1221), a copy of which is in the Library. An unruliness certificate is required for juveniles received as untried—1,387 in 1989—and for some of those received as convicted unsentenced—89 in 1989; it is not required for those committed in custody to the Crown court for sentence under section 37 of the Magistrates Courts Act.

  Detention
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what statutory authority residents of Arabic or Palestinian origin are being arrested or detained, arising from the war in Iraq; what source of information led to arrest; whether these detainees have been questioned on these allegations; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) on what basis residents of Arabic and Palestinian origin are being arrested or detained arising from the war in Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what rights of representation have been accorded to persons detained without charge or trial in response to the war in the Gulf;

  (2) what criteria applied to the recent arrest and detention of individuals currently resident in the United Kingdom without charge; and what is the authority under which they are held.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  By virtue of section 3(5) (b) of the Immigration Act 1971 orders of intention to deport have been served on a number of Iraqi and other nationals on my right hon. Friend's personal direction that their deportation would be conducive to the public good for reasons of national security. These decisions have been taken individually after careful consideration of information about the activities and associations of those concerned and in the light of the present threat of terrorist activities against the United Kingdom.

  Under section 15(3) of the Act there is no statutory right of appeal against these decisions. Paragraph 157 of the statement of changes in the immigration rules, however, provides that those concerned may appear before a panel of independent advisers and make representations to them before the advisers tender their advice to my right hon. Friend. If it is decided to make a deportation order, they also have a right of appeal to the immigration appellate authorities against the destination specified. Under paragraph 2(2) of schedule 3 to the Act persons may be detained on my right hon. Friend's authority pending deportation.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the numbers of people detained under powers given to him under the Immigration Act 1971 who are holders of(a) Iraqi passports, (b)

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  Jordanian passports, (c) Israeli passports, (d) UN travel documents and (e) other passports since 1 January; how many are in (i) prisons and (ii) police stations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by nationality, what are the numbers of persons arrested and detained without charge or trial in response to the war in the Gulf.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many non-Iraqi Arabic or Palestinian residents in Britain have been arrested or detained over the last two weeks; from what parts of the United Kingdom they have been taken; how long they have been held; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) how many residents of Iraqi origin have been arrested or detained in the last fortnight; from what areas of the United Kingdom they originated, and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Since August 1990, 160 Iraqi and 12 other nationals living in England, Scotland and Wales have been served with notice of intention to deport them from the United Kingdom on the grounds that their deportation would be conducive to the public good for reasons of national security. Fifteen Iraqis left for Jordan on 23 January and about half these individuals have now left the country before deportation orders were made. At 1030 hours on 23 January 47 Iraqis, four Lebanese, three Jordanians, one Yemeni and one naturalised United State's citizen were in detention in prisons, having been detained between 15 and 18 January; 31 Iraqis were detained in police cells having been detained on 22 January and 23 January. Additionally, two Iraqis detained had been identified as serving military personnel and transferred to military custody as prisoners of war.

  Those detained have been advised of their right to make representations to the advisory panel and the majority have already done so. The decision to deport and to detain will be kept under review in the light of any representations which they may wish to make.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Mr. Ali El Salem, of 69 Hamble road, Bedford, has been detained and considered for deportation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has decided that Mr. El Salem should be served with notice of intention to deport him from the United Kingdom on the grounds that his deportation would be conducive to the public good for reason of national security. He has been detained pending any representations which he may wish to make as to why he should not be deported. He may, if he wishes, appear before an independent advisory panel and make representations to it before it tenders its advice to my right hon. Friend. If it is decided to make a deportation order he will have a right of appeal against destination to the independent immigration authorities.

  Mr. Mullins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list Iraqi nationals resident in Sunderland who have been detained within the last 10 days; and what decisions have been taken about their future in each case.
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  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Three Iraqi nationals resident in Sunderland have been detained in the past 10 days pending deportation on grounds of national security. I am not prepared to comment on individual cases.

SCOTLAND

  AIDS
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people have been infected by the AIDS virus through the infusion of whole blood or platelets.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Up to 31 December 1990 the total number of reports in Scotland of people who have contracted AIDS as a result of their having received whole blood transfusions/platelets within the United Kingdom and abroad is five.

  Farm Assurance Scheme
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has had any discussions concerning the Scottish farmers farm assurance scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. Friend is aware of this initiative by the National Farmers Union of Scotland.

  Details of the scheme have still to be developed. In his view, however, the aims of this proposal, which are to secure consumer confidence in and demand for Scottish farm produce by developing and applying on a voluntary basis codes of best farming practice, are to be commended.

  Salmon
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has any plans to introduce further controls in respect of the salmon farming industry; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he has any plans to introduce a long-term strategy to control salmon farming.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Government recognise the importance of the marine salmon farming industry in bringing economic and social benefits to communities in Scotland. Equally they acknowledge that the longer-term existence of the industry can be assured only if the natural resource base on which the industry is dependent can be used in a sustainable manner. In conjunction with the Crown Estate Commissioners the Government have therefore strengthened the procedures for open and independent consideration of the more contentious seabed lease applications for marine fish farming through the establishment of an advisory committee. The Scottish Office is currently engaged in drawing up revised guidelines covering the location and siting of marine fish farms and will consult widely before these guidelines are introduced.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to meet representatives of Scottish Wildlife and Countryside Link to discuss salmon farming; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I met representatives of Scottish Wildlife and Countryside Link for this purpose on
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  21 January. We welcome the involvement of voluntary conservation bodies in the debate on the future of the salmon farming industry and plan to consult Scottish Wildlife and Countryside Link members as part of a wide-ranging consultation exercise on the establishment of revised guidelines covering the siting and location of marine fish farms.

  Cervical Smear Tests
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the average time that patients wait for the results of cervical smear tests in(a) Britain, (b) Scotland and (c) each of the health board areas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Figures are not available on a Great Britain basis. The average time taken to report results to patients across Scotland for the latest figures available (January to June 1990) was 30 days.

  Information for each health board is as follows:

  Health Board

  Average time in days

  Argyll and Clyde

  31

  Ayr and Arran

  21

  Borders

  21

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3

  Fife

  33

  Forth Valley

  29

  Grampian

  77

  Greater Glasgow

  14–7

  228

  Highland

  32

  Lanarkshire

  35

  Lothian

  15

  Orkney

  3—

  Shetland

  48

  Tayside

  14

  Western Isles

  4—

  1 high risk

  2 low risk

  3 Tests processed by Grampian HB Separate figures not readily available

  4 Tests processed by Highland HB

  Separate figures not readily available

  I regard those averages of more than 14 days as unacceptable and I instructed health boards on 13 December 1990 to achieve this average turnround time for all results by no later than 31 May 1991. Boards have already indicated that they are making progress towards this and the position will be monitored.

  Missing People
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for the Strathclyde police force area how many(a) children and (b) adults are known to have gone missing for each of the last five years for which he has records; and how many were subsequently traced.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I understand from the chief constable of Strathclyde police that the available information is as follows:

  Year

  Missing person reports received by the police

  Persons traced (as at 31 December 1990)

  (a) Children (aged under 16)

  1986

  5,582

  5,582

  1987

  5,701

  5,701

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  Year

  Missing person reports received by the police

  Persons traced (as at 31 December 1990)

  1988

  4,733

  4,732

  1989

  4,411

  4,411

  1990

  4,604

  4,592

  (b) Adults (aged 16 or more)

  1986

  3,139

  3,135

  1987

  3,442

  3,440

  1988

  3,767

  3,762

  1989

  3,862

  3,854

  1990

  3,559

  3,525

  Notes:

  1. The information given relates to reports rather than individuals. Thus if the same person was reported missing on more than one occasion he will have been the subject of more than one report.

  2. The information given does not include reports of persons missing from local authority residential establishments, prison establishments or the State Hospital, Carstairs.

  3. Of the children untraced at 31 December 1990, two had been missing for more than 28 days.

  Child Care Law
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals to integrate the work of the Scottish Child Care Law Review Group with the work of law reform of the Adoption Law Review and the Scottish Law Commission; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The report of the Scottish child care law review recognised the interaction between child care and adoption law. The observations made in that report about adoption have been conveyed to the interdepartmental group which is currently reviewing adoption law in the United Kingdom. The Scottish Law Commission subsequently published its discussion paper, "Parental responsibilities and Rights, Guardianship and the Administration of Children's Property". In considering the commission's final recommendations the Secretary of State will take into account the outcome of the two reviews.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to take forward the work of the Scottish Child Care Law Review Group; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  When the report of the Scottish child care law review was published on 19 October a wide range of organisations was invited to submit their comments on the recommendations by 14 December. A total of 79 responses have been received and are now being assessed. We shall carefully consider that assessment before deciding whether to accept the various recommendations and whether to promote legislation.

  Recycling
  Mr. Rost
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the plans announced on 9 November for a programme of investment in local authority recycling facilities will be implemented in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In Scotland capital expenditure allocations are not identified separately for local authorities' waste disposal and recycling activities. It is for local authorities to make my right hon. Friend aware of their intention to incur expenditure on recycling
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  facilities through their financial plans. Where authorities have identified such projects in their plans, priority has been given to these projects when consent allocations have been determined.

  Conveyancing Research
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made on conveyancing research by his Department.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I am pleased to announce that a research report on factors influencing the market for conveyancing in Scotland has been published today. I have placed copies of the report, "The Market for Conveyancing in Scotland", in the Library. The research was carried out at Strathclyde university with Scottish Office funding.

  The report concludes that there has been greater competition in conveyancing and house selling since 1985 when, with Government persuasion, the Law Society of Scotland introduced changes relating to advertising and fee quotations and abolished scale fees. The report also found that 40 per cent. of solicitors who responded were in favour of multi-disciplinary partnerships with non-lawyers. The statutory barriers to the formation of such partnerships were removed by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990.

  A second study which looks particularly at fees charged for conveyancing before and after the abolition of scale fees is in progress.

  Haemophilia
  Mrs. Margaret Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many haemophiliacs in Scotland who require Factor VIII injections are given the new highly purified material from Armour Pharmaceuticals; how many are given the older material from Bio Products; and if he will break down the figures for each health board.

  Community Charge Benefit

  Percentage of community charge paying population

  With Income Support (000)

  Without Income Support (000)

  Total (000)

  per cent.

  England

  3,190

  4,070

  7,260

  20

  Wales

  270

  240

  510

  23

  Scotland

  480

  470

  950

  25

  Great Britain

  3,950

  4,780

  8,730

  21

  These figures are likely to underestimate the current position, because some authorities still had a number of unprocessed claims at the time. Not all community charge payers are eligible for community charge benefit, and it is not possible to give estimates of the eligible population for community charge benefit until the appropriate survey data becomes available.

  Note: Total does not equal sum of components because of rounding.

  Source: Housing and Community Charge Benefit Management Information System August 1990 quarterly count of claims; and Family Expenditure Survey-based analyses.
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  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 22 January 1991]: Five patients, four in the Lothian health board area and one in Greater Glasgow, are being treated with Factor VIII produced by the Armour Pharmaceutical Company. A further 245 are being treated with intermediate potency Factor VIII concentrate produced by the Scottish national blood transfusion service (SNBTS).

  The prescribing of Factor VIII is a matter for clinical judgment, but there is no reason to consider that the current SNBTS product is less efficacious than commercial products for those patients for whom it is prescribed.

  The SNBTS keeps all its products under review, developing them in line with technological and scientific advances. I have today given my approval to the SNBTS to enter into agreement with the French blood transfusion service at Lille to exchange technological knowledge. This agreement will enable the SNBTS to produce a higher potency Factor VIII which will be available for clinicians to prescribe to haemophiliacs in Scotland in the course of 1991.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Community Charge
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a table showing how many people in (i) England, (ii) Wales and (iii) Scotland are in receipt of(a) full community charge benefit and (b) partial community charge benefit, also giving these figures as a percentage of the total number of poll tax payers; and if he will make a statement on his estimates of the number of people who are eligible but are not claiming community charge benefit for all poll tax payers and for all those aged under 25 years.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The latest available estimates, based on benefit caseload processed by 31 August 1990, are as follows:

  Severe Weather Payments
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were(a) the total numbers of recipients and ( b) the total values of the payments made in (i) cash and (ii) constant terms under the exceptionally severe weather payments under the single payments regulations in each year from 1980 to 1988 and subsequently under the social fund exceptionally cold weather payments in each subsequent year, in Scotland.

  Mr. Scott
  Figures for Scotland are not available for 1980–81, and in 1981–82, 1982–83, and 1983–84 no payments were made.

  Figures for subsequent years are as follows:
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  Awards

  Expenditure (Cash terms) £

  Expenditure (At 1990–91 prices)1 £

  1984–85

  1

  60

  85

  1985–86

  84,235

  1,927,991

  2,591,741

  1986–87

  291,177

  1,455,885

  1,892,421

  1987–88

  84,631

  426,583

  525,846

  1988–89

  502

  2,510

  2,884

  1989–90

  43,782

  403,157

  435,410

  1 The Gross Domestic Product Deflator has been used to show expenditure at 1990–91 prices.

  Note—Awards up to and including 1986–87 relate to the number of payments made, after then awards relate to the number of recipients during the year.

  Dangerous Loads
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidelines are issued to his Department's local offices regarding co-operation with other agencies in planning emergency liaison procedures in case of accident during the transportation of(a) radioactive waste, (b) nuclear warloads and (c) toxic waste.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Local offices have standing instructions on what to do in the event of local disasters. Action required includes liaison with local authorities and other appropriate agencies.

  Household Incomes
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how a household of(a) below-average income and (b) above-average income is calculated.

  Mr. Jack
  In the technical annex to the publication "Households below Average Income A Statistical Analysis 1981–87", published in July 1990, pages 75 to 78 are details of the definition of income, of how income is equivalised across households, and of the calculation of average income.

  Each household's income is calculated as the total net income of all household members, either before or after housing costs. This amount is then divided by the equivalence value of the household concerned, using the DSS'sequivalence scales. This produces "equivalised household incomes", and takes account of the different income levels required by households of different compositions to achieve the same overall living standard.

  The average equivalised household income is then calculated across the whole population. Thus this average is the sum of the equivalised household incomes of all people in the survey, divided by the total number of people. Each household's equivalised income is then either above or below this average.

  Disability
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the purpose of the functional test of disability that claimants of the disability working allowance will be expected to undergo; and whether any duplication, in the evidence of disability required to be provided, will result from the new test.

  Mr. Scott
  In almost all first claims for disability working allowance (DWA) and about 60 per cent. of repeat claims the claimant's declaration that he has a308
  disability which puts him at a disadvantage in getting a job will be accepted. The test of functional disability will be applied in other cases to provide evidence that the claimant still has a disability.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide details of the functional test of disability that claimants of the disability working allowance will be expected to undergo in order to ascertain whether they are at a disadvantage in getting a job on account of a physical or mental disability where their own declaration is not accepted as sufficient proof; in what percentage of cases his Department envisages the need for an additional test to provide proof of disadvantage; and what are his Department's estimates of the additional cost this test will entail.

  Mr. Scott
  In almost all first claims for disability working allowance (DWA) the claimant's own declaration will be accepted. In addition, we estimate that about 60 per cent. of second and subsequent claims will be by people whose declaration will generally be accepted without further confirmation; that is, those getting one of the higher rates of disability living allowance (the rates which are equivalent to the present attendance allowance and mobility allowance) or an analogous benefit or who were getting severe disablement allowance before claiming.

  In other cases where the claimant is applying for a repeat award of disability working allowance, the claimant will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their functional disabilities. We estimate that the cost of administering the test for these claimants will be about £0·5 million per annum.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to revise social fund loan arrangements in order to reduce the amount of staff time committed to calculating repayment schedules.

  Mr. Scott
  There are no plans to revise social fund loan arrangements at present. The microcomputer system was recently enhanced to provide more assistance to staff in the calculation of repayment terms.

  Attendance Allowance
  Miss Emma Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in how many cases the six-month waiting period for attendance allowance has been waived since the relaxation of the rule for terminally ill people.

  Mr. Scott
  From 1 October to 31 December 1990 there were 14,200 awards of attendance allowance under the special rules for people with a terminal illness. This figure includes awards made on review.

  Local Office, Glasgow
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what options are currently under consideration by his Department in relation to the site of the planned Glasgow, Pollok local office; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member on 20 December 1990 at column 318.

  Respite Care
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department will consider expanding the categories of claimant service providers to whom payments of benefit may be made directly rather than to the user to include those respite care projects administered by the archdiocese of Glasgow; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  No. Individual cases are considered on their merits.

  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department will consider directing offices to inform administrators of respite care projects of payments made to user claimants and carers in those cases where the authority of the recipient has been obtained; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  All personal information held in social security records is regarded as confidential and is not normally disclosed to third parties without the consent of the person concerned. Where the benefit recipient has given his consent, information on benefit payments can be given to the administrators of respite care projects. This is reflected in the procedural instructions issued to staff in DSS local offices.

  Carers
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department will consider undertaking a review of the presentation of explanatory information accompanying payments of benefit to carers; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Invalid care allowance is paid by order book. The information pages in the Department's order books are kept under review.

  The Department is currently engaged in producing a new version of the invalid care allowance explanatory leaflet and claim form which we expect will be available from April. A new leaflet, containing general advice about benefits and services of interest to carers, is being developed at present and will be available in the summer.

  Direct Payments
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if his Department will consider undertaking a review of the categories and criteria under which claimant service providers may receive payments of benefits direct; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  We have no plans to do so at present.

  Care Homes
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what ways the arrangements for the provision of income support for residents entering local authority trust care homes differ from the arrangements for a resident entering a private care home.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Eligibility for income support is defined by regulations. They provide that income support is available in respect of fees, up to certain limits, to 310
  residents of registered residential care homes and in certain other types of homes. Independent adjudication officers decide on benefit payable and are provided with guidance on the interpretation of the regulations by the chief adjudication officer in the published adjudication officer's guide, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to ensure that prior to the implementation of the National Health Service and Community Care Act income support payments towards the cost of residential care are only made available to those individuals who actually require such care.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The level of income support payable depends on the type of care the residential care home is providing for the claimant. The adjudication officer must be satisfied that the home is recognised by the registration authority as able to provide a level of care and that the resident is receiving such care. We have no evidence to suggest that residents of registered care homes do not need to be there.

  Care Allowance
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidelines he has issued regarding the payment of care allowance for those already entitled to the married woman's share of her husband's invalidity benefit.

  Mr. Scott
  Regulations govern both the award of invalid care allowance and invalidity benefit as well as the treatment of overlapping benefits. Decisions under those regulations are made by independent adjudication officers.

  Guidance to adjudication officers is the responsibility of the chief adjudication officer and is published in the adjudication officers' guide.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Car Parking
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Lord President of the Council whether he will arrange for a report on the feasibility of using the courtyard at the rear of the Norman Shaw North parliamentary building for parking by members and their staff.

  Mr. MacGregor
  The arrangements for car parking in the Norman Shaw car park were considered by the Accommodation and Administration Sub-Committee in May 1988. However, I will arrange for the hon. Member's suggestion to be looked into.

  Parliamentary Pension Scheme
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what are the terms of his reference to the Top Salaries Review Body of hon. Members' and Exchequer contributions under the parliamentary pensions scheme.

  Mr. MacGregor
  Following discussions with the trustees of the parliamentary pension fund, and subject to the views of the House, I propose to write to the chairman of the Top Salaries Review Body as follows:"At the conclusion of the debate on Parliamentary Pensions held on 17 January 1990 my predecessor said that he would examine what hon. Members had said with a view to framing a future reference to the TSRB on Parliamentary

  311
  pensions. He subsequently held discussions with the Trustees of the Parliamentary Pension Scheme and others on both the current shape of the scheme and the implementation of the recommendations made in the review body's last report (the 26th). You will have seen that I introduced a Bill to enact those recommendations and other matters this session and the Second Reading took place on [] Because of acute Parliamentary concern about the state of the Fund, we have taken the unusual step of making some changes to the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund (PCPF), particularly on widows' benefit, without consulting you. Nonetheless, a number of issues remain on which we would welcome your guidance.
  As debates in the House have made clear, the principal issue on which we need your advice is the question of the so-called 'balance of contributions', that is the balance between the Exchequer and Member contributions.
  The PCPF is a final salary scheme with the Member contribution determined on the basis necessary to fund benefits over the long term, leaving aside surpluses and deficits. Under section 3 of the Parliamentary and other Pensions Act 1987, the Government Actuary's Department (GAD), on the basis of the cost of known benefits, estimates the total contributions necessary to fund it in the long term (the total standard contribution). Since the Member contribution is fixed this yields the Exchequer contribution as a residual. Taking account of the performance of the Fund, the GAD then adjusts the Exchequer contribution to produce the rate actually paid. The effect is that the Exchequer funds deficits but, where there is a surplus, enjoys a contributions holiday. The financing system is in other words symmetrical.
  The Trustees of the PCPF, amongst others, take the view that the character of the scheme in which the Exchequer makes contributions in this way—taking the benefit of surpluses and making good any deficits—should be changed. Their preference would be for a system which held a fixed relationship between the Exchequer and Member contribution—say in the ratio of 5:3 or 60:40. To match the current system, such a system would need to be symmetrical with regard to both surpluses and deficits, implying that the Member and Exchequer contributions would move up or down together according to the state of the Fund.
  We would therefore welcome your views on the short and long term financing arrangements of the scheme and in particular what role the GAD should play. I intend that your report be debated and that the eventual government decisions on it should establish a definitive position on this issue for some considerable time to come.
  On scheme benefits, as I have mentioned, we have decided to improve widows' and widowers' pensions from half rate to irate in response to the Trustees' request for an increase to in the light of the debate in the House on 17 January 1990. In consultation with the Trustees the Government concluded that this was the appropriate response to Members' immediate concerns over the surplus in the Fund and the level of Exchequer contributions. I have made it clear that when there is no longer any surplus in the Fund Members' contributions will have to rise to meet the cost of this new level of benefit. This should not influence you in determining the Government's policy towards the financing of the Fund nor to what we consider the proper use of surpluses, generally. It was a specific action to meet a specific need.
  During the 17 January 1990 debate, however, Members also raised the question of the accrual rate. You last looked at this in 1983 when you recommended an improvement in the accrual rate from 1/60, to 1/50 I would be grateful for your views on whether a further improvement is justified and if so on the implications for contributions.
  I ought also to record some feeling among the Trustees and other Members that you should take account of experience in other Parliamentary schemes, both Commonwealth and European. Given the timescale, this might well need to be covered in a separate, subsequent Report.
  I would like to consider and debate your report as soon as is practically possible so that any necessary changes can be implemented speedily. (As you will see, the Bill includes a power to make such changes by secondary legislation). So it would be of great assistance if you could report by this April.
  I would like to conclude by thanking the Review Body for its last report under the chairmanship of Lord Plowden and
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  thank you in advance for agreeing to examine these complex matters. The Trustees of the Parliamentary Pensions Scheme will join me, I am sure, when I say that we are fortunate to being able to call on the Review Body's objectivity in assisting our consideration of these difficult issues."

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Livestock Farmers
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to assist small livestock farmers in the south-west who are in difficulties.

  Mr. Gummer
  All livestock farms, including those family farms, in the south-west to which my hon. Friend refers, benefit from a wide range of Government support measures which are forecast to cost some £815 million in 1990–91.

  Set-aside Scheme
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the amount of money spent in 1990 on the set-aside scheme.

  Mr. Curry
  Payments under the set-aside scheme are made one year in arrears. In the 1990–91 financial year £17.5 million has been allocated to cover payments to farmers who joined the scheme in 1988 and 1989.

  Oil Prices
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effects in the British farming industry of the rise in oil prices, since August 1990.

  Mr. Gummer
  Information on the cost of farm inputs, including fuel and oils, is published in table 6.1 of "Agriculture in the United Kingdom: 1990", which is now available in the Vote Office.

  Brogdale Horticultural Research Station
  Mr. Moate
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about progress towards finalising the sale of the Brogdale horticultural research station and the future arrangement for the national fruit collections.

  Mr. Curry
  The Department is in negotiation on the terms of sale of the Brogdale site.

  The Government will continue to fund the national fruit collection at Brogdale and it is intended that arrangements for its management will be secured by a contract between the Ministry, the Brogdale Horticultural Trust and Wye college.

  Ramblers Association
  Mr. Eadie
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the Ramblers Association to discuss the future of access 'in the countryside: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  My noble Friend the Minister of State met officials of the Ramblers Association on 3 May last year when a number of matters of mutual interest were discussed.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Favell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has for the reform of the common agricultural policy.

  Mr. Gummer
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Spelthorne (Mr. Wilshire).

  Sheep Dip
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has made an estimate of the number of farmers using alternatives to organo-phosphorous sheep dips.

  Mr. Maclean
  One alternative to an organophospho-rous sheep dip product is currently licensed under the Medicines Act. No estimate is available of how many farmers use it.

  Food Safety
  Mr. Harry Barnes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the Consumers Association to discuss food safety.

  Mr. Maclean
  Representatives of the Consumers Association were present on 31 October 1990 at the third periodic meeting between my right hon. Friend and the office holders of consumer organisations.

  The next meeting is planned for 20 February.

  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the Food Advisory Committee last met to discuss food safety.

  Mr. Maclean
  At their meeting on 6 December 1990 the FAC continued its review of food labelling and considered also the safety of and need for two specific food additives.

  Fishermen's Incomes
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to safeguard the future incomes of British fishermen.

  Mr. Curry
  At the Council of Fisheries Ministers in December we secured the best possible quota allowances for our fishermen for 1991 consistent with maintenance of the stocks. We are considering further technical measures to safeguard those stocks.

  Fisheries Council
  Mr. Harris
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the latest Fisheries Council.

  Mr. Gummer
  At the December Council of Fisheries Ministers, overall the United Kingdom secured a good package consistent with conservation of the stocks and which should benefit catchers, processors and consumers.

  National Fanners Union
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of the National Farmers Union to discuss farming matters; and if he will make a statement.
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  Mr. Gummer
  I frequently meet representatives of the farming unions to discuss matters of interest to the industry.

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next intends to meet representatives of the fishing industry to discuss prospects for 1991.

  Mr. Curry
  I meet the industry frequently during the course of the year.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Bellotti
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to increase the level of payments to farmers in the south downs under the environmentally sensitive area scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  ESA payments were reviewed last month and I concluded that they were still broadly at the right levels. Farmers will, however, benefit from a single annual payment rather than in two instalments. I will be reviewing the whole scheme this year on the basis of an evaluation of its environmental and economic impact and this w:ill determine the way forward.

  Animal Exports
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the export of farm animals on the hoof through the proposed Euro tunnel to mainland Europe.

  Mr. Maclean
  This Department remains ready to provide advice and to consider the practicability of detailed proposals to transport farm livestock through the tunnel. Were such traffic to be contemplated there would, of course, need to be stringent safeguards to protect the welfare of the animals in relation, for example, to ventilation and temperature.

  Mr. Bellotti
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the impact on the farming industry which would result from a ban on live exports.

  Mr. Maclean
  There is no point in carrying out such an assessment, as a ban on the export of animals would contravene the treaty of Rome and would not therefore be proposed or permitted.

  Mr. Bellotti
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made towards his goal of retaining the minimum values order in respect of exports of horses and ponies.

  Mr. Maclean
  There have been no negotiations on the proposed Community regulation on the protection of animals during transport since February 1990. When negotiations resume we will continue to press for the retention of measures to prevent the export of horses arid ponies for slaughter.

  Meat Production
  Mr. Bellotti
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentages of(a) cattle, (b) sheep and (c) pigs are (i) exported live for slaughter,

  315
  (ii) exported as carcases and (iii) consumed within the United Kingdom; and if he will give the most recent figures available for each category.

  January to September 1990

  Beef and Veal

  Mutton and Lamb

  Pork, Bacon and Ham

  Thousand tonnes (dressed carcase weight)

  Percentage of United Kingdom home-fed production

  Thousand tonnes (dressed carcase weight)

  Percentage of United Kingdom home-fed production

  Thousand tonnes (dressed carcase weight)

  Percentage of United Kingdom home-fed production

  1. Live exports1

  10·8

  1·5

  15·3

  5·5

  6·0

  0·9

  2. Carcase exports

  81·6

  11·5

  54·2

  19·4

  41·2

  5·9

  3. Remaining amounts available for consumption in the United Kingdom2

  709·7

  87·0

  279·9

  75·1

  699·4

  93·2

  1 Total live exports (other than pure·bred). A split is not available between animals exported for immediate slaughter and animals exported for further fattening.

  2 Home·fed production minus exports. Includes quantities sold into intervention.

DEFENCE

  United States Special Forces
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the United Kingdom location of the United States armed forces special forces operational base.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  RAF Woodbridge.

  RAF Finningley
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement as to what role RAF Finningley will undertake if the Gulf dispute develops into armed conflict.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  RAF Finningley's role as a flying training station is unaffected by current operations in the Gulf.

  Mustard Gas
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what studies have been undertaken to assess the lethal potency of mustard gas used in hot dry climates compared with cooler wetter climates.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Since the use of mustard gas in the first world war, many nations have conducted studies. Work was done in the second world war to assess the hazard presented by mustard in a variety of climatic conditions. The material has been continuously studied at the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down to ensure that the armed forces are provided with effective protective measures. The United Kingdom abandoned its chemical weapons capability in the late 1950s and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has made it clear that we would take the gravest view of any Iraqi attack using chemical weapons.

  Army Exercises
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the United Kingdom has ever given permission for non-United Kingdom nationals to participate in Army exercises or operations in Northern Ireland since 1979.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  All members of the regular Army, regardless of nationality, are liable to serve in
  316
  Mr. Curry
  The information is in the table.

  The following table gives information both in tonnage and percentage terms for the first three quarters of 1990 (latest available).

  Northern Ireland. Members of foreign armed forces serving in exchange posts do not serve in Northern Ireland, nor do foreign units take part in operations or training there.

  Air Defence Radar
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the contract for the data processing network for air defence radar contains penalty clauses.

  Mr. Alan Clark
  I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the contract for the integrated command and control system for the improved United Kingdom air defence ground environment.

  In line with normal Ministry of Defence practice, this contract does not include penalty clauses, which are not enforceable in English law.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specific measures his Department has taken to promote energy efficiency; what further measures his Department intends to take to promote energy efficiency; and by what amount and what percentage of its total energy bill his Department's energy bill has been reduced over the past year.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Ministry of Defence has set targets for the reduction in consumption of energy, with a system of energy managers and wardens to help achieve these. In addition, investment has been made in "spend to save" measures, on items such as automatic lighting controls. In the future MOD will continue to set standards and to invest in energy-efficient measures such as combined heat and power (CHP) schemes. Although in the last financial year MOD continued to make savings in energy consumption, price alterations led to an increase in expenditure of £14·7 million or 8·3 per cent.

  Gulf Forces
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the contribution from each EEC country to the coalition forces in the Gulf to date(a) in manpower, (b) in aircraft, tanks and artillery and other equipment, (c) in financial support, (d) in spares and (e) others; and what steps are being taken to increase the Community countries' support in line with that of the United Kingdom.
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  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  At the outbreak of hostilities on 16 January, the United Kingdom had some 35,000 service personnel in the Gulf. Of the other EC member states, France has committed naval, land and air forces; Italy, naval and air forces; Belgium, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands and Spain have sent naval vessels. In addition the United Kingdom has received assistance from a number of EC countries, including: NBC reconnaissance vehicles from Germany; ammunition from the Netherlands and Germany, and transport from Germany, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. Belgium and Denmark have also offered medical support. We will be discussing with our allies ways in which they might help meet any future needs.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is intended that all members of Her Majesty's armed forces based in the Gulf should have been inoculated against hepatitis A; and how many have been.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Personnel are given immuno-globin where it is judged necessary.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the terms of the contract for public relations given to Mr. Peter Gummer of Shandwick.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have passed this question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, who will reply shortly.

  HMS Ark Royal
  Mr. David Young
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what requests have been made to him by the United States Government for the transfer of HMS Ark Royal from NATO exercises to an active role in the Gulf; and what was his response.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We have regular discussions with our United States allies on our contribution to the coalition forces in the Gulf, but no decision has been taken to deploy a Royal Navy carrier group to the region.

  "Options for Change"
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the changes to be made in the Army's logistic support under "Options for Change."

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Work is still continuing in a number of areas to determine the size and shape of the 318
  Army's logistic support under "Options for Change". However, as the first stage in this process, it has been decided to close the following establishments with effect from the dates shown in the table.

  Date

  Moenchengladbach

  37 Rhine workshops

  31 March 1992

  Recklinghausen

  Forward vehicle depot

  30 September 1991

  Krefeld

  232 mobile civilian engineer group

  30 September 1991

  Viersen

  Ordnance services and associated supply depot

  31 March 1992

  Willich

  40 Army engineer support group

  31 March 1992

  64 (RCZ) workshop

  31 March 1992

  Antwerp

  Ordnance depot and other units at Antwerp station

  31 March 1992

  These plans take full account of the need to maintain effective support for our operations in the Gulf. Consultations on the closures have taken place with the appropriate German and Belgium authorities and NATO has been informed.

  Royal Navy (Women)
  Mr. Grylls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has plans to widen further the opportunities for the employment of women in the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We intend to widen the employment of women as aircrew to enable them to undertake aviation roles in the Royal Navy. Women will be employed initially as pilots, observers and aircrewmen in Sea King anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning and Lynx anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopters. Employment in the Sea Harriers and Commando helicopters will follow at a later stage. We intend to begin considering women for recruitment as aircrew immediately and also to seek volunteers from within the WRNS.

  VICTIMS OF CRIME, NORTHERN IRELAND: CHARTER
  VICTIMS OF CRIME, NORTHERN IRELAND: CHARTER
  HILL LIVESTOCK COMPENSATORY ALLOWANCES
  HILL LIVESTOCK COMPENSATORY ALLOWANCES
  MINISTERS: ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  MINISTERS: ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  RECYCLING GRANTS
  RECYCLING GRANTS
  LONDON BOROUGH OF HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM: JUDGMENT
  LONDON BOROUGH OF HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM: JUDGMENT